Chapter Text
"Being a duo with you, Reo, is such a hassle."
Nagi had walked away without looking back, or at least that's how Reo had remembered it.
Having gulped down more shots than he knew he could handle, hours after that statement was spat at him, Reo found himself slumped over the sticky surface of the counter in a bar he didn't bother to remember the name of, bitter and anxious.
For as long as he could remember, it had always been Reo and Nagi, soon to be the upcoming musical duo that would climb its way up into the big leagues. But now, Reo had found himself without a singer, with Nagi having walked out on the dream that Reo so desperately wanted the two of them to share.
He had always noticed, in quick glances, looking through the corner of his eye, how Nagi had shown no interest in stardom and even singing in itself, but Reo had so selfishly thought that if Nagi was doing it for Reo, he would bare it. Oh how he couldn't have been more wrong.
Maybe that thought stings more than the fact he's now a guitarist without a singer. Anyone could sound good singing over Reo's playing, years of growing back pain and rough calluses had made him nothing short of a decent player, but ultimately it was Nagi that Reo wanted, and Reo always got what he wanted. Almost.
Reo picked up the mixed drink he had ordered to go with the shots he was taking and sloshed the remaining contents of it around. It was damn near empty and looking like it was almost time to order another one, needing something to make the burn in his throat subside from the spirits. So he opted for just that reordering, the shot and mixer and finishing them both in seconds.
With a gasp, he wiped the excess dripping from his mouth and slumped forward onto the sticky counter. There was barely a moment of rest to allow the buzz to kick in, before he felt an aggressively polite tap on his shoulder. The bar lady, spouting something that Reo could care less about with a bouncer behind her had approached him.
That makes sense, Reo thought, he must look like a madman messily downing drink after drink. Standing up and grabbing his Guitar in its bag, a painful reminder of the previous events today, Reo takes that as a sign to make his leave. He nods at both the staff and bouncer before staggering out through the double doors, not without accidentally bumping into a few people and excessively though not clearly apologising on his way out.
Dealing with the increasing feeling of being drunk in the building is manageable, the cozy and dimly lit atmosphere of the bar makes for a somewhat pleasant lightheaded experience, but dealing with it outside, Reo internally cursed at himself for his behaviour in there. The cold air attacked his face and was harsh on his calloused hands. He blew drunken air into them and clenched them routinely in attempts to warm them up, it proved futile. If his hands were to freeze there and then, his dream would really be gone and two casualties in one day would more than send Reo over the edge. He could feel the straps of the guitar bag dig into his shoulders and this time mentally slaps himself for not leaving the house in more appropriate clothes, only sporting a white tee and joggers. In his defence, he didn't plan to leave the house today. Didn't plan for the day to unfold like this. Not at all.
Hours earlier, when Nagi had left through the doors of their shared apartment, Reo had slumped down, defeated and fixed to the floor. It was all so sudden and too much for the man to handle. His thoughts spiralled, ranging from stuff he might have said that rubbed his friend the wrong way to the way he played his guitar and if it wasn't good enough. The thoughts carried on, Nagi would have to come back eventually, right? Were the two of them even friends after this argument? Then there was the case of the house, a shared apartment between him and Nagi. Sure doing gigs and odd jobs had earned them a small but reasonable income, but what now? Reo had already been cut off from his parents there's no way he could go back to that place now and admit defeat, he wouldn't allow it. It wasn't until several thought trains later, when the realisation that Nagi really wasn't coming back, had something sparked in Reo. He jumped to his feet, grabbing his guitar in its bag situated by the wall. Reo would just have to convince Nagi. Yeah, find him and tell him he hasn't thought about this properly. He could find him, right?
Well, 8 missed calls 27 unopened text messages and two 24 hour gaming cafes later Reo was stumped. Finding Nagi tonight was not going to happen. So instead, Reo had decided to do the next best thing and try and forget about him and the events of tonight instead. And that's how he found himself drinking alone at a bar, soon to be kicked out.
