AN: Thanks for sticking around past the first chapter. I'm happy to see that this is being well-received so far. I forgot to mention last week, but I'll be posting chapters on a weekly basis.

As always, thank you for reading and enjoy!


Yami wasn't entirely sure what he was getting himself into as he hopped in the back of Tristan's car. He barely knew the stagehand, but his driver didn't seem the least bit concerned about the extra stranger in his back seat. Another blonde guy that Yami didn't know sat in the front seat while Tea sat next to himself in the back. He sat quietly, content to listen in on the conversation at hand while trying to ignore how close he sat to Tea.

A few minutes later, Tristan was parked behind a bar, the crew making their way up. Yami walked into, his eyes adjusting to the dim lighting as he followed Tea to the bar. He let out a sigh of relief as he recognized some other cast members, including the cellist from the pit. Yami said a quiet hello to Miho as he sat back at the bar, observing the dynamic of the group.

"Hey, you thirsty?" Tea's question broke Yami's focus. He nodded minutely as Tea ordered a round of shots for them. Yami eyed the shot glass with mild suspicion – it had been some time since he had gone out drinking after a concert.

"Never had a fireball before?" Yami heard the blonde guy who he rode over with ask.

Yami just chuckled before downing the shot. "Not in awhile at least."

Tea laughed, her glass also empty. "You need to get out more, Mr. Piano Man."

I probably do. Yami just shrugged, a light smile on his face. It had been quite a while since he had gone out to relax with friends. He hadn't really made many friends moving here, feeling more reserved and standoff-ish than most. He was never great at making friends like his cousin was.

"So do you have a name, Billy Joel?" Yami blinked for a moment before realizing that the blonde guy to his right was still talking to him.

"It's Yami. I'm the keyboardist in the pit."

Blonde just nodded and smirked. "Figured as much what with the nickname. Name's Joey. Your run-of-the-mill carpenter. I build the sets."

Yami nodded, feeling at ease around Joey. He was friendly and honest – he seemed like a nice enough guy. Yami glanced over his shoulder at Tea, who smiled back. She nodded her head over her shoulder to gesture at their ride for the night.

"Tristan is one of our sound technicians. He makes sure our mikes are working and the balance is up to speed." Tristan just raised a glass in greeting, a suspiciously, large grin on his face.

"More like making sure no one hears how pitchy you are when you sing. You should stick to dancing."

Yami was glad that he had enough sense not to laugh at that remark, especially with the evil glare Tea now gave Tristan. "Sure you want to be playing that card now?"

Tristan turned to Joey for support. Joey just shrugged, studying his empty shot glass. "Sorry, Tristan. Tea just bought us drinks. Knowing her, this won't be the last round of shots for the night. I'm not about to pass up alcohol to make your point."

Tristan smacked Joey over the head, an unimpressed look on the brunette's face. As if to make her point further, Tea smiled sweetly before grabbing the bartender's attention. "Another round of drinks for me and my two friends over here."

Yami just laughed, happy to watch the three of them tease and hassle each other. Tristan tried to steal Joey's drink, accusing him of being a traitor while Tea downed her second shot of the night without blinking an eye. Though she didn't look it, Tea was a girl who could hold her liquor. Yami was slower to take the shot, not wanting to admit how much of a lightweight he was.

After a few minutes of jabs at each other, Tea led the four of them to a booth away from the bar to give them space. For the most part, Yami sat back listening in on their banter. He learned more by observing their conversation to get a sense of the company currently surrounding him. Joey and Tristan had apparently been friends back in high school and haven't been able to shake the other over the years.

Tea was less pleased to mention how she got to know the two.

"I was practicing on stage before rehearsal when these two morons came in. Tristan mentioned having to work on some measurements and to pay him no mind. I should have suspected something because next thing I know, they're trying to look up my skirt while I was practicing." Tea glared at the two who struggled to keep a straight face.

Yami just raised an eyebrow, a bemused look on his face. "And you remained friends afterward?"

Tea just shrugged, taking a moment to give Joey and Tristan a look of disdain. "Never said these guys were a class act. But beggars can't be choosers really."

Yami smirked with Tea, hearing the complaints and protests come from the other two. Tea seemed to hold herself just fine. He found himself caught up in the moment, feeling more relaxed than he had in months. Feeling bolder, he ordered a round beer for their table, enjoying the sense of camaraderie he felt. Truth be told, Yami hadn't gone out in weeks, not having spent the time to find people to hang out with.

Thankfully, Tea seemed to make that task much easier for him as she went about introducing him to different members of the show that he hadn't met previously. Yami didn't realize how much of a bubble he lived in until he realized he didn't know most of the people there. Tea seemed to have realized this and took it upon herself to not let Yami live out his life as a lonely hermit.

But if he were being honest, Yami would have been content just spending the entire night with Tea.

