route_1065 | a song from the spring of youth

Entry tags:

a song from the spring of youth

Who: Masato Hijirikawa [

pianosongs] & Haruka Nanami [

heartandsong]
Where: Vermilion City
When: 9/24, evening
Summary: Hijirikawa hasn't touched a piano since he broke his hand and his plagued with a growing fear that he's lost everything.
Rating: G for gushiness
Log:

It was a pleasant surprise that the quaint little inn they had chosen in Vermilion had a piano sitting in the back den. It was open and available to play, and for two musicians as guests, it was a surprise that there was no sound other than soft breathing and delicate movements. Masato just stood near the piano, fingers staring at the neat row of ivory keys. He yearned to play them, craving the sensation of plucking against a key and hearing the vibrant, rich sounds melodically respond to his movements.

But he wouldn't play. Each time he thought of it, he stretched his fingers and frowned at how stiff they felt. He hadn't played in... months. If Jinguji or Nanami knew... they'd surely be disappointed. At Saotome Academy, becoming stellar at being a musician was the only way he'd be allowed to stay at the school. He practiced daily, almost like clockwork. Class, music, meditation, and calligraphy... his life was on a consistent, simple cycle.

Huh. He hadn't done calligraphy in a while, either. An afterthought.

But just remembering how little he had played had him returning to the little back room that housed the piano, standing in the doorway as he admired the grand, slick wood with longing. Oh, he wished to play... But what if he had lost his skills? Was it... all over?

He'd live the most solitary of lifestyles, married to a woman he merely knew by name, while running his father's company. Masato didn't want that lifestyle, but it seemed like that was all there was left, if he couldn't play. He hadn't tried... He was actually, truly scared. Unmoving, he just stood at the doorway, left hand carefully gripping the door frame as the worst case scenarios plagued his mind, distracting enough that he didn't notice the approaching company.

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Finding a piano in any city or town she visited was one of her favorite moments. She'd sneak away for hours, completely using as much time as she could to play it before it was someone else's turn. That or she realized she'd left her friends for a while, as much as she loved the piano, she loved her friends all the more.

And so it was with that though in mind that she looked around. The bigger cities usually had a piano. A lot of the smaller towns didn't have one available for public use. She and Hijirikawa had separated not all that long ago. She wasn't sure where he'd one off to but figured he needed his time to be alone. He was a quiet and private individual and she didn't want to bother him.

Just then, she noticed her friend. Well what do you know! He was standing in the doorway of some room, staring. Confused, the young girl made her way over. She was a bit concerned...was he alright?

"Hijirikawa-san?"

'Alright' probably wasn't the best way to describe his emotional state, but the faint calling of his name was enough to remind him that he was still in a public place and needed to behave accordingly. After a very faint jump, he turned his head, rather surprised at the company that had come to join him.

"Ah... Hello," he greeted her softly. Without so much as another glance to the room, he focused all of his attention on her. It had only been an hour at most since he had seen her, but he felt calmer just being around her again. "How are you?"

She smiled at his question. "I'm fine," she answered happily. She'd been feeling a lot better since she knew Ren was up and about again. Hopefully he'd stay out of trouble, but if anything, knowing that he had Utau would (hopefully) help him think through his actions.

"What about you?" and again, she was concerned. "You looked a bit...out of it...Are you alright?"

At least she was doing alright,. Well, he had no reason to worry otherwise. Everyone was doing well, back up and moving about with normal life. But he had to frown a little when he realized he had been caught zoning out over the piano. Blinking twice, he just turned his gaze downward.

"I'm alright. They're only thoughts, but nothing to be concerned over," he repled.

The answer didn't quite satisfy her. She frowned and furrowed her eyebrows just a bit. Walking a bit closer, she peeked into the room. Instantly her eyes lit up when she found the piano.

"Oh!" A smile found it's way onto her face.

"You found it!" She smiled up at the taller boy. That's when the thought hit her. What if they played a song together? It'd been so long since they've sat and played the piano together.

"Lets play! I've missed your music." Maybe with this, she could help him. He'd helped her all those many months ago. The least she could do was return the favor.

Oh... She found the piano. It was a matter of time, anyway, as he doubted he could have fled to hide it quickly. She just looked so excited to see it, and despite Masato's own apprehensive feelings towards it, he couldn't bring himself to say no.

He wanted to play. Deep down, the mere thought of bringing forth music had him excited, but he knew the fear that it might not be the same kept him from doing so. And he must have gotten so rusty, too! It had been months, so many long, tortuous months...

"Alright. Let's play."

And with that, he held a hand up to let her lead the way.

