Ink Writes Music
DGM
Chapter 20
Sweet Symphony
I guzzled down a can of Dr. Pop as I watched Lavi and Lenalee and Kanda have a little contest on who could play the electric guitar better. It was entertaining to say the least. There is no way Kanda's need for the top spot is easily shattered nor is Lenalee endless persistence. Don't forget Lavi constant superficial eagerness to step up his stubbornness while highly complimenting himself as the awesomest of the most awesome awesomest, if that makes sense. We were actually having a nice little party here for some odd reason. Lavi decided that since I wasn't going to go to his sleepover that he was going to throw a party at HQ. If only he could have done this on the 20th instead of the first. Oh well. It was pretty fun. Let's see, we have Krory and Miranda, Marie and Daisya, Kanda and Lavi, and my darling Lenalee, of course. Chomesuke is here; FYI-Lavi personally invited her. We also have one of Lavi's other friends I just met-Choaji. He seems pretty neat, I guess, and he knows Anita.
I found out Miranda had just graduated last year and managed to get a job in the school's office. It was all she could do. They only accepted because everyone was used to her sheepishness. I think she needs a whole lot more of confidence. She is really amazing. I mean, she made Lenalee beautiful Christmas ball gown that still leaves me breathless. Lenalee is stunning with it and without it.
"Just give it up. I beat both of you losers." Kanda scoffed.
"The hell you do! I rock better than you. Hello, it's the reason why I play the electric and you play your damn bass asshole." Lavi shot back.
"The only reason I play the drums is because the electric was taken by you and you said it would be hot if we had the gal playing the drums seeing how it's usually a guy these days." Lenalee rejoindered. "I totally outrank you both."
"Phssh, yeah right. Though it is totally hot you play the drums, babe." Lavi replied.
"Hey! Watch it!" I speak up, glaring at Lavi.
"Oooh, did I spark some jealousy? Awwww."
"Keep it up and ya won't have a damn guitar, Rabbit!" I snap.
"You wouldn't dare."
"Ya wanna bet?"
"So who do you think plays the electric better, Allen? Kanda, Lavi, or me?" Lenalee asks, batting her eyes at me.
"Lavi does!" Chomesuke cheered.
"I say Kanda." Marie uttered.
"Yuu, dudes!" Daisya inclined.
"I-I thi-think Len-Lena-l-l-lee." Miranda piped up nervously.
"Me, too. Lenalee, I think." Krory included.
"I don't know, I think Lavi rocks." Choaji added.
Great. That left only me to conclude hte three way tie. Each of my band mates eyed me with a sort of malice. Shit. I gulp, tossing the empty can in the garbage. I think most of our opinions were being biased. Kanda's brothers said him. Chomesuke who seems to have taken quite the liking to him yesterday, and his friend Choaji, both agreed that he rocks. Then Miranda and Krory get along better with Lenalee. If you ask me, then I have no idea what to say.
"Allen, baby?" Lenalee asked, sugar-coating her voice.
"Are you asking me as a personal question with full honesty, or as your boyfriend who has to agree and nod with you?" I respond dryly, not really wanting to get in this.
Lenalee smiled funnily, inching closer to me with this strange look on her face. I try to get off the chair I was sitting on, but she crawls her way onto my lap and I shiver when I feel her breath brush against my neck. I actually have to resist the urge to kiss her then and there, but I laugh skittishly as she presses herself far too close against my body-not that I mind.
"Your honest opinion, of course." Lenalee whispers in my ear, batting her eye lashes again. "I mean, you wouldn't lie about my talents, would you?"
I shake my head. I couldn't help it. I was being drawled in, being enticed by her seductive tone, I was being seduced. I leaned in, pressing my forehead against hers, completely forgetting everyone in the room. Subconsciously my arms encircled her body, pulling her closer. I disregarded a few whistles and squeals from the bystanders. It was hard to explain. I heard them, I was conscious of them, but it was like my mind froze over and I didn't know they were there. They were and weren't here in The Shed with us.
"So, who's the best with the electric guitar, babe?" Lenalee questioned.
I licked my lips before speaking.
"You."
I leaned in more to try and kiss her, but she stood up and I let everything slowly process. I was used. I was completely and utterly used like a rag. It was depressing. I can't believe I fell for it, and I blushed noticably when some of our viewers laughed and mentioned it themselves about me falling for it. I curse under my breath. I can't believe I used to call Lenalee purely sweet. She's deivious and crooked, but I'm the one who fell head ver heels for Lenalee.
