Disclaimer: Like you don't already know, I'm not smart enough to have come up Nodame Cantabile.
Oooookay, here's chapter 7. I apologize for the late update. But I find the longer the update time, the better the chapter. I didn't think I could like this chapter more then the last but I do and am very proud of it. It's one looong chapter. Please enjoy!!
Chapter 7
As Chiaki walked out of the apartment complex, he couldn't help but throw out a grin from his face when he saw Jacques standing at the foot of the main door waiting.
Stupid fool, like you could even compete against me.
Jacques looked up and saw the grinning Chiaki. He couldn't help but a feel a tinge of fright. He had never seen Chiaki smile before so this was something that seemed to throw him off a bit. Nonetheless, Jacques was a bit relieved that Chiaki was now in a better mood then when he first barged into Nodame's room. Chiaki walked up to Jacques and nodded at him in acknowledgement. The grin had faded a little but Jacques could still see a faint smile linger on the young conductor's lips. Turning back towards the apartment complex, Chiaki told Jacques Nodame was on her way down.
"She's just a little…preoccupied at the moment." Chiaki told Jacques. After this statement, Jacques couldn't help but not notice the flicker of amusement flash across Chiaki's face. Jacques was curious as to what just happened during the few minutes that he was gone but decided against asking. Anyone with half a brain could figure out that Chiaki did not like him. The last thing Jacques wanted to do was make Chiaki mad. The two men continued to wait in silence.
After a few more minutes, Chiaki's patience began to dwindle.
What is taking her so long? So I had that big of an effect on her huh? What did I tell you Nodame? Like you could play these silly games against me you silly girl. Wouldn't be surprised after what just happened, you aren't able to coherently put sentences together, let alone go out with this Jacques-ass here. If you even remember that he exists.
At this thought, Chiaki couldn't help but let out a small snicker. But a second after this little thought, Chiaki's arrogant grin disappeared as Nodame appeared.
She wasn't frowning or showed any sign of being unhappy. Instead, her face showed the exact opposite. Her usual big smiling face was plastered across her face. When she saw the two men, her smile grew even bigger as she gave a small wave. As she walked closer towards them, her eyes flickered over to Chiaki. For a split second, Chiaki swore she saw a glint of anger flash over her eyes but it happened so fast that Chiaki concluded that he probably just imagined it. Nodame walked over to Jacques, linked her arm through his and cried out happily, "What are we going to eat? Nodame is absolutely starving!" And as if on cue, her stomach growled loudly. The sound made Chiaki roll his eyes in disbelief as Jacques only let out small laugh.
"Well Nodame, I guess whatever it is we're having, we better hurry. The last thing we want is for Nodame to starve right?"
Nodame smiled gratefully up at Jacques and the two began to walk. Chiaki watched this scene unfold quietly. Without realizing, his hands had curled into fists. The fists were curled so tightly his knuckles were now white.
What the…? Why is she acting like that? Like nothing happened. How?…And why the hell is she clinging to him like that?
But before Chiaki could even react to the situation, he realized Nodame and Jacques were already out the big blue gates. Chiaki's signature scowl returned as he ran to catch up.
Chiaki mumbled a string of expletives all the way to the restaurant under his breath as he watched his girlfriend talk happily with the Jacques-ass in front of him. Chiaki trailed behind as the two chirped happily away about stuff. Every now and then, Nodame would turn around and look at Chiaki with a look of…of…Chiaki couldn't find the exact word to fit what was on her face. Sometimes she looked like she was curious about something and then sometimes, she looked like she knew something that he didn't and looked almost smug about it.
Now seated at the dinner table. Chiaki continued his usual grumpy manner and flipped open the drink menu. Seated beside him, Nodame drowned on and on happily about the food. Jacques sat across from her and laughed at Nodame's excitement. The two seemed to carry on the conversation like Chiaki wasn't even there. Chiaki glared at the two and twisted the menu in his hands.
"Senpai, what's wrong? You're going to tear that thing in half!"
"Huh?" Chiaki looked down at the wrinkled menu. "Nothing."
Chiaki continued to sulk quietly listening to Nodame and Jacques chattering away happily.
