[hmm. Nageki is quite sure that there's something not quite right with Kaworu's behaviour, but it would be rude to interrupt his playing, so he listens in silence to the melancholy music. he's impressed with Kaworu's skill, or -- he would be, if he weren't more concerned at the moment. it really is lovely, especially when music in the library was so rare, but...
once the piano fades out, Nageki waits a moment before speaking.]
...I think I'd like it hear it in person. Where are you, Kaworu? I'll come by.
[it does take him a while to arrive, though, forced into a scarf and mittens with a coat Nageki thinks might be a little too warm even for this weather before he can make it out of his apartment. once he does arrive, he takes his time to quietly undress before he ventures into the room, hoping to avoid interrupting Kaworu if he happens to be playing again.]
[Nageki clearly isn't expecting Kaworu to greet him so suddenly, and without looking his way; he starts a little in surprise, stopping a few feet away to keep his distance while the other boy plays. it feels wrong to interrupt the flow of the music to say anything back, or to come any closer when Kaworu is in the middle of something that requires so much care, so he doesn't mind staying where he is just to listen. he's a very good piano player, even if Nageki hasn't heard many -- the only other would be the mysterious player in the school's music room sometimes, and they were very good, too. but, Nageki supposes, it's nice to have only pleasant experiences with pianists that he can recall.]
...I wanted to see you, so I left shortly, as I said.
[talking in the silence of a room filled with music only a moment before feels a bit strange, almost, but he can tell Kaworu doesn't think that Nageki is interrupting him. he seems perfectly welcoming, despite the way he worried Nageki earlier, so he nods and quietly comes closer to stand by the piano, looking down at its aged keys but not touching them. it's at least interesting to see a piano close up, especially one so old.
it doesn't take long for his eyes to move towards Kaworu instead, however, inspecting his face thoughtfully. there's definitely something different in his expression, something a lot more muted than his usual, more prominent enthusiasm. it isn't any of Nageki's business, but all the same... Kaworu is his friend, and it's difficult not to be concerned about his wellbeing regardless of that.]
You seem as though you're distracted today, Kaworu.
[Slowly, he looks back down at the keys, still smiling.]
Hm. Maybe I am. Since we last spoke, my experience has been enriched with many conversations.
[It's an extremely vague confirmation, but still a confirmation. Looking back up at him, he scooted over on the piano seat to let him sit if he wanted.]
[he knows that response is neither positive nor negative, but Kaworu is such a mysterious person that Nageki quite sure this is something he'll have to press for at least a little if he wants to know what it is that's bothering his friend. pressing for anything isn't in Nageki's nature at all, but there are some things in which he knows he could stand to change. maybe that could be one of them.
if Kaworu makes it obvious it isn't something he wants to talk about, Nageki will stop. that seems simple enough to him, or at least Nageki hopes it is as he sits down on the piano seat next to him.]
It's as though something is bothering you. Your thoughtfulness doesn't look like the happy sort to me... but I could be wrong, I course.
[his eyes turn to watch Kaworu's fingers tapping the keys idly, reflecting upon Kaworu's words at the same time. how could Nageki forget the enigmatic Shinji? he's heard so little of this other boy, but the way Kaworu speaks of him has sparked Nageki's curiosity regardless. Nageki has little faith that he could possibly be lucky enough to be friends with him as well, should they ever meet, but it doesn't stop him from wanting to see who the boy is for himself someday.]
It sounds like it was a very lovely experience, Kaworu.
[oh. is that the kind of person Shinji is to Kaworu? it's surprising to think that Kaworu might be in love with someone when he told Nageki not too long ago that those kinds of feelings were still confusing to him, but Nageki tries his best to stay neutral while Kaworu speaks. it's not at though such a thing would change how he feels about Kaworu, so it doesn't matter to him at all, surprising as it is.
Kaworu's question does catch him off guard, though, when he realizes he's hoping for an answer from Nageki. the idea of anyone ever being in love with him is purely laughable, and Nageki finds it almost as difficult to see himself in love with anyone despite the obvious futility those kinds of feelings would bring him. he really wouldn't know, if he was, nor would he know his feelings towards anyone in his living life -- Hitori, whoever they were, is the only exception.
was Nageki in love with that person? well, even if he was it doesn't really matter now. remembering it still won't bring back the person from his past.]
No. If I was ever in love with someone, I don't remember it. I only remember that I had someone very special to me... I can't say whether that means I was in love with them or not.
[no, he doesn't understand it... he was hoping that he could maybe hear Nageki's experience with it, but it's as he expected. Hearing him say he had someone special, but didn't know what kind of special... it makes him feel sympathy for him again.
his hand finishes again, and it returns to his lap.]
I suppose our feelings for those people are similar, then. Shinji-kun is very special to me.
