Ritardando

A few weeks passed since Tanabata, and Azusa was back at home for the time being studying hard for her exams that were going to happen as soon as school started up again. Of course Azusa hadn't only been studying, she and her club mates would practice on their songs for the school festival as well, but since they were seniors they wanted to make a good impression on Lynn and show that they could be responsible when needed to be. Azusa would think back to the times when she would watch her seniors goof off and couldn't help but want to make a little bit of a better mark on the younger girl. The kouhai didn't seem to mind all the studying, in fact she had started bringing her laptop and showing her senpai how she created remixes and even showed them her current project on Fuwa Fuwa Time.

But of course, as the school festival loomed closer and the seniors started to get busier and busier the Light Music Club began to panic. Azusa had never felt so stressed in her young life, she wanted her final school performance to be their best so Lynn could get as many new members as possible. After all, unlike Azusa, Lynn only had a year to get use to the club before all its members graduated. Azusa didn't want that stress put on the young kouhai. She knew exactly how it felt. So, the pigtailed girl did everything in her power to make sure this performance was done right and she had everything down, but by the time the festival started Azusa was completely overworked. To top it all off she hadn't gotten to see Yui lately because of how busy she got and was starting to miss her lover greatly. She had sent all her senpais texts asking them to come see the performance and had gotten replies from all of them saying that would try, but college sadly came first.

In the clubroom the day of the performance Azusa was pacing back and forth counting her fingers as she tried once more to make sure she had done everything.

"Stage usage form…check. Equipment moved…check."
"Costumes for performance! Check!" Sawako said happily as she looked over each member of the club. She was quite proud of herself this time. The outfits she had made were futuristic, sharp dresses that resembled space suits with heart buttons and feather designed headbands. The dresses themselves were all white with different colors on them. Ui's was white and orange, Jun's was white and light blue, Lynn's was white and light purple, and Azusa's was white and light green. However, they didn't seem too bothered by their sensei's costumes for they were more worried about Azusa. She didn't complain about them at all, she was too wrapped up in everything to even notice how short the skirts were.

"Senpai…uhm…I know you want everything to be perfect, but…maybe you should sit down." Lynn said as she watched Azusa pace back and forth while still listing off things that she did. Jun was frowning in concern before she walked over and grabbed the pigtailed girl by the shoulders and shook her softly.

"Azusa! Stop you're making me dizzy…geez what's wrong with you."
"I'm making sure everything is done…please don't talk to me right now." Azusa stated softly as she went back to listing before her eyes went wide. "I forgot the form!"
"Senpai you listed that first…"

"…See Jun! You made me loss my place…"

"Azusa-chan, please sit down…have some tea." Ui said as she walked over and guided her rather stressed out friend to the table before she actually did collapse.

"Mou, Azusa-chan…have you eaten anything today?" Sawako asked as she walked over to the pale girl.
"Of course I have, I'm not that consumed by this performance!...wait what time is it?" Azusa asked as she pulled out her cell and looked at the time. Her eyes widened and she began laughing nervously. "…Okay so it's been a while since I ate something, but that shouldn't be too bad should it?"
"I'll go grab her something to eat, you kids talk some sense into your president." And just like that Sawako was out of the clubroom so that she could grab something for the stressed Azusa. The club members all sat down in the chairs around the table and began eyeing Azusa as she rested her forehead on the table.
"Nugh…how did they manage to look so calm when they did this…" Azusa asked herself as she thought back to how her own senpai use to handle their concerts. They were never this stressed out and even Azusa herself was happy in just playing at performances, but now that she was president she had to worry about everything, why was it so different?

"Azusa, I think you may be trying a bit too hard…I know you want this to go well, but you've got to calm down." Jun said as she put a reassuring hand on Azusa's shoulder, giving it a squeeze before looking at Lynn and Ui, both of who just nodded.

"Senpai…"
Azusa looked up and glanced over at Lynn as the young kouhai just smiled brightly.

"Are you worried about me being alone when you graduate?"
"…" Azusa didn't answer, but she laid her head back down and gave a grunt before sighing heavily. "Maybe…" She whispered finally after thinking hard about it.

"You don't have to be, I have a few friends that will be entering this high school next year that promised to join. And I'm sure I can get even more with that recruitment video I found in that cookie box."
"…What!"
"O-oh was, I not suppose to open that?" Lynn asked as she began laughing nervously as Azusa's head shot up and the kouhai was now under an intense glare.

"Oi, why are you getting so upset for? Lynn and I watched that thing and we thought it was pretty good, definitely worth showing to the new freshmen next year."

