Oookay, thank you guys again for your support and understanding! I'm currently on a two-long week vacation -started yesterday, I'm six hours behind schedule right now because of the jet lag-. Anyhow, two fair warnings: one, I hate this chapter. I believe it's my worst one yet, but I couldn't find another way, and I believe I made you wait for too long. And two, the song is in Italian -I think-. However, I could find no true lyrics, so it's basically bullshit and if you speak Italian, I dearly apologize but myself do not, so I couldn't write the true lyrics.
Also, just to appease some fears: I am NOT abandonning this fic. I've come too far, I can't let go now. It wouldn't be fair to all of you, and I seriously can't see myself giving it up.
Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy nowadays. Oh, and there's an important question at the end of this chapter!
Thoughts.
Singing = boy
Singing = girl
Singing = both
Enjoy!
.
.
.
.
The Voice Of A Dreamer
.
.
"Who is it? Who is it?"
"You're more excited than I am, and I'm the one doing the project" I snorted.
Ringo-sensei simply offered a sheepish smile, and I shook my head, before unfolding the little paper on which was written the name of my new partner for the Solo Project.
Camus
"Aaaand I got the Count. Hurray"
"Well, you've worked together before, haven't you?" recalled the pink-haired man, tapping his chin thoughtfully.
"Not exactly" I shoved the paper in my pocket. "We only wrote a song together because we didn't want to end up marrying each other. I don't really mind, but I do admit that I'm kind of worried of how this one will turn out…"
"Well, do your best, Ary-chan!" beamed the cross-dressing Idol. "I'm sure you'll do great as always!"
Great as always, uh? Well, I'll take the compliment.
"Morning guys!"
"Someone's cheerful today" remarked Ren.
"Well, three Solo Projects left, we've got a month and two weeks to prepare for the SSS concert, we're on a serious roll and we're amazing… let's keep this up guys!"
They laughed at my newfound energy. Since yesterday, when Ai and Reiji made up, I had felt pretty damn good. I was in an amazing mood and nothing could bring me down from my happiness cloud, not even our dancing practice.
Yosh, let's give it my all!
I take it back, I'm no longer in a good mood.
I hadn't met with Camus yet, but I was already pissed. As soon as I informed him that it was his turn for the Solo Project, he called back to tell me that I was to come up with a composition and the lyrics, and that he would do the singing. He didn't want to bother with a few meetings, for he was now working on a big movie in which, coincidentally, the song of our Solo Project would be the main soundtrack.
Now, not only did I need to write a song for the stuck-up Count without even him deigning to lift a finger, but it had to fit the movie too.
What a pain…
I had done a few soundtracks before, it wasn't a big deal. However, it was Camus that would be singing, meaning he expected nothing less from perfection. It kind of reminded me of one of my first job, for the model show. The woman had been a perfect nightmare, but I had been able to pass through the cracks in our contract and sing my own song.
Maybe…
As said sooner, Camus expected nothing less than perfection. However, what if the tables were turned? What if, instead of working like crazy until my wrist broke, I was the one expecting perfection?
I compose a melody easy to follow, but write rather hard lyrics. After, I expect him to sing it with the utmost perfection. He'll probably won't manage, understand, and then I'll have him working on the real song.
…
No, too risky. We only have two weeks after all, it'd be a too dangerous gamble. I'll just work with what I have for now and see what to do from there. He had at least the kindness to send me the script of the movie from his character's perspective, so it could be a good start.
…
I'll keep my idea not too far, though.
Just in case.
The character was supposed to be a poet, a dreamer. A talented young man in the arts that craves the recognition of his creations. However, while he did have the looks needed for the role, he lacked the very spirit.
I had invited myself to the rehearsals. They wouldn't start shooting before the end of our Solo Project so as to better adapt the song into the movie, but they still needed to get a few shots here and there. I had been allowed on set, of course, and had settled in a corner, watching everything and noting down some details.
Camus doesn't have the heart of a dreamer. A poet, surely, but not a dreamer. All Idols are artists in their own rights, but not all are dreamers.
And he isn't one.
His acting was amazing, perfect, but he could be even better. And honestly? I kind of wanted to get him back for dumping the whole project on me too. So, without any more hesitation, I thought back to the Plan A I had formulated sooner. What if I composed a song very hard to sing, though not impossible, as previously planned? What if I forced him to get out of his comfort zone? It'd bring out his potential, that was certain, and it would surely help not only his acting, but also his singing and, in fact, his whole Idol life.
Well, I'd better get started, then.
I had a song to compose, but I'd need some help.
