Notes: This is my first time doing a multi-chapter fic, so I'm a little nervous... But a big thank you to those who helped me out! I'm not sure how often updates will be, and it might be a little short, but I'm working on it.

Since it's a modern AU, I've adapted what I could from the game. No real spoilers this early on. I also just had band at my school, no orchestra, but I modeled things after what it was like for me.

At any rate, enjoy!

Mikleo's notes rang out low and warm, in rich, earthy tones that helped ground the trills of Sorey's flute, quietly supporting him as Mikleo always did. So entranced he became that Sorey almost lost track of his place, but having practiced this piece dozens of times, Sorey simply followed both memory and melody, catching up in no time. Their notes melded together from one passage to the next in harmony, two hearts beating as one, if only for a short span of time. The final notes swelled before slowly diminishing to nothing, and goosebumps prickled Sorey's skin in the silence that followed. It was unique sort of sensation that he almost enjoyed.

"That went pretty well," Mikleo said as he relaxed in his chair.

Sorey nodded. "Let's just hope those judges think so."

Less than a month remained until the annual solo and ensemble contest, in which musicians from surrounding schools competed with a solo piece or in small groups. There was no competition among themselves; everyone simply competed for a ranking, for a chance to prove their abilities to a judge. Considering this would be their last chance at it, Sorey had devoted much of his free time to perfecting their duet. And a unique one, at that, of cello and flute.

"Glad I didn't get sick again this year." Sorey rubbed the back of his head with a laugh. The previous year they had registered as well, but due to illness overtaking Sorey, they had no choice but to withdraw. But not this time, he'd make sure of it.

"But you might if you keep pushing yourself so hard."

"I... That's true. Don't worry, I'm taking care of myself."

"You better be." Mikleo flashed him a grin before setting his cello in its case. "We should end for today, though. It's getting late."

"Oh, shoot, you're right."

Sorey slipped his phone from his pocket. Already four-thirty, as well as a message from Rose. She had stayed behind as well to study math, while Alisha practiced her own solo piece on violin. Alisha can give me a ride, she said. You two have fun. Rose's relationship with her was so confusing—one minute they were wrapped up in an argument, the next hanging onto each other like best friends. Hot and cold, it seemed like.

"What's up?" Mikleo asked, his cello already tucked away.

"Oh, nothing. Alisha's taking Rose home. Guess she's still practicing."

"I see. She's even more diligent than you, Sorey. And that's saying something."

Now that they had finished practicing, Sorey could hear the faint rise and fall of a violin's timbre the room over. Even now, a month before the contest, she sounded perfect with each note. Mikleo plodded ahead of him with his hefty case, and Sorey had to admit it was a comedic sight to watch someone as small as him lug that thing around. Since he couldn't exactly carry the thing home, after school was the only chance they really had to practice. Sorey didn't mind, though; it gave him a chance to unwind and think about something other than homework, for once.

Sorey shook his head and returned to the present, gathering his music and flute before following Mikleo back to the storage room. With their instruments tucked away they departed the school. Mid-winter air draped itself over them, the exposed skin of Sorey's cheeks stinging from the cold. With his coat wrapped tightly around him, Sorey hurried to the car with Mikleo, seeking the warmth and shelter it would provide.

The saving grace to waking up early each day was found in professor Sergei Strelka's history class. Even on the most dismal of mornings, when Sorey found himself dreading the sound of his alarm clock, he pulled himself out of bed for the sake of history. It was his dream, after all, to someday see relics he'd learned about with his own eyes. Not to mention his professor had a way of making the subject sparkle even more so. Even Rose, who never expressed much of a care for the topic, seemed to perk up as the class went along.

"Oh, boy," Rose said with a stretch after class, "if I'm not careful I'll actually start caring about this stuff."

"Really? You don't think it's fascinating?" Sorey tidied up his notes before setting it all in his bag. "There's so many cool places and artifacts. Man, what I wouldn't give to see some of those things."

"Not my thing. His enthusiasm just rubs off on me, I guess."

"She doesn't have the patience for it," Mikleo added.

"Hey, that's not true! It's just boring with a capital B." Rose slung her bag across her shoulder and trailed behind them to the door.

"Give it a chance. You'll see."

"Thanks, but I've got my eyes set on other things. See ya in band, nerds."