"B-But, I…cat…"
"Are you talking about the end, senpai? That did seem a bit out of place…" Lynn replied as she chuckled softly. "But to be honest, I'm sure they wouldn't even care…all they want to know is if The Light Music Club would be a good place for them…and I'll do whatever I can to make sure this club stays alive even after I graduate as well…"

"Lynn…"
"Plus it's not like I'm totally going to be alone, you guys aren't going very far when you go to college and I can visit and toss ideas at you and you tell me if they are good or not." Lynn said once more as she smiled brightly. "Why should I be lonely when everything will be just fine?"

Azusa found this sort of outlook on their graduation very refreshing. She could still feel the pain of loneliness once in a while even though the club stayed alive and strong when her senpai graduated.

Soon Azusa nodded and began smiling as she looked over her friend's faces. Each one of them had a confident grin or smile on their faces, and each one of them was ready for their final concert.
"I'm sorry I've been a wreck lately, it's just been hectic the last few days…and I haven't seen Yui in a while so just I kind of let my emotions get the best of me. But, I'm fine now, once I get some food in me I'll be ready to go. We'll make some music together!"

"Hai!"

"Yes, that's my senpai!"

"Finally, damnit Azusa, don't scare us like that again, you hear?"

Azusa just chuckled as she felt the connection of all her friends with her before a sandwich appeared in front of her face and she heard her sensei talk.
"Here you go, Azusa-chan. One yakisoba bread to help nurture the heart and the stomach."
"Thank you sensei."
"Now, have you told Lynn your plan yet?"

Lynn suddenly looked at Azusa with confusion on her face.
"Your plan, senpai?"

"Ah yes…" Azusa said as she swallowed the food she had in her mouth before she began to grin.

"Does this plan have anything to do with why you asked me to bring my laptop?"
"Yes actually, you showed us your remix of Fuwa Fuwa Time the other day and I wanted to ask if you would be comfortable playing that as our last song."
"W-What? In front of everyone? By myself?"

"You won't be by yourself," Jun whispered as she put a reassuring arm around her young girlfriend. "We'll still be on stage, and we've heard it and can sing along with it if you'd like…to make things more realistic…kind of why Sawako-sensei made these outfits the way they are."

"Yep! If we were going to have a remix of Fuwa Fuwa Time we were going to need remix worthy outfits!" Sawako yelled happily while hugging herself. "And I must admit, these are my best outfits ever created!"

"Mou…okay she maybe a freak when it comes to things like that, but she's got a point…If we start with our version of Fuwa Fuwa Time, and end with your remix…it'll be perfect." Azusa replied as she smiled even more.
"Plus, didn't you want people to hear your work at some point Lynn-chan?" Ui asked as she put her chin in her palms while playfully raising her eyebrow at the young kouhai.
Lynn looked at her senpai before she felt a soft kiss on her cheek and the arm around her tighten.
"If you want, I'll stay by your side till it's all over…" Jun said softly as she smirked more.

"P-Please, I don't think I could handle being the center of attention…"
"Don't worry, we have everything set up and ready for you Lynn-chan whenever it comes time for your 'solo' all we needed to do was ask that you do it." Ui replied once more before they all stood up.

Lynn nodded and stood as well before inhaling, a smile crossed her lips before she laughed softly.

"You really should have told me earlier Azusa-senpai. At least I would have had more time to mentally prepare myself for this."
"You'll be fine Lynn, we all have faith in you."

"Okay girls, let's head to the stage, you're all about to go on!" Sawako said as she lead the way, Jun and Lynn following close behind while Azusa turned to walk as well, but was stopped when Ui grabbed her arm.
"Have you heard if Onee-chan and the others are going to show up?" Ui asked, her voice laced with concern.

Azusa slowly turned to her friend and gave her a sad smile.
"They said they'd try…"
"I understand…let's go Azusa-chan, even if they don't make it, we'll still play like they are here."
Azusa nodded firmly before she and Ui quickly jogged out the door to the stage.

"Once the curtains raise up you can begin your MCs." The stage manager said while the girls got their instruments all fixed up.

"Thank you, we'll do that." Azusa replied before she pulled Muttan into the amp and made one more check of the string to make sure they were in tune before she turned the amp on. The stage manager bowed then made her way off the stage while the members of the Light Music Club all looked at each other.

"Is everyone ready?" Azusa asked as she gave a small smile to her friends.

"Of course, Azusa-senpai." Lynn replied as she tapped her drumsticks together lightly.

"Ready over here Azusa." Jun stated as she patted the fret board of her bass before grinning proudly.

