Oi, been a long time, eh? I got stuck on this chapter, but kept writing and
finally decided to merge together two chapters. Thus, you get this new
chapter ^^ It may be a bit rough, but it's all I've been able to come up
with. Thanks for waiting!
Warnings: OOC-ness, shounen ai
Disclaimer: Don't own em, plain and simple.
--------------------
Rei raised his head as Max and Tyson ran into the music room. The two musicians were talking quietly, large grins on both their faces. The Chinese boy smiled, shaking his raven-haired head wistfully.
"Max got what he wanted for Christmas." Emily murmured as she passed. "How'd you make out Rei?"
"Uh . . .." The baritone player blushed. "I didn't talk to him."
"What? Why not?"
Rei's blush deepened as Kai entered the room. Emily trained her gaze on the Japanese youth and sighed.
"We'll leave this, for now." The red head stalked off to the flute section, raising an eyebrow at Kenny as she passed him. "What happened to your clarinet?"
Dizzy giggled. "His mother decided it needed to be cleaned."
"It looks like you twisted it around a pole." snapped Emily. "How do you expect to play?"
"Honestly, it's not my fault! She left it in a tub of boiling hot water!" A worried look crossed Kenny's face. "What will I tell the teacher?"
"Aw . . . " Dizzy looked sympathetically at the boy. "Poor Kenny. I'm sure there's another instrument around." Then she burst into a fit of giggles, one hand covering her mouth and the other tucked around her French horn.
"Give me a break." Emily muttered as she continued on to the flute section. "Everyone in this room is crazy."
The girl stopped in her tracks then, eyes focusing on a smirking tenor saxophone player in her path.
"Everyone, Emily?"
"Hello Lee. Looking for Mariah?"
"Yes I am. I called her last night and reminded her of practice, but I think she forgot."
"Too bad for her. She's probably in bed still, dreaming of Rei."
Lee's eyes narrowed. "Do you have to bring *that* up. Mariah has no idea what Rei is really like."
"You're right," Emily replied. "She doesn't. Guess someone will have to tell her."
Emily went to go around Lee, when the boy laid a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't, Emily. Let Rei tell her."
"Hmpf."
Sighing as the girl passed, Lee shook his head. Emily did have one point; someone needed to tell Mariah. Maybe he would have to . . .
"Am I late?!" At that moment who should run into the room but Mariah, worry filling her wide eyes.
Lee smirked and crossed his arms. "No, you're right on time Mariah."
The girl let out a relieved breath, plopping down in her chair. "Rei! Hi!" She called, waving her arms and grinning.
The Chinese boy gave her a small smile, quickly turning to find his baritone.
"So, Mariah, why were you running late?" Lee asked in an attempt to bring her attention back to him.
"Huh? Oh, I slept in. I was up late practicing last night. I totally forgot we had to learn a new piece!"
"Mariah, I reminded you every da-"
"Rei! Did you practice the new piece?" Mariah had jumped from her chair and was now standing beside the flustered baritone player. She didn't notice Kai standing on the Chinese boy's other side, or the fact that she had interrupted their quiet conversation.
"Yes, Mariah, I did."
"Isn't it hard? The notes are too high for me."
"Uh huh."
"I hope no one else can play it. I'd be so embarrassed if I was the only one . . . "
"Sit down Mariah." Kai glared at the pink-haired girl, pointing his trombone towards her chair. "I don't think Rei wants to talk with you right now."
"How would you know? Rei, tell him to go away!"
Amber eyes closed as Rei took in a breath. "Mariah, please, go sit down."
"Wha-" The girl's eyes widened slightly, her expression a mirror of her surprise. "But Rei-"
"Now."
"O-okay. I'm sorry Rei . . . "
"Arg." Rei leaned his head against the brick wall, opening a golden orb to glance at Kai. "Sorry about that."
The trombonist replied with a grunt.
"Was I too harsh?"
Again, only a snort from Kai. He gave Rei a level look before moving his gaze away.
The baritone player groaned. "I was. Why can't she understand that I don't want to be more than friends? I've told her a million times."
