Looking at herself one last time in the mirror, Brigitte was amazed at how different she was in make-up. Thankfully, Hana didn’t go overboard and kept it more natural, adding some smokey eyeshadow. Hana had put Brigitte’s hair into a curly updo with tiny pearl clips, which she would probably stress all night about losing or breaking. Adorning her neck was a choker that matched her dress and had a small turquoise gem hanging from it. Though the thing that will probably wreck her was the green stilettos. Luckily, she’d be sitting most of the time or she wouldn’t have agreed to these shoes.

Managing to make her way out of her bathroom to be greeted by a big white ball of fur. Brigitte smiled and attempted to kneel down to fluff up Sushi’s fur. “Mama is going out for a while, you be a good boy.”

All she got was a soft trill sound as Sushi closed his eyes and loafed, enjoying a few more pets on the head.

“Briggy are you ready? Our ride is almost here!”

“Coming Hana!” Brigitte called back. She got up, brushing at her dress before grabbing her handbag and coat.

Out in the living room, Hana was straightening the white handkerchief in Lucio’s dark green suit jacket. “Now it’s perfect.”

“Thank you, bun.” Lucio replied, kissing Hana gently on the cheek then turned to see the third member of their party. “Looking great Brig.”

“You look so pretty. My girl is all grown up.” Hana acted all choked up when she hugged Brigitte.

“Thanks, both of you.” Brigitte chuckled and patted Hana on the back gently, afraid to ruin either of their outfits. 

“You excited?” Hana asked, letting go of her friend and grinning. 

“Yeah I am.” Brigitte said, slightly fidgeting the strap of her bag. 

Hana grabbed her own bag and then took Brigitte’s hand. “Don’t be nervous. If me as the crazy pop star can survive this, so can you.”

“Our limo is here.” Lucio looked up from his phone and opened the door for them to go out. “You’ll be fine. We’ll be there and I can introduce you to most of the guests at the party. I know you’re really outgoing and all but if you feel overwhelmed just tell me or Hana so you can get a breather.”

“We always got your back, babe.” Hana said gently pulling Brigitte down the stairs to their awaiting transport.

----------------
She had gone up these sets of stairs so many times but it felt strange to do so for pleasure instead of work. Especially with all the fancy dressed people and cars everywhere. This was the first show featured here since she started. To bring in a crowd like this he must be pretty popular. 

Brigitte was thankful that she hadn’t tripped and fallen flat on her face by the time they made it to the top. One of the doormen held the door open for them to pass into the lobby. Then they got their tickets checked. Brigitte felt a little out of place in between all these people, glad that Hana and Lucio were there.

“We have a few minutes before we have to head for our usual box. So feel free to look around the lobby at the merchandise. I have to do something real quick but I will meet you at our seats.” Lucio said. “Hana you can take Brig there once you two are done.”

“Gotcha!” Hana gave Lucio a thumbs up and led Brigitte to the displays.

“I guess we go up when the lights dim on and off.” Brigitte asked.

“Yep.” Hana replied, energetically. “I’ll get us some programs.”

Brigitte nodded and watched Hana go a few feet away before looking at the display of cds. Picking one up to inspect it closer. On the cover was a piano with a dragon like symbol decorating it.

“I highly recommend it.”

Not expecting the voice to be directed at her, jumped a tad. To Brigitte’s right was a very tall man, on par with Rein in height, wearing a nice black suit and dark purple tie with a tiny skull pin.

The man must have realized he surprised her and smiled gently, offering a hand to shake. “I do apologize for startling you. I merely wanted to inform you that it is quite good. Oh where are my manors, I’m Dr. de Kuiper. I don’t believe I’ve seen you before at one of the Shimada concerts, Miss?”

“Lindholm. Brigitte Lindholm.” Brigitte returned his smile and shook his hand. “No, this is my first chance at going.”

“Ah a first timer, you get to enjoy the feeling of hearing with fresh ears. It’s so exciting. Here, let me.” Dr. de Kuiper, took out his wallet and gave a card to the woman behind the display. “I’ll be paying for this young lady.”

“Yes sir.” The seller woman smiled, attending to the payment before returning his card. “Thank you.”

Brigitte didn’t know what to think that someone she just met was spending money on her. “Are you sure? I don’t want to inconvenience you.”  

Dr. de Kuiper raised his hand in a polite gesture. “None at all, Miss Lindholm. I take pleasure in giving music to others.”

“Thank you.” Brigitte shyly smiled and held the cd carefully. 

“Siebren, papi I hope you aren’t boring the poor girl.” A fairly short woman walked up to Siebren, wrapping her arm around his, to pull him in for a kiss on the ear which made him blush. She had beautiful dark skin, curled brown hair with highlights of purple that matched her eyes. Her dress was long and a shade amethyst with a large slit up the side reaching up to near her hip. “He can be a bit of a talker but I love him.”

