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"And now if you all may settle down to hear Mr. Tawagato's welcoming words... thank you," a man paused on stage to make his announcement heard, then stepped aside to make way for a shorter and older man, brightly smiling towards the crowd.
"Welcome to the annual Tawagoto Music Awards! Today will mark the 23rd ceremony and we can't express how glad we are that you all accepted our invitations." Lights and noise filled the enormous room, faces upon faces looking out at one stage.
"The winners will be announced soon, and we hope that you'll enjoy your night until then!"
Everyone clapped and soon went back to their business after the welcoming ceremony ended, rows upon rows of noise building up in the menacing hotel room as drinks and food were distributed between tables.
The music was celebratory and up beat, as fitting for all the people crowding the place; all of them with different tastes and achievements that brought them here.
Here was an opera prodigy that everyone fought to greet; there was a newcoming techno music producer that was unsatisfied with the music playing so he just brought along his own speaker;
In essence: if you looked for any type of music or creator, you'd most certainly find them here.
And because of that, two of those found themselves entering through the big double doors this day, both dressed in what music genre they belonged to;
one dressed so formally in his performance suit, most of his raven hair slicked back in a presentable manner as he carried himself with an utmost air of maturity and grace, despite his young age;
the other that walked with hands in his pockets, his attire radiating rebellion as he grabbed at his spiked choker, weakly adjusted his guitar over his shoulder and briefed a hand through his bangs - some snapped back out front from the pull, giving him a crude look.
Yeah, it looked like they walked in at the same time by coincidence.
"Do I really have to wear this leash-"
"But it fits your genre, right? See - no one is looking weirdly at you. It works perfectly, so resist until the awards are over." the first said, waving at other artists that recognize him.
"Right... because they would look like that at me just 'cuzof this leash." the red head sighed and looked around as well, seeing if he could find any other people that might represent his music.
But fortunately or not, they didn't get that much time to look around. "Hello, and welcome to the Tawagoto Awards! May I see your invitations?"
Both followed to present them to the woman, scanning only taking her a few moments. Then her face lit back up, smile plastered anew on her face. "Kageyama Ritsu, Suzuki Shou - the awards have been waiting for you." she stepped aside to make way for them. "Please enjoy your night!"
Ritsu stepped forward to nod and move along inside the room, Suzuki following short with a thanks and a lingered look. He then went back to analyzing the guests, soon hearing the other whisper in his ear.
"I'm going to talk with some other classical musicians. I'm sure you'll find your crowd." and with that, Shou was alone. In this sea of people.
"Eesh, talk about dedication. Guess I'll just do that." walking around the huge room, he picked some drinks and snacks to quickly nom on, soon coming to find a rock band he recognized collabing with him before.
Putting back on his playful smirk, he dived in the sea.
-
"Mister Kageyama, may I have a moment?"
Ritsu was currently talking to one of the big orchestral teams' head composers, surprised to have been distracted so abruptly. "Ah yes, what may I help you with?"
"Your presence has been acknowledged by Mr. Tawagoto, and he asks of you if you may please preform one of your stellar compositions right before the awards would be announced." the man gave him a smile, one that was surely practiced to compensate for such surprising questions.
Ritsu pondered it. "I.. was never notified of this; I could've prepared something ahead of time-"
"No need for such a hassle, Kageyama. I'm sure you have a lot of pieces that you know by heart. Impress us with one of them just as you do at your concerts." giving him an encouraging nod, he promptly awaiting for an answer.
Well; Ritsu wasn't someone to let a chance to make his music more known slip like this. So he accepted.
"Perfect. Please don't tell anyone, but the awards will begin in an hour and a half. I presume that's enough time for your to choose a piece as well."
Ritsu masured his gaze for a moment, then nodded, giving the man the dismissal he wanted.
A sigh and he turned back to the people he was talking to before. "Aha, what was that about Kageyama? Trouble coming your way?"
The musician's skepticism only made Ritsu smirk more. "Oh, no. It was just something that needed my acknowledgement."
-
How it came to this... none of them really knew. But the argument was heated, and it didn't even make sense anymore who was throwning words at who.
"Mr. Suzuki, please calm down, I'm sure we can all agree on one thing-"
"You bet there is one. That being to tell this dude that my music isn't garbage." he glared at the accused. "You're just jealous that you didn't have my ideas first."
Even if it originated small in a zone of the room, the rest of it soon caught wind of what was happening. And when it reached Ritsu as well, he had a feeling he knew who was involved.
Pushing through, he soon came a few feet away from his partner. "Suzuki - what's all this yelling about?"
At hearing that voice, the one in question gladly turned around to find support in someone. "They're calling my music trash, Ritsu! You've listened to it before; I'm sure you can agree that's not the case just because I'm a small artist."
The pianist paused, quickly coming to understand what was the problem - unbelievably, Suzuki was self conscious of his music. One intention on badmouthing his taste, and anyone would find themselves on such a receiving end. Ritsu couldn't help but to let out a quite audible exasperated sigh.