"Dude, you were totally used." Daisya remarked.
"Shaddup!"
The least she could have done was kiss me for being cruel enough to make my lust go haywire.
"Dude, dude, dude, not cool. That is soooooo unfair." Lavi declared.
"Sure it is. It's unfair as much as you are uncool." Lenalee snapped back, causing me to laugh a little. "Thanks honey!" And she stuck her tongue out at the ohter boys.
"Bitch." Kanda grumbled.
"Tch, bastard." Lenalee mocked, her fingers forming the shape of an L.
I roll my eyes and stroll over to my keyboard. My backpack lies at my feet when I sit down in the seat. I pick up a case from beside it and take out a few music sheets. I have made an additional three or four songs last night. I want to test them all, but we may not get the chance to today. Yet, my band mates stare at me as I take out a seemingly porcelain white and black violin. Lenalee gasps in delight.
"I promised I'd bring it, didn't I?" I state firmly, using my foot to drag the comfy chair-like stool with me, sitting on it when I found a decent spot to sit and play. "You can hold it, but oyu have to be very gentle with it. It's small and fragile compared to the other instruments."
Lenalee squeals, taking the violin away from me leisurely. I hold the bow as she fiddles with the strings.
"It's lovely." Lenalee mused, looking at me with vigorousness. "Can you play a song?"
"After what you did, I shouldn't." I told her, but taking the violin back, placing my chin on the black chin rest. My eyes adored the seemingly white porcelain belly of the violin, softening as I blinked my eyes closed. My fingers mess withthe tunning pegs, and I take in a simple breath of air as I straighten my back, making sure my grip on the violin was secure, raising the bow to the strings. My gloveless fingers settling on the strings, and I exhale as I decide on a song to play. "I'll play if you will all listen. It's a long song, however."
"It doesn't make a difference." Lavi muttered, intrigued as he set his guitar down and plopped on the floor. "Play."
I wait for absolute silence to fill the air because taking another mere breath before exhaling. I never played this song before, I've only heard it, so I may not be able to do it correctly. However, my hands move leisurely. The sound plays slowly, pitching high and low. The tranquility of hte song matches my facial appearance, though, a small smile adorns my face unbeknowst to myself. The music echoes majestically with the soundless breeze making the notes soar from the instrument and out of the shed, into the wind. With how quiet it was around us, I could gurantee you that you could hear the violin play miles away from here.
In my imgaination, I think about a dancing pair, slowly departing into the endless black night, separating with disgust, later searching for their lover. The sadness and the happiness morphing together as snow falls to the ground. Though it was a purely love song, I could feel sadness in it. The beauty sauntered with livliness with the dancing notes. The sound was gently soft, but loud enough to repeat in your mind like anyh other song I have played before. All the way from rock to classical. It was slow yet steady. Sorrowful yet vigorous. The song whizzed by, and before I knew it, the near four minute song was over, the last rhythym alternating through my mind, quenching my passtionate, musical soul's lust for a few moments in time.
I lay the violin on my leg. When I was younger I always imagined myself playing this kind of classical music with the piano and violin, but it grew, my yearning. I wanted to play all music, many instruments. Not just the piano, and so I moved onto the violin and traveled further with my talents, often finding myself being called a prodigy by another individual. When they say that, I sigh. I would always tell them the same thing, whenever a stranger or friend called me a prodigy in the music industry.
"Skills and talents never make the prodigy, it's the yearning of processing and assessing your continuous passion; only when your heart and soul is put on the line, and only when you're willing to put it on line, is when a prodigy is created." I whisper, opening my eyes to stare at the violin, oblivious to the fact that everyone heard it until someone spoke up.
"That was beautiful. What were you playing?" Lenalee asked me.
"Romeo and Juliet by André Rieu, orginated with the tought of a love theme, straight off the album Knuffel Classic CD two. His music is filled with warmth and longing, truly... wonderful, stunningly captivating." I utter, taking a deep breath and smiling. "Anyways, I wrote a few songs last night. I want to test it out if it's alright with you guys. Right now preferably."
"Sure, sounds good. We were supposed to be practicing anyhow." Lavi said.
I handed each of them their personal music sheets. Kanda was the only one that got the lyrics. I wanted them to resonate the song by themselves. They each stared at me with a strange expression, but I only stood up, bowing to them like they were royalty.
