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Chapter Text

Lucy Van Pelt was no stranger to rejection. Pining for the same boy on and off for years came with its ups and downs. But she focused on the ups! She was never one to be deterred by such fickle things.

Unfortunately, it seemed some people didn’t take rejection as gracefully as she. In fact, most people didn’t take rejection too well. Another trait that separated her from people.

She had learned this the hard way. After the awkward puberty stage of her life she had grown to be a young woman, obviously. A pretty one at that; for better or worse.

And with her new found look, people would also treat her differently. Well, more specifically, teenage boys. (No she was not gonna dignify calling them young men).

That was until they would get to know her personality. They would often be unpleasantly surprised when she was an educated, independent, abrasive girl who constantly spoke her mind instead of the image of her they conjured up in their minds.

She can’t even remember the amount of times she’s been called “stuck up” or a “snob” for merely just not reciprocating feelings. And just like that she was known as the prude girl who guys should stay away from.

That is why she is so over teenage boys!

Well…except for one particular blonde pianist.

Her on and off again crush since elementary school. Nothing like the annoying boys at their high school. Not that he wasn’t annoying. He had a way of getting under skin like no one else could.

Constantly rejecting her advances even though he would always let her stay to listen to him play. How he’d complain about how talkative she was and how he’d enjoy peace and quiet but when she’s silent he plays tenser than he usually would.

But at the same time, it was also what made him so endearing to her.

So, as per routine after school, she walks into the music room looking for Schroeder.

She is surprised that when she enters the room and eyes the corner where the piano sits, the bench is vacant.

She frowns. That’s strange. It’s a Thursday and he’s never missed their piano dates before.

Piano dates is what she likes to call it at least. Schroeder would call it scheduled practices but it was tomato tomatoe to Lucy.

“Are you looking for Schroeder?” The music teacher speaks up clearly noticing her dilemma. “You just missed him, he told me he wasn’t feeling well and went home early.”

Now she really was worried. It wasn’t like him to miss a practice for being ill. In fact, she’s seen him play Beethoven’s Hanmerklaiver piece to perfection in the 8th grade when he had just thrown up five minutes earlier. He is a real idiot sometimes.

Lucy thanked the teacher and headed towards the door with one mission in mind. Go check on the pianist.

She was barely half way through the door when someone’s grabbed her hand. When she turned around it was vaguely familiar face.

Often when she would listen to Schroeder play, there would be other band kids practicing their instrument as well. She had seen this kid a few times practicing guitar before. He wasn’t a bad player. But guitar wasn’t really her thing.

The boy who grabbed her smiled at her uncomfortably as she stared him down quizzically. “Hi, I’m Liam. Sorry about grabbing you so suddenly. You’re Lucy, right?”

Lucy pressed her lips in a thin line. She wasn’t usually this impatient with strangers but her worry about the blonde pianist got the best of her. “I’m Lucy Van Pelt. How do you know me exactly?”

The boy laughed at her question as if it was obvious. He simply replied. “The whole music room knows you by now. You’re the girl who loves listening to that kid play piano.” He grinned mischievously. “You never miss a day he has practice, huh?”

Lucy’s fist clenched. The tone of the boy all too familiar. Who was he trying to tease her? But she knew just how to handle situations like these. She played with her hair and feigned innocence. “You were observing me all this time?” She dropped her sweet tone as she sarcastically stated. “How cute.”

She was shocked when her attitude did not deter him as it usually did others. In fact, he seemed more amused by it, grinning slyer.

“I figure you came here looking for Schroeder.” The boy feigned indifference.

“Wow you must be some sort of genius.” Lucy snapped back.

“Why don’t you listen to some real music for a change?” He asked pointing back to his guitar shamelessly.

Lucy wasn’t sure whether she should feel offended or impressed by the nerve of this guy.

She sighed and crossed her arms. “Listen, I’m not really a guitar sort of gal, mister. So if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way. She huffed turning in the direction of the door.

“Wait!” His voice came out more urgent than she expected and she froze, deciding to hear him out.

He fished out a folded paper from his pocket and handed it to her. “In case you change your mind.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and scurried backed to his guitar station, leaving Lucy dazed as she left the class room.

——

Lucy wasn’t surprised that when she got to Schroeders house that his parents weren’t home judging by the empty car lot at least. Still she knocked even though she was pretty sure the door was unlocked. She wasn’t a barbarian after all.

