New World Symphony: Chapter II

[The Young Alcoholic]

Disclaimer: I don?t own Gundam Wing, nor do I hold any rights with the title, music pieces listed, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, or any other well known established orchestras mentioned.

AN: Okay, I?m here to recommend another piece of music that would be exceptional for you all to hear and would help out with this story. It?s Tchaikovsky?s, Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35. As one of the greatest violin concertos, it is quite lengthy. There are three movements and the first one is around 20 minutes long. Yes, I know that can get extremely tiring, but it is a great masterpiece and the violin solo is absolutely beautiful. This is the only violin concerto that Tchaikovsky wrote. I can?t really put this piece into words besides amazing and gorgeous. Trust me, it is worth listening to for half an hour of your life.



New World Symphony
Chapter II



It was a sunny afternoon in Chicago, although it sure didn?t feel like it. The March chill still lingered early in the year and no one expected temperatures to rise anytime soon. Heero gazed out the window of the taxi as it slowly came to a stop. People bundled up quickly ran across the crosswalks and into nearby buildings. Tourists frantically hopped off a tour bus across the street as a long line of traffic quickly pilled up behind. Taxi drivers in all directions were sticking their heads out the windows and yelling what he presumed to be obscene words in many different languages. It was a typical day in Chicago, but still a sunny afternoon nonetheless.

?You gettin? off or what?? The annoyed taxi driver spat behind his shoulder with a cigarette trapped between the right corner of his mouth. Throughout the entire ride Heero had smelt the stench of tobacco and it sickened him. He would have pulled down the window, but that would have let the cold air in. Now he secretly thought about yanking the cigarette from the driver?s mouth and sticking it up where it wasn?t very sunny. He jerked the car door open quickly wanting to rid himself from causing another scene with some obnoxious fool.

He made an estimate earlier that it was probably around fifty degrees outside, and as soon as he opened the door of the taxi he felt that the temperature must have dropped even more. His body immediately felt the cold stab through his clothes and bare face.

?Hurry it up!? Shouted from inside.

Heero glared at the driver?s hasty demand. He succeeded in shutting the man up as he cowardly turned back around in his seat. Taking his time, Heero casually got out of the car and stood to pop the collar of his coat to warm the back of his neck. He slammed the door close roughly behind him and headed towards the trunk to retrieve his cello. Even though it was concealed within the most expensive hard case he could find, he still felt uneasy leaving it in the trunk, especially the trunk of a taxi. Unfortunate as it was, he was left with no other choice.

The taxi roared off as soon as he slammed the trunk shut, leaving behind intoxicating fumes shooting out from the exhaust pipe. If there was anything Heero hated more than leaving his cello unattended in the back of a trunk, it was his hate for taxis. God, he hated taxis. Now he was beginning to regret moving back to this wretched city.

?It?s been eight years.?

Heero set his case down and looked up at the building before him. People with their prized coffee and newspaper in hand skillfully whizzed around him in a bee-line like the busy bees that they were. Standing before the great concert hall, he felt a slight breeze pass a sense of incomplete transactions. He was here just last month, but this time it felt different. No, it was different. He read the words ?Orchestra Hall? engraved into the stone heading. It took him eight years to finally reach this spot, and this time not as a spectator.

Not wanting to get caught in the middle of a flashback- knowing that the clock was ticking- he retrieved his case and made his way inside. He didn?t want to be late on his first day on the job, but then again they were probably well aware of his record. First impressions alone might not do him justice at this point.

The symphony was in the middle of rehearsal. He could hear them practicing as he made his way backstage. The strings and not surprisingly, voices were muffled against the heavy curtains draped along the walls. It seemed that the Chicago Symphony Chorus was practicing along side with the orchestra, and by the looks of things, an upcoming concert was sure to have both performing.

He situated himself within the shadow of the back curtain and set his case down to watch the group of men and women perched on the high risers. They stood proudly with their lyrics in hands, glancing up every so often to watch the conductor as he held the tempo. The lights on stage cast an overpowering glow over all the members. It was just like watching their performance from that night, only this time everyone was dressed casually and there were singers. Heero watched as the symphony?s chorus sang a hopeful melody with the orchestra playing in the background. He recognized the piece to be Verdi?s, Nabucco, and they were currently rehearsing the chorus, ?Va, Pensiero, Sull'ali Dorate?.

