They had met through a dinner gala held in honor of his achievements and newest position within the company. People crowded around, shook hands and took pictures with The President. The President, shockingly young, was more than elated to pose and interact with the guests. His blue eyes lit up with a fire, a fire that the pianist could only identify as pride and ambition. A quick glance to The President was enough to show what he was capable of. A charming smile here, a witty comeback there and a playful wink rendered the guest vulnerable to his wishes and demands.

Breathing in a quick breath, the pianist gathered his sheets for the night. His part of the nightly entertainment was quickly approaching and he tried to steel his nerves as the lights dimmed around the quartet and he was signaled to play his piece. As he settled in, there was a hushed silence as he gathered his wits and proceeded to play a soft and sweet piece that entranced the guests.

The President sat at his table, which to the pianists luck was near the area he played. He couldn't lie, The President was a handsome man, physically irresistible to the pianist. He had an aura, he couldn't quite put his finger on it but it attracted him even from just quick glances. However he had to concentrate, this was an important performance for him, if he played his cards right this could be his chance impress the right people. He just had to concentrate.

Throughout the night, he played and played, beautiful song after beautiful song and the guests were enchanted by the pianist. The President gazed at him with wonderment, there was something about that pianist, beautiful as he may be, he seemed clouded in mystery. Perhaps it was because he didn't know him, perhaps because he hadn't heard him speak. Or maybe he did, maybe throughout his songs he spoke of his life. Maybe he spoke about love and lovers, maybe he spoke of his dreams and desires. In any case, he wanted to know more, he wanted to know more about this man whose eyes shone with the glimmer of an emerald and whose fingers moved quickly and gracefully. The last notes rang throughout the room, and with a simple bow and bouts of applause, the pianist left the stage.

The room resumed to its previous chatter, as the next part of the nightly entertainment was a live music performance from a cuban band that played latin tunes that seduced the guests into dancing or mingling about. The pianist headed to the direction of the quartet as they had settled into their table and talked amongst themselves. As he got closer, Roderich stood and gave him a proud smile as he shook the pianists hand.

"Congratulations Arthur, I can honestly say I'm impressed. I've never seen such a performance from you that was as stunning as tonight's." He offered Arthur a seat as the rest of the quartet moved to make space for him.

"I agree, your songs were very beautiful! Even fratello cried a little didn't you?~" The Italian gestured to his identical twin brother whose face was getting redder by the second as said brother turned his head away and mumbled something about killing him when they got home.

"I'm flattered, really. Thank you all, I appreciate your comments." Just as he finished speaking a hand shook his hair.

"You did amazing, no doubt a snooty talent scout will sign you!" said a feminine voice as said owner of the voice sat next to Roderich. She took a drink of her glass as she turned to Arthur with a giddy expression.

"Thank you Elizabeta, it's been a while since I've seen you all. How have you all been?" asked Arthur.

"Oh you know, here and there. We're currently touring in Asia so it's been an adventure so far." replied Roderich as he took a drink of his glass and eyed Elizabeta's fourth.

"That's amazing. It's been a while since I've actually performed. I guess this kind of took me out that shell." Arthur sheepishly took a drink and looked around the room as the table fell into a comfortable silence, the chatter and music a calming background noise. His eyes fell on The President who was speaking with an older gentleman and with whom he was sharing a few laughs. Arthur then turned back to the table just as Roderich cleared his throat.

"So Arthur I did forget to mention though, a couple of weeks ago I ran into Francis while at a performance in Hong Kong. He asked about you and if you were still performing. I told him I didn't know much ever since the last concert in which we had performed together in. I told him that you were most probably busy writing new pieces and that I'd pass his message unto you if I were to see you again." Arthur held a thoughtful expression as he swirled his drink inside his glass.

"Thank you Roderich, I'll contact him in my own time, it's been a while in which I've talked with him, or anyone for that matter." Roderich nodded as Elizabeta came back with a new glass of champagne. Roderich sighed as he gently tried to pried it of her hands and gave her a quick peck.

"You've had enough dear." Elizabeta nodded as Roderich stood and took her hand. She smiled and guided him away from the table.

"Let's dance!" the couple laughed as they both tried to find a rhythm to the music played. Arthur only stared as he took a couple of swigs. As he started to stand a voice came from behind him.

"You gave an impressive performance, Arthur is it?" Arthur had never in his live turned as fast as he did in that moment, effectively sending him tumbling down as a certain President quickly acted and took him in arms mid fall.

"Whoa there buddy, careful." came the voice that currently held him in a tight hug. Arthur quickly stood and coughed into his hands trying to play it off as The President gave a low chuckle.

"Thank you, and erm, yes I'm Arthur, Arthur Kirkland at your service. And you are?" The President gave him a smile that send his heart racing and made his ears slightly red.

"I'm Alfred, Alfred F. Jones, President of this lovely company." He smiled and it was a radiant sight to behold. It took every ounce of his being not to sigh at it.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Jones, I'm flattered by your compliment, I'm glad you were satisfied by my performance." Arthur hesitantly tried to smile back, unsure of what exactly this Mr. Jones wanted.

"Well I just wanted to say that your performance was the crown jewel of tonight. It was fascinating to see you play with such passion. I was also wondering if I could maybe see you again, if you could do me such an honor." Arthur blushed deeply as he tried to look away.

"I'd be honored." replied Arthur as Alfred handed him his business card.

"I hope to hear from you soon." smiled the president as he headed back to talk and entertain his guests.

"I hope so too." whispered Arthur.