Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of the music described/mentioned in this.

Overture - instrumental introduction

His long elegant fingers glided effortlessly over the keys. The forceful yet repetitive opening of the piece transitioned smoothly to a slow, fluid melody that reverberated through the mansion's hallways.

The sheer amount of energy and focus behind every note was tangible as the beginning of the song repeated itself before the last strains of music, soft and gentle again, faded away.

"I see you still favour pieces that let you show off," came the wry comment along with the praise that was as masked as the speaker himself.

The pianist's dark gaze flicked over to the silver haired man leaning against the far wall.

"What's the point in playing something that isn't the least bit challenging, Kakashi-sensei?" There was a slightly sarcastic edge to the title.

"No doubt you are one of the best in terms of skill, and I would know since I taught you myself," the world renowned yet retired concert pianist just had to add. "But there's no feeling behind your playing at all. Granted, not many of the pieces you choose actually have an emotional aspect to them which I don't find particularly surprising, emotionally constipated as you are."

Kakashi pretended not to notice his student's glare.

"So if you really want a challenge, why not try something with a little more depth? Unless you think you won't be able to do it."

The boy at the grand piano raised an eyebrow. Kakashi gave him a smile that seemed more patronizing than anything else as he headed for the door.

"I'll see you in two week."

Kakashi held back his amusement until he was safely out of the room. He had known this particular student since he was six years old and although physically he was all grown up now, his personality hadn't changed a bit. He was still the same arrogant little brat who never knew when to back down, especially not after and outright insult like this.

If not, his name wouldn't be Uchiha Sasuke.

Interlude - a piece of music played in between two acts of a play

Every muscle in his hands was poised and controlled, pressing down the appropriate keys with unerring accuracy to bring forth the required sound. Yet, somehow, it still didn't sound right even though the playing was note-perfect.

Sasuke growled in irritation as he repositioned his fingers and started from the very beginning of the song. He would be damned if he couldn't show Kakashi that he was perfectly capable of playing a piece with his so-called emotional depth.

He was so completely absorbed in his practice that he failed to notice the tiny figure that had slipped into the music room.

"Wow, you're really good."

The music came to an abrupt halt as Sasuke turned to look at the source of the undoubtedly feminine voice.

The familiar black pleated skirt and white dress shirt told him that she went to his school. But what stunned him for a moment was her hair which was a ridiculous shade of bubblegum pink that somehow matched the emerald eyes that were gazing intently at him.

"Excuse me?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I haven't introduced myself yet." She gave him a cheerful little smile. "I'm Haruno Sakura and my daddy says that you're supposed to be my piano instructor."

Concord - harmony, agreement

Sasuke learnt later that evening from his mother that the daughter of one of his father's business partners had been looking for a piano instructor and his father decided to generously offer his services until another one could be found.

It went without saying that neither of their fathers would be pleased if Sakura failed to learn anything at all from him or if he upset her by being his usual broody self.

In other words, she was an unwelcome intrusion to his otherwise normal life and once he could deem her proficient enough to satisfy both of their fathers, he could hopefully go back to his music without any further unnecessary interruptions.

Adagio - slow tempo

Sakura wanted to learn the song that he had been playing and he agreed. Objectively speaking, it was a rather simple piece to play but playing it well was an entirely different story.

Her basics were rather strong and she was a very hardworking student, which made teaching her much easier than he'd imagined. Unfortunately, there was just one particular portion of the song that Sakura just couldn't get right. Sasuke soon observed that she always ended up hitting the either of the keys that were right next to the correct one.

He was also starting to realise why.

Ignoring her surprised stare, he gently lifted her hand off the piano and placed it against his. Her palm was tiny and the tips of her fingers barely reached his second knuckle.

"Your hands are very small," he informed her.

Her brow furrowed into a frown. "That's not bad is it?"

"It doesn't have to be."

She seemed somewhat puzzled for a second before she laughed. "When did you start playing the piano?"

Now it was his turn to be puzzled but he dutifully replied. "Since I was six."

"It's no wonder your fingers are so long then. I didn't start learning until last year," Sakura looked thoughtful, her green eyes shining brightly almost as though she were remembering something. Then the moment was gone and she continued.

"So how should I be playing with my hands as small as they are?"

"You give me the impression that you're very conscious of your playing. You always seem to be trying too hard to hit the right note, especially the ones that are further away from your normal reach." He lowered her hand back onto the position on the keyboard it was in before. "Don't think about it and just let the music flow."

