A Showing of True Friendship
Over the next two months, Trunks and Serina had to juggle constant ballet rehearsals, school, both of their music practices, and training. It was becoming hard for both to concentrate on training as the cold bit them profusely. Plus, Serina had her musical debut coming up really soon, that weekend in fact. Trunks was going to it to give her the support. And Trunks' band, Death By Cookie, was offered a try out from an independent record label to record at their studio. (The name sound familiar?) They had heard good things from local clubs who paid the band money. He was aloud to bring one person to the audition. Trunks, of course, was going to invite none other than Serina. Now knowing that his feelings for Serina were real and not just some mediocre thing for some pretty girl, Trunks knew she was the only choice. How he wished he could tell her his feelings. Normally she was the one he could confide to. But he couldn't tell her this. Surly she would reject him. She was better than he was in his own mind. She was too good for him, anyways.
But it wasn't as if he loved her or anything . . .
He let out a small, nervous laugh at the thought. No, no he couldn't be in-
" Trunks, what's so funny?" he heard Serina's voice say. They were at ballet rehearsal that had been held for several grueling hours thanks to Madame Minkaso, and Trunks and Serina were dancing the main part. The ballet was in less than three months, in the beginning of spring. The pressure was on to get the part down.
" No, no, NO! The pada bore comes after the peake, not the other way around!" Madame Minkaso barked out, (My French is horrible, I seriously don't know how to spell the stuff. I don't learn ballet vocabulary in my French class. Très mal, eh?) " Come on, guys, you know I love ya, but you need to concentrate. You're missing the easy stuff! Serina, Trunks, your heads are in the clouds, so please do us all a favor and come back down to earth. And Jenny, I won't even start on you . . ." and on went Madame, who stalked over to the trembling Jenny.
" How can I concentrate when everything is coming up all at once!" Serina confided in Trunks, " And you know, *him." She frowned a bit as she thought deeply.
" Relax, ok, we'll pull through . . . You need a break." He added quickly, " How would you like to go to my concert? I mean, Jake is in it, he plays bass, and Jhin, he plays drums, and I play guitar, I mean it'll be great for you, and I could really use the support."
" Awesome, when is it?" she asked, excitement evident in her voice.
" Um, it's Saturday from eight to eleven." He told her.
Suddenly, Serina's face fell and she looked to the ground.
" This Saturday?" She asked, her voice cracking slightly.
" Yeah, what about it?" he asked, not sure what he did wrong.
" Trunks, please don't tell me you forgot already. I told you about it last week. It's the day of my concert, and I really need you there."
Trunks' eyes widened in remembrance. Of course! How could he have forgotten? She was extremely nervous and had asked him to be there for her. How could he be so stupid?
He looked at Serina, feeling extreme guilt creeping up in the form of a blush on his face. What now?
" I'm sorry, Serina. I'm an idiot. I--I have to go to my concert thing though, it's for an audition for a recording session at a record label. Jake is depending on me. This is a big thing for my band, I have to--"
" Trunks, it's ok, I know this is important to you. I-you don't have to go. It's . . . its no big deal." She said, her gaze still on the floor.
" Serina . . ." he started, but was interrupted by Madame's loud voice.
" Horrible practice, I expect better next time. You're dismissed." She said in a tiered voice.
The people began to file out, rubbing sore muscles and necks, complaining about the practice sessions. The only two who stayed hovered by the door. Serina and Trunks.
" Serina, I am so sorry, I really am." He apologized again. She looked at him for the first time in minutes, her eyes glossing over.
" No, it's all right Trunks. You-you have more important things to do. I can't be selfish." She said, her voice wavering, " This is important to you, I can't make you feel guilty. It's just that . . . I wanted someone to be there, but I can handle it."
" Serina, I can try to make it, I might be a little late, but--"
" No, don't worry about it. I'll come to the beginning of your audition. My concert starts about an hour after yours. I know how important this is for you; I won't ruin your good mood. Good-good luck." She replied as she choked back a sob. She waved to him and walked away. She couldn't say good- bye. If she did, she might have started to cry. She was about to cry over something as stupid as Trunks not being able to make it to her concert?!?! 'I'm so stupid; I can't believe how weak I am! It's just . . . a stupid concert.' She thought sadly as she ran up the stairs, putting as much distance as possible from herself and Trunks.
Meanwhile, Trunks stood where Serina had left him. How could he be so stupid? She was depending on him to be there. And now. . . " I'm an idiot!" He screamed out, his voice booming off of the walls. People stopped to stare at him for a moment. He just sighed and walked away. Self-loathing was written all over his face as he made his way to his dorm. Serina probably wouldn't want to see him at the moment. He walked up the stairs, feeling much more miserable than before.
**************************************************************************** **********************
The next night, the night of the concerts, Serina was driving Trunks to his audition. He tried to say he could get there on his own, but Serina heard no word of it.
" It's your first real audition!" she had told him, putting on a fake smile that Trunks saw right through, " I have to do this. I want to help."
The pair walked in, Trunks shaking slightly from the nervousness. Serina grabbed his tremulous hand and looked up at him.
" You'll do fine." She said simply, " I have faith in you."
Trunks felt disgusted with himself. Here Serina was, comforting him when *he needed her. He wouldn't be there for her when she needed consoling.
" Serina, I want to skip this. I want to go to your concert." He said softly. She just shook her head.
" We have been over this a hundred times already. This is much more important. If it wasn't for the fact that this is going to be the biggest grade yet, I would skip it." She told him. He let out a sigh. Why was she so nice to him? If she slapped him for being a jerk, stick a pick ax up his nose, something violent . . . that would make him feel much better. He deserved it. But instead of discussing this further, he changed the subject.
" You nervous?" He asked. She shrugged a bit.
" Maybe a little." She said, putting on her façade. Truth be told: she was terrified. But if she told him that, he'd feel guilty. That was the last thing she wanted.
" Yeah, me too." He told her honestly.
" Just remember what you told me the night of the try outs. You have nothing to fear." She brushed his cheek in a friendly manner. His face turned red all the same.
" Thanks." He said meekly.
A judge called their band up and Trunks walked on stage. Three judges were right in front of him. He gulped. He put his guitar on and played some cords. It sounded in tune.
" Ready when you are." He told the judges. He gave one last glance at Serina, who put up the "V" sign for victory. He looked behind him at Jake and Jhin, giving a single nod. They returned it solemnly. Trunks took in a shaky breath and began to sing.
Serina's eyes widened. She had never heard Trunks' voice before, nor his band. He didn't want her seeing them until they performed at better clubs. Hardly anyone at OSU had heard of them. She stared at him wide eyed. She had no idea that he would be this good. The music was well written, and his voice . . . it was like stepping into the warmth after being locked away from the sun for fifty years. She closed her eyes as she let the sound wash over her, taking with it her worries about the rest of the night.
The feeling soon left after the song finished. She had to leave. She mouthed " see you later" at Trunks, whose face dropped a little. He nodded sadly in agreement. She waved a little before walking out the door, leaving Trunks to finish the rest of the concert alone. Jake and Jhin exchanged glances. They knew that Trunks was making a mistake, so why didn't he?
*********
Serina looked down at the beautiful long dress that she had on. There were sparkles on black cloth, creating a look of a starry night. The dress reached to the floor, slitting half way up her right leg, showing off her toned limb. It was a strappy styled one that was a little low cut in comparison to what she would normally ware. She sighed lightly; knowing that the one person she was counting on to be there couldn't make it. He was doing something important . . . more important than she was.
" Stop thinking that," she muttered darkly to herself, " you should be happy for him. It's a chance of a lifetime. He won't get things like this handed to him all the time."
