Must Be Dreaming [Open]

[★.:Akira:.★]

★ AKIRA ★

I want to live in fire, with all the taste I desire.
You lose your routine,
'cause I found my path.
- - - - - - - - - - - -

Pulling the strap of his guitar further up his shoulder, Akira found himself paused outside of the cafe, his silver gaze pointed up at the sign. His heart was beating a little faster in his chest than normal, yet a sense of eerie calmness swept over his being. Tonight was his first performance, albeit the fact he had been playing the instrument and singing for quite a few years now, he never had anyone listen to him before - he figured that nobody cared. Until his so called friend walked in on him back in school. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, remembering back on that day with a slight smile.

~
Each note fell from the instrument with grace, lingering in the air as a dandelion seed would fly through the wind. His eyes were closed, his heart set on each beat, each word that fell with strict articulation from his parted lips, fingers moving across the strings without missing a beat. His leg hiked up the chair to rest on the beam, supporting the weight of the instrument and him as he rested against his beloved possession, making it sing with a serene grace. White hair brushed across his features as he moved with the music, falling back in the air once more as he moved again, only to repeat the motion, over and over.

Entranced in the moment, in his music, Akira failed to notice that another had worked their way into the music and sat in a nearby chair, making no motion to interrupt the boy. Only after observing for awhile, he cleared his throat and clapped, causing the white haired teen's eyes to snap open, a gasp leaving his throat in place of the next verse, his head snapping to his right to face his friend. His hand left the strings to land over his heart, taking deep breaths to calm himself as the other spoke, "You know, Aki, you're pretty good... you should preform..."

"N-no... I haven't." He replied, although it was a complete lie. He had thought about it, day in and day out. It's all he really wanted to do, in all reality, but his father frowned upon it... and at the moment, his father monopolized his life. Looking down at the instrument, he smiled lightly, giving his friend some sort of truth, "If my father found out... I'd never hear the end of it... and I already get enough from him..."

His friend gave him a strange look at this, crossing his arms, "Who cares man! If it's your passion go for it!" The words were encouraging enough, but they did no good for Akira, until he let his next ones slip out, "Do it behind his back."
~

So here he was, it may have been a couple years after the encouragement, but what mattered is that he himself had gathered the courage to get out and do it. He was away from his father now, although not all ties had been completely cut, there were severed enough to allow him to do something like this. Opening his eyes, sweeping his gaze down the building, he reached a timid hand out to the handle of the glass door and opened it, walking through.

It was warm inside, a comforting setting complimented the feelings that the location gave him. People sat around at their tables, happily drinking from their mugs, eating sweets and sandwiches, some had soup and others had bottled sodas. The place offered everything, really. But that wasn't why he was here. Tonight was an open mic night, well... not exactly open, as you had to register beforehand to get your slot, but it was open enough for Akira. Besides, he came here often enough that the employees knew him by name, which gave him some sort of sense of comfort over the anticipation that seemed to overwhelm him and the butterflies that fluttered restlessly in his stomach.

"Akira, over here~" One of the employees called out from a table, welcoming the boy over. With a slight smile, he carefully weaved through the tables and chairs to the offered seat, removed his guitar from his back, and sat down, setting the instrument next to him. "Here's a drink to wet your throat before your performance. Ya may want to hurry a bit though, you're on in fifteen."

With a nod, gratefully accepting the drink, Akira dismissed the man as he walked away to get back to his job, leaving the white haired man to himself and his nervous feelings. He... really didn't want to be alone in those few minutes before his performance, but what choice did he have. Resting his elbows on the table and his head in his hands, he watched the person up on stage idly, waiting for his turn.

[Observer]

It's been a while since ... what happened. That incident at the Meiji shrine, which now laid in ruins. A terrorist attack, the news said, or vandalism, or whatever, to keep down what actually transpired there. But Larry stopped reading the papers long ago - he was there, he knew exactly what happened.

And for all this time he tried getting the incident out of his head. Not to much success though. The picture of exploding helicopters returned every time he went to sleep, and this was the reason he rarely slept during this time, and was rather tired, with shadows under his eyes. Tried forgetting it, but whenever he saw Renee and her eye-patch, what he tried forgetting came back with a fresh memory.

His off-duty time Larry spent on wondering around downtown, visiting ... any place really, where there are people, and where he is too busy socializing with them to think about anything else. Upon one of his many trips, he accidentally ran into that one unnoticeable cafe, one of many. Figuring he wasn't here before, Larry decided to go in and check it out. Didn't regret it...