"Listen Suzuki...-"
"No, hold up! Did you just whine about this situation?"
Ritsu was surprised he was cut off. "No, I was just trying to ascertain-"
Shou was now fully facing him, the annoying metalist left forgotten over the upcoming storm. "No, you were clearly complaing, Ritsu. Is this that annoying to you? That I'm asking for a supportive opinion? Remember that you actually, genuinely like my music! Is admitting to that that freaking hard?"
By now, Ritsu raised a hand to stop the rocker from speaking. He was even glaring at him. "Remember where we are, Suzuki. I told you to refer to me by my last name. As for what you're doing, I understand not accepting your music to be tarnished, but at least try to solve it in a respectable manner, not in a way that would eventually ruin everyone's night."
Around them, only the music was still playing, a beckoning theme telling everyone to come forth and dance. But no one here felt like the atmosphere was really fit for that.
Suzuki remained silent, his expression staying as a plead, but contouring some tints of bewilderment and uncertainty. If it were someone else, Suzuki wouldn't really care what they said; it wouldn't hurt like it did when Ritsu said it.
But already caught in the heat of anger, he couldn't but drop his head and ball up his fists, begging himself to not say anything more yet not able to fight it. "It's really all about reputation to you here, isn't it?"
He looked at the ground, his lips twisting with words that he wanted to say. "Didn't we agree to come here for the music? To meet with future inspirations and generally have fun?"
Another long pause, and his expression furrowed into one of anger. "What's with all this shitty formality? No freedom of speech, all being just about boosting your business. If you try to talk to someone that likes other type of music, you're being looked at as scum."
Ritsu was now looking at him with an aggravated pointed look, his eyes narrowed. "It's an official party, Suzuki. You're supposed to behave accordingly-"
"Then fuck your parties, I'm making my own!" he smashed the only glass of water he had in hand against the floor, now his eyes meeting Ritsu's. "Ones where no shitty people judge your music, your attire, or your love for what you do. They're just there for one thing - music, and the feel of it; not like you."
An accusatory finger was all that made the pianist start to shake in pent up rage. But he yet to have let out anything. "I thought we were coming here for the music, Ritsu. Not for the glory. If you've become so famous just for that, then I don't want to have anything to do with it!"
Suzuki stood right, looking at what his words may seem to have affected. Now something like whiplash was knocking some rational sense in him, prompting that he might of went too far. But he knew that trying to take anything back would be futile with Ritsu; and he didn't actually want to.
Yet, he was worrying for the spiking aura. Would Ritsu actually lose control over his powers?
"Then so be it; if you don't want to have anything to do with me, that's totally fine. I just hope you know what that means. Now excuse me, I'll go look for some drinks." that was all he said, and even if Shou expected something more, he knew this acceptance meant worse.
He wanted to follow, but the crowd already made him lose the pianist. Guests were still looking at him, some understanding of his words, others rather disgusted by his childish outburst.
But they didn't matter. Shou couldn't find Ritsu. He couldn't find his Ritsu.
-
Ritsu was on the rooftop balcony, where only those who preferred smoking in the open stood. Already on his fifth glass he stared out leaning against the railing, sighing from time to time between sips.
Truth be told the alcohol only made his head hurt more, but at least it blurred out his thoughts.
Suzuki - what he said was mostly true, yet he couldn't feel but attacked by his words. If that's how he considered the music business to be, so be it. If he thought that only passion can bring you more listeners to resonate with your music, then so be it.
If he thought that's all Ritsu is about, so be it.
Another sip, and he dropped his head. He was at a loss. He was supposed to concentrate on the coming performance that he was supposed to do for this night, but his mind was anywhere else. Suzuki might've been right,
Glass shattered against the rooftop floor.
damned be these kind of parties.
...
"You may be good with alcohol, but even you can't take that many." ah, there he was.
Ritsu only eyed him before the rocker was besides him, after that averting his eyes back to the city night.
He wasn't willing to respond. Let's see what he had to say. He was sure he wouldn't be able to form any normal sentences anyway.
"Look, I'm sorry for the way that fight turned... I didn't mean any of that 'like you' stuff," Suzuki was visibly swallowing. "It's just; you were right. I'm not fit for these kind of events."
A painful pause followed, and the red headed was deflating more and more. "I'm not trying to defend myself; I just want you to know - it shouldn't end like this. Not because of music."
Ritsu mused, thinking back on their careers. Their lives revolved around music;
their intertwined fates revolved around music.
Their love and future revolved around music.
This would be indeed a pitiful way for it all to end.
Suzuki seemed out of options; Ritsu wouldn't even bat an eyelash to at least show him that he was heard.
So if this night was resumed to music, Suzuki thought, then it might've meant things could be solved through music too.
By taking out the guitar from his carrying back case, he cleared his throat after a moment, his voice turning up in volumes a few levels.
