Inspiration is the basic foundation for music. It comes in the most simplest of forms, the most generous of shapes. Such as the leaves carried by the wind on a soft autumn day. Such as the clouds drifting above waiting to be liquefied, waiting to fall and shower the earth in a magnetic glow. Much like when the City of Lights animated during its greatest hour. Paris.

As beautiful as the city was, as wondrously romantic and historical it was visually claimed to be, it had not been what had drawn Ria to Paris, France. No, what had whisked her from her simple German village was the music. All the money she saved up over the many youthful years of working in a Bakery as a student had paid off furthering her education in music.

She studied Piano and Composition at a commendable level.

Her private teacher, Louise Bernadette sought her out in her first year, encouraged her into studying beyond Piano, encouraged her to compose music of her own, not just rendition after others. And Ria fell in love.

"-ria, Maria!"

Key strokes. Heavy. Melody. Medium. Fast. Harmony. Light. Climax. Interruption.

A hand firmly shook at her shoulder, her solid blue eyes piercing up at her friend the moment they flashed open, "Ria! Come on, it's lunch time," Her American fleshed friend stated, calling her out of her active daydream.

Her blond hair flailed, loose in a black band, tied high against the crown of her head, as she stood from her desk, "Gabe..." His name fell from her lips, providing the only answer she could think of.

Gabriel Reed was a moderately tall, healthy man. His hair breached the comfort of his ears, fraying to his chin in dark muddy locks. His face and expression was plain and typical of an American - something Ria always made fun of him for. His nose was pointed, his lips averagely full, his eyes hazel. He had the chin of a man, the smell of a man. He wore clothing simple and stylish, though he preferred walking around in boxers over anything else. He loved the color green and obsessed over the most obnoxious of things, and yet he was her best friend.

They were born three days apart from each other, but met nineteen years later on a train leading into Paris. Along with a spontaneous pair of coincidences they wound up attending the same facility. And though they only shared one class together now, two years later, they had become friends - like get each other drunk before an exam friends. And even though they'd never gotten to the point of seeing each other naked, they were both well accustomed to walking around in underwear around each other. Well, mostly Gabe. Maria was a bit more reserved, though she had her moments.

Gabe was a bit more of a nut than she was. They were both heavily passionate about music, but Gabe was just plain obsessive. His motives were flaky, and Ria often argued with him about it. But he was much too stubborn. Especially when it came to long term relationships.

For some reason, all the women he'd dated over the past few years had developed an issue with him. Or perhaps it was the other way around. They complained about him being to wound up in playing the Cello and he pushed them away for it. Music was ultimately his life. Maria was a friend associated with him. But she was nothing more. They were more like bratty siblings or cousins.

Maria's dating life on the other hand was a bit more stable. Her current relationship was simple and honest, though it was getting more difficult to manage.

"I think I could go for a bagel..." Gabe stated as they walked into the cafeteria. It was relatively full, students weaving in and out of lines, wait for vending machines, garbage infested tables, a few lingering clean ones. It was doable though, considering after two years worth of hours spent within the cafeteria alone could easily make someone adjust to the atmosphere.

"That's all you ever eat anyway. Why don't you try eating something healthier, like soup?" Nag. Okay, so she was purposely being a nag.

Gabe scowled, "Geh, yeah okay mom."

She merely chuckled and stepped into line, Gabe following in beside her.

They were soon joined by another friendly face. A short french boy by the name of Jean Claude Pierre. "Bonjour, good day. How are you my dear Klein?" He questioned facetiously, resting his arm on Maria's shoulder.

"It's Ria thanks. I'd be doing much better if you didn't use me as an arm rest."

"But I can't very well use Gabe, he's much to tall," He replied, refusing her request with his simplistic but honest words.

Gabe only scratched his head, "Claude, I thought you weren't gunna show up today..."

"What - why not?" Maria looked at each of them, curious.

Jean twitched then made his typical goofy scowl, "Lefevre wants me playing first on Clarinet in Session."

"I thought you quit Clarinet for Flute?"

"I did."

Jean Claude was a music multi-tasker, though he only ever stuck to Clarinet and Flute. He could play violin and piano on an average level, but it was nothing of worth compared to his skill in his designated woodwinds.

"Oh yeah, how is the Orchestra group working out for you two?"

Gabe's expression went bitter, "Maybe if you woulda tried out you would know."

"Shut it. Just because you were forced back in doesn't mean I have to join you as well. Besides there would be no guarantee in me making it through auditions," Ria spat in defense.

The line had moved quickly as they were now plating their desired choice of food before paying.

Jean sighed at the two, clearly a touchy subject with Gabe and the Orchestra Sessions, "We've got a Beethoven piece this year along with a few others. Gabe's dreading it."

Ria's eyes went slightly wide as she let loose a noise of understanding. Gabe hated Beethoven.

Finally with the food payed for and gathered in their own trays, the departed the line and headed to find a seat.