But still . . .
Was it wrong of her to want to be selfish? She wanted Trunks there with her, she wanted to share this moment with her best friend. But she couldn't always have everything. She should have known that by now, she did grow up during the android time period, after all.
Serina got up from where she was sitting. She played with her necklace for a moment as she walked over to her violin in the warm up area at the Yumi Music Theater. She would have to warm up the band soon. She suppressed a shudder as she looked out of the window.
" Trunks, I wish you were here. You would say something stupid to help cheer me up."
She pressed her head against the cold window, taking in a slow and deep breath. She closed her eyes and tried to block out her troubles.
A knock on the door brought her back to reality.
" Miss Son, the show is due to start soon." A young usher said as he popped his head in, " It's about time you warm up the students."
" I think you're right," she exclaimed, grabbing her violin and bow and set for the door, " let's show them what we have."
********
Trunks finished the fifth song half-heartedly. They were doing surprisingly well, the judges seemed really into it. They didn't mess up once, well save for when Jake slipped while he was jumping around. Jhin began to laugh but soon stopped his snorting after receiving death glares from both Trunks and Jake. The odds of getting this record deal were rather high still, but . . .
Trunks looked around the room, at the faces of the judges, at his fellow band mates, they were all smiling. Why wasn't he smiling? He shook his head.
Why didn't he feel better?
' Maybe because you are a total ass.' He thought darkly. He considered the subject more deeply as the judges looked up from righting things down.
" Ok, great so far," the middle judge said to the band, " We just need to hear a few more songs to see if Death By Cookie is album worthy. Could I ask what the next song is?" Trunks snapped out of his thinking trance. The judge raised an eyebrow.
" Mr. Briefs?" he asked, " Are you . . . feeling ok?"
Was he? He was trusted by Serina to go to this concert, totally forgetting about it when he was offered this-this record deal, and now he was here, when Serina needed him most. What kind of friend was he?! Was this audition more important to him than Serina? He closed his eyes. All the effort of trying to find places for his band to play at, trying to get a recording place interested enough in them to sponsor for their expenses. All the hard practice put into getting them to sound great. . .was all that for nothing?
" *Cough, uh, Mister Briefs?" he questioned again. Trunks stared at him for a moment.
" Am I all right?" asked Trunks and the judge nodded. Trunks gave a small smile before answering.
" Never better."
Trunks set down his guitar and ran for the door. He had made up his mind: Serina was far more important to him than some record deal.
" Mr. Briefs, where do you think you're going?" the judge called. The two other band mates had their jaws on the floor. What was he doing?!
" Yeah Trunks, I think we all have the right to know." Jake said as well. Trunks stopped at the door, his back still facing them.
" I am really sorry. I know this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but . . ." Trunks paused for a moment, tuning to face the group, " I just realized I have somewhere else to be. It's more important to me than anything else."
Everyone stared at him for a long moment before Jake got down off the stage, along with Jhin.
" Serina's concert right?" asked Jake as Trunks shook his head, " I'm surprised you're not there already. You're such an ass for letting her go like that. Get going to that, or else I'm going to give you hell. She needs you more than we do, right Jhin?"
" Yeah, don't be a bastard," Jhin continued, " So hurry up. We'll come after we straiten up things here."
Trunks stood there, his mouth open, unsure of what to say. His friends weren't mad at him for ditching out; they even gave him a form of their blessing. He smiled broadly as he slapped Jake's shoulder.
" Thanks guys," Trunks said, and then turned to the judges, " I'm sorry to have wasted your time."
To Trunks' surprise, the judge was wiping tears away from his eyes.
" Don't be sorry," he sniffed, " That was beautiful. I haven't seen a harmonious group like this in al long while. You start recording next Saturday." He broke out into sobs ranting, " Such loyalty to your female friend! That's so sweet."
The three stood there watching the sensitive judge with amazement, before Jake started screaming for joy, Jhin following soon after. Trunks, however, couldn't celebrate. He had a concert to go to.
*********
" Ok everyone," Serina started, " I have had the great pleasure of working with you for the last two months. Some of you were a little difficult to deal with--" she eyed a few students who giggled I response, " I even put up with being called Miss S. But I still love you guys. You all have worked so hard, and I'm proud of everyone."
" Aww, come on, Miss Son!" one of the students called, " You're gonna make me cry!"
" Shut up Nikatori, I'm trying to be sentimental here!" she told him and she rolled her eyes, " Now I know how hard you've worked over the last few weeks, and I appreciate it. And I'll miss all of you, and yes, Nikatori too."
The junior fell over in mock shock, his curly black hair shaking vibrantly. He stood up squealed lightly and began to scream, " OH, I LOVE YOU TOO, SERINA!"
" How many times do I have to tell you its MISS SON!" Serina screamed loudly as the boy began to quiver from under her, which was a humorous sight since he was at least two feet taller than she was.
" Did I tell you that you look really hot tonight, Miss S?" he tried with a light laugh. She blushed slightly, and muttered a thank you.
" I think you better stick with people your own age." She said. He shrugged.
" You're only two years older than I am. What's the big deal?" he asked. She only shook her head.
" As I was saying, first we have to play that Gustav Holst piece, I really hope you all practiced that one. It's hard music, but you're in high school, you have to try. We only had a week to rehearse it, and yes, we had problems, but I expect more out of you, you have so much to show them. Remember how it's changed from the first movement to the second, the transition is more subtle. Please remember that. Your band instructor will take over after that song--"
" Wait, you're conducting?" a girl, Merri, said amongst the crowd. Serina gave them a coy smile.
" Surprise? Your teacher, Mr. Sankins, thought it would be a good idea, a good experience. He shocked me too. I have to conduct the first piece, and play with you the last. I just hope you all watch me."
" The last piece, it's the one you wrote, right?" another student asked.
" Mr. Sankins thought it would be a good thing to wrap up the concert with, like a finally. It'd be easier for my professor to grade it that way. Remember that I have a two measure solo in the beginning."
" Yep!" everyone called out. Serina turned away from the group, wringing her hands as she looked out at the audience from behind the curtain. It was kind of packed. She let out a breath she was holding in, trying to control the nervous stabbing pain at her side. Oh, how she wished Trunks was here! He normally would give her comforting words at a moment like this. But he wasn't. He wouldn't be here at all. She knew it was no use wishing for things that she knew would never happen. She had found that out so many years ago. She had to depend on herself; she had for the last 18 years. Besides, she had an obligation to her students; she would not let them down.
" Miss Son?" another usher asked, " Mr. Sankins wishes that you take the stage now. You know the drill." Serina gave a swift nod and faced the students again.
" Ok, I want you guys to file out the right door onto the stage," Serina began in a rushed, low voice, " then you find your seats, but you don't sit down. You wait until after I get on the stage and to the podium where I conduct. I'll warm you up and then we play. Got it?"
Everyone shook their heads in comprehension. All except for Nikatori, who rolled his eyes.
" We've only been over this a million times, Miss S." he complained. Serina just shook her head.
" It doesn't hurt to remind you." She countered, " You all ready?"
" Yes." They all chorused. Serina gave a supporting smile.
" Then let's do this." She cried and everyone cheered, " Get the hell out there!"
The students all filed out of the warm up room excitedly as they began to walk on stage. They were met with cheers from parents and friends from the audience. The whole room shook as they clapped and yelled encouragingly.
Serina double-checked that the lighting guys knew what they were doing and she soon followed the students. She, too, had people cheering for her. Her heart swelled with appreciation as she approached the podium. She told the first chair clarinetist to hold out a C and the whole band began to tune off of the note. Soon they were ready to perform.
