[Oh, she's peeved. Fugo can just picture Trish's annoyed frown and the irritated slap of a tail that isn't there. He's very tempted to continue tweaking her nose, so to speak; she's practically handing the material to him, what with the statement about fish, mollusks, and her ass. If it were any other subject, he probably would. But today, he lets it drop.]
No, I'm not being facetious. Not about this and not with you.
I can't promise that I'll be an easy student to teach. Or that I'll like it. Or that you'll like teaching me. But we can at least try it.
And: noted, re: stubbornness. You can fight it out with Giorno if you want that title. Let me know what the two of you figure out.
[One day he ought to. It'll teach her to be careful with her words when she gets grumpy!
For her part, she is prepared for him to continue to be a pain in the ass in return for her being a pain in the ass, but instead he diverts to being...entirely genuine.
Trish cools off immediately, although she's now left holding the bag in a manner of speaking, and it's full of vitriol that is no longer appropriate to the conversation. Awful.]
Oh.
You're being serious. Right? You're being completely serious. If this is true, pick what kind of guitar you want to learn and I'll believe you wholeheartedly.
The corollary to this is that I can and will be bringing this guitar and an entire lesson plan with me the next time we meet in the piano room.
And for the record, I refuse to fight with Giorno on the matter. Not because I would lose, but because it would be a war of attrition and I'm too tired to even think about that.
[That, and they fight enough already without fighting over something dumb. She doesn't need another reason!!!]
Trish, I know enough about guitars to know that I actually know jack shit about guitars. If you want me to pick, you're either going to have to wait for me to do some research or provide some information on the subject yourself. But yes, for the third time, I'm being serious.
The other part, where you bring a guitar and a lesson plan to our next practice session, that's fine.
How about this. You both can occupy the #1 spot. It can be a joint position.
You're ridiculous, Fugo. You're the only boy I've ever known who thinks so much about the technical aspects and nothing else. Do you know how many people pick up guitar because they think it makes them look cool?
I'm not ashamed to admit that was my reason for picking up guitar at all, even if I found out I like bass far better. Regardless, playing a rock instrument is inherently attractive.
[Trish, holding a megaphone to Fugo's ear: SOME PEOPLE PLAY GUITAR BECAUSE IT'S SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She's also picturing her and Giorno sharing a throne. She is now sitting on him on this hypothetical throne. Her city now. Not that she's going to say any of this, but do know she's thinking it.]
But fine. I'll explain to you the difference and let you decide.
The main thing about a basic guitar is that it has six strings, and plays higher octaves than a bass. It's typically going to carry the main melody of a song, and if you enjoy solos and the spotlight, it's the instrument you want. The body is smaller than a bass's too, meaning it's easier to hold, and similarly the thinner strings make it much easier to play. It will hurt your fingers regardless, though. Once you develop calluses you'll be fine, but I do want to make that clear.
Conversely, bass plays at lower octaves and has four, thick strings. The thick strings can make it harder to play for children or people with weak fingers, and the bulky body can make it difficult to hold. Otherwise, it's arguably much easier to play. The arrangements are simpler because of the fewer amount of strings, and you will usually play a supporting melody, so it's a good choice if you don't want to stand out. At least, that's the common opinion. You know from me that bass arrangements can actually be beautifully complex, and I find being constrained to four strings encourages creativity in technique and melodies. Geddy Lee and Chris Squire are a testament to that.
[Trish is lucky that she actually gave him some information to chew on, because he's genuinely baffled by the idea of 1) people, generally speaking, learning to play the guitar because it's cool and/or "inherently attractive" and 2) that's why Trish picked it up???
Much to think about.]
I'm not going to respond to your provocations because we just got done arguing. But no, I did not know that.
It's interesting how the two instruments seem to support each other. It's a bit like the violin family, but with less overlap in terms of octaves. Honestly, they both seem interesting.
What drew you to the bass over the guitar? Especially since you started with the guitar.
[It's the wonders of being allowed to choose to do something just because, or for absolutely silly reasons!
Trish knows his relationship with music is incredibly fraught under the surface in a way she's only glimpsed and therefore can't completely fathom, and it must be similarly unfathomable for him to read this justification.]