Tea was introducing Yami to one of her fellow actors when said actor's date came by. A bubbly girl with dark brown, curly hair lit up excitedly as she saw Tea. "Oh! I saw you! You were one of those really good dancers!"

Tea quirked a smile, an amused look on her face. "Yeah, I suppose that I qualify."

Tony's date grinned, looking at her boyfriend before speaking to Tea. "I noticed you out of the crowd! You were phenomenal! Talented people like you just leave me speechless, you know?"

If Yami hadn't been watching, he might have missed it. But he caught the look on Anzu's face, the soft gentle look sharpening for a moment. The smile stayed there, but the glow in her eyes changed. Yami knew that look – he mastered that same look himself.

"Well thank you. That means a lot! If you don't mind, I've got other people to introduce Yami to." Tea stated cheerfully, dismissing herself from their company.

Yami followed, noticing that Tea wasn't introducing him to anyone else but instead making her way back to the table. He said nothing as he sat down next to Tea, who remained silent as she took a sip. Yami studied her for a moment longer before grabbing his drink. "It annoys you too, then."

Tea blinked in surprise, glancing over at Yami. "I'm sorry?"

Yami just gave a dour smile, his own annoyance slipping through. "You hate it too. When people say you're talented. Even though they're just trying to be nice, you can't stand that compliment."

Tea stared at Yami, her face blushing lightly. She bit her lip as she stared at her rum and coke. After a moment, she sighed, giving a light chuckle. "I know they don't mean to be rude, but I just can't stand it. So many people tell me that I'm so gifted and talented and that's why I'm so good, but it's not! I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but it's just-" Tea struggled to find the words as she vented her frustration.

"… There's a lot of unseen hard work that goes into your craft that most people don't realize." Yami smirked lightly as he looked out into the crowd. Tea glanced up at him, almost surprised that he finished her thought. Embarrassed under her intense blue eyes, Yami just shrugged. "I get my fair share of that same compliment as well. It irritates me too."

Tea sat for a few moments in silence before giggling, a smile growing on her face. Yami liked that sound – Tea had such a charming laugh. "Well, I'm glad you do. It's nice to have another professional around who shares the sentiment."

Yami nodded in agreement, feeling a kindred spirit with Tea. Feeling a bit more confident, Yami decided to broach the topic. "Same. What with our repertoire at the fine arts hall, it's nice to have someone to talk to who has similar taste in music."

Yami caught how Tea rolled her eyes and nodded her head, her exasperation slipping through. "Tell me about it. I'm thankful to have work and I've had worse bosses than Pegasus, but what I wouldn't give to be back in grad school studying dance. Not that West Side Story isn't fun, but you know what's really fun? A good Prokofiev ballet."

Yami laughed at that remark. "I'm getting to the point where I'd settle for anything that's outside the 20th and 21st centuries. Beggars can't be choosers."

"We'd be lucky if Pegasus considered Rodeo by this point. God, what I wouldn't give for some Copland. I was so damned thrilled when he chose West Side Story over Rent. I couldn't believe it when I saw the posting."

"You have no idea how much time I spent convincing him otherwise."

Tea laughed, placing her glass down as she finished her drink. "I can't even imagine. When Pegasus sets his mind to something, it's pointless fighting. Who thought it was a good idea to put him in a position of leadership?"

Yami shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine."

Tea chuckled, a bright smile on her face. Yami watched for a moment before looking away, a comfortable silence falling between the two. Tea was very easy to talk to. It was odd how Yami felt so at ease around her so quickly when it usually took more time for him to warm up to people.

A question ate Yami's mind as he sat with Tea. He glanced over at Tea, who also was people watching. "Hey, Tea?"

Her blue eyes met his violet ones. "Yes?"

"Why'd you stick around Domino? You're clearly the big fish in the little pond. Why not try auditioning for a professional ballet company?"

Tea didn't move or say anything, her eyes still locked with Yami. She opened her mouth as if to speak before glancing away back at the crowd. She furrowed her gaze as she thought for a moment longer. "… It's not like I haven't considered it. It's just… it's a tough market. Just because I'm good here doesn't mean I'm good enough at that level."

"Of course you are. You're an amazing dancer."

She gave a small smile, focusing on her empty cup. "Thanks. That's sweet. But I still don't think…"

Yami chuckled lightly, looking away. "Tea, I'm a classically trained musician – I'm not going to feed praise and adulation like I would one of my students. False encouragement just fills your head with ideas of grandeur that don't belong there… I mean it – you're extraordinarily good. I really think you have a shot if you just gave yourself some more credit."

Tea seemed surprise Yami's words. Yami locked eyes with Tea, wanting her to know that he was being serious. Tea was the last person who should feel insecure about her abilities and craft. He had never figured out why Tea never considered leaving Domino City behind for bigger and better things – fear of failure and rejection should not be one of those.

