Sonatas for Piano and Violin_Sonata no.2
Title: Sonatas for Piano and Violin
Chapter: 2/?
Pairing: Eventual Tora x Saga, maybe a bit of Shou x Pon
Rating: R to NC-17
Genre: AU, fluff, angst, realism.
Warnings: Really AU, realistic life situations, male x male, foul language, sex.
Synopsis: How easy it is for a 30 something single violinist to find a decent date in this world? Not very if life hasn't been kind to him, but he knew never to lose hope, especially not with so much to live for...
Comments: So here is chapter 2. You get a bit of backstory in this one as well, but the plot is starting to move along slowly but surely. Hope you enjoy ;)
***
Sonata no.2
***
She decided to keep the baby. It had been her decision to make after all, it was her body, and she would bear the weight of their actions much more visibly than he would. She even gave him a choice.
"I know you like men, Tora. I'd be a bitch to make you deny yourself because I don't think I have what it takes to get an abortion. So, I decided to have the baby on my own, if you just want to move on with your life, and…and…"
Her voice had broken on those words, because they were painful to say. She knew that she was opening herself to a life of hardships if she did it on her own, and yet she was generous enough to give him a choice. It made his heart weight like lead in his chest.
"You know I'll never let you do this on your own, Momoka. I'm just as responsible as you are, so I'll shoulder it. I'm not the kind of guy who knocks up a girl and then leave her to fend for herself…"
"But your career…That means you can't conduct like you wanted. Its gonna take too much of your time…I don't want you to step over your dreams because I don't have the guts to do what has to be done..."
"Its okay. Seriously, I'm happy being the lead violin, and that means that Shou will get the position, he's next in line. I'd rather it be him than anyone else. Besides, I got offered a job with the faculty. They have no one to teach composition theory so they asked me to handle the class this semester, to see how I manage. It would be a nice steady job, with good pay, and it would leave me time to take care of you, and our baby…"
She had been incapable to stop crying after that. She blamed it on hormones, but he could tell that her tears were of relief, more than anything else. They moved in together, setting up a nursery instead of an office, meaning that all their instruments took all the available space in the living room. But they cohabited nicely, more patient with each other than they once had been, despite the hormones that wrecked havoc with her mood.
He asked to marry her. He felt like it was his responsibility, to make that unborn child of his legitimate, and ensure their mutual parents wouldn't disown them. Not that it would help much, coming from strict families with rigid backgrounds, who were already pretty goddamn pissed at the situation.
He bought her a ring. A tiny gold band, all that he could afford on his meagre student budget. It lead to more tears, and whispered endearments, late at night in their unmade bed, tangled bodies glistening in the moonlight.
They married quietly at the courthouse, with Shou as a witness, who still made it an excuse to throw a party.
They had a small reception, at Shou's apartment, where they playfully shoved cake in each other's faces, for the amusement of their gathered friends. He allowed her a sip from his glass of champagne, half-begrudgingly, unable to resist to her doe eyes when they toasted, making everyone laugh. They made each other laugh too, easily getting caught in their own game of make-believe. He was handsome in his black suit, she was radiant in her cream dress. They both felt in love that day, more so than they ever had before. Maybe they could make it work, the two of them.
Two weeks later, when he lay with his head on her small chest, sated, his hair like streaks of ink on her sweat-slick white skin, he noticed that slight curve to her usually flat lower belly.
Her clothes had been hiding it, and they hadn't really been all that close, not often at any rate, since the wedding. She was twelve weeks along. Out were the morning sickness and the mood swings, and in came the glow. Her skin was radiant, her mouth full and lush, her entire body enticing him. That week, she would become insatiable for him. She would crave his touch, the strong, slow thrusts of his hips between her thighs, the smooth caress of his lips all over her skin. Night and day after that night, he would indulge her, feeling an odd sense of male pride at being responsible for such eagerness. But this was only the first night. He pressed his hand against that small curve, caressing slowly, and she sighed, burying her fingers in his midnight hair.
"Does it disgust you?"
"What?"