- Hey Akira! - he called out, spotting a familiar face among the visitors. Taking a place at the table his colleague was sitting at, he called out for a waiter, ordering a cup of coffee, the strongest they had - to keep himself awake.

- Didn't expect to run into you here. 'Tis the place where you go off-work? Looks nice enough... - he said, looking around. The cafe seemed to have a stage preparing for a performance or something, and after that, noticed the guitar near Akira's heap. A conclusion was obvious enough.

- You're gonna play here today? - he asked a bit curiously. Larry read the file before, as he did of all other teammates, being obligated to do so, and knew he could play guitar, but did not expect him to be so good he'd get invited to play on stage.

[Khrystalline Stone]

Work was amazingly slow right now. As fast as command could call them in, what wild digimon popped up, were taken care of by some other tamer owned digimon, or something similar. It was a tad disappointing for the over eager woman, who wanted a chance to do get out and test what her partner could do. Alas, she just wasn't having much luck in that field, and the only thing she really could do at the moment, was wander around town aimlessly with her partner following, wearing his usual cloak.

BlackMonodramon himself, was more frustrated than disappointed about their run of luck. He may not have been at all certain how much he liked his role in Hypnos, but like most digimon, he did aim to grow stronger, and it was very difficult to do so he couldn't find a digimon he could fight. A digimon encounter would also mean a digital field, which would give him the cover he needed so he could remove his cloak, which he didn't particularly like. While it masked his identity, it was also quite hot beneath it, not to mention his ability to communicate was limited even further, as his more subtle mannerisms could not be detected when he had it on.

So the two walked on, down the sidewalks, alone together, with nothing more to do. "I wonder what the others are doing..." She mused out loud, about her co-workers. She then stopped, as if the idea was still forming in her head, she then repeated herself. "I wonder what the others are doing!" She said again, though more enthusiastically. Surely one of them was doing something she could join in on! Khrys whipped out her phone and pulled up the phonebook. Of course, Akira was on top of the alphabetical list, so he was the first one she called. "Akira! It's Khrys! How are you? You up to anything?"

[★.:Akira:.★]

★ AKIRA ★

I want to live in fire, with all the taste I desire.
You lose your routine,
'cause I found my path.
- - - - - - - - - - - -

Silver eyes focused on the drink before him, idly watching the ripples in the liquid from the notes that resonated through the cafe. Happily becoming lost in the seemingly alluring movements of the substance, forgetting his current anxiety and nervousness, Akira failed to hear the door as it opened, let alone who had entered. Moments after his voice was called out, he barely registered that he had indeed heard it and rose his eyes from the cup, looking around for the source of the voice. His eyes fell on none other than his colleague, Larry. Giving the other man a light smile, he waited patiently for the man to sit down and order his drink before greeting him, "Evenin'." was all he was able to get out before Larry continued on. "Sometimes," he began, his tone one of 'i have a long story for this one', "It's a place for me to relax, one of the few places people tend leave me alone for me to concentrate on my work." He finished, avoiding his 'story' with a light chuckle.

Though, he had forgotten the fact that he was going to play, forgetting the butterflies and the anxiety, his colleague mentioning him playing brought it all back, causing a light pink tint to cover his cheeks. "Y-yeah." He spoke, obviously a little startled by the question. Oh come on, your friend told you that you were good, have more confidence, boy. His conscience hissed. But his mind only argued back - You know I have stage fright... and next to little self confidence... you just KNOW they'll stare at the mark on my face.... At this, his conscience laughed - I doubt it, but whatever. Groaning inwardly at the inner turmoil, Akira fought the urge to head-desk as he looked away from Larry, suddenly rather uncertain.

Suddenly, the white haired male found himself extremely thankful for the vibration in his back pocket as his cell phone went off. Shifting, he reached around to slide it from his pocket, looking at it to see that it was another colleague calling. W-what is up with today? he wondered idly as he slid the phone's face up to answer it, hearing a familiar voice on the other end. "Oh, Hey." he greeted, listening as she continued on, "I-I'm alright." He started, Lying a little as the butterflies now clawing at his stomach as the fifteen minutes turned into ten. "Not much, I'm just down at the Mochi Cafe downtown, about ready to perform..." His voice drifted off as he bit back his pride and the nervousness that screamed at him not to invite more people that actually knew him. The fact of knowing that there were faces who knew him in the audience would make him all the more nervous, especially if he messed up. No... confidence... at least have a little. "Why don't you come by and join us?" He offered, his voice a little shaky, although he doubted neither Larry or Khrys would notice.

[Observer]

- Concentrate on your work? I thought people come to these places to forget about work, not concentrate on it... Or, at least, 'tis what I'm here. Too much happened there lately... - Larry replied with a bit of hidden weariness in his voice, looking a bit away.