Despite what her younger self may have made his parents think. She really wasn’t shameless back then just barging into the pianist house. To this day she feels guilt and embarrassment about that.

The door opened and she hated how the sight of him made her smile like a hopeless girl in love. Which she supposes she is.

“Schroeder!” She greeted happily until her joy turned into mild annoyance and concern. “You weren’t there for our date today! I was so worried. You gotta let a girl know before you cancel there date, you know? It’s the gentlemen thing to do.” She lightly teased.

The blonde rolled his eyes as expected but there was much more malice in his glare than usual. His tone a bit too harsh. “They’re not dates. Seriously, stop calling it that. It’s annoying.”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it. Geez. I was only teasing Schroeder. You should know that by now.” She defended but decided to drop it and pouted. “And to think I dropped by to check on a dear friend of mine and this is how I’m treated.”

He slightly relaxed at this. “I wasn’t feeling good.”

“You look fine.” She commented.

And in her defense he did seem totally okay. He wasn’t pale like he usually did when he got sick and he wasn’t coughing or showing symptoms of anything really.

The blonde didn’t reply so much more stare at her indicating he didn’t want to talk about this further.

“Well if you don’t want to tell me what’s wrong that’s fine. Let me tell you what that block head Charlie Brown-“

Schroeder looked down at her hands and frowned interrupting her. “What’s that?” That’s when she looked down and realized that in her hands was the note that Liam gave her that she must’ve forgot to put away and had been fidgeting with subconsciously.

She had no reason to but she suddenly felt sheepish. It’s not like it was uncommon for her to get hit on but admittedly she’d only ever bring it out rarely. Only in her most desperate situations to gouge a reaction out of the blonde or to brag a little. But talking about it now felt kind of sudden. She barely had time to process it herself!

Even worse they were in music class together often. Perhaps even friends? That would make things a little awkward for her.

“Oh, this? Ah, it’s just a note this guy gave me, with his number for whatever reason. It’s really nothing I just forgot to put it away. She muttered as she shoved it into the pocket of her skirt.

There was an awkward silence between them, Schroeder only dignifying her with an uncharacteristically upset, “Oh.”

Lucy rambled on. “It’s not like I was going to call him or anything.”

She didn’t know why she was explaining the situation to the blonde and confirming she had no reciprocating feelings but something about Schroeder felt so intense that she was suddenly nervous.

“Really?” The boy coughed. “I mean, why? You know it’s not like I care who you talk to. If this is because you have a crush on me forget about it.” He replied coldly not even sparing a glance in her direction.

Lucy’s heart dropped to her stomach. She was used to the blonde rejecting her but something about this felt too raw. Too real. And suddenly that empty pit feeling in stomach was replaced with seething rage.

“Well then, maybe I will call him! God knows you don’t care about anything but your stupid piano playing and Beethoven!”

And the guy had the gawl to look at her like she was crazy. “Lucy, what are you talking about? What’s your problem?”

“My problem?” She laughed in disbelief. “What’s your problem! I check up on you, learn about Beethoven because I know you like it, listen to your music for years, reject guys for you because I’m stupid enough to think one day you’ll actually like me! Well
forget it. I’m so done with this. I can’t keep doing this to myself. Screw you.” She screamed in his face and stormed off.

“Wait, Lucy!” Was the last thing she remembered Schroeder saying before tuning him out, trying to subtly wipe away her angry tears.

She was done waiting around.

——

The next day she avoided the music room at all cost. In fact, she avoided anywhere she would potentially see Schroeder. Which was easier than she thought considering she had memorized his class schedule and they had no classes together.

She had stayed late after school that day to help a few of her friends with their club activities. And god knows she needed the distraction.

Once she completed helping her friends she begun exiting the school the sudden sadness washed over her all over again. She clung harder to her backpack straps to avoid the tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

“Lucy?” A voice behind her called.

She turned around to see the guitarist kid, Liam from yesterday. She waved and he took that as an invitation to come over trudging with his backpack and guitar case in hand.

The noriette girl assumed that Liam would be angry with her considering she never called him but he wore the same smile he did the day before when he looked at her.

“Oh, hi Liam. Sorry for not…you know.” She shrugged nonchalantly.

He grinned amused. “It’s no biggie. You shouldn’t even be apologizing for that, you know?” He laughed. “ But, can I ask you something though?”

Lucy nodded intrigued but skeptical.

“How come you weren’t in the band room today? You never miss a practice! Well at least when Schroeder’s practicing…” He rubbed the back of his next awkward emote guilty asking. “It wasn’t because of me was it..?”