"I mean, does it disgust you to have sex with me? Considering you like men…"
He'd wrapped his arms tight around her.
"No…no I love this…Its not that I don't like girls, far from it. I just…need both. I know its weird, but I need to accept it…I love doing this, with you…"
He had slipped two fingers in her wet heat, making her arch and moan underneath him, his thumb drawing small circles on that most delicious spot. It wouldn't be the last time.
When he saw that pixellated image on the small screen of the sonogram machine, his eyes had filled with tears. In the blink of an eye, it had become real. That baby he had made with her had fingers, and tiny little toes, could hear echoes of what was happening outside, and a heart that beat a 155 beats per minute, nearly as fast as its mother's fingers when she played Chopin's Fantaisies on her piano, as fast as his own when he practiced Paganini's Caprices on his violin. That baby would be born one day, would look like a mix of them both, would have a voice, a personality. He finally felt connected to that life growing inside her. That night he played relentlessly on his violin, all the pieces that Momoka had wanted to hear, close to her stomach. He'd play their baby lullabies, and children's songs, and all of the most beautiful pieces he could think of. They played together, sonatas and duets, bacarolles and tangos. Their baby made music too, the soft, muted flutters, the steady heartbeat he would hear when he rested his ear against the rounded expanse of her stomach.
They soldiered through the next months. Their mutual parents still sulked, but their friends were unbelievably supportive, helping out any way they could. Tora, a little baffled at first, had become an expert on reading her every mood and want, giving in to all her cravings, no matter how silly, his protective, alpha male mode igniting full force. She wanted chocolate, he brought back twelve different bars. She felt tired, he picked her up. So dedicated that all his friends took malicious pleasure at teasing him every chance they got. He didn't care one bit. He wanted to be the best dad there was.
He succeeded beautifully with his class, so much that they offered him a permanent job, and a bigger curriculum. They kept their good work with the orchestra too, Momoka insisting to play recitals and concerts, well into her eighth month, until her rounded belly got too in the way. They got ready, went to prenatal classes, read all the books that existed. They couldn't be more ready when Momoka finally went into labour, a week overdue, in the middle of a hot night in late August. Just after they'd made love, tenderly, for the last time. She had played that Chopin Nocturne that had started it all earlier that evening, sitting on Tora's lap while he pressed the pedals, hands roaming her rounded belly, his mouth pressing soft kisses to her bared shoulder, down the nape of her neck, the both of them laughing when they messed up, often.
It was the last piece she would play.
"I'm so scared…Tora…so fucking scared…"
She had been so small and fragile, in that too large hospital gown, damp hair sticking to her pale face, her eyes huge and filled with unspeakable fear.
"Its gonna be fine, breathe okay? We're gonna make it through this…"
He had made it through. Him and his daughter. She didn't.
But it hadn't mattered, no matter the pain, the grief at losing her. He had become a father, his loyalty now owed to that small human being he had helped create. His small daughter needed him.
He could stop being a husband, but he'd always be a father.
***
He entered the concert hall through the side door, greeted by a draft of warm air that smelled of aged wood, colophony and paper. One of his favourite scents in the universe.
He made his way through the sinuous halls, greeting fellow musicians he crossed on his path, ascending a steep flight of stairs to the top floor, where the offices were. He entered the conference room, and was greeted by a warm smile by Shou, his best friend, colleague, once lover, and fiercest competition. It was a friendly competition, but Tora had always felt like he had claimed victory by being the best dad on the planet. Not even Shou could shoulder him on that aspect. He had to concede though, he probably was the best "uncle" that Chihana would ever have, spoiling her rotten every chance he got.
The man was tall, slender and elegant, with a megawatt smile that dazzled everyone. Dark blonde hair, huge eyes the colour of chocolate, perfect, fashion-model worthy features. He was quite the looker, and unintentionally broke hearts wherever he went, with his beauty alone.
"How's it going?" Shou asked, enfolding him in a warm hug, patting his back affectionately.
Tora returned the hug with a grin.
"Pretty good, my friend, pretty good."
