Standard Disclaimer: You know the drill. They're not mine, wish they were, etc.
Warnings: Shonen ai hints
[blah] = thoughts
Renaissance
By skyprincess
Chapter 5:
The pair of boys climbed into the teal jeep, and sped out of the parking lot. Duo had left the top off, and the wind ruffled their hair as the vehicle rushed down the interstate. Before long, they were seated in a familiar booth at Quatre's favorite café. After perusing the menu for about a nanosecond, Duo ordered a cheeseburger and a cherry coke. Quatre had his usual deli tuna and raspberry iced tea. They ate and talked, discussing philosophy and literature, movies and video games. Duo learned of a few books he should check out, and Quatre decided to learn more about this "playstation" thing. They split the check, left a healthy tip for Maggie, and headed out. The pair headed down mainstreet chatting and looking in shop windows, with Duo clutching Quatre's arm unconsciously, whenever he got excited. Quatre simply smiled at the gesture.
They approached a music shop, and before Quatre knew what was happening, he was being dragged inside. Wall to wall instruments, music accessories, sheet music, and apparel lay before him. He watched Duo walk up to the counter and talk to the balding man behind it. They seemed to know each other. Duo motioned for Quatre to follow. The blonde walked to the back of the store where Duo was holding a door open. As he entered the dimly lit room, Quatre watched Duo walk past him to a drum set standing near the center of the room. The blonde looked on as Duo climbed into the stool behind the set and adjusted the drums to his reach.
The violet eyes lit on Quatre and winked, "You're not the only one with musical secrets." The braided boy then picked up the drum-sticks, spun them on his finders, and in one fluid motion, brought them onto down onto the instrument. He began with a very modern drum piece. Quatre could only gaze in amazement at the raw power displayed as the sticks flew across the drums and cymbals. Duo's muscles flexed with every motion. Sweat droplets formed on his forehead and dripped down his bangs; glistening under the lamplight. The cotton shirt, dampened by perspiration, clung to every curve of his chest, more to than before.
The American slowed to a soft roll on a snare and Quatre found himself gaping at his friend. Without warning, Duo sped into a loud fast jazz drum solo. The beat worked its way into Quatre penetrating his barriers. It was like a heartbeat in sync with his. Duo's eyes fluttered shut and he adroitly continued the improve piece. The frantic rhythm mesmerized Quatre. It stirred something within him; something primal. . . something he had locked away. He found that as Duo finished the piece taking deep breaths, he was breathing heavily as well. As he stared at the intense gleam I the amethyst eyes his heart raced.
Duo peeled the sweaty shirt from his body and tossed it aside. As Quatre gazed at the gleaming muscular chest, his breath caught in his throat. Duo's lips curled into a mysterious smile. [Mona Lisa eat your heart out.] His husky voice draped the air as it crawled its way across the room to Quatre's ears, "You're not going to let me have all of the fun, are ya, Q?"
Quatre shivered at the natural sensuality of Duo's voice, and fumbled for something to say, before noticing a large object behind Duo. He walked over to the covered item. [How did he do that to me?] There was no dust on the cover, so he yanked it off. [A piano?!] He experimentally tapped a few keys on the upright. [It's in tune . . . must be played regularly.] He stepped behind the instrument and looked at Duo, who winked at him again. His face flushed deep crimson, but it wasn't embarrassment . . . what then? It was . . . it . . . was . . . HOT?! Yes, he felt extremely warm, and he didn't know why. [It must be this silly long-sleeved shirt.]
Duo started a light tempo on a cymbal and watched out of the corner of his eye as Quatre unbuttoned the oxford and removed it, leaving the blonde in his undershirt. [Alright! Q-man's loosening up!]
Quatre cracked his knuckles and let his fingers hover over the keys momentarily, as he soaked up the beat Duo had begun. And the rhythm hit him in the core of his being, deep with in his soul. His fingers sprang into action, glancing off of keys, pumping out a jazz riff that Ella Fitzgerald would be proud of. Blue, jazz, ragtime . . . Quatre let his fingers do the talking, filling the room with the hot, heavy notes. He had never felt so free in his entire life.
Duo silently mused. [Q and I are having a jam session. I don't believe it!] He skillfully followed the blonde pianist matching intricate melody with complex rhythm. They fed off of each other's energy. It was like they were on . . . they knew what the other would do next and followed the lead. Back and forth, back and forth; the momentum built until in a grand exhibition they finished in a climactic finale fit for Broadway, New Orleans, and Chicago, all in one. Both sat there for a moment just breathing, not wanting to break the enchantment that had settled over the small practice room.
Finally, Duo laughed and swung around on the stool, his braid whipping behind him. "Man Q . . . I didn't know you could swing like that!"
Quatre smiled the most genuinely beautiful smile that Duo had ever and replied, "You're not so bad yourself." The boys returned the instruments to their original condition, and retrieved their shirts. Upon exiting the room, they froze in their tracks. The shop lights were out and no one was there. Through windows they saw streetlights shining against the dark sky.
"How long were we in there?" Quatre asked dumbfounded.
"I have not a clue, but there's a note on the counter," Duo picked it up and read aloud, "Do ahead and leave. The door will lock behind you. Great music! Charlie"
Taking in his friend's surprised expression, Duo shrugged and headed for the door. They left the shop discussing those that had made jazz great: Duke Ellington . . . Louis Armstrong . . . Billie Holliday . . . Nat King Cole . . . Without noticing the trip home, a pause in the conversation found them in the parking lot of the school.