Author's Note:
"I never really know how to please you. You're lookin' at me like I'm see-through."
This oneshot was requested by ChemismasNuclear (you should go check out their new BC oneshots book!)
Thanks for the request! <3
(Y/n) = Your Name
Your Point of View:
My fingers glide delicately along the pristine keys of the grand piano. I close my eyes in content and find myself in a forlorn daydream. I dream that my efforts are honored by my family and my teammates. I dream of having a purposeful conversation with someone who is dear to me. I dream that my presence is acknowledged and appreciated by my friends. I dream of the day I'll say something...and someone will listen.
The music waltzing from the piano started as a tame tune, soon to be a whirlwind of my pent-up emotions. My hands moved on their own as my mind wandered off once again.
~Flashback~
I look down at my new robe with determination in my eyes. This is all happening so fast.
"Well? How does it feel?"
My shift my gaze to the man in front of me and smile timidly. "Good," I reply curtly.
Klaus shakes his head and adjusts his glasses, "Single-worded responses aren't going to get you very far, (Y/n). It amazes me that Captain William even accepted you."
His words were like a knife to the throat, but I kept smiling, "Yeah."
He rolls his eyes and turns to walk away. Before he leaves, he says, "I look forward to working with you."
I want to say something back, but he's gone.
~End of Flashback~
That was when I first joined the Golden Dawn about a year ago. Ever since then, I've steadily moved up in the ranks. Klaus, who was my superior at the time, is now my equal. Still, I feel like I don't receive the same amount of respect as he. I'd like to think it's because he's been at this rank longer than I have, but I know the real reason. People honestly forget I even exist. It's nothing new, of course.
In all honesty, I could go the rest of my life without any special attention. But if there's anyone's attention I long for, it's the attention of one man: Klaus Lunettes. I can't describe it, but he makes me feel a certain way when he's around. Granted, he's not my biggest fan, but I can tell he isn't as cold as he lets on. Maybe somewhere beneath the surface, he actually gives a damn.
I shake my head to dismiss my ludicrous thoughts, paying more attention to the song I'm playing. It's a piece my mother always used to play before she got sick. She'd effortlessly play the song by memory while I watched with amazement. Over time, I learned the song as well. Being that I'd heard it so much, I picked up on it rather quickly. A smile graces my features as I play the final notes.
Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap
Nearly leaping out of my seat, I spin around to see Klaus wearing a small smirk on his face. I place my hands over my face to hide my embarrassment.
"Why are hiding? That was amazing. Well done, (Y/n)." The tone of his voice is surprisingly soft.
I peek out from behind the shelter of my hands, "Really?"
He nods and walks closer to the piano until he's right in front of me. I turn away to hide the blush on my face, focusing my gaze elsewhere. Klaus crosses his arms and looks down at me with concern in his eyes.
"You're really talented. How come I've never heard you play before?"
I shrug meekly, looking at my reflection through the polished instrument. "Too shy."
He lets out a sigh and readjusts his glasses, "Still stuck in your shell, huh? I can't say I'm surprised."
It's my turn to sigh as I hang my head down in shame. I really do try to express myself to others, but something within me won't allow it. There have been countless times I've wanted to share my opinion on a mission, only to end up choking on my own words. I'm sick of it...but it's just the way I am.
"Sorry," I whisper with no intention to be heard.
To my surprise, Klaus lays a hand atop my head and ruffles my hair. I look up at him with a puzzled expression.
"You may be shy, but that doesn't make you any less capable. I've come to realize this over time," he explains, "You're an amazing Magic Knight...and I apologize for misjudging you."
My face beams with pride, "You mean it?"
Before he could reply, I'm jolted awake by a hand nudging my shoulder. I groan in exasperation as a blinding light immerses me. I rub my eyes and blink a couple of times to clear my vision. In front of me, Mimosa Vermillion stands.
"Wakey, wakey, sleepyhead," she smiles, "You fell asleep at the piano again."
Oh, right. My mom's song is a lullaby, so of course, it put me to sleep. This isn't the first time I've encountered this issue.
"Sorry."
"No worries. You've only been asleep for..." she looks at the clock, "about two hours."
I nod and stand up from the piano stool.
It was all just a dream then. Why am I like this?
"(Y/n)? Are you listening?"
"Huh?" I snap out of my trance.
Mimosa politely repeats herself, "I said Klaus wanted me to retrieve you. He says it's important."
Klaus? He's the last person I want to see right now...
"Oh, okay," I mutter, "Where is he?"
