WEEEELCOOOOME BACK FOR ANOTHER UPDATEEEEEE! ASDFGHJKL THANK YOU EVERYOOOONE FOR PATIENTLY WAITING FOR THE UPDATE! Btw did I mention a new semester has started for me, a year to go and I'm just this close to graduating! Wish me luck! And since Kicchin made you wait for so long I wouldn't make you wait for more by my random rants this time, I JUST WANNA SAY THANK YOU FOR EVERYONE WHO JUST DROPPED A FAV AND A FOLLOW TO MIZUIRO TO BENI KOI!
Oh did I mention my mom was going to start her new job in Tokyo and yeah I'm more excited than she is, I'll have an excuse to visit Tokyo more ofteeeeeen! Oh, I did mention that English isn't my native tongue, yes? Ahahaha, and yep I dont have anyone to proof read my fanfics so I'm soooo sorry if my English grammar is bad, BUT THANKS TO EVERYONE'S HELP by pointing a few helpful points here and there that I am able to improve! Hehehehe~ *blushes* I'm thankful for everyone who helps me around. OHOHOHO and btw how was you guys' thanksgiving? What were you guys thankful for this year? Hmm I think I included in ths year's things that I am thankful for are my readers and yeah discovering fanfic, as cheesy as that sounds fanfic has been my escape from the stress I get from school and your reviews makes my day (/ v / ). Anyhow thank you for Bubbles9595and I hope you like how Kuroko's audition will unfold, same with AJ-san yes I might start that story by the second week of December. AND YES, YES, YEEES KAGAKURO AUDITIOOON, ahahaha I think Kagakuro's duet in the Kurobasu album will always be my favorite, and Midotaka the second-*whispers*I only wished they make some akafuri duet too *cries* And to Guest-san YEAH, YEAH YEAAAH! KAGAKUROO BANZAAAI~~! For TheRandomSekihanFan ahahaha then I could say we're on the same boat, 'cause I started squealing when I saw you review! ASDFGHJKL THANK YOU AGAIN, and I hope that you like today's update~~! kroscetish sooo happy you think so! I will do my best again, and I hope you like today's update and that I didn't make you wait for too long!
SOOO HERE IT ISSSSS~~ Don't forget to leave a review, a fav or follow! Ciao~~
Chapter 5: Cleave The Silence
Kagami blinked as he stood there, Furihata for some reason brought him back in the studio. Standing next to him was Kuroko who was staring at Furihata who seems to be having some word with Takao. He didn't understand what happened, Kuroko was quiet and Furihata was too busy explaining something to Takao. Did Kuroko pass or not, the crimson haired vocalist wondered. Kagami decided to listen to Takao and Furihata's conversation to find out—
"Its too risky Furi, I understand what you're trying to say but come on."
"There's nothing to lose Takao-san, one more time please!"
Takao turned to them and sighed as he run his hand in his hair, "I'm not sure Furi, even if he has experience what do we know about this?"
Furi clenched his hand into a fist with a determined look, "One more time, I can feel it Takao-san, Kurok-san is what we have been waiting for." Kagami blinked, he didn't understand, what's happening, what was he doing there. Didn't they say already that he will make it difficult to judge Kuroko if he was there? Turning towards Kuroko, his eyes widen. Despite his concrete, unchanging facial expression, Kuroko's slender and pale fingers were trembling against his guitar—was he nervous? Wasn't he a pro already, why was he getting nervous for a simple audition.
"I…really want to." Kagami heard Kuroko mumbled, want to what? Does he mean…he really want to be part of the band? Was it really that lonely to perform alone? Without thinking Kagami found himself putting a hand over the other's shoulder. Kuroko tensed for a moment before he turned to Kagami with a puzzled look.
"You'll be okay."
Kuroko's eyes widen in fraction.
"Kagami-kun." Kagami turned as he heard Furihata called, turning he found the brunette holding the his guitar case. Kagami blinked in confusion as Furihata handed him the guitar. "We have to ask you a favour."
"Uh…yeah?"
"Can you perform with Kuroko-san."