Her eyes widened in surprise that he was still thinking of her because she thought that he would’ve hated her. It was more of surprise because that idea didn’t even cross her mind in the slightest so she just laughed and shook her headed. “No, no. That’s not the reason at all.” She bit her lip and hesitated, carefully deciding how she should explain. “Schroeder and I got into a bit of a rough patch yesterday and I just needed to clear my head.”

Liam sighed in relief. “Thank goodness. I would never be able to live with myself if you stopped showing up just because of me. For a second I thought you totally hated me.”

“Hate you?” Lucy was dumbfounded. “I couldn’t hate you just because I don’t share the same feelings as you. That’s stupid.”

And as she said those words she was suddenly reminded of her situation with a particular blonde pianist and rage itched her skin again.

The boy in front of her seemed to notice this as he tried to lighten the mood. “Well if you really are sorry for rejecting me, you could do this one thing for me…”

Lucy raised an eyebrow suspicious. “What?”

He beamed. “Listen to me play! Just one song. You always listen to Schroeders music and you seem like a good listener so…will you?” He asked almost sheepish.

And maybe she felt sorry for him. Or maybe she felt she owed it to him. Or maybe it was due to the argument she got in the day before. She agreed.

And as they walked to the musicians house and she heard him play she realized something. She really wasn’t a guitarist kind of gal.

Chapter Text

“Are you and that one girl with black hair dating?” Asked one of his fellow band mates at one of their morning practices.

His morning practices were the only practices the girl didn’t show up to as in her words it would be torture for anyone to have to be at school before eight o clock.

The band mate in question was a junior who Schroeder was pretty sure was named Liam. He was a decent guitarist but he himself was never into that sort of thing so he wasn’t so sure that he was an accurate judge.

But it was obvious that the guy played more for fun and as a hobby than as a passion or a career goal like Schroeder. He supposes why that’s why they were never close despite having the same music class for two years now.

Schroeder scrunched his nose at the question instinctively. It wasn’t the first time a guy interested in Lucy would ask him this and he was sure it wasn’t the last.

“No. Lucy and I are not together.” He replied without even a glance at the older boy as he focused on his piano playing.

Liam eyes bulged in shock and he scoffed in disbelief. “No way. You two aren’t dating?”

“Nope.” He answered simply.

“Damn, if a girl that cute came to all my practices and concerts to hear me play we would be practically married by now.” He howled in laughter.

Fond memories of when the two were kids popped into his mind. Lucy talking his ear off about how she would be as a wife and pestering him with questions if he thought they would marry each other as he played his toy piano and reacted in disgust.

His younger self would be so disappointed in him now.

But unfortunately he couldn’t really enjoy these memories as images of Lucy getting married to the guitarist beside him flooded his mind.

He wasn’t sure why but something about Lucy marring Liam made him on edge. Uneasy. In fact he didn’t really want to think of the raven haired girl marrying anyone. Although he couldn’t put his finger on the reason exactly.

“She’s not dating anyone is she?” The guy asked nonchalantly.

Schroeder begun playing a bit more harsh. Geez if the guy really wanted to know why not just ask Lucy. But he had no real reason to be angry so instead he just shook his head.

The boys eyes lit up and he beamed. “Perfect. Then that settles it! After school I will ask her out!”

Schroeder’s finger missed the key he was supposed to play messing up the piece and he sucked in a breath.

Oh. That was weird. He never messed up one of Beethoven’s music piece. Not since middle school at least. And even then it was a rarity.

He felt like he was going to be sick.

“Thanks for telling me, man. You’re awesome.” Liam thanked him while patting him on his back before quickly returning to his usual practice spot.

Schroeder didn’t feel like playing anymore. He was obviously coming down with something. A cold perhaps? The stomach flu?

Thankfully he didn’t have much time to dwell on it as the bell had rung indicating classes were now in session.

——

Throughout the day the uneasiness in himself didn’t ease. All he could think about was Lucy. Which was strange since he’s trained his mind over the years to actively block any thought of her out.

Would she accept? No, not Lucy. He shook that thought out. He knew her better than that.

Not that mattered who she dated. He couldn’t care less. In fact, he often fantasized she would find a romantic partner so that he would finally get some peace and quiet and she would stop shamelessly flirting with him.

It’s not all much that he minded the flirting as he knew it was mostly jokes and only to tease. He payed no mind of it over the years until rather recently.

