Hetalia One-Shots

HongIce : Starlight

Being in the school music club demands a lot of will. The endless repetitions, the constant noise until perfection, and the feeling of self-hatred slapping you in the face every time a note comes out the wrong way. It's a true dedication and passion. There's also the stage fright, which frankly doesn't help.

Emil crossed his legs under himself and propped the guitar on his knees. He strung the strings a couple times in order to adjust them while waiting for the whole group to arrive. Their teacher was already at the front of the class tapping his baton on the music stand. The last few students scurried in and sat in their places.

"Alright kids, let's start practice! Remember, try to work on your performances at home, there isn't much time until the grand show," exclaimed the musician. "Percussions, strings, woodwinds, brass and vocals! One two three and four!"

Every student began playing their instruments on cue. Every flute whistled, every drum banged, every guitar vibrated. The music notes entwined with each other creating a peaceful melody. Everything was perfect, every sound was in rhythm, Emil closed his eyes to concentrate.

"Sorry I'm late!"

The door banged against the wall and startled most students. Uncoordinated sounds escaped each instrument and the room was soon filled with a cacophony. The blond guitarist sighed and glared towards the entrance to see the tardy scurry on one side and open his guitar case. His instrument soon in place, he looked up eagerly at the professor who simply sighed exasperated.

"Alright then, from the beginning," stated the brunet impatiently, "And a one two three and four!"

The melody soon picked up again and satisfaction painted over the man's face. Not one instrument sounded off-key, not one student forgot their notes, everything was in flawless harmony. The music teacher waved his arms directing the orchestra and pushed his glasses up his nose with a proud smile. The music piece gradually came to an end. Each student grinned at each other and began rambling.

"Alright alright! No need for blabbering," cried out the teacher, his foreign accent perking up with his irritation. "Now I do admit it was... acceptable... But that does not mean you may slack off until the show. I expect of you great dedication and a serious work."

An uproar of chatter boomed in the small room at the mention of the show. The teenagers began sharing their thoughts and fears concerning the upcoming event. Tapping his baton on the music stand, the brunet demanded they remained silent.

"I was not finished! You uncivilized children... As I was saying, for the performance I have a new information to share with you. We are all going to play Paint It, Black and Thrift Shop as planned but the direction told me there is a five minute gap between the theater club's performance and the humorist's act. During those five minutes I decided that two students will play a short song of their choice."

  Emil scoffed and placed his fingers on his guitar strings. He felt sorry for those two students. Everybody already had a lot of work and nobody would be willing to learn another song in a couple days. Whoever was chosen was a poor soul, especially under Mr. Edelstein's supervision.

  "Our two guitarists will be taking the task," announced the teacher. The blond's fingers twitched and accidentally plucked the strings protruding an uneasy sound. All eyes laid on him making him more and more uncomfortable. Leon, the tardy, simply shrugged and placed his guitar on the ground. Emil opened his mouth to protest but his professor left him no chance.

  "Both of you will have to meet up in your free time and learn whatever song you want. I will be checking up on you every two days or so making sure you won't make a fool of our music club."