Author's Note: So this is the start of the re-write. Just so people know. Everything before this is fine and unchanged.
Chapter 9: The Town is Ours! (Part 2)
"Wow, it's so big" Miku said as she leaned against the railing, admiring the skeleton before her. Its dark bones towered over her and me, casting a shadow over the us. I smiled gently.
"I believe it's a Carcharodontosaurus. An african dinosaur if I recall correctly" I said, tilting my head in thought. Miku looked over to me.
"You know a lot about them?" she asked, interested. I laughed slightly, as my nerd was showing.
"When I was really young, my first real interest in anything scientific was dinosaurs. I learned all about them, spending hours pouring over books with them, playing games about them, learning every intrinsic detail. Over time, I spread out my interest to other fields, but dinosaurs are what introduced me to science. I still keep up with a lot of the news" I explained, smiling at the memory of my childhood.
Miku giggled, and I cocked my head. "Just imagining you as a child. Do you have any pictures?" she inquired, smiling sweetly. I tried to remember if I had any photo albums around the house.
"I think one or two. Most of my photos from when I was a kid are in the family photo album." Miku nodded. Then she touched an awkward subject.
"What is your family like?" I cringed slightly, something Miku picked up on immediately. "Oh, I'm sorry... I-"
"It's fine" I interrupted. "Besides, I haven't seen them in years." Miku bit her lip nervously.
"Did something happen?"
"No, just me growing up. Shortly after I finished with college, I took everything from my dorm and moved. I didn't tell them I was going and so just like that, they were out of my life. I made sure to have someone tell them I was fine though, just so they didn't think I was kidnapped or anything." I chewed on my tongue a little, the mild pain driving away the memories.
"Was there a reason why?" she asked. It was an honest question.
"I wasn't happy there. None of them understood me, no matter how hard they tried. When they tried, that is. I just wanted to get as far away as possible. So I just left before they could do anything about it. Lance helped me move my stuff. Basically the only friend I keep in regular contact with any more."
"So you know other people?" Miku asked, then quickly added; "Not because I don't think you don't have friends, it's just we haven't seen them around the house."
I nodded with a smile. "It's fine. I haven't really seen any of them in a while. Been too busy with the E-M device, and then recently, taking care of you guys." I pondered it for a moment. "Maybe I should invite a couple of them over to meet you guys."
Miku bounced excitedly. "I'd love that. Meeting some of your friends would be amazing!" Miku's sincere smile brought a warmth to my heart, one that crept onto my face, giving me a slight blush. Luckily, the others came along before Miku could notice.
"Come on Adam, we've spent hours here" Kaito insisted. "We still have to go to the art museum. I'd like to see that Munch display you were mentioning." I chuckled, slightly regretting telling Kaito about that, seeing as that was all he had talked about since mentioning it.
"Fine, fine!" I replied with a chuckle. "Besides, we've seen everything here. The art museum's just down the street." I waved for them to follow me. Haku and Kaito followed up the back, and, to my pleasant surprise, Miku "grabbed" hold of my arm, standing close. A light blush crept onto my face, and I could see she had the same, and though the crowd was pretty dense, I began to suspect she had her own reasons for doing it, supported by the fact she was still holding on once we had left the museum.
The art gallery was a very short stroll from the museum, and it's glass exterior screamed modernism...or at least that's what Kaito said. I wasn't too sure about what style it was beyond what I learned in my history classes, and those barely stuck in my head.
Entering, we were immediately assaulted by a menagerie of abstract cubic...shapes, was all they could be called safely. Already, Kaito's eyes were beginning to sparkle and sweep the art. "It's so intriguing! Look at the angles! The lighting! Are you guys getting this?" he asked, turning back to us, trying to get us to see it the way he did.
"I see, it's so interesting" I explained, slowly moving towards the more classical art hall. Kaito was too busy admiring the art to notice. But before I had gone too far, I remembered Kaito had to be in sight for the projector to work. Seeing I was going to be here awhile, I sighed and plopped down onto a bench, closing my eyes tiredly.
When I opened them, I was met by Miku's aqua eyes staring down into mine. "Yes?" I asked, seeing a concern in them.