So much for trying to make her jealous. Damn Chiaki, when did you become such a sissy? All this brooding because of one girl. One-baka-idiot-weird-hentai girl.
Chiaki looked over at the two just in time to see Jacques put his hand over Nodame on the table, pull himself closer towards her and whisper something into her ear. Whatever it was that he said obviously was approved by her because she smiled enthusiastically.
She is MY baka-idiotic-weird-hentai girl. His face blanched a shade of white as he launched forward and pulled Nodame out of Jacques' grasp. Both Nodame and Jacques let out a surprise gasp. Nodame fell backwards into the booth landing her back on Chiaki. For a second, nobody uttered a word. Nodame sat there feeling Chiaki's heart beat erratically into her back. Then ever so slightly, a thin grin formed on her lips. She moved off Chiaki and turned to him.
"What is wrong with you Senpai?"
Chiaki said nothing but glared at her. His jaw line moved back and forth from him grinding his teeth together. Chiaki continued to glare at her quietly before moving his glance over to Jacques. However, his glare became one more closely related to a murderous stare down. Jacques seemed to be immune to Chiaki's anger and simply smiled back. He picked up the menu and waved for a waiter.
Nodame kept her eyes on Chiaki while Jacques was ordering. The small smile that was fighting to come out was held back forcefully. When she knew that her will to keep it in was about to burst, she quickly grabbed her glass of wine and chugged hiding her face. Chiaki was too absorbed in his anger and glaring at Jacques to notice Nodame.
For the rest of dinner, Nodame and Jacques continued to talk to each other while Chiaki did nothing but brood. Then out of nowhere, Jacques turned his attention towards Chiaki.
"So Chiaki, how do you know Nodame so well? It's not like you go to the conservatoire either."
Chiaki stopped in mid drink to look over at Jacques in surprise. Didn't she tell you anything about me? Chiaki looked over at Nodame but she avoided his gaze, instead opting to concentrate on her food.
"She-she and I…we…."
Now, even Nodame had stopped eating and was looking at Chiaki waiting for his answer.
Chiaki gulped loudly, "we came here to Paris together. We used to attend the same school in Japan." Chiaki emptied the rest of his drink. Oh god, I said the wrong thing. This is gonna be a loooooooong night.
Jacques studied Chiaki quietly. "Oh really?….So then, you and Nodame are just good friends?"
Not good. This conversation is not going well.
"Fr-friends? Um…yes…no…we're…" Chiaki's eyes trailed over to Nodame now. He had yet to say it publicly to the rest of the world that she was his girlfriend. This was a moment that Chiaki had been avoiding for quite some time now. The first time she showed up at his work, he mumbled her name to the orchestra members and jet out of the place. Never once, did he introduce her properly. Chiaki could see the anticipation in her eyes.
He avoided Nodame's stare and looked over at Jacques. "We're Chiaki Shinichi and Noda Megumi," he said finally. Nodame's eyes iced over and she withdrew her stare from him. Jacques nodded his head slowly and looked over at Nodame.
"Well, then I guess it's safe to say that Nodame is available."
"What?" Chiaki screeched the words out.
"Nothing Shinichi. Please finish your food, it's getting cold."
As if the conversation never occurred, Jacques continued to talk to Nodame. Nodame at first seemed to be lacking in concentration to speak to Jacques. However, at one point, he reached across the table and took her hand in his hands and squeezed it gently. Nodame looked up at Jacques and smiled slightly while nodding. Chiaki's eyes narrowed while observing this. What just went on between the two?
By the time dinner ended, Chiaki's plan to get even with Nodame seemed to have been burned down to the ground. If anything, he needed something now to just be able to get back into her good graces. Since the small conversation between him and Jacques, Nodame had ignored Chiaki entirely. It didn't help that he didn't bother to try and get her attention either.
Outside the restaurant, Chiaki looked up at the night sky. He looked down and walked towards the street hailing a cab. When one finally stopped for him, he opened the door and turned around to Nodame.
"It's late. Let's go."
Nodame didn't move from her spot beside Jacques.
"It's okay Senpai. Nodame and Jacques have plans to go somewhere. Jacques will take Nodame home later."