The waiter came around with that mug of coffee Larry ordered in a few minutes. Putting it before the man in the coat, he was about to leave for another customer, but was stopped by a jest, and some words that followed: - You know, bring me another one, don't think one will do... - Larry said a with a bit of laughter. With a silent nod, the waiter left to fetch said drink.

This place was good indeed, friendly atmosphere, music, reasonable prices, it was what Larry would like to return to some other day. Yes, this place was indeed worth visiting a second time. The coffee tasted good too, giving some more energy to his exhausted self. In less than a minute, the entire mug was empty, and Larry was impatiently waiting for the other.

- Worried about your performance, huh? Must be first time you actually sing before people, you'd be more calm otherwise. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do great, you have ... an air of a musician about you, or something like that. Don't think too much about it, or it will get on your nerves... - he offered words of encouragement, what else could he say? It seemed that Khrys was coming around soon enough, which was certainly a good news. To spend some time in an environment where no one will call you for emergency spawn...

[Khrystalline Stone]

"Performing at the Mochi Cafe? That's awesome!" Khrys exclaimed. She knew from reading into Akira's papers that he played guitar, but she hadn't spent much time with him quite yet, so she didn't have a chance to address the topic. With the news that he was to be performing today, she certainly wasn't going to pass up on the chance to see him. Who knows how much she'd have to pester him to play for her otherwise? Maybe I should get some guitar lessons... She thought wonderously.Then she and Aki could jam together! Well, she was already pretty good with the piano, so she guessed they already could jam together.

"Already on my way Aki!" She responded to his delayed invitation. She only stopped when she ran into a red streetlight, bouncing on her heels as she waited for the lights to change, while BlackMonodramon gasped for breath, having been taken by surprise when his partner started running and wasn't prepared for the run. He barely had time to catch his breath and gather himself, before the light turned green, and Khrys began running again, and with his arm firmly in her grip, he had little choice other than try and keep up or end up being dragged.

Within ten minutes of the call, Khrys had arrived at the cafe, bursting through the door. She looked around the cafe among the sea of heads, until she spotted Akira's white haired and red marked face, at which she headed straight for him. "We're here! We didn't miss anything did we?" She asked, taking a seat. "Oh hi Larry!" She added cheerfully, not having expected him to be here.

The waiter came around and set down an extra coffee at the table. Both Larry and Aki had their own drink. "For me?" She asked uncertainly. Truth be told, she was more of a tea person, and she had always found coffee too bitter tasting. She looked to Monodramon, the question on her lips, but before she could ask if he wanted it, he tugged at the mesh fabric that covered the opening in his hood and kept his face hidden, reminding her he couldn't drink anything unless it came with a straw with it on.

"Ookie, please get my friend a glass of chocolate milk, with a straw please." She told the waiter. As the waiter headed off to fill the order, she turned to her coffee, and proceeded to put two spoons of sugar into her coffee, along with two creamers into it. She then took a few sips, only just managing to resist the urge to gag. Once there was enough room in the cup, she dumped two more creamers and another spoon of sugar. Taking another sip, she found the coffee at least drinkable now, and set it down.

[★.:Akira:.★]

★ AKIRA ★

I want to live in fire, with all the taste I desire.
You lose your routine,
'cause I found my path.
- - - - - - - - - - - -

Somehow, hearing the voice coming from the phone was enough to distract him from the horrible sinking feeling in his stomach, until Khrys announced she would be there soon and hung up. He sat there for a few moments, the dead air from the other side idly wandering past his ear before he realized that she was gone and shut his phone, idly placing it back into his pocket. I suppose it's definitely better to have people you know in the audience, hm? He tried to confide himself before Larry's words reached his ears, almost flying right past as he was stuck in his thoughts. "Yeah, it is my first time." He confirmed with a slight nod, a little uneasy at how confident the other seemed in his stead. Dammit, why cant I have some of that? He joked to himself. "Thank you." Was all he could think of to say at that moment, though he could tell he would thank the other male more later.

Well, they couldn't just sit there idly and stare into their cups, now could they? Besides, the quieter it was between the two as they waited for Khrys, the more Akira was left to his thought that proceeded to sink him deeper into his uncertainty. He had to go up there with some courage, or he wouldn't be able to do it. Looking back to Larry, he forced a smile onto his face, one that was filled with hints of Nostalgia. "You know, I wouldn't even be here if it weren't to spite my father and for an old friend's encouragement." He spoke quietly, wondering how deep he should dive into the matter. "I'm usually too much of a wallflower to do something such as this of my own decision." Perhaps it's my hatred for most people? Or my fear of old memories returning to haunt me again? Damn... "But I can't say I'm not happy that I'm doing this. That'd be a lie."

