Disclaimer: I don't own CCS

A/N: Sorry for the very long wait! I'll try to work on the next chapter within the week. :-)

Practice Makes Perfect

London

Upon arriving at the studio, Ryou-san was already imagining our performance for the ball. He was planning something about my dress, the lights, the mood and the pompous ass-faced stage manager that's been meddling with his shit but I was caught up with my own thoughts to even understand what he was saying.

I was still a bit mortified of the fact that I was gawking at a twenty-year-old boy. Well, hardly a boy anymore but still younger than I. Lucky for me, he didn't think I was weird. As a matter of fact, he is still remarkably pleasant despite being drenched in rain and mud water! Then I wondered, so what was I worried about? It's not as if anything happened between us, I thought.

"Right." I agreed out loud.

"Good! I'll have it shipped first thing tomorrow." Ryou-san told me.

"Ship what?"

"The five feet train that we'll attach to your gown for the performance."

"You're joking!"

Ryou-san gently tapped a knuckle against the top of my head and rolled his brown eyes at me. "My dear Tomoyo-san, you haven't been listening to a word I said, have you?"

I smiled sheepishly.

He sighed forlornly, "Siren, you're totally hopeless without me."

Then I saw Hayden enter the studio. "Good morning, Tomoyo!" he beamed at me.

I shook hands with my partner and returned the greeting.

"I was right, aren't I?" he smugly but cheerfully said.

"About what?"

"That we'd meet again soon."

"Then you must be psychic or maybe," and squinted in contemplation, "you've known all along!" pretending to suspect him.

He raised his palms up in submission. "I'm just as innocent as you are the day we met. My agent called after you left. Please don't hurt me." As if pleading for his life to be spared.

I laughed, glad to once again experience his unique humor. "That is just pathetic, Hayden. Keep that up and girls will think you're a wimp."

"My mother taught me to never argue with a beautiful woman," and took my hand to kiss it, "my lady," he said chivalrously.

I could imagine a big sweat drop forming at the back of my head. "And that's over the top." I pointed out.

"Aah, so we have a charmer among us." Ryou-san concluded and crossed his arms across his chest.

"Gomen, Ryou-san, Hayden Phillip." I introduced. "Hayden, this is my slave-driver, Ryou Takamiya."

Ryou-san's right eye flinched and gave me a one-second glare before facing Hayden. "My wayward client meant publicist. It's an honor to meet you Mr. Phillip."

Hayden shook hands with Ryou-san, "Glad to make your acquaintance, sir. I'd like to thank you as well for making Tomoyo come here. You have no idea how happy you made me." He dreamily exhaled and winked at me.

Ryou-san raised an eyebrow at Hayden's back and gave me a look that clearly asked, is he for real?

Our rehearsals began as soon as the director, Mr. Stanton arrived. For a tedious twenty-one day preparation, our performance was the easiest to manage. Hayden certainly lived up to his reputation as a gifted pianist. In spite of our unfamiliarity with the songs, he flawlessly played each and every piece as if he'd known them for years. His talent has such overwhelming effect on me that I sometimes miss my cues. Now I feel like I'm not worthy to perform with this artist.

It took us only four hours to perfect our act and after practice, Hayden invited Ryou-san and I for an afternoon tea at the café beside the studio. Due to the hectic schedule that morning, Hayden and I barely talked about anything except for pieces, notes, pitches, tempos and other musical terms that existed.

"Hayden you're one of the best pianists I've ever met. I think I'm already a fan!" I praised before cutting a piece from my slice of cheesecake. At our table, it was just Hayden and I. Ryou-san was outside the café walking slowly in circles while on the phone with the woman he's been currently dating while in Tokyo. My publicist was grinning like an idiot, which means he must be getting on her good side despite the long distance wooing.

"Thank you, Tomoyo." He beamed then leaned closer to whisper, "I'll let you in on a little secret. You're the youngest fan that I know."

I gave him a dubious look. Was he saying what I think he's saying?

"I swear. You know what kids these days like pop, rock, metal, RnB and so on. They're not into the classical type. The only fans I've got are those born more than half a century ago."

I burst out laughing. "Hayden that has got to be the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!"

Hayden's cheeks were now bright red. "I'm telling you the truth. Not a single young soul." Oh my, I think that's what he really believes.

It took me less than a minute to settle down and apologize for my sudden outburst. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make fun of you."

The redness of his cheeks slowly vanished until he was back to his original pale complexion. He shrugged his shoulders, "It's ok. At least somebody still appreciates it, right? If it makes them happy listening to me play then that's all that matters."

I smiled at Hayden quite impressed with his level of maturity. "Hayden Philip, you know the true value of your art. I commend that."

He snickered, "That is just plain cheesy, Tomoyo!"

This wise guy had the nerve to make fun of me! It was my turn to blush, "Do you mind? I was having a moment back there!" I chided.

"How about you Tomoyo? Have you been singing since you were a little girl?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, in our school choir. But it's not my full time career."

"So what do you do?"

"I'm a fashion designer."

His eyes went wide. "That's pretty cool!"

I sipped my tea before saying, "Not as amazing as you are."

"Are you kidding me? You get to hang out with models with legs that go up to their necks. Then they wear those tiny mini skirts," he groaned and held a hand to his heart, "I'm telling you, Tomoyo, it does wonders for my blood pressure." He shrugged when he found me gaping at him. "Can't help it, still a man."

I laughed at him once more, still amazed with his candidness. "Hmm, a leg man huh?" Hayden gave a boyish grin agreeing with my observation. "Hayden, can I ask you a question?"

He nodded.

I could feel mischief getting the best of me. "When was the last time you were on a date?"

The pianist turned red again. "Just recently. Very recently." He couldn't look straight at me.

My eyes slanted suspiciously. I knew it! He was lying through his teeth! "Ah, so that's how it is."

"What do you mean?" Hayden began fiddling with his teacup.

I put my elbow on the table and leaned my chin on my palm, staring at him. "Come now, you can tell me. Last year? Two years ago?"

The redness of Hayden's face became more obvious while attempting to maintain an air of dignity, "Tomoyo, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Yes you do. Now stop pretending." I chided.

"I'm not. It was last week."

"Really?"

"Yes." After a few seconds, "All right, four months ago."

"U-huh."

"It's true. Her name was, uh, Marie. Yes that's it!" Now he sounds nervous. "She, uh, had blue hair and blond eyes. I mean, blond hair and blue eyes!"

"I'm sure she did."

He sighed in defeat and muttered under his breath, "Fine, four years ago."

I mockingly took pity on him as I tried to keep myself from bursting out. "That long? No wonder you settled just watching leggy girls, you poor boy." And patted his head.

Now, he looked hurt. "May I remind you that I am a man not a boy?"

I smiled sweetly, "Relatively speaking, you're still a boy. But let's not digress. How come you don't go out to date?"

"Let's just say I choose to focus on my career." From the way he evaded the question, I'll assume it's a touchy subject. "And you? When was the last time you were on a date?"

So, the genius does learn fast. "Just last month, with an Italian artist." I told him smugly after taking another sip of my tea. "It was a whirlwind romance, you see. A torrid love affair while he painted me naked. But I had to break it off when my ex-boyfriend found out and threatened to kill him and every other guy he sees with me."

Hayden blanched while I was having a hard time looking composed. Then I lost it and burst out laughing again.

"Now that is just mean." He sighed in relief.

To be continued