They nodded farewell for now. As they strolled down the hall to their locker they discussed all they had learned today, excited to be starting a section on music and fine arts in history, however short it proved to be. Any chance Sorey had to combine his two passions, he would take. It was too bad Alisha couldn't be in the same class—he would love to get all her opinions on things, as well. At their locker they exchanged one textbook for another. Since teachers didn't care whether they shared a locker or kept their own, they consolidated their things into one. At times Mikleo would nitpick his lack of cleanliness—okay, so maybe he had a few candy wrappers here and there—but the convenience of sharing supplies, like books, was worth Mikleo's tidying habits.

Classes ran smoothly for the rest of the morning, and soon, the highlight of the day crested over the horizon. Aside from history class, there was nowhere Sorey felt more at home than orchestra. The hum of strings and brass and woodwinds as they tuned, finally getting into the actual music; all of it fell perfectly into place, and Sorey felt like he could soar. He met the conductor's smile as he took a seat with flute in hand, her eyes shining with excitement as tones and music began to swell. Most of the other students had already assembled, and Sorey gave her a sheepish grin in return.

"Looks like being early isn't exactly your forte," she teased, voice elevated slightly to be heard over the tuning.

Sorey couldn't help laughing at that one; Lailah had a knack for pulling puns out of thin air. It was a unique trait of hers, helping to breathe life and laughter into any situation, even on those days when nothing seemed to be going right. Any worries he held were soon assuaged by the sound of music filling his ears. The low, supporting drone of cellos and horns, the lilting of violins as they practically sang in unison, even the brassy blare of trumpets. Each part came together in a harmony unlike anything else. For just a few moments Sorey let his eyes fall closed as he played notes practiced so many times, the music wrapping itself around him like a warm blanket on a winter night.

Each day continued on the same as the last, engaging if not dull at times. Sorey found himself eager to break free of high school and finally go on to college—to learn and research what he wanted, and not overload his mind with subjects he barely cared about. He couldn't wait for the days of learning history, seeing artifacts, or perhaps, even traveling the world to unearth ancient relics. Though it would be a long journey his heart was in it all the way. And even though Mikleo shared his love of history, his passion for baking won out, and Sorey knew it would inevitably lead them down differing paths. But they'd find a way to stick together, like they always had. For now, it was best to relish the time they had together, to trace the pattern of Mikleo's face, his hands, everything onto his heart.

"Having trouble with that part again?" Mikleo leaned forward on his chair, resting the bow on his music stand.

"Yeah, sorry. I thought I finally had it."

"No big rush. We still have a month, after all."

"I know, I know. I'm just..."

"Frustrated?" Sorey nodded at his words. "Then let's take a break."

Mikleo moved about the tiny practice room, setting his cello on a stand and attending to other things. It all rolled over Sorey's mind as he gazed at the music sheet for just a few more moments. His eyes roamed the measures that always slipped him up, fingering each note slowly, wondering why it had to be this one section. Slowed down it was simple enough, but combining quick fingerings with the need to breathe complicated things.

"Come back to it later." Sorey felt Mikleo's hand at his shoulder, a gentle, but reassuring touch. "Trust me."

Sorey gave in and set his flute on its stand. He caught the scent of something warm and sweet and familiar, and turned to Mikleo as he opened a small case of cookies. Chocolate registered in his mind, his mouth already watering at the prospect of snacks. Home-baked cookies, and good ones, at that, given Mikleo's track record. He'd even slipped in some of Sorey's favorite—double chocolate chip.

"Enjoy."

"You bet I will," Sorey laughed.

Each bite was packed with flavor and Mikleo's distinct style. He'd eaten store-bought cookies on many occasions, but nothing could beat his. He'd have a fine bakery someday, for sure. They laughed and chatted between cookies, Sorey pressing against his shoulder as he let himself relax for a few minutes. His heart leaped with joy just being around him like this; no one else was even close to stirring feelings like Mikleo could, and Sorey wondered if those feelings were mutual. He knew there was something, a spark between them that had always been there, ever since they'd first entered high school. They'd been at each other's side as long as he could remember. And to be honest, Sorey couldn't be happier at the thought of finally being together.

A thought surfaced in his mind then: Valentine's day wasn't far around the corner. Perhaps he could... No, better to wait until after the competition. Sorey knew he wasn't the type to abandon their friendship over something like that, but still, just the thought of admitting his feelings, of waxing poetic to Mikleo, made his heart skip a beat from anxiety.

"Think I'm ready to try again." Sorey nodded with confidence.

"Go ahead and play by yourself until you get the hang of things. It might be easier without me to distract you."

"I'm always distracted by you, Mikleo."