Shou disengaged, still holding on to the tall man's shoulder, observing him with a serious look in his brown eyes.
"I know today is a big one. I mean, were replacing Momoka. It can't be easy for you."
Tora sighed, patting his friend's shoulder.
"She's been dead four years, Shou. We mourned long enough I think. The orchestra has to go forward, and a new solo pianist is just what we need."
"You sure?"
"Yes, seriously. A small part of me will always mourn her, and I think that's normal. But we have to go forward, me most of all."
Shou gave him another hug, less friendly, more tender.
"Okay. I'm there for you, you know."
Tora smirked, running his hand through his friend's longish hair.
"As you've always been. I'm thankful for that. Lets stop now before Nao comes in and starts spreading rumours…"
They parted, chuckling, knowing that there were plenty of rumours already circulating about them, some of them closer to the truth than most expected.
"I sent him for some coffee, you know how happy he is to run to Starbucks…I hope he comes back on time."
"Where's Hiroto?"
"Late, as usual, which is why I told him the meeting was an hour earlier than it was. He should be rushing in any minute now…"
"Clever clever…" Tora remarked, shrugging out of his coat before draping it on the back of a chair, sitting down at the table beside his friend.
Nao, a most dedicated drummer, was the head of percussions, Hiroto handled the wind section, a virtuoso flautist himself.
They were colleagues, but most of all close friends. Nao had befriended Shou and Tora in high school, and Hiroto, who was a few years younger, had become Tora's protégé when the older man had heard him play guitar at a university talent show. The boy had so much raw talent with both his instruments that Tora had pressured for his entry in the orchestra, the boy succeeding beyond even their wildest expectations, quickly becoming the lead flute to then take over the entire wind section, much like Tora had done with the string section at the same age. All four got together on weekends sometimes, taking out their hobby instruments, guitars for Tora and Hiroto, a classic drumset for Nao, and a rich, beautiful, warm tenor voice for Shou, and they jammed for hours, joking that they should start a band. Only half-joking sometimes.
"So, tell me about that pianist you chose. What kind of guy is he?"
Shou grinned, a mischievous light in his eyes.
"The hot, sexy kind…"
Tora rolled his eyes, snorting.
"Don't tell me you let your dick do the picking and choosing…"
"Awww come on! You know I wouldn't pick a musician based on looks alone…"
"Why am I still doubtful then?"
"No, no. Come on. As it turns out, the pretty boy is an amazing soloist. He's been invited to solo by five major orchestras in the past three years, and all of them only had great things to say about him. He's only twenty seven too, very accomplished for his age. He's well versed, cultured, sensitive and he has an amazing range. I liked him right away. I listened to some of his interpretations, and I really loved everything I heard."
"Good enough. I guess I'll make up my own opinion when I hear him."
Shou smirked, that teasing smile that made girls squeal, and boys question their sexual orientation.
"You may very well make up quite a favourable opinion as soon as you see him…"
Hiroto picked that moment to rush in, blonde hair spiked in all directions, covered from head to toe with snow.
"Am I late? Am I late?" he asked, turning around on himself noticing that no one was in the room except for Tora and Shou, the two of them smirking.
Hiroto's eyes narrowed as he shrugged out of his coat.
"Don't tell me I've been tricked…again."
Shou leaned back on his chair, crossing his long legs.
"Well, if the meeting had been at 9:00, like I said it was, you would've been late. But knowing that this would happen, I lied."
Tora and Shou burst out laughing, Hiroto glaring at them as he dumped his coat and bag on a free chair.
"Assholes…I fell down my front steps because I rushed here." he muttered, straightening his blue shirt and black blazer before sitting down, brushing snow from his indigo skinny jeans.
"It works…every…time!" Shou managed between snorts, only making Tora take off his glasses to wipe his eyes, he was laughing so much.
"Are you two being mean to Hiropon again?" Nao interrupted, coming in the room with a tray loaded with coffee cups.
He walked over to the table shooting disapproving looks at the two older men who tried hard not to keep laughing.