It was summer of freshman year, going into sophomore year when on a particularly chilly day Lucy had come over to his house.

She would go on about how sad she was that the weather was getting colder because that meant school would begin soon and he would silently listen and nod along to whatver she was ranting about.

“You know Schroeder,” She spoke calmly as he played. “We’ve been sitting here for over an hour now and you haven’t even talked about my hair!” She glared accusingly.

When he looked up from his piano there was a noticeable difference in the girl. Her usual slight curls were completely straight. Just then had he noticed just how long and silky her hair is compared to when they were kids.

He actually felt guilty that the they had been with each other for so long now and he hadn’t even looked up from his piano to look at her. “Sorry.” He commented sheepish even though he’s sure it didn’t sound very much like it.

Lucy only sighed before a fond smiled replaced her face and she closed her eyes dreamily. “Oh Schroeder, you really never change.”

But Lucy was wrong. Something did change that day. The way the hair framed her face gave the girl an elegance that quite suited her. And how she would play around and flip the new hair style around with a new sound confidence was almost endearing amusing.

At that moment Schroeder realized something. Lucy was no longer the annoying crabby girl who would talk his ear off. She was now the annoying crabby pretty young woman who would talk his ear off.

From then on the blonde wouldn’t miss when the girl would try something new and subtly find ways to pat his shoulder or grab his arm.

And for that very reason he would from then on find a reason to avoid any advances and remained as cold as possible.

Because even though he knew it was harmless joke flirting. His heart didn’t seem to exactly know that.

Still that didn’t mean he liked her did it? Guys find girls pretty attractive all the time but that didn’t mean he liked her romantically. He rationalized it as just a normal teenage boy reaction to being with a girl they found maybe just even the slightest bit attractive. That’s all!

Romantic or not still didn’t make it less a pain in the ass though.

——

School was finally out and that meant he had his piano lessons in the music room. But he couldn’t bear it.

Would he have to watch her get confessed to? No no no. He didn’t think he could stomach that.

I mean it was just Lucy. Why did he care so much?

Nonetheless he decided to go home and sulk instead of going to piano practice because something was obviously wrong with him to be feeling this way.

He couldn’t say he was too surprise when said girl showed up to his house uninvited. That’s Lucy for you. Had a way of unknowingly getting under his skin and ruining his plans.

She greeted him kindly singing his name until her greeting was morphed into angry concern and he berated him for not telling her canceled their “date.”

He hated how his heart began to flutter at her non sensical teasing.

He knew she was talking but he wasn’t really listening instead paying attention to a note in her hands. His pulse rushed. “What’s that?” The blonde instantly regretted speaking the moment he said it and bit his tongue with self annoyance. He was acting like he cared a little too much for his taste.

The girl would go on to explain it was just a note a guy gave her with their number in it. She would then ramble on about how it meant nothing to her, explaining her dilemma to Schroeder.

This made his blood boil. She didn’t owe him an explanation of anything. But he was still relieved when she reassured him. It was all too confusing and distressing. His next words were cold and heartless and untrue. He said them more like he was telling himself than Lucy but that didn’t change anything because what he said still hurt her as she yelled and stormed off.

And he was left alone again.

——

Schroeder shouldn’t have been surprised when for when the next week he hadn’t seen any glimpse of Lucy. She no longer showed up to his scheduled practices or pestered him during their walking periods to class or lunch.

Good riddance is what he told himself. No longer would he be bothered by his childhood friend as he played the sweet tunes of his favorite artist.

That’s what he thought anyways. But when he sat on the music rooms piano he frowned. When he tried to press the keys of the piano he hesitated. His mind went blank. What used to be musical keys in his head was now empty space.

Throughout the week Schroeder could only play the most simple of tunes. And even then he struggled with lack of passion behind it. He hated it.

By the next week he had thought they would have been over this little fight. They’ve fought multiples times before but Lucy would eventually come back and they would both act as if nothing happened. After two weeks of silent treatment he couldn’t say he was so sure anymore.

One thing was clear. He needed to befriend Lucy again. But how? He’d never had been the one to initiate their conversations after arguments. He never had to.

Fortunately for him he had just the opportunity. Next Friday was a music concert and. Schroeder just so happened to have a solo performance. Not anything new really but Lucy had to be there. Right?

It was clear he would have to make the first move for the first time in like a century. So when he was buying tickets for his friends and family who wanted to come to the concert, who also picked up one for a particular girl.