" Ok guys," she whispered so only they could hear, " Just do what you can and you'll make me proud. Just watch me."
Serina stepped onto the podium and everyone snapped their instruments to attention position. She lifted her baton and the band switched to playing position. Serina smiled a broad smile. They were going to do all right. She felt better that she had felt in hours.
********
Trunks ran to the theatre doors and pushed them open, sending them flying almost off their hinges. He ran down the hall desperately trying to find the auditorium that Serina was in. He kept running until he saw two ushers standing in front of a set of doors. He let out a breath and stopped in front of them.
" Is this the room where Orange Star High School is playing?" he asked, trying to control his breath from flying so fast.
" Yeah." The usher to the left said.
" Ok, awesome. Here's my ticket." He said in relief as he tried to hand in to them. The pair just stood there staring at Trunks.
" What?" he asked. The usher to the right rolled his eyes.
" It's too late to get in. I'm sorry, you'll have to leave." He said to Trunks.
" You've gotta be kidding me," exclaimed Trunks, " Can't you just let me in?"
" Nope, it's company policy." The left one said, and the right one snorted.
" Yeah, company policy." The right one replied.
" Look," Trunks pleaded, pointing at the door, " My friend, she's in there and I have to get in right now. I want to see her perform so please, I ask you to just take my ticket and let me in."
The ushers stood there for a moment, looking as thought they were thinking it over.
" Gimmie twenty bucks and I'll let you in." the left one said.
" WHAT?" Trunks yelled and fell over anime style.
" Yeah, me too." The right one said.
" Are you crazy? I'm not paying you forty bucks just to walk through those doors! I just won't do it." Trunks cried out.
" Oh, then I suggest you keep walking then, Sparky." The left one said, and the right one sniggered.
" Hee, Sparky . . ." the right usher scoffed.
" Would you stop?" the left one asked the right one.
" Stop what?" the right one countered.
" Mimicking me!" leftie exclaimed as he took a step toward the right one.
" I'm not mimicking you!" rightie yelled in his face.
" Are too!"
" Are not!"
" Are too!"
" Are not!"
" Too!"
" Not!"
The pair continued to argue feverishly, noses pressing together as they yelled louder and louder. Trunks combed his hands through his hair and ran them over his face in frustration. He didn't even have forty dollars! What was he going to do?
" You gotta be kidding me, you always say what I say right after I say it!" the right one screamed.
" Well, maybe I was going to say it before you said it, but then you say it then I say it right after you say it."
" You are such a LIAR!!!"
Trunks had enough. He walked over to the still arguing pair and pushed them against the wall.
" SHUT UP!!!" screamed Trunks, and the two ushers coward from under him.
" Look, I want in that room, and I want in it NOW! I have very little self-control when I'm angry, and believe me, it's no problem for me to rip out your stomachs and show them to you before you die. So LET ME IN!" he bellowed. They gladly leapt to the side and opened the door.
" Thank you." Trunks said, his voice more calm, but it hadn't lost its edge quite yet, " Oh yeah, here." And he gave the ticket to the left usher and walked in. The ushers stared in disbelieve at the ticket, than at Trunks' retreating back.
To Trunks' disappointment, Serina's concert had already started. Trunks looked for a place to sit down, but he couldn't find one close enough. So he decided to stand up. He leaned against a pillar that was close to the front and looked up at the stage. Serina was conducting gracefully, the students watching her every move. The piece sounded Irish, it moved fast and it was complicated. But the kids seemed on top of it.
There was a break in going into the next part of the piece, movement number four. It had a sort of Irish jig sound to it. Trunks closed his eyes as he let the music seep through him. It made him relax as he breathed in the colorful sounds of the majestic melody. He opened his eyes again and became entranced by Serina's elegant movements. She seemed so happy up there . . .
*********
Serina did the cut off and smiled brilliantly as she pointed at those who had solos to stand up. The claps were deafeningly loud. She faced the crowd and gave a slight bow. She felt at ease all of a sudden. Mr. Sankins stood up and met Serina mid-stage, shaking her hand with a sort of pride that he had gained from working with her over the last couple months. She gave one last bow before clambering off the stage. She smiled brightly as she made her way out of the auditorium towards the warm up room, people congratulating her along the way. She let out a sigh, happy to have the first part of the concert over with.
However, the night wasn't over yet. She had her piece left. But for some reason she knew they'd do all right. She left the room and made her way down the hall.
In all this time, Serina was too exited to realize that Trunks' power level was there and that he was rendered speechless by the amazing performance.
**********
The rest of the concert ran rather smoothly. Serina smiled proudly while waiting back stage as Mr. Sankins cut off and faced the crowd. He bowed once and went for the mike.
" Before you all leave," he began as people got up from their seats, " we have a little surprise for you all tonight. Miss Son, will you come back up now?"
As Serina made her way back onto the stage, cheers came rocketing out at her. She wasn't use to such attention! Her cheeks burned brightly. She waved an awkward hand out at the audience and held her violin close.
" Miss Son will be performing a solo along with Nikatori, who plays saxophone but also the Irish pin whistle. He will be playing the whistle with her as a sort of Irish piece. This piece is entitled " Rebels Heart." (It's a song by the Corrs; I wanted to have something you guys could have to put in as the music part of this. I don't really like the Corrs, but I have a soft spot for Irish music. I heard it on my Dad's cd. I like the Cranberries though! U2 rocks too, . . . oh never mind. I do not own it or anything so don't sue me.)
Serina faced the band for a moment, mouthing " follow me" and tapped her fingers together to show how fast the tempo was going to be. Nikatori joined her side and gave her a friendly wink. She then did a bout face and placed the violin under her chin. She closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath, posing her bow, preparing to strike.
The percussion started, creating an introduction for Serina as she began her solo. The audience watched intently at her, but no one watched her more closely then Trunks. She never had the time to show off her skills as a musician, and she wasn't one to boast. Trunks never would have believed how good she was until he heard her for himself. He let out the breath he was holding in and became mesmerized by her fluid movement. As she came to the melody, the other soloist, Nikatori joined her. The whole thing was beautiful. Silent shivers went down Trunks' back as the music penetrated his every thought. Serina was gifted in many things, but this took the cake.(mmmm.cake.) She had the power to create art and bring it onto the stage. How he wished he could've been there for her from the beginning.
**********
Serina frowned slightly in concentration as she pulled her bow across the strings of the violin. Something had made her relax suddenly, and she didn't know what helped. The nervousness seemed to melt away after the beginning of the first piece. Was it the fact that the audience was so warm? It defiantly was weird.
She thought of Trunks and wished desperately that he could see her now, see how proud she was. She had thought that since he couldn't come, she wouldn't be able to do the concert full-heartedly. He had said he believed in her, and for some things that was enough just to hear him say that, though other parts of her needed him there, just so she could feel his encouragement as she played on the stage. But he wasn't coming. However, there was something that bothered her still . . .something was in the back of her mind. She noticed something a long time ago, but hadn't placed a finger on the subject, feeling as though there was something there for her to see, to feel.
Then Serina felt it . . . a power level. It was very familiar, but he couldn't possibly . . .
She began to scan the audience frantically. People were everywhere, it was hard to pick out the one when it was being clouded by so many others. She searched over to where the power level was strongest, trying not to get too exited in case her imagination was playing tricks on her.
Her breath caught in her throat. Tears began to fill in her dark blue eyes as she saw Trunks leaning on a pole. They made eye contact, and a slow smile crept along his face. She allowed a lone tear grace her face as she gave him a small smile back.