The opera was a tale of faith and freedom as the Hebrews struggled under persecution from King Nebuchadnezzar, otherwise known as Nabucco. Though suffering through hardships, the people kept their beliefs and will alive. And Heero heard exactly that as he listened to the symphony rehearse.

The strings bounced the three-beat harmony; the lower strings on the first note and the upper strings on the next two. The chorus carried on the melody through the sounds of their voice against the light-felt rhythm from the orchestra. Suddenly they all crescendoed into the phrase with a dynamic forte. Heero felt the stage tremble slightly from underneath his feet. Then it quickly quieted down for a moment or two before starting up again. It was simply amazing how any human emotion was capable of coming alive through the magic of music.

He watched them rehearse a little longer until the conductor clapped his hands to gain everyone?s attention. ?Let?s take a fifteen minute break now everyone,? he said before stepping down from the podium. The musicians placed their instruments down and got up to stretch as the chorus headed for water offstage. The lights were beginning to warm his body so Heero took off his coat, set it on top of his case, and silently made his way to the front where the conductor was conversing with the concert master that he knew too well.

The violinist peered over the maestro?s shoulder as soon as Heero emerged into the light. His eyes widened with joy as he recognized him and politely excused himself for a moment. ?Heero!? The young man greeted with excitement. ?You?re finally here!?

Heero nodded and approached his friend of nearly twelve years. ?Hello, Quatre.?

Quatre Raberba Winner, a well respected man from a well respected family. Heero had known him since his days back in high school. Both of them participated in the same quartet together their freshmen year and later attended college in New York. Coming from the best money could offer, Quatre always received a high quality education and eventually got accepted into Juilliard. And even though he ended up attending the Manhattan School of Music, Quatre always found a reason to come and visit him on the weekends.

Quatre happily stuck out his hand and Heero took it welcomingly. ?It?s so good to see you again, Heero,? he smiled and shook his hand even harder. His eyes squinted with delight as his cheekbones surfaced higher and higher. It was like watching a little boy on Christmas day. Quatre hadn?t changed a bit. He was dressed in khaki slacks and a white button-down shirt; it was his usual well-appreciated dress code.

Heero noticed a gold ring on his left hand and smirked. ?So you finally settled with Dorothy.? It was more of a statement than a question. Besides, he already knew the answer.

He remembered Dorothy Catalonia as Quatre?s girlfriend from college. Both had met at Juilliard. He was a violinist and she played the oboe. How that ever worked out was beyond him, but he remembered Quatre telling him one night on one of his weekend visits that he intended on marrying her. Heero knew Quatre, and he knew that Quatre was a man of his word.

The young concert master blushed a slight pink. ?Yeah. We just had our first anniversary last month.?

Heero nodded before adding, ?Congratulations.?

Quatre was just about to thank him when the conductor walked up beside the two.

?Forgive me for interrupting this joyous reunion,? he said with a smooth, calm voice that bothered Heero. The man looked fairly young to be a conductor, especially for a symphony such as this one. But then again he was fairly young to be in the symphony himself. ?You must be Heero Yuy.?

When Heero said nothing, Quatre turned an even darker shade of pink as he spoke up. ?Where are my manners? I didn?t even bother introducing you two.?

The conductor raised his hand to pardon Quatre?s mistake and chuckled lightly. ?That?s quite alright.? He returned his attention to Heero. ?I?m Treize Khushrenada.? A tiny smirk escaped his hard set face.

Heero mentally analyzed the man. His blonde hair slicked back with a strand or two hanging over. He wore a dark blue dress shirt that had its top two buttons undone and his black tie was loosened a bit to hang freely. His black dress pants were evenly ironed and he could see his reflection through his black dress shoes.

?Heero Yuy. Pleasure.? Right off the introduction Heero secretly despised the maestro.

