Blood Type Zero

Singing Softly

The intro of the song came very slowly--as I instructed-- and flowed all over the room like a gentle river. Victor's hands skillfully danced upon the keys, causing the crowd to sway their bodies a bit. Including Muzz and Marx. I, myself, couldn't help but be hypnotized as my body swung to the rhythm. My mouth instinctively parted and my eyes momentarily closed when the first line was about to begin. I felt drifted away by a sullen current the same way I did before when I worked at the club. The sound of the piano was majestic.

The words escaped my lips so perfectly as if I had done this a thousand times before. I opened my eyes to inspect the reaction of the crowd. As I expected, they're expressions seemed pleased. I dared to look at Dmitry and his expression betrayed his feeling of awe with his mouth slightly open. I had to smile cunningly at him. He immediately closed his mouth then crossed his arms to his chest, straightened himself and avoided my gaze. I smiled even more. 

When the song reached the chorus, Victor suddenly picked up speed and I struggled a bit to catch up. He went even faster. I really needed to turn around and glare at him before I'd lose the rhythm. He noticed my intense glaring as he unwarily looked up and smirked, gradually going slower. I smiled, pleased as he did. 

The song felt like it was going on forever. Just the melody of the piano and my serene voice dominating the whole room. I felt every word I was singing to make the crowd feel the same thing. That was the trick behind great entertainers: they needed to radiate what they were feeling to the whole audience. 

I saw Marx whisper something into Dmitry's ear. It made them both grin as Dmitry replied while looking at me like I was some exquisite creature. I had to look away so that my concentration would not falter. 

After what seemed like an eternity, the song was drawing to an end. And after the last note was played and my sweet voice came to a halt, the crowd applauded and I bowed. 

I turned to look at Victor, he narrowed his eyes at me then gave a close-lipped smile as if he was angry but the expression was funny on him. I had to giggle. He then gave me a normal smile that was warm and it made him look very young. I smiled back. 

Terrance came back on stage and took the mic from its stand. 

"Wow!" he said while vehemently shaking his head. "That was absolutely amazing, Persephia! Just grand!" he said as he looked at me. I smiled modestly at him. "Didn't you think that was just wonderful, everyone?" They all clapped in answer. Terrance regarded me once more, "Thank you so much for that spectacular performance, Persephia. I'm sure you left every man in the room swooning with your song." He winked at me and all the people laughed. As did I.

"Thank you, Terrance." I said. 

"Oh, the pleasures all mine." he sincerely retorted. "But I think we'd all be filled with more pleasure if you sang another one." he requested. "Ain't that right, folks?" Terrance gestured to the crowd. 

"Ci!" They all answered while nodding their heads. 

Terrance turned to me, "So what do you say, Miss?" 

Another song? Should I?

"Sure." I answered with a shrug. 

"Splendid!" Terrance put the mic back in the stand. 

I decided to go on and just enjoy the night. 

I held the mic close to me and gently addressed the crowd, "Okay, so I'll be singing Adicto a ti, if you all would like that." They grinned as they nodded. Then I turned to Victor with raised eyebrows in silent question.  He also nods, indicating that he knew the notes to the song. He raised three fingers then slowly counts down. I take a deep breath as I begin to immediately sing after the first note.