Disclaimer: I do not own La Corda D'Oro. Yuki Kure does. I simply own the original idea and anything non-canonical.

Pairing: Kazuki/Kahoko

Summary: There's nothing as exciting as trying something new for the first time.

Joyful Noise

The first time Kahoko ever blew into a trumpet, she made such a god-awful blaring sound that she sent a small flock of pigeons flying away in terror. Kazuki loved her dearly, but couldn't stop a laugh from escaping his lips at the silliness of the moment – Kahoko with her cheeks puffed out, eyes wide with surprise.

Then she pouted and said, "I know it was bad, but you don't have to laugh at me."

"No, no, Kaho-chan, I swear I'm not laughing at you," he said, still grinning. "You just reminded me of how I sounded when I first played."

She looked slightly mollified and brought the instrument up to try again. "Try buzzing your lips a little more," Kazuki suggested, "and when you blow, make your embouchure – the opening in your lips – just a little smaller."

Taking a deep breath that sent her chest flying into the air and Kazuki's thoughts in a very un-trumpet related direction, she blew a second time and produced a slightly louder and clearer sound. The look on her face, something between awe and delight, was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. She kept trying, randomly pressing the valves for different notes, until she finally collapsed onto the bench.

"That's really hard!" she gasped. "I mean, I never have to think about breathing with a violin. I think my head might spin away."

He smiled as he took a seat beside her. "It's because you're breathing too quickly. Wanna try again?"

She touched her mouth, frowning slightly. "In a minute. My lips feel all tingly, like they've fallen asleep. Is there a way to make them stop buzzing like this, or do trumpet players just-"

And Kazuki cupped her cheek with one hand as he darted forward. His mouth pressed against hers, and he indulged in the sensation of her warmth-sweetness-softness. With a boldness that surprised both of them, he gently flicked his tongue out and brushed it against her lips. She shuddered with pleasure before returning the favor, tangling her free fingers in his hair and keeping him close.

When they broke apart, far more light-headed than any amount of trumpet playing could account for, he breathlessly asked, "How do your lips feel now? Did it help?"

Kahoko gave him a blushing smile. "Maybe. I think so. I mean, you'll help me again if I need it, right?" she asked, standing up and holding the trumpet just in front of her lips.

Kazuki just leaned back on his hands, grinning all the while as she played a new round of terrible, wonderful notes.

Author's Notes (11/2/07): Huh. This story looks kind of familiar. Anyone else recognize it?

Thanks to everyone who's reading, and everyone who's reviewing. To tears-of-redemption: you vivaciously requested a Shimizu-Hino ficlet, and I'll try getting it done in a week or so. No promises, but I'll see what I can do.