They weren't really provocations, but you're welcome.
Something I want you to understand is that I picked up guitar when I was six years old. My perception of the guitar was by virtue of that very shallow. I wanted to play it because it was cool-looking, and the basic image of music to me was "person doing guitar solos". However. it can be very frustrating for a child to work through getting that level of dexterity and the like. Indeed, I got very frustrated. But as we just discussed, I'm equally stubborn, and continued despite the fact it was hard.
It was actually my mother's idea to try bass. She wasn't a musician, but she knew what music I liked, and realized there was a guitar out there that was seemingly simpler in scope. Obviously not true, but she suggested it all the same, and it turned out I loved it. But I was also eight then, had a much better idea of what I was doing, and tried it out with experience behind me.
That was a lot of background, but I do want to emphasize that it wasn't something I decided through brilliance or hearty deliberation. Almost by happenstance I found I enjoyed bass's sound much more, and became fascinated by the techniques I could use. My taste had become more sophisticated as I got older as well, so I was enraptured by the sheer technique of skilled musicians now that I better understood what they were doing. Watching live performances on television also helped with that.
Overall, for you, you're already a skilled musician of another sort of instrument, but I think it will still inform what you ultimately choose. The breadth of sound in piano can also be found in a basic guitar, for example. But if you're tired of that and craving something almost entirely new, I can just as easily see you choosing bass.
Edited (sorry for edits fdsjsdjddsf) 2022-06-07 07:44 (UTC)
[Trish’s reply is ... interesting. Everything she writes about goes against his own experience with music. It doesn’t catch him as off-guard as it would have in the past, but he still finds it so odd to read about. Their experiences are just fundamentally different. His grandfather never would have suggested an alternative to the piano out of consideration for him; it would only have been because there was a "more suitable" instrument to learn.
Honestly, he doesn't have a clue how to even begin approaching it. The best he can do, for now, is turn it around in his mind. Again, again, again.]
I see. Thanks for taking the time to explain it. Your process was a lot different from mine. Early on, I studied violin for a year or so, but those lessons ended so I could focus my efforts completely on the piano.
I’m not sure I can come to a definitive conclusion based on my personal preferences. To be honest, when it comes to music, that’s something I struggle with. This is the first time I’ve been even remotely interested in learning how to play a new instrument for its own sake. Both have their individual merits.
Why don’t you just bring whatever you feel like showing me, next time? If I don’t like it, I’ll try the other. If you need to buy anything for the lesson I’ll pay you back.
[Trish knows. She doesn't say it, because he's spoken it so plainly himself, but it's a common refrain when music comes up.
His experience was diametrically opposed to hers in every way possible, she's sure, even if he keeps it vague.
"You were allowed to quit, if you wanted to?"
Trish holds onto that, and it's a balance, isn't it? She maybe isn't so different for pestering him to try another instrument on her insistence, but that phrase, God willing, won't come up in any way, shape, or form. He'll be allowed to quit. What she wants most is for him to explore, and find something he likes in so doing. That's all. She's selfish, perhaps, but maybe being a different kind of selfish will prompt him to explore what's out there and see it for himself. The fact he's willing now is already more than she could ask for.]
That's fine, Fugo. Though you know I can be biased, so maybe you won't be surprised by what you see when we meet up next time.
:|b
Joking aside, I doubt I'll have to buy anything. Unless you happen to fall so hopelessly in love with whatever instrument you choose that I'll simply have no choice but to get you one of your own. ♥
[There is a heart at the end of Trish's message. It's the very last character she chose, likely to imply that she would be very pleased at this particular hypothetical outcome. She wants him to fall in love with playing the guitar, so much so that she would have to (would want to?) buy one for him.
He really doesn't know what to do with it. Should he mention it? Probably not. Definitely not. If he mentions it, she'll pounce on the opening.]
I don't know. With you, it really could be either. You're obviously biased towards the bass. But I'm sure you suggested guitar to begin with so we could play songs with multiple parts together. I would say it's a solid 50/50.
