A/N: Sorry about my work coming out so slow... I promise it'll be quicker from now on.
Warning: Shonen-ai… therefore it depicts (albeit not graphically) a romantic relationship between two males. For those of you who do not agree or feel shocked with these subjects please stop reading (and welcome to the XXI century… sit around and be amazed).
Disclaimer: Here we go again… the characters in this fiction do not belong to me and I gain no profit from this.
Chapter 4
Trouble sleeping
Violin Sonata in A Major- Georg Friedrich Handel
Irony is a bitch…
Shinji contemplated this thought as he looked up at the ceiling of his new room. He was laying on his bed… a very comfortable one, not too old with soft pillows. He was in a quiet space, dark enough for him to rest his eyes but a few stray rays of light from the outside streetlamps that entered through the shutters made it possible for him to check his surroundings. He had ten hours flight on top of him and he should have been sleeping nine hours ago. Everything was perfect; sleep had the welcoming red carpet into Shinji's tired body… so why didn't it come?
Since meeting Kaoru something had changed in Shinji… like an auxiliary battery that had suddenly started feeding the boy's system with coffee beans. It had been helpful when he was able to stay awake the whole evening up and cheerful, he had even got the chance to eat dinner with Kaworu at proper hours helping his system adjust to the new time zone.
Kaworu was awfully nice…
Shinji was calmly sorting his things in the bedroom. His clothes were already in his half of the closet, some of his books and sheets were on the bookcase and he was now going through his collection of CD's… a few of them, nothing compared to Kaworu's collection that was proudly displayed on two shelves spanning from music of the XIV century to the most recent composition of the XXI.
To Shinji's embarrassment many of the CD's from his collection were Kaworu's recordings… his roommate was the great violin sensation of the moment… only eighteen and had already performed great piece's of work from Bach, Paganinni, Glazunov amongst others; not only was he young and gifted but he had a talent for communication with his audience… it was like you could almost hear beautiful words coming from his instrument… a Stradivarius replica, custom made especially for his physique; offered to him by the Japanese Cultural Ministry. His recordings spanned from chamber music (with the Solstice Quintet) to solo works… and Shinji had them all. To the blue-eyed boy, Kaworu wasn't just an idol… he was an example of how effort could compensate you… it was Shinji's somewhat dreamy goal to achieve recognition in the same way the red-eyed violinist had.
Speaking of the devil… the grey haired male entered the room holding two trays with food and drinks on them. "Hope you don't mind me bringing the food up here." He almost tripped with the effort to hold the two dishes balanced.
Shinji quickly stood up and went to help his roommate holding one tray for him. They set them on the table. "Why did you bring the food up here? It wasn't necessary and you could have asked for my help."
"Don't worry yourself so much Shinji. You seemed busy with sorting your things and I had supposed it would be nice if you didn't have to go downstairs… it's a bit crowded and noisy."
Shinji was a bit worried about the thought of the crowded cafeteria… it spelled disaster for the blue eyed boy. Normally in those situations something bad always happened, ending up with a fight or a discussion. All and all… Shinji just liked to avoid crowded rooms; in his theory it brought out the worst in people.
"Besides…" Kaworu continued. "I thought it would be nice if we could have a meal just the two of us to get to know each other a little better. After all… we'll be sleeping in the same room for the whole year."
Shinji blushed. "Hmm… yes you're right. It's a very good idea… thank you very much. I would like that."
Kaworu smiled at the slightly crimson color that had settled on his younger roommate's cheeks. "Then what are we waiting for… let's eat. Hope you don't mind, but I brought you an orange juice since I guessed you would like to drink it; if you want, we can share my cherry soda."
"No thank you… actually orange juice is what I normally have." Shinji gaze mesmerized as he sat on the table. "How did you know?"
Kaworu grinned triumphantly. "I'm good at guessing people's tastes."
They ate silently… the silence made Shinji uncomfortable; it was like he was expected to say something. And only do make it worse, Kaworu was looking at him with the most intent face… everything resulted in Shinji's cheeks turning a few more shades of red (something that had obviously become a habit). Kaworu smirked… he cleared his throat and resumed eating.
Was I supposed to say anything…? I mean, it was his idea in the first place. Shouldn't he be the one to...?