Miku fidgeted a little as I sat up, motioning for her to sit, even though it didn't really matter for her. "You don't seem too enthusiastic about this" she said quietly, so much so I almost didn't hear her.
"Art's never been my thing. I can't draw, I can only sing so-so (Miku gave me a look for that one), and beyond formulae, I can't write" I shrugged as if to emphasize my lack of care either way. Miku frowned.
"Surely there's something you like about art. Anything here?" she waved her arm in a broad stroke to emphasize the structures before us. I swept over the strange cubism, trying to recognize anything familiar. Finally, I settled on something.
"There. See that strange loop there? The one that twist halfway through? It's a mobius strip." The look of confusion told me Miku wasn't familiar with the terminology. I waved for her to follow me, walking over while explaining. "It's a shape with only one side. Start anywhere and try to get to a new side. Just follow it."
Miku focused her gaze on one spot and began to move her vision to the right. She bent over to follow it, turning her head at the twist. Sh followed the side back up to the underside, went back down, twisted again, and reached the start. She repeated the procedure, bewildered and surprised.
"How..?" she shook her head, and I let out a small chuckle.
"It twists and fuses halfway through. All the sides are part of a continuous loop" I pointed to the twist to emphasize my point. Miku nodded, her gaze intense, as if trying to cement it in her brain. She just about had it in her brain when Haku decided to speak up.
"Kaito's done" she pointed to the man, who was excitedly waving us over to head to the next display. It appeared to lead to more classical art. Something I was more comfortable with. I let out a little smile as we followed.
"How you holding up Haku?" I asked as Miku skipped ahead.
"A little bored, but so long as you guys are having fun, I'm okay" she shrugged. I frowned at her caving in.
"This excursion is for everyone. You should get some say in what you want to do as well" I insisted. Haku nervously rubbed her arm, obviously uncomfortable sharing her opinion.
"While...um...let's see" she trailed, torn between telling me and keeping it to herself. I waited silently to see how the dust cleared. Finally she sighed, and in a voice an owl would have strained to hear, she said, "photography..."
"Wanna go to a camera shop? Maybe go to the park for a few pictures?" I offered. Haku seemed surprised by my willingness to go along with her interests, and nodded with a stunned expression. "Awesome!" I smiled in direct contrast with her expression.
"You coming or what?" Kaito teased playfully, Miku giggling beside him. I smiled and stuck my tongue out at him, a gesture he returned. I laughed and followed, entering the room of faded paints, mostly of earthy tones. I briefly entertained the thought that brighter colors didn't really show up till later, before checking to see how people were, assessing for possible exposure risks. Nobody was there, a sad reflection of our society, but a lucky happenstance for our situation.
One of the first pieces I noticed was a piece of Dutch artwork, which portrayed some farmers doing their job. Extravagant art was never appealing to me, and I suppose it was because of my uninterest in fame. Still, it was a nice piece, even if it did portray the rather depressing state of the lower class back in the Renaissance.
The rest of the museum trip was fairly uneventful, spent drifting through the displays, with Kaito fangirling over famous artists or particularly well done pieces of art. By the time we were done, I had heard so many terms I, a scientist used to large and complex latin, had never heard before it made my head spin. I suppose this is how people felt when I tried to explain my field of science.
"So where now?" Kaito asked, strolling happily, head tilted toward the orange sky. "A park?"
"Sorta. We need to hit a camera store first" I said cryptically. Kaito eyed me suspiciously, while Miku just looked at me with curiosity. Neither commented as we entered into the store. On Haku's almost inaudible guidance, we purchased a decent camera and a tripod to mount it on. The park was a short walk away, and the orange light was beginning to illuminate the trees majestically, the hues filtering through the deadened branches, splaying their shadows onto the grass. Perhaps some of Kaito's art babble was sinking in, I mused.
"So, where do we set up?" I asked Haku, who was gazing around with a strangely critical gaze, one so different from her usual tired and slightly drunk gaze. Finally she pointed to a slight hill.
"There. We can face away from the sun without being too blocked by trees. Plus we can get a nice perspective" she explained. I decided to take her word for it. Climbing up the incline, I planted the tripod after Haku's careful guidance. She seemed to have lost her previous reluctance and was actually rather dominating with her commands.
