Alright, here's the second chapter! I should really be finishing up my other stories but… eh. Whatever.

Disclaimer: English lyrics were not written by me, they were written by Razzy. I'm only borrowing them because I disliked using the Romaji lyrics considering this is a story in English. And the regular translation doesn't make it flow as smoothly, sooo . . .

Chapter 2 – Practice Makes Perfect

Rin was walking down the hall when she passed her room, or rather the twin's room. They shared the same room seeing as they weren't quite ready to separate from each other yet. Not to mention it saved space, so they were given the largest room and the other rooms were used for storage. When she reached the door with a banana and orange sign, she heard Len's voice. Peering into the room, she hummed to her, "Hmm?"

Len was sitting on the bed, back to the door. He was practicing his notes for the chorus, which only really consisted of him crooning out the sound, 'Aaaah.'

Slowly, she creaked open the door and snuck up behind him. Then, she pounced and yelled, "Booo!"

Len let out a high pitched shriek and glared at Rin, "R-Rin, that wasn't funny!"

Rin was rolling on the bed, laughing, "Ah-ha-ha, I get you every time! You're such a scaredy-cat!"

Len flushed, "A-am not!"

She grinned, "So, how's it coming alomg?"

Len shrugged, "Fine. I don't see how I have a real part in this though. All I provide are harmonizing vocals and then I have one solo part."

Rin chopped him lightly on the head, "Idiot, it's always the person who sings the least that gets the best parts. Remember when you did that remake of Free with Luka-nee? Everyone agreed that your rapping was the best part!"

Len said, "… I guess. Thanks, Rin. I'll take it your attempt at cheering me up as an apology for all those punches you gave me."

Rin laughed sheepishly, "Ah-ha-ha, well… It's all water under the bridge now, ain't it?" She slapped Len on the back (a bit too hard, unfortunately for Len) and got up, "Well, do your best, bro!" She went back to the hall and continued on her way.

Len sighed as he fell backwards onto the bed. 'Do your best.' It was a phrase he was hearing all too often now.

…

Gakupo had been very excited when he was offered a part in Natsu-P's video, and was even more ecstatic when he saw the outfits. That sort of flashy clothing suited him, and he was looking forward to seeing a lovely lady like Luka or Meiko being fitted into the female's outfit. Imagine his utter shock when he was told that Len would be playing that part. At the very least, he hoped it would be a female.

The two older males of the family were sitting together in the kitchen. As usual, Kaito was fixing himself an ice cream sundae and Gakupo was ranting, "Isn't it insane that it'll be an all male love triangle?

Kaito stuttered as he was pouring the chocolate syrup onto the Napoleon ice cream, "E-eh? Well, I think it's fine…" He was actually glad it was Len who would be singing with them. While he wouldn't have mind seeing Meiko or Miku in such a pretty dress, it would be too nerve-wracking for him. Not to mention, Len was quite feminine looking anyways, He blushed slightly as he remembered how Len looked for Butterfly on Your Right Shoulder. When one was as pretty as Len, he had all the right to sing about make-up or earrings.

Gakupo sighed, "I suppose I could always pretend he's a flat-chested girl. Yeah, that would work…"

As Gakupo wandered off, musing to himself, Kaito watched in amazement and disbelief, 'For someone so… ambiguous, Gakupo is unusually straight.' Or maybe it was just self-denial, but Kaito wasn't exactly a master of analysis. He took a chunk of chocolate and strawberry ice cream and bit into it, savoring the delicious taste. He thought, 'I wonder how Len-kun is doing.' Grabbing his bowl, Kaito walked down the hall, 'I guess I should check up on him. Probably in his room.'

Which now wasn't true as Len was walking down the hall. Nervousness had gotten the better of him, and he needed to do something to get his mind off work for a bit. As he turned the corner, he bumped into Kaito, or rather Kaito's ice cream. He fell back a little, vanilla ice cream and peanuts clinging to his hair, "Ack!"

Kaito said, "A-ah, Len-kun! I'm sorry!"

Len said, running a hand through his hair, "It's alright as long as it didn't—" he felt something wet and sticky, "Nevermind."

Kaito said, "Let's go clean up in the kitchen."

…

Kaito was still eating his ice cream as Len rinsed out the sticky substances in his hair. He was about to wash Len's hair for him, but Len insisted on doing it himself. The boy was probably afraid of being treated like a child, though that wasn't Kaito's intention.

Once Len was satisfied, he moved his head from under the faucet and grabbed a bunch of tissue papers.

Kaito said once again, "Sorry, Le—"

"It's alright," Len replied as he dried his hair with the napkins.

"Mmn . . ." Awkward silence fell so Kaito started babbling, "Oh yes, how's it going with the project, Len-kun?"

Len shrugged, "It's alright." What else could he say?

"A-ah . . . Hey, if you want, we can practice together!"

Len glanced up at Kaito, "Not that it's a bad idea but," he blushed a little, "I don't think I'm ready for it." This wasn't his first project with Kaito (Gakupo, on the other hand…) but it was still embarrassing to sing with Kaito. Len's voice compared to Kato wasn't as deep or masculine, and he envied the older Vocaloid for that. Such envy was also extended to Gakupo. He was not looking forward to the prospect of his voice been compared with those two.

Kaito said, face full of concern, "What do you mean? That's what practice is for, to get us ready for the big day."

