A/N please forgive the long wait, and thank you really for the reviews.
When Gii was in their bedroom, busy packing up his things, Takumi went in, hesitant to look up.
"You should hurry up" Gii said smiling, he was almost done while Takumi instead only took his suitcase from the wardrobe; but Takumi looked at him with big eyes and wore an expression as if he was saying sorry. He remained motionless and silent until Gii asked to tell him what was wrong.
"Actually.. Gii.." he started but couldn't continue
"Yes?" Gii urged after a moment.
"Well.. Tomorrow.."
Gii didn't like where it was going, he could tell from the look he was wearing.
"I can't take.. that flight.." he finally revealed. His voice was so low that for Gii it's been really hard to hear it. But he did and he understood perfectly.
"What are you talking about? We've booked the tickets ages ago, what's wrong?"
Takumi kept his head down since it was hard for him to look in his eyes because he knew Gii would be mad at him, and he didn't want that.
"It's about the orchestra you see.. I said I'll be available for tomorrow and the day after."
Gii looked disbelievingly at him. For a moment he didn't say anything, and just stared in shocked silence.
"Gii.." Takumi wished his beloved to say something, he knew what Gii was thinking, he could see it reflected on his face, and he hoped that he wouldn't hold it against him. But Gii couldn't tell him anything, the situation was clear to him.
"So you won't come"
"I didn't say that"
Gii snorted, it was like Takumi abandoned all their projects in New York and easily discarded them.
"You just conveniently put it all aside as you got the chance"
Takumi frowned, he didn't want Gii thinking that "That's not it! They asked me if it was possible and.. but I will be able t—"
Gii interrupted him "I can't believe this.." was he just being put aside without a second thought?
Gii walked away putting some clothes in his suitcase to keep himself busy looking away from Takumi
"It's not just about some trip," he started after a moment of contemplation "what about the concert then? You might not be able to perform am I right? You gave your word!"
The comment offended him "That doesn't concern you"
"How could it not concern me?" it was true that the performance was a promise to his parents, but the whole thing was about Gii himself as well.
Gii was upset, and it was frustrating for Takumi since it seemed like he couldn't get through to him. Of course this trip was important to him, Gii doesn't have to doubt it, and he has already booked another ticket, but for some reason he couldn't voice his true feelings and they came out all wrong.
"I'm perfectly able to carry out my tasks"
"It doesn't seem like that at the moment"
Takumi was angry now "Just think whatever you want!"
Unable to stand it any longer they parted and didn't exchange a word, nor a look, for the rest of the evening.
That night Takumi stayed up late trying to concentrate on his music sheets, when he went to bed Gii was already asleep.
The next day Gii had to wake up early to catch his flight. With a heavy heart he did all he could so he wouldn't wake up Takumi, and left.
)( )(
(New York, a couple of days later)
He could see him on the other side of the bed, he's there, facing away; when waking up next to him, Gii never felt him distant, but now it's like he's in a fog. Gii reached out to take him in his arms. He's still there, as he closes his arms around him though, Takumi disappears from his hold. And he encloses his arms on nothing.
Gii's eyes opened with a start. His heart still beating fast.
He looked around him, needing to find him.
Takumi wasn't there.
Covering his face with the back of his hand closed in a fist, he fell back on the bed feeling his heart tightening in pain.
)( )(
On the day of the party it was all going according to plan. All went smoothly and the Saki's couldn't be anything but pleased with the event.
Gii's heart wasn't free from worries though but it didn't have to do with the occasion taking place in front of him.
Gii was standing on the terrace which has a direct access to the yard, looking with distant eyes in front of him, at the people in fancy clothes, the tables placed through the yard with accuracy, the floral decoration…
At some point his mother walked up to him "It's going to be a success don't you think so too?" her smile didn't disappear as she watched her son's thoughtful expression, even if she knew something was bothering him, but even if they wondered why he came alone none of his parents asked anything.
"Especially after tonight's performance. By the way, we wanted to tell you, we're both very happy for Takumi taking part of an orchestra as important as that."
"Yes" a proud smile ghosted his face for an instant before he just looked ahead absentmindedly. His mother put her hand on his son's shoulder pulling him out of his staring "Is there anything we can do for you dear?"
Gii smiled "Don't worry" and kissed her cheek before leaving the terrace to reach his guests.
)( )(
The concert was scheduled for the end of the party. It was closing up, and as it did, Gii's hopes that his lover might show up after all diminished by the minute.
Sachi on the other hand arrived early in the afternoon but there has been no opportunity for him to exchange a word with his childhood friend, not until now. He took the opportunity and finally approached Gii for a brief private talk.
"Not missing your soulmate too much I hope." Was the first thing he said even if, in that situation, Gii's face didn't show anything wrong at all.
He thought Gii would joke with him, instead he showed for the first time what he really felt all day. He didn't meet his eyes and looked sad "It doesn't make a difference" it was all the feelings he could speak then.
Sachi frowned, as long as he was aware of, the things between his two friends were all right, what did he miss?
"Well I think it does, you're about to see him soon."
