pride is not the word I'm looking for

[alleato]

Who: Dino Cavallone and Kaoru Hitachiin
What: Songwriting madness!
When: 2/14!
Where: Virgo house
Warnings: Cuteness. Lots of cuteness.


[It's Valentine's Day, and generally speaking Dino doesn't celebrate it. The day doesn't mean a lot to him, but as a musician--frankly, something like an idol--he has to live up to certain expectations. That's where the seed of the idea comes from. At first it was just a gentle melody in his head, something he quickly worked out on his cello. It's a basic tune now, but he feels the need for help. And as written, maybe with a few changes it could be the ultimate gift: a duet. And there's one person who comes to mind, who has youth and soul that will get across a simple message of hope with a vulnerability that matches Dino's.

There's another something he needs to cover, too, and he scoops up a little bag with one hand, holding a pair of notebooks in the other--one staff lined, one ruled--before stepping out of his room. Crossing the shared courtyard with the pool takes only a couple of minutes, but it's a leisurely little walk. Heck, maybe they can talk out here, if they think the night's nice enough.

Arriving at his destination, he takes a deep breath before he raises a hand, knocking on Kaoru's door with a characteristic calmness.]

Comments

[totheright]

[ Kaoru opens the door quickly, absolutely lighting up when he sees who's on the other side. ] Dino! [ He's chill, honestly, he totally is. One of his hands rises self-consciously to his hair to make sure it looks okay, that his barrettes are straight, but other than that? He's totally chill, okay. He opens the door wider for Dino, waving him through. ] Come in! I was just working on some clothes, but you can take a seat wherever. [ And he'll hurry in after him to pick up the mess of fabrics and notebooks on his bed to drop them in an organized pile in the corner. Not that Dino has to sit on his bed. Whatever. It's just an option okay!! ]

[alleato]

[Oh. Oh he's happy. Yes. Dino can't help smiling calmly right back at him. He slips right inside and closes the door behind himself, leaning on it while Kaoru cleans things up.] Looks like I interrupted some serious work, here. [And he's craning his neck with boundless curiosity to see what his bandmate is working on. He knows how utterly talented and fashionable Kaoru is, so he can't be blamed for peeking, right? Also, the bed, once cleared, is the best place to sit. He walks over and sits on it, holding the notebooks in his lap, prepared to open one, but...]

Oh, right.

[He holds out the little bag he grabbed last minute, which has one lone object inside--a little stuffed turtle.]

Happy... something. Day.

[totheright]

[ Kaoru's eyes light up at the bag Dino's holding, and he quickly takes it from his bandmate, looking inside eagerly. And then... he sees what it is. ] A... turtle? [ Kaoru takes it out of the bag, looking between it and Dino a couple times.

It's stupid. It's a dumb gift. He tries to fight the urge to smile uncontrollably and totally fails. ] Thanks. [ And yes, the turtle is getting set right next to his sewing machine on his desk. ] Happy something day to you too, Dino.

[ With that, he'll sit down on the bed next to Dino, a little closer than strictly necessary, their legs pressed together. ] So is that all you came over here for?

[alleato]

[The fact that that turtle gets such a place of honor so quickly makes something leap inside Dino's chest, and he can barely even believe that he cares. It's kind of dumb, really, kind of lame as a gift for a day he doesn't care about or anything, but he keeps thinking about that night they kissed and the stupid dream he had and, well, now they're connected in his mind. He ends up staring at their legs for a moment, pressed together as they are.] No. [He glances back up at Kaoru, staring, smiling, pointlessly indulging in the moment, thinking very seriously about resting a hand on Kaoru's knee or... or something else, but instead he grabs the ruled notebook and gathers up some other kind of courage.]

Actually, I was wondering if you might want to sing a duet with me. Doesn't have to be now, but I wrote this and I wanted your input. I think you'd sound really good with the melody, but I need help making it just right, you know?

[totheright]

[ Oh, but that's super cool. Kaoru's eyes widen, and he turns to sit on the bed facing Dino, crossing his legs. ] A duet? I mean- that'd be nice. It'd be fun. [ Calm down, Kaoru!! He looks down at the notebook, then back up into Dino's eyes. ] What's the song about so far?