Thank God we have an Italian around.
When I came back to the Agency, it was only to find Tomochika and Kassiam cuddling on the couch. Grinning, I silently made my way to them without any noticing my presence.
"BOO!"
They screamed, the boy leapt from the couch while the red-haired girl fell flat on the carpet. Grabbing my sides, I collapsed to my knees, laughing.
"Y-your faces…!" I gasped. "O-oh my god…"
"Ary!" protested my friend, as red as her hair.
"What was that for?" whined the bassist, rubbing his head.
It took me a moment to calm down. When I managed, I got back on my feet, offering a sheepish smile.
"Sorry, couldn't help myself" I apologized. "So, finally together, uh? About damn time too"
"You told him!" accused Tomochika, though there was no venom in her voice.
"Maybe, maybe not~"
"Ary!"
"You know, he told me first" I whispered, though loud enough for him to hear. "He was all red, really flustered, kind of cute too"
"Really?"
"No!" instantly protested the boy, slapping his hand over my mouth.
I licked it, and he pulled away with a disgusted noise.
"Yes!" I then countered. "He-"
Before I could add anything, he grabbed me from behind and started tickling my sides. Without missing a beat, I punched him straight in the guts. He stumbled away with a wince, and I placed an hand over my mouth.
"Shit, sorry" I cringed, amused and feeling bad at the same time. "Reflex?"
"Note to self" he groaned. "No tickling the crazy karate kid"
I rolled my eyes as Tomochika laughed softly.
"Anyway, while I'm really happy for you two, I was wondering if you knew where I could find Damyan, actually" I then remembered why I was here in the first place.
"Damyan?" he repeated, surprised. "Sure. He must be in our room, now. I can show you the way-"
"Nan, I got it" I winked, heading for the door. "Just keep doing whatever you two lovebirds were doing. Nothing nasty, though. We all use this couch, after all"
"Just leave already" Tomochika blushed yet again.
Before I could close the door, though, I looked back inside as they were about to kiss.
"Don't forget protections!"
"Ary!"
Cackling, I ran down the hallway to find Damyan.
The man had accepted to help out with joy, having nothing better to do. And, two days later, we were done. Thanks to the help of the blond pianist, I had managed to successfully traduce the lyrics, and was now on my merry way to present the song to the Count.
When I arrived, I found the man surrounded by many women of the staff.
"Would you want any coffee?"
"You should sit and take a break"
"Here's some water!"
"A muffin?"
"It's so cold here…"
And of course, ever the knight in shining armor, he took off his jacket and –oh, surprise!- placed it on the woman's shoulders with a graceful movement. Instantly, they started swooning again.
In the world, there are fangirls, and there are fangirls.
I really can't stand those.
"Oi, Camus!"
At my voice, he lost his gentlemanly façade and turned around to face me. I offered him the song, and he started going through the papers with a glint I recognized as curiosity in his blue eyes while the fangirls huddled even closer if possible.
"What is this?"
"Your song" I replied on an even tone.
His face didn't change, but I could now see the wariness in his orbs.
"I do not speak Italian"
"I'm not asking you to speak Italian, but to sing Italian" I shrugged. "It is the native language of your character, after all"
"Do you want to fail the Solo Project, Arya?" he asked, more coldly.
"Am I supposed to expect such a result?" I raised an eyebrow. "What, too much of a challenge for the grand Count of Permafrost? You're right, maybe I was expecting too much from you. After all, not everyone can sing such a song. A shame, really. It fitted the movie so well…"
With a dramatic sigh, I took back the papers and spun on my heels, as if leaving.
Five… four… three…
"Are you saying I can't sing it?"
Twoonezero.
Almost.
I faced him yet again, crossing my arms over my chest.
"I'll be honest, Camus: I am convinced you can sing this song with the utmost perfection" I assured. "I wouldn't have composed it otherwise. I believe it is time to up the challenge a bit. That is, if you aren't scared to fully tackle it. I need your answer now. We only have to weeks after all, meaning you cannot go at this half-heartedly. If you're doing this song, you'll have to work for it"
I held his stare for a few seconds, his fangirls now silent and watching everything unfold with anticipation. Then, he gave a bare nod.
"Great!" I beamed at him, giving back the song. "I've already set up a meeting for you and Damyan. He's the one who helped me traduce the lyrics. I'll send all the details on my way out. I'll leave you to it now. See you later!"
Ridiculously satisfied, I then left the set.
Well, that's one thing done.
In the evening, Camus finally joined us, with ten minutes in advance at that.
