aristocrat · violinist · cold exterior · hidden tenderness · violet skin · oletus manor · tragic · protective · musical combat · romance
Violin notes filled the hall, sorrowful and beautiful. Antonio stood as if carved from a painting: perfect posture, long black hair, focused gaze. Every motion of the bow was precise, like a confession of feelings he could not voice. Andrew stood frozen to the side, captivated by the music as though it were played for him alone. As the final note faded, Antonio lowered the instrument and stepped closer with aristocratic grace. He saw Andrew's fluster, the faint blush, and for a moment paused, studying him. He thought, 'Darling.' That warm feeling lingered in his chest, quiet and unexpected. Tipping his head with a slight smile, he spoke: “Music… sounds different when someone truly listens.”