"What? Do you know what time it is?"
Too late. By the time Chiaki could coherently figure something out, Nodame had already hailed a cab and was getting into it with Jacques. As he watched the cab move away, Chiaki could feel sweats of anxiety form on his forehead. Where is she going with him at this time? Whatever it is, it can at least wait until tomorrow. How can she—"Are you getting in or not?" Chiaki's thoughts snapped shut as he looked down at the cab driver. He grunted and got into the cab.
Chiaki's apartment door slammed loudly as Chiaki put all the energy he had into closing the door. At this very moment, Chiaki was feeling so many different kinds of emotions at the same time that his mind and body seemed to want to break down and just turn off.
Anger….Why is she so close with that Jacques-ass? Doesn't she know what it means to be in a relationship? How could you just spend your day away with another man and leave your boyfriend all alone?…
Resentment…Who the hell does that Jacques guy think he is? How dare he go near Nodame without my permission?…
Irritation…How dare Nodame go off with him like that? Doesn't she know men are wolves?
And finally…as Chiaki plopped down on his bed, the one emotion that was hitting him the strongest….hurt. He was hurt. He felt it. It was the same aching feeling that flooded him just like the time Nodame had turned him down to go to Europe with him the first time he had asked her. This was the one emotion Chiaki hated the most. For so long, he had made it his goal to never feel this emotion again after his dad left. And for a while, he succeeded…until Nodame came into his life. From there, every emotion that a human being could feel arrived at Chiaki's doorstep without his permission.
Chiaki groaned loudly to the empty apartment. This relationship with Nodame is taking more work, energy and patience then my career. As he looked around, he realized his place was still in a disastrous mess from his afternoon anger fit. He stared up and down the place. He knew that he should at least try and make an attempt to fix the mess. This mess just wasn't him. Clutter was not part of Chiaki Shinichi's vocabulary. The only time it was is when a certain hentai was attached to the sentence and it usually ended with him having to clean her mess.
Chiaki let out another loud sigh. He wanted to just leave the mess and drown himself in a few bottles of wine and just unwind. But he knew that tomorrow when he woke up and found the mess, he would automatically get angry at himself for being so weak and letting little things get to him and not allowing himself to live his life the way he wanted to.
So, Chiaki rolled up his sleeves slowly and proceeded to pick up his mess. I wonder where she went with that Jacques-ass. Wait, what do I care? She's an adult. She can take care of herself. I have better things to do then to care. Chiaki looked down and realized he had ripped out pages of a magazine. Sighing loudly, Chiaki continued to clean his apartment.
An hour later, Chiaki stood in the middle of the living room surveying the place. With a small nod of approval, he moved over to the bedroom and flopped down on the bed. He laid on the bed and stared at the ceiling thinking about the one person that was still on his mind since she left him all alone at the restaurant.
He bit down on his bottom lip and reminisced about the kiss earlier that evening. Without realizing it, his heart began to pound harder. Moving his fingers up to his lips, he couldn't help but feel a shiver of excitement run through his body without trying. Chiaki couldn't help but feel a blush come to his face as all he could think about was when he could do that again.
No! I am not a hentai! Nodame is. Besides, why am I sitting here thinking about her like that? This is Nodame for crying out loud! She's a weirdo! A hentai! And then an image popped into Chiaki's mind. But those lips… Chiaki couldn't help but picture her after he had kissed her. Her big brown eyes and those pink pouty lips….
Chiaki shook his head back and forth trying to shake himself out of the trance that he was in. But the image didn't seem to want to go away. Letting out a loud groan, Chiaki moved under his covers and tried to sleep. As his eyelids began to get heavier and heavier, his fight against seeing Nodame in his mind grew less and less stronger as he welcomed her warm smile in his dreams.
"So Nodame, how are your desserts?"
"Mmmmmm…" was all Nodame seemed to be able to coherently put out towards Jacques question.
After leaving Chiaki behind, Nodame had wanted to have some dessert since she hadn't had any back at the restaurant. Without it, her stomach just didn't seem to be completely satisfied. So, after driving around town for a while, they settled on a dessert pastry shop. It had taken Nodame over half an hour to decide what she wanted since there was just too much to choose from. Jacques had sat quietly waiting patiently for her decide. Occasionally he would let out a small laugh seeing the utter glee on Nodame's face from all the sweets.