I'm not sure how to respond to that. I might not know much about guitars, but I know they can be expensive. That's a lot of money to spend on a lark. You don't need to do that for me.
It's kind of a shame, really. As much as she likes playing cat and mouse, it's no fun if he doesn't engage. Knowing Fugo though, he probably over-thought himself into being flummoxed about it.]
You've really thought about this, haven't you? I'm flattered.
And of course I don't need to. I don't do anything I don't want to, as I'm sure you're aware. I'm not going to pressure you by buying one against your wishes though.
It's exactly as I said.
If you fall in love, then my mind will be made up. If you don't, then I will refrain. I think that's fair, don't you?
I could turn that back on you. I try not to make choices impulsively. It almost never works out.
Do you have to put it like that? "If I fall in love with it" seems so dramatic. I'm not sure if "fair" has anything to do with it. But it's definitely over-the-top.
And yes, I do. I'm not here to heckle you into doing some half-hearted endeavor. I really do mean what I say, and passion is important to me besides. No passion, no point.
If that's being over-the-top, then I will lie in my bed of roses without shame.
[There's a pause here. Strange, for Fugo, who by the time he starts typing has already long since figured out what he wants to say.]
probably temper your expectations. I'm probably always going to seem half-hearted, compared to you.
I don't think I can be passionate about music the way that you are. I'm interested in what you have to teach me. And I don't think it will be a bad time. I trust you not to be an asshole about it and I promise that I'll take it seriously.
But I don't think
[Another pause, another unusual moment of hesitation, before he continues and tries again. He really doesn't know how to describe it to her.]
how I feel about music, generally speaking, is going to change that dramatically from learning to play a different instrument.
[Interesting. Trish waits as his response trickles in. She sees how it stops, starts.
Once again, she's brushed against that invisible wall between Fugo and music, and she knows he probably would never make a career out of it. He's in an interesting spot as a person, really. He's so incredibly intelligent and diligent that he could do anything he wanted. But...what does he want? What does Fugo want for himself?
When she thinks about it, it's never really clear. Unless it's to serve Giorno, Fugo has never spoken passionately about...anything.]
But you imply it will change, right? Just a little.
Listen, I like my hyperbole, but I don't actually expect you to approach music the way I do. That's not what I want at all.
What I want is for you to enjoy yourself. It doesn't have to completely change your life or your mind, but if I can pass on even the tiniest amount of how I feel about music to you, I'll be happy. And even if I don't, I have a good time playing with you. That's enough for me.
However, the last thing I want to do is to make it about me. Don't worry about whether or not you'll let me down. There's no need for that kind of pressure when you're experimenting.
That's what this is, ultimately. You're trying something new. In every way, this will be new.
[This is Trish meeting him halfway. She doesn't know the words of that promise, but she's reaching for him still, as far as she can: blindly in the dark, because he's still too much of a coward to let her see just how bad it is.]
What I meant is that my feelings about music, as they are now, have already changed tremendously from how they used to be. And I'm grateful for that. Taking it back means a lot to me, even if it it isn't necessarily a pleasant task.
But I don't know if I'll enjoy it, or that things will change from where they are. Even if it's only a little bit. It would be nice, but it seems unrealistic.
Promising that I will try and that I trust you with this is as far as I can meet you, for now. Maybe that will change in the future, maybe it won't. And if it doesn't, I don't want you to think that it's your fault or that you have strong-armed me into something I didn't want to do.
[It's inelegant, but Trish is persistent regardless. She wants to know him, as much as he'll allow. Maybe more than that.
She's stubborn, and pushy, and demanding. But she is trying, this time, to be as patient as she can. To understand, even if she keeps missing the mark. At least, that's how it's felt, so it's surprising to hear what they've been doing...is a marked change for him.
Well, maybe not completely surprising, from what very little she knows, but the fact it hadn't really improved in the time away from his home until now, it's...]
That's fine, Fugo.
In fact, that's really all I wanted to know. Where you're at, specifically, and how I can accommodate you.
So, this helps.
And I promise you I won't blame myself. I'm happy you're trying at all. I couldn't ask for more.
[But she will hope for it.
