A/N: Before its started, I am very grateful to those who read, vote, and commented on this story so this can make it into Big three (#3) in the category Air Force and #8 in Your Lie in April.

The song above is the piano cover for Aerosmith "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing". This song was created for the movie "Armageddon" starring Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, and Liv Tyler. 

Enjoy!!

---

Ulsan Air Base, the same day after the Second Battle over Yellow Sea.

"All Symphonia 2 flight reporting in as you ordered, sir"

All members of Symphonia 2 flight saluted their flight leader, had promoted to Major, for some good chit-chat and reporting.

"At ease" Major Natsuki "Eyepatch" Hanae received their salute.

"You maybe know why I call you here" he continued. After some minute, he speaks again. "Good news first. Everyone has done their job distinctively. I had recommended you all, to receive what was due. Especially for our current top scorer. Lieutenant Kousei Arima, I had told those higher up that you deserve the Order of the Rising Sun, and a promotion. Most of you are barely twenty but you had proven that you can do beyond what you think you can before. And I heard the Americans and the British also will give some from this squadron medals too."

"Thanks for your appreciation, sir." Kousei saluted.

"Now, the bad news. As you know, Symphonia 4-2, 1st Lt. Daisuke Matsunaga, has been shot down and two minutes ago we had confirmed him as KIA as allied assets had located his body. Nothing you can do back then, as his flight during the action are four miles east of your position, so, do not blame yourselves from his death. He know the risks, and he is willing to pay the ultimate price. When it's time for funeral, the squadron will be temporarily stood down for the event. His flight lead Captain Nara has voluntarily took responsibility for writing the letter to Lt. Matsunaga's wife." Once again, I might once again specifically address you two." 

Natsuki aimed his eyes straight at Kousei and Emi.

"Lieutenant Arima, do not ever beat yourselves up for this because his demise was never your fault nor your actions was lead to him being shot down. I don't want to see my pilots got depressed. Bad for morale and combat performance. This base has a piano. Some philanthropic guy in Japan gave it to our squadron. He say it's for sake of morale. He might be your secret fans, Lieutenants Kousei and Emi. The Colonel had informed me that for now, we have no scheduled sorties, so you can play it just the way you want. It worked in the past in the case of you accepting a loss of somebody you love, and I believe it will worked too this time, despite you and her barely know Daisuke."

"Sir, may I speak something?" asked Lt. Yoshiro. "Cleared to speak" the Major replied.

"Can I watch them play?" he asked. 

"Of course you can, It's good to you to know your own flight-mate and in this case, they are pianists, close to each other" Emi and Kousei blushed upon Major Natsuki said the last sentence. "Back in Hamamatsu I often watched them play during free days. Trust me, you won't be the same upon hearing them play. And I believe that their music will help us heal. Tastes can be different but please show respect, okay, Lt. Yoshiro?"

"Sir, yes sir!" Yoshiro replied.

"Minna, dismissed!" All Symphonia 2 members exchanged salutes and left Natsuki's room.

---

"What are you gonna do, Kousei?" Emi said when the Symphonia 2 pilots followed him to one of the MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) facilities in the base.

She soon know the answer as Kousei, still in his flight suit, immediately sits up in front of a piano inside the room. It seems his reputation followed him, because as soon as he positioned himself, a group of Coalition pilots and off-duty ground crews, also still suited, arrived in the concert hall-like room, full of instruments. Both Kousei and Emi can see Japanese, Korean, American, and even Filipino officers and enlisted airmen inside the hall.

"I'll play first, you can play after me. After that, let's duet again, just like our old civvy times, Right?"

"Ano, how about you play the piano and I sing?" Emi replied. 

"Why not? Let's do this!"

---

He opened the piano case, meanwhile Emi stood in front of a microphone nearby. 

They soon played Aerosmith  I Don't Want to Miss a Thing.

Upon the end of their impromptu performance, Kousei was near tears, as he felt the song was intended for him, while he also acknowledged that it was also dedicated to all Coalition pilots, especially those who has been killed in action, just like fallen astronauts in the movie Armageddon. 

A roaring applause from the pilots and airmen inside rocked the base's hall.

Kousei knew that Emi has a great voice, and he barely able to hold his tears as the girl that is now his lover and wingman had done her part.

Shouts of "Encore!" also heard from several seats. Others near tears like Kousei, some of the latter were Symphonia squadron members remembering their recent losses.

"Ladies and gentlemen, with pleasure, me and Emi announced that for the Encore performance, we accept song requests. Thank you for your attention!"

---

An American pilot, named Capt. Jed Kagan, raised his hand and said "How about I Believe I Can Fly (R. Kelly)?"

"Oh yeah, I like that song!" Emi said. 

"For this performance, I will be the vocal while Emi will play the piano. Emi, please take the seat" Kousei gives the piano seat to Emi.

They began their duet...

---

"Shit! I never know Kousei is also good at singing!" Symphonia 2-2, Lt. Yoshiro, stood up and clapped his fellow squadronmates upon their conclusion of their duet. 

"Jesus Christ.. I know he's awesome, but not this awesome!" said Symphonia 3-1, Major Honoka Kousaka, also went out from her seat for standing ovation.

"I can only wish those two were born as Americans." Another American pilot by the name of Lt. Kevin Palmer, from the 4th Fighter Squadron "Fighting Fuujins" flying F-35A Lightning IIs, struggling to wipe his tears while clapping.

Kousei and Emi were soon realized that their performance was recorded by JNAF Public Affairs specialist airmen and broadcasted live...

---

Meanwhile, on Daejeon Highway Airbase #1, 2nd TFS.

Tsubaki and Watari, also not on sortie, can only hold tears as they watch Kousei and Emi performed, impromptu, on Ulsan Air Base together with their fellow 2nd Squadron members.

"I can't wait to show this to everyone!" both Watari and Tsubaki said on themselves. Yes, they downloaded the video; an encouraged practice for sake of public relations (and propaganda).

"If I am there I will said "Encore" after that." Their Squadron CO, also witnessed the live performance, remarked. "Those people will definitely help in recruitment in the future, to be honest. A known celebrity served with honor in our force will inspire future generations with necessary guts, patriotism, and brains to join." Lt. Col. Kenji smiled. 

Kenji's CSO, Capt. Miyake, also remarked. "Once a pianist always a pianist, eh? Even when they are now aces. Glad we have them in our side." 

A/N: How do you think about this chapter, overall? The next chapter will be revelation about my OC's which befriended Kousei, Emi, Tsubaki, and Watari, along with Takeshi, current fate in the war. Stay tuned, vote and comment!