Finally Ui's chocolate eyes met Azusa's worried garnet orbs. They gave each other sympathetic looks before nodding.

"We'll play like they are here…" Azusa repeated causing Ui to smile more before nodding herself.

"They'll be happy for us no matter what…let's do them justice."

"Now, please welcome to the stage, Houkago Tea Time: Next Generation!"

Azusa blinked in confusion, that voice that just spoke sounded awfully familiar. The curtains rose up, revealing a rather large crowded auditorium, screams could be heard over the clapping as Azusa scanned the faces. She couldn't see her senpai anywhere. She almost showed her disappointment when she quickly put her determined look back on.

"Everyone, please give a round of applause for our very own Houkago Tea Time: Next Generation."

The crowd went wild again before a figure walked in front of the group of girls, Azusa's eyes going wide.

"Nodoka-san?" Azusa said in disbelief. The old student counsel president just smiled knowingly while holding the microphone away from her mouth to talk.

"Who else would have set up the laptop to be able to play in this auditorium?"
"What are you doing here Nodoka-san? Is Onee-chan here? And what about Mugi-"
"Calm down, Ui. Everything's going to be okay." Nodoka said as she chuckled. "Sawako-sensei asked me to come here and give a short speech as well as watch the Next Generation play…Yui told me you all would be good and I look forward to hearing your first song." Nodoka said sincerely before turning back to the crowd.

"What do you guys say, do you want to hear them play?"

Another roar of applauds, and Nodoka bowed her head before giving the Light Music Club a wink before walking off stage.

Azusa wondered briefly if since Yui couldn't make it did she send Nodoka to watch them for her? No, that couldn't be it, there had to be more.

"Azusa-chan, let's go." Ui said softly finally breaking the poor pigtailed girl out of her thoughts.

"Oh right! Lynn!"
"Hai! One, two, one two three four!"

They started with Fuwa Fuwa Time like they had planned, Azusa and Jun doing the vocals while the crowd cheered for the old favorite.

Whenever I see your smile, my heart starts being wildly.

The shaky achy breaky marshmallow mood feels fluffy and sweet.

Always so hardworking, so you never notice me,

Everyday and every night you're the only one I see.

Only in my closest dreams

We're together it seems

Only in dreams can I approach you!

She heard it. Azusa could hear someone else singing, it wasn't Jun who was backing her up so well, but there was another voice somewhere near by singing along with her. No, not only singing, another guitar was playing along with her. It made tears come to her eyes as she listened to the soft voice and rhythmic stings. It sounded so familiar and so faint, but she could hear it so easily. But she couldn't rip her eyes off the crowd, they had her attention right now as they yelled, screamed and sung along with the song. The smile on her face just got wider and wider as she sung her heart out, hoping it would reach the one she wished was there.

Oh so tell me Lord, God would you please, grant to us at least one

Dreamy time together for you and me

I get into bed as my favorite song plays in my head

And I say to myself goodnight.

Light and Fluffy Time

(Light and Fluffy Time)

Light and Fluffy Time

(Light and Fluffy Time)

As the last beat was played the crowd got even louder, if Azusa thought that was possible, and she quickly scanned her band mates to see them all panting heavily while smiling just as brightly as she was. Then she noticed they were looking directly behind her. Ui, eyes full of unshed tears, motioned faintly with her head, as if verbally saying to turn around, and slowly Azusa turned to look behind her and her eyes widened when she noticed a person standing off to the side with a bright grin and Gitah in her hands.

"…Yui?" Azusa whimpered out softly as the older girl stepped out onto the stage and another spotlight started to shin on her. The crowd continued to clap loudly, but Azusa couldn't hear it. All she could hear was her own heartbeat in her ears as she watched the girl she loved walk over to her before giving her that innocent grin.

"Don't cry Azusa," Yui said as she reached out to brush a tear that had managed to slide down Azusa's cheek as she stared in disbelief up at her lover. " I…well Sawa-chan gave me all the music you've been working on…and even Mio-chan helped me create a rhythmic guitar section for each song you wrote and worked on with her so I could surprise you today by…coming to play with you." Yui said as she looked over her shoulder and grinned at the other three that were watching from the side. Ritsu and Mio smiling proudly while Tsumugi waved happily at Ui who was also trying to hold in her own tears.

"So, what do you say Azusa? Can I play with you?" Yui asked as she gave the girl she loved a wink before facing the front.

Azusa began to smile even more, she was very proud right now to call Yui her lover and nothing was going to ruin what a wonderful day this had turned out to be.

