Andante con Brio

CLXXXI

It was easy to forget all about everything, as they stepped out of the hotel, right into the heart of Taipei. It was easy to ignore Todd's slightly amused smile, even, as they walked downtown, looking for a place to eat. 
"Whoa, there's so many places here!" Ian said, and why did the awe in his voice make Eddy feel a bit of pride? I mean, it wasn't like he even lived here, right? 
But it was his. His and Brett's. 
"I know, it's awesome, right? Look, you wanna go in there?" Eddy pointed to the sign on the window and translated quickly. 
"All you can eat hot pot. That sound good to you?"
"Oh, fuck yeah. I'm starving, I'll eat them out of business!"
Eddy grinned about Todd's boasting tone and followed him into the restaurant. 

Oh, God. Oh, food really didn't taste quite like this anywhere else, did it? He dunked some more beef into the broth and tucked into the next portion of divine noodles. 
"I was famished!" he said to Brett, who was next to him, shoveling an egg dumpling into his mouth. 
"I know, right?" he mumbled back. 
Eddy leaned back in his red chair for a moment and took a deep breath. This was already becoming the best trip he'd ever taken. 

When they really couldn't eat any more they paid the smiling lady behind the register and walked back out into the night. 
"God, It's so cheap!" Todd said. 
"Yeah, everything is here." Brett told him as he happily took the lead and walked in the direction of the Shilin night market, just up ahead. "Bubble tea, anyone?"
Ian grinned. 
"Can we walk around a bit first? My stomach feels like it's about to explode."
"Sure. You're probably right."

They walked around the famous market, just browsing, not even buying anything. There would be plenty of time for that later. They had the whole week, right? Eddy took another deep breath and took in all the different smells. There was fried chicken, just to his right, the giant ones he loved so much and would definitely have to buy at some point this week. Something with meat and lots of spices was being wokked in the stall on the left. There were noodles and beef soup, being sold from the stall right over there. It was busy, with people browsing and milling around everywhere, but the atmosphere was gentle, pleasant. There were no raised voices anywhere, and everyone was smiling. He felt the smile reflected on his own face. How easy was it to breathe freely, here, where the food was good and the people were so kind. 
"Hold up." Todd said suddenly. He was at a souvenir stand, holding up a tacky linen bag saying 'I love Taiwan.' "Imma buy it. I can use it to carry the scores around."
Brett grinned. 
"Yeah, because that one tiny book will never fit into your cello case, hey? But I like it, Todd. Suits you."

They walked for hours, Todd proudly brandishing his bag, until Eddy's feet were sore and his cheeks were glowing with it all. They did buy bubble tea, in the end, and it was gratifying to see the admiring looks on Todd and Ian's faces. 
"I told you they had the best bubble tea here." he said proudly. 
"You did, and you were right. Anyway, can we head back to the hotel? I'm half dead and we have rehearsal tomorrow, right?"
"Yep, let's go."
A thrill ran through Eddy as they started back towards the hotel. Because as magical as this evening out with their best friends had been, he knew it was about to get even better.