She won't say it, but she will hope for it all the same. Fugo deserves to enjoy his hobbies, to find passion in something besides work. He hasn't gotten to do that and it shows. In all ways, it shows.]
[The vise around his chest, always there and always wound tight, loosens. Not much. Just a little. She hasn't given up on it-- on him-- yet. Even though she has every right to. Even though she would have a better time on her own, or with someone who shares her passion for music.
Despite everything, she still wants to play guitar with him. She wants to meet him where he is.]
Okay. As long as you're sure, then.
[And then, a few moments later--]
Sorry, that was stupid. You wouldn't have asked me this many times if you weren't sure about it.
[Fugo can't seem to conceptualize that Trish likes spending time with him. She doesn't care about some imaginary, hypothetical person who loves music as much as she does.
They're immaterial to her relationship with Fugo! She can't care about someone she hasn't met over the very real boy she sees every day.
He's her friend too, and they can and do have fun. He can be a bastard, and they can butt heads, but they're friends.]
It's fine. I can be a a pain in the ass, and you'll be happy to know that a symptom of that is that my interest never wanes no matter what.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
< Eb7#9 >
No, I'm not being facetious. Not about this and not with you.
I can't promise that I'll be an easy student to teach. Or that I'll like it. Or that you'll like teaching me. But we can at least try it.
And: noted, re: stubbornness. You can fight it out with Giorno if you want that title. Let me know what the two of you figure out.
<Zigazigah>
For her part, she is prepared for him to continue to be a pain in the ass in return for her being a pain in the ass, but instead he diverts to being...entirely genuine.
Trish cools off immediately, although she's now left holding the bag in a manner of speaking, and it's full of vitriol that is no longer appropriate to the conversation. Awful.]
Oh.
You're being serious. Right? You're being completely serious. If this is true, pick what kind of guitar you want to learn and I'll believe you wholeheartedly.
The corollary to this is that I can and will be bringing this guitar and an entire lesson plan with me the next time we meet in the piano room.
And for the record, I refuse to fight with Giorno on the matter. Not because I would lose, but because it would be a war of attrition and I'm too tired to even think about that.
[That, and they fight enough already without fighting over something dumb. She doesn't need another reason!!!]
< Eb7#9 >
The other part, where you bring a guitar and a lesson plan to our next practice session, that's fine.
How about this. You both can occupy the #1 spot. It can be a joint position.
<Zigazigah>
I'm not ashamed to admit that was my reason for picking up guitar at all, even if I found out I like bass far better. Regardless, playing a rock instrument is inherently attractive.
[Trish, holding a megaphone to Fugo's ear: SOME PEOPLE PLAY GUITAR BECAUSE IT'S SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She's also picturing her and Giorno sharing a throne. She is now sitting on him on this hypothetical throne. Her city now. Not that she's going to say any of this, but do know she's thinking it.]
But fine. I'll explain to you the difference and let you decide.
The main thing about a basic guitar is that it has six strings, and plays higher octaves than a bass. It's typically going to carry the main melody of a song, and if you enjoy solos and the spotlight, it's the instrument you want. The body is smaller than a bass's too, meaning it's easier to hold, and similarly the thinner strings make it much easier to play. It will hurt your fingers regardless, though. Once you develop calluses you'll be fine, but I do want to make that clear.
Conversely, bass plays at lower octaves and has four, thick strings. The thick strings can make it harder to play for children or people with weak fingers, and the bulky body can make it difficult to hold. Otherwise, it's arguably much easier to play. The arrangements are simpler because of the fewer amount of strings, and you will usually play a supporting melody, so it's a good choice if you don't want to stand out. At least, that's the common opinion. You know from me that bass arrangements can actually be beautifully complex, and I find being constrained to four strings encourages creativity in technique and melodies. Geddy Lee and Chris Squire are a testament to that.
Any questions?
< Eb7#9 >
Much to think about.]
I'm not going to respond to your provocations because we just got done arguing. But no, I did not know that.
It's interesting how the two instruments seem to support each other. It's a bit like the violin family, but with less overlap in terms of octaves. Honestly, they both seem interesting.
What drew you to the bass over the guitar? Especially since you started with the guitar.