"Hai…"

They continued to play, starting with Jun's song 'Junjou bomber' then Ui's song 'Uki uki new! My Way!' before Lynn began to blush even more as it got closer and closer to the time she had to play her song. Even though it wasn't technically her song, she was still going to sing and play it in front of the whole school. She looked up as Azusa got up to talk into the microphone and she could feel her heart beat faster as panic began to rush through her veins.

"Thank you everyone for coming here today! We're happy to be able to play for you!"

The crowd clapped loudly before Azusa continued.

"I'm Nakano Azusa, the club president and lead guitarist, and this silly girl to my left was our lead guitarist from last year, Hirasawa Yui. Place give her a hand for coming today to play again with us."

Yui bowed bashfully as the crowd literally got so loud Azusa thought her ears might bleed.

"On the keyboardist and Yui's sister, Hirasawa Ui!"

Ui blushed deeply but bowed her head while waving as she heard a few squeals from other people that new her.

"And our ever confident and rather brash bass player, Suzuki Jun!"

Even more people screamed, proclaiming their love as well as stating how cool Jun looked making the bassist give a peace sign while grinning widely.

"And finally, our last member, but certainly not least, Takashi Lynn! Our drummer!"

Lynn gave a shy wave as the crowd clapped and a few people actually yelled a little louder then normal.

"We wanted to thank you once more for listening to us play and as much as I hate to admit it, but we are on our last song…thank you for supporting us though this year and we can only hope you do the same for Lynn as she takes over my position as President for the club next year!"

Lynn's eyes went wide and she looked over her senpai's proud faces.
"I'm…w-what?"

"That's right, you're going to be the next president…I was going to tell you earlier but…I thought it would be cool to announce it like this." Azusa said as she smiled back at her kouhai.
"Senpai."

"So for our last song, Lynn has been kind enough to play a special version of Fuwa Fuwa Time. You see," Azusa wanted to laugh as people began whispering amongst themselves, wondering what type of version it would be before continuing her speech. "Lynn has a special talent that she brought up to us earlier this year that she can remix songs. So, it gives me great pleasure to present our kouhai, Takashi Lynn!"

Lynn swallowed hard as she sat her drumsticks down and walked up to the front of the stage and she looked out at the sea of people. She felt a little faint and she could barely breath as she stuttered softly while Nodoka wheeled out her laptop that was connected to a smaller keyboard. Bright green eyes looked over the wires that were plugged into the computer before she looked at the song that was waiting to be played on the screen. She couldn't move, she felt frozen. She didn't want to be the center of attention and as she was about to move to run she felt a firm hand on her back and looked up to see concerned violet eyes staring back at her.

"It's okay Lynn, I'm here…I'll sing with you. Remember when you first showed me this…it'll be easy okay?"

Lynn could feel the nervousness just slip out of her being as Jun reassured her while patting her back.
"A-Are you sure? I mean…it was only once…"
"If I mess up, you can punish me for it later." Jun winked confidently before nodding at her, signaling her to start.

Lynn inhaled deeply and nodded firmly while pressing the key for it to start. It started out with a firm guitar lead in while Lynn began the drumbeat and the keyboard part started up right after. After waiting a few beats Lynn leaned up to the microphone and began to sing.

Today and everyday you always make me dizzy dizzy

I see you smile and I feel my face beginning to burn up, overheat

Every time I close my eyes, I see your face in my mind

Being here by your side, it just isn't enough for me

Baby how I'm loving you

I know you feel the same too, let's have a sweet time like in my dreams

Lynn could hear Jun beside her singing along with her, keeping up with the rhythm better then she thought she would, but she couldn't stop herself from closing her eyes even tighter to try and block out the fact that she was in front of people. She began to sing louder along side her senpai and girlfriend to help her forget everyone watching.

Oh so tell me Lord, can you give to me

All the strength that I need, I need a miracle time to get me through

Once I gather all of the courage needed to see you, well I guess, we'll take it from there

Light and fluffy time

(Light and fluffy time)

Light and fluffy time

(Light and fluffy time)

Light and fluffy time

(Light and fluffy time)

When Lynn opened her eyes next all she could see were spots, she couldn't even hear the clapping for everything was really bright and vivid because of the lights that were on her and just as she was about to pass out she felt arms around her and her face pressed against someone's body.

She heard a muffled question, but as she lost consciousness all she could think about was how soft the person felt as her knees gave way and she collapsed within the person's arms.

"Maybe it was a bit too much for her…"

"A bit Ui? She passed out!"

"Calm down Jun, it's not like she's dying…"
"Well at least you guys kept the tradition, Azusa, of something always happens during our last concerts."
"That's not funny Ritsu…she could have hurt herself if Jun-chan wasn't there to catch her."
"Mio~ She's fine why am I getting scolded?"
"I think she's waking up…"
"Really, Mugi-chan? Oh she is! Look Azusa!"