"Early" commented Damyan, apparently appreciative.
"When early, you are on time. When on time, you are late" the platinum-haired man simply replied, taking a seat. "Arya, are you here to also monitor my progress?"
I could tell he still felt bitter about the whole 'I'm-holier-than-thou' attitude I had showed sooner, which made me grin.
"Not exactly" I answered. "I'm the one who composed such a difficult song. The least I can do is to accompany you in your training"
He nodded, and put the papers I had given him sooner on the table.
"If you would be so kind to traduce those lyrics-"
"Nope" I popped the 'p', leveling his glare with a smile. "You see, there is a reason why I chose Italian. Other than it being the native language of your character, that is. You see, your character is a dreamer. The thing is, you aren't. So, to help you understand the spirit of your character, you are going to learn to think like him"
"Otherwise explained, you won't ever know the meaning of those lyrics, or at least, not before the end of the Solo Project" added Damyan with an easy-going smile. "In the meantime, you will have to feel the song, feel the emotions of your character, be your character and bring out your own understanding of the lyrics"
"You can sing every song to perfection because you understand what you are singing and thus, you are able to mimic the emotions" I pursued. "But this time around, you're not mimicking, not acting. You are feeling. So, up to the task?"
He looked at Damyan and I for a moment, before nodding firmly.
"Very well. When shall we start?"
My grin only widened.
"This is stupid"
"Just play along, would you? I'm trying to help you here"
"Last I've heard, I am your senior" he drawled.
"Details" I waved him off. "Now play, and complain later. You agreed to our terms, right? Then show that you have more determination than that"
He narrowed his eyes at the slight insult, but said no more. Satisfied, I then finished writing my sentence. Then, I folded the paper, letting only the last word appear, before giving it to him.
He read the sole word visible, raised an eyebrow, then sighed before writing down a sentence of his own. Once done, he too folded the paper, and gave it back.
We did the same thing a few times over, until the paper could no longer be folded.
"Alright, let's read our masterpiece" I unfolded everything.
The cat forgot his bag in the tree.
The tree is of an exquisite beauty.
Beauty isn't on the outside.
Outside, the sun is shining brightly.
I didn't bother reading the rest, throwing it in the trashcan.
"That's really boring" I remarked. "Let's start again, but try to put a little more… imagination, in it"
"Are you saying I lack imagination?"
I thought it over for a second.
"… yes"
He made a face, clearly not appreciating my honesty. However, I couldn't help it, really. Camus was a very by-the-book person, always sticking to the rules and respecting each criteria of each contract. However, he needed to move out of the paved paths, expect the unexpected, look underneath the underneath-
I think I should stop watching Naruto for a while.
But the point was still there. In other words, Camus needed to open his mind and learn to go beyond expectations.
Now, I wasn't saying that he was merely satisfied with his work and left it at that. He was a very talented Idol, and I knew more than many how hard he actually worked for each contract. But, merely staying within known grounds wouldn't always work, and he needed to open up to new possibilities.
The man was sharp, I knew he'd understood quickly. He only needed a little push, and our Solo Project was the perfect opportunity for it.
"Okay, let's start again!"
If there was one thing that I discovered while working on the song, it was that Camus wasn't aware that I could hold a high note longer than himself. His face when I sang my part was precious. For once, surprise was clearly written over his features, and I couldn't stop grinning like an idiot for the rest of the day.
Damyan was a great teacher. Seeing as he spent most of his time helping us out, I insisted on paying his services, and managed to convince him that it was a job, merely without a contract.
"So, what do you think?" I asked as the pianist listened to our last recording.
"Marvelous" he assured with a smile. "But he's still lacking it, unfortunately. Are you absolutely positive he will manage?"
"We still have a week left" I replied. "And I know he can. We just need to keep up the pace"
"What more can we do, though? Games have no effect on him, riddles are more logic than imagination, and art just isn't his cup of tea"
I thought for a moment. While Damyan was right, I knew there was still one thing we hadn't tried.
Well, guess it's worth a shot.
"What are we doing here?"
"We're going to read"
We entered the library. I briefly recalled it as the place where we had first met when I arrived at the Agency.
"Read?" he repeated, crossing his arms over his chest. "I am well-read, thank you very much"
"I'm not saying the contrary" I assured. "But this time, I'm the one choosing the book. And I already know which one, at that. Take a seat! You're about to receive some homework"
If it hadn't been Camus before me, I knew the man would have snorted. However, the Count was too refined for such a reaction, and he merely shook his head while obeying my instructions. He had learned better than to object when I was ordering him around. He knew he couldn't win, after all.