"Gentlemen and ladies, I will be starting you off. After a bar of notes are played, then you shall begin. Kanda will be singing since hte song totally fits him, and I believe his distinquishable voice shall fit it well. Though, I'll warn you," I stood up, smiling at our present audience. "It has nothing to do with the sweet symphony I recently played. You shall see the contrast greatly."
Lavi raises his only visible eyebrow, but stumbles over to his guitar with a grin. Lenalee takes out her drumsticks and examines the sheet, setting it on a stand beside her. Kanda makes his usual "Tch" sound and shoves the paper on a board, pinning it there just in case he would forget something. Lavi and I are the only ones without the paper. I remember just about everything I write, and I learned a while ago that Lavi has a photographic memory. I had to see for myself, so I did a test, and well, he won.
"Ready?" I asked.
"Yep!"
I stand, getting strange gazes from my friends as I place my chin on the black chin rest on my lovely violin for the second time. I gaze at Miranda, then move down the line. I don't know if any of them will like it, but hey, someone has to, even if it's only the band. When I start to play the violin, after a single moment, the others join in and Kanda's rough yet smooth evened voice begins to sing.
"Coming up for air so I can
Check myself again and I stand
Proven to the man sheltered
Confidence we tend to shelf and
Unexpected hunger drives me."
"Just shut up and stand beside me
I don't need your understanding
I don't need to change a damn thing
Though I'm used to have you here."
"It's doesn't change the man I was
When you found me
And there was no one else around me yeah
Just turn the page and watch me grow."
As Kanda continues singing, I realize just how much this song suits him. It was like my mind went into Kanda's mind for an hour to write this... Urgh! Forget that thought! I'm shuddering with that in mind. Calm down, Allen, focus on the violin. It sounds extremely different from my last song. Good.
"There's so many things that you dont know
About my soul
Live and die but this will not get old
Just when you think that you're down and out."
"Don't preconceive what I'm all about
Look for a reason that you have to start
Acting like a friend that you are not
And when you think that we played it out."
"We come from the bottom and knock it out
Look for a reason that you have to start
Acting like a friend, but you are not
Nothing in-between to fall through."
"I'm being myself, who are you?"
Thank you, Lenalee! Using the violin for this song instead of my keyboard makes it sound smuch more dramatic and it effects the song euphorically. My lips forms a thin line on my face, but I'm sure my silvery orbs are filled with mirth. Music is one thing I do and can't be completely modest about it. If I think it's good, I'll tell you straight out. A lot of people have said I have the golden ears for any genre, and the mind to create shockingly bittersweet songs. I think I can prove those expectations... No, I have confidnece that I am proving those expectations.
"You stand above and look down
You're just a plagaristic clown
You suck the life out of me
You keep track of the petty."
"And when this well becomes dry
You'll shed a tear for another lie
Though I'm used to have you here
It's doesn't change the man I was."
When you found me
And there was no one else around me, yeah
Just turn the page and watch me grow
There's so many things that you don't know."
"About my soul
Live and die but this will not get old
Just when you think that your down and out
Don't preconceive what I'm all about."
Man, I was right. This does fit Kanda... It actually sounds like he singing this mean song towards me, like he's belittling me... Should we use it? I know it sounds good, but... it's crushing my dignity!
"Look for a reason that you have to start
Acting like a friend that you are not
And when you think that we played it out
We come from the bottom and knock it out."
"Look for a reason that you have to start
Acting like a friend, but you are not
Though I'm used to have you here
It's doesn't change the man I was."
"When you found me
And there was no one else around me
Yeah, yeah oooh."
I'm shrinking with every word. Damn... I should have given them the other sheet, the duet.
"Just when you think that your down and out
Don't preconceive what I'm all about
Look for a reason that you have to start
Acting like a friend that you are not."
And when you think that we played it out
We come from the bottom and knock it out
Look for a reason that you have to start
Acting like a friend, but you are not."
I love the song, but I couldn't help but feel terrible throughout the entire thing. It seriously felt like Kanda was shouting at me the entire time. Sighing, I put the violin down, holding it near my waist, smiling a little as I listened to our small audience clap, and hoot and holler. I release a breath, beaming cheerfully, feeling the pessimistic thoughts being drowned out of my body. Lenalee runs up to me with a smile.
"That was awesome! I never thought about using a violin in the band! You're amazing!" Lenalee exclaimed, hugging me.
I put one arm around her to return the hug, muttering, "I got the idea from you, love."
"Tch, not bad." Kanda grumbled, setting his bass down.