She nodded up at the older boy, her smile softening. Going on ahead, Haruka made it straight away to the piano, eagerly sitting down in front of it. It was well kept, it's ivory keys were clean and although it was a bit old, it definitely looked loved. She gently put her hand on the keys, not quite pressing any just yet. She really quite loved the piano, it reminded her of home and her grandmother.

"You go first! You look like you need it more than I do."

Looking up at her friend, she smiled expectantly.

She was very, very excited to have this opportunity again. The more he watched, the less he could find an argument to Haruka's excitement; and thus he sat down next to her, his own hands resting gently against a similar set of keys. But even so, he didn't play anything just yet.

He... looked like he needed it. Masato really didn't like that. But a few long seconds of stalling had him letting his fingers gently fall from the keys and onto his thighs, as he looked down.

"I'm... sorry. I can't."

Haruka's face fell when Hijirikawa didn't play anything. Her eyebrows furrowed and again she looked worried. She peeked up at his face, trying to get his attention. Her small had rested lightly on her friend's upper arm.

"...What's wrong...?" She wanted to help, she didn't like it when he looked like this. They needed to play together, it'd be so long. Had...had something happened?

"Hijirikawa-san...?"

He froze at that gentle touch on his arm, but didn't lift his head to face her. After all, how could he look her in the eyes with as much of a disappointment as he was being right now? How could he play anything beside her? Just worried and paralyzed by the fear of not being able to play, he didn't even deserve to call himself a musician.

"When I... broke my hand, back in June..." He took a breath, "I haven't played since."

She stayed quiet, pulling away from him when he explained. She looked down at her own hands that were neatly folded on her lap. She swallowed. How could she help him? She looked over at his hands and then remembered how he helped her. Sitting up straight, Haruka suddenly had a very determined look on her face.

"Hi-hijirikiawa-san! Please listen!" Taking a deep, the composer began to play a song she hadn't heard in a long time but was always on her mind. She never forgot the songs her friends sang and played for her.

When it was over, she nervously looked over at her friend.

"Don't worry. If your hand is feeling better, then I'm sure you'll play beautifully. Even if it's been a while." She smiled, trying to be encouraging.

Listening... he could do that. Masato had actually expected some sort of scolding in the form of words, but the only thing that sounded in his ears was the familiar melody of one of his earlier songs. He knew this song well, enough that lyrics were quick to pour into his mind and dance around his soul, fingers actually drumming along to invisible keys on his lap. His eyes closed and he just sat there and took it all in.

His hand stilled just as the song came to a close, and he waited a few long moments to take in her words. If his hand felt better... But did it?

Physically, he was fine. His hand was virtually back to normal, and despite being a little weaker from lack of consistent usage, it was fine. Playing a piano should be no problem. With a deep breath, he lifted his hands to the keys. One finger pushed against the ivy, and a soft D echoed into the air.

Masato paused again. "It... feels different."

The touch of the keys? The position of his hand? Or the heaviness in his heart? He wasn't sure.

"It's ok." She's determined, "It's because it's been so long. Don't worry. Don't be scared. You can still play." She sounds as if just saying it makes it true. Hijirikawa couldn't just stop playing the piano. That was like asking her to stop composing music.

Delicately, Haruka brought her hands up to hold one of his hands. She had her eyes close and her head was turned down slightly. "These hands saved me once, now it's my turn to help Hijirikawa-san."

Looking up, but she didn't let go of his hand. She smiled, just a bit. "I believe in you."

Her hands were so warm... These gentle, tiny fingers wrapped around his hand, holding it gently. These were pianist hands, he knew quite well. And just having her there, with this gesture as simple as just touching his hand, had his cheeks slowly heating up, his heart catching in his throat.

Here he was with all of his reservations and doubts, and she didn't seem the least bit deterred in her quest to have him play again. Haruka... was a very special girl. And just knowing that she believed in him made him want to play something immediately, despite his own nerves trying to get the better of him. Masato couldn't say no to this; he needed to try. Even if it was sloppy or not careful, he needed to try and play again.

He had saved her once... she was now saving him. It was rather inspiring. He owed it to her.

"Nanami-san... Thank you," he whispered. Gently touching the keys again, he pressed a finger down, then another, bouncing between the two as a soft trill echoed throughout the room. It felt different. Rusty... But he didn't stop. Instead, he just lifted his fingers and played a small, one-handed song fron his childhood. Twinkle twinkle little star...

Happily, Haruka brought her hands down back onto her lap, anticipating Hijirikawa's song. She was still smiling and glanced down at the piano. When he starting playing, though, her eyes lit up. Her smile widened and she closed her eyes.