<Zigazigah>
Trish knows his relationship with music is incredibly fraught under the surface in a way she's only glimpsed and therefore can't completely fathom, and it must be similarly unfathomable for him to read this justification.]
They weren't really provocations, but you're welcome.
Something I want you to understand is that I picked up guitar when I was six years old. My perception of the guitar was by virtue of that very shallow. I wanted to play it because it was cool-looking, and the basic image of music to me was "person doing guitar solos". However. it can be very frustrating for a child to work through getting that level of dexterity and the like. Indeed, I got very frustrated. But as we just discussed, I'm equally stubborn, and continued despite the fact it was hard.
It was actually my mother's idea to try bass. She wasn't a musician, but she knew what music I liked, and realized there was a guitar out there that was seemingly simpler in scope. Obviously not true, but she suggested it all the same, and it turned out I loved it. But I was also eight then, had a much better idea of what I was doing, and tried it out with experience behind me.
That was a lot of background, but I do want to emphasize that it wasn't something I decided through brilliance or hearty deliberation. Almost by happenstance I found I enjoyed bass's sound much more, and became fascinated by the techniques I could use. My taste had become more sophisticated as I got older as well, so I was enraptured by the sheer technique of skilled musicians now that I better understood what they were doing. Watching live performances on television also helped with that.
Overall, for you, you're already a skilled musician of another sort of instrument, but I think it will still inform what you ultimately choose. The breadth of sound in piano can also be found in a basic guitar, for example. But if you're tired of that and craving something almost entirely new, I can just as easily see you choosing bass.
< Eb7#9 >
Honestly, he doesn't have a clue how to even begin approaching it. The best he can do, for now, is turn it around in his mind. Again, again, again.]
I see. Thanks for taking the time to explain it. Your process was a lot different from mine. Early on, I studied violin for a year or so, but those lessons ended so I could focus my efforts completely on the piano.
I’m not sure I can come to a definitive conclusion based on my personal preferences. To be honest, when it comes to music, that’s something I struggle with. This is the first time I’ve been even remotely interested in learning how to play a new instrument for its own sake. Both have their individual merits.
Why don’t you just bring whatever you feel like showing me, next time? If I don’t like it, I’ll try the other. If you need to buy anything for the lesson I’ll pay you back.
<Zigazigah>
His experience was diametrically opposed to hers in every way possible, she's sure, even if he keeps it vague.
"You were allowed to quit, if you wanted to?"
Trish holds onto that, and it's a balance, isn't it? She maybe isn't so different for pestering him to try another instrument on her insistence, but that phrase, God willing, won't come up in any way, shape, or form. He'll be allowed to quit. What she wants most is for him to explore, and find something he likes in so doing. That's all. She's selfish, perhaps, but maybe being a different kind of selfish will prompt him to explore what's out there and see it for himself. The fact he's willing now is already more than she could ask for.]
That's fine, Fugo. Though you know I can be biased, so maybe you won't be surprised by what you see when we meet up next time.
:|b
Joking aside, I doubt I'll have to buy anything. Unless you happen to fall so hopelessly in love with whatever instrument you choose that I'll simply have no choice but to get you one of your own. ♥
< Eb7#9 >
He really doesn't know what to do with it. Should he mention it? Probably not. Definitely not. If he mentions it, she'll pounce on the opening.]
I don't know. With you, it really could be either. You're obviously biased towards the bass. But I'm sure you suggested guitar to begin with so we could play songs with multiple parts together. I would say it's a solid 50/50.
I'm not sure how to respond to that. I might not know much about guitars, but I know they can be expensive. That's a lot of money to spend on a lark. You don't need to do that for me.
<Zigazigah>
It's kind of a shame, really. As much as she likes playing cat and mouse, it's no fun if he doesn't engage. Knowing Fugo though, he probably over-thought himself into being flummoxed about it.]
You've really thought about this, haven't you? I'm flattered.
And of course I don't need to. I don't do anything I don't want to, as I'm sure you're aware. I'm not going to pressure you by buying one against your wishes though.
It's exactly as I said.
