AN: I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! This next drabble is another favorite of mine, as it deals with music. So, I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it!
Instead of my usual, boring "thanks" to FloraOne, I decided to shamelessly plug her new fic, Yugen. It's a sequel to her EPIC story Ikigai, which, if you haven't read that, you NEED TO. But Yugen is off to an amazing start, and I hope you'll take the time to check out her writing! You won't regret it 3
Now, on with the show!
"You don't get harmony when everybody sings the same note."- Doug Floyd
When one lives in a city such as Tokyo, it becomes necessary, every so often, to get away from the city to remember what life is like when not surrounded by twenty million of your closest friends.
Since Mamoru's schedule had been so hectic, and didn't show any signs of slowing down soon, Usagi and he had decided that it was time for them to spend a weekend in the hot springs of Hakone. It was an easy choice due to its proximity to Tokyo, and the stunning scenery Hakone provided.
The couple were driving along the highway in Mamoru's sleek, red sports car with Usagi's favorite, loud pop music blaring through the speakers. The Chibas had a rule that whoever was the passenger in the car was allowed to pick the music, since it was safest for said passenger to change the song or station when necessary.
Mamoru had protested this rule's fairness due to one serious flaw. Usagi didn't know how to drive. Meaning, she would always pick the music.
When he had pointed this fact out to her, she had stated simply, "Mamo-chan, you always let me pick the music, anyway. This just solidifies my right to do so...forever." The smile that she donned after speaking this statement was only one that Minako could have taught her. That blonde haired, red bow wearing girl had been causing him problems since, well, to use Usagi's words…"forever."
He didn't mind listening the her choice of music. Sure, it wasn't what he'd pick if given the chance, but he rather enjoyed watching her bob her head in time with the music, and sing along with as much gusto as she could manage. It didn't always sound the best, but she was so enthusiastic about it, he never really seemed to notice.
Occasionally, a song that Mamoru actually knew would fill the car, and he would softly sing along, often times harmonizing to the main melody. He had never considered himself a singer. That thought was laughable, but he could certainly carry a tune, and had been able to pick out harmonies since he was young. Little did he know that this simple action was driving his wife crazy.
"How do you do that?" The annoyance in Usagi's voice was evident, but Mamoru had no idea what she was talking about.
"Do what?"
"That thing where you sing different notes, and it sounds all pretty and stuff."
"Are you talking about harmony?"
She rolled her eyes, and threw up her hands, "Sure, whatever, if that's what it's called. How do you do it?"
Mamoru thought for a minute, and offered up the only thing he could think of, "Uh...I just do?"
"Seriously? You're a brilliant doctor, and all you can come up with is 'I just do'?"
"I'm sorry, Usako. I really don't know how to explain it to you. I practice medicine not music. I've been able to do that since I was young."
Usagi crossed her arms over her chest, and let out an aggravated sigh.
Glancing at her from the corner of his eye, Mamoru was flustered to see that she seemed genuinely upset with him. "Are you really going to sit over there and pout because I can't explain how I sing harmony to you?"
"If you think that's all this is about, then you're even more dense than Rei thinks you are."
"What are you talking about?" An edge of annoyance started to lace his voice.
"Never mind. You wouldn't understand anyway."
"Usa," he took a deep breath to steady himself. He'd forgotten how easily riled up they could make each other, and not in a good way. Even after all the years they'd been in love, she new exactly how to get under his skin, and he her's. "Please, tell me what's bothering you. How can I help, if I don't know?" He could see from the corner of his eye that she was starting to cry softly.
Afraid that the situation was spiraling, Mamoru pulled into the parking lot of a campground, and shut off the car's engine.
Somewhat hesitantly, he took her hands in his, and began a comforting pattern of rubbing circles on her palms. After a few more moments of silence, she spoke.
"I know it's silly, but it's frustrating how everything comes so easily to you." Mamoru opened his mouth to retort, but Usagi interrupted him, "Let me finish. You're so smart, and you've accomplished so much, but I just wish there was one thing that came so easily to me. That I didn't have to try a hundred times to get even remotely right...I'm sorry. I know I'm being petty, and here you are trying to comfort me and…"
"Usako." At the sound of her name, Usagi looked up from her hands that were still grasped in his. "Why are you so hard on yourself? There's lots of things you're a natural at."
She snorted, "What like falling down?"
"Well, there is always that," he replied, not able to keep the teasing from his voice. Mamoru was rewarded with a slight smile. "But I was thinking more along the lines of how you connect with people. How you instantly make everyone feel at ease. Or how about the way no one can keep from falling in love with you? You radiate joy and happiness and light, Usako. And the harmony you create between and within people is far better than the silly little one I can do with a random song."
Usagi's eyes were still watery, and he held his breath for whatever was coming next. Her face broke into a lovely smile, and at that moment, Mamoru felt the overwhelming urge to hug his wife.
Usagi let out a tiny squeal as he hauled her into his lap. It was rather awkward, with the stick shift poking her in the knee, and the steering wheel digging into his side, but neither one seemed to care.
After a few minutes spent in one another's embrace, he asked, "Ready to go?"
"Yes! The hot springs are calling!" Mamoru chuckled at her enthusiasm, as she crawled back over to her own seat. "But you know, Mamo-chan, I still think there's a few things you could teach me about harmony." It was impossible to miss the suggestive tone in her voice.
He raised an eyebrow as a smirk came to his mouth, "Oh, is that so?"
She winked at him. "Mhmm. But we're still half an hour from Hakone, and it's getting close to my nap time."
And all that could be heard after were giggles and the peeling of tires.
End
AN: This story was actually inspired by a real conversation I had with my husband. I have a music degree and am fairly proficient at singing, and he was annoyed at my ability to sing harmony, when he, a non-musical person, couldn't.
Hope you enjoyed it, and you can always tell me how much by leaving me feedback 3