Treize placed his right hand on his hip and allowed the other one to hang at his side. ?Mr. Yuy,? he began, ?I was quite surprised to hear that you had sent in an audition tape requesting a chair here. It?s not very common for anyone to leave the Boston Symphony, or any other fine established groups on such short notice during the season.? He closed his eyes as his tone grew more serious. ?However, I was very moved by your style and technique performed on the tape. You have the ability to perform miraculous feats, and I am pleased to be having such a gifted cellist joining my symphony.?

Heero said nothing and only waited. Mentally calculating the possibilities of what Treize was going to say next, he came up with a ninety-seven percent chance it would deal with his previous employment.

He watched as the conductor smirked and instantly knew he was right.

?The matter on what happened with Boston is none of my concern. The rebirth of something new should not be taken lightly. New beginnings are not only beautiful, but sacred. I?m quite intrigued in watching how you invest with this given opportunity.? Heero just silently listened, becoming slightly annoyed by the conductor?s speech.

?I?m confident that we won?t run into any trouble, just as long as you can play exactly how you did on your audition and follow my orders.?

It took a moment before Heero finally conceded with a small nod of his head. Treize?s eyes lit up with satisfaction. The fox in him was brushing his whiskers slyly.

?Very well then. Welcome to the Chicago Symphony.? Treize placed his hand out to conclude the greeting. Heero?s eyes never left his as he took his hand and shook with an equal amount of strength to match the maestro?s. Both held on for a little longer than needed. The battle wasn?t physically visible, but through the eyes of both men. Heero watched the gleam in Treize?s eye flash like the glare off a gun. When they finally broke apart, the conductor walked away to converse with a group of young ladies.

Heero?s first impression of Treize Khushrenada wasn?t anything that he didn?t expect. He seemed to be the type who could easily flatter and deceive with a simple gesture, and Heero considered him to be a man who toyed with people using his words. His position as maestro gifted him with a power that he was surely putting into use. But to follow Treize?s orders was not something Heero took considerately. He followed his own orders.

His reflections were stopped short as he felt someone slap him hard across the back. His chest jerked a little forward as his eyes flashed to his right. He knew that slap and he knew the annoying presence he felt behind him. Yanking the hand off and turning to get a good look at his assaulter, he came face to face with a wide grinning idiot with chestnut colored hair tied in a long braid.

?Duo.?

Duo Maxwell, another friend of Heero?s back in high school. Duo was a percussionist and played in the school symphony along with him and Quatre. He was always goofing around and never did take music seriously. In fact, he never took anything seriously and that was what bothered Heero the most. After high school, Duo traveled to California and attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Surprisingly, he came back to Illinois after receiving acceptance with the Chicago Symphony. And how he ever got in just dumbfounded Heero.

?Whoa, buddy,? said Duo as he jumped back a few steps. ?It kinda looked like you were about to hit me there. You never call or write and this is how you say hello? You wouldn?t want to get kicked out of this symphony too, now would ya??

?Duo,? growled Heero as he advanced towards him. It had been awhile since he seriously got to hit something and he could feel his knuckles aching for it. The pulse in his hands were growing stronger.

?Heero, it was just a joke!? Duo ran behind the backs of two other symphony members that appeared by Quatre?s side. One was taller than the other with light brown hair overlapping one side of his face. Only his right eye was visible and it gazed with amusement. The other had a more Asian build and his black hair mimicked his stern impression. His typical Chinese look of fury laid across his face as he scowled at the scene before him.

?I see you?re only looking for trouble again, Heero,? said the taller one as he laughed.

The Chinese man smirked. ?And you haven?t even been here for more than ten minutes.?

?Trowa. Wufei,? greeted Heero, or was at least his idea of a greeting.

Trowa Barton and Wufei Chang, the last remaining high school friends that Heero had left. Trowa had always been an exceptional flutist with great musical sense that he could immediately tame a wild best to rest. He and Trowa had always shared a passion for music and he believed it was what started their friendship. He respected his perseverance as a fellow musician. Wufei on the other hand, he viewed more as a competitor. The man left for China during their junior year to study under someone that Heero didn?t give a damn about, only promising to return a better musician than him. And Heero was still waiting for him to prove it.