"How I wonder what you are..." she sang along softly to the song. The simple little melody held such dear memories for her. It reminded her of her grandmother and of the turning point in her life where she studied so hard to learn how to read and write music.

Hearing Haruka's gentle voice sing along with the melody actually brought a bit of warmth to Masato's chest. It was such an old and childish song, one of his earliest learned pieces when he was younger, something he never played seriously but still enjoyed. It reminded him of those times when he felt like giving up, just hearing this joyful, young piece that made him feel so hopeful and eager to continue playing.

Even though it started with one hand, his other hand had joined in, adding in a balance to the song. From the end of the verse of that song, his playing just began to progress a little further, going through basic scales, but then he paused again and looked over at Haruka.

"Well... it seems like I haven't completely lost it. I still remember my warm-ups, at least."

Haruka grinned when the song ended and her friend moved onto scales. It had taken her a bit of research to find out about them. She never learned them from her grandmother and was working on memorizing them at school, although she hadn't thought about them since arriving in this world. She should go back to learning them. She'd memorized quite a few.

She nodded, still smiling, as she looked up at Hijirikawa when he spoke.

"I knew you'd do just fine."

Her smile was absolutely infectious. It was warm and spirited and enough to make him clam up a little. She really was far too nice, and he still wasn't sure how to completely handle this. His eyes returned to the keys, a faint blush forming on his cheeks.

"I... I should probably try something a little more complex than just scales, before we completely decide that. Would... would you care to play something with me?"

Naturally, Haruka is completely oblivious to anything that isn't the actual music her friend is producing. She truly was happy that Hijirikawa had sat down and played a couple of things. Anything to help him move on and keep going. He played wonderfully, he couldn't have lost that talent.

At the proposal, Haruka sat up straight, excited, "Really? I-Is it okay? I'd love to! I love playing with you!"

Masato couldn't help but smile a little at Haruka's enthusiasm. She seemed quite excited to play with him, and while Masato still doubted himself, he couldn't help but feel excited to play with her.

"I wouldn't mind. Do you have any song in mind?"

Haruka closed her eyes in contemplation. She didn't know many songs just yet. She racked her brain for any that she learned while she was going through research for songs.

"Oh!" She quickly turned back to Hijirikawa, "Do you know Fantasy in F Minor by Schubert? I've always wanted to try that one, but it's a duet."

Schubert... Masato knew much about Schubert. During his lessons with his grandfather, he learned numerous classics that he'd never forget. Duets weren't a large part of practice, but they were fun songs to learn with his grandfather.

She was in luck. Masato nodded. "A grand choice, Miss Nanami," he responded. "I haven't played it in a while, but I still remember it."

Her face lit up in a grand smile. She'd learn both parts of the song because it interested her so much, but she'd never had the chance to play it with anyone. While Tomo had experience in playing the piano, Haruka hadn't wanted to bother her. Her roommate was studying to be an idol after all.

"Oh wow! That's great!" Oh gosh, she's so happy. She places her hands up in position to start playing. "Alright! Traditionally, as the more experienced player in the couple, you'd start it." Griiiiiin.

"M-more experienced?!" His eyes widened as he looked at her. He couldn't think of himself as more experienced, especially since they both learned in their childhood. Cheeks reddening a little, he shook his head.

"But you're our composer. Naturally, you've got more talent than I do, Nanami-san."

"E-eh? Um..." She looked down at her hands and the piano. She'd admired the way he played when they first met. And then there was the fact that she'd just recently (well, not so recently anymore) learned how to read and write music. It was true that she was their---wait...

Our composer? What...?

"I'm who's composer?" What??????

Oh... was that a secret?

...Masato made a mental note to punch Jinguji and just shook his head. "Apparently... we form a band," he answered. "But... I probably shouldn't say more. I don't know much myself." He turned back to the piano, but a hint of a knowing smile played on his lips.

Is that...what Jinguji meant when he said everyone was together...??? She was wondering about that. After all, from the time she came from she still didn't know who she wanted to compose for...

"A band..." she's thinking about that. How did that even happen? Who all was involved...? Wait, was that why everyone traveled together for a while? THEY MADE A SIX-MAN BAND!?!?!?!? Woops, information overload.

But she's smiling because...that means they somehow all got together and did that. She was making songs for all of them. Suddenly she's really excited.

"I-I'll start, then!" Because she's anxious to play now. And she starts.

...well, cat was out of the bag now, but judging by her smile it seemed to be good news to her. It was a good thing in any case, so Masato didn't even mind that he had spoiled it for her.