Serina's stare became more evident from the crowd. What was this young lady looking so intensely at? People twisted in their seats to follow her gaze, only to discover that she was looking at someone, a lavender haired man who stared at her with equal depth. She felt a new wave of emotion as she played her violin more passionately. He was there for her after all. He was the sweetest man alive . . .
People returned their gaze to the performance as the music did a crescendo, and most everyone was at the edge of their seats. Serina seemed to glow.
Serina finished with a final caress of her bow. She was nearly knocked to the ground by the roars of applauds that seemed to bounce off the walls. People stood up everywhere, clapping hard. She smiled brightly as she was handed a microphone.
" Mr. Nikatori Aiosha on Irish penne whistle." She exclaimed as she pointed at him. He gave her a quick smile and bowed. She then turned and extended her hand to the band, which were already standing, and gave a little bow of her own.
The clapping could still be heard as the band students filed out of the auditorium and in the main entrance. They all surrounded Serina as they began to talk at once.
" You guys were amazing!" screamed Serina, who was flushed with pride, " You really pulled it off, I couldn't be more proud of how the performance went. You've made me so happy I could just . . ."
Serina did sort of a jig to release some of the built up energy she had pent up inside of her. The band cheered loudly as she finished.
" Now, you come and visit us every once in a while, kay, Miss S?" Nikatori said brilliantly. Serina gave a small laugh.
" You got it." She replied, " I'll come by at least once a month, just so--"
" Eh-hem." Someone interrupted. Serina turned around to see Trunks standing there, hands in his pockets, a slight smirk gracing his face.
" Hey." He exclaimed and a bunch of kids began to giggle.
" Ok, that's enough." She said to the students, " Go get some snacks at the snack table, you've all earned it."
A bunch of moans came out in response, knowing that she wanted some "alone" time with her friend.
" Trunks, you said you weren't coming." Serina said with slight smile. He only shrugged.
" I lied." Was the response he gave her. She let out a small chuckle and ran to give him a huge hug. He jumped back a little but held on to her fast. She pulled him close, feeling happier than even seeing him out in the audience.
" You're not at your audition." She commented.
" You've noticed." He replied.
" Did you finish your try out then?"
" No," he said hesitantly, " not exactly."
" What happened then?" she asked excitedly.
" We got the deal, but I had to leave. I realized I had forgotten something."
" Well, why'd you come here?" she asked him. He pulled her away from him for a second, only to look at her full faced.
" When I was at rehearsal, I couldn't concentrate. Thoughts of you being here all alone--"
" I wasn't alone," she interrupted, " I did have all my students." Trunks shrugged a bit.
" Well, if you needed me half as much as I need you, you would've felt like the whole world abandoned you." He exclaimed with a faint smile.
Serina was speechless for a good moment. She felt her cheeks warm as she gave him a true smile.
" Trunks . . ." she tried to respond, but only went for another hug. He placed her head under his chin and hugged her back.
" I won't ever try to abandon you like I did tonight, never again. You should've invited someone else." He said wit mild self-abhorrence. She shook her head in protest.
" You never abandoned me," she whispered, " You wanted to do something for yourself for once, and I mine, but I knew deep down you were with me the whole time. You might not know this, but when I look at you . . . I see so much. You have a pure heart. You don't think of yourself when others are involved. Tonight you thought of me. And don't you ever believe that you can be replaced. You care so much; not too many people do, and I need you to be here. You're my best friend, and don't let anything tell you otherwise."
Trunks stared at her incredulously. She looked so deeply into him, further than even he himself had gone. How could she see things that he couldn't see himself? After Gohan died, he felt that his heart had blackness. Sure, he loved his mother and friends, but there was one place in himself that only Gohan could fill. For thirteen years he carried the heaviness of that black depth, not really caring if it would ever fill again. He eventually moved on, met other people and nothing changed. Then something unexpected happened, something . . . wonderful.
Serina happened.
All the sadness and lonely moments in his life melted away whenever he was with her. Just talking with her seemed to calm him. It was almost as if Gohan was back . . . only in the form of a woman, lighter hair . . . and kinda attractive.
Why did his male side always kick in when he was trying to have a sweet moment? Sometimes being a Saiyan sucked, especially when it propels you to look at your best friend in a way that you probably shouldn't. He smiled and shook off the thought.
" Thanks," he replied after a moment, " I could say the same things about you, ya know? You help me out a lot."
" Shut up, you help me way more. For example, you're here while you could be doing that eighteen page microbiology paper due Monday."
" Damn it! It is?" he asked in surprise, " How do you know about that? You're not even in my class!"
" Someone's gotta keep an eye on you. You never do your homework, you procrastinator." She said as she pulled away from him.
" How about we go eat something?" asked Trunks. She raised a brow.
" After all that about the paper? Don't you think you should go and finish it?" she inquired.
" That's what Sunday is for!" He exclaimed loudly, draping his jacket over her shoulders, " You're such a slave driver. Come on. Live a little."
She let out a small, ringing laugh as she grabbed her violin case.
" Alright, let's go. I am kinda hungr--"
" Miss S, you didn't tell me you had a boyfriend!" Nikatori's annoying voice went over the clamor. Silence rang throughout the hall as they looked at Serina and Trunks. A faint blush crept along Serina's face as she tried to explain the situation.
" I don't have a, a boyfriend. This is Trunks, a friend of mine. He came to watch you guys."
" I thought what we had was special, Miss S, but I was wrong." Nikatori wailed. Serina rolled her eyes and walked over to the distraught boy.
" Ah, shut up, I'm not in any relationship. However, I can't date you anyways. One, you're too young, two, you're not the type of guy I would go after."
" What type of guy's do you date?" he asked. She put on a thoughtful face.
" Guys out of high school, so sorry you're out of luck. See ya guys later." She said to the whole group. She walked back to Trunks who was smirking. She let out a sigh. Serina looked over to see Jake and Jhin making their way over to them.
" Hey guys," she exclaimed, giving them both a quick hug, " I'm glad you could make it."
" Serina, that was a great concert." Jake exclaimed, sniffing slightly, " When I saw you up there, I started to cry. You made me . . .SO proud!" he cried out.
" Thanks." She replied modestly, " Come on, were going out to celebrate. You with your recording thing and me with my hopefully good grade." They all linked arms and started off. They could still hear Nikatori screaming, " I LOVE YOU, MISS S! DON'T FORGET ME!" Trunks held back a snort and Serina shook her head.
" Why do you look so distressed?" Jhin commented.
" Ask Trunks." she told them as they stepped outside. He shrugged a bit, trying to hold back the laughter inside of him.
" It's nothing, guys, " he told her, " it's just that Serina never told me she had an admirer."
" I knew it, you're never gonna let me live this down." She moaned as they made it to her car, " How did I know you were going to do this?"
" Do what?" he asked with an innocent smile. She glanced over at him and let out another sigh. The group hopped into the car as she let out a low growl.
" Never mind, let's go." and she turned on the ignition and sped off, glancing back at the theatre and smiled to herself. ' Tonight wasn't so bad after all.'
**************************************************************************** *****************************
Wow, that was a weird chapter. I don't know where that came from. I kinda like that scenario though. I am so tiered, too. I think I got the idea when I got my first solo (yay!) for band. I was sooooo psyched, I was screaming down the hall. The piece was even by one of my favorite composers, Gustav Holst. It's called Second Suite in F, and it has the coolest clarinet solo in it. I suggest you look it up! Well, anyways I wanted to get this chapter up soon though, so it's not as good. But expect a better chapter next update. As always, thanks to you who reviewed. I appreciate it. If you have any questions/suggestions, you know what to do, e-mail me. 'Till next time.
