[backdated] [for Hana] A cold welcome

[bachjones]

 Bach was confused about this place, Siren Cove. His mother has told him to come here, to get some answers about his father and himself, but where did you start such a route?
It didn't help that ever since he had arrived here, people's rhythms seemed to be louder and clearer. He had always joked about hearing people's heartbeats, but this almost felt too intimate, making him just shy away from others. 

It was a good thing he had Cinderella, before turning into a complete hermit. And maybe ..someone would notice him, instead of just smiling and winking along with his smiles and winks. He didn't want much, just more than a physical connection. 

It was late enough to be called early and Bach was sure that he was alone in the streets. Until he heard a rhythm he had never - no, of course the rhythms were always new. This one was just ..on a whole other level, and he wanted to find the person that carried it. 

Comments

[suisen]

Hana glowers at him. It's very hard to use them when I can't hear myself speak.

[bachjones]

"Yes, I get that. I said I was sorry."

He rubs his face. It's just like what you're doing right now is like music to me. So if you can make it, you can hear it. If you can hear it, you can speak it. Understand my way of thinking? He adds a smile. Please?

[suisen]

It still doesn't change that it's yet another of a thousand times she's been asked. Yet another chip on the "but what about a cochlear?" conversation.

I perceive it. I read it. See it, but not hear it.

[bachjones]

"You see it."

He taps his mouth. "See it."

Maybe Bach has the complete wrong idea now, but he starts to sing his song. To him, it shows his life, his mother, the singing, the love everyone shows for him when he makes them laugh, love, cry, dance. He never found anyone 'feeling' it like him before, but she's different in a lot of things so ..

[suisen]

Hana nods when he taps his mouth. The vibrations of his song travel across the air, slotting themselves in with her magic until Hana can understand what he's saying.

She smiles a little, nodding.

[bachjones]

"Holy shit, that's awesome."

He wants to experiment with instruments, with electrical music. He wants to know how she sounds when she isn't so guarded.

Want to come home with me?

[suisen]

Hana's eyebrows rise almost to her hairline and she jumps, putting out a finger between them.

Excuse me but that's pretty damn forward!

[bachjones]

"Huh?"

Forward? This is why he hasn't any friends, Bach just doesn't understand people when he isn't singing. I just want to hear you around my guitar? Experiment a little? What did y-

"Oh." He winks. "Now who's being forward."

[suisen]

Hana scrunches up her face and then laughs, delighted at his amusement.

Rude!

[bachjones]

"Rude? Because I show interest and want to experiment with you? That's an honor!"

He grins, gestures at her to come along. If you want? I have a cat, are you okay with cats? She's still young, but kinda big.

[suisen]

At that, Hana grins, deliberately putting on a patronizing air.

I work with tigers.

[bachjones]

"You don't work with tigers."

He growls and hums Tigger's song, the only cartoon his mother had ever allowed him to watch. There are no stripes on you anywhere. Or anywhere I can see.

[suisen]

Yes I do, Hana assures him, grinning. I work at the zoo.

[bachjones]

A zoo? They have a zoo here?

"Okay, so don't follow me home." Bach shrugs. Just wanted to play around a little. With instruments, nothing else. Promise.

[suisen]

Maybe next time? Hana offers. She's got a few things to deal with–including her rent to pay.

[bachjones]

There's going to be a next time?

"Okay, yes. Lemme -" Bach pats his pockets before finding a small piece of paper. I don't have a phone. Yet. But this is my address. Just, whenever you feel like it. Okay?

[suisen]

If you get one, let me know, Hana says, writing her number and address down as well. It's another way I can "talk" to you. With the texts.

[bachjones]

"I must look really dumb to you if you think I didn't understood that without explanation."

He takes the piece of paper. With one N. Thought so. Your name tips over in a really fun way when you say it. Sign it. Should I say 'sign it'?

[suisen]

Yes. That's my name sign, Hana says, glossing over his accusation about her presumptions of him.

My name is Japanese for flower. So I use the sign for "flower."

[bachjones]

But not my sign. He lets a flower grow between his hands, thinking about notes around its heart. So it's ..this comes in different languages as well..

He laughs. "Sorry. I'm a dumbo. This stuff is just amazing."

[suisen]

It is, Hana agrees, pressing back with her own magic to give him an idea of her happiness.

[bachjones]

"That tickles. No it doesn't tickle it's like .."

Bach lets his hands fall. He can't find the music for it. Holy shit, I don't know how to handle that. You're good.

[suisen]

It's...

Not quite sign. Not quite magic. It's like riding invisible currents in the air.

It's kind of a thrill.

[bachjones]

"Shit."

Okay. He rubs at his face. I have to get to the bottom of that because I haven't been this excited since I played my first harp. Which is a long time ago. Okay. Promise me you come find me whenever, right? Day or night, I'm fine.

[suisen]

It's amazing! It's a whole new way of communicating with someone, understanding on their own terms. Hana's thrilled and amazed.

I will.

[bachjones]

"Good." Great. Great.

"Shit, Cinderella's waiting for me. And you probably have to attend to your tigers, right?" Roar.

[suisen]

Roar. Hana agrees. Feeling that she's made a friend, she waves Bach off. Have a nice day!

[bachjones]

Already having it! He waves with a big grin. Finally someone likeable.