Tea thought about what Yami said, staring at the table as she gathered her thoughts. "I really appreciate the sentiment… I don't know. That's a big decision and it's been awhile since I've really dived into my ballet. Teaching and these rehearsals eat up my time. It's a lot to think about."

Yami just nodded, not saying anything more. He didn't press the issue – he wanted Tea to do this because she wanted it, not because she felt obligated. He knew she felt trapped in her job here, but making that jump was a life-changing decision as well. It's always difficult to figure out what you want in life, especially at their age.

"Besides, I could ask you the same thing. What's a pianist of your caliber doing in Domino City? You should be performing with the New York Philharmonic or touring the country as a soloist!" Yami laughed, a grin growing on his face. Figures she would turn the question on him.

"The life of a professional pianist is a hard one. Not all make the cut."

Tea just snorted, not looking convinced. "You can. I'm no idiot – you're a way better pianist than you let on. Why on earth you'd stick around Domino City when you could get away is beyond me."

Yami just gave a small smile. "I have my reasons." He didn't dare to give away any more than that. He still had his own secrets to keep after all. No need to reveal his hand just yet.

Tea studied Yami a bit longer before letting his response pass. Tea was friendly, but Yami sensed that she wasn't comfortable prying into other people's business. He appreciated that she wasn't nosy and didn't push the matter.

Yami continued to crowd watch for a bit longer before speaking again, changing the subject. "You know, I haven't been out in ages to grab a drink. I'm glad you dragged me along."

Tea smiled as she gave Yami a cheeky grin. "Well, I can't let you become an old man at the ripe age of thirty. Not on my watch."

"Twenty-eight. I'm not old yet."

"Twenty-eight? Geez, you really are an old man. I was only joking about the thirty part."

Yami snorted as he raised an eyebrow. "How is that surprising? You know I have my doctorate. That's at least eight years of school minimum in our field."

Tea rolled her eyes, a knowing look on her face. "Let me guess though – you did it in seven."

"Why on earth do you think that? You're just shooting blind now."

"I'm right aren't I?"

Yami's lack of response was answer enough, his cheeks burning as Tea laughed. He wasn't really embarrassed, but it was a bit disconcerting how easily Tea read him like an open book.

After another hour of talking and one more round of drink, Yami felt the gradual wave of tiredness and exhaustion win over him. The two of them caught back up with Tristan and Joey. They offered to give Yami a ride, but he decided to pass on the offer – his apartment was only a few blocks away.

Tea stood by Tristan's car, waiting before getting in as she finished talking with Yami. "Well, I'm glad we got the chance to chat Yami! I'm glad you decided to come out!"

Yami smiled back, the feeling genuine. "Same. I'm glad you invited me… I usually feel awkward about coming to things like this, so thanks for giving me the push I needed."

Tea chuckled lightly, tilting her head lightly. "Not a problem. Is that an invitation to give you the nudge to get out more whenever I see fit?"

"Within reason." Yami snorted, glancing away.

Tea laughed. "Of course, of course." A beep broke their conversation up as Tristan was tired of waiting. As friendly as he was, Yami realized that Tristan was a man who liked his sleep.

Not wanting to hold up his time anymore, Yami waved at the group. "It's been fun. Thanks for letting come along."

Yami chuckled as he saw Joey pop his head out the passenger side window yelling a quick goodnight. Tea smiled warmly as she started to get the car. "Night Yami! We'll see you tomorrow!"

Yami nodded, watching the group drive off. Once they were out of sight, he sighed glancing up at the night sky. He had been out much later than he had planned, but that wasn't a bad thing. If Yami had the choice, he would have spent the entire night talking to Tea if he could. He talked more Tea tonight than he had the two years they had been working together.

I really am quite hopeless. Yami grinned at himself, shaking his head in disappointment. Yami had just figured that by staying close to Tea, he would build the courage to finally talk to her. It took all but dragging him into the bar for him to finally speak to Tea. When it came down to it, he didn't have the bravery to talk to his crush. It was like being back in high school all over again.

What's more ironic was how Yami urged Tea to consider making the biggest leap in her career, not understanding how she couldn't have taken that step yet. Here he was, afraid to talk to the girl he's been interested in for years, telling her to not be so afraid and to take a chance. The irony was rather rich. Tea's risk was far greater and more terrifying than his.

But perhaps all one of us really needs is that push. Yami hadn't taken that step to go and get to know Tea, so she did it for him. Yami smiled as he looked back at the night sky, spotting the stars above. Perhaps one day, he could do the same for Tea. Perhaps one day, Tea would let him return the favor she gave him tonight. Yami smiled at the night sky, feeling happier tonight than months previous. Perhaps this is a sign that things are about to change.

Yami had no idea how true that thought would turn out to be.