With idle prattle, Ten minutes turned to zero as the current performer bowed to their applause and left the stage for the employees to clean it up a bit and prepare it for the next performance - Akira's. Swallowing hard as his silver eyes focused on the stage he jumped slightly as Khrys's voice could be heard. "Welcome. No, you're just in time, rather." He responded, making last checks over his supplies as she sat down and took a deep breath as the employee signaled toward him. "Well, in that case. Wish me luck." He flashed an uncertain smile toward his two colleagues as he stood and pulled the case over his shoulder, moving into the back room to prepare.

Once in the back, he set the case on one of the tables and opened the case, running his hand over the wood as his other slid the humidifier from it's slot between the strings. The stage manager was mumbling some last minute things to him, which he could barely hear due to his racing heart the volume of the woman's voice. Though, he figured it didn't matter as he pulled the instrument out, placing the strap around his shoulders to prevent any accidents. "Alright kid, you're good to go." She finally spoke in a normal tone, nudging Akira toward the entrance to the stage. Good luck!" She chimed, scratching something off on her clipboard. Yeah... I'm gonna need a lot of it... With that thought, he wandered onto the stage, quickly finding his spot on the stool before the mic.

He could feel the expectant eyes of the crowd on his form as he rose a foot to rest it on the stool, his instrument against his leg. If I concentrate on my music and not them, I may be able to pull this off well. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and lowered his hands to the strings, letting the notes he began to play flow over him, taking him to a different place other than the cafe. Suddenly, he found himself back in school, in that room where his friend found him, alone and confident - and with that, the music picked up its pace, falling easily from the instrument as he rose his face to the mic, parting his lips, Sometimes, I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear. And I can't help but ask myself how much I'll let the fear, Take the wheel and steer. It's driven me before and seems to have a vague-- Haunting mass appeal. But lately I'm beginning to find that I should be the one behind the wheel... Each word fell smoothly, all sense of doubt gone from his body as the song progressed. Notes began to flow together in harmony, falling smoother from the strings as they warmed.

"Whatever tomorrow brings I'll be there with open arms and open eyes, yea~ Whatever tomorrow brings I'll be there~ I'll be there~..." Not a note was missed or out of place, the lyrics flowing along each note as a bird would soar along the clouds - he had his confidence, and it showed as the courage flowed through the strings. "So, if I decide to waiver my chance to be one of the hive. Will I choose water over wine, and hold my own and drive? It's driven me before and it seems to be the way that everyone else gets around~ But lately I'm beginning to find that when I drive myself my light is found~..."

"Whatever tomorrow brings I'll be there with open arms and open eyes, yea~ Whatever tomorrow brings I'll be there-- I'll be there~" And with that, he fell into the short guitar solo, his breath hitching in his throat as memories of where he was suddenly flooded his mind - but why should he be nervous now? Things were going smoothly, and if there were any murmurs of doubt in the crowd, his instrument hid it from his ears "Would you choose water over wine? Hold the wheel and drive~..... Whatever tomorrow brings I'll be there with open arms and open eyes yea~ Whatever tomorrow brings I'll be there~ I'll be there~" With the last of the lyrics sung, the music began to slow, further and further until his fingers fell on the last chord, letting it ring over the crowd - the lights dying slightly as he opened his eyes, looking up with a light smile - that wasn't so bad...

[Haha... book post... sorry if it's terrible. First time writing a performance post. xD]

[Observer]

Well, the room became darker and our performer started playing his tune. The guitar ... it was a wonder how such a simple instrument can be so addicting at the same time. Larry liked the guitar, though never played it, and simply closed his eyes to enjoy the song. He let his imagination flow on this one, and the images, though vivid, were becoming clearer...

Rain, the road, a driver who is making his way through the night. His destination? Nowhere really, he is running. Where? Anywhere. From whom? From himself. And by focusing on the road he manages to keep his mind busy from asking ... uncomfortable questions. Working meditation sort of, keeping mind focused on other things... Larry knew that feeling.

The song was finished before he, or anybody could realize. The boy had talent, that's for sure. The audience went silent for a few awkward moments after the last sound was heard, and the lights went out. In that comfortable semi-darkness, he was the first to stand up from his seat. They were supposed to supprot him after all. Why nobody was clapping. Larry clapped first. Soon his exampled was followed by one, than two, than four, and in a few moments everybody was clapping.

- Bravo!