Kouhai And Senpai [Gabe/Shouhei]

Shouhei and Gabe had just finished an exercise session at the Academy pool once again.  By this time the area was nearly empty; only a few students remained and they kept swimming.  All in all Shouhei was pleased that he had found a new place to keep his body fit, along with someone who actually gave him solid tips and fundamentals.  As the two dried off, relaxing their weary bodies, some actual conversation could now be held between them.

“...Good session; thanks for showing up today Gabe,” Shouhei grinned with labored breaths.

"Well, I couldn't let you go at it alone. I did make myself available today in order to exercise with you. "

Gabe patted the side of his ears in order to get some water out of his eardrums. This always seemed to be the worst part for him in the sense of getting all of the water out. However, it didn't take away from the activity he sought out to do today.

"How is the music coming along?  Wrote any ner songs I could definitely step to as of late? I would say that even something like swimming could be used as inspiration, just look at those little mermaid songs you hear all the time as a child, they were onto something haha."

There was a sour taste in Shouhei’s mouth after hearing that Gabe personally made time for him.  If Gabe was busy with other affairs, he didn’t have to brush them aside for Shouhei.  He didn’t want to make things awkward at the moment however so he held his tongue.

“Ah… I’m not exactly a writer, I’m more of a performer,” Shouhei nervously laughed.  He recalled his childhood friend Mariko always had some beautiful lyrics that would just come to her on a whim, whereas he would simply repeat and vocalize anything given to him.  Writing was definitely not his strong suit.  

A cheeky grin lit Shouhei’s features.  “But I get what you mean, there’s lots of inspiration to be found… I just wish I had the creative talent to do so.  Hell, you’re getting inspiration yourself.  Maybe you should be a writer?”

"Hm, well it's always good to specialize. Or else, you might end up like me, dabbling in everything but not mastering nearly enough as a person who has dedicated their entire life to something. But for the reasons as to why I do it or even approach like in such a way, I simply enjoy getting involved in different things, gives me new perspectives in life. Don't you agree? Besides it being a good way to increase your health and physical capacity, what about swimming attracts you so? The fact that people desire to be good at a sport that can cause accidents and a mortality rate of drowning? Regardlss of the danger, people truly believe in what they do."

And that was something Gabe admired.

"I was, once upon a time, I owned HIT-Scrolls Entertainment. It was in the beginning stages, but I had three manga, the top one at the moment was One Punch Frost, based off of a demon that saved my life during the great divide. "

A soft chuckle came from Shouhei as he intently listened and nodded to Gabe.  Where was this guy for him growing up?  He sure could’ve used better mentors and role models.  Someone positive like Gabe might have possibly changed Shouhei for the better, instead of rearing him up to be some violent leader of a biker gang.  Then again he had someone kind like Mariko supporting him, so maybe that point was moot.

“What!?  No way!  You’re the author of One Punch Frost?” If Shouhei had anything to spit out he would, but could only widen his eyes in awe.  There was something amazing about hearing an unsuspecting little snow demon obliterate larger, far more imposing enemies in one hit.  So in an ironic and roundabout way Gabe did give Shouhei something to look up to growing up, hoping to smash his opponents down in one hit- and sometimes he did.  

“It’s based off of true events too?  Sick!  If you couldn’t tell, I’m kind of a fan.  So what made you stop?”

"I'm glad you are a fan, I've been drawing and writing from time to time throughout the years and took a leap of faith into making it an actual business. But that's not too important, it;'s the fact that it made it to the shelves or even computer screens of others. The fact that you enjoyed my work is a really great thing for me, so thank you."

Gabe wanted to say more, but then he was asked a rather difficult question. But maybe this could also help Sho in order to serve as a warning.

"Well, all I had was my dexterous skills and I was 17 five years ago. I was on my own, no family, just a young man with talent. Apparently, I signed away my publishing rights since day one, as soon as my work got popular with enough source material for a few novels, it was taken from me. So the moral of the story here my friend is.... read the fine print. I mean, you are in the singing business, so be careful Shouhei."

“Ugh… hearing about that pisses me off, you know?  To hear that someone with actual talent could have their ideas stolen from them, just because of some legal mumbo-jumbo.”  Shouhei’s fists opened and closed tightly in response, but there was nothing for him to strike.  He then ran those hands wildly through his hair in aggravation after the realization struck him instead.  

“...Dammit, I ain’t all that smart concerning those things.  But I guess that’s what managers and lawyers are for, yeah?  Sucks I got to rely on somebody to translate what I want.” A heavy sigh escaped him, but he looked at Gabe with a weary smile.  “You don’t seem like you’re worse off after all of it though.”