"So Shinji-kun… tell me; where exactly do you come from?"
"Oh... I come from Tokyo… outskirts, small flat."
"Good… I never quite got the feel for Japan. Taken to Vienna when I was only eight… but I do remember Tokyo; wonderful place as I recall."
Shinji felt the urge to giggle… Kaworu was behaving a bit like Fuyutsuki; he suppressed it with a fork full of rice… he hadn't quite got the hang of them, he missed the chopsticks. Kaworu continued with the mild talking.
"And how old are you exactly?"
"I'm sixteen…"
"Really… that's amazing… the Institute has only selected a few students at the age of sixteen."
"You were one of them I think."
"Why yes…" Kaworu scratched his head a bit disconcerted yet his smile lingered. "…that's true. Sorry for asking; but where did you learn all these things about me?"
Shinji blushed brightly… yes, it was rude of him to pray into Kaworu's life; but it wasn't his fault, the violinist was very famous and many interesting facts about his life were commented on his albums. "Hmm… I've told you I'm a bit of a fan. I have read about you. You see, your albums have booklets and I like to read them…"
"Y-You have my albums?" The grey-haired teenager's serene and pleasant face became stressed.
"Yes… I do." He got up from the table and went for his bag… he got out some CD boxes and went back to the table. He presented them to Kaworu with a guilty expression. "I have all of them…"
Kaworu inspected them slowly with his hands turning the boxes his smile still in his face but twitching nervously… all of them had pictures of the red eyed youth; playing the violin, holding the violin, placidly walking through the streets, studying the musical sheets with the violin by his side. "Oh god…" Shinji looked up at Kaworu's face sheepishly… he was surprised to find the older male's face deeply red, even more then his. "… I look so horribly pretentious. Is this the idea they make of me?"
"Oh no… these are just some pictures. Your music and interpretation tells me much more about you than simple photos." He paused for brief seconds contemplating what he just said… and hated himself.
Now… if a single bolt of lightning was to, say, accidentally fall on my head, everything would be just perfect.
Kaworu looked up at Shinji and instead of a worried or shocked expression, he gave him the most joyful and gut-clenching smiled the dark haired boy had seen. "Thank you… it really means a lot to me that you feel that way." And yet again Shinji's face reddened.
The grey haired male approached Shinji slowly smiling… the younger male retreated subtly not knowing what would come out of his peculiar roommate. "I just had this idea…" Kaworu spoke entertainingly. "… I'm going to make a little recording at Amsterdam this January… I was wondering if you'd like to come."
Shinji almost jumped up from his chair. "Really… you're serious? I would love to come." He became aware that he had perhaps overreacted and resumed his normal stand.
The older male chuckled. "Great… it's settled then. I'll warn the guys you're coming with us."
Shinji flinched. "Us…?"
"Yes… the Quintet. I don't have any solo recording programmed for the time being."
"Oh… good; I also have your albums."
"Hmm… yes about that; would you mind terribly if I asked you to keep the CD's and not the boxes. I'm really not that comfortable with those pictures."
"Oh sure of course… don't worry; I'll take care of it." Shinji smiled and quickly grabbed them.
I actually liked them.
Shinji scratched his head furiously.
Go to sleep you idiot… your tired, so sleep; it's already 11 which mean it's 8 in the morning for you. You'll feel sorry when you wake up!
He sat up on his bed trying to at least relax… he sighed.
"Shinji… are you awake." A voice sounded from the other bed.
Shinji gasped… now he had woken up Kaworu. "I'm so sorry Nagisa… I didn't mean to wake you up."
"No, there's no problem. I was already awake… and it's Kaworu." He sat up and Shinji was able to see his roommates face with the dim light… he wasn't lying; he was wide awake. "I'm having trouble sleeping."
"Me too…" Shinji sighed… at least he had company.
"Well in that case… there's just one thing we can do." The male got up and went to a spot in the room where Shinji couldn't see him.
He heard a bit of noise like something being set up. Kaoru moved again… the sound of something opening, a case perhaps. After a few seconds he heard chords being tempered. Shinji jumped out of his bed and went for the light switch… brightness invaded the small division, reveling Kaoru tempering his violin, a beautifully lacquered instrument made of a rare wood with a long dark neck with bright strings strapped from the simple bottom to the ornamentally sculpted top…
"What are you doing!" Shinji almost yelled.