Kagami stared at Furihata for a few seconds before his face contort in confusion, "Ha? I thought you said I'll be biased—"
"You're not going to judge, we still are going to be the judge but—" Takao turned his eyes towards Kuroko, "you will help Kuroko perform."
"Huh?" Kagami asked in confusion as he turned towards Kuroko who only had this unwavering look at the two. "That doesn't make sense."
Furihata looked at Kuroko, "His voice isn't as simple as that, that is why we cannot judge him without your help Kagami-kun."
"Well I don't mind but what will I do?" Kagami asked.
Furihata smiled, "You will just play a duet."
"D-Duet?!" Kagami exclaimed, "T-That's absurd that makes judging him more—"
"Just do it." Takao sighed, "I'm not sure as well, but we'll see how this works. Choose your song, its up to you two. Then when you're ready tell me."
The two took a sit back to the couch leaving the two alone. Kuroko looked like he was deep in thought and Kagami had no idea what was exactly happening. Wasn't it supposed to be more difficult to judge someone this way. Another voice could over power someone—and that would kill the whole purpose of the audition, it could greatly affect the quality of the performance. And besides why is there any need for them to perform a duet, Kuroko's voice was good enough as he could remember it. He watched as Takao sighed mumbled something to Furihata. Kagami sighed to himself, well there's no helping it now then.
"Oi Kuroko, what's your plan?" Kagami asked the other who turned at him with his gigantic blue eyes.
"What do you mean Kagami-kun?"
"EH?! Don't you have anything up your sleeves?" Kagami asked as he grabbed the other's shoulder shaking him, "YOU SHOULD HAVE AN IDEA AT LEAST RIGHT?"
Kuroko frowned, "Don't assume I know everything Kagami-kun." Kagami stopped shaking him, "I don't know what I'm supposed to do as well. I don't know what Furihata-kun is trying to ask me to do."
Kagami scarcthed the back of his head as he stole a glance at Furihata, "Furi?" he was surprised, this was all Furihata's idea? The other was usually the person who always just agrees with everyone, despite coming from an elite family of musician Furihata wasn't really over all impressive at anything. He usually just go with everyone's decision. It was the first time he heard he initiated something. "A duet…huh?"
"Uhm? Excuse me can I borrow a pen and paper?"
Everyone suddenly turned to Kuroko when the monotonous voice called their attention. Furihata without asking question stood and went to fetch a blank sheet of paper and pen and giving them to Kuroko. "Is this alright?" Furihata asked. Kuroko nodded and bowed muttering thanks to the brunette. When Furihata went back to his seat Kuroko started scribbling on the paper.
"What are you doing?" Kagami asked the teal haired theatre actor.
"Do you still remember the song we played back then Kagami-kun?" Kuroko asked.
"Yeah a bit but not everything." Kagami answered.
"Figured." Kuroko said making Kagami's eyebrow twitch. "Anyhow, since the only thing we are both accoustomed to, are you alright if we play that?"
Kagami's eyes widen, he couldn't remember the lyrics anymore, could it be Kuroko is rewriting it down? Kagami could only remember the tune, he couldn't remember the words anymore. Peering through the paper he found Kuroko writing them down quickly. It was really the same thing they sang. Kuroko has a very good sense with memorizing them. "I'm done Kagami-kun." Kuroko said as he showed the sheet to Kagami. Kagami accepted the paper, Kuroko started giving a few notes about the song. The cues and parts where he would be taking over. "How about it?"
"I don't understand at all." Kagami said bluntly, "I don't get it."
Kuroko sighed, "I'm not use at this as well."
"Then what now?"
The two engaged in a staring contest until Kagami gave up and sighed. "Then just sing Kagami-kun." Kuroko said. Kagami turned his eyes back on the sheets, he doesn't know what Kuroko has in mind but for some reason something told him to let do as Kuroko want to.
"Alright." Kagami said taking the attention of the two who were sitting in the couch.
"We're ready." Kuroko said.