Over the next two months, Trunks and Serina had to juggle constant ballet rehearsals, school, both of their music practices, and training. It was becoming hard for both to concentrate on training as the cold bit them profusely. Plus, Serina had her musical debut coming up really soon, that weekend in fact. Trunks was going to it to give her the support. And Trunks' band, Death By Cookie, was offered a try out from an independent record label to record at their studio. (The name sound familiar?) They had heard good things from local clubs who paid the band money. He was aloud to bring one person to the audition. Trunks, of course, was going to invite none other than Serina. Now knowing that his feelings for Serina were real and not just some mediocre thing for some pretty girl, Trunks knew she was the only choice. How he wished he could tell her his feelings. Normally she was the one he could confide to. But he couldn't tell her this. Surly she would reject him. She was better than he was in his own mind. She was too good for him, anyways.
But it wasn't as if he loved her or anything . . .
He let out a small, nervous laugh at the thought. No, no he couldn't be in-
" Trunks, what's so funny?" he heard Serina's voice say. They were at ballet rehearsal that had been held for several grueling hours thanks to Madame Minkaso, and Trunks and Serina were dancing the main part. The ballet was in less than three months, in the beginning of spring. The pressure was on to get the part down.
" No, no, NO! The pada bore comes after the peake, not the other way around!" Madame Minkaso barked out, (My French is horrible, I seriously don't know how to spell the stuff. I don't learn ballet vocabulary in my French class. Très mal, eh?) " Come on, guys, you know I love ya, but you need to concentrate. You're missing the easy stuff! Serina, Trunks, your heads are in the clouds, so please do us all a favor and come back down to earth. And Jenny, I won't even start on you . . ." and on went Madame, who stalked over to the trembling Jenny.
" How can I concentrate when everything is coming up all at once!" Serina confided in Trunks, " And you know, *him." She frowned a bit as she thought deeply.
" Relax, ok, we'll pull through . . . You need a break." He added quickly, " How would you like to go to my concert? I mean, Jake is in it, he plays bass, and Jhin, he plays drums, and I play guitar, I mean it'll be great for you, and I could really use the support."
" Awesome, when is it?" she asked, excitement evident in her voice.
" Um, it's Saturday from eight to eleven." He told her.
Suddenly, Serina's face fell and she looked to the ground.
" This Saturday?" She asked, her voice cracking slightly.
" Yeah, what about it?" he asked, not sure what he did wrong.
" Trunks, please don't tell me you forgot already. I told you about it last week. It's the day of my concert, and I really need you there."
Trunks' eyes widened in remembrance. Of course! How could he have forgotten? She was extremely nervous and had asked him to be there for her. How could he be so stupid?
He looked at Serina, feeling extreme guilt creeping up in the form of a blush on his face. What now?
" I'm sorry, Serina. I'm an idiot. I--I have to go to my concert thing though, it's for an audition for a recording session at a record label. Jake is depending on me. This is a big thing for my band, I have to--"
" Trunks, it's ok, I know this is important to you. I-you don't have to go. It's . . . its no big deal." She said, her gaze still on the floor.
" Serina . . ." he started, but was interrupted by Madame's loud voice.
" Horrible practice, I expect better next time. You're dismissed." She said in a tiered voice.
The people began to file out, rubbing sore muscles and necks, complaining about the practice sessions. The only two who stayed hovered by the door. Serina and Trunks.
" Serina, I am so sorry, I really am." He apologized again. She looked at him for the first time in minutes, her eyes glossing over.
" No, it's all right Trunks. You-you have more important things to do. I can't be selfish." She said, her voice wavering, " This is important to you, I can't make you feel guilty. It's just that . . . I wanted someone to be there, but I can handle it."
" Serina, I can try to make it, I might be a little late, but--"
" No, don't worry about it. I'll come to the beginning of your audition. My concert starts about an hour after yours. I know how important this is for you; I won't ruin your good mood. Good-good luck." She replied as she choked back a sob. She waved to him and walked away. She couldn't say good- bye. If she did, she might have started to cry. She was about to cry over something as stupid as Trunks not being able to make it to her concert?!?! 'I'm so stupid; I can't believe how weak I am! It's just . . . a stupid concert.' She thought sadly as she ran up the stairs, putting as much distance as possible from herself and Trunks.
Meanwhile, Trunks stood where Serina had left him. How could he be so stupid? She was depending on him to be there. And now. . . " I'm an idiot!" He screamed out, his voice booming off of the walls. People stopped to stare at him for a moment. He just sighed and walked away. Self-loathing was written all over his face as he made his way to his dorm. Serina probably wouldn't want to see him at the moment. He walked up the stairs, feeling much more miserable than before.
**************************************************************************** **********************
The next night, the night of the concerts, Serina was driving Trunks to his audition. He tried to say he could get there on his own, but Serina heard no word of it.
" It's your first real audition!" she had told him, putting on a fake smile that Trunks saw right through, " I have to do this. I want to help."
The pair walked in, Trunks shaking slightly from the nervousness. Serina grabbed his tremulous hand and looked up at him.
" You'll do fine." She said simply, " I have faith in you."
Trunks felt disgusted with himself. Here Serina was, comforting him when *he needed her. He wouldn't be there for her when she needed consoling.
" Serina, I want to skip this. I want to go to your concert." He said softly. She just shook her head.
" We have been over this a hundred times already. This is much more important. If it wasn't for the fact that this is going to be the biggest grade yet, I would skip it." She told him. He let out a sigh. Why was she so nice to him? If she slapped him for being a jerk, stick a pick ax up his nose, something violent . . . that would make him feel much better. He deserved it. But instead of discussing this further, he changed the subject.
" You nervous?" He asked. She shrugged a bit.
" Maybe a little." She said, putting on her façade. Truth be told: she was terrified. But if she told him that, he'd feel guilty. That was the last thing she wanted.
" Yeah, me too." He told her honestly.
" Just remember what you told me the night of the try outs. You have nothing to fear." She brushed his cheek in a friendly manner. His face turned red all the same.
" Thanks." He said meekly.
A judge called their band up and Trunks walked on stage. Three judges were right in front of him. He gulped. He put his guitar on and played some cords. It sounded in tune.
" Ready when you are." He told the judges. He gave one last glance at Serina, who put up the "V" sign for victory. He looked behind him at Jake and Jhin, giving a single nod. They returned it solemnly. Trunks took in a shaky breath and began to sing.
Serina's eyes widened. She had never heard Trunks' voice before, nor his band. He didn't want her seeing them until they performed at better clubs. Hardly anyone at OSU had heard of them. She stared at him wide eyed. She had no idea that he would be this good. The music was well written, and his voice . . . it was like stepping into the warmth after being locked away from the sun for fifty years. She closed her eyes as she let the sound wash over her, taking with it her worries about the rest of the night.
The feeling soon left after the song finished. She had to leave. She mouthed " see you later" at Trunks, whose face dropped a little. He nodded sadly in agreement. She waved a little before walking out the door, leaving Trunks to finish the rest of the concert alone. Jake and Jhin exchanged glances. They knew that Trunks was making a mistake, so why didn't he?
*********
Serina looked down at the beautiful long dress that she had on. There were sparkles on black cloth, creating a look of a starry night. The dress reached to the floor, slitting half way up her right leg, showing off her toned limb. It was a strappy styled one that was a little low cut in comparison to what she would normally ware. She sighed lightly; knowing that the one person she was counting on to be there couldn't make it. He was doing something important . . . more important than she was.
" Stop thinking that," she muttered darkly to herself, " you should be happy for him. It's a chance of a lifetime. He won't get things like this handed to him all the time."
