a song from the spring of youth

[pianosongs]

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.

Comments

[pianosongs]

"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."

[heartandsong]

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!!

[pianosongs]

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?"

[heartandsong]

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."

[pianosongs]

"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."

[heartandsong]

"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?"

[pianosongs]

"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.

[heartandsong]

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."

[pianosongs]

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."

[heartandsong]

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!"

[pianosongs]

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."

[heartandsong]

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.