On the stage while everyone else was taking a break, Yuki was playing a serious and pondering version of "Porz Goret" by Yann Tiersen. He'd been fascinated by Yann Tiersen lately, having liked him before as a pianist, but playing his own variations of the music. It had a mysterious and other worldly air. It was making the atmosphere at the bar so different than usual.

He still wasn't feeling his best. He had a far away look in his eyes, still sick from yesterday but no longer needing to go to the bathroom. He was instead pretty fatigued, but insisted on following me to the bar today. I could tell from the look in his eyes that he didn't want to be alone. He needed me. So, instead of being in bed, he was working on Yann Tiersen variations in the background while I spoke to Honey Bea, one of my good friends who performed here at the bar infrequently, about a possible event.

Honey Bea had never performed with Yuki before, but I knew they'd go together. Honey Bea's music was more an enka sort of style, but old world. His style wasn't modern by any means, as he tried to emulate female enka singers from the 50's and 60's. They were his idols. We'd all grown up watching them at least on Kohaku Uta Gassen every year. No doubt Yuki would be familiar. It would be a lot of new music for him to learn, but I knew he'd only be too eager. It wouldn't be a problem at all. 

Today, Honey Bea was dressed in street clothes, so I was calling him by his real name which is Heizou, and using male pronouns, as he identifies as a guy when out of costumes for the stage. He was doing the same for me, though I missed our usual banter that we had when we were both in dresses. He was always a little more extroverted in a dress, knowing how to put that persona on for the stage. But, he was now more reserved and thinking carefully, as was his nature. Still, his usual sweetness and kindness exuded through. Heizou would give his last bit of food to a dog if it looked hungry. He'd take off his own gloves and give it to someone on the street if they looked too cold. He was so very lovely.

Between us, we had some snacks. As was his considerate nature, he'd brought some dried cuttlefish for us to share. It was on a nice plate and we were eating. 

"Hmm. Should I theme the event?" he was saying. "Maybe cover all of one singer's songs. Perhaps Misora Hibari? I've been liking her lately."

"Ohh, yes." This was perfect. "She was a jazz singer, too, wasn't she? Yuki is a jazz pianist. You can sing a mixture of jazz and enka in that case, and both you and Yuki can really shine."

"Oh, yes, that would be really great." He smiled at me and took another piece of cuttlefish, holding it in the air between his fingers. "I want to sing 'Kawa no Nagare no Youni'. There is a version of it that uses a guitar player, as well as piano. Is that asking too much? You'll have to ask someone to play. I feel it won't sound right without the guitar player. That song really shows off my voice, I think. I can put it in the middle of the show."

I was familiar with the song. It was pretty famous, after all. "The middle? Are you sure? It's a big song. You wouldn't want it to be last?"

He thought for a moment, and I enjoyed listening to Yuki's piano in the background for about a minute. He took a drink of his tea as he thought. It was all so peaceful. 

"Hmm. There's more famous songs of hers. I should sing a very well known one for the last one."

This was true. It might make the audience stand up and clap. That's what we always wanted. That recognition and excitement, reminding them of their favorite singers. 

He went on. "As for my costume, I want to wear the dress she wears from the film 'Janken Musume'. I want to look just like her from that scene where she sings 'La Vie en Rose' by Edith Piaf. I feel that song could be a good ending, honestly. The dress would be themed for it. It's pretty recognizable. My hair would be the same as hers and everything. That sweet pink dress. Do you think I could pull it off? I'll have the light blue shawl as well. I can do a lot of things with that shawl. I can dance with it. It's good eye candy for the audience. Don't you think?"

I knew the dress. It was a very famous movie. As iconic to me as the dress from Marilyn Monroe's "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend". 

"You'll be great in it. I think it'd show off the best parts of your body."

"I agree. I've been thinking about that. I always liked that Misora Hibari wasn't stick thin. I know I'm not her size either, but I think the dress doesn't show anything inappropriate. The sweetheart neck is high and flattering."

It was true. Heizou was definitely plus size, and his queen was that of a mature figured woman always. This dress would be a challenge, because it was meant to be worn by a younger girl, embodying that spirit. But, it could be a new direction for him. Heizou was only in his late thirties, after all. It would show off the youth he still had. It would be enchanting, I just knew it. I was trying to envision it even now, and his sweet nature would make it shine and cause him to appear even younger. Not only that, but he was used to wearing dresses from the 1950's, and therefore knew how to act when wearing such a dress. I couldn't see it being a problem for him. He'd be just like a 1950's movie starlet in it, just as Misora Hibari herself had been.

My hand went onto his shoulder and squeezing, recognizing now that he was nervous about the dress. He smiled a little at my touch. "You're going to be great in it. I just know it. When are you going to get it made? We can debut it. There's really no need to rush." 

He opened her mouth to speak, but just then the music in the background changed, and upon recognizing it after about ten seconds, we both snickered into our hands at the same time. 

Our ears had picked up the starting tones of "La Vie En Rose" being slowly and romantically played by our resident piano player. No doubt he'd heard us talking about the song just now. Heizou looked especially touched. A slight blush appeared on his cheeks. 

"This is really going to work out, isn't it?" he said, quieter now as to not disturb the music. This music was like fresh air, reminding me of lovely green trees and the spring time sky, just like the new spring that was currently outside. 

"It really will. I promise. I told you he was the perfect one to play for you." Giving him an assuring smile. 

He didn't answer, just looking towards the stage now. We both were. I picked up my tea and sipped slow, unable to help my smile which was interfering. Just enjoying his playing together, for however long the song lasted.

Oh...if we were enjoying it this much right now, how beautiful would it be when he was on stage in that dress and singing? What kind of variation could they make together? 

I gave a silent happy sigh, holding my cup in my hands, feeling the warmth it still had. Just so very pleased.