"It sounded like Yuu actually wrote your song, beansprout." Lavi commented, sitting on the couch with a bottle of water after doing bow and bow from the clapping fans. "Right, Yuu?"
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!"
"Hey, calm down, you two." Daisya said, shaking his head in fake dismay.
"Cram it!" I shout, pointing my white bow at him.
"Ooooh, how scary. Ha, a scary beansprout!"
"I'll show ya scary. Come here, fool!"
"Geez, Louise, chill Allen." Chomesuke interjected.
I put the violin away, handing Lavi the other songs I wrote. I listen to the others talk about school, and that we are finally losing that stupid wanna-be-charge-jackass-Leverrier. He's going back to the administry building and hopefully never to return again. It was kind of funny, though. You want to know why? This is why.
"Isn't it great?" Lavi cheered.
"Yeah, I heard Komui even got the vice principal seat." Krory said.
Lenalee nodded in confirmation.
"But it's that the head of the Noah family who is taking the authority of our school now." Kanda added.
"He can't be that bad. I mean, the only bad thing about the Noah family is that they all strive for attention. When they don't... they act out of line." I mumble, earning many slanted eyes. "Don't give me those looks. I know exactly what they are thinking. I'm just a little angry at them for what they did to Lenalee, and the other bumbling idiots I generously offered assistance to. I think they'd make great friends if we get to know them."
"Allen, we love ya, you're innocent-sort of-naive, and gullible, but dude, open your eyes. Some people aren't-"
"What they seem to be. Need I remind you exactly who you're talking to? I used to be a gang leader who practically ruled over an entire city!" I shout, getting angry fast, and I'm not sure why. I slap my face, too, when I realized what I said. "Aw, shit."
"You were a gang leader?" Everyone, but Kanda and Marie shouted in my face.
I scowl, slamming the violin case shut. I glare at my hands, hoping they would melt away like a burning photo, a stupid dream, but it never does. So I turn around and face them.
"I know how to fight for survival on the streets, but I can't say I'm too proud of it. So yeah, I was a gang leader. I can hold my own in a fight." I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. "If I wanted to I could have... I think I should go home. I said something, and I shouldn't of... and I just..." I grabbed my things, and walked out of the shed.
"Allen! Wait, Allen!"
I jumped off the sidewalk that was like a foot higher than the cracked road. I turn my head around to stare at my friends. I'm going to be staying here for a long time...
"Everyone will find out eventually. It doesn't bother me that you know, it bothers me that it's true, it's actually what I did." I said simply.
"We're not judging you." Daisya said, playing with a soccer ball that had been on the ground. "If we were going to care about judging others, why the hell would we be stuck with Yuu Kanda?"
I stifled a fit of laughter as Kanda glared at the brother, whacking him upside the head. I love this group.
"It sure does explain a lot about your sexy muscles, lover boy." Lavi said with a hum, making me feel... weird. It didn't help that he was start to pull my shirt up to show everyone. I blush, trying to back away, but I had my hands tied at the moment. "Mhmmm-mhmmm-mmmmmmh! What a gorgeous physique you have! I'mma jealous of ya, Lena."
"Kn-knock it off!" I shout, embarrassed.
Lavi let go of my shirt, letting it drop back down to where it was supposed to be. I try and hold a glare, but I fail to do so. I just turned my head away from everyone, flushed as the others laugh. So I guess Lavi is gay...? But he seems to have a keen interest for Chomesuke.
"I gotta go home. I have something to do tomorrow. I'll be out of school for the rest of the week, so..." I huff, heaving another sigh, thinking about how much I don't want to go. "I won't be coming to practice or doing anything."
"What's the occasion?" Miranda curiously asked, making me smile when she doesn't stammer, but frown later after realizing what she asked. "SORRY! You don't have to answer if yo-"
"I have to be tested for drugs, or any possible diseases I could have picked up." I confessed monotoneously.
Everyone gaped at me. I don't know why I told them all, but I thought I-no, believed-I could trust them. Although, Chaoji has been giving me this icy stare, but it softened now and then.
"What do you mean disease?" Lenalee questioned, shooting me with her concerned lavender orbs.
I look at the ground ashamed. It's hard to talk about, even now, but I find it easier to talk about it than before, especially when I have my Lenalee with me. I shake my head. 'Oooh, what am I thinking? Lenalee is not an object of lust! She is not an item I own. She's my girlfriend, but that doesn't mean I own her... Though I don't mind if she thinks she owns me...'
