Dusted Ivory

Chapter 6

When he returned again, he wasn't alone. He brought a friend with him, another boy.

They were talking as they walked in, smiles present on both their faces. Though the second boy, who I heard the first call Eric, lost his smile once he realized where he was. Instead he was confused as to why the boy brought him here, to me, to us. He voiced his concerns to the boy. He said his name.

I knew his name.

Armand.

The now named boy explained that he was just here to grab some sheet music, apologizing for the inconvenience. Eric just laughed and said that it was OK, and asked him if he wanted to play something while they were there. When asked if he wanted to play Armand just replied that the piano was more of a hobby to him, though there seemed to be more behind the harmless comment. Whatever it was vanished in a flash as Armand shyly giggled and agreed. He grabbed Eric's hand and led him to me. Armand asked for requests, but Eric just smiled and told him to play whatever.

And so, Armand placed his fingers on the keys, so gently, so lovingly, closing his eyes while Eric just looked at him. After a moment of hesitation he opened his eyes and let out a breath neither realized he'd been holding. And he played. He played beautifully again. His fingers did their dance and my strings did their work and soon a slow symphony piece rose into the air.

He kept his eyes on my keys, obviously not wanting to mess up in front of Eric. Though, it seemed from the way Eric was staring at him, he could've messed up as many times as he wanted to and still would've gotten up the round of applause and the sweet smile from Eric at the end. He hadn't moved his eyes once during the performance. Hadn't moved them or them on the fond little grin that took over his features from the musician once during his little recital. When the show and the applause were over Armand stood up and mock bowed while giggling like a little girl and smiling like a man in love. He shoved Eric a little bit, telling him to move so he could get his music and they could go.

And so they did. They went, with light shoves and jokes and laughs. They were happy.

"Forever?"

"Maybe,"

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Guess whose birthday is really soon!!!

Meeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I'm v excited if you couldn't tell.

Check out my other books, especially my one shot! I'm incredibly proud of it!

Thanks for reading!