"So tell her a million and one. Listen, have you seen the slide grease?"
"Yeah, it's over there." Mumbled Rei, raising a finger to point at the shelves. The boy sighed as Kai left and slid into his seat. So much for talking together.
"Morning Rei!" Tyson was grinning from ear to ear, eyes shining happily.
"Morning," replied Rei in a tired tone. "How are things with you and Max?"
"Great! I have to tell you, I was a little surprised at first, but it's all working out. I never really thought of myself as the type, you know?"
"Yes, I know exactly what you mean Tyson."
"I'm so excited for this competition! I practiced my part every day. I even got Maxy's mom to listen to me. She said I sounded good."
"That's great."
A hand rested on Rei's shoulder. The Chinese musician cast his gaze back, meeting Kai's crimson eyes. The other's expression was enough of a message. Rei nodded his head, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"I'm fine, I'm fine." He murmured.
"Are you sure?"
"Mmm, yeah. Just a little tired I guess." Shooting Kai a small smile, Rei lifted his baritone off the ground.
The trombone player didn't seem satisfied with the answer, but nodded anyways and headed back to his seat. Tyson let out a whistle.
"Kai, worried about someone other than himself? You must feel honored Rei."
"Uh . . . " Rei fought down a blush. "Kai and I are good friends, Tyson." The words sounded lame, even to Rei's own ears. Tyson raised an eyebrow and Rei blurted out the first thing on his mind. "Hey, what do you think of bar 70 . . .?"
*****
Over the next few weeks, the musicians put in long practice hours as the day of the concert neared. Bus and accommodations taken care of, Judy's sole stress was tweaking the group of student players. She was amazed at how quickly they improved, but it was a pleasant surprise. And finally, the day they left for the concert arrived.
Kai was settled in the corner of the bus's back seat, his head bent over his work. Crimson eyes carefully scanned the music before him. The slate haired teen thought for a moment, than began writing on a page of staff paper.
"Kai?"
Head shooting up, Kai was met with Rei's warm smile. The Japanese boy slammed shut the folder with his work, raising an inquisitive eyebrow at the baritone player.
"Do you mind if I sit here?"
"Hn. No." The trombonist turned in his seat to stare blankly out the window. Rei rolled his eyes and sat down. Typical Kai, but that's what he loved about his mysterious friend.
They sat in silence for a while, Rei watching the band load the bus. It would take two buses to get them to their weekend destination because of all the luggage they needed. Most of the bus seats were crammed with suitcases and instruments; Rei could spot his baritone a few rows up.
The Chinese boy let his gaze flicker to the silent youth beside him, and he gently touched Kai's arm. The other jumped as if he had just touched venom. Rei frowned.
"Is something wrong, Kai? You seem really anxious."
"I'm fine." Kai murmured in a low tone. He glared at Rei's hand, holding his folder closer.
"Are you worried about the competition?" Tried Rei, ignoring the look his hand received.
"No." Kai paused, his burgundy orbs raising to meet Rei's gaze. "Are you?"
"What?" Rei blinked, cocking his head in surprise. "Am I worried about the competition?"
The slate haired trombonist gave a nod, his expression remaining blank. Rei let out a sheepish chuckle as a small grin spread across his face.
"Kind of. I'm scared I'll screw up and blow it for everyone. We've all worked so hard . . . " Trailing off, the Chinese boy shook his head. "But it's not the end of the world, is it? If I screw up, I'll just have to face the wrath of my angry musicians."
"You won't screw up." Kai stated flatly. "And if you do, those nerds have no right to be angry with you. I hear them mess up all the time."
Chuckling softly, Rei smiled at his friend. "But the perfect trombonist would never screw up." The raven-haired youth joked. He winked at Kai, causing the boy to flush and turn away.
"I never said I was perfect. People have no right to assume that."
Blinking again, Rei felt his jaw drop slightly. "But, I thought that was what you wanted. You always act like you want people to think you're perfect, and you do so well in everything. That, and you hardly talk to anyone . . ."
"So you think I'm a obnoxious rich kid, who feels he's too good to hang out with you?" Kai snapped in reply.