"Well, I wised up as I got older. However, the cookies crumbled in such a way that they took something of mine that I really considered as important to me. But on the bright side, my nights take so much of my time these days that maybe it's ok to see that everything happens for a reason?"

But maybe Gabe should elaborate.

"I was adopted by a triad member turned businessman named Kwak Heung-sam, he's the owner of the lucky clover conglomerate. I was raised with his son who was around the same age as me and took a liking to me, and ended up asking his dad to take me in. A few years later, I find myself at a loss of my own business, and in "order to make the most of my time" from what was said, I now manage this branch in endymion. It's a huge casino, can't miss it. "

“...You some kinda superman or something?  What other accolades you got hidden under your belt, Gabe?  I bet that belt’s a championship wrestling belt too,” Shouhei snickered, his joking the only possible way he could carry the conversation.  “Also you wanna lend me some cash?  Maybe get me a gig at your casino?”

"No, not superman. Maybe an opportunist? Gabriel Gatsby is a man made from second chances. You steel yourself for the hard times and prepare to bounce back or something like that. But yo answer your question, my word is at it's strongest if i can see you perform. I mean, in Nola's regard, I went to a concert of hers a while back, had a good time. In exchange, to be honest, I showed her a few card magic tricks. True story. But to the meat of it all, how about you go up on susie Q tomorrow night and show me what you got?"

Would he take the deal?

"And if i like what I see, I'll give you the lucky clover stage for about two songs max. Maybe make a call or two so that the right people are around to see you do your stuff. I think that's reasonable, no?"

Shouhei didn’t realize it but his jaw was left agape after Gabe’s proposal.  How could he expect his jest to be taken seriously?  Not to mention the swiftness behind it.  

“I… No way, it was a joke… But, you for real?” Judging from the sincerity of Gabe since the first moment they met, it had to be an actual offer.  “I mean, I don’t like gettin’ handouts… but if you say you’re an opportunist, and you’re willin’ to gamble on a guy like me…”

There was no way to refuse, was there?  This was a rare chance, a once in a lifetime deal, that most people in Shouhei’s business would have killed for.  If Mariko were here she would have taken it in a heartbeat and would have pushed him to do it immediately.  His heart and mind racing, he took a deep breath before staring resolutely at Gabe.

“You got it.  You’re probably gonna find out I’m third rate- an opening act at best.”

"The truth is, it's not a handout. To be honest, I like gambles like this, you have to impress me first, and then I play my hand and send you off to a bunch of people from all walks of life in a respected establishment. So yeah, there are two stages to this, and since you accepted the challenge, the ball is in your court. "

Gabe said this with a smile, he liked helping people. He did, however, it had to be at least a little interesting so that the journey to his goals would make it worthwhile.

"Even if you are the opener, it's still something. Heck, even look at some of the more famous colleauges that you run into. The love of music brings you together and you can network that way as well, seeing potential in you and wanting to take you on."

What else?

"Hm, how's your support group? Anyone cheering you on besides little old me?"

“Thanks Gabe.  Here’s hoping you won’t regret it,” Shouhei nodded solemnly.  

He paused for a moment at the question Gabe posed.  Who supported him?  That was difficult to say really.  Sure he had met a surprising number of acquaintances and a few actual friends, but none had supported him in his singing endeavors, let alone knew about it.  The only person he could think of was Nola Allaway, a fellow singer and member of the Music Club.  Then there were his clientele at the host club, but he didn’t want to tell Gabe about that.

“...To be honest, none as good as you and Nola.  And really, I couldn’t ask for much more.  A popular member of an idol group and an entertainment mogul behind my back?  I feel like almost anything’s possible at this rate.”

"This circle of trust that you found yourself in only shows you the doors that you have available to you. In order to open them, they have to be based on your own merit. You'll start to realize that people feed off that energy, your positivity, and worth ethic, it gets mirrored to the point that people would want to work as hard as you do."

This much was true.

"But with me even asking that, I didn't even know if you had any prior plans tomorrow night. Do you have a part-time job or anything of the sort? Or are you a full-time student only while working on your craft? Or heck, even a hot date. Let me know and we can always change the day. Sure the spontanity of the offer lost a bit of it's shine, but i'd rather us work together."

“...I was gonna just call in sick tomorrow night.  I gotta look ahead to my career, yeah?  I think that takes priority over some cash for a night,” having finished drying up Shouhei quickly put on his track jacket to hide the scars lining his shoulders and biceps.   While they were on the subject he wanted to say what he thought earlier.

“Since I just learned you’re a way busy guy, I don’t want you to waste your time on me.  Like these exercises, this possible singing gig, don’t go out of your way for me.  You should prioritize too yeah?”