Finally deciding on a chocolate cake, tiramisu and strawberry cheesecake, Nodame settled down and engulfed the sweets. Jacques sat back sipping his coffee smiling.
"Nodame, why didn't you invite Chiaki along as well? I'm sure he would have liked to come as well."
Nodame stopped smiling but continued to eat her cake. "Nodame didn't want to be near Senpai at the moment. Let Senpai have a taste of his own medicine."
Jacques said nothing and just observed his friend quietly. He knew she wasn't happy with what had happened back at the restaurant when Chiaki told him that there was nothing going on between him and her. Jacques had not meant to make her sad about it. He thought that if he had openly asked Chiaki about it, he would have given an answer that would have made Nodame happy. Jacques shook his head slowly in disappointment. He certainly wasn't expecting the answer he received from Chiaki.
Any girl would be upset with that answer.
Jacques felt bad for Nodame. He knew how much she cared for Chiaki. But more then Nodame, he felt incredible pity for Chiaki. This man was one of the most talented and gifted musicians but had way too much pride for his own good. If Chiaki is not careful, he would lose the one thing that makes him happier then his music. Jacques was not in any way close to Chiaki. But he can tell just by looking at the way Chiaki looked at Nodame that she meant a lot to him. Nodame has also told him about the way Chiaki takes care for her. What Chiaki doesn't realize is that he needs to verbally tell her he cares.
"Jacques? Jacques!"
Jacques stopped his train of thought to focus on Nodame.
"Yes?"
"What is Jacques thinking about? Nodame called you so many times. Aren't you going to eat your vanilla cream cake?"
Jacques looked at Nodame eyeing his cake hungrily. Her plates of dessert were already empty.
Jacques couldn't help but smile. There was just something infectious about this woman. She somehow always manages to make you smile no matter what. He picked up his plate and handed it over.
"I don't want anymore. Can you help me finish it Nodame?"
"Well, only since Jacques is finished with it. Nodame hates wasting food!" With that, she beamed a happy smile at him and took the plate.
Chiaki, if you lose this woman, you are a fool!
"Where is she?!"
Chiaki paced back and forth in his apartment. He looked up at the clock. 11:48.
He walked back over to the window and looked down waiting impatiently. Chiaki had woken from his sleep feeling anything but refreshed. He knew she wasn't home yet. Silently fuming, Chiaki continued to look out the window waiting for arrival.
Chiaki's body jumped a little when it noticed auburn hair peek through from behind the blue gate. It was dark out but the moon was shining brightly. He could see her laughing happily. Chiaki looked over and saw that she wasn't alone.
Jacques looked up and saw Chiaki standing in front of his window looking down at them. He wanted to wave but decided on doing something else instead. I'm just trying to help you out buddy.
"Hey Nodame?" Jacques stopped and turned to face Nodame. Nodame stopped walking and turned to face Jacques as well.
"Yes Jacques?"
"I had a really good time tonight."
Nodame smiled. "Nodame had a GREAT time with Jacques today!"
Jacques nodded in agreement and approached her slowly. He put one hand out and wrapped it around her waist and pulled her in slightly. Nodame gasped in surprise. Jacques ignored it and pulled her into an embrace.
Chiaki's eyes almost popped out of his sockets as he saw what was happening before his eyes. Before his mind could register what he was doing, Chiaki had already slipped on his shoes and was flying down the stairs of the apartment complex. His heart was beating so fast from the anger that he couldn't seem to register or comprehend his own actions.
By the time he got to the doorway, he could see Jacques had taken his head off of her shoulder from the embrace but still had her held close. As Chiaki neared the door, he could see Jacques begin to lower his head with his lips geared to Nodame's lips. His Nodame.
Chiaki pushed the door open with such force, the door rattled for a bit making it seem like it was going to fall off the hinges. Nodame jumped in surprise but Jacques didn't even flinch almost as if he was expecting a commotion to occur.