"B-but—"

"No buts," Kaito said firmly, "I won't judge you, so there's nothing to be worried about."

Len looked down, embarrassed, "I'm not afraid of that . . ."

Kaito tilted his head, "Then what's wrong?"

Len's head snapped back up as he said hotly, "Nothing! Never mind, let's just go practice then, Kaito-nii." He tugged on Kaito's sleeve, "Let's go to your room, it's closer."

Kaito nodded, "Should we invite Gakupo as well?"

"Definitely not," Len said immediately, "Gakupo-nii would make fun of my high voice and say things like, 'You'll hit puberty eventually' and such."

Kaito frowned, "I don't think he would . . ." Well actually, the older Vocaloid wouldn't put it past his friend. He shook his head, "Never mind, you might be right." He held out his hand to Len, "Well, let's get going then, just the two of us."

If the blonde-haired boy hadn't known better, it would almost seem as if Kaito was being seductive. Len blushed, "I-I'm not a child anymore!" But at the confused and somewhat hurt look on Kaito's face, Len sighed and grabbed his hand, "But I'll do it just this once." Glancing from the corner of his eye, he saw Kaito's face lit up. Len looked forward, a bit embarrassed, and started dragging Kaito, "Anyways, let's hurry up then!"

The other hummed and nodded, still a bit confused as to why Len was so mad but happy nonetheless.

…

"…The hidden beauty of the moon

Under the darkness it looms

As if it's trying to hide away from me…"

Kaito sang, hitting the right notes. Of course, it was ridiculous to think he couldn't. He was a Vocaloid; that was what they were programmed to do. To be perfect singers, nothing else. In his hand was a music sheet with notes about what pitches and notes to hit as well as a few suggestions here and there. Len and Gakupo each had one as well, with different instructions of course.

Len hummed to the instrumental music. The three of them had been each given a CD containing the music (without vocals of course) for them to practice to. He had to admit that it might have been a better idea to ask Gakupo to join them, considering there were way too many pauses in the music for his liking. It just didn't flow as smoothly, and not to mention he was already a little impatient waiting for what few lyrics he had. Seriously, it was almost as if he wasn't there, Len thought as he fumed to himself quietly.

"—en-kun! Our part is playing!"

Len blinked, "Huh?" He then realized he had been spacing out and missed the beginning of his duet part with Kaito. He sat up straight and said, "G-Geh, sorry Kaito-nii! I was spacing out!"

Kaito pressed the 'pause' button on the iTunes program, rewinding it back, "I know you don't have many lines Len-kun, but that's why you should put more effort into it to make your performance stand out."

Len rubbed his head, embarrassed and a bit mortified at being lectured by Kaito of all people, "Y-yeah, you're right. Sorry, Kaito-nii, I'll pay more attention."

Kaito frowned, but didn't pursue the subject further. He said, "Then, from the top." He pressed the play button and once again, music filled the room. Len waited for Gakupo's part to end, eager to redeem himself. Then, it came and together, the two sang,

"Someday soon I hope I can be by your side,

With that promise I'll let go of my hand.

If this is a love that I can't abide by,

Then again you'll just end up broken."

Their voices were completely different from each other, but harmonized nicely (though it was still far from perfect, and they would have to work on it). Kaito glanced over at Len, who was completely absorbed in the music. Ah . . . he was always like this. A hard worker trying to make his way to the top. Len had often declared to Kaito that he was going to overthrow Miku in terms of popularity, and Kaito had no doubt that he had potential to. Whether or not he would will remain a mystery for now.

Once they were done practicing, Len flopped back onto the blankets with ice cream drawings on it as Kaito paused the music. Kaito turned back to Len and said, "Well, what did you think of our performance?"

Len hummed, "Well, while we got the technical parts down, I think we need to harmonize our voices better. Something's a bit . . . off."

Kaito pondered, "Ah, I felt that too. We need to convey the right emotion."

Len nodded, "Yeah, yeah! It's like . . . we need the same quiet passion as Erase or Zero but also the dark and , , , erm, e-erotic like Shotadesuyon." Len looked bashful.

Kaito blushed as well, remembering their cover of Cendrillon. The lyrics were way dirtier than Cendrillon or Adolescence. It was a wonder they were able to get over their embarrassment to sing it.

The atmosphere got a bit awkward, and Kaito coughed to break the silence, "Erm, well, I agree with you, Len-kun."

Len nodded, "Mmm."

Once again, silence settled. Kaito sighed, "I think we should stop for the day."

Len looked up, "Eh? Why?"

"Honestly, we need Gakupo here. I know you're self conscious around him, but we're going to be recording together anyways. Might as well get used to it, right?" Kaito tilted his head and smiled,

Len rested his chin on his knees, ". . . I get what you're saying. We can invite him over next time," he lifted his head and looked a little pleadingly at Kaito, "but can't we continue practicing for a little longer?" It's been so long since Len had a project with Kaito or got to spend time with him. Being one of his few male allies, Len was quite attached to the older male (though he wouldn't admit it out loud).

Kaito blushed at the look on Len's face. But then again, Kaito was an easily flustered Vocaloid, though he seemed to blush around Len more often these days. He smiled weakly, "I guess we can go for another round."

…

Yeah, I know, progress is slow. Sorry guys, but I think I'd be bull-shitting you all if I just make them suddenly gay for each other (even though they're robots so technically, things like sexuality shouldn't really apply to them…). But I'll do my best and thanks for your reviews!