* i can't paste the song's link here, i don't know why, but if you're interested please visit youtube and type Crescendo instrumental La Corda d'Oro. i'll paste the link on my profile too.

* CRESCENDO – music title

* crescendo – getting louder

* decrescendo – getting softer

* affetuoso - tenderly

* con - with

* appassionato – with pasion

* ed - and

* legato - smoothly

* expressivo – with expression

* perdentosi – dying away

* repertoire - music

Kyou Kara Maou's Talent Show

[Chapter 2]

~flashback~

"Wolfram…" Conrad's footsteps accelerated as he tried to catch up with his little brother. "Wolfram," he caught his brother's arms. "Can't you just give it another try? Or rather I should say, give me another chance?"

"Why can't you just find someone else, like Yosak or—"

"But I want to perform the song we've played together when we were young." His eyes closed, old memories started flowing, images playing in his brain. The left arm holding tightly on the rim of the light brown violin, right arm swiftly moving up and down, holding the bow; faithfully accompanied by the two pair of slim arms, its slender finger dancing enjoyably on the piano keys.

Conrad remembered the song he'd played with Wolfram when they were still utterly close.

CRESCENDO.

"Wolfram…" he tried again. "I just want to make mother happy. Did you see her expression when she was looking at father's musical box to her? She seemed sad, or I should say disappointed, even if she did not admit it. I want to replace the sadness, at least by a performance from both of us."

He shared a few moments of glances, looking deeply into Wolfram's emerald eyes. He felt; or knew that Wolfram rejected his offer to perform together just for the sake of pride. Or probably it's because he wants to pair up with Yuuri…

"Wolfram, is it because you wanted to join with Yuuri? If yes, then it's alright. I won't force you to play with me."

Wolfram remained silent.

Conrad understood; he smiled. "Fine, it's alright." He turned and walked the other way, only to feel his brother's warm hands on his arm. "Y-Yuuri have decided to participate with another person." He blushed slightly, "So," he exhaled, "I'll play with you."

Conrad looked at his brother, unable to believe what he'd just heard. "Wolfram," he's getting slightly excited, "Are you sure about this?"

"Hmmph." Wolfram looked away. "Stop being like my uncle, nagging me and all. If you have free time why don't you just use it to practice your skills?!"

"Ah, yes…" Conrad smiled. He locked Wolfram's arms into his'. "Come, let's practice our song." That said and he dragged Wolfram to the old music room in Shin Makoku.

"Ooi, Weller-kyou!" Wolfram struggled, "Let go of my hand, let me go!"

Conrad smiled all the way.

~end flashback~


The beautifully arranged grand hall was filled with audience; the amount of them is magnificent. A grand piano was located in the middle of the stage, waiting to be played, waiting for its keys to be danced around with skillful fingers.

Meanwhile in the dressing room, a pair of eyes stared into the mirror, confirming if his outfit and appearance is presentable. He looked at his black coat, decorated with pink and white flowers on his left pocket, his blondish hair combed but still ruffled at the same time, and smiled to himself. Perfect.

"What is this, Wolfram," he heard his name being called, "admiring yourself?" Conrad teased his little brother. Wolfram looked up at Conrad. A blush crept to his face. Conrad was wearing a white overcoat, like him, he had pink and white flowers sticking out of his left pocket, his left hand holding his violin, the other one holding its bow. For the first time of his life, he felt attracted to his brother, he's dashingly handsome. With this look, he could have killed hundreds drooling women outside, he wouldn't be surprised if guys felt the same for Conrad too.

"Yes?" Conrad gave off his killer smile, "I caught you staring."

"Hmmph." Wolfram looked away, hiding his blush. "You better not make any mistake, or I'd skin you alive."

"Hai, hai." He winked.

Conrad moved neared towards Wolfram, "Kawaii ne," he patted Wolfram's head.

It was just then that the judges (Lady Cheri actually) announced for the first pair to perform their music. Conrad smiled, and followed Wolfram out to the stage, ready for the performance.


When the claps slowed down, Conrad turned to look back to the grand piano, eyes fixed on Wolfram. Wolfram, seated on the chair, returned a nod to Conrad. He placed his fingers above the piano keys, and started a soft and peaceful melody, starting to enjoy the harmonious music.

Conrad, on the other hand, closed his eyes and relaxes into the soft tune. On the given cue from Wolfram, he raised his bow and violin, beginning the slow melody of the song CRESCENDO.

Careful not to run out of beat; Conrad and Wolfram listened to each other, at the same time enjoying the performance. After all, the best way to shine on stage is to enjoy your own performance; and have FUN.

Conrad smiled to himself, Wolfram's playing was heart-warming; he felt himself melting to the rhythm of the piano. The decrescendo was smooth, followed by a constant chord performed by skillful fingers, performing delicate counter melody to match the main.

Wolfram was somehow shocked to hear Conrad's playing. It certainly has improved much compared to his younger age. His playing, so smooth, confident, but yet he played his heart out, expressing his feelings as his bow moved gently across the strings of his violin. His articulation was very well versed; it's obvious that he'd been practicing hard.

They had then reached to a point where the melody climax to its hilt, the music synchronized both their affections and sounded the loudest but yet they'd maintained it to such a peaceful state.

affetuoso con appassionato

They'd constantly reminded themselves…

crescendo ed legato con expressivo

So sweet… So harmonious…

perdentosi

…and the music slowly died away. The hall was pin drop silent at first, but when the audiences regain consciousness, the hall was filled with tremendous clapping. Wolfram stood up and move towards Conrad. Conrad smiled and elbowed his brother and Wolfram returned his smile. Proud of each other, both understands that the bond between two performers in a duet requires not only skills and practice, but also trust and confidence in each other.

Thus, the true feelings of these two siblings were resembled, beautifully, melodiously and harmoniously; in just merely a simple repertoire.


TBC

A/N: Read and Review please..? (: Happy Birthday, Amalina.