She tells me he's waiting outside in the garden, so I follow her instructions. Once I'm outside, I see him standing with his arms crossed as if he's ready to scold me. I hesitantly send him a wave, to which he ignores.
"Where were you?! Did you forget all about our mission?!" he chides.
I fiddle with the rings on my fingers as I respond, "I did. Sorry."
My painfully honest response seems to strike a nerve in him. I've never known why I have this effect on him, but I try not to let it go to my head. If I did, I wouldn't have the courage to face him without feeling like a piece of shit.
"Were you daydreaming again? Is that it?! Because thanks to you, our mission was a failure. We searched everywhere for you," he rants.
Mustering up what little confidence I have, I make eye contact with my much taller comrade, "As a matter of fact, I was sleeping. Sorry."
Now I've done it.
I expect him to raise his voice even louder, but instead, he takes a deep breath. Assuming this is the calm before the storm, I brace for a lecture. My body tenses when I hear a foreign sound...
He's laughing???
"W-What's so f-funny?" I stammer.
His laughter subsides and he places a hand on my head, "You never cease to amaze me, (Y/n). Only you would sleep instead of going on a mission."
"Wait, so y-you're not mad?"
"Oh, no, I'm furious. But you made me laugh, nonetheless," he ruffles my hair before backing away, "I have to go, so we'll discuss this later."
And just like that, he was gone.
~Time Skip~
Again, I find myself seated at the grand piano. But what can I say? I'm an addict. I play a couple of traditional songs before playing my mother's lullaby. This time, I'll try not to fall asleep. I love playing the piano, but my stamina is pitiful when I'm playing soft songs.
I lose myself in the music, forgetting my vacant surroundings. As you'd imagine, I'm startled by a small tap on my shoulder. I twirl around to see Klaus Lunettes, the man I have unfinished business with.
"Yes?" I ask, practically whispering.
He smiles a little as he stares at the piano thoughtfully. Without looking away, he says, "How come you never told me?"
"T-Told you what?"
"...That you can play the piano so beautifully," he clarifies, finally making eye contact.
Heat rushes to my cheeks and I turn away. "Never asked."
He's silent for a moment before clearing his throat, "Anway, I've discussed your situation with William and he's letting you off the hook. This is the first time you've missed a mission, so it's not that big of a deal, I suppose."
Really? That's not what you said earlier, dude.
"Oh, okay."
I thought he was going to leave, but he lingers next to me. "Do you...um..." he starts, "Do you think you could play that song again? I'd like to hear it from the beginning."
My lips curve up into a smile and I position my hands on the piano keys. Before I begin, I gesture him to take a seat next to me. This seat is large enough, so it wouldn't be a problem. He hesitates for a second, but complies regardless.
Feeling content, I grin at him before beginning the song. He listens in silence, watching my every move. To be honest, I'm pretty nervous, but I've played this song so many times, so there's no need to overthink.
After a few minutes, the song comes to an end, allowing me to rest my hands in my lap. Klaus is quiet, increasing my anticipation of his feedback.
"So...d-did you like it?" I stutter.
He shakes his head, "I didn't like it...I loved it. You're very talented."
He had me in the first half, not gonna lie.
"Wait, really?"
"Of course."
I've never heard him speak this way to me. Usually, he's so strict and disapproving. But right now, he's being so kind. Why?
"...Why are you acting so nice?"
"Hm?"
"W-Why are you acting this way? I thought you h-hated me."
Klaus looks away and pushes up his glasses. "I don't hate you."
"You don't?"
"No...I just get frustrated when I'm around you."
"Oh...well, I have that effect on people," I chuckle dryly.
He quickly turns back to me and elaborates, "No, no, that's not what I meant. I mean...I get frustrated with the way you make me feel."
Nope, I still don't get it.
"What d-do you mean?"
"Well- you- I just-" he struggles to find the words. Confliction sweeps through his eyes before he mutters, "Forget it."
I'm about to urge him to explain, but a pair of soft lips collide with my own. I sit in shock for a good three seconds until he pulls away with a face just as red as mine. He adverts his gaze, "There. That's what I meant."
My hand unconsciously travels up to my lips as I try to process what just happened. I try to speak up, only for my voice to come out as a restrained rasp. "Again," I say.
He looks confused, so I repeat myself. "Again. Do it again," I urge.
I don't know why I was so brave to utter such a bold request, but I'm glad I did. He smiles a bit before leaning in again. This time, I kissed back.
Don't wake me up.
End.
Author's Note:
Tell me a joke.
Word Count: 1,895