[alleato]

Well. Have a look. [He turns the notebook toward him, page open to the lyrics.] It's about kind of offering someone something that's really simple, but really important to you, so they know you'll be there for them. That's what I'm going for, anyway. The words sort of just. [He taps his temple lightly.] Showed up.

[And he hands off the notebook, keeping the other settled in his lap. Does he look a little anxious? Or expectant?]

[totheright]

[ Kaoru takes the notebook, holding it up and reading the lyrics with a look of faint concentration on his face. Once he's read through them a few times, he looks up at Dino again, with a broad, genuine smile. ] This is good. It's- really sweet.

I'd... I'd really like to sing it with you.

[alleato]

[Looking relieved, Dino nods.] I can't think of anyone else I'd rather do it with, so I'm excited about that answer. Your voice is really underappreciated and that's, frankly, criminal.

[Clearing his throat, he holds out the other notebook.] The uh... tune needs some work. I think I can fill things in better if I get a good idea of the bridge and everything. Want to give it a shot? [Seriously, he looks like someone who desperately needs approval, but there's cool confidence hiding somewhere behind those dark eyes, too.] Let's do it together.

[totheright]

[ Hurk. You're going to make Kaoru blush, darnit. He laughs a little, ducking his head head to look down into his lap as Dino compliments him, before reaching out for the other notebook. ] I can help with that. I can help with all of it. Anything you need.

[ Ugh, that sounds over eager, but he can't help it now that he's already gone and said that out loud. So he just smiles and says- ] I'll- see it through with you, right?

[ Get it. It's the lyrics. That's not lame at all, okay. ]

[alleato]

[That stupid... look on his face is going to kill Dino. He's going to die. It makes his heart beat too hard. It's just a song. He'll keep saying it until it sticks.

But now he finds himself putting a hand on Kaoru's and squeezing it lightly.]

Yeah. Thanks.

[He leans in a little, worrying at his lower lip for a moment.]

Is this a really bad time to try to kiss you?

[totheright]

[ Be cool, Kaoru. Yeah, that definitely doesn't work. Kaoru looks back up at Dino, glancing at his lips really quickly before looking back up in his eyes. ] I don't think it's ever a bad time to try that.

[ Is that flirty? Smooth? Can Kaoru really think about that stuff when Dino's lips are so close to his? ]

[alleato]

Okay. Good.

[And he lets his smile fade only so he can lean in, putting a hand on his bandmate's cheek as he presses his lips to his. No fancy fanfare, nothing intense, just a sweet, calm, pleasant expression of gratitude.]

[totheright]

[ Kaoru leans into Dino for a few seconds, but soon he's smiling too hard to even properly kiss him. ] Sorry! Sorry, this is lame. [ Just. Let him press his face into your shoulder so that he can hide this fairly ridiculous grin. Though he'll reach out to catch one of Dino's hands in his own, squeezing a little. ] Whatever. How's your day been?

[alleato]

[O-oh. Dino just kind of slowly puts a hand on Kaoru's back and looks away awkwardly. Did he do something wrong? Must've. Otherwise, why is he being laughed at? It takes a few moments for him to recover enough, and he clears his throat.]

Yeah, it's... good. It's been good. I've been writing... Had lunch... That kind of thing.

[totheright]

[ No, Dino, no. Kaoru is just a dork!! ] That's good. [ Yes, Kaoru, great job echoing the same word. But maybe it helps that he looks up at Dino all adoringly. ]

You're- really cute, you know.

[alleato]

[Dino looks back at Kaoru with those words, a definite expression of confusion on his features.]

Huh? [Here's a smile.] Why's that?

[totheright]

There's no why. [ Kaoru shrugs, without shifting away from Dino. ] You just are. You can't explain that sort of thing.

[alleato]

Thanks, then.

[Beaming, now. Just beaming, and giving him a little bit of a squeeze.]

You're pretty cute, yourself. Working your way toward handsome, when you dress up.

[totheright]

Just working towards handsome? That's not a very nice thing to say to your b-

[ OH BOY, NOPE, we're not using words like that just yet. ]

To your friend. [ Nice save. ] Especially to such an objectively hot friend.

[alleato]

You'll get there. I believe in you!