"I'm going to play the violin… it helps me relax." Kaworu spoke so matter-o-factly it got Shinji off guard.
"I can see that… but you're going to wake everyone else. The room isn't soundproof…"
"Actually… it is."
"What do you mean!" Shinji browed, not quite believing what he had just heard.
"Well… this is the sixth floor. This is the floor reserved for high class students of non-keyboard instruments. We're the only ones who can carry our instruments therefore we can study anywhere; and since there are a limited number of study rooms available, they've turned our rooms into private study room that only we can use. It's quite a good idea… and since it's soundproof we can play at anytime."
"Wow… that's great. Then I guess you can play if it makes you feel more comfortable." Shinji did his best to hide the thrill of Kaworu giving him a private performance.
"Thank you…" He was about to start with his bow graciously lifted, ready to swing when he paused for a moment and turned around facing Shinji with a mischievous smile. "…would you care to join me?"
Shinji widened his eyes as reality gave a triple summersault right in front of his eyes. He repeated the words in his mind just to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Then he tried to gain control of his nerves, no leaping; then he got control of his voice; no screaming enthusiastically… he gulped. "Are you sure you don't mind?" His voice came out flimsy.
"Of course not… would you do me the honor?"
Shinji blushed… he tried to get over the fact that his idol was asking him to play with him; didn't quite work out. He acted quickly going for his cello case, a sturdy black one with a few locks to keep it closed. He opened it and took out his cello. It was a cheap model, the ones made in factories, serial model with cheap wood and little work on the red varnish; the chords needed replacement badly and then there was the bow… almost broken and with a simple hold. Although it didn't matter much to the sound, Shinji was embarrassed when he had to play with it in front of people… this was one of those cases. In his agitation for playing with Kaworu, he had forgotten about it and now it was too late; the grey-haired boy had already seen it.
"Are you ready? Bring your cello here." To his surprise Kaworu didn't react to his poorly treated instrument and mildly assumed a kind of lazy yet strict stance. It was like he had something in his muscles that made him look always so dashing. Shinji shrugged at the thought, not knowing where it had come from and advanced to sit next to Kaworu, cello between his legs.
The taller male had already tempered his violin so he simply gave Shinji a note. The boy proceeded to tune each chord to the sound and finished with a small arpeggio. He tightened the strings in his bow and looked Kaworu expectantly. "What are we playing by the way?"
"One of Handel's violin sonata… in A major…"
"Oh… I never played it. I'm not sure my sight playing is that good."
"Don't worry… it's not that hard. Besides… it will be fun. I have to admit I haven't played this in a long time."
Shinji gave a quick inspection at the first bars of the sheet in the stand… it didn't look drastically complicated. The usual base line with the important notes to establish the melodic background… the blue eyed boy looked at Kaworu and gave him an affirmative signal. Kaworu smiled at him, his red-wine eyes piercing his own… Shinji felt awkward, it was strangely taken back at the strong visual contact. He wasn't able to dwell on the matter for very long as Kaworu commenced playing the first few solo bars and he was forced to concentrate on his entrance.
Kaworu had been lying… although the first few bars were simple melodic tones, the piece quickly revealed itself to be a two part play in which the base was occasionally given solo moments that required some technical dexterity and clear sound… definitely something not meant for sight-playing. Yet Shinji played the piece calmly, entering a semi hypnotic state focusing on his line and always keeping an ear out for Kaworu to make sure he was playing it in time. So engrossed was he with playing that he didn't notice the intent and somewhat baffled look that Kaworu was giving him as the kept playing…
The rooms weren't that soundproof… if someone pressed his ears against the walls he would be able to hear perfectly what was happening on the other side (that was the problem with soundproof material… it does not mute the sound, it simply concentrates it not allowing it to spread). And right now… inside room 628, a certain blonde figure was mildly listening to everything that was being done inside the adjacent compartment.
"Trowa… I really have to talk with Kaworu. He's not behaving properly."