"And a little bit lower and to the right" she said intently, the shot clear in her mind. "Now Kaito, Miku, I want you two to go down and sit there, and there. Relax, do as you please, just stay there. It's the third divisions" she half-explained.
Kaito went to his spot and smiled brightly at the camera, giving a thumbs up. Miku sat on the grass, legs curled beside her, a sweet and genuine smile lighting up her features, and making my heart race slightly. The click of the camera interrupted my thoughts, and I shook my head to regain focus. I took a few more pictures under Haku's guidance, snapping photos until it was too dark for adequate pictures.
"That should do" Haku said, her usual passive self returning. I nodded and packed up the camera and tripod.
"I'll get these developed as soon as I can. Possibly tomorrow" I suggested, remembering I would have to go back to work soon. I shook that thought from my head, remembering that I still had one last thing up my sleeve for tonight. In fact, it was about time we headed over.
"Hey guys. There's one last surprise for tonight" I explained with a smile, one that only broadened at their confused expressions. Saying nothing, I motioned for them to follow me...
"What are we doing here?" Meiko asked, looking up at the sign. It read, "karaoke bar".
"Actually, I can explain that" I offered, walking up from behind with a smile. Lance and his group turned and smiles broke out on their faces.
"So this is what you planned!" Miku accused playfully. I raised my hands in mock defense.
"Guilty as charged. Shall we?" I offered, holding the door open. Miku rolled her eyes but her smile was broadly apparent. Everyone was smiling, even Len. I got quite a few "pats on the back" of approval. Lance stopped as he passed.
"Looks like you hit the nail on the head" he assured, walking in and directing the group to a table. The place was moderately filled, enough for several empty tables, and full enough to have an eager crowd. Luckily, the crowd was a fairly amiable group, and were unlikely to do anything stupid. I knew quite a few of them.
"Look who it is! Finally emerging from his cave" the bartender, a personal friend of mine named Jeremy, pointed out as he walked over to the table. He swept his gaze over my company. "These friends of yours?"
I nodded. "Yep, and in fact, a few would like to sing tonight" I said, which raised a collective, rather excited gasp, along with an excited squeal from Rin.
"Really? We can sing here?!" she said excitedly, bouncing up and down excitedly. The bartender nodded.
"Sure. I suppose we good let them try it out" he shrugged. "Who's first?" He eyed Rin, obviously noting her excitement. Before he could say anything, Rin was off like a shot towards the DJ. She had to put out her hands to stop her momentum.
The man nodded, leaning back slightly to avoid the leaning form of Rin. He eyed her a little strangely, wondering about this unusually enthusiastic girl. Scooting his chair back, he relaxed now that he was more free.
"Can I help you?" he inquired, smiling gently. Rin nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, yes, yes! Could you play Meltdown for me? It should be by Kagamine Rin" she specified, nervously touching her fingers together. The DJ gave a hesitant nod, scanning his disks. He bit his lip, shook his head and whipped out his laptop. He typed rapidly, hooking up a few things as he went.
"Ooookaaay, I think I got a karaoke version. Not my normal request, but it's a go" he affirmed, giving a thumbs up. Rin thanked him, jumping up and down. She ran back to the table, smiling broadly.
"He's got the song up! This is gonna be great!" she cheered. She paused for a moment, then leaned close. "How will I sing?"
I raised an eyebrow in confusion, then realized what she meant. She was just a projection, and her voice wouldn't actually go into the mic. Her singing without the voice would blow her cover away with a snap of the fingers. My face turned to a frown.
"Hmm...let me see. I'll need to hook up my laptop to the system to get your voice in...maybe I can…" I thought aloud. I nodded my resolution. Standing up, I walked with Rin back over to the DJ.
"You mind if I hook up my laptop so I can record her? She was looking forward to hearing how it went" I asked, trying to be smooth. The DJ shrugged with a smile.
"Sure thing. Don't let me stop you" he said, turning back to his screen. I released a quiet sigh, relieved at the ease. Hooking up, I did indeed set it to record, but I also set it up so that it would project her voice through the speakers. Even though I was assured it would work, I crossed my fingers, hiding my anxiety behind the smile I sent Rin as she climbed up on the stage.