Now all he had to do was find a way to find her which would prove difficult considering she’s been avoiding him for weeks.

Coincidentally he did know where her homeroom class was so he built up the courage to walk to her class.

Geez. This was embarrassing. He didn’t know how Lucy had the courage and confidence to just do whatever she wanted and follow him. He could barely even do this.

He was half hoping that the homeroom teacher would yell at him to get out because it wasn’t his class but unfortunately for him the teacher was known for being an extremely chill teacher.

He spotted the said girl teasing his friend Charlie Brown as they did their homework. He gulped and braced himself as he reluctantly trudged towards her. This was it.

They didn’t say anything at first. She only raised an eyebrow at him quizzically as if to saying “Are you saying right now?”

But that didn’t deter him. Instead he stared back and they had a silent conversation with their eyes. An understanding.

She sighed before abruptly getting up from her seat. “Fine.” She glared at the blonde. “Watch my things, Charlie Brown.” She bossed the other boy before heading outside with Schroeder following shortly behind.

Once they were outside the classroom she folded her arms and glared at him. Schroeder was suddenly regretting this. “Well?” She tapped her foot against the floor impatiently. “What do you want, Schroeder?” She practically sneered.

His throat suddenly felt very dry, his hands clammy. Had she always been this intimidating?

He quickly cleared his throat because he had a feeling she wasn’t going to hear him out for very long. “There’s a concert next Friday.”

“Yeah?” Lucy said still seeming impatient.

“Y-You’re coming right?” Schroeder internally cursed himself for stuttering.

Lucy smirked smugly and scoffed. “Why do you want me to?”

His neck burned in embarrassment and he was glad that the girl didn’t seem to notice. “It’s just that I assumed you would probably go so you might need this.” He pulled out the ticket out of his pocket trying his best not to die of embarrassment right then and there.

“Oh.” She responded which was not really the reaction he was hoping for. But now that he thought of it he didn’t think much of this through in the first place. He averted his eyes his hand still out holding the ticket feeling sheepish.

“Thanks Schroeder…that’s strangely nice of you. But Liam already got me a ticket to the concert. Sorry.”

Oh. So this is what rejection felt like. And worst of all from the girl who constantly was rejecting himself. He now understood her frustration. But unfortunately he wasn’t as patient and graceful with rejection as he was.

“Are you serious?” He scoffed. “That guy? You don’t even like the guitar.” The blonde accused pointing at her, ticket still in hand. “So, what? Are you two like together now or something.”

Now it was Lucy’s turn to look at him with anger and disbelief. “Are you serious!? I thought you said you didn’t care about if I went out with someone or not. Because in your words and I quote-“ She cleared her throat and made a high pitched. “It’s not like you care who I take to, so if this is because I have a crush on you just forget about any of that!” She seethed enraged.

Schroeder grimaced at her shouts not expecting his own words to be used against him like this. He wasn’t even sure how to reply to that. So he didn’t. And they instead had a silent glaring battle.

Lucy sighed. “You know, things would be a lot easier if you would just come out and admit that you’re jealous.”

He froze. His face burned. What she just say? He wasn’t jealous….was he?

“I’m not-!” He was cut off.

She stomped her foot. “See! You still can’t admit it! I can’t believe this.” The girl scoffed. “I can’t do this anymore…I can’t. I’m done waiting on you to quit being an immature kid. I’m over it. Bye Schroeder.”

The girl walked back into the classroom as if it was nothing and left Schroeder completely and utterly alone.

Chapter Text

It had been Wednesday after the weekend when Lucy got the courage to walk into the music room after school. She was greeted warmly by a familiar smile and wave. Liam. She hid her disappointment with a polite smile.

“Hey, Liam. Have you seen Schroeder.” She wasted no time.

“Sorry, no I haven’t.” He smiled apologetically but Lucy didn’t miss the hurt in his eyes. “Actually I’ve been mea n g ti talk to you about.” He spoke more seriously.

She scrunched her eyebrows in concern. “Is something wrong?”

“Yeah actually, Schroeder hasn’t showed up to any of this week’s practices and he has that solo for the concert on Friday. We were all wondering if maybe you knew where he is or what’s going on with me.” He asked wincing.

Lucy blinked in surprise. And she was suddenly filled with dread. “No, I haven’t. Sorry.”

Liam pressed his lips tighter clearly disappointed. “That’s no good. If he doesn’t say anything by tomorrow he’s at risk of being kicked out of the music class.”