"No, I-"
Kai snorted and leaned his head against the windowpane. His burgundy eyes scanned the area outside, a defiant look mirrored in the red depths. A sheet of paper slid from the folder, landing on the seat. Rei gingerly lifted it, his expression softening.
"You compose?"
The dark-haired boy let his fingers brush over the page, softly humming the tune he read. Rei met Kai's gaze and smiled before handing over the music. The Japanese youth fought down an embarrassed blush, shoving the paper back into his folder.
"It's the only thing I've ever composed." Kai mumbled as an excuse.
Rei looked genuinely interested. "When did you write it? Was it hard? What did you call it?"
A faint smiled tugged at the corners of Kai's lips. Rei was leaning closer to him, one hand perched on Kai's shoulder.
"I called it, Musical Feelings."
*****
Emily rolled her eyes, glaring at Max and Tyson, who sat in front of her.
"You two sound like a couple of love sick puppies. Can we focus here?"
Max blushed and nodded, blond hair falling in his eyes. Tyson made a face and stuck out his tongue.
"They look just fine, Emily. Look, Rei even got Kai to talk." The trumpet player pointed out. "Can we quit playing match maker now? I'm trying to focus on my Maxy."
"Emily's just upset that Michael isn't in band." Max said with a sly grin. "I bet if he was, we'd be telling her to focus."
The two boys laughed as Emily blushed bright red. Mariah glanced over and shot the redhead a glare, her eyes darting back to where Rei sat.
"This is important." Emily snapped in a low voice. "Rei needs to tell Mariah to get lost, and he needs to tell Kai how he feels!"
Tyson yawned, wrapping an arm around Max's waist. "Bo~ring. Emily, why the sudden interest in Rei's love life? He knows Kai isn't the most compassionate guy around, and will tell him when he is good and ready. Not when you decide they need to confess."
"I'm doing this for their own good!" Emily shot back. She began bickering with Tyson, causing Max to groan and sit deeper in his seat.
"Emily, maybe Tyson's right." The percussionist finally said. Tyson grinned triumphantly while Emily narrowed her eyes.
"Excuse me, Max?"
"Maybe we shouldn't interfere with Rei and Kai's relationship. Tyson brought up a good point, Kai isn't exactly your average guy and Rei knows that. We should let them do things their way. We all know Rei cares about Kai, and its pretty obvious that Kai has some feelings for Rei. I think we just need to be supportive and stop pushing them together."
Emily was quiet for a minute. Her eyes drifted to the pair at the back of the bus, then to the couple before her. "Fine, we'll try it your way. However, I am not saying Tyson is right, I still think they'll need our help. At the same time, it will be interesting to see what happens during the course of the weekend . . . " The red-haired girl grew silent again. She gazed around the school bus and took in everything she saw. Rei and Kai talking quietly, Tyson and Max waiting for her to continue, Kenny flipping out on Dizzy as the girl held his clarinet hostage, Lee staring at Mariah . . . "Oh my, that is an interesting twist."
"What? What's an interesting twist?" Tyson demanded.
Emily waved a hand at him and grinned slowly. "Very interesting indeed."
"Emily, what are you talking about!" Max laughed at his boyfriend's annoyance, following Emily's gaze.
"There's a new twist in the game, Tyson." Emily stated. "It seems someone has feelings for Mariah . . ."
*****
Kai frowned as he stared out the hotel window later that night, deep in thought. Held tightly in his hand was his composition, the page wrinkling in his grasp.
"This isn't working." The blue-haired boy murmured. Kai's eyes darted over to Rei's bed as he heard the Chinese boy yawn, the small bed groaning under his companion's weight.
"Kai?" Golden orbs blinked, a hand rubbing away the sleep. "What are you doing? It's the middle of the night." The longhaired boy's eyes rested on the page in Kai's hand, a look of understanding appearing. Rei rose from his bed and walked over to Kai, urging the piece out of Kai's iron grip. "Did you get stuck?" The dark-haired boy asked after a moment.
"Yeah. It's- it's harder than I thought, writing music." Kai admitted. "In my mind, I know what I want to write, but it doesn't seem to make it onto the page."