He'd meant it as a joke, but Sorey realized now the implications, and turned back to his sheet music before his cheeks had time to prickle with heat. Maybe if he played it off as no big deal, it wouldn't have a chance to fluster Mikleo. Even so he felt a soft pat at his shoulder before Mikleo brought the cello back to his seat.

Yeah. He knew.

Nevertheless they continued as usual. After another half hour of practice, Sorey had finally got the part down pat, and they played one more through the piece without any troubles. Though he knew he still needed to work more on his technique, he felt pretty confident about things, considering how often they'd practiced. Mikleo sounded perfect as usual, the mellow tone of his cello practically singing without overpowering the delicate notes of his flute. He probably faced some troubling spots as well, but Sorey sure couldn't tell. String instruments were another realm entirely.

Sorey checked the time and decided it would be best to stop for the afternoon, before it got too late. They still had homework to attend to, after all. With things packed up they headed for the back doors by the band room where Sorey's car awaited. Once his jacket and scarf were in check Sorey dug in his pockets for gloves only to meet nothing but lining. He stopped midstep, wondering if he'd left them back in the room. Or had he forgotten them at home this morning? Mikleo held something out to him, and Sorey smiled in gratitude. He took the white and yellow gloves and slipped them on each hand.

"Forgot them in your locker," Mikleo explained.

"You couldn't have told me earlier?"

"I kind of... forgot I'd grabbed them. Until I got my own out." He finished buttoning his own coat, a calming shade of blue that went well with his fair skin and hair. As he gazed outside and Sorey followed his eyes. Snowflakes drifted down in the light of sunset, twinkling like gold and already coating the ground with a layer of snow.

"Wow," Sorey breathed. "Wish we could just stay out there for a while."

"Who's to say we can't?"

Sorey grinned at him, an expression that Mikleo returned. "Up for a snowball fight?"

"Sure. If you're up for losing."

"Oh, it's on."

Together they hurried out into the snowfall. Homework could wait; for now, he wanted to get the most out of their afternoon together. Flakes and cold winter air kissed Sorey's cheeks, coating both him and Mikleo in white, and after stowing their bags in his car, Sorey balled up snow in his gloved hand. It yielded easily to his touch. With a stockpile formed, he launched the first one Mikleo's way.

At this time of day, only his car remained in this area of the school, meaning they had no worries of accidentally breaking someone's window. He dodged just in time and the ball smacked into the ground with a splat. He'd always had a knack for winter sports—it would take a cunning plan to land a hit. Mikleo arced a snowball his way with impeccable aim and speed, and despire Sorey's efforts, it connected with his arm. Not long afterwards another came his way. It barely grazed his other arm, and he retaliated immediately, too quick for Mikleo to escape. Laughter came as it smacked into his shoulder and sent snow flying. They were quickly losing light, the golden glow giving way to the colder blue of night. Mikleo scooped his remaining snowballs to launch a volley as he hurried Sorey's way. He managed to duck away from some, but the rest landed squarely on him, and dissolved into laughter as he met the snow-covered ground. Above him Mikleo stood victorious.

"Nice try," he spoke, "but it looks like I win again."

He wasn't going down without a fight. Sorey scooped up a handful of snow and flung it his way, bringing his friend down to his level until Sorey lay atop him.

"Gotcha," he teased.

"That doesn't count, I already won!"

More laughter came from both of them, Sorey rolling to his back as they lay there for a few more minutes. He watched the snow as it tumbled down around them, his arm resting beneath Mikleo but not uncomfortably so.

"Thanks for today," Sorey said. "For practicing and everything."

"My pleasure. I'm glad you were able to get that part down."

"Let's just hope I don't blow it in a month."

Mikleo nudged him. "You'll be fine. I promise."

He appreciated the words, as well as his never-ending support. "Yeah. Thank you."

"At any rate, we should get back home." Mikleo pushed himself up and helped Sorey to his feet as well.

"Right." Sorey rubbed his arms, the chill of winter well set in by now. "It'll only get colder from here out."

Mikleo himself didn't mind this weather, but Sorey could do without it. Hot chocolate was in order once he got home. They sought shelter in his car and cranked the heat up before going anywhere. He'd need to be good and ready to drive in the onset of snow. Mikleo took his hands into his own to help warm them up, still both gloved, and even though it didn't provide much heat he appreciated the gesture. A smile bloomed on his face that he couldn't hold back, his mind reeling with thoughts and how much he loved just being together with him. He didn't dare try anything now, but maybe come Valentine's day, he would have the confidence to let Mikleo know where his feelings truly lie.