“Alright, I think there’s time for one…” He made sure Chase was well-situated before he sat himself back on the piano stool. Tristan flipped back to the song he was practicing yesterday and didn’t hesitate one bit before beginning. As long as it makes him happy…. I’ll be happy.
Chase smiled once Tristan started to play, each note soft like a pillow and rich like caramel. It was a comfort just to hear something so gentle, something so kind. Tristan was a comfort. And Chase found that he had trouble pushing down the feeling that fluttered into his chest.
Tristan continued to do what he was doing. Maybe I should learn to like this more…. but my mom makes it feel like such a chore…. He flipped the page when he had the chance, and actually felt passionate to sing along with it. He’d played that song so many times, he could practically play it blindfolded.
Chase leaned towards the piano, as if he could hear it better that way. But he was drawn to the music, and Tristan’s voice was soft and wonderful. Chase hoped the music would never end, that he’d never have to go home, that they could just be in the music room together.
Tristan kept on playing as usual, but he began to have tints of pain— his toes curled and his fingers ached as he got cramps. Dammit…. not now…. Although it wasn’t usual, he tried his best to ignore it. But when it came to the end of the song, he played the final note and held his breath. No… don’t say anything…
“That was really beautiful,” Chase said with a smile, keeping his sadness about going home at bay. He stood, a little wobbly but held himself up, “I really loved it Tristan.” He smiled a little bit more, “Th-Thank you.”
Tristan spun around playfully on the piano stool, relieving his cramps. “You’re very welcome…” He found himself flushing over appreciation. “I’m glad you were able to stay just for a little bit… but do you think you’re gonna be okay on your way home?” He asked, noting his wobbliness. Don’t tell me he’s too injured to even walk….?
“I think… I think I’ll be fine.” He said quietly, even though he was unsure. It hurt to move, but overall… he could probably make it home. Hopefully, at least.
“Do you need any help or anything?” Tristan stopped himself with the piano and grabbed his book. “I…I don’t want to leave until you’re certainly positive that you’re gonna be alright.”
He glanced at the clock, realizing if he didn’t hurry up, his mom was going to give it to him.
“No, no, I don’t want to hold you up, I’ll be fine.” He managed a reassuring smile in attempt to prove it. Chase picked up his bag pack and slung it over his shoulder, even though it ached to carry it.
“If you truly insist….” Tristan packed up his stuff and put his backpack on his shoulders. …He doesn’t look all that fine, though…. “…Then I won’t stop you.” As they both went out the music room door, Tristan gave Chase a tight yet gentle hug. “I’ll see you tomorrow….”
“Uh, yeah,” Chase said quietly, smiling a little at Tristan before parting ways. He walked home, and as he entered he heard his father. And his girlfriend. On the couch. Together. Chase quickly made his way upstairs to his room and shut the door tightly behind him, wincing before going to look out the window. He just wanted someone, he wanted a real family. He didn’t want to be alone anymore.
(Oh…. oof…)
Tristan walked out to where his mom was waiting for him in her parked car. “Hi Mom.”
“Did you practice like I told you to?” Was her first question.
“Of course I did,” He got into the passenger seat and they got home.
Tristan went up to his room and unpacked his daily homework at his desk. He grabbed Graham from his bed and hugged him tight. I’m back! He sing-songed in his head, smiling happily. He went over to his desk and sat up on his swivel chair, bringing his legs up and setting Graham in his lap. Time to get this done…. He wrote down some stuff before he got the thought, …I really hope Chase was telling the truth when he said he was fine…. Maybe one day, he glanced down at his best friend. You’ll get to meet him.
(Time skip?)
(Ye, to when?)
(Ummm the next day? Lunch maybe?)
Chase made his way through the lunch line. Some jocks sniggered at him and Chase picked up the pace until he made it to Tristan’s usual table. His eyes were still bruised, so was his jaw, but thankfully his arms were covered by his sweatshirt.
Tristan glanced up from his sketching. “Hey Chase,” He said, smiling. He took a forkful of his cup noodles and ate. “Anything new going on today?” He’s definitely looking better than he did yesterday….
“Uh, not really,” Chase replied quietly, smiling a little bit. His heart skipped a beat, just becuase Tristan was always so friendly… No, that’s a bad idea, it’s not normal… He shoved his feelings down, nibbling on the corner of his roll.
“Well, I’m glad you were able to recover…. somewhat…” He noted his bruised jaw and eyes… his wonderful eyes… Tristan flushed, snapping out of it. “Er— Anyway…. you gonna stop by the music room after school again today?” He began tracing the rim of his ramen cup with his finger.
“Of course, I love you.” Chase didn’t realize how the words sounded until they came out of his mouth, “I -er- I- um, I meant- uh, I love to hear you play.” He hastily added, as red a fire hydrant at this point.
Tristan barely caught what he said the first time. "Oh– well, alright then," He finished off his noodles happily. "To be honest, no one ever said that they loved to hear me play– sure, they said it was good, very good, and all that…" He turned a bit red himself and turned away, a stinging hotness in his cheeks. "But saying that you love to hear me play and that are two different things…."
“Well… It’s very beautiful, it’s so soft and warm…” Chase blushed even more, desperately hoping Tristan wouldn’t think to much into Chase’s adoration of his music. It’s just so enamoring, the way he plays and- No, I can’t think like this anymore.
Tristan put a hand to his warming face. "I'm unsure how to take that compliment… Besides that it flatters me….." He couldn't hide his reddened face anymore, and it just made him that much more flushed. "No one told me my music had that much emotion." He tried his best to contain his leaping heart swelling in his chest.
“It’s the truth,” Chase said with a tiny smile, praying the heat in his face didn’t show, “I really love it, as much as I love yo-“ Chase scrambled to find any other word than what he was about to say, and finally blurted, “Your voice. That’s -er- really nice too. It’s like a sunrise.”
"My voice??" Tristan took a while to connect a few dots. "Oh… I must've been singing along, huh…" Damn…. He really has my heartstrings, doesn't he…? "But… A sunrise? Please… It's not that good." …Is it?