"Well," Rei stated knowingly, "that's the problem right there." The boy sat on the floor, his legs spread in a 'V'. He set Kai's work between his legs and mused silently before turning his gaze back on his friend. "Music doesn't come from your brain."
Kai raised an eyebrow, folding his arms across his chest. He allowed his eyes to trail over the other boy who sat before him. Rei wore old clothes for sleep ware; blue shorts and a baggy white T-shirt. The boy's hair was no longer wrapped, but still pulled into a ponytail, which spilled onto the floor.
"Music comes from in here," Rei said softly. His eyes were focused back on the pages before him, his hands pressed against the area where his heart was located. "Music isn't like science, or math," The Chinese boy continued. "Music is communicating your emotions."
'That's what I was trying to do.' Kai thought bitterly. 'I was trying to write my emotions on paper. I was trying to figure out how I feel about you. It didn't work. I'm more confused then before.' The slate haired teen let out a sigh, alerting Rei's attention. Getting to his feet, Rei stared at Kai in confusion.
"What? Did I say something wrong?"
The slate-haired boy slowly shook his head. "No, you didn't say anything wrong." Kai bent over to retrieve his composition, then walked over to his bed. The boy slipped under the covers, only to realize Rei still stood by the window. His golden orbs held a forlorn expression as he stared intently at the carpet. Kai found himself frowning at the sight. "Rei?"
"Hm?" The Chinese boy raised his head, all emotions sinking back beneath the surface. "Oh, sorry. You probably want to get back to sleep." Rei pulled the curtains shut and headed for his own bed. Pulling the covers over his body, the teen smiled at Kai. "Don't let it bother you, your composition. I'm sure it will turn out fine." Stretching lazily, the Chinese boy then curled up and let out a sleepy murmur of "night Kai." The soft breathing patterns that soon sounded through the room told Kai that his friend was asleep.
The Japanese youth pulled his gaze away to the ceiling, and then closed his eyes. Rei's words echoed in his mind, mingling with the angry voice of his grandfather. Two different people, two different views on music. The voices then faded and Kai fell into a dreamless slumber.
--------------
TBC
Warnings: OOC-ness, shounen ai
Disclaimer: Don't own em, plain and simple.
--------------------
Rei raised his head as Max and Tyson ran into the music room. The two musicians were talking quietly, large grins on both their faces. The Chinese boy smiled, shaking his raven-haired head wistfully.
"Max got what he wanted for Christmas." Emily murmured as she passed. "How'd you make out Rei?"
"Uh . . .." The baritone player blushed. "I didn't talk to him."
"What? Why not?"
Rei's blush deepened as Kai entered the room. Emily trained her gaze on the Japanese youth and sighed.
"We'll leave this, for now." The red head stalked off to the flute section, raising an eyebrow at Kenny as she passed him. "What happened to your clarinet?"
Dizzy giggled. "His mother decided it needed to be cleaned."
"It looks like you twisted it around a pole." snapped Emily. "How do you expect to play?"
"Honestly, it's not my fault! She left it in a tub of boiling hot water!" A worried look crossed Kenny's face. "What will I tell the teacher?"
"Aw . . . " Dizzy looked sympathetically at the boy. "Poor Kenny. I'm sure there's another instrument around." Then she burst into a fit of giggles, one hand covering her mouth and the other tucked around her French horn.
"Give me a break." Emily muttered as she continued on to the flute section. "Everyone in this room is crazy."
The girl stopped in her tracks then, eyes focusing on a smirking tenor saxophone player in her path.
"Everyone, Emily?"
"Hello Lee. Looking for Mariah?"
"Yes I am. I called her last night and reminded her of practice, but I think she forgot."
"Too bad for her. She's probably in bed still, dreaming of Rei."
Lee's eyes narrowed. "Do you have to bring *that* up. Mariah has no idea what Rei is really like."
"You're right," Emily replied. "She doesn't. Guess someone will have to tell her."
Emily went to go around Lee, when the boy laid a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't, Emily. Let Rei tell her."
"Hmpf."