But still . . .
Was it wrong of her to want to be selfish? She wanted Trunks there with her, she wanted to share this moment with her best friend. But she couldn't always have everything. She should have known that by now, she did grow up during the android time period, after all.
Serina got up from where she was sitting. She played with her necklace for a moment as she walked over to her violin in the warm up area at the Yumi Music Theater. She would have to warm up the band soon. She suppressed a shudder as she looked out of the window.
" Trunks, I wish you were here. You would say something stupid to help cheer me up."
She pressed her head against the cold window, taking in a slow and deep breath. She closed her eyes and tried to block out her troubles.
A knock on the door brought her back to reality.
" Miss Son, the show is due to start soon." A young usher said as he popped his head in, " It's about time you warm up the students."
" I think you're right," she exclaimed, grabbing her violin and bow and set for the door, " let's show them what we have."
********
Trunks finished the fifth song half-heartedly. They were doing surprisingly well, the judges seemed really into it. They didn't mess up once, well save for when Jake slipped while he was jumping around. Jhin began to laugh but soon stopped his snorting after receiving death glares from both Trunks and Jake. The odds of getting this record deal were rather high still, but . . .
Trunks looked around the room, at the faces of the judges, at his fellow band mates, they were all smiling. Why wasn't he smiling? He shook his head.
Why didn't he feel better?
' Maybe because you are a total ass.' He thought darkly. He considered the subject more deeply as the judges looked up from righting things down.
" Ok, great so far," the middle judge said to the band, " We just need to hear a few more songs to see if Death By Cookie is album worthy. Could I ask what the next song is?" Trunks snapped out of his thinking trance. The judge raised an eyebrow.
" Mr. Briefs?" he asked, " Are you . . . feeling ok?"
Was he? He was trusted by Serina to go to this concert, totally forgetting about it when he was offered this-this record deal, and now he was here, when Serina needed him most. What kind of friend was he?! Was this audition more important to him than Serina? He closed his eyes. All the effort of trying to find places for his band to play at, trying to get a recording place interested enough in them to sponsor for their expenses. All the hard practice put into getting them to sound great. . .was all that for nothing?
" *Cough, uh, Mister Briefs?" he questioned again. Trunks stared at him for a moment.
" Am I all right?" asked Trunks and the judge nodded. Trunks gave a small smile before answering.
" Never better."
Trunks set down his guitar and ran for the door. He had made up his mind: Serina was far more important to him than some record deal.
" Mr. Briefs, where do you think you're going?" the judge called. The two other band mates had their jaws on the floor. What was he doing?!
" Yeah Trunks, I think we all have the right to know." Jake said as well. Trunks stopped at the door, his back still facing them.
" I am really sorry. I know this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but . . ." Trunks paused for a moment, tuning to face the group, " I just realized I have somewhere else to be. It's more important to me than anything else."
Everyone stared at him for a long moment before Jake got down off the stage, along with Jhin.
" Serina's concert right?" asked Jake as Trunks shook his head, " I'm surprised you're not there already. You're such an ass for letting her go like that. Get going to that, or else I'm going to give you hell. She needs you more than we do, right Jhin?"
" Yeah, don't be a bastard," Jhin continued, " So hurry up. We'll come after we straiten up things here."
Trunks stood there, his mouth open, unsure of what to say. His friends weren't mad at him for ditching out; they even gave him a form of their blessing. He smiled broadly as he slapped Jake's shoulder.
" Thanks guys," Trunks said, and then turned to the judges, " I'm sorry to have wasted your time."
To Trunks' surprise, the judge was wiping tears away from his eyes.
" Don't be sorry," he sniffed, " That was beautiful. I haven't seen a harmonious group like this in al long while. You start recording next Saturday." He broke out into sobs ranting, " Such loyalty to your female friend! That's so sweet."
The three stood there watching the sensitive judge with amazement, before Jake started screaming for joy, Jhin following soon after. Trunks, however, couldn't celebrate. He had a concert to go to.
*********
" Ok everyone," Serina started, " I have had the great pleasure of working with you for the last two months. Some of you were a little difficult to deal with--" she eyed a few students who giggled I response, " I even put up with being called Miss S. But I still love you guys. You all have worked so hard, and I'm proud of everyone."
" Aww, come on, Miss Son!" one of the students called, " You're gonna make me cry!"
" Shut up Nikatori, I'm trying to be sentimental here!" she told him and she rolled her eyes, " Now I know how hard you've worked over the last few weeks, and I appreciate it. And I'll miss all of you, and yes, Nikatori too."
The junior fell over in mock shock, his curly black hair shaking vibrantly. He stood up squealed lightly and began to scream, " OH, I LOVE YOU TOO, SERINA!"
" How many times do I have to tell you its MISS SON!" Serina screamed loudly as the boy began to quiver from under her, which was a humorous sight since he was at least two feet taller than she was.
" Did I tell you that you look really hot tonight, Miss S?" he tried with a light laugh. She blushed slightly, and muttered a thank you.
" I think you better stick with people your own age." She said. He shrugged.
" You're only two years older than I am. What's the big deal?" he asked. She only shook her head.
" As I was saying, first we have to play that Gustav Holst piece, I really hope you all practiced that one. It's hard music, but you're in high school, you have to try. We only had a week to rehearse it, and yes, we had problems, but I expect more out of you, you have so much to show them. Remember how it's changed from the first movement to the second, the transition is more subtle. Please remember that. Your band instructor will take over after that song--"
" Wait, you're conducting?" a girl, Merri, said amongst the crowd. Serina gave them a coy smile.
" Surprise? Your teacher, Mr. Sankins, thought it would be a good idea, a good experience. He shocked me too. I have to conduct the first piece, and play with you the last. I just hope you all watch me."
" The last piece, it's the one you wrote, right?" another student asked.
" Mr. Sankins thought it would be a good thing to wrap up the concert with, like a finally. It'd be easier for my professor to grade it that way. Remember that I have a two measure solo in the beginning."
" Yep!" everyone called out. Serina turned away from the group, wringing her hands as she looked out at the audience from behind the curtain. It was kind of packed. She let out a breath she was holding in, trying to control the nervous stabbing pain at her side. Oh, how she wished Trunks was here! He normally would give her comforting words at a moment like this. But he wasn't. He wouldn't be here at all. She knew it was no use wishing for things that she knew would never happen. She had found that out so many years ago. She had to depend on herself; she had for the last 18 years. Besides, she had an obligation to her students; she would not let them down.
" Miss Son?" another usher asked, " Mr. Sankins wishes that you take the stage now. You know the drill." Serina gave a swift nod and faced the students again.
" Ok, I want you guys to file out the right door onto the stage," Serina began in a rushed, low voice, " then you find your seats, but you don't sit down. You wait until after I get on the stage and to the podium where I conduct. I'll warm you up and then we play. Got it?"
Everyone shook their heads in comprehension. All except for Nikatori, who rolled his eyes.
" We've only been over this a million times, Miss S." he complained. Serina just shook her head.
" It doesn't hurt to remind you." She countered, " You all ready?"
" Yes." They all chorused. Serina gave a supporting smile.
" Then let's do this." She cried and everyone cheered, " Get the hell out there!"
The students all filed out of the warm up room excitedly as they began to walk on stage. They were met with cheers from parents and friends from the audience. The whole room shook as they clapped and yelled encouragingly.
Serina double-checked that the lighting guys knew what they were doing and she soon followed the students. She, too, had people cheering for her. Her heart swelled with appreciation as she approached the podium. She told the first chair clarinetist to hold out a C and the whole band began to tune off of the note. Soon they were ready to perform.
