A/N: This is going to be one of my favorite chapters. It features a great song, and the story between Crane and Viper gets a little deep at this point . well, all I can say is that I hope you all enjoy it.
The song is Listen Up by Brandon Heath. Sweet, nice song.
Disclaimer: I don't own Kung Fu Panda, it belongs to Dreamworks Animation. I also don't own Listen Up; it belongs to Brandon Heath and Reunion Records.
Feathers and Scales
Chapter 7: Listen Up
Fireworks zoomed high into the air and filled the night sky with dazzling colors. The hundreds of people in the valley were looking up, amazed at the light show. Among them, Crane and Viper sat on a bench, ight outside a beverage shop. Contrary to his typically calm, reserved behavior, Crane was actually shouting and cheering about the fireworks, drawing quite a bit of attention to himself. Viper, on the otherhand, was sitting quietly by her date's side, trying her best to smile. However, one little problem prevented her from doing that.
"I absolutely loved that last part," Crane commented. "I mean, the red mixed with the yellow, then the green explosions, and a few touches of white."
"Yeah, I thought it was nice, too," Viper said quietly, instantly looking away with a sad expression on her face. She had been feeling down the whole evening, and it showed. Crane turned to her.
"Viper?" he said. "Is something wrong?"
Viper looked up, quickly changing her expression to a fake joyous one. "What do you mean? Nothing's wrong. I'm really loving this night, just, you know, hanging out with you."
"Come on, you were looking all down just a few seconds ago. I know something's wrong."
"Nothing's wrong at all, I'm telling you!" Viper said.
"Viper, it's okay. You can tell me," Crane assured.
The snake sighed, deciding not to lie anymore. She thought once again about whether to simply admit the truth to him or sort of imply, or even just try to sound as hesitant, slow, and indirect as possible. She quickly made up her mind and spoke.
"Okay," she started. "Here's the truth: today, I just...it's just that...I mean, it feels like you're not really listening to me- or even letting me speak."
Crane was surprised at what he had just heard. So that's why she's so sad, he thought. He was so ashamed at having only done what he wanted to do and not even bothering to listen to any of Viper's ideas. He even remembered the very moment they were about to leave- Viper wanted to say goodbye to her parents, and even tried to talk to Crane throughout the evening. But Crane kept interrupting her. How could he have let himself do this?
"Viper..." Crane started after a long period of silence. "Was I really doing that?"
"Honestly...I...think so," Viper said.
Oh, gosh, thought Crane. This is terrible. I can't believe I actually did that.
"Viper, I...I'm really sorry." Crane started to say.
"Really?" asked Viper.
"Yes, I am. I mean, now you probably think I'm a terrible friend," answered Crane.
Viper couldn't believe what she heard. She may have been feeling ignored, but now he was really belittling himself!
"Crane!" she exclaimed. "No, you're not a bad friend! I always thought you were a good person. In fact, you're one of my closest friends."
"But you even just said that I wasn't listening to you," Crane said. "Aren't you at least a little mad at me?"
"No," Viper answered. "I'm upset, and...maybe very slightly annoyed...but I'm not really mad at you."
"So...you're kind of mad at me."
Viper sighed. "Look." She turned away from Crane a little. "I do feel like you've ignored me tonight. But actually, I was starting to feel a little worried about you...you haven't been acting like yourself lately."
"Viper," Crane began. "I guess...well, maybe I have been going through a rapid, major personality change. I mean, you've been the best thing that's ever happened to me. Even more than acceptance at the Lee Da Kung Fu Academy." He sighed. "But anyway, I guess I've been rather selfish, begging you to come with me and all. You know what," he paused for a few seconds. "I think it's time I listened up."
At that moment, every light on the street seemed to go out, except for the two that were right beside the couple. Everyone walking down the street also fell silent, whispered quietly, confused about the extinguished lights, and fell silent again.
Crane glanced over at Viper, his eyes slightly covered by the shadow of his hat. He began to sing as a soft beat began.
(Listen Up, Listen Up) You're talking
(Listen Up, Listen Up) I'm listening now
(Listen Up, Listen Up) You're speaking
Why are you crying
Did I say something wrong
Weren't we just talking
Tell me what's going on
Cause I'm pretty sure my intentions
Were nothing more than conversation
Maybe you just needed someone
To listen to your heart
Viper began to smile, as Crane's thoughtful song lifted her spirits. Passersby stood watching, entertained by the hat-wearing master's singing and open feelings.
Maybe I spoke too soon
Maybe I said too much
Now that my face is blue
Think it's time I listen up
I've already said enough
"Crane...that's...so sweet of you." Viper grinned a mellow grin, enamored still by Crane's song.
Sometimes I do this
Thing is I'm so afraid
When it gets quiet
What you might have to say
Cause I'm guilty of
Overcompensation
I'm lost in my
Own translation
I apologize, I know I
Should listen to your heart
Maybe I spoke too soon
Maybe I said too much
Now that my face is blue
Think it's time I listen up
I've already said enough
Viper glanced over to the small audience of people around them, then back at Crane. The bird, who was still singing, just winked and smiled.
There isn't anything that I could say
Not a word to get in the way
Of you, Of You, I am listening
At this time, an even larger crowd had gathered around the couple. Crane began a crescendo as he approached the end of the song.
Maybe I spoke too soon
Maybe I said too much
Now that my face is blue
Think it's time I listen up
Maybe I spoke too soon
Maybe I said too much
Now that my face is blue
Think it's time I listen up
Think it's time I listen up
I've already said enough...
Crane had finished his song, and the lights inside the lanterns slowly came back on again. He received an enormous applause- not one that he had planned on receiving, but appreciated anyway.
"Crane!" Viper gasped in amazement. "That was awesome! You never sing! To be really honest, I never thought I'd hear you sing like that!"
Crane laughed. "I'm full of surprises," he said softly.
"I felt really bad about how this night was for you- how I didn't even stop to think about you," he continued. "I guess I was just excited. I thought it would be best to somehow make it up to you. So...that was my apology...for my actions today."
Viper laughed quietly, then joyously embraced her friend. "Apology more than accepted," she said.
There were several "awws" from the crowd on the street as the couple continued hugging.
"So..." began Viper as she returned to her spot right next to Crane. "I think we should finish off tonight with a drink," she said, pointing to the open bar right behind them. "What do you think?"
Crane paused and thought for a second. He smiled. "Let's go," he said as the couple stood up and headed for the bar.
A/N: Yeah, I personally really liked this chapter. And sure, Crane acted a bit OOC, but that was part of the story. You've probably never heard of this song, but it's a lot more meaningful than the stuff they play on the radio these days. :P
This song pretty much shaped the beginning of this whole story- I felt it could fit Crane and Viper so well, so I had to make a story to suit it.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter too.
Another note: the lights going on and off? That was just magic...or maybe just some people blowing them out and lighting them up again. :D
By the way, I appreciate that you all are taking the time to review my stories (I literally check my email daily to see if I have new favorites or reviews!) But I would really appreciate it if you were a little more specific or detailed in your reviews. Tell me the parts you liked, any constructive criticism, your thoughts, etc.
Of course, this chapter doesn't need another soundtrack song, but if you have any ideas for other chapters, fire away. ;)
Mirupafshim!