"I shall now have my new song be heard, one I dedicate to someone very special and that I worked really hard on. Please give it a listen." after adjusting the cords for a moment, he eyed Ritsu for a moment, then began with his song.
It sounded so sweet and soft. Just like a lulliby. Just the way he loved it.
The guests around them stopped and regarded their attention towards the two, showing interest in the sudden appearance of music, and becoming eventually impressed by the emotion it carried.
Seeing it as acceptance Shou felt compelled to continue, the destination of the song clear and unwavering. The lyrics would start soon, and he was sure Ritsu would notice him then, but-
Ritsu already did. His head turned towards him, expression clouded from the alcohol, but still filled with the intended message. "Leave."
And the music came to a stop, lyrics falling flat before even being vocalized. Lips were soon brought up in a thin line, guitar now clutched to his chest, officially out of options on what to do.
Because of that he ultimately walked away, painful thumps against the wooden floor ticking in Ritsu's ears. Suzuki was leaving. The music was leaving too.
There was no noise left.
-
"We want to announce that the winners of this year will be soon revealed, your wait worth it all! But before that, we want to welcome an upcoming pianist to the stage!"
The music in the room died down, lights brought to a dim level so that only one would focus on the grand stage in front more grand than the others.
"Don't let his age fool you; his work has already been recognized far and above! Tonight we'll have a marvellous performance from none other than Kageyama Ritsu! Let's welcome him!"
Hundreds of people started clapping at once, awaiting the lone piano set in the middle of the light to be occupied by the venerated artist. For long moments the clapping continued, until Ritsu finally stepped on stage, bowed down, then sat at the instrument.
He rested his trained fingers on the keys, their feel so calming to the touch. For 13 years he's been relying on them to transmit his message across, feelings undoubtedly converted better than any words could.
He could do this now as well; he knew just the song. One from 7 years ago, it's composition and title meaning a sole emotion.
'Resentment'. At himself and the world.
He pressed down the first keys, grave notes giving out a somber tone that radiated against the silence of the room.
Loud. They were really loud in his ears. Louder than they've ever been.
So loud and prolonged that when he finally lifted his hands, he couldn't find it to continue. Tears soon stained the major keys and he looked at their patten, as if it was the first time he's ever seen such an instrument.
He couldn't continue - neither the piece, nor breathing. People waited for him to continue, considering the opening notes as a pause for the flourish of what's to come. But it never did. Just silence, overtaking his ability to hear.
It has been 3 minutes now. Murmurs could be heard, and Ritsu only wished for them to go away. The noise made him tremble. Yet no one was acting on it, seeing it as something normal:
An artist overthrown by the emotions of his song.
There was probably someone calling out to him from the backstage, asking him questions he already knew he didn't have an answer to. That was it. He just couldn't continue.
Muffled sounds started to grow closer and closer to him now, a mix between irritation and exasperation, but no sooner one seemed to die down as the other retreated in victory.
Now there was someone else besides him on stage, and Ritsu couldn't look up.
Not when that person was surely him.
But that wasn't required as moments the overbearing silence was being filled lighthearted sounds, only making him shake more.
Cords. Ringing at each interval, calling out to him.
This was the song for him; the one he so rudely deemed unworthy moments ago. Yet now he felt like his world could crumble if it ever came to a stop; and he wanted to grab at every note and register it, have it stored and replayed forever.
He finally looked up; the back of the other was turned to him now, but he could never mistake that orange hair for anything in the world.
Suzuki. Even after all he did, all he said; tonight, and many *many* times in the past. He always came back, always with a smile and a song for him. Always with the same intensity of affection towards him that he could never deny it.
What did he do to deserve such a person to stand by his side?
The sound of strings moved through the whole room, lyrics finally finding their way out and and in the open. So sweet, so welcoming; so accepting and forgiving. Everything for which he was sure he won't ever be able to repay.
A shaky drawn in breath, and soon the waving resound of one's strings met the calming echo of the other's keys. They were imitating and following each other - asking for directions and confirmation; acknowledging to go along with one another.
It was their song, unrehearsed and imperfected. Yet it sounded like any other love song, not failing to send the meaning it was created for.
Suzuki never stopped. "I love you, for what you are~"
-
The awards ceremony was long since finished, some big shot artists receiving the prizes everyone knew they would receive. Yet the two couldn't bring themselves to care about anything but the other right now, their strong embrace not wishing for any to let go.
So they sat on that rooftop, finding comfort in the other as the stars shone down from above only for them.
One mumbled something in the other's ear, and they giggled. "Yeah, me too. Let's go home."
The rocker helped the pianist up. They stared at each other and smiled, and if anyone was there to see, they would say the two could probably speak telepathically.
He laughed. "Who said that a rock guitar and a piano didn't go together?"
The former followed suit. "Literally no one. And if they did, we'll be the first to show them wrong."
A nod, and they were off. A long night... One that only helped bring out more to the emotion their song testified for.