Reo groaned, the alcohol was not helping him forget shit and the excessive thoughts only spurred on a massive headache. The fluorescent lights illuminating the street wasn't helping neither and the cold air he was sucking in slowly through his teeth only made him more and more nauseous despite taking his time to stabilise himself. Gripping both his stomach and head, Reo lurched forward, succumbing to the inevitable. No doubt about it, he was going to throw up. Staggering to a nearby alleyway, Reo didn't even throw off his bag before planting his hands into the ground and disposing of the last two hours painfully. After a few coughs and splutters to make sure he got everything out (and even then that's debatable) his head flung back in exhausted relief as the sweat that had formed from the pain and intensity of his stomach ache, was being dried up by the breeze he was hating on not long ago.
He felt better. Or at least better physically. So much so, Reo was able to drag himself back up shakily and out onto the main street again. Somewhat sobering up, if he could call it that, Reo checked around to see where he was situated. The streets were empty, surprisingly, which was a relief as no one would have seen him throw up just back there and he could reward himself with a calm, quiet walk back. Reo had decided he would get to the end of this street and circle back on himself the long way, not eager to get home by any means.
Those were the plans at least. It wasn't until his ears had picked up on a voice singing, coming from a few blocks down did his plans change, unbeknownst to him.
The voice caught him immediately. Excitement almost came over him, but this voice was in no way Nagis. Nagis was sweet, soft, like honey, his monotonous way of talking disappeared when Nagi sung, sounding like a whole different person. The first time Reo heard him, he was entranced, couldn't believe the boy who lacked enthusiasm in every aspect of his life was hiding a voice with such passion.
That voice had filled Reo with joy, this voice he was hearing just now had sparked Reo instead, with pure curiosity. He made his way up to the building, a bar different to the one he was just in, one with a small stage.
"Open mic night, every Saturday, 11pm-3am"
noted a poster stuck on the window. From outside, Reo could already tell the bar was bustling, it practically resembled a club. People were stood and moving, the lighting was colourful and dipped in hues of blues, reds and purples, a completely different vibe from the one he was just previously in.
Reo walked up to the entrance, half expecting to not be let in by the bouncer, considering he most likely reeked of alcohol and now possibly vomit too. But the man stood to the side and gave the musician a curt nod. Reos brows raised in surprise and not wanting to ponder any longer, in case the bouncer changed his mind, he made his way in.
Upon entering, the bar smelt like sweat and smoke machines and Reo couldn't move much without being elbowed here and there by the crowd, which was growing more denser the closer it got to the stage. His feet stuck to the liquor soaked floor boards, different from the carpeted floors of the other bar and the heat became more and more obvious with his bangs uncomfortably sitting densely on his face from the humidity. The overbearingness of it all almost brought on another wave of nausea, but Reo held it down, pushing through the sea of people.
The voice that had Reo so determined was nothing like Nagis. This voice was sharp and assertive. Powerful but not an earache. It was the kind of powerful that demanded an audience rather than deterring it. And Reo was that audience. It sounded like only one person on stage, the backing track was a recording no doubt, it doesn't do his vocals justice. A voice like that requires raw instruments, that could complement them perfectly. Reo would love to play with a voice like that. Something fun and different.
Having finally squeezed his way to the front, Reo set his sights on the man before him. His looks matched his voice completely, a what you see is what you get kind of guy, completely different to Nagi in that aspect too.
Seeing his appearance, the man screamed "loud". His boisterous hairstyle of bleach blonde with pink ends stuck up high spouting in all different directions. His tan skin complimented the gold tones of his hair well matching with his thick blonde lashes, which contrasted with heavy black liner along the bottom of his eyes. His outfit made use of the reoccurring themes of pinks and blacks, proudly showcasing grunge with leather and chains and useless rips here and there. His stacked jewellery clinked when he moved often picking up the sound on the mic as hands with chipped black nail polish held it as if they were a couple in love.