Nodame looked over to the cause of the noise. She let out a loud gasp as she registered Chiaki's angry face. Nodame had never seen Chiaki this angry before. Every feature on his handsome face was drawn so tightly into a scowl that it made him look like he was ready to tear his enemy to pieces. And at the moment, it seemed like his enemy was Jacques since that was where his menacing glares was directed at.
"What the hell to you think you're doing?"
Jacques slowly let go of Nodame's waist and stood back a little. He shrugged his shoulders and almost let out a small smirk. "Nothing. I was just taking Nodame home."
Nodame looked from Chiaki to Jacques, back to Chiaki and then back to Jacques. Chiaki continued to glare at Jacques but Jacques didn't seem to show any signs of fear.
Chiaki walked over and grabbed Nodame around the arm. His gripped her so tightly, she was sure there would be marks on it later. But Nodame didn't complain as she was sure it would only make things worse. He pulled her firmly until she stood behind him. Chiaki now stood in front of Nodame shielding her from Jacques.
"She's home. You can leave. Now." Chiaki snarled at Jacques.
"Why are you so angry Chiaki? What concern is it to you what Nodame does?" Jacques had stopped smiling now and was looking straight back at Chiaki angry eyes.
For a second, Chiaki said nothing but continue to glare at Jacques. His grip on Nodame had not lessened. Chiaki's eyes iced over as he took one step closer towards Jacques.
"Because. She. Is. Mine. You EVER dare touch her again, you are a dead man."
Nodame's eyes widened in surprise as she gawked at Chiaki's words. The words that had come out of his mouth made her head spin. Was she finally getting her declaration of love from Chiaki?
Chiaki turned around and faced Nodame. She looked up at him. She could still register the anger in his eyes but as his eyes met hers, she saw a faint flash of sadness sweep over them. He let go of his deathly grip on her arm and grabbed her hand. "Let's go," he said quietly and pulled her slightly towards the door.
Without looking back, Chiaki dragged Nodame inside. Nodame turned and gave Jacques a faint smile. Jacques stared back at Nodame and gave her a sly wink. "Goodnight Nodame!"
Jacques continued to stare at Chiaki and Nodame as they disappeared into the building. A small smile finally escaped from his lips and he chuckled softly.
You're welcome Chiaki.
Upon hearing Jacques happy voice telling Nodame goodnight, Chiaki could feel his anger rekindle and boil up again. Grasping her hand even tighter, he pulled her into the building. Chiaki could hear her wince a little from the death grip he had on her but he couldn't seem to let go.
He continued pulling her into the apartment complex. When they reached the top of the stairs, Chiaki continued to stride over to his apartment.
"Senpai, Senpai is hurting Nodame's hand. Nodame can walk on her own. Please!"
Chiaki ignored her. When they arrived in front of his door, he didn't let go of her hand as his other hand fished for his keys in his pockets.
"Senpai, Nodame is tired. Let Nodame go back to her room. If Senpai is mad, Senpai can yell at Nodame tomorrow okay?"
Chiaki once again ignored her and turned the lock on his door. Taking one step into his apartment, he was pulled back a little by Nodame.
"Nodame doesn't want to go in,"
Nodame was tired and exhausted. The day had taken its toll on her. The events that have unfolded in the past 24 hours had been physically and emotionally exhausting. The last thing she wanted right now was for Senpai to yell at her.
As she told him she didn't want to go in, Chiaki turned around and glared at her. She looked up and saw the look on Chiaki's face. His face no longer held the anger and fire that was present downstairs. Instead, there was a silent sadness and desperation that filled his eyes. Seeing the look on his face, Nodame felt her heart twist in pain. She had never seen that expression on Chiaki's face before. The look left her speechless and she found she could no longer hold her fight against him. She allowed him to pull her into his apartment.
Once inside the apartment, Nodame made no move to do anything. She looked around the dark apartment as if she had never seen it before. The apartment was only illuminated by the lamp beside the sofa. Nodame realized then that Chiaki had not let go of her hand. She twisted her wrist a little to try and let go of his hand but Chiaki tightened his grip again.