"Every so often I have to be tested to make sure I'm not on drugs anymore, and that I'm not back on them after quitting. It's a requirement made by the state of New York. If I don't do it then I'll be taken away and sent to a home or a juvy facility." I paused, my eyes slanting slightly out of aggravation and disturbance. "The same if I'm caught on drugs, and because I did do drugs, they have to test me for a possible disease I could have caught from the drugs since I was so young when I was on them... The same goes for a fight or similar gang activities. I was so bad that the state got fed up with me and laid down all the rules... I did many bad things, so many that if I make another one, just one mistake, then I'm in trouble, and so is my Father and Uncle for not being able to 'keep me on my leash' according to the damn judge."
"Sounds hard." Marie uttered.
"Which part? Fighting the damn government to let me stay out of the home with barbarians that will only make my situation worse and change me back, or resisting the damn drugs that my mind got so addicted to because I got jumped when a gang fight started and I got separated from my guardians?" I snorted, a low growl in my throat. I hate that place. I hate those people. They all peered at me like I was a monster, and I bet they still will if they saw me again. I can't stop thinking about all the people I dragged into my problem, too. "Then there's also the fact that if I return to that damn city I would have to avoid certain streets and people. If my old gang spots me, well..." I scowl at this thought. "They will kill me, or try at least."
"Why would they do that?" Chaoji asked.
"Because you're not allowed to leave a gang. Once you join, you're in forever. That's the golden rule. If you decide to quit you better be prepared for pain. You'd be lucky to live in the end." I scoff, closing my eyes to see my hands covered in blood from a distant memory. "I was so cruel... I had made that rule. I warned everyone who joined us that if they decide to quit, they better be ready to die. Thus, no one every quit unless they were sent to jail or died in a gang fight." I feel Lenalee's hand on my back, rubbing it for comfort. "I never deserved the life I have now."
"You're wrong, Allen." Lavi interjected, hitting my head. "Like you said, you were jumped. It was the drugs messing with ya. Then if you were around those kind of people after so long, you do what you can to survive, even if you are defiant against the law. Remember, you're naive, bud. You didn't understand then, but you do now. So if ya try the drugs ever again I'll creae the next world war. Kanda and I will kick your ass."
Lavi ruffles my hair, grinning and laughing. I think I'm going to cry. What did I ever do to deserve them? To deserve my Lenalee? To deserve my friends? To deserve this band?
"Now, y'all ain't going to spit these facts out to anyone, ain't that right?" Lavi said, staring at the others.
One by one they nodded and agreed. I smiled, I've been doing that a lot lately. Not my fake smiles, but real smiles that I haven't been used to in years.
"Thanks guys, but um... Lenalee?" I mumble sheepishly. She looks at me earnestly. "I was wondering if you would come with me? I don't want to go by myself again. You'll miss school and all, but... I really don't like it there..."
"Why didn't ya just say so? I'll come. I will talk to Komui." Lenalee said and she kissed my cheek. "When are we leaving?"
"About five in the morning. It's a long drive, but I will be driving since I got my license last month. I know where we're going." I whisper.
"We're going to come, too." Lavi said, raising his hand and poking Kanda. "Can we?"
"Tch, you three can go by yourselves."
"You're real caring, you know that?" Lavi snarled.
"Why would I want to spend a day with you and Moyashi?" Kanda inquired crossly.
"Because you'll miss school?" Lavi responded simply, shrugging. "Get away from your stalking fangirls? Concentrate on music? I dunno..."
"It will be days of school. We won't get back until Friday, we'll be staying in a hotel." I explain, rubbing my forehead. "I have many tests to go through, and I have to stay to get the results, and then some... What a pain."
"Serious? Oh hell yeah, I'm coming. Unless... you two want some privacy?" Lavi smirked, leaning forward with his hands on his hips. "Yeah?"
"Lavi!" I hiss.
"Oh, I ruined your plan?"
"I just... Ooooooh, I'm going to kill you!" I yelled, dropping my stuff and chasing him around so I can choke him. "Dammit, Lavi! I'm not as perverted as you!"
The violin song I had in mind was indeed "Romeo and Juliet" by André Rieu-I recommend you guys check it out if you love love songs, classicals, violins, tender harmony, etc., because it's beautiful! The second sound is a nice rock songs with the violin: "Down and Out" by Tantric. Amazing song if you like that kind of music.
Thanks for the reviews peeps! Over a hundred! THANK YOU! Please continue to review, and I'll continue to write. Have a nice day.
~ Anon ~