?It?s good to see you again, Heero,? said Trowa calmly.

Heero nodded his head. ?Likewise.?

?Well, guys,? said Duo, stepping in to place his arms around both Heero and Quatre. ?It took us eight long years to get here, but we finally made it.?

Every one of the friends smiled, even Heero, but just barely; it was hard to notice anyway. Their high school dreams to one day play for the Chicago Symphony together had finally come true. Growing up right there in Chicago and then separating for college, it took them eight years to finally make it back where it all started.

?After rehearsal why don?t we all go out for some dinner to celebrate,? proposed Trowa.

Wufei smirked and Heero glared. He automatically knew his response would be something cheeky. ?Yes, then we can get the full story of how Heero got kicked out of the Boston Symphony.?

Heero snorted and crossed his arms. He felt no shame whatsoever over what happened. The one motto that he ever held onto in life was to act on his emotions. That was entirely different than becoming the cellist known for breaking a man?s nose in the middle of rehearsal.

?Come on, Wufei,? said Quatre as he placed a hand on Heero?s shoulder. ?Stop giving Heero such a hard time. Dinner sounds great, but first Heero needs to get his music.? Quatre patted Heero on the back. ?I?ll walk you down to the music library.?

They both began to head down to the library when Duo shouted, ?Be sure to say hi to Sally for Wufei!? Everyone laughed with the exception of Heero and Wufei, who turned a tomato red and lunged for Duo?s braid.

They entered a dimly lighted area of the hallway as they made their way to the library. Heero contented himself by admiring the architecture of the hall. Even backstage had its qualities. Little musical figures adorned various parts on the walls and headings. Whoever designed the building must have known that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra would be one of the finest symphonies in the world. People from all over would come and admire the beauty of the music, the group, and its home. What made it even more interesting was that now, he too had joined that inner circle of elite musicians that would further educate the world. Perhaps he could find some pleasure with this.

He continued to observe the designs on the wall as Quatre conversed in small talk.

?Did you make it to our last performance??

?Hn.?

There was an uneasy silence as Quatre waited for more to be said. When he figured he wasn?t going to get any he continued. ?What did you think??

Heero shrugged. ?Exactly what I expected from the Chicago Symphony.?

Quatre thought about how time never mattered with Heero. He was still straight to the point like always. It was nice to have him around again, even if that meant his reserved status would give the illusion of him not even being there. ?I?m really glad you decided to join us, Heero.?

?You?re the one who told me there was an opening in the cello section.?

Quatre smiled at Heero?s bluntness. Ever since their high school years, he learned that Heero never really had much to say. In fact, he never was a very social type of guy in general. That?s why he believed that Heero looked to music for everything. It was his method of talking and expressing himself in ways that he would never do. Just give him his cello and bow and right away Heero would talk to you through his playing. It was probably what Maestro Khushrenada saw in him.

They stopped outside a door with a gold labeling on the front that read, ?Music Library?.

?Well, here we are,? said Quatre. He knocked on the door and a faint, ?come in? came through. ?Shall we?? He looked at Heero for a response. When silence became his company he proceeded to enter the room.

?Quatre.? It was barely above a whisper.

He stopped short and turned to face his high school friend. ?Yes, Heero??

There was a brief pause as Quatre watched him look for the right words to say. ?Thanks.?

He smiled. ?You?re quite welcome.? And the two passed through the door.

A room full of music did not surprise Heero. But a room full of music that was very tidily organized did. There were no stray papers hanging out of boxes, nor extra sheets lying around on the floor. It was remarkable. Shelves and shelves containing some of the greatest music the world had ever had the pleasure of hearing were neatly aligned up in rows. Heero was quite amazed, even though from the average person?s point-of-view he looked unfazed.

A woman emerged from a office to his left. She was quite tall with blonde hair that curled at the end on both sides like the swirl of red on a candy cane. She wore a plain white shirt with a forest green shawl wrapped over her shoulders and matching green slacks. Immediately she smiled at the two and welcomed them in.