" Ok guys," she whispered so only they could hear, " Just do what you can and you'll make me proud. Just watch me."
Serina stepped onto the podium and everyone snapped their instruments to attention position. She lifted her baton and the band switched to playing position. Serina smiled a broad smile. They were going to do all right. She felt better that she had felt in hours.
********
Trunks ran to the theatre doors and pushed them open, sending them flying almost off their hinges. He ran down the hall desperately trying to find the auditorium that Serina was in. He kept running until he saw two ushers standing in front of a set of doors. He let out a breath and stopped in front of them.
" Is this the room where Orange Star High School is playing?" he asked, trying to control his breath from flying so fast.
" Yeah." The usher to the left said.
" Ok, awesome. Here's my ticket." He said in relief as he tried to hand in to them. The pair just stood there staring at Trunks.
" What?" he asked. The usher to the right rolled his eyes.
" It's too late to get in. I'm sorry, you'll have to leave." He said to Trunks.
" You've gotta be kidding me," exclaimed Trunks, " Can't you just let me in?"
" Nope, it's company policy." The left one said, and the right one snorted.
" Yeah, company policy." The right one replied.
" Look," Trunks pleaded, pointing at the door, " My friend, she's in there and I have to get in right now. I want to see her perform so please, I ask you to just take my ticket and let me in."
The ushers stood there for a moment, looking as thought they were thinking it over.
" Gimmie twenty bucks and I'll let you in." the left one said.
" WHAT?" Trunks yelled and fell over anime style.
" Yeah, me too." The right one said.
" Are you crazy? I'm not paying you forty bucks just to walk through those doors! I just won't do it." Trunks cried out.
" Oh, then I suggest you keep walking then, Sparky." The left one said, and the right one sniggered.
" Hee, Sparky . . ." the right usher scoffed.
" Would you stop?" the left one asked the right one.
" Stop what?" the right one countered.
" Mimicking me!" leftie exclaimed as he took a step toward the right one.
" I'm not mimicking you!" rightie yelled in his face.
" Are too!"
" Are not!"
" Are too!"
" Are not!"
" Too!"
" Not!"
The pair continued to argue feverishly, noses pressing together as they yelled louder and louder. Trunks combed his hands through his hair and ran them over his face in frustration. He didn't even have forty dollars! What was he going to do?
" You gotta be kidding me, you always say what I say right after I say it!" the right one screamed.
" Well, maybe I was going to say it before you said it, but then you say it then I say it right after you say it."
" You are such a LIAR!!!"
Trunks had enough. He walked over to the still arguing pair and pushed them against the wall.
" SHUT UP!!!" screamed Trunks, and the two ushers coward from under him.
" Look, I want in that room, and I want in it NOW! I have very little self-control when I'm angry, and believe me, it's no problem for me to rip out your stomachs and show them to you before you die. So LET ME IN!" he bellowed. They gladly leapt to the side and opened the door.
" Thank you." Trunks said, his voice more calm, but it hadn't lost its edge quite yet, " Oh yeah, here." And he gave the ticket to the left usher and walked in. The ushers stared in disbelieve at the ticket, than at Trunks' retreating back.
To Trunks' disappointment, Serina's concert had already started. Trunks looked for a place to sit down, but he couldn't find one close enough. So he decided to stand up. He leaned against a pillar that was close to the front and looked up at the stage. Serina was conducting gracefully, the students watching her every move. The piece sounded Irish, it moved fast and it was complicated. But the kids seemed on top of it.
There was a break in going into the next part of the piece, movement number four. It had a sort of Irish jig sound to it. Trunks closed his eyes as he let the music seep through him. It made him relax as he breathed in the colorful sounds of the majestic melody. He opened his eyes again and became entranced by Serina's elegant movements. She seemed so happy up there . . .
*********
Serina did the cut off and smiled brilliantly as she pointed at those who had solos to stand up. The claps were deafeningly loud. She faced the crowd and gave a slight bow. She felt at ease all of a sudden. Mr. Sankins stood up and met Serina mid-stage, shaking her hand with a sort of pride that he had gained from working with her over the last couple months. She gave one last bow before clambering off the stage. She smiled brightly as she made her way out of the auditorium towards the warm up room, people congratulating her along the way. She let out a sigh, happy to have the first part of the concert over with.
However, the night wasn't over yet. She had her piece left. But for some reason she knew they'd do all right. She left the room and made her way down the hall.
In all this time, Serina was too exited to realize that Trunks' power level was there and that he was rendered speechless by the amazing performance.
**********
The rest of the concert ran rather smoothly. Serina smiled proudly while waiting back stage as Mr. Sankins cut off and faced the crowd. He bowed once and went for the mike.
" Before you all leave," he began as people got up from their seats, " we have a little surprise for you all tonight. Miss Son, will you come back up now?"
As Serina made her way back onto the stage, cheers came rocketing out at her. She wasn't use to such attention! Her cheeks burned brightly. She waved an awkward hand out at the audience and held her violin close.
" Miss Son will be performing a solo along with Nikatori, who plays saxophone but also the Irish pin whistle. He will be playing the whistle with her as a sort of Irish piece. This piece is entitled " Rebels Heart." (It's a song by the Corrs; I wanted to have something you guys could have to put in as the music part of this. I don't really like the Corrs, but I have a soft spot for Irish music. I heard it on my Dad's cd. I like the Cranberries though! U2 rocks too, . . . oh never mind. I do not own it or anything so don't sue me.)
Serina faced the band for a moment, mouthing " follow me" and tapped her fingers together to show how fast the tempo was going to be. Nikatori joined her side and gave her a friendly wink. She then did a bout face and placed the violin under her chin. She closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath, posing her bow, preparing to strike.
The percussion started, creating an introduction for Serina as she began her solo. The audience watched intently at her, but no one watched her more closely then Trunks. She never had the time to show off her skills as a musician, and she wasn't one to boast. Trunks never would have believed how good she was until he heard her for himself. He let out the breath he was holding in and became mesmerized by her fluid movement. As she came to the melody, the other soloist, Nikatori joined her. The whole thing was beautiful. Silent shivers went down Trunks' back as the music penetrated his every thought. Serina was gifted in many things, but this took the cake.(mmmm.cake.) She had the power to create art and bring it onto the stage. How he wished he could've been there for her from the beginning.
**********
Serina frowned slightly in concentration as she pulled her bow across the strings of the violin. Something had made her relax suddenly, and she didn't know what helped. The nervousness seemed to melt away after the beginning of the first piece. Was it the fact that the audience was so warm? It defiantly was weird.
She thought of Trunks and wished desperately that he could see her now, see how proud she was. She had thought that since he couldn't come, she wouldn't be able to do the concert full-heartedly. He had said he believed in her, and for some things that was enough just to hear him say that, though other parts of her needed him there, just so she could feel his encouragement as she played on the stage. But he wasn't coming. However, there was something that bothered her still . . .something was in the back of her mind. She noticed something a long time ago, but hadn't placed a finger on the subject, feeling as though there was something there for her to see, to feel.
Then Serina felt it . . . a power level. It was very familiar, but he couldn't possibly . . .
She began to scan the audience frantically. People were everywhere, it was hard to pick out the one when it was being clouded by so many others. She searched over to where the power level was strongest, trying not to get too exited in case her imagination was playing tricks on her.
Her breath caught in her throat. Tears began to fill in her dark blue eyes as she saw Trunks leaning on a pole. They made eye contact, and a slow smile crept along his face. She allowed a lone tear grace her face as she gave him a small smile back.