Nodding at her resolve, he watched as she placed her fingers on the keys, following suit. And on her cue, he joined her in this duet.

To say she had perfected the song would be a blatant lie. She'd messed up once or twice and winced when she did, but kept going. She didn't get much practice in since it is a duet. And perhaps her excitement to actually get to play it, along with getting to do a duet with Hijirikawa, was getting to her. She's almost bouncing as she plays. There were moments that she would just smile.

When the songs is over, Haruka claps.

He caught the mistakes. There weren't many, and more than once they bumped elbows at a point, but they did a wonderful job as it was playing through the duet. His hand actually felt somewhat tired after the song, but he ignored it and just turned to her, nodding at the applause.

"That was a nice run."

"It was fun! Thank you so much for playing with me. I knew there was nothing to be worried about, it sounded wonderful."

She happily smiles up at the older boy, her hands clasped in front of her. A thought then comes to her and she looks over at Hijirikawa's hands.

"How do you feel?"

Wonderful, she said... It really was a beautiful duet, even with the small errors. Masato just watched her, until she glanced over at his hands, and slight nervousness had him lowering them to his lap.

"I... Better. I... didn't think I would still be able to play."

The movement didn't go unnoticed, but she just looked up at Hijirikawa again, smile still in place.

"I knew you would play as beautifully as before." She placed her own hands down in her lap as well, "Just...don't push yourself if it hurts, ok?"

"It's not... I'll need more practice to return to my previous level, but... it was fun."

He didn't want to take a break. Regaining his skills meant working more, playing more, and now that he could... he didn't want to stop after just the first duet. He had gone from playing hours upon hours in a row, and it hadn't even been half an hour yet before his hand protested. He stretched his fingers gently.

"Nanami-san... Thank you."

Haruka nodded, she was just glad that he hadn't lost his confidence completely. It would be a shame to never hear Hijirikawa play again, she honestly couldn't imagine it. Although, she was still worried that he would push himself too far, but well...that's why friends look out for each other, right?

At his thanks, she blinked up at her friend.

"E-eh? Ah...um...w-what are friends for, right?" Smile!!

Friends... His heart swelled a little, torn between positive elation and absolute sadness, but he just nodded and looked back towards his hand. He was... satisfied for the night. Despite the fact that he was itching to play more, he knew he needed to take it easy. And with Haruka by his side, he felt that it would be alright if he took his time with regaining his strength in his hand again.

"Nanami-san... Would you like to accompany me for a walk?"

At his suggestion for a walk, Haruka found herself a bit surprised. She smiled and nodded enthusiastically.

"I'd love to!" She stood up, straightening out her skirt as she did, "Is it alright if I bring Akaihi with us? He's been a little restless lately."

"That's fine," Masato answered, rather glad she agreed to it.

He was starting to feel a little antsy being unable to play without potentially straining his hand, but the fresh air would do some good. As would being in Haruka's company a little longer.

"I should probably let November roam free a little as well. It's... been a while."

"Ok!" Haruka nodded and made her way out of the room.

"I'll just go grab him, I left them all in my room today. I'll meet you out front?"

"Alright."

And as she hurried away, he headed towards the door, reaching for the pokéball clipped to his belt. In the wait, he summoned out November, letting the little Woobat free. She was quick to snuggle against his shoulder, and he just pet her calmly, anything to fidget in his wait for Haruka to return.

Haruka was fast, waving as soon as she saw her friend. Akaihi the Growlithe was easily at her side, looking the every bit of an excited puppy. It'd been a while since she let him roam around and it was fairly easy to tell with how much he kept jumping around, nearly tripping his trainer in the process.

"S-sorry, he's very excited."

She didn't take much time at all. But November definitely got eager the moment she spotted Akaihi, hurrying over to hover around him.

"It seems they're both quite eager. This should do them some good."

Akaihi was just as excited and barked happily at November. He wanted to run around right now so with a quick huff at the Woobat, he run out further ahead and starting bouncing around.

"A-ah! Wait for us!"

They really did take off quickly. Masato just sighed, shaking his head a little. He knew November wouldn't go off too far... well, alone she normally didn't. But when coupled with an eager puppy, he wasn't sure.

He just stuck close to Haruka, but mentally told himself he'd run after their pokémon if they hurried off too far.

"It's a nice day outside; no wonder they're excited."

She laughed a bit at that and nodded.

"Yeah. I should let him out more often." She was keeping her eyes on the pokémon ahead, not wanting to lose sight of them.

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a song from the spring of youth

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