Her eyeballs practically left their socket. “You guys can’t!” She shrieked.

I don’t think anyone could comprehend how much the blonde loved the class. She he had a piano at home himself but that kid wanted to be a serious musician. Surely being kicked out of the class would kill him and potentially his career!

“Really not up to me Luce.” He shrugged. “Maybe you can talk to him about it.” The boy offered.

“That’s just what I’ll do.” She walked off determined.

Before you exited the door, Liam shouted. “Are you still coming to the concert this Friday.”

She shook her head but deep down she wasn’t all too convinced with herself.

——
Lucy rapidly texted and called the blonde that she was coming over but all her messages were left on delivered and her calls sent to voicemail.

Now he better wish he wasn’t home because she was beyond pissed.

When he reached his house she knocked on the door half a dozen times before losing her patience. She twisted the doorknob and to her luck the door was unlocked.

In reality she really wasn’t surprised by this. Schroeder had a key to his house since his parents weren’t home too much and he would often forget to unlock it. A habit she repeatedly berated him for.

“Schroeder I know you’re in here!” She shouted from the bottom of stairs, and warning that she was coming up there.

When she arrived at his room the door was already open and saw him just sitting in the bench of the piano in his room. A much smaller one than their one in the living room but a piano nonetheless. His phone lied next to him.

“So you are ignoring me on purpose!” She hissed accusingly pointing a finger at him.

The blonde turned around in horror before angrily scowling. “What the hell, Lucy! You can’t just break into my house!”

“I gave you multiple warning signs.” She flailed her arms around defensive. “I wouldn’t have had to break in if you weren’t acting like this.”

“Like what?” He challenged.

“You know what!” She gritted her teeth.

They had a silent battle with their eyes until Lucy realized that this would resolve nothing and she sighed in defeat.

“Would you just tell me what’s wrong?” She insisted. “You haven’t been showing up to any of your practices and your solos this Friday! Are you crazy? You know they’re seriously considering kicking you out for this-!” The girl was cut off.

“I don’t care.” He glared looking away from her indicating he was obviously lying.

“You don’t care?” She scoffed in disbelief. “Bull.”

He crossed his arms and frowned. “It’s true. Why do you care anyways?”

Lucy was about to scream her head off when it occurred to her to perhaps try a much different approach.

“Because-“ She began before cutting herself off and trying a sweeter tone. “Because sweetie, if they kick you from music class how will you ever begin a career and provide for us. I’ll have to do all the providing for you instead.”

Schroeder physically recoiled at this but Lucy seeped in the light blush appearing on his face and smirked like the cheshire cat. Hook line and sinker.

“Don’t call me that!” Schroeder tensed flustered by the childhood nickname. “I’d never….I wouldn’t…” He paused.

“Cat got your tongue, my dear?” She smugly smiled in triumph. “You wouldn’t? What?”

Schroeder buried his red in his red hands in defeat. “Geez Lucy, you couldn’t just get me to admit I like you in a normal way? Why do I even like you.” The blonde tried being cold but it didn’t come out any less endearing to her.

Lucy felt like she was on the moon. Words she had been waiting to head since she was eight had finally come to fruition.

“If you didn’t take so long to admit your feelings I wouldn’t have to. Now can you tell me why you haven’t been going to piano practice.” She asked calmly.

The blonde rubbed his neck. “I couldn’t play.”

Lucy didn’t catch on. “You couldn’t play? What do you mean.”

Schroeder hesitated. “I couldn’t play without you there. For whatver reason.” He hung his head down in shame.

And despite his embarrassment, Lucy couldn’t help the beaming smile on her face.

He continued. “I thought I’d enjoy the quiet. I tried to ignore how bad I felt that you were mad at me but in doing so I couldn’t even play the most basic of pieces. And then when you told me you were showing up to the concert for Liam…something crumbled in me and I knew I couldn’t play knowing that your full attention wasn’t on me.” His face was burning in shame. “It’s pathetic, I know.”

She smirked half sympathetically half smug. “It really is pathetic.” She patted his back.

“Hey-!” He tried to defend.

“But it’s sweet too.” She planted a soft kiss on the blondes cheek.

Comfortable silence filled the thick and dense air until Schroeder patted the bench offering Lucy a seat.

Her eyes widened. This was new.

She gladly took a seat,leaning her shoulder against the pianist arm as he played ignoring his false protest. They let the music filled the room and for a moment the world felt like them and the music were the only ones in it.