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It was a rainy night in the manor,, the pitter patter of the raindrops were muted out by the noises of music and keyboard slamming. A piano,, perhaps? Yes,, that is the source of the sound,, and the one that was causing all that ruckus was none other than the newest survivor: Frederick Kreiburg.
—No this isn't right.. no,, no,, NO!—. Once again,, the keys of the instrument were slammed with frustration,, and a groan could be heard out of the grey haired man. Some footsteps pulled him out of his small trance,, turning around as he was now met with the gentle gaze of the "Professor",, smiling down at him.
—What seems to be the issue,, Mr. Kreiburg?—. Luchino asked,, as she made her way to the musician and stood close to him,, her body language tried to give off a welcoming yet rather reserved language. She.. knew this was harmless,, but her curiosity was slowly creeping over her mind. Ever since Frederick arrived at the manor,, Diruse was oddly attracted to him,, in a sense that she would take mental notes of his behavior and would often be willing to participate in a match with him in the name of protection of her teammates.
Of course,, Kreiburg picked up those signs but chose to ignore them,, after all,, he.. didn't have a good experience regarding love interests or just the concept in general. Nonetheless,, something about it felt different.. maybe even genuine? No,, that's not right. He just dismissed those thoughts and turned around quite with the defeated look on him.
—Ah,, nothing - it's nothing,, Mx. Diruse.—. He shook his head,, wanting to practice again,, yet he felt so insecure about doing so.
As for Luchino,, she waited patiently for his answer,, but his body language was enough to tell her what was going on.
—Maybe I can help with that. I'm not a music expert but.. I believe I can give you the word of advice you need.—. Diruse suggested,, now making their way to his side,, pulling a nearby chair and sitting by his side. The closeness made Frederick's heartbeat increase as a red tint spread on his cheeks. Concentrate,, Kreiburg! You're stronger than this! He thought,, as he cleared his throat and his glove covered fingers placed on the keys. Soon,, a melody filled the room they were both in,, making the attention of the professor go straight towards the music played by the composer.
Before Kreiburg could stop again out of frustration,, Diruse placed a hand on top of his,, making his eyes land on their face.
—Please,, continue.. I liked the path you were trying to take.—. She insisted,, and the austrian nodded,, breathing in and out so as to put himself in his place,, remembering the words the brazilian just told him.
It seemed like hours passed,, yet that was not the case,, it was only a mere amount of minutes passing by,, and the two of them were enjoying themselves in the solitude they shared. Nothing could distract them from the moment,, it was almost like the gentle voices and the music tuned everything else out. Perhaps that is exactly what he needed. It was more than enough.
—Uh.. Luchino was it?
—Mhm. What is it,, friend?
—I.. I have to thank you. The feedback wasn't.. what I expected but I do appreciate it.
—You're the expert here,, not me!—. A gentle laugh left their lips,, causing Kreiburg to blush slightly,, covering his face so as to hide his face.
—Right,, right.. erm.. I do have to apologize. Don't get me wrong! I enjoy your presence and company,, but I'm afraid I have to distance myself from you.—. He wanted to stand up,, but he felt his hand being held. It was the professor's hand holding his.
—I can see why you feel like that.. I too,, didn't receive the help I needed the most at that time,, so we have more in common than you may think.—. They confessed,, standing up while still keeping his hands under her touch. She felt this was the appropriate moment to open up,, after all,, she was in front of someone she could consider her equal - different upbringings yet could relate with some aspects.
—You see.. I was a scholar,, but every paper I tried to publish would be pushed away or rejected. I even thought there was something wrong with them despite the passion I have for my job as a herpetologist! But despite all,, I wanted to be recognized.. which of course went wrong. I'm here as well. The point is,, you,, Frederick,, have potential. If I recall correctly we have another musician in the manor,, so who knows?
—You.. you mean master Antonio?! I could never! He's the greatest one of all times!
—I've had a moment or two with him. A glass of wine will suffice.—. Luchino nodded,, as she now let go of his hand,, yet that soon stopped as Frederick opted for squeezing her hand in joy.
—.. Thank you so much,, Mx. Diruse.
—Aren't we friends now? Just call me Luchino! Unless you'd like to keep formalities.
—You're right.. Luchino is nicer.. It adds a nice melody to my ears. I like nice melodies. You're a nice melody-—. He cut himself off. Why would he let his feelings get the best of him! Nonsense!
—I am flattered. Who would've thought you'd be such a charmer?
—That's- That's a way of saying you're nice,, don't think too ahead of yourself.—. Kreiburg quickly replied,, but what threw him off the most was when Diruse actually reciprocated.
—I think you're nice too,, Mr. Kreiburg.
—Please.. just call me Frederick,, Luchino.
With those words,, the night passed peacefully,, and to the white haired man,, it was a delight to be recognized for who he was,, not for what he appeared to be to the rest of the world. As for the one with orange streaks on their hair,, let's just say they'll enjoy getting to know more about their person of interest..