The other figure in the room, the one lying in bed with a book on his hands, browed at his companion. "Although I feel it is not your problem what Kaworu does and that I know as a fact that he would probably kill you in a very original way if he found out that you are always eavesdropping… what exactly do you mean Quatre?"
"Well… you know how he is. He's testing Shinji… making him play that sonata at first sight. I don't like it; he should be less categorical about people."
"Can you blame him?" He turned a page in his book, doing his best not to seem too interested. "But anyway… how's he doing?"
"Who…?"
"Shinji… is he responding well to the test?"
Quatre smiled. "That's what's so amazing… he's pulled off brilliantly. I don't think you would notice he's playing for the very first time… and the play is not that easy, mind you."
The brown haired man gave a small chortle. "Good… the headmaster would not be raving about the boy if he hadn't a good reason. Since he's doing so well, you could stop worrying."
"Guess so… I just hope they get along. Kaworu can be..."
"Quatre…"
"Yes…?"
"I want to sleep! They'll be fine… Shinji looks like an alright person and Kaworu is able to be great with people. And they're off to a good start; Shinji already knows us and you remember how Kaworu reacted to his recording. He always gets along with talent; it was what got him into trouble in the first place."
That brought the small Arabian to silence as he rested himself on his bed. He sighed and spoke with a hint of frustration. "Yes, you're right… I shouldn't worry that much. I'd probably make it worse."
"I wouldn't go that far… I know how you need to feel you're prepared for anything. Perhaps they need a little help to establish a good friendship."
Quatre chuckled and nodded. "Hmm… a little help would be a good thing."
"Precisely… little…" Trowa set his book on the bed table and turned off his light. He arranged himself on the sheets wrapping his arms around the blonde boy. They kissed affectionately and nuzzled in each others welcoming bodies.
"Goodnight my precious gem." Quatre rested his head on the other male's chest laying a chaste kiss on the skin.
"Goodnight love."
The final chords rebounded on the walls. Shinji breathed deeply and stretched his back… resting his bow on the stand in front of him. He looked at Kaworu who was placidly smiling at him with a relaxed expression. Shinji blushed but it was too late to look away. Kaworu spoke cheerfully.
"That was wonderful… you're really talented. You act as if the cello was as simple to play as a little child's toy."
Shinji's blush became stronger, rosy cheeks turning crimson, and babbled. "T-Thank you… I wasn't that good."
Kaworu looked even happier… the younger male felt the sudden urge to scratch his back and look away. "Nonsense… it was really a pleasure playing with you, and a discovery as well." He set his violin on the case delicately and stretched his muscles… Shinji found himself strangely perplexed at his roommate's body but quickly resumed to setting his own instrument on the case. He shrugged…
That was weird… anyway… it was great. Nagisa-kun is really… nice… he's nice.
"I hope we can do this again sometime soon… and since we're roommates I guess we'll have lots of chances." Kaworu interrupted Shinji's self-confronting.
"Yes… I hope so as well." He went to his bed and pulled the sheets over him welcoming the snug warmth. "Goodnight Kaworu."
"Oyasumi Shinji-kun… I hope you like Haïa."
Shinji nodded to himself. He relaxed into the soft fabric of his bed and contemplated a little corner of his mind named "Wild fantasies list"; he scratched off the headings "Meet Nagisa Kaworu" and "Play with Nagisa Kaworu". He fell to a comfortable sleep in the middle of his thoughts. Unbeknownst to him, his subconscious added a few more lines to the list…
George Frideric Handel (1685-1795) was known to the British as the "Dear and cherished Britton". Born in Germany, it was in Britain that Handel found his fame. His German/Italian style of composing granted him the direction of the Convent Garden Opera (for which he also composed operas) and a huge fortune. But his money maker was his chamber music and sonatas that were sold in prints on the streets and bought by most mid-class families.
The Violin sonata in A major was on of his most famous, but it also reveals a dark secret of the composer. He liked to repeat himself… a lot; so when he found that people liked it so much e rewrote exactly for an oboe sonata, a recorder one, a flute one, a viola sonata, as an aria for his operas and as a piece for his Cantatas. Handel was a true merchandiser of the Baroque epoch… he composed well and interestingly again, again and again…
Oh my… look! A review button.