Gii snorted in a lopsided smile, Sachi understood "Gii, Takumi is coming" he said so that Gii knew that he didn't have to doubt it.
"I wonder" he just replied. But it wasn't the right time for private talks so their little exchange ended there, leaving Sachi with his confusion and worry for his friends.
)( )(
The evening strewed the air with warm colors, the sun was setting and in that inspiring view a violinist made his entrance in the yard. Sachi knew he was due to arrive soon and was looking around to find him in that moment, then he walked towards him.
"Konbanwa, did you have a safe trip?"
"Yes thank you." Takumi replied while looking around searching for Gii
Sachi wore a knowing smile "I fear you have to wait a long time before being able to meet him."
Takumi looked cough up as he turned his attentions to his friend "Is he very busy?"
"I'm afraid so."
As it was early he told Takumi to take care of the public relation. Both met the journalists who were there to write about the event.
)( )(
At some point Takumi stole nervous glance on the side where Gii was standing. He was talking to another journalist who wanted to make a brief interview to the violinists so the four of them found themselves standing on the same spot just a minute later.
Gii didn't look at him, but for Takumi it was hard not to, and really tried to pay attention to the conversation.
"You want to take an eye on him" it was the first and only reference Gii made about Takumi, and the only sign that he acknowledged his presence otherwise, by his behavior, one could have thought he didn't notice Takumi standing beside him at all. "Of course, I can't wait to hear this new young talent" the journalist replied.
Takumi remained puzzled, and also sad by it. Gii acted like they didn't know each other at all. Was he mad at him? Takumi couldn't bear that.
Right after the two violinist left the yard to prepare for their concert. They reached a room which was reserved and arranged just for them. It wasn't the first time that Takumi visited Gii's parents' house, and it was as his lover, but this time he really just felt like any other mere guest.
Since the two reached the room Takumi was in a somber mood and hardly said a word. Sachi watched him and worried for his friend. "Are you concerned about Gii's behavior? You don't have to worry, you know how it's like in events like this. It's best to play it low key when journalists are around." He said to comfort his friend, but Takumi feared for Gii's feelings after their tiff and probable misunderstanding.
He just smiled in thanks then both got ready to play.
Gii's mother went to greet him a couple of minutes later "You came just in time" she said with a smile while pulling him in a quick hug, "I don't want to disturb you, we'll have more time after the party after all, you're staying here tonight right?" she wanted to confirm since it didn't look it could be taken for granted right now.
Takumi was taken aback and for a moment didn't know how to respond, uncertain of where he stood with Gii at the moment and afraid it wasn't what Gii wanted, but a second later a small "Yes" came out his mouth; smiling, she left them alone.
)( )(
The two violinist were alone again. Everyone was waiting for them. Both stood for a few moments on the door that separated from the path to the stage, before going out.
But Takumi was restless, he was looking down while gripping tightly his violin to his chest.
Since he arrived it only looked like the distance between him and Gii increased. He feared what Gii could think about him. And he couldn't bear this cold between them. The thought that he, the person he loves the most, is angry at him really hurts.
"I need to talk to him" suddenly Takumi said and walked out to Gii.
He was a few meters away when Takumi stopped. Gii was smiling and talking to someone, and the thought that he could make that smile disappear if he reached him, froze him on the spot.
Sachi run up to him, "There's no time" he said leading him towards the stage. Dejected, Takumi followed with no spirit.
Under the strong sound of applause, the violinists were on the stage.
It wasn't the first time Sachi and Takumi played to an audience, and that time too both noted with surprise their chemistry. But this time it was even more clear since now Takumi gained back his ability to play. And since he started to study violin this was the first time they performed together.
The level they were at astonished everyone with its beauty and power to move souls.
They were in complete sync, giving a new life to the melody.
Two sounds that became one soul.
It was simply amazing. The melody enraptured Takumi's heart and attention completely. All thoughts flew away as he immersed in it.
They were in a world of their own and led the people lucky enough to listen to it, into it with grace and beauty.
When Takumi raised his gaze he met Gii's immediately. Those eyes transmitted pure love. And relief mixed with the most intense joy went through him.
There was one time, before Takumi resumed his musical studies, when they were talking about the kind of future that this decision might bring; trips, the amount of work, the fame gained.. the kind of life that it wasn't just for anyone to gain. But then Gii sounded like he didn't think all that could become reality for him.
"Thank you for the trust" Takumi had said "don't you think I could make it?"
But it wasn't the case, this time Takumi read him completely wrong, in fact he was sure he would and that's why he was worried, what could happen then when he'll get the success he deserves? He'll be free to forget about him. And man, if it scared him.. And Gii told him, then added "I wish to could bind you to me in some way" he feared that the time when he'll have to choose between career and him will come.
Takumi's heart filled with love for him. "You already have my heart, isn't it enough of a binding? Don't make me say embarrassing things baka!"
Takumi had thought that he had dissipated all Gii's worries but maybe some were still there, postpone the flight might have made them surface and never did he feel the need to clear things up. He loves Gii so much he can't bear him hurting thinking that for Takumi there's anything that's more important.
There's nothing he values more than him and their relationship.