?Hello, Quatre.? She had a nice warm tone in her voice.

?Good afternoon, Sally.? Quatre moved aside to let Heero in. ?Sally, this is Heero Yuy.?

Heero automatically identified her to be Wufei?s, ?Sally? as she looked over at him. Her eyes twinkled and her smiled never dropped. ?It?s nice to finally meet you, Heero. I?ve heard so much about you.?

?Hn.? It was all he could say.

Sally laughed. It was a deeper kind of laugh that he didn?t hear from most women his age. It seemed to match her more masculine type of frame. He figured she must have been at least three years older than him. He smirked silently in his mind. Just the though of Wufei into older women amused him.

?I see you?re not much of a talker. Like most musicians you probably let your instrument do all the talking, huh?? Her smile got a little bigger and more confident. She knew she was right with or without any expression from Heero.

?Well, I?ve got your music around here somewhere,? she said as she went back into her office to search. Heero continued to admire the well stacked room. The boxes were even in correct alphabetical order. ?Cello, right?? asked the librarian, her voice slightly muffled deep in her office. She took it as a yes when Heero never responded. A few moments later, she emerged with the music in hand. ?Here you are, Heero.?

He took the music and began inspecting it. He could easily identify most of the articles of music as he skimmed through them, but one in particular caught his attention.

Tchaikovsky?s, Violin Concerto in D, Op. 35, was conceivably one of the best known violin concertos ever written. But it was also dubbed the title for being one of the most technically difficult works for violin. That was Heero?s background knowledge on the piece. Perhaps if he had been a violinist, he would have cared more about the concerto.

?Who?s playing the violin solo?? He asked Quatre, speaking for the first time since entering the room.

Quatre looked at the music he was referring to. ?Oh, her name is Relena Peacecraft. She?s a friend of mine from Juilliard. Well, actually she?s good friends with Dorothy. The two were roommates back then and Dorothy introduced me to her, but we were in the same musicianship class together.? It was always like Quatre to go in full depth when asked a simple question. ?She?s an outstanding violinist and I?m ecstatic to hear how she does with this significant concerto. Unfortunately, she couldn?t make it to rehearsal today, but I?m sure you?ll get to meet her tomorrow.?

Heero really had no intention of meeting her though. In fact, he hadn?t really been listening to anything Quatre had just said except for her name.

Relena Peacecraft?

He continued skimming through the music. ?Never heard of her.?

[BabbleFish]

as a musician myself, it's great to read a 'fic where music and musicians play center stage. this 'fic is utterly fantastic and i love your characterization of Heero, so realistic!

anyway, please keep up the excellent work...i can't wait for chapter 3^.^

[Morrighan]

Violinist, eh? Sweet. Heero will learn quickly to pay attention to her.

Can't wait to see more!!

[HiFreak]

I love how all the GW characters seem to perfectly fit into their roles. Good going.

I love this Line.

Relena Peacecraft?

He continued skimming through the music. ?Never heard of her.?

I couldn't help but grin after remembering the first chapter.

[takisha16]

LOVE IT!!!!!!!
I'm glad the guys got to be reunited after 8 long years!
I'm very excited about the prospect of Heero meeting Relena.
She must be damned good!
This story is sooo awesome, it has a passion for great conciertos, and of course a H*R pairing!

[star fighter]

I'm glad that you are continuing this story. Well, Heero will have a big surprise when he sees her, won't he?

[TanukiSaint]

Due to the fact I am a beginner celloist, it's a dream come true when my favorite characters are placed in a universe I am personally familiar with. I am so ecstatic that Heero ( my love ) is the one playing the cello! Yay! Thank you so much for a great read. Please update as soon as you get a chance. I can't wait for the next chapter.

[TanukiSaint]

Due to the fact I am a beginner celloist, it's a dream come true when my favorite characters are placed in a universe I am personally familiar with. I am so ecstatic that Heero ( my love ) is the one playing the cello! Yay! Thank you so much for a great read. Please update as soon as you get a chance. I can't wait for the next chapter.