"You're right Yui…Lynn? Can you hear us?"

Lynn's eyes slowly opened and she found herself lying on her back staring up at the clubroom ceiling before noticing nine people staring down at her with concerned looks. She blinked a couple of times before her face went pale.

"I-I…what happened?" Lynn asked as she quickly sat up, but almost passed out again when she felt how lightheaded she was. Jun steadied her before sighing softly while pushing her back down.
"Oi, don't do that, you'll pass out again."
"I passed out?"
"Yeah, gave us all quite a scare too. Nodoka had to calm the crowd down when you just went limp in Jun's arms." Mio said as she handed the faint kouhai bottled water.

"I-I'm so so sorry…I…did I at least finish the song?" Lynn asked as she took small sips of the water while Jun rubbed her back.

"Yeah, it was wonderful by the way." Tsumugi said happily while Ritsu clapped the young drummer on the back, almost making her choke on her water.
"Seriously, couldn't have done a better job myself."
"You can't make remixes." Mio said flatly while sighing irritably.
"Well…yeah, but if I could I wouldn't have been able to do better."
Lynn smirked a little before everyone began talking about how good the concert was, despite the end, and she felt Jun grab her hand and pull her up to lead her out of the crowded clubroom to stand out in the hallway together.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Jun asked worriedly. Lynn realized it must have been horrible to have your girlfriend just pass out in your arms even after her reassuring speech, so Lynn quickly embraced her and nuzzled her firmly while smiling a little.

"Yes…I'm better now. I'm so sorry I passed out…I'm really not good at being the center of attention…" Lynn whispered as she pulled back to look at the slightly relieved look in those violet eyes.

"Okay…just don't do that again…the whole passing out thing…you really scared me." Jun whispered as she rubbed the back of her neck nervously while her eyes shifted anywhere but the kouhai.

Lynn reached up and placed her hands on Jun's cheeks, making those eyes focus on her before she pulled the older girl down so their lips could briefly touch before Lynn began whispering against the skin.
"Thank you…for singing with me. I wouldn't have been able to get as far as I did if you weren't there."

Jun's eyes softened and she slowly wrapped her arms around Lynn's waist and pulled her closer before pressing their lips together again.

"Of course…I told you I knew the song…I could easily feel the beat you put into it…" Jun admitted as her face went red. "I guess in a way, I can easily follow any beat you…make…"

Lynn began to chuckle softly before she stroked Jun's cheek with her thumbs before resting their foreheads against each other.
"I know the feeling…" Lynn suddenly felt tears in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around Jun's neck, bringing them even closer together. "…I'm really going to miss seeing you every day Jun…when you graduate…"
"H-Hey, don't…you're going to make me cry if you start crying…so don't cry okay?" Jun pleaded softly as she began placing tiny kisses against those quivering lips as arms tightened around the kouhai.

"I can't help it…I know I told Azusa-senpai everything would be okay…and it is, I'm just…"
"I know…me too." Jun whispered firmly before pressing Lynn into a passionate kiss, silencing the younger girl as well as trying to comfort her at the same time. The pressed their lips together over and over, each kiss getting more and more passionate as they both got out their feelings right there. Lynn's feelings of loneliness and shame from passing out during the concert, Jun's fear and protectiveness, but most importantly their love for each other as each kiss got deeper. Finally they pulled back and stared into each other's eyes before Lynn smiled bashfully.
"I know it might not be the best day to ask this, but…can I come over tonight?"

The question made Jun's eyes go wide before she began to blush more.
"I…well…s-sure. Just, make sure it's okay with your parents."
"They won't mind." Lynn answered as she leaned in again to take Jun's upper lip between her lips, giving it a soft suck, before pulling away. "We have unfinished business to take care of tonight."
"…Oh." Was all Jun could say as she felt Lynn tug her back into the clubroom.

Author Notes: I know this chapter was a bit more focused on Lynn and Jun, but I figured the two of them really needed some form of closure as well since all the other couples got it last chapter. Plus poor Lynn really is a shy girl, she doesn't mind being on stage as long as it isn't in the center of everyone's attention. So, bad Azusa, for not giving her time to mentally prepare herself for that! Plus I thought it'd be cool for Yui to show up and play the rhythmic section since technically Azusa would be playing the lead guitar section since she is the only guitar. Thoughts? Musings? Stones of death and pain? O.o? Dun kill me for the concert scene, I'm not good with describing music, but I tried! XD