[Nageki is fairly certain Shinji isn't the only person Kaworu gave a Valentine to, but Nageki feels like now probably isn't the time to bring that up. this sounds like a more special sort of Valentine, if Kaworu means to say he gave it to Shinji personally, so Nageki doesn't do anything more than nod to acknowledge Kaworu's words, trying to encourage him to continue without interrupting to speak. he's much better at doing this, he thinks... just listening to what his friends have to say, instead of talking about himself. there's not very much about himself to talk about, to begin with, and it never seems like anything worth mentioning.
but Kaworu is different from him, in a lot of ways. he reaches out to others, and he's understanding, and when he isn't he tries to learn so he can be -- even just how often he smiles sets them apart. he's a very admirable person, even if Nageki doesn't know how to express it in the right way other than doing the simplest thing he can think of; he doesn't say anything, waiting for Kaworu to keep going with his story.]
He didn't accept it. [As he says it, his voice is no different - it's still conversational, he still sounds happy.] Shinji-kun has a miserable, lonely heart... he believes no one could ever love him, so he ostracizes himself in order to keep from being hurt. I was glad to show him that love is there for him, if he decides to want it...
[which is all true... Kaworu doesn't really feel sad about being rejected. And at the same time, it gives him a feeling inside that he doesn't understand.]
He keeps teaching me new and amazing things about Lilim and myself.
[maybe Kaworu doesn't mean it to sound the way it does -- no, Nageki's pretty certain he doesn't realize -- but that description hits uncomfortably close to home. he knows what it's like to feel as though it's better, and safer, to run away from the affections of others so none of them can hurt you; even more, he feels as though he could give advice on the subject if they ever met, but Nageki doesn't know how welcome it would be. would he have listened to someone he didn't know back then? probably not, especially with something so personal...
it's a strange feeling, to be sure, wanting to help someone he doesn't know. maybe it's something Shinji will have to sort out on his own, the way Nageki did, by realizing that partaking in love is always a more wonderful feeling than being alone, even if it hurts you in the end. while he thinks over Kaworu words, Nageki grazes his fingers over the piano's keys, committing to memory the texture of them under his fingertips.]
I see. I'm sorry, Kaworu... reciprocation can be a very difficult subject to handle.
Edited (i forgot an entire word in the middle of his sentence) 2013-02-26 14:55 (UTC)
Reciprocation. [he seems to digest the word for a moment.] But, I do not have a particular desire for it. I am happy as it is, just feeling this way. If I can be here for him when he needs me, that alone brings me a kind of joy I never knew.
[something about the way Kaworu said that, though, suggests some kind of conflict is present - it sounded like he was trying to reason through something.
Kaworu's eyes are drawn to Nageki's hand, and he realizes he may be saying too much. He knows that he's delicate, similar to how Shinji is.]
That is the selfless kind of love of which few people are capable.
[Nageki doesn't have any pretenses about being that kind of person. he knows that he has probably always been selfish, in taking his own life and in other things, probably, even if he knows he would be glad to do it again as many times as he would need to if the act could bring joy to his friends. that includes Kaworu now, he thinks; Nageki would be happy to die again for him too, whether Kaworu would understand such a gesture or not. he may not think himself selfless, but at least Nageki would never allow selfishness to get in the way of his affection for his friends.
he can tell that Kaworu doesn't realize how admirable he really is, and it inclines him all the more to tell him. the thoughts stay stubbornly closed inside of his head, however, his attention taken by Kaworu's new train of thought. he shakes his head, his fingers stopping in their spot on the keys.]
I don't. There was little opportunity for exploring the world of instruments before I found myself here.
[he gave him a sweet smile, liking the idea of teaching Nageki how to play. Nageki says many things to him that he knows are intended to be compliments. Maybe it sounded like Kaworu's outlook was admirable, but he probably cannot love in any other way.]
I've been playing a lot since Shinji-kun came here. It focuses my mind and puts my core at ease. While I was growing up, I would play for those reasons, too.
[hesitantly, he pulls his hand away from the keys at Kaworu's question. is that something Nageki would like to learn? he enjoys music, and has learned that his voice doesn't seem to be terrible for it, but to transcend passive listening and become a musician himself -- it doesn't seem like something he would be very good at. there aren't many things he can do that he would consider a genuine skill, though...]
I think... that it would probably be a waste of your time.
What makes you say that? [He's unphased by his removal of his fingers from the piano.] Skill doesn't matter. It's worth doing for its own sake, to enrich your own life. Besides, it's all practice, anyway.
[Or at least Kaworu thinks so. It doesn't occur to him that Nageki might be able to sing instead. Smiling, he reaches down and takes his hands in his own, guiding them back up to the keys.]
Why don't you give it a try? To see if you want to learn. If you don't, that's fine.