"Senpai?" Nodame turned to face Chiaki, who was silently standing behind her. He had his head bowed and was staring intently at the floor. She held out her other hand not in Chiaki's hand and touched his face. She watched as Chiaki flinched a little as her finger tips grazed his face but made no move to back away. Slowly he brought his face up and met her gaze.
He's hurt.
Nodame could see it so clearly now. At that very moment, in the darkness of the room that filled around him, Chiaki held no guard up. There was no pretending, hiding and avoiding of his emotions. Chiaki knew by doing so, his life was not in his control. But there seemed to be little he could do about it. And quite truthfully, he didn't really want to. At that very moment, he just wanted her.
He brought up his other hand and touched her hand that was still stroking his cheek. Pulling it away from his cheek, he held it to his lips and placed a gentle kiss in her palm. Nodame eyes widened from the simple gesture of affection.
Pulling her closer, Chiaki took one step towards her and held her tightly. Burying his face in her hair, he murmured her name over and over again while gently stroking the small of her back with his hand. Nodame did nothing but allow him to embrace her. She doesn't know how long they stood there for but didn't seem to give it much thought or care. For all Nodame knew or wanted, they could stay in this position and she wouldn't have minded. But before she knew it, Chiaki had backed away from the embrace. Still holding onto her hand, he pulled her slightly to follow him. Nodame readily followed.
Once in the bedroom, Chiaki sat down on the bed and pulled Nodame towards him. His hand finally let go of hers as both hands went to her waist to pull her towards him. She slid over to his sitting form and he embraced her placing his face into her stomach. She continued to stand with both legs between Chiaki's sitting knees. Nodame gingerly picked up her hands and ran them through his hair. It felt soft to her touch.
"Nodame?"
Nodame let go of Chiaki's hair and looked down at him.
"Stay with me okay?" The words came out so softly and faintly that Nodame thought that she had imagined it at first. Any other time, she would have wondered if he was just asking her to stay tonight. But for some reason, at that very moment, she knew that the question meant so much more. Staring intently back at him, Nodame knew that Chiaki was asking a question that had no time limit. It was a question that withstood the test of time.
And finally, Nodame understood. She finally realized that the declaration of love she had wanted from Chiaki was given to her a long time ago. From the moment he allowed her into his life, he had already declared his love. The kind of love that existed between the two did not require words. He knew it. Everyone else around understood it. And now, Nodame had finally accepted and felt it.
The revelation set her head spinning. She opened her mouth to answer but couldn't get the words out. So instead, she leaned down and placed a chaste kiss on his forehead. Placing her hand back into his hair, she gently stroked the back of his head while lovingly looking into his eyes.
From the simple gestures, Chiaki understood as well. Words would not have made this moment more perfect. He could feel her assurance to stay with him and that was more then enough. Pulling her down so she sat on his lap, Chiaki nuzzled into her neck.
"Thank you Nodame."
My Nodame.
The thought ran through Chiaki over and over again causing waves and waves of relief to flow through his body. And for the first time, Chiaki finally felt like he had finally awaken to finally live his life. For the first time in his life, he felt the kind of completeness that made every living person on earth to seek love. And finally, for the first time in his life, Chiaki finally understood that to have this kind of completeness in his life, he must also give and not just take.
Withdrawing himself from the embrace, Chiaki looked up and for the first time, really took his time to admire and appreciate the woman in front of him. From her doe-like brown eyes to her small bridge nose to her trade-mark pink pout lips. And there at her lips, is what held his gaze. Slowly, Chiaki brought up his finger tips and slightly skimmed over her lips. The touch along with the awareness of her breathing quickening made Chiaki feel a fire begin to ignite in the pit of stomach. Chiaki couldn't help but let out a small smile. Even after all this time together, he still made her nervous.
"Nodame, why are you so nervous?" Chiaki whispered slyly into her ear.
"Um…uh…n-nothing Sen-senpai…Nodame is not nervous." The words came out shaky and quiet. Nodame was finding it hard to just to breathe at the moment. The sensation of having Chiaki's arms around her and his hot breath tickling her ear was sending her mind into overdrive. She heard him chuckle quietly.
"So then…what can I do to make you nervous?" Nodame could feel his grin against her jawline. Nodame swallowed hard. Chiaki began to nibble on her earlobe. Nodame let out a small squeal while one hand settled on his chest to stop herself from passing out.
