Saimatsu (aka Shuichi x Kaede) Oneshots

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect

Kaede Akamatsu, the Ultimate Pianist. Quite the title. She and everyone around her knew how hard it is to keep a title like that. Many struggled with never being the best at what they do, but being the best had it's own set of challenges.

"So, do you have practice today, or are you free to go with me to the arcade after, because there's this new game I've been dying to try out and it's two player-" "Woah woah woah, Shuichi!" Kaede chuckled, Shuichi paused and listened. "You know me by now, I have practice everyday. I can't just- up and leave!" She laughs. Shuichi paused and looked away. "What?" 
She pried. 

"It's just.. Kaede- balancing both school, a social appearance, and being a club leader as well as student council... It's just-" She scoffs and giggles, "It's what?" Shuichi paused. "It's concerning? You're already doing so much! and then 5 hours of restless practice- you wouldn't let me do that..." Kaede paused. Shuichi meant so much to her, but telling her to stop? It hit a sore spot.

"Shuichi, you don't know what you're talking about. But you need to drop it." She huffed, Shuichi flinched at her tone. She was angry? "Kaede." "No, that's enough, forget this subject- I.. I have practice, see you Shuichi." She walked off, her firm voice shaking something within Shuichi. Making her mad was the last thing he wanted to do.

But he couldn't forget it. 

He tried his best to explain to Kaede his concerns. Kaede, of course, ignored his attempts, and avoided him, spending her time pushing her practice time. Shuichi refused, for once he was sure about something and nothing was stopping him. He was doing what Kaede taught him, to voice himself, to continue to believe what he thinks is right and nothing was stopping him. So, when Kaede chose to hide out in her music room, Shuichi hunted her down.

"Kaede..." "Shuichi, I know what you're going to say, and you're wrong! I'm in perfect health. I can't stop now- I've worked so hard to get where I am-" "I know." Kaede paused. "you do?" "I'd be an idiot not to. Kaede, I've never seen you so-... Determined about something. So, I want you to explain to me. Why can't you do this for me." 

Kaede scoffed softly "You don't want to hear what I'm going to say..." "Of course I do." Shuichi reassured, walking to Kaede and placing a hand on her shoulder. She was stiffly sitting over the piano and it wasn't until he touched her and she felt the comfort she was avoiding did she soften. "Alright, you win. I'll tell you." She turned in her piano stool to face him, a somber look on her face. Shuichi smiled at his small victory and sat beside her, his hand never leaving. 

"Shuichi.. It was a hobby- it was for fun.. And out of nowhere it began to get serious... I just wanted to play something from my heart- and it all started changing. From one stupid school talent show to monthly recitals infront of the best musicians. I've gained so much- Colleges seek me out, I've worked with so many talented people, met celebrities, been on news, billboards- and gained so much. I paid off my parent's debt, I have money for them to retire with even! And I should be happy right?" she sighed, Shuichi hand moved to wrap an arm around her and leaned her onto him. She let him.

"It's grown to so much- I'm an ultimate! I go to a pristigous private school with other people who are the best at what they do... Why am I not happy? I should be! I worked so hard to get where I am. My parents are so proud- I have adoring fans- and I'm terrified Shuichi. If I stop for even a second- someone might take that all away from me. So I practice, I train, but what else is there to do if you've bested the best? I have no other purpose than to slave away over a piano. A piano I put my blood, sweat and tears into. Seriously! I've played to so much I physically can't. It's become a kind of therapy, to stop my worry, making newer, harder, unheard before pieces to keep my reputation going! But..."

She pauses, "I'm sorry I'm rambling-" She moves to get up but Shuichi grabs her hand, gently grasping it with his own. "Kaede- please.. Keep going." She laughs and wipes the tears that pooled in her eyes. "I'm making this about me-" "Then make it about you, it's about time it was." He said firmly. She gasped quietly at that and smiled, softening and resuming her sitting spot.

"Ok. It's just- I have so much- and I'm still unhappy.  I feel like- if I stop for even a second, I'll lose all I worked for. I can't do that. I can't lose. I have to keep going. If I don't- what am I even worth..?" She turned to Shuichi. He smiled. 

"I'm not good with exclamations. I can't explain what to do- or how to solve these things. But I can tell you this. Kaede, your self-worth shouldn't be based on your piano talent. You're so much more than that. You're a daughter, you're a musician, you're a friend, you mean so much to us. You seriously think you'll loose everything if you aren't the ultimate pianist anymore? Kaede..." He turned to her and grabbed her hands. "You mean more to me than anything else. You're so special to me. You work so hard, but taking breaks? That's important to. You came in with so little and worked to make yourself who you are. That's admirable. And that's why I love you so much."

Kaede laughed an wiped her tears. "Geez, Shuichi, didn't know you were going to get so.. sentimental on me!" She quieted. "Thank you. I like playing, honest- but when it starts to become a chore, it loses it's fun and life." Shuichi smiled. "That's why you take breaks." He laughed. "Okay, big-guy. I get the message. I'll take it easy. When did you get so wise?" 
"I uh.. I learned from the best?" The two laughed. "Thanks Dorkus.." She flicked his hat and he chuckled, readjusting and shaking his head fondly. 

They sat in silence for a short while. "So, Kaede. What do you want to do now?" Kaede looked at him and thought for a second. She leaned back onto his chest. "Lets.. stay like this for a while. It's nice." She said softly. Shuichi smiled and nodded, letting her. He leaned down and kissed her head. She smiled and relaxed. Gently closing her eyes and exhaling, relaxing and lulling herself to take a much needed nap. Shuichi had not-a-problem with that. Not one.