[He's pulling away a bit now to get the music questions going again. Temptation to cuddle up and not be productive is very very strong.]

So... um, yeah! I wrote it. For you. [Wait no stop no don't say that no IT'S NOT LIKE THAT.] To sing! Because I really like your voice.

[totheright]

[ Kaoru tries and fails to not look incredibly pleased at that. He shifts to lean back against the pillows at the head of this bed, spreading his hands as nonchalantly as he can manage. ] What can I say? I have many gifts. I'm glad everyone hasn't forgotten how wonderful my voice is even though I'm mostly on piano these days.

[alleato]

I mean, I'm stuck on cello, and August thinks I sing alright. I thought maybe if we play to that surprise factor at a concert or something, we could get a good reaction. We're the "pretty" ones, after all.

[With full-on air quotes, and the lyrics notebook slides off his lap and onto the floor, so he has to lean down to scoop it back up. Why is he so nervous? Oh, right. It's his first time doing something like this.]

It's probably not that good. Maybe you can fix it up and get back to me? You have a good sense of what the fans like.

[totheright]

[ He laughs, reaching out to bat one of Dino's hands away playfully. ] I don't know what you're talking about. I'm pretty sure we're both the pretty ones, no air-quotes about it.

And I'm sure it's fine. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. But- I'll help. Definitely.

[alleato]

[Dino swats back at him, but gently, and laughs as well.]

I'm not taking any chances! It has to be perfect. Did you want to look at it now, or I can leave it with you...?

[totheright]

No, don't leave. [ After a moment, he reaches out for the notebook, patting the space next to him at the head of the bed. ] Stay so that I can ask you questions if I have any. [ And maybe so that he can lean against him as he looks at the music. Whatever. ]

[alleato]

[Dino makes sure all the music and lyrics are in Kaoru's custody before shifting and flopping back on the bed, too. He tucks the outside hand behind his head, and points straight up with the other.]

We're going to make it big on this one. Maybe even get a single out of it. If I''m being honest, that's the real goal. I've gotta show off something.

[His hand is lowered, and he fluffs Kaoru's hair a little.]

[totheright]

[ Kaoru smiles to himself as he goes over the music, pouting at Dino when he fluffs his hair (though it's obvious he's not actually upset). ] A single, huh? You're not looking for a solo career, are you?

[alleato]

Are you kidding me? I'd never leave you guys. You're like family.

[He eagerly watches for reactions to the music, not removing his fingers from their annoyance.]

[totheright]

That's what I'd hope. [ Kaoru's pout turns into a fond smile despite himself, even with Dino's fingers still in his hair. He goes back to looking through the music, humming quietly to himself as he goes through the parts. ]

I think the lyrics could be smoother in some places, with where the musical stresses are. And I think some of the notes in the harmony could be changed. I have a pretty good range, you know. But- it's really good. Honestly.

[alleato]

Yeah? [He lights up, cool enough, but with the tiniest air of a small puppy who has done something pleasing to his master.] I was really hoping you'd like it. You're just--you're so good.

[Smoothly, he removes his hand from auburn locks and covers his face.]

Sorry, sorry... I'm excited. I've never written my own stuff before.

[totheright]

[ Kaoru laughs, reaching out to tangle his own fingers in Dino's hair. ] You should be excited. It's a privilege, getting to record stuff with me.

We're going to sound great.

[alleato]

[Dino peeks over with a calm smile.]

I'm so lucky to be in this band. I mean it. I'll say it a hundred times and then some. You're the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me. We're going to do this, and I'll definitely feel privileged and grateful. You deserve more recognition.

[He turns onto his side and looks Kaoru over from head to toe and back again, not even bothering to hide it. He appreciates him so much.]

[totheright]

Oh my god, shut up. [ You're going to make him blush!! That's so not cool. Kaoru lifts his hands to his cheeks, shaking his head. ] You're great too, or whatever. Why are you such a dweeb, Dino?

[alleato]

I'm not!

[Yes he is. He knows it. He's a bleeding heart and a loser and he just wants everyone to be happy. That's his entire reason for being.]

A-Anyway, when do you think we can rehearse?

[Even though the song isn't finished yet and all he's done is fail at kissing and be a sappy loser. Maybe he wants to go hide in a hole somewhere.]