Chapter 10
We were lazing about, the band and I, the guys were talking about a separate gig Chiba was doing with some rap band, and I sat with Taira's arm around me, bolt up right and stiff.
Ryusuke noticed my poise, and was quieter than usual. The boys went to go see Chiba's rap band, but I didn't go because I physically hurl whenever I hear it (due to Eddie kind off making me sick every time I hear it) I watched them leave, then stretched out my back on the floor.
Ryusuke was alone when he returned 'the others have gone to their own houses' he told me, pulling off his top 'phew it's too hot in here' He commented. Revealing his chest, I turned away 'do you want a drink?' I ask moving slightly towards the mini kitchen. He got my hand and pulled me down onto the floor 'No Ayane'
'If I don't tell Taira…'
'I know we can do it together' He told me.
The next night Ryusuke was on an important phone call so I sat outside singing to where Beck would be.
'Ayane, I'm not leaving you here on your own, you coming with me to meet Sykes'
He told me as he hung up, taking my hand, the helicopter came down to pick us up.
Ryusuke was talking to Sykes driving the 'coptor, he got threatened but one of Sykes's cronies but nothing more dangerous for me to worry about.
I slept in Ryusuke's bed next to him that night. In the morning he got a call from the woman whose name I can't be bothered learning saying Beck are going to play for greatful sounds. Koyuki came by with some new song, it was pretty good.
When Beck was on the band line up list Chiba couldn't believe it, neither could I really. I looked at Taira then dragged him off somewhere, Ryusuke followed.
'Taira, I can't do this. I-'
'Neither can I, Ayane, it's been good but it's not working out that well'
I let out a sigh of relief 'yeah I know what you mean'
'And it's really obvious about you and Ryusuke' he told me going off
'FUCK!' I shouted and kicked the nearest wall.
I then realised that, I was going to perform with Beck on stage…and they were actually going to perform at the big gig.
We were at a rehearsal thing, I ran in late throwing my coat over a chair. 'Sorry! Eiji was talking to me' I smiled at the band and riffled through some drawn up set lists. Ryusuke looked up 'Eiji?'
'Uh huh, so your going to get Koyuki to do his song when he gets lyrics, neat' I commented looking at the song "Koyuki's song"
'Why were you talking to Eiji?' Taira commented
'He sends his grumbled luck for you lot' I smiled at him then looked back to the set list. The silence was unbearable so I decided to leave the room.
The days after the band were at ours…yeah ours, Ryusuke and I's but moving on quickly, he was reading Koyuki's lyrics whilst the other watched, I was swimming.
'this has some nice imagery' I heard Ryusuke tell Koyuki as I swum up to the edge, '40 YEARS AGO YOU SECOND RATE JIM MORRISON!' Ray finished of throwing the lyrics at Koyuki. I pulled myself up from the water.
'Ray doesn't be so harsh on him, you should know inspiration comes in time' I told him shaking off the excess water.
Taira agreed with me, then Ryusuke told everyone we should be better than before and if Koyuki doesn't think of something fantastic he'll have to leave the band.
'Ryusuke, he's trying his fucking best you asshole' I told him going to my room. When the band left Ryusuke came to talk to me.
'What was with the name calling?' he asked, hands in his pockets as I was scribbling down something.
'you can't really expect someone to come up with a great tune and lyrics at the same time, you have to be patient and then they'll get inspiration and write it down the minute they get it…' I turned around in my chair 'Koyuki will get something before greatful sound soon, you just have to be patient, I know how much this means to you but come on think of how long it took to write your first fantastic song, Ray' I smiled then turned back to my scribbles.
'…Sorry...my first song…Dream on?'
I swivelled around 'Uh huh, the one about the girl you liked at the time'
'and still do' he took my face, 'I never told you it was about you, I would have thought you'd guessed but you were too deep in the fake fact that I didn't like you'
We looked into each others eyes then turned away at the same moment….
Koyuki had dropped of some lyrics and soon enough after Ray had listen to them the lot were over once more, me still in PJ's. He played it on his guitar and sung, Koyuki opened the door breathless.
'I'll go change now then' I told them all, leaving.
When I returned they were all telling Koyuki how great it was.
I got a call from Eiji so I went to meet him, I handed him the page of scribbles 'check if the tune fits please' I told him clearly
'Shall do…are you going to tell Ray about it…?'
'Nah, he'll have to see himself' I smiled 'The plan will work; he'll be surprised but happy'
'Right….see you Ayane'
'Bye Eiji!' I told him hugging him and kissing his cheek.
I arrived at the pub where the band was with another, talking about Greatful sound, a fight broke out. 'Koyuki leave it' I told him but he ignored me.
In the car back I was snuggled to Ray and he was staring out of the window.
'Koyuki, I really hope your okay, when Ray gets like this its best to leave it all alone' I whispered in his ear.
The time came when we had to travel up, I was scared, I hope Eiji had everything I needed. Chiba looked at all the set things.
'Hey look! There's someone new!'
'Who?' Asked Taira
'The name is Blue Shades'
I smiled, that was me, and I was going to be performing solo at Greatful sound. Ryusuke's surprise and my version of Dream on
'Crap name' I told them stretching as everyone got into the car and we set of. When we got there we looked at all the stages.
'WOOOOAAAAAHH!' I screamed, it was so awesome.
Koyuki gave everyone rice balls that his mum had made, I watched Ryusuke carefully, as he ate his, he hasn't been able to eat for days, it worries me, sure enough he retched all over the floor, poor babe…
That night I met up with Eiji, 'Got the music?'
He handed me the sheets 'tah hon., you're the greatest' I left him waving running up to Ryusuke.
I heard a fight brew involving Chiba and some guy that called Koyuki bad. I went to the stage and saw Eiji and Ryusuke having a guitar battle. The time came for me to introduce myself. I jumped on to the stage 'Hey people, I'm Blue Shades' I called out, Ryusuke turned to me as he left, his face in prefect shock.
I grabbed my own Fender Strat and began playing my own song that I have worked hard on for ages:
It's not long now
Not long until I tell you how
Not long until I tell you who
Not long until I tell you why
I'm trying so hard to find my way around this place
I left my home for you to see
It took us so long to realise
I've been forever yours, since the day we met
Through every one I've loved,
I've never loved one as much as you
Listen to my prayer and dream
It's not long now
Not long until I tell you how
Not long until I tell you who
Not long until I tell you why
I'm coping in this strange city
I left my family for you to see
It took us so long to realise…
I'm coping in this strange city
I left my family for you to see
It took us so long to realise…
Nothing is going to be the same again for me
Not since today not since forever
Nothing will ever be the same for me
I'm with you and you're stuck with it
I apologise
I apologise to all the others
That should find someone else
'Coz I'm with you
With you until we die
For every tour
Every dream
Every moment
Every day
It's not long now
Not long until I tell you how
Not long until I tell you who
Not long until I tell you why
Not long…
I finished my song and stepped back from the microphone and bowed then left the stage, I think the people liked it.
I caught up to Ryusuke 'My first proper song is about you too' I smiled, kissing him lightly and tenderly.
The night ended on a high, just as I knew tomorrow would too.