Long Dream

The first time Neku Sakuraba saw the boy, it was the first day that he remembered. He was sure of it. Waking up in the scramble, blank does that to you.

He heard a voice cutting through the noise, permeating everywhere. It was clear, confident voice. Trying to find the voice, he glanced to the center of the scramble and turned.

All he could see was a bright, tall figure. And he was glowing.

Every day streets are crowded with people
Every night streets are jammed with these noises
"Things are so strange, are they real or a dream"
"Where am I now, trapped in this city of illusion"

Neku rubbed his eyes, squinting. And stared. Then the frogs showed up and things went sour. So he ran. Ran right into Shiki.

The next time was in Dogenzaka. The figure was glowing, and singing.

Is it angels is it devils whispering in my ears
Is it emotions is it illusions
I need to be with you

"Neku, come on," Shiki yelled in his ear. He looked at Shiki and then looked back for the figure. Vanished into Shibuya asphalt.

"Thanks a lot, Stalker!"

"Well, what were you looking at?"

"…"

Scramble again. Neku stretched and then freaked at the lack of music. His 'phones were gone. Noooo!!! I can't live without them!

He didn't have to look far for them. They were on a boy's head. A boy that Neku knew well. Kinda. Joshua's head.

Prissy rainbow punk's gonna die! He made a move to rip his precious 'phones off the colorless boy's head when he froze.

Joshua was glowing. And singing.

"In this long dream, can you find me"
Want you to you call my name
"In this hazard, chance of survival"
I need to be with you
"Joshua, snap out of it!" Neku yelled. "Gimmie back my-"The word died in his mouth, tasting like music.

Joshua was covered in notes. A treble clef was on his left cheek. His deep purple eyes were closed. Neku could see the notes take shape out of the boy's mouth and float up in the air like a butterfly.

They blended in with the TV screen advertising Gatito. They blended in with the asphalt that Neku woke up on. They blended in with the street signs, the buildings, the sky. All Orangylocks could see was things made of notes.

Wha'? He's in a trance.

As soon as it started, it ended. Joshua's eyes opened. "Oh, Neku, you're awake." He took off the 'phones. "Sorry, I had to use them."

Neku was passed out in the Wildcat. He slowly opened his eyes to the glowing Joshua. With his 'phones.

A lullaby for you
Because the light of tomorrow is waiting
May tomorrow be wonderful too
If the strength of being able to take up each other's hands exists

Then even when I wake from slumber, I won't be alone
(you and me, friends aren't we?)

"Hey 'Phones," Mr. H said. He glanced at Joshua. Sighed. Scratched his stubble. "Just leave him to it. He'll snap out of it soon."

"He sings good," Neku said, flushing.

"Yeah. His father said his voice was like a bell. Nice choir boy."

"Your kidding?"

"Nah. He was a soprano to boot." Payse. "Gonna have to erase your memory of this for now."

"What?"

"Don't worry, you'll remember him singing. That's it. You'll get the rest back when you win."

It ended after the final game in the same place where it began. In the scramble. Neku glimpsed the shining figure in the center, letting the notes flow.

"Joshua?"

"Yes, dear?"

"You sing good."

"Why thank you, dear." A kiss on the lips tasting like music.

Now he understood what a Composer meant.

A/N: This came from a drawing I did in class. Joshua wearing Neku's 'phones. And Neku freaking out. Then it mutated into this oneshot. I'm thinking of a JoshNeku story where Joshua wants Neku to be the Conductor and Neku demands Joshua's life story. Tell me if you're interested.

Nierx