Sighing as the girl passed, Lee shook his head. Emily did have one point; someone needed to tell Mariah. Maybe he would have to . . .
"Am I late?!" At that moment who should run into the room but Mariah, worry filling her wide eyes.
Lee smirked and crossed his arms. "No, you're right on time Mariah."
The girl let out a relieved breath, plopping down in her chair. "Rei! Hi!" She called, waving her arms and grinning.
The Chinese boy gave her a small smile, quickly turning to find his baritone.
"So, Mariah, why were you running late?" Lee asked in an attempt to bring her attention back to him.
"Huh? Oh, I slept in. I was up late practicing last night. I totally forgot we had to learn a new piece!"
"Mariah, I reminded you every da-"
"Rei! Did you practice the new piece?" Mariah had jumped from her chair and was now standing beside the flustered baritone player. She didn't notice Kai standing on the Chinese boy's other side, or the fact that she had interrupted their quiet conversation.
"Yes, Mariah, I did."
"Isn't it hard? The notes are too high for me."
"Uh huh."
"I hope no one else can play it. I'd be so embarrassed if I was the only one . . . "
"Sit down Mariah." Kai glared at the pink-haired girl, pointing his trombone towards her chair. "I don't think Rei wants to talk with you right now."
"How would you know? Rei, tell him to go away!"
Amber eyes closed as Rei took in a breath. "Mariah, please, go sit down."
"Wha-" The girl's eyes widened slightly, her expression a mirror of her surprise. "But Rei-"
"Now."
"O-okay. I'm sorry Rei . . . "
"Arg." Rei leaned his head against the brick wall, opening a golden orb to glance at Kai. "Sorry about that."
The trombonist replied with a grunt.
"Was I too harsh?"
Again, only a snort from Kai. He gave Rei a level look before moving his gaze away.
The baritone player groaned. "I was. Why can't she understand that I don't want to be more than friends? I've told her a million times."
"So tell her a million and one. Listen, have you seen the slide grease?"
"Yeah, it's over there." Mumbled Rei, raising a finger to point at the shelves. The boy sighed as Kai left and slid into his seat. So much for talking together.
"Morning Rei!" Tyson was grinning from ear to ear, eyes shining happily.
"Morning," replied Rei in a tired tone. "How are things with you and Max?"
"Great! I have to tell you, I was a little surprised at first, but it's all working out. I never really thought of myself as the type, you know?"
"Yes, I know exactly what you mean Tyson."
"I'm so excited for this competition! I practiced my part every day. I even got Maxy's mom to listen to me. She said I sounded good."
"That's great."
A hand rested on Rei's shoulder. The Chinese musician cast his gaze back, meeting Kai's crimson eyes. The other's expression was enough of a message. Rei nodded his head, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"I'm fine, I'm fine." He murmured.
"Are you sure?"
"Mmm, yeah. Just a little tired I guess." Shooting Kai a small smile, Rei lifted his baritone off the ground.
The trombone player didn't seem satisfied with the answer, but nodded anyways and headed back to his seat. Tyson let out a whistle.
"Kai, worried about someone other than himself? You must feel honored Rei."
"Uh . . . " Rei fought down a blush. "Kai and I are good friends, Tyson." The words sounded lame, even to Rei's own ears. Tyson raised an eyebrow and Rei blurted out the first thing on his mind. "Hey, what do you think of bar 70 . . .?"
*****
Over the next few weeks, the musicians put in long practice hours as the day of the concert neared. Bus and accommodations taken care of, Judy's sole stress was tweaking the group of student players. She was amazed at how quickly they improved, but it was a pleasant surprise. And finally, the day they left for the concert arrived.
Kai was settled in the corner of the bus's back seat, his head bent over his work. Crimson eyes carefully scanned the music before him. The slate haired teen thought for a moment, than began writing on a page of staff paper.
"Kai?"
Head shooting up, Kai was met with Rei's warm smile. The Japanese boy slammed shut the folder with his work, raising an inquisitive eyebrow at the baritone player.
"Do you mind if I sit here?"