"Senpai," her voice was so quiet that a pin drop would have been heard through it, "Senpai isn't playing around with Nodame right? This is for real right?"
Nodame could feel his body tense up as he slowly turned his eyes to look at her.
Chiaki made no move to answer her question. Instead, he sat there and continued to stare at her. He wasn't mad. He was, more then anything, disappointed—in himself. The recent event of their kiss earlier that evening ran through his mind. At the time, it seemed like a good idea because his full intention was to make sure she wasn't allowed the chance to even consider the idea that there could be someone else for her. But now…now he realized that what he did had hurt her. Without taking into account of her feelings, he had gone and done something to hurt her.
"Nodame…" Chiaki's eyes burned into hers. She did not flinch or try to look away.
"Nodame, you know I would never intentionally hurt you right?"
He watched her closely as she thought over his question. At first, Chiaki was almost sure she was a bit confused by her question. But soon, she seemed to register the reason behind his question. Understanding him, she nodded slowly.
"Yes Senpai. Nodame knows."
Still holding her gaze, Chiaki let out a small smile. "Good." And then, to seal the deal, he pulled her in and let his actions speak for itself. Chiaki knew he was not a man of words. So instead, he was going to show her how he felt.
Skimming the curve of her neck with his lips, he snaked down her soft skin until he felt her pulse point and sucked gently. He was rewarded with a small moan from Nodame as he felt her grab his shirt collar and held on tightly. His arms wrapped tighter around her waist pulling her closer. In the past few months, Chiaki had found that he had developed an almost obsession with her neck. It was so smooth and so creamy and so...inviting. Only realizing and admitting it now, Chiaki found the woman sitting in his lap to be the most desirable and beautiful person to ever grace his life. And she was his. All his. And that was when he finally realized that Jacques was never competition. The only person stopping this relationship from any further development was himself. She was always there waiting for him. It was him that had to catch up.
Nodame's mind blurred as all coherent thoughts escaped her. All she could feel, hear, smell and touch was him. He was intoxicating her. If Chiaki was to stop right now and tell her to leave, Nodame was sure there was no way her legs would hold her up. He continued to kiss, nip and suck on her neck as Nodame let out small whimpers of delight. She had dreamt night and day about Chiaki kissing her but having him kiss her neck like this, she found that it was just as salacious. As his lips travelled back up her neck, she felt herself let out a loud groan when he kissed harder on the hallow point behind her ear.
Not having much control over his own emotions, Chiaki let out a big grin when he felt Nodame shiver from delight due to his touches.
Stopping his kisses, Chiaki withdrew from Nodame eliciting small whimpers from her. He looked up at her and brought one hand up to her face and stroked her cheek with his thumb.
"Nodame..." Chiaki mumbled her name repeatedly as he slowly withdrew his hand and placed it under her lifting her off his lap and placing her into the bed, never once breaking his eyes away from hers. Laying down on top of her, Chiaki held himself up on his elbows.
Looking down into her big eyes, Chiaki decided that it was time to set things straight.
"Nodame..." But as the words fought to come out, Chiaki felt his throat tighten and constrict while his heart seemed to want to join in on the feelings of his throat as well.
Nodame looked up at Chiaki and continued to wait patiently for his words. A part of her wanted to tell him that she already knew what he wanted to say to her and that he didn't need to say it but a part of her still wanted to hear it. She wanted to be the one and only woman to ever have those words spoken to from Chiaki Shinichi because once those words were out, she would hold onto them for dear life and never allow it to slip away. But as she looked back up into Chiaki apprehensive eyes, she knew she would have to coax him a little.
Slowly, she raised her hand and brought her fingertips to his face. And just like he had earlier, she softly stroked his cheek with her thumb letting this one light touch emanate her feelings for him. Her heart seemed to flow with happiness as she felt Chiaki lean his head further into her touch and his body relaxing on top of hers.