If you fall in love, then my mind will be made up. If you don't, then I will refrain. I think that's fair, don't you?
< Eb7#9 >
Do you have to put it like that? "If I fall in love with it" seems so dramatic. I'm not sure if "fair" has anything to do with it. But it's definitely over-the-top.
<Zigazigah>
And yes, I do. I'm not here to heckle you into doing some half-hearted endeavor. I really do mean what I say, and passion is important to me besides. No passion, no point.
If that's being over-the-top, then I will lie in my bed of roses without shame.
[Now she's just being dramatic on purpose.]
< Eb7#9 >
[There's a pause here. Strange, for Fugo, who by the time he starts typing has already long since figured out what he wants to say.]
probably temper your expectations. I'm probably always going to seem half-hearted, compared to you.
I don't think I can be passionate about music the way that you are. I'm interested in what you have to teach me. And I don't think it will be a bad time. I trust you not to be an asshole about it and I promise that I'll take it seriously.
But I don't think
[Another pause, another unusual moment of hesitation, before he continues and tries again. He really doesn't know how to describe it to her.]
how I feel about music, generally speaking, is going to change that dramatically from learning to play a different instrument.
<Zigazigah>
Once again, she's brushed against that invisible wall between Fugo and music, and she knows he probably would never make a career out of it. He's in an interesting spot as a person, really. He's so incredibly intelligent and diligent that he could do anything he wanted. But...what does he want? What does Fugo want for himself?
When she thinks about it, it's never really clear. Unless it's to serve Giorno, Fugo has never spoken passionately about...anything.]
But you imply it will change, right? Just a little.
Listen, I like my hyperbole, but I don't actually expect you to approach music the way I do. That's not what I want at all.
What I want is for you to enjoy yourself. It doesn't have to completely change your life or your mind, but if I can pass on even the tiniest amount of how I feel about music to you, I'll be happy. And even if I don't, I have a good time playing with you. That's enough for me.
However, the last thing I want to do is to make it about me. Don't worry about whether or not you'll let me down. There's no need for that kind of pressure when you're experimenting.
That's what this is, ultimately. You're trying something new. In every way, this will be new.
< Eb7#9 >
What I meant is that my feelings about music, as they are now, have already changed tremendously from how they used to be. And I'm grateful for that. Taking it back means a lot to me, even if it it isn't necessarily a pleasant task.
But I don't know if I'll enjoy it, or that things will change from where they are. Even if it's only a little bit. It would be nice, but it seems unrealistic.
Promising that I will try and that I trust you with this is as far as I can meet you, for now. Maybe that will change in the future, maybe it won't. And if it doesn't, I don't want you to think that it's your fault or that you have strong-armed me into something I didn't want to do.
<Zigazigah>
She's stubborn, and pushy, and demanding. But she is trying, this time, to be as patient as she can. To understand, even if she keeps missing the mark. At least, that's how it's felt, so it's surprising to hear what they've been doing...is a marked change for him.
Well, maybe not completely surprising, from what very little she knows, but the fact it hadn't really improved in the time away from his home until now, it's...]
That's fine, Fugo.
In fact, that's really all I wanted to know. Where you're at, specifically, and how I can accommodate you.
So, this helps.
And I promise you I won't blame myself. I'm happy you're trying at all. I couldn't ask for more.
[But she will hope for it.
She won't say it, but she will hope for it all the same. Fugo deserves to enjoy his hobbies, to find passion in something besides work. He hasn't gotten to do that and it shows. In all ways, it shows.]
< Eb7#9 >
Despite everything, she still wants to play guitar with him. She wants to meet him where he is.]
Okay. As long as you're sure, then.
[And then, a few moments later--]
Sorry, that was stupid. You wouldn't have asked me this many times if you weren't sure about it.
<Zigazigah> BABIE...
They're immaterial to her relationship with Fugo! She can't care about someone she hasn't met over the very real boy she sees every day.
He's her friend too, and they can and do have fun. He can be a bastard, and they can butt heads, but they're friends.]
It's fine. I can be a a pain in the ass, and you'll be happy to know that a symptom of that is that my interest never wanes no matter what.
That's how stubborn I am.