"Hn. No." The trombonist turned in his seat to stare blankly out the window. Rei rolled his eyes and sat down. Typical Kai, but that's what he loved about his mysterious friend.
They sat in silence for a while, Rei watching the band load the bus. It would take two buses to get them to their weekend destination because of all the luggage they needed. Most of the bus seats were crammed with suitcases and instruments; Rei could spot his baritone a few rows up.
The Chinese boy let his gaze flicker to the silent youth beside him, and he gently touched Kai's arm. The other jumped as if he had just touched venom. Rei frowned.
"Is something wrong, Kai? You seem really anxious."
"I'm fine." Kai murmured in a low tone. He glared at Rei's hand, holding his folder closer.
"Are you worried about the competition?" Tried Rei, ignoring the look his hand received.
"No." Kai paused, his burgundy orbs raising to meet Rei's gaze. "Are you?"
"What?" Rei blinked, cocking his head in surprise. "Am I worried about the competition?"
The slate haired trombonist gave a nod, his expression remaining blank. Rei let out a sheepish chuckle as a small grin spread across his face.
"Kind of. I'm scared I'll screw up and blow it for everyone. We've all worked so hard . . . " Trailing off, the Chinese boy shook his head. "But it's not the end of the world, is it? If I screw up, I'll just have to face the wrath of my angry musicians."
"You won't screw up." Kai stated flatly. "And if you do, those nerds have no right to be angry with you. I hear them mess up all the time."
Chuckling softly, Rei smiled at his friend. "But the perfect trombonist would never screw up." The raven-haired youth joked. He winked at Kai, causing the boy to flush and turn away.
"I never said I was perfect. People have no right to assume that."
Blinking again, Rei felt his jaw drop slightly. "But, I thought that was what you wanted. You always act like you want people to think you're perfect, and you do so well in everything. That, and you hardly talk to anyone . . ."
"So you think I'm a obnoxious rich kid, who feels he's too good to hang out with you?" Kai snapped in reply.
"No, I-"
Kai snorted and leaned his head against the windowpane. His burgundy eyes scanned the area outside, a defiant look mirrored in the red depths. A sheet of paper slid from the folder, landing on the seat. Rei gingerly lifted it, his expression softening.
"You compose?"
The dark-haired boy let his fingers brush over the page, softly humming the tune he read. Rei met Kai's gaze and smiled before handing over the music. The Japanese youth fought down an embarrassed blush, shoving the paper back into his folder.
"It's the only thing I've ever composed." Kai mumbled as an excuse.
Rei looked genuinely interested. "When did you write it? Was it hard? What did you call it?"
A faint smiled tugged at the corners of Kai's lips. Rei was leaning closer to him, one hand perched on Kai's shoulder.
"I called it, Musical Feelings."
*****
Emily rolled her eyes, glaring at Max and Tyson, who sat in front of her.
"You two sound like a couple of love sick puppies. Can we focus here?"
Max blushed and nodded, blond hair falling in his eyes. Tyson made a face and stuck out his tongue.
"They look just fine, Emily. Look, Rei even got Kai to talk." The trumpet player pointed out. "Can we quit playing match maker now? I'm trying to focus on my Maxy."
"Emily's just upset that Michael isn't in band." Max said with a sly grin. "I bet if he was, we'd be telling her to focus."
The two boys laughed as Emily blushed bright red. Mariah glanced over and shot the redhead a glare, her eyes darting back to where Rei sat.
"This is important." Emily snapped in a low voice. "Rei needs to tell Mariah to get lost, and he needs to tell Kai how he feels!"
Tyson yawned, wrapping an arm around Max's waist. "Bo~ring. Emily, why the sudden interest in Rei's love life? He knows Kai isn't the most compassionate guy around, and will tell him when he is good and ready. Not when you decide they need to confess."
"I'm doing this for their own good!" Emily shot back. She began bickering with Tyson, causing Max to groan and sit deeper in his seat.
"Emily, maybe Tyson's right." The percussionist finally said. Tyson grinned triumphantly while Emily narrowed her eyes.
"Excuse me, Max?"