Takao nodded and sat up straight, Furihata did the same. Kagami took his guitar from its case and properly tuned them, meanwhile Kuroko was watching Kagami. After a few seconds Kagami stood straight and nodded at Kuroko. Kuroko bowed his head curtly, "The song that we will be playing is called Kami no Manimani." Kuroko said making Furihata somehow flinch. Takao turned to the brunette in confusion, before the raven haired mangaka could ask Kuroko stared tapping his hand against the guitar's wood as if starting the beat that Kagami was supposed to follow. The crimson haired vocalist nodded his head in sync until he finally caught his cue and started playing. Kuroko followed and started creating a lively music.
The music was simple with only the sound of the guitars and Kagami's foot tapping against the floor. Kagami started smirking as he got a hang of the beat. Takao was shock, did Kagami know this song as well, it looks like he had been listening to whatever this song is for a long time now, he looks like he knows it like the back of his hand with the way he seems to be enjoying it. Kuroko meanwhile was looking at Kagami and his guitar playing was starting to become one with Kagami's energy. It was surprising how the two instruments sounds so alive. To Takao's surprise it was Kagami who started singing, usually with such short time two people who had only met recently wouldn't be able to come out with something they'd agree—not this fast.
"Omoidoori ni ikanai koto darake
Doushiyou mo naku jiko ken'o
Yaoyorozu no itami ya kanashimi kara
Nigekomeru nasho wo
Sagashiteru"
Takao watched as something changed in the way Kuroko's aura was, he looked more confident, and his eyes were directed to Kagami as if he was slowly blending himself with Kagamis energy—and it looks like he was doing pretty well at that. Takao blinked in surprise, wait, was he this observant a few moments ago when Kuroko was performing alone? He didn't even realize Kuroko's over all presence, all he was drawn earlier was Kuroko's voice but now…it seems like Kuroko suddenly emerged there in his spot. A shadow…he said that didn't he? A shadow…would not exist without—
"Isso iwa no sukina ni hikikomotte
Tsuki mo taiyou mo mushi shite nemurou"
Takao gasped as Kuroko took the turn in singing, something, something really did change with Kuroko's voice, why does it sound more…it sounds more alive, it doesn't feel like just some ice cold voice, it sounds like ice melting against fire. And somehow his eyes looks glowing next to Kagami and the way they seem to be having a conversation with just their eye contact with each other, they look like they have been working together so long. Takao wondered if Kuroko realizes the way his lips were curving in a smile as well, and does Kagami even realize he was spending a bit too little time looking at his hands. Something was happening before their eyes and yet he couldn't figure out what exactly. The tune was increasing in power and it was surprising, it was such a simple song and yet, how?
Kuroko nodded three times, and Kagami smiled back—it was a cue, he didn't know when did he figured that but the way Kuroko moved, tapped his hand and foot were signals. They told Kagami when he should slip in. Kuroko didn't told him, or he did Kagami didn't hear it but all he understand was he could understand Kuroko now. The way his eyes turn to him somehow he could hear Kuroko's voice in his head—albeit in a none creepy way.
"Sou sa
Kami no Manimani
Oose no mama ni"
Kagami was surprised that Kuroko sang with him at this part, he was taken aback as much as everyone as in the room. Kuroko's voice melted against his. And it sounded perfect—more than the last time. Takao and Furihata meanwhile were watching and listening with wide eyes, it sounded…great, no it was perfectly. Perfect beyond words. Takao couldn't understand how can Kuroko's voice sound so perfect now, so alive, burning like a dry ice, cold but hot and running, excited, hyper—Takao wasn't sure anymore, where was the kid he just entered the studio looking like he'd blend in the background in fracture of seconds. The one standing there was someone ready to take on the stage, own it. Kagami's presence next to him didn't help at all, they look like two people who had worked together for so long now. A chill run down his spine as they continue listening to the two, and Kagami's voice was intensified, like a fire consuming everything else except for the voice next to him.
HOW?
The question kept bugging Takao, a few moments ago Kuroko's voice was an impossible case. A kind of voice you couldn't—no, impossible to be paired with anyone yet couldn't live on its own. But now it looks like a shining zircon, a imperishable ice melting against an ever consuming fire that was Kagami. And Kagami's voice sounded stronger, better, more passionate. And the most amusing part off it was the fact that they were singing at the same level, the same power, they don't over power or eat the other. They were like…light and shadow, the stronger Kagami was the more intense Kuroko become.