The DJ cued the music, nodding to Rin and me as it set in. Rin took a deep breath as the light piano drifted into the air. She rolled her shoulders and neck, rocking slightly on the balls of her feet. Finally the heavier segment kicked in.
"Machiakari hanayaka!" Rin's voice pounded into the speakers, instantly gathering together the crowd's attention. Many a patron tilted their head at the sight before them. A young girl they had never seen, singing a foreign language they did not understand, but doing a pretty good job of it. Soon, the enthusiasm radiating off Rin seemed to have begun spreading, as a few patrons began to raise their glasses and such in the usual gestures of appreciation.
I looked over towards the table and was surprised to find Len standing beside me, "leaning" against the wall nonchalantly. "Hey there" I greeted, still confused by his sudden appearance.
"Figured I'd come up. Knowing Rin, she'd drag me over here anyway" he said with a shrug, answering my silent question. I nodded, turning my gaze back to the stage. Len also watched his sister, though he continued speaking without looking at me. "Thanks for tolerating my sis. I know she can be a handful sometimes."
I chuckled a little at the thought. "Rin's not that bad. She's actually a lot of fun. I just wish she didn't have to be so cooped up. Just look how happy she is now" I said, motioning to her onstage, where she was smiling broadly as she blasted through the last section of the song. Len nodded, a small smile of his own crossing his face. He gave a single laugh.
"Still, thanks. It's always good to see Rin happy like this" he said with a stretch. "Better get ready, Rin's coming this way and it looks like I'm in the line of fire" he smiled, just in time for Rin to grab his arm and spin around happily, hugging him tight.
"Did you see me? How did I do?" she asked excitedly. Len chuckled and ruffled his sister's hair, though careful not to mess with her bow.
"You did great. Everyone was enjoying your performance" he assured. Rin was jumping up and down with excitement, hugging her brother tightly. By the slightly suffocated look on his face, I was glad she couldn't hug me like that.
Absently, I mused just how much of a family they were to me. I was beginning to get used to have them around. In fact, it would have been weird to not have them there. How empty the house would have been without the boast of Meiko, the insurmountable energy of Rin. God forbid what it would be like without Miku…
Through my musings, the others took their turns singing, though it did require a bit of prompting on their part to remind me to switch programs now and then. I guess I was just really spacey. My attention snapped back though, as soon as Haku walked up nervously. Of course, not without Neru.
"Listen here Adam" she started, pointing an accusing finger straight at me, to which I leaned away instinctively. "You better make sure Haku's performance goes well or I'll have your head" she threatened, turning on her heel with a dignified expression. I chuckled nervously, turning towards Haku.
"You ready?" I asked. She smiled nervously, rubbing her arm, then gave a small nod. "Do you know which song you want to sing?"
"There's that one you programmed" she pointed out nervously. I smiled a little as I recognized what she was talking about. I nodded, turning toward the DJ.
"I got a special song for this one. Mind if I plug it in?" The DJ shrugged in response, moving aside a little in order to make room for me. I nodded my thanks, getting things set up before giving the thumbs-up to Haku. "Go get em" I assured.
Haku nodded nervously, walking up onto the stage, eying the crowd as if it would rise up and eat her. By this point, the crowd was all warmed up and eager for the final performance. The energy radiating off them was tangible.
Haku took a deep breath as she prepared, closing her eyes. She began, her voice low and dark. "Oh all the money that e'er I spent...I spent it in good company…"
Her voice flowed over the patrons, and even those that had been leaving because of the time stopped in the doorway, the deep voice.
And all the harm that e'er I've done
Alas, it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all
Oh all the comrades that e'er I've had
Are sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I've had
Would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call
Good night and joy be with you all
Haku finished, looking nervously at the crowd. Much to her surprise, they began clapping cheering. Haku smiled unsuredly, taking an unsteady bow. She gave a small wave as she stepped off the stage. I met her at the base. "It sounded wonderful."
Soon, the others had swarmed around Haku and were congratulating her, while simultaneously providing a barrier from any bar members who might try and get too close. I smiled at their enthusiasm, and even Neru had forgotten her normal tsundere attitude. She was smiling happily with the others.
The sight made my heart warm and a smile etch onto my face. This would be a night I would remember forever.
A/N: There we go! The first re-written chapter. ^^