067. Playing the Melody

Music filled the room over the loud, broken conversations of the employees that attended the annual Christmas party. Gilbert was already starting to feel the effects of inebriation, so he found shelter at a table beside the grand piano, hoping that if he tried to shat up the guy playing then he would be distracted enough not to continue drinking that damn fine champagne.

The albino pushed his empty glass across the table and moved to loosen his tie; there was a reason he forewent wearing one to work every day, he always felt like he was choking. As he did so, his eyes traveled to the piano player. His heart began to beat loudly in his chest as his crimson gaze took in the perfect posture, the deft fingers flying across the ivories, and the look of pure bliss on the man's face. Gilbert would instantly admit that the guy was gorgeous, with those Hollywood features, delicate glasses, and a beauty mark reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe just beneath full and slightly open lips.

"Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio, if you are so inclined to know."

Gilbert blinked at the man, noticing a smirk and half-lidded violet eyes.

The amused purple orbs seemed to laugh out loud at Gilbert. "You were staring so intensely I assumed you wanted my attention," he continued over his music.

Gilbert finally caught on and returned with his own grin. "Nah, I just thought you were pretty hot."

The piano man was silent until the party ended.

Music filled the house, drifting through the hallways and into Gilbert and Roderich's shared bedroom. The albino man laid awake in bed and listened intently before he allowed himself to grin. He stood from the mattress, pulling a pair of discarded jeans over his boxers. After fluffing his hair in the mirror above the dresser, Gilbert left the room and headed down into the parlor.

A sight so familiar that it seemed like a painting greeted him. Roderich sat at the piano, fingers playing over the instrument with practiced ease while outside the window the sun reflected blindingly off the thick snow. Violet eyes were closed in pure happiness against the glaring light.

"Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio. You're already at the Aria in A, Rod," Gilbert said.

The brunette smiled, his eyes not opening to greet his lover. "I'm glad you remember."

"How could I forget?"

"Really?" violet eyes seemed to say as they finally met Gilbert's own.

"It's the same one you were playing when we first met. You've played it every Christmas since."

Roderich nodded, but the movement was lost as he leaned forward and back to reach across the piano and continue playing. "Sit with me."

Gilbert sat. "You know I'm not a fan, but I think it's the most awesome anniversary song ever." Pale arms wrapped around Roderich's middle, barely causing the Austrian to budge in his playing. As the Aria ended and Roderich fell into the Chorale, his movements slowed, allowing Gilbert to rest his chin on his shoulder. Then, the piano man sped up again to finish. His movements were slightly erratic, and the albino found himself chuckling as he released his lover.

Two minutes later, the parlor was silent again. Birds chirped outside the window as the sun rose in the sky. "Merry Christmas, Gilbert."

"Happy Anniversary, Liebling."

Oh heavens, my first PruAus! I love Austria a lot, I'm just really afraid to write him because I don't have experience with his personality.

I demand that you guys listen to Bach's Christmas Oratorio on piano. Preferably the Zoya and Pavel Zarukin duet on Youtube. It's absolutely gorgeous.

Yes, I'm a classical nut. I listened to Mozart in the womb and grew up on Bach. Thank you very much. =w=

Number sixty-seven in the 100 theme challenge, Playing the Melody.