.
.
.
Click!
"Kise-san, is something the matter?"
Somewhere, they have felt it too, the blonde model turned behind him, feeling an impending warning to him. Where was it from, he asked himself. It was a frightening, booming force, like a raw and pure heated power force opening something. A place where no one had gone yet, no, not close enough as this. Kise swallowed the lump in his throat, feeling a cold sweat trickling down his forehead for some reason, he had ignored the voice calling him, all he understood was the feeling of fear creeping in his system. Where was this coming from?
"Kise-san? Kise-san!"
Kise jolted as his assistant called him for the umpteenth time, turning to her Kise flashed his ever magazine worthy smile. "I-I'm sorry, what was that again?"
"Oh uhm," His assistant flipped through the pages again in her hand and turned to Kise, "I was just reminding you about this Wednesday's we have a schedule from eight in the morning until three in the afternoon."
"We have?" Kise asked in bewilderment, "What was that again for?"
His assistant sighed, "The band competition Kise-san."
Kise blinked twice, the word stung him a bit. Band. The word felt like a bee sting in his skin, it pricks, it was painful to remember. Kise's smile wavered at the thought. That was where he started as well, a band. Yearly he was asked to be one of the panel of judges for the annual battle of the bands in Shibuya, however…for the past years he has not showed up. But what changed? He didn't know, but somehow something told him he should go. "Alright." Kise said to his assistant. Maybe it was time to forget those things, things that would never return. People who would…never return.
.
.
.
And it wasn't just Kise who felt it, somewhere a certain green haired young man stared at his guitar with one string broken. He had never a broken string before, and then there was this strange feeling. Blinking the man turned towards the wide window, a clear blue sky was visible however—
"I feel like there's a storm coming."
And maybe there was indeed a storm coming, a big and powerful storm, and in a few days would be prepared to sweep the whole city down…and Miracles bowing down.
.
.
.
"WELCOME TO THE BAND!"
Kuroko almost gasped as the black haired mangaka squeezed the life out of the new member. Kuroko blinked and found Furihata smiling at him. Takao sounded strict a moment ago but now…he sounds so hyper so…energetic it almost reminded him of a certain someone. When Takao released his hold from the other, Kuroko gratefully bowed his head. He was actually ore grateful to Furihata, that for some reason had the idea on how his voice worked, and to think Furihata was that confident about his compatibility with Kagami—shock was an understatement. This whole band was exceeding Kuroko's expectation, Takao was the brain, Furihata was the heart while Kagami was the body. Takao made the rational decisions using his knowledge in the field, strict and practical, meanwhile Furihata was his balance, the brunette didn't seem like it but he has this ability to decipher and weave details using only his ears and instincts, there was no logic but he can make wise inferences as well. And Kagami was the body, unknown to him, he might be the one making this whole band function as it is. He was the glue that was holding both Furihata and Takao, making their decisions concrete. They may look simple, but this was a desired team.
"Welcome to the band." Kagami grinned and ruffled Kuroko's styled hair, making the teal haired theater actor huff and pout. Kagami chuckled, "You keep doing that Takao's never gonna stop calling you a kid."
"You are the one treating me like that Kagami-kun." Kuroko said as he escaped from Kagami's abnormally large hand. However Kuroko stared at Kagami for a moment and found himself smiling.
He wondered if Kagami understood the basics of his voice, or its nature, or why Furihata called him to sing with him. He understood Kagami's reactions earlier. Normally it is not preferred that during auditions, a duet is held, it usually taints or change the whole thing entirely even only one of them could sing. If Kagami didn't go with it, Kuroko wouldn't have the chance. And if it wasn't for Furihata's spur of the moment decision he wouldn't have made it. Kagami's eyes widen as he found Kuroko suddenly bowing his head politely to the crimson haired vocalist.
"W-What the heck are you bowing for?" Kagami asked.
"Thank you." Kuroko said in a small voice. Both Takao and Furihata exchanged looks and shrugged.
"F-For what?" Kagami asked again.