Serina's stare became more evident from the crowd. What was this young lady looking so intensely at? People twisted in their seats to follow her gaze, only to discover that she was looking at someone, a lavender haired man who stared at her with equal depth. She felt a new wave of emotion as she played her violin more passionately. He was there for her after all. He was the sweetest man alive . . .
People returned their gaze to the performance as the music did a crescendo, and most everyone was at the edge of their seats. Serina seemed to glow.
Serina finished with a final caress of her bow. She was nearly knocked to the ground by the roars of applauds that seemed to bounce off the walls. People stood up everywhere, clapping hard. She smiled brightly as she was handed a microphone.
" Mr. Nikatori Aiosha on Irish penne whistle." She exclaimed as she pointed at him. He gave her a quick smile and bowed. She then turned and extended her hand to the band, which were already standing, and gave a little bow of her own.
The clapping could still be heard as the band students filed out of the auditorium and in the main entrance. They all surrounded Serina as they began to talk at once.
" You guys were amazing!" screamed Serina, who was flushed with pride, " You really pulled it off, I couldn't be more proud of how the performance went. You've made me so happy I could just . . ."
Serina did sort of a jig to release some of the built up energy she had pent up inside of her. The band cheered loudly as she finished.
" Now, you come and visit us every once in a while, kay, Miss S?" Nikatori said brilliantly. Serina gave a small laugh.
" You got it." She replied, " I'll come by at least once a month, just so--"
" Eh-hem." Someone interrupted. Serina turned around to see Trunks standing there, hands in his pockets, a slight smirk gracing his face.
" Hey." He exclaimed and a bunch of kids began to giggle.
" Ok, that's enough." She said to the students, " Go get some snacks at the snack table, you've all earned it."
A bunch of moans came out in response, knowing that she wanted some "alone" time with her friend.
" Trunks, you said you weren't coming." Serina said with slight smile. He only shrugged.
" I lied." Was the response he gave her. She let out a small chuckle and ran to give him a huge hug. He jumped back a little but held on to her fast. She pulled him close, feeling happier than even seeing him out in the audience.
" You're not at your audition." She commented.
" You've noticed." He replied.
" Did you finish your try out then?"
" No," he said hesitantly, " not exactly."
" What happened then?" she asked excitedly.
" We got the deal, but I had to leave. I realized I had forgotten something."
" Well, why'd you come here?" she asked him. He pulled her away from him for a second, only to look at her full faced.
" When I was at rehearsal, I couldn't concentrate. Thoughts of you being here all alone--"
" I wasn't alone," she interrupted, " I did have all my students." Trunks shrugged a bit.
" Well, if you needed me half as much as I need you, you would've felt like the whole world abandoned you." He exclaimed with a faint smile.
Serina was speechless for a good moment. She felt her cheeks warm as she gave him a true smile.
" Trunks . . ." she tried to respond, but only went for another hug. He placed her head under his chin and hugged her back.
" I won't ever try to abandon you like I did tonight, never again. You should've invited someone else." He said wit mild self-abhorrence. She shook her head in protest.
" You never abandoned me," she whispered, " You wanted to do something for yourself for once, and I mine, but I knew deep down you were with me the whole time. You might not know this, but when I look at you . . . I see so much. You have a pure heart. You don't think of yourself when others are involved. Tonight you thought of me. And don't you ever believe that you can be replaced. You care so much; not too many people do, and I need you to be here. You're my best friend, and don't let anything tell you otherwise."
Trunks stared at her incredulously. She looked so deeply into him, further than even he himself had gone. How could she see things that he couldn't see himself? After Gohan died, he felt that his heart had blackness. Sure, he loved his mother and friends, but there was one place in himself that only Gohan could fill. For thirteen years he carried the heaviness of that black depth, not really caring if it would ever fill again. He eventually moved on, met other people and nothing changed. Then something unexpected happened, something . . . wonderful.
Serina happened.
All the sadness and lonely moments in his life melted away whenever he was with her. Just talking with her seemed to calm him. It was almost as if Gohan was back . . . only in the form of a woman, lighter hair . . . and kinda attractive.
Why did his male side always kick in when he was trying to have a sweet moment? Sometimes being a Saiyan sucked, especially when it propels you to look at your best friend in a way that you probably shouldn't. He smiled and shook off the thought.
" Thanks," he replied after a moment, " I could say the same things about you, ya know? You help me out a lot."
" Shut up, you help me way more. For example, you're here while you could be doing that eighteen page microbiology paper due Monday."
" Damn it! It is?" he asked in surprise, " How do you know about that? You're not even in my class!"
" Someone's gotta keep an eye on you. You never do your homework, you procrastinator." She said as she pulled away from him.
" How about we go eat something?" asked Trunks. She raised a brow.
" After all that about the paper? Don't you think you should go and finish it?" she inquired.
" That's what Sunday is for!" He exclaimed loudly, draping his jacket over her shoulders, " You're such a slave driver. Come on. Live a little."
She let out a small, ringing laugh as she grabbed her violin case.
" Alright, let's go. I am kinda hungr--"
" Miss S, you didn't tell me you had a boyfriend!" Nikatori's annoying voice went over the clamor. Silence rang throughout the hall as they looked at Serina and Trunks. A faint blush crept along Serina's face as she tried to explain the situation.
" I don't have a, a boyfriend. This is Trunks, a friend of mine. He came to watch you guys."
" I thought what we had was special, Miss S, but I was wrong." Nikatori wailed. Serina rolled her eyes and walked over to the distraught boy.
" Ah, shut up, I'm not in any relationship. However, I can't date you anyways. One, you're too young, two, you're not the type of guy I would go after."
" What type of guy's do you date?" he asked. She put on a thoughtful face.
" Guys out of high school, so sorry you're out of luck. See ya guys later." She said to the whole group. She walked back to Trunks who was smirking. She let out a sigh. Serina looked over to see Jake and Jhin making their way over to them.
" Hey guys," she exclaimed, giving them both a quick hug, " I'm glad you could make it."
" Serina, that was a great concert." Jake exclaimed, sniffing slightly, " When I saw you up there, I started to cry. You made me . . .SO proud!" he cried out.
" Thanks." She replied modestly, " Come on, were going out to celebrate. You with your recording thing and me with my hopefully good grade." They all linked arms and started off. They could still hear Nikatori screaming, " I LOVE YOU, MISS S! DON'T FORGET ME!" Trunks held back a snort and Serina shook her head.
" Why do you look so distressed?" Jhin commented.
" Ask Trunks." she told them as they stepped outside. He shrugged a bit, trying to hold back the laughter inside of him.
" It's nothing, guys, " he told her, " it's just that Serina never told me she had an admirer."
" I knew it, you're never gonna let me live this down." She moaned as they made it to her car, " How did I know you were going to do this?"
" Do what?" he asked with an innocent smile. She glanced over at him and let out another sigh. The group hopped into the car as she let out a low growl.
" Never mind, let's go." and she turned on the ignition and sped off, glancing back at the theatre and smiled to herself. ' Tonight wasn't so bad after all.'
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Wow, that was a weird chapter. I don't know where that came from. I kinda like that scenario though. I am so tiered, too. I think I got the idea when I got my first solo (yay!) for band. I was sooooo psyched, I was screaming down the hall. The piece was even by one of my favorite composers, Gustav Holst. It's called Second Suite in F, and it has the coolest clarinet solo in it. I suggest you look it up! Well, anyways I wanted to get this chapter up soon though, so it's not as good. But expect a better chapter next update. As always, thanks to you who reviewed. I appreciate it. If you have any questions/suggestions, you know what to do, e-mail me. 'Till next time.