"Okay." She took a deep breath.

The rhythm was slightly off tempo and the way her dainty fingers moved over the keys were not as sure, not as confident as his would have, but there was something about her music that was different from his. He didn't know what it was but for some reason, in spite of her lack of skill and the occasional mistake, her music was light and refreshing. Like a cool shower in the middle of spring that anyone would find enjoyable.

The last note trailed off into silence and belatedly, Sasuke realized that this was the first time she'd finished the entire piece.

"You're improving."

She smiled at him and he found himself smirking little as well.

Reprise - repeated passage in music

He was playing his favourite song, the same one he'd played for Kakashi, except that now he was playing it for Sakura to hear. Her father had found her a suitable instructor and this would be their last lesson together. He didn't know why he wanted her to hear him play it, but he still played it anyway.

"That was amazing," she sighed wistfully after he was done. "I'll never be able to play like that."

"If you practice hard enough you might," Sasuke said, but she was far from listening.

"You know, I've heard you play that song before," Sakura murmured, lost in the memory. "Sometime last year. After school in the music room."

Her smile was sad as she her hand trailed the side of the grand piano. "To tell you the truth, I started learning to play the piano because I wanted to know what it would be like make music like that."

She looked at him and all he could do watch her and wait.

"And I wanted to know the person who could make such wonderful music."

Now he understood. He finally knew what it was about her music that made it beautiful. What it was that made her beautiful.

There was so much heart. Not just in her music, but in everything she did. He didn't know why he hadn't seen it before.

"Thank you, Sasuke. For everything."

She was out the door before he could even react.

Crescendo - gradual increase in volume

"Kaa-san."

"Yes, what is it?"

"I need the number for the Haruno estate."

Da capo – from the beginning

"Well Sasuke, you're the one who called and insisted that I come here so what exactly are we waiting for?" Kakashi drawled.

Right on cue, the door creaked open hesitantly and for the first time in his life, Hatake Kakashi was utterly shocked when he realized that it wasn't a 'what' but a 'who' they had been waiting for.

Sasuke on the other hand did not even look up from his piano. He knew that there were no words he could say, that there was nothing else he could do.

So he played.

The melody was so laughably simple that Kakashi was once again taken aback by his student's uncharacteristic selection. Out of sheer curiosity he turned to look at the the pink haired girl standing at the doorway. Her hand was clasped over her mouth, green eyes wide before they filled with tears.

"Yiruma is one of my favourite composers. Do you think maybe after we're done with this song we can do one of his next?"

"Hn."

Kakashi focused his attention on the music, finally hearing the number of thoughts and multitude of emotions hidden behind each and every note that he had failed to notice before. Apology, regret the slightest hint of hope and that one, single feeling that should have been overwhelmingly evident from the very beginning.

It was then that he knew without a doubt that Sasuke had surpassed him.

The song ended and Kakashi took it as his cue to leave. It wouldn't be polite to interrupt what he was sure was going to happen next. Besides, he could always tease his dear student about this some other time.

Sakura slowly walked towards the grand piano with a growing smile on her pretty face.

"Kiss the Rain," she said the title of the song questioningly. "You actually managed to learn a new song in less than a day."

Sasuke seemed somewhat slighted by her comment but Sakura thought that he didn't look too unhappy when she bent down to kiss him on the cheek.

"Looks like I'll have to tell daddy to get rid of the other instructor," she mused, green eyes alight with mischief.

"And now you can teach me how to play this song too, sensei."

Oh, the things I come up with when I'm in like. No way in hell am I using the other four letter l-word. Yet. So yes. I am in like. Or at least I think I am. But right now, I'm kind of annoyed that the person who I am in like with is on holiday and thus cannot reply to my emails, realize how awesome of a person I am and thus fall in like with me back. Sigh.

I am also two weeks away from my finals which I should have been studying for but ahem you can imagine how that went.

I've turned Sasuke into a total band-geek (sort of). But honestly, I think that hot guys who play instruments are even hotter. I mean seriously, Sasuke playing the guitar would be a God. I'm sure some of you out there must agree with me. By the way go youtube Yiruma's Kiss the Rain, it's really lovely.

And again, I'm just slightly disappointed with the ending but oh well.

Okay, I know I don't sound like my usual self now but life is somewhat blah right now so I'm a tad depressed. But I'll be back to normal once my finals are over and I receive an email from a certain someone.

In the meantime, I'm sure some reviews would definitely cheer me up XP