"Maybe we shouldn't interfere with Rei and Kai's relationship. Tyson brought up a good point, Kai isn't exactly your average guy and Rei knows that. We should let them do things their way. We all know Rei cares about Kai, and its pretty obvious that Kai has some feelings for Rei. I think we just need to be supportive and stop pushing them together."
Emily was quiet for a minute. Her eyes drifted to the pair at the back of the bus, then to the couple before her. "Fine, we'll try it your way. However, I am not saying Tyson is right, I still think they'll need our help. At the same time, it will be interesting to see what happens during the course of the weekend . . . " The red-haired girl grew silent again. She gazed around the school bus and took in everything she saw. Rei and Kai talking quietly, Tyson and Max waiting for her to continue, Kenny flipping out on Dizzy as the girl held his clarinet hostage, Lee staring at Mariah . . . "Oh my, that is an interesting twist."
"What? What's an interesting twist?" Tyson demanded.
Emily waved a hand at him and grinned slowly. "Very interesting indeed."
"Emily, what are you talking about!" Max laughed at his boyfriend's annoyance, following Emily's gaze.
"There's a new twist in the game, Tyson." Emily stated. "It seems someone has feelings for Mariah . . ."
*****
Kai frowned as he stared out the hotel window later that night, deep in thought. Held tightly in his hand was his composition, the page wrinkling in his grasp.
"This isn't working." The blue-haired boy murmured. Kai's eyes darted over to Rei's bed as he heard the Chinese boy yawn, the small bed groaning under his companion's weight.
"Kai?" Golden orbs blinked, a hand rubbing away the sleep. "What are you doing? It's the middle of the night." The longhaired boy's eyes rested on the page in Kai's hand, a look of understanding appearing. Rei rose from his bed and walked over to Kai, urging the piece out of Kai's iron grip. "Did you get stuck?" The dark-haired boy asked after a moment.
"Yeah. It's- it's harder than I thought, writing music." Kai admitted. "In my mind, I know what I want to write, but it doesn't seem to make it onto the page."
"Well," Rei stated knowingly, "that's the problem right there." The boy sat on the floor, his legs spread in a 'V'. He set Kai's work between his legs and mused silently before turning his gaze back on his friend. "Music doesn't come from your brain."
Kai raised an eyebrow, folding his arms across his chest. He allowed his eyes to trail over the other boy who sat before him. Rei wore old clothes for sleep ware; blue shorts and a baggy white T-shirt. The boy's hair was no longer wrapped, but still pulled into a ponytail, which spilled onto the floor.
"Music comes from in here," Rei said softly. His eyes were focused back on the pages before him, his hands pressed against the area where his heart was located. "Music isn't like science, or math," The Chinese boy continued. "Music is communicating your emotions."
'That's what I was trying to do.' Kai thought bitterly. 'I was trying to write my emotions on paper. I was trying to figure out how I feel about you. It didn't work. I'm more confused then before.' The slate haired teen let out a sigh, alerting Rei's attention. Getting to his feet, Rei stared at Kai in confusion.
"What? Did I say something wrong?"
The slate-haired boy slowly shook his head. "No, you didn't say anything wrong." Kai bent over to retrieve his composition, then walked over to his bed. The boy slipped under the covers, only to realize Rei still stood by the window. His golden orbs held a forlorn expression as he stared intently at the carpet. Kai found himself frowning at the sight. "Rei?"
"Hm?" The Chinese boy raised his head, all emotions sinking back beneath the surface. "Oh, sorry. You probably want to get back to sleep." Rei pulled the curtains shut and headed for his own bed. Pulling the covers over his body, the teen smiled at Kai. "Don't let it bother you, your composition. I'm sure it will turn out fine." Stretching lazily, the Chinese boy then curled up and let out a sleepy murmur of "night Kai." The soft breathing patterns that soon sounded through the room told Kai that his friend was asleep.
The Japanese youth pulled his gaze away to the ceiling, and then closed his eyes. Rei's words echoed in his mind, mingling with the angry voice of his grandfather. Two different people, two different views on music. The voices then faded and Kai fell into a dreamless slumber.
--------------
TBC