[it surprises him that Kaworu takes his hands so casually, still finding himself caught off-guard by his friend's inclination towards physical contact no matter how many times it happens. it makes his nervousness a little more prominent as he stares at the piano, sure that his feelings of pressure are ridiculous even if he can't help them.]
[something about that question catches his attention. Nageki sounded nervous... although he often did. Kaworu doesn't mind nudging people out of their comfort zones - it's something that's been quite useful to him, in many ways. That's not it, not what's making him hesitate in answering or encouraging him further.
His smile fades a little as a hint of surprise flashes over his face. This is familiar... this is like the night of Valentine's Day. Sitting here, playing music. Enticing that adorable hesitation from the other person. Marveling at the strange mess of feelings these Lilim give him.
But it's not the same. This is Nageki-kun. He had come here on his own. He said he was worried about him.]
...
[his warmth has mostly faded into a calm, stoney mask now, smiling only with a sense of muted realization.]
[it would be impossible to miss the blatant transformation of emotions on Kaworu's face as his smile lessens, and for a moment, Nageki considers immediately forgetting his uncertainty and doing as Kaworu suggested, sure that he must have done something wrong. he thinks better of it a second later, however; Kaworu clearly wants him to enjoy this, rather than doing it out of a poor sense of obligation to him, and Nageki is hardly confident in his ability to pretend. it isn't that he doesn't enjoy the piano, it's just...
maybe it isn't for him, and maybe Kaworu can tell. is that really all that's bothering him, though? there's something else in his pause, and the mask on his face, that reminds Nageki a little too much of Kaworu's younger counterpart. there's definitely something else that Kaworu isn't telling him, and it's for no reason other than pure worry for his friend that Nageki finds himself wanting to know what it is.
after a small pause on his end of the conversation, Nageki tries his best to speak up.]
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once the piano fades out, Nageki waits a moment before speaking.]
...I think I'd like it hear it in person. Where are you, Kaworu? I'll come by.
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[A few moments later, a crude but clearly drawn map arrives in Nageki's inbox via text message.]
It's cold today, so you should bring a jacket.
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[it does take him a while to arrive, though, forced into a scarf and mittens with a coat Nageki thinks might be a little too warm even for this weather before he can make it out of his apartment. once he does arrive, he takes his time to quietly undress before he ventures into the room, hoping to avoid interrupting Kaworu if he happens to be playing again.]
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Without looking up from the keys, he smiles.]
Hello, Nageki.
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When the piece finishes, he lifts his hands from the keys and finally looks over.]
Sorry... I didn't think you'd get here so quick. Won't you come over here?
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[talking in the silence of a room filled with music only a moment before feels a bit strange, almost, but he can tell Kaworu doesn't think that Nageki is interrupting him. he seems perfectly welcoming, despite the way he worried Nageki earlier, so he nods and quietly comes closer to stand by the piano, looking down at its aged keys but not touching them. it's at least interesting to see a piano close up, especially one so old.
it doesn't take long for his eyes to move towards Kaworu instead, however, inspecting his face thoughtfully. there's definitely something different in his expression, something a lot more muted than his usual, more prominent enthusiasm. it isn't any of Nageki's business, but all the same... Kaworu is his friend, and it's difficult not to be concerned about his wellbeing regardless of that.]
You seem as though you're distracted today, Kaworu.
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[Slowly, he looks back down at the keys, still smiling.]
Hm. Maybe I am. Since we last spoke, my experience has been enriched with many conversations.
[It's an extremely vague confirmation, but still a confirmation. Looking back up at him, he scooted over on the piano seat to let him sit if he wanted.]
In what way do I seem distracted?
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if Kaworu makes it obvious it isn't something he wants to talk about, Nageki will stop. that seems simple enough to him, or at least Nageki hopes it is as he sits down on the piano seat next to him.]
It's as though something is bothering you. Your thoughtfulness doesn't look like the happy sort to me... but I could be wrong, I course.
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One of his hands returns to the keys and begins to play a pleasant, repetitive exercise. Not loudly, he's more focused on their conversation.]
I was able to speak to my friend, Shinji-kun. I told you about him, right? He came here Valentine's Day, and we played music together.
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[his eyes turn to watch Kaworu's fingers tapping the keys idly, reflecting upon Kaworu's words at the same time. how could Nageki forget the enigmatic Shinji? he's heard so little of this other boy, but the way Kaworu speaks of him has sparked Nageki's curiosity regardless. Nageki has little faith that he could possibly be lucky enough to be friends with him as well, should they ever meet, but it doesn't stop him from wanting to see who the boy is for himself someday.]
It sounds like it was a very lovely experience, Kaworu.
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It was. I'm very grateful to him... I wasn't sure he would even come.
[The exercise ends, and he starts another as he looks back to the keys.]