By the looks they gave each other, it was just teasing. 

Though Brigitte still wanted to make sure of the situation. “No, I wasn’t bothered at all. He was being quite friendly.”

“I was just making conversation.” Siebrien then introduced them, beaming happily at the woman as his side. “Also Miss Lindholm, this is my wife Olivia.”

“Well aren’t you just the cutest thing.” Olivia grinned playfully and took Brigitte’s hand, slowly shaking it.

“Nice to meet you too.” Brigitte nervously chuckled.

“Briggy. Sorry it took so long. Had to wait for the programs.” Hana said, then noticed there was a conversation going on.

“Goedenavond Miss Song. You are here as well and you know Miss Lindholm, I gather.” Seibrien said then the lights dimmed a few times. “Looks like we should head to seats. We will see you at the party afterwards and you too Miss Lindholm. I would enjoy talking with you more later. Let us go darling.”

Olivia gave Hana and Brigitte another playful grin. “See you later.”

Brigitte waved slightly as the older couple went off.

-------------
“Never saw you this anxious before a concert before.” Genji joked, raising his eyebrow as he sat in one of the plush sofas backstage.

Hanzo stopped his pacing and looked at Genji before continuing. “I am not anxious.”

“Could’ve fooled me. Just take a deep breath. You’ve done this a million times.”

In all truth Hanzo was anxious, the stress from the past couple days was getting to him again. Carefully he sat next to Genji on the sofa and took a few breaths. It did help somewhat but he felt restless and hoped that the focus of playing on stage soon would distract him like it normally did.

“Though if you are that stressed, you should probably try and get laid. It does wonders.”

 “Really? You would suggest that now of all times-” Hanzo nearly choked on his words before he was shushed.

“It’s called a joke, brother. To lighten the mood.” Genji laughed.

With a small growl, Hanzo leaned back and rubbed at the bridge of his nose. Even if sometimes he didn’t like Genji’s humor when it came to this stuff, Hanzo thought himself still rude for that snap. “Apologies.”  

“Nah, no offense taken.” Genji waved it off.

Akari walked into the room, double checking something on her tablet. Then smiled at the boys. “Alright, it’s showtime in ten minutes, so Hanzo could you head on stage please.”

“Alright.” Hanzo said, getting up from his seat and straightening his blue vest, heading out with Genji following him for a little bit.

“See you after intermission.” Genji said, before deciding to head out to his chair in the grand box until it was his turn to join Hanzo on stage.

Hanzo nodded and continued with his aunt. Once they made it to the opening of stage left, Akari turned around.

“You all set?” Akari asked, pushing a loose strand of his hair behind his ear.

“As ready as I can be.” Hanzo replied.

“Break a leg.” 

He snorted a bit at that. “You do know that's more for actors, right?”

“I know.” Akari smiled again and kissed his cheek before playfully making him head over to the piano sitting at the center of the stage.

With a deep breath, Hanzo sat on the bench and let his fingers lovingly caress the keys. Waiting for the curtain to go up.

---------------
Hana guided her up a set of stairs away from the rest. “I guess you were ok meeting the de Kuiper’s.”

“Yeah, they seem nice.”

“They are actually. They come to alot of the Shimada run events. Since he is a sponsor for their charities and an old family friend.” Hana explained then looked at Brigitte’s other hand. “You bought one of the cds?”

“Oh, Mr de Kuiper actually bought it for me when he saw me looking.” Brigitte said, putting it into her purse to keep it safe.

“Ooh maybe you can get it signed by Hanzo later at the party.” Hana said, opening the door to their private box.

Lucio was sitting in one of the chairs. “There you two are, got here just in time because the curtain is gonna rise in a few mins.”

Hana slipped into the chair next to him and whispered. “Blame the line for programs of all things. Also Briggy was meeting some new people.”

“Who?”

“Mr. de Kuiper and his wife.” Brigitte said quietly, getting into her place next to Hana and noticing how good the view was from here. 

“They are really friendly. You’ll see them at the party later.” Lucio started with a smile but the lights dimmed and the curtain rose. “Showtime.”

There was Hanzo sitting at the grand piano, a dim blue light served as his spotlight. It was like the whole auditorium hushed suddenly as soon as Hanzo’s hands moved across the keys and started playing. It was a beautiful melody that filled the entire room.

Brigitte let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding in. Watching him play as if he and the piano were the only ones in the world, mesmerized her. All of his being was in every note he played and it returned her to the feeling when she was listening to the playlist Lucio had given her.

As the music faded seamlessly into each song, Brigitte found herself leaning her arms forward against the rail. She couldn’t take her eyes off him and didn’t realize she was blushing slightly. Her heart raced and she felt the butterflies, not even knowing why.