"For agreeing to sing with me." Kuroko said. He knows the real thing he was thankful for was the fact that Kagami somehow for some reason was able to blend voices with him. Raising his head Kuroko bowed again to both Furihata and Takao this time before straightening himself again. With a determined look Kuroko gripped his guitar tightly, "Thank you—I will do my best and I swore never to be a disappointment. I will bring us to the brightest stage in Tokyo."
Takoa and Furihata was shock, they have never been this determined, his eyes were almost the same as Kagami and it was surprising—how much they have the same level of determination. Takao turned to Kagami whom he found smiling. Kagami then grabbed Kuroko's teal head and slightly pulled him towards himself and angled his head so that the shorter make was looking up at him, "Its not I, its WE." Kagami said with a smile. Kuroko's eyes widen—when was the last time he heard that word?
WE
…
"Of course, Kagami-kun."
"Ah, by the way Furihata, mind explaining how you came with that idea?" Takao asked raising an eyebrow.
Everyone's attention was now focused on the brunette next to Takao, the brunette shifted in his feet, trying to compose the right sentence for them to understand. Where should he start, should he tell them about his fascination about Kuroko's type of voice since that day? Or maybe he should just tell them what the voice was really like? In the midst of nervousness, Furihata decided the second was the most likely decision to make. "Uhm, when Kuroko-kun said he was a shadow it reminded me of something. Among the types of voices, there was this type I've heard of, but never had heard yet—it was a-a l-lucky guess." Furihata cleared his throat, "They usually are called shadows because they couldn't stand alone, well…they actually could but they don't sound like anything special since most of them are too polished types of voices, I mean usually we look for voices like Kagami-kun or Takao-san. Ruff, or husky, could reach high notes at certain degrees but not entirely perfect—but shadows are too perfect. They couldn't stand alone in the stage because they don't get much attention that way, in normal ears it wouldn't surely sell as something you'd put up with—maybe it is beautiful for a single performed show, alone. But in a series of songs, it wouldn't work."
"So…that was why you called me here?" Kagami asked.
Furihata nodded, "Yes, but…there is something else…isn't that right Kuroko-san?"
Kuroko stared at Furihata, he was amused, however his poker face managed to conceal that, Furihata Kouki just used the very same explanation that man used years ago. Kuroko closed his eyes and nodded.
"What do you mean?" Takao asked.
"Not everyone can simply do it with me." Kuroko said, "No one can simply sing along with me."
"Compatibility." Furihata interjected, "Kuroko-san's voice is beautiful—too beautiful that if paired with any ordinary voices could either drown the other, and or the other way around. It kills the other or is killed. His voice searches for a certain compatibility with someone else, if it is paired with a wrong voice it kills the whole performance—this type of voice is risky as Takao-san said."
Takao nodded, "And…you say…you only assumed that Kagami could do it with Kuroko?"
Furihata meekly nodded, "Y-Yes."
"It really is surprising though." Kuroko said. Kagami wasn't able to hear that as he was engrossed trying to understand all the information dropped to him all of a sudden. Kuroko was surprised, there was no practice, and to think that it wasn't him who tried to blend against Kagami but the other way around, Kagami made it seem so easy, to stir and dissolve himself against Kuroko's voice to make a perfect souns, something Kuroko had to do with others using months and dreadful days of nonstop rehearsals. And to think it only took Kagami a single word—
"Alright."
Then it occurred to him, the word and the covert meaning underneath that word. It was a simple word but it meant huge, massive, heavy and…warm. Trust, something he had never had with anyone, Kagami trusted his convictions, Kagami didn't question him, nor his ways, he looked at him and simply said yes—and it wasn't blind obedience, it was trust. Kagami Taiga trusted him, a complete unknown stranger. And it resulted to this. It was the first time that someone tried to blend into him, it was the first time he felt someone looking at him, really at him.
And in that moment, a storm was born, in that clear cerulean sky, behind him was the ever consuming fire that no one was prepared for yet.
A/N:
The song used for this chapter is called Kami-sama no Manimani, I personally like Rib and Itou Kashiro's version of the said song(if you have time you should try and listen to it!)