"They are mean…" Hiroto whined, trying to get his hair to behave by patting it, giving up after a few seconds.
"Tsk. Behave boys, there's serious work that has to be done today…"
"Yes mom…" Shou teased, winking, making all four of them laugh this time.
They were never angry at each other for very long, if ever.
Nao started handing out the drinks.
"Ok…Soy latte for Shou…double shot latte for Hiroto…boring oolong tea for Tora…"
"What do you mean by boring, I love tea…"
Nao could hardly suppress an eye roll.
"Its fine that you love it, but tea is boring. Just like you."
"Meh…what are you having?"
Nao sighed with anticipatory pleasure.
"Caramel macchiato…"
It was Tora's turn to eye roll.
"Well if tea makes me boring, your drink makes you a girl…"
"Shut it…how is my niece?"
"Monstrous, as usual. All of you should come over for dinner soon, it would make my Hana happy."
"Lets! I miss playing with Hana-chan, she has the best costumes...I haven't had some of your delicious cooking in way too long…that cake you made last time, I had wet dreams about it…"
"Thanks for the visual Shou…" Hiroto whined, taking a careful sip of his hot coffee.
"I would rather the conversation didn't go from my daughter, to sex. Its wrong."
Shou patted Tora on the back with a teasing smirk.
"Ahhh but you know, one day, you're gonna have to give the talk to your precious little girl."
Tora winced, picking up his tea.
"She's four. I still have some time to process it I think…"
They all laughed. Such was the routine with those four. Laughing, teasing, and then exquisite music. Life was good.
***
They started discussing the winter season orchestra program just as the young man who was to become their pianist arrived. There was a gentle knock on the door, and Shou stood up excitedly.
"Here is our pianist! Brace yourselves, he's hot…"
Tora took a deep breath. He couldn't help but feel a tad anxious. It was the final step of his own personal mourning process. He'd known Shou was scouting for new candidates, taking himself out of the equation knowing he could not be objective about it, letting his best friend handle it. He trusted Shou 100%, its himself and his feelings that he didn't trust one bit.
This is good. Good for the orchestra. Good for me…relax.
Shou opened the door, and invited the young man inside, putting a companionable arm around his frail shoulders to lead him where the three others sat in stunned silence.
Tora felt his mouth drain of all moisture when he finally laid eyes on the young man. Hot wasn't the word at all. There was only one word fit enough to describe him in his mind.
Exquisite.
A few inches shorter than Shou, slender as a reed, with delicate, narrow shoulders. He moved gracefully, elegant as a greyhound. Longish, artfully wavy hair, the colour of aged whiskey. Smooth, flawless skin, gorgeously pale, with a warm, golden undertone that matched it beautifully with his hair. His features were fine, delicate: his face a perfect oval, his mouth full and inviting, a sharp nose, just a tad long, but a perfect fit with his elegant features.
His eyes were quite something on their own. Bottomlessly black, like a still lake at midnight, framed by thick, dark, feathery lashes. The kind of eyes that you could get lost into and never escape. Not willingly, at any rate.
Shou walked him to a chair, smirking at the bewildered faces his friends wore. But he was most satisfied with Tora, who had a hard time keeping his mouth closed, following the young pianist's every movement with rapture in his eyes.
"Please, introduce yourself." Shou encouraged, taking his seat.
He was dressed simply, black jeans and boots, and a black wool coat which he shrugged off, draping it on the back of his chair. He wore a grey v-neck sweater underneath it, just a tad too big on his slender frame, the neckline deep enough to reveal the hollow of his throat, and a pair of delicate collarbones. Tora took a nervous sip of his tea, afraid that he wouldn't be able to utter a single word his mouth was so dry. The young man bowed, a slight blush high on his cheekbones.
He murmured a few words, his voice like a velvet caress, sending tremors all the way down Tora's spine.
"I'm Sakamoto Takashi, please treat me well…"
***
Haha so Saga is our pretty solo pianist in this story…I think it suits him nicely hehe. And the next chapters will be more action, less Tora backstory. Hope you like it and see you next time :D xoxoxo