Closing his eyes, Chiaki took in her touch. Her fingers were callous from the constant piano playing but at that very moment, Chiaki felt like the touch came from an angel. Soft to the touch, unequivocal in its loving meaning and unrestricted in affection. Opening his eyes slowly, Chiaki focused his eyes back on Nodame. And finally, with the help of gentle touch, he finally found the strength he needed to let his heart finally accept the music that surrounded him. That surrounded her. That surrounded them.
"Nodame..." his voice was soft and gentle while his eyes burned into hers, "let me love you."
Not needing for her to answer, Chiaki leaned his lips down and took hers. Her lips were warm and soft. But unlike the kiss a few hours ago, she was ready and willing to reciprocate. And once again, Chiaki felt that nudging feeling that began to burn in the pit of his stomach. The same tingles that had started developing all those months ago. But this time, Chiaki was not going to run from them. Through his kisses, he was going to make her feel what she made him feel. Leaning in closer to her, Chiaki wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in to feel her body against his. Running his tongue slowly over her lips, Chiaki silently asked for entrance.
This time, instead of feeling startled and shocked, Nodame only smiled a little as she bit lightly on his lower lip before allowing him to enter and relish her. Once Chiaki had a taste of her, the burn in his stomach lighted up and sent an explosion of hunger for her through his veins. Feeling like he couldn't get enough, Chiaki deepened his kiss and set to savor every bit of her. Unlike last time, his kisses will not only take but also give. Because they were a team. She was as much him as he was hers.
Whatever hurt he had caused her before he would make it up to her now. He will kiss, caress, pamper and love her until all doubt ceased to exist. And from this moment on, she would never again wonder if she truly belonged with him. He will make it his goal for the rest of his life to make her realize that it was his luck that she stuck with him. That she was the very essence in his heart that gave it life and soul. And together, they would find a melody to their own music.
Besides, the idea of some other man kissing his Nodame only made him more set on bringing her to such high levels of pure bliss that she would never desire anyone else but from the one and only Chiaki Shinichi.
END OF CHAPTER 7
Awww...omg, how mushy was that?! I hadn't planned on making it so fluffy but somehow it just turned out that way. My only reasoning is that Nodame deserves it. She has waited soooo long. And like I said before, Chiaki wants Nodame just as much as she wants him. On a side note, I purposely left out Chiaki saying those three loving words. It just doesn't seem very fitting for Chiaki. What he says instead seems to speak on an even higher plane then 'i love you' i don't know. that's just my own (little) opinion.
I'm thinking the next chapter will probably just be wrapping things up. Little loose knots I want to tighten.
I'm also contemplating writing a smut for this chapter. A side project maybe?... I dunno yet. I don't know if Nodame fans are ready for that. Let me know yeah?
Next up: Nodame's big recital. I wanna bring back Stressman and should also check up on how Tanya and Kuroki are doing.
Zoofreak: thank you for the kind words. i really did enjoy writing stressman's little speech. he was my only outlet to getting out what Chiaki should show to Nodame. not to mention the fact that it was that speech that brought about the title of my story and pretty much the will to write it altogether. i must say i am a pure romanticist. and i am going to make chiaki one too! i don't care how much it's gonna kill him to become one, i'm gonna do it! everyone should embrace their closet hentai and set it free!! :) look how happy chiaki is once he finally let it out.
kookie315: it's soooo hard to stick to the characterization that the drama gives. it was so hard to get chiaki to somehow face up to his feelings without pulling him out of his arrogant ways. i mean, we see in the paris 2 episode special, chiaki does take a step (in the right direction) in the relationship but it doesn't seem to be enough after all this time has passed. for me, i see his departure from his old ways as a revelation that for him to have Nodame in his life, he has to make it so she will want to stay.
cantabilesonata: yes, chiaki was a jerk in the last chapter but i hope my main point got through in this chapter and that he was more affected by it then nodame was.
twistedstranger: thank you for the kind words. i'm pretty sure the pretty dress will make its appearance in front of chiaki in the next chapter. ;)
THANK YOU FOR THE REVIEWS. VERY KIND WORDS FOR THIS LITTLE HUMBLE WRITER. HOPE U GUYS ENJOYED IT!! I'm gonna go eat some tiramisu now and (maybe) write that little smut. MAYBE... So until next time, everyone embrace that little hentai dying to come out! haha...