I know you have lost your memories, but do you remember ever being in love?
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Kaworu's question does catch him off guard, though, when he realizes he's hoping for an answer from Nageki. the idea of anyone ever being in love with him is purely laughable, and Nageki finds it almost as difficult to see himself in love with anyone despite the obvious futility those kinds of feelings would bring him. he really wouldn't know, if he was, nor would he know his feelings towards anyone in his living life -- Hitori, whoever they were, is the only exception.
was Nageki in love with that person? well, even if he was it doesn't really matter now. remembering it still won't bring back the person from his past.]
No. If I was ever in love with someone, I don't remember it. I only remember that I had someone very special to me... I can't say whether that means I was in love with them or not.
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his hand finishes again, and it returns to his lap.]
I suppose our feelings for those people are similar, then. Shinji-kun is very special to me.
[For a moment, he pauses, maybe hesitating.]
I gave him a valentine.
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but Kaworu is different from him, in a lot of ways. he reaches out to others, and he's understanding, and when he isn't he tries to learn so he can be -- even just how often he smiles sets them apart. he's a very admirable person, even if Nageki doesn't know how to express it in the right way other than doing the simplest thing he can think of; he doesn't say anything, waiting for Kaworu to keep going with his story.]
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[which is all true... Kaworu doesn't really feel sad about being rejected. And at the same time, it gives him a feeling inside that he doesn't understand.]
He keeps teaching me new and amazing things about Lilim and myself.
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it's a strange feeling, to be sure, wanting to help someone he doesn't know. maybe it's something Shinji will have to sort out on his own, the way Nageki did, by realizing that partaking in love is always a more wonderful feeling than being alone, even if it hurts you in the end. while he thinks over Kaworu words, Nageki grazes his fingers over the piano's keys, committing to memory the texture of them under his fingertips.]
I see. I'm sorry, Kaworu... reciprocation can be a very difficult subject to handle.
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[something about the way Kaworu said that, though, suggests some kind of conflict is present - it sounded like he was trying to reason through something.
Kaworu's eyes are drawn to Nageki's hand, and he realizes he may be saying too much. He knows that he's delicate, similar to how Shinji is.]
...Do you know how to play?
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[Nageki doesn't have any pretenses about being that kind of person. he knows that he has probably always been selfish, in taking his own life and in other things, probably, even if he knows he would be glad to do it again as many times as he would need to if the act could bring joy to his friends. that includes Kaworu now, he thinks; Nageki would be happy to die again for him too, whether Kaworu would understand such a gesture or not. he may not think himself selfless, but at least Nageki would never allow selfishness to get in the way of his affection for his friends.
he can tell that Kaworu doesn't realize how admirable he really is, and it inclines him all the more to tell him. the thoughts stay stubbornly closed inside of his head, however, his attention taken by Kaworu's new train of thought. he shakes his head, his fingers stopping in their spot on the keys.]
I don't. There was little opportunity for exploring the world of instruments before I found myself here.
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[he gave him a sweet smile, liking the idea of teaching Nageki how to play. Nageki says many things to him that he knows are intended to be compliments. Maybe it sounded like Kaworu's outlook was admirable, but he probably cannot love in any other way.]
I've been playing a lot since Shinji-kun came here. It focuses my mind and puts my core at ease. While I was growing up, I would play for those reasons, too.
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I think... that it would probably be a waste of your time.
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[Or at least Kaworu thinks so. It doesn't occur to him that Nageki might be able to sing instead. Smiling, he reaches down and takes his hands in his own, guiding them back up to the keys.]
Why don't you give it a try? To see if you want to learn. If you don't, that's fine.
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Are you -- are you sure about this, Kaworu?
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His smile fades a little as a hint of surprise flashes over his face. This is familiar... this is like the night of Valentine's Day. Sitting here, playing music. Enticing that adorable hesitation from the other person. Marveling at the strange mess of feelings these Lilim give him.
But it's not the same. This is Nageki-kun. He had come here on his own. He said he was worried about him.]
...
[his warmth has mostly faded into a calm, stoney mask now, smiling only with a sense of muted realization.]
Nageki-kun... no. It's fine, you don't have to.
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maybe it isn't for him, and maybe Kaworu can tell. is that really all that's bothering him, though? there's something else in his pause, and the mask on his face, that reminds Nageki a little too much of Kaworu's younger counterpart. there's definitely something else that Kaworu isn't telling him, and it's for no reason other than pure worry for his friend that Nageki finds himself wanting to know what it is.
after a small pause on his end of the conversation, Nageki tries his best to speak up.]
There's something else bothering you, Kaworu. Isn't there?
[is that too confrontational? trying to ease the possibility, he adds in a quieter tone,]
If you don't want to discuss it, that's fine. I'm just... concerned.
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