Encounter

~ Lewes and Orihime ~

A/N: I like experimenting with different ideas and pairing combinations, so it struck me one day that it would be interesting to write for Orihime and Lewes since I find them quite complimentary yet at the same time contrasting with one another, and because one is Italian while the latter is Spanish. Fracisco Lewes Astorga is from the Kanadegumi series (the Sakura Taisen manga spin-off that had its very own musical adaptation last year).

On a sidenote, I like to keep Orihime's original speech patterns, which is why I tend to let her say "de~su" at the end of some sentences.


It did not take Soletta Orihime long enough to realize that someone was watching her from behind. Being one of the most experienced members of the Flower Division, her acute senses never failed. But she could not stop playing just yet. The aria pouring out of the keys under her fingers was entering a new sequence in B minor. It would be ghastly if she were to stop now.

Ignorance kept her moving on through bars of quiet arpeggios. Meanwhile, she could feel his gaze; soft eyes, holding no hostility whatsoever, only admiration as calm as a still lake.

Suddenly he moved towards her, inching down the distance between them to about three feet. Then he joined in to the rising wave of music, much to her surprise, conjuring low, husky brass notes. It was a funny combination, a trombone and the piano, but he seemed to know the piece very well and was making several improvisations to suit the melody.

A brass instrument and such power coming from him... which means he could be from the Kanade Division, Orihime thought.

As soon as they ended with a clean finish she turned her head to behold this talented stranger, who greeted her with bowed head. He was tall, and his long wavy hair evoked an impression of red silk.

"Hello there," said he in a language that was not Japanese, his voice gentle and friendly.

Well, well, well...! Recognizing the words, Orihime caught her breath and couldn't help smiling.

She had found a fellow Mediterranean.


Their exchange was pretty much multilingual, she conversing in Italian, he in Spanish, although every now and then they would switch to Japanese.

"I never thought I would be able to meet you in person, since our schedules often clashed," Louis said. "And then you went back to your home country. But I'm glad to have this chance to talk to you. When did you return to Japan?"

"I came back three months ago. I don't think I've ever seen anyone from the Kanade Division before until today, so it's a pleasure meeting you too de~su!"

"Everyone greatly admires the Flower Division. We have a very sweet girl who's currently under training to be our captain, and it amazes me how she's deeply fond of you all."

"Your captain is a girl? I've heard quite a bit about your team, but I didn't know about that."

"Some of us didn't expect it either when we were told about it."

"I see. You did very well with the trombone, though," Orihime complimented. She pointed at the large instrument Lewes was holding. "Usually the piano would be paired best with a string instrument for a duet."

"You flatter me," he said cordially. "I was only moved by your playing and felt the need to contribute."

Somehow, Orihime thought there was something else to this young man. He had handsomely elegant features and made a great friend, but somehow there was something mysterious about him. It plucked at her curiosity.

Shortly after chatting on for several minutes or so, she looked up at the clock and, reading the time, rose from her seat. "I'd better get going. It's almost time for my siesta."

Lewes laughed. "The same goes for me." He moved quickly and went to open the door for her. "By the way, Soletta-san..."

"You may call me Orihime."

"Well, Orihime-san. I hope we can talk again some other time."

They shook hands, and she found his grip firm but warm and thoughtful.

"Of course. I look forward to it de~su!"