Satisfied, I then grabbed the book in my bag, and placed it before him.
"Alice in Wonderland?"
"This book isn't an easy one to read" I said. "Metaphors are hidden between each sentences, and all can possess more than one meaning. You are going to read it, and understand it. Myself am going to ask you questions form time to time. If you can answer every question without a mistake, then it'll mean that you finally understand the goal of the Solo Project we've been working on since last week"
"And what if I can't?"
"Then I can do nothing more for you"
I held his stare without flinching. I was honest once more. If he failed this exercise, then I didn't know what more I could do.
Finally, he nodded his consent, before opening the book and forgetting about my very presence. I hid a smile, going to sit near the window. While it had been brief, I had caught the glint of challenge in his eyes.
I have a good feeling about this.
…
Tche, for once.
"So, how's the project going?"
"Steadily" I shrugged, stretching my arms. "He's making progress, but we're not there yet"
Ranmaru snorted, cracking his knuckles.
"Still can't believe you manage to convince him" he admitted. "Camus' a very strict person, and he doesn't like making decisions when there is incertitude. For him to agree to such a gamble…"
"Meh, I've got a way with people, I guess" I replied, falling in stance. "And honestly? He's got quite the ego. If you tell him he can't do it, then he'll actually do it just to rub it in your face afterwards"
He laughed at that, he too taking a defensive stance, and I smiled. Ever since the incident on the roof, Ranmaru had been much more open with me. We spared together once a week and, while we still teased each other, it was all fun and games. There were no real fights or insults, the both of us still having bitter memories of that night.
Open, eh?
"Anyhow, just remember this: someone's heart is already open for you. All you need to do is to open yours"
I stiffened slightly.
What the hell? Why am I thinking of that at a time like this?
Ugh, weird.
"Ready?" I asked.
"Always, shrimp" he smirked.
"Ass" and I dashed forward, my fist ready to strike.
We passed the next three days on this task. Every time, I barely stopped myself from giggling at the sheer confusion all over his face. As the hours passed by, he ended up relaxing, and thus indulged me with very colorful comments on the story.
Myself had had a hard time reading Alice in Wonderland. I had read it at least six times before finally managing to understand, and I knew very that there were still a lot of meanings I hadn't grasped fully. However, the book forced the readers to think outside of the box if they wished for the story to possess some sense, and thinking outside the box was exactly what Camus needed.
"This is absurd"
I muffled a snort, going over him to see where he was.
"If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?" I read over his shoulder. "Ooh, I like that one. Makes sense to me, if you wonder. But then again, sense is of no matter when nonsense take over, right?"
He offered me a very unimpressed look, and I rolled my eyes.
"Alright, I'll try to explain" I proposed. "I want you… to close your eyes, and think about something. A question, more precisely. A question to which you never found the answer. I don't care what it is, just think about it"
He hesitated a second, before giving in, and closing his eyes. He then gave a slight nod, and I pursued.
"Now, you never found the answer to that question. Logic seems useless, so let's try with nonsense"
"What-"
"The most frivolous answers. The ones that doesn't make any sense, that are barely relatable, if at all. The answers that never even crossed your mind because it was such rubbish, the ones you discarded aside because they're purely nonsense"
We kept silent for a moment. Then, after around a minute or so, I went on.
"Most of the answers you just found are useless. However, if there is a single with which you might be able to connect the dots… you have to broaden your horizons. Don't let you head do all the work. Think outside of the box. It's then, and only then, that you'll understand exactly what a dreamer is. And, along with that, you might be able to understand that peculiar sentence that is so absurd in your eyes"
At the end of our session, we agreed to record again tomorrow. As we parted ways for the evening, though, I could tell he was troubled. I didn't prod, though, knowing it wouldn't do any good and still kind of worried of what might happen, what with the whole Ai/Reiji incident.
Just hope it's not too bad. Maybe I've insisted too much?
Well, what's done is done. I'd see tomorrow if he was still in the same state.