The crowd loved him and Reo didn't have to question why. He couldn't help but feel a bit envious, and a little out of place too, with his "at home" outfit. He felt himself helplessly fade into the background.
The man on stage finished his song, followed by a roar of applause. Reo stood still, watching as the man took a big swig from his water bottle. Going back to the mic he grasped it, catching his breath before he spoke. His eyes scanned the crowd as they watched in anticipation. It felt like a mini concert Reo had walked in on, watching what his future could be like. Or would have been, had Nagi not quit on him.
No, Reo shakes his head, physically trying to get rid of the thoughts in his mind. He will make it, one way or another. Clutching onto his guitar bag straps, Reo takes a deep breath, stabilising himself again.
"Oh shit, yo purple bun, you play?"
Reo looked up, broken out of his trance, locked eyes with the man on stage. He must've looked real dumb shaking his head like that and now he's gone and drawn attention to himself from his actions, again. What he said hadn't properly registered to Reo yet and the purple haired man had pointed to himself in confusion.
This earned a chuckle from the singer as he exaggeratedly scanned the crowd before bringing his focus back to Reo.
"I don't see anyone else with a purple bun and certainly not a purple bun with a guitar bag," the man grinned, "get your ass up here!"
The crowd seemed to applaud at this having encouraged what he had just said. Reo felt like he was being pushed, having half climbed and half shoved up on stage. He staggered to his feet, the lingering effects of alcohol still with him, and stared down at the crowd. People were enjoying themselves and indulging in their own circles. If Reo was to play and mess up tonight, which seems very likely, majority of the people here would not remember it. That thought comforts him a little.
Reo turns to the man he's now sharing a stage with. Watching as his gaze flickers up and down, his smirk unmoving, Reo felt absolutely naked, he’d like to say he doesn’t normally dress like this and standing next to someone dressed so outgoing isn't making him feel any better. Nonetheless, the man turned to the crowd.
"You guys already know who I am, the one and only Shidou Ryuusei, spread the word!"
A cheer once again.
"And right now I am also joined by," Shidou started holding the mic in front of Reos face.
Reo leant into it, having now fully gone along with whatever predicament he's found himself in.
"Reo, Reo mikage."
He faced the crowd expectant, it was eerily quiet.
"Give a big round of applause to my friend Reo Mikage!" Again another cheer.
Ah, so that's how this was going to work.
If Reo wasn't already flushed red from the alcohol, he would definitely be turning red now.
Shidou started again, "I'm in a free styling mood right now, so whatever Mikage plays, I'm gonna add my own special twist on top, okayyy."
Maybe the drink inside the singers water bottle wasn't water. Maybe he was just as drunk as Reo was and the two were going to make absolute fools of themselves. That would be more ideal than just Reo being on his one man sinking ship. Fine, he'd play this game. Maybe this was what he needed, to blow off some steam, to prove to whoever's listening that Reo Mikage is a good guitar player, great even and that he doesn't need Nagi anymore. This is going to be good, it's going to be fun.
Reo convinced himself over and over as he slung his guitar bag off his shoulder. His mind was set, he was going to give his best performance yet he knew how to channel the punk rock style Shidou was giving off, Reo had studied up on all the styles.
Goodbye sweet melodies Reo, hello rock and roll Reo.
As Reo unzipped his bag, Shidou entertained the crowd snatching a few drinks off of those who offered it up to the stage. When he had enough, he made his way over to Reo, observing from behind.
He spoke mindlessly into the mic, the words less intended for the crowd and more out of his own curiosity. "Let's see that baby of yours hmm?"
As Reo pulled his guitar out of the bag, he immediately froze. Of course this would happen to him. Reo Mikage, a man of bad luck. He turned hesitantly to Shidou whose smile had dropped for the first time since Reo had saw him. Swallowing hard, Reo holds up his guitar just enough so Shidou can clearly see.
"It's," Reo starts, "It's my acoustic guitar."