Damyan sent the signal, and Syo and Natsuki started playing. The two blonds had been kind enough to agree to accompany us, while myself played the piano and sang.
soñera con mi fesi vra neha
soñera leste me viv soneha
secro lideño lesu veha
soñera con mi fesi vra neha
meni nohe
His voice is different, I realized, muffling a gasp. He's more relaxed, more… true.
ce sonera sti
co neru sone hisa
co neri sonera
veri soneri
ce soñera
ce vina
con seli
vira sone
virena | viro
ce co ne si
vina
sterli
so nahe
He's different than before. This isn't the same as our other recordings. Whatever happened yesterday, it made him understand. He's finally opening his mind to new possibilities…
so verir
onsi vera
ver sadi
enu chidu
veri
oneiu
soñeri
ginua
coñ eri
onu
du sedi
strade
onedi se onedi
ne
ce soñera | ce sero
ce vina | ne nu
con seli
gera sone
vireña | viro
ce co ne si
vina
sterli
so nahe
His voice carries so many emotions… they aren't mimicked, they're truly his! This is amazing, what could have possibly happened?
soñer vir
on ster pena
ne sadi
enu chidu
veri
co mi iu
ce sonera | soneria
con seli | ce iu
ce sonera | soneria
son
cirena
Well, whatever it was… he discovered in himself the heart of a dreamer, and new horizons now rise for him.
sonera
meni nohe
You did a great job, Camus.
...
Wow, I feel like some sort of proud mom or something. How weird is that? And he's older than me too... well, by one year, but whatever.
"Arya"
"Hm?"
I looked up from my book, curious. We hadn't talk since yesterday's recording, what with him immediately starting on his movie. The Solo Project had once more been a success, Camus newly found inspiration gaining much appreciation from his fans.
"I wished to thank you" his face was as blank as ever, but there was a certain softness in his gaze. "This project allowed me to uncover my potential, which I arrogantly believed I had already achieved to its fullest. Also, thanks to your help, I managed to discover a secret I had long since given up on understanding"
"Secret?" I repeated, a little confused.
His lips twitched in a slight smirk, which instantly disappeared.
"Well, though you have already discovered, somehow, it would seem the mystery surrounding my origins unraveled itself in my mind"
I stilled.
Does this mean…
"I talked with the Queen two days ago, after our little session" he announced, and I then understood that he knew as well. "Who would have thought that the very lady I have served my whole life as a knight is in reality my biological mother? Well, besides you, that is"
"She never told me" I instantly assured. "I realized it when we had that private chat after we convinced her to stop the wedding. How did you know, though?"
"I thought outside of the box, as you said so many times" this time, there was no doubt: he found the situation absolutely hilarious. " I bear no grudge against her or you for holding the secret, for I understand the reasons behind her silence and also know that you aren't one to betray your word"
"That's a relief" I admitted, having feared for a second he might have held it against me. "Though, what's gonna happen now? Is she going to reveal your true status to the rest of the world?"
"We agreed to pursue with our current course of action" he answered. "I shall keep my current tittles and position but, shall the country be in need of a new leader, I will be crowned King until a more suitable person is found to fulfill the role"
"So you can still be an Idol? Sweet" I beamed at him.
"However, you do realize what this means, right?"
I blinked, not really understanding where he was going with that. Then, a certain glint in his eyes that I learned to recognize as amusement shone.
"Well, I am a Prince, as of now. You ought to learn to respect the tittle"
He's joking. Camus is joking? Weird...
Maa, wathever. Guess the stick loosened up a little.
"So what, am I supposed to bow each time you enter the same room as I and praise your very existence day in and day out?" I taunted.
"Why, obviously"
There was a moment of silence, before I broke in a laughing fit while, this time, he didn't hid the small smile dancing on his lips.
Well, that's another job well done. I just hope the last two will go as smoothly.
And this is the 50th chapter! Wow, we've really come a long way, uh?
So, as I said, I'm not a big fan of this chapter, but I wanted to go more in dephts about Camus' character. So, why not this way? Anyhow, what's done it's done, I just hope it wasn't too much of a pain to read.
The song it 'Soñera' by Thomas Bergersen. I love it so much! If you listen to it, you'll probably understand better what exactly happened when they were practicing/singing.
The quote is from Alice in Wonderland, as you all know. Also, I do understand it. Who else does, or doesn't? I'm curious.
FINALLY! I've got a question: I wish to make a little omake, which would consist of a very cliché 'truth or dare' game with STARISH, QUARTET NIGHT and maybe/maybe not HEAVENS and Hearts of Crows. It'd be for shit and giggles, obviously. So, if you're interested, please let me know and, more of all, send me any ideas of TRUTHS or any DARES that you'd like our dear characters to execute. I've got a few of my own but, in this situation, maybe more Ranmaru/Arya fluff would happen, who knows~
Anyway, that's all for now! Thank you guys again for everything and for sticking with me for so long, I'll post the new chapter as soon as I'm done with it, I promise, though it may take some time yet again.
Toddles~! And reviews are love!
