"Where did you get that ridiculous hair?"
The musician frowned, pausing with raised bow. It was certainly not the first time he had been asked this question. It was, however, the first time it had been posed to him in the middle of an Aria. He flicked a glance of irritation at the fellow who had displayed the nerve to interrupt him.
"Impression," he murmured through set teeth.
"What?" His single audience member had amusement in his voice.
"Mum was frightened by a rooster before I was born."
A lyrical laugh answered him, followed by a delicate sneeze. For some reason Gregory Violet always sneezed when he laughed. It was a strange, if moistly endearing habit. The violinist waited for him to blow his nose.
"Are you quite finished? I'd like to finish this thing before lunch."
Gregory waved a delicate hand, a small smile dancing on his painted lips.
Cheslock shook his crested head and resumed playing. His performance was nothing to sneeze at.
Careful to hide his mirth behind a silk handkerchief, the Prefect listened politely. The contrast between the sweet, refined melody and the wild white crest perched on his musician's head was funny beyond words. The ludicrous clash of white bobbed slightly as its owner kept time to the solemn love song. The whole thing threatened to send Violet into giggles again. He bit his lip to keep control of himself. The music was truly lovely, Cheslock's fingers masterful and confident as they slid across the strings. The sound was perfection. But that hair...
Perhaps if he closed his eyes...
Cheslock glimpsed his Prefect sitting there, eyes closed, apparently enraptured by his performance. The soft curve of lash was a trifle distracting, but better than being laughed at. Good. Being interrupted was more than a distraction - it was rude. Not that Violet seemed to worry about such formalities. At least he was being quiet. His hood had drifted back from his face, showing the full mane of black hair softly framing his face. The bright tuft of white at his temple gave Cheslock more thoughts on Impression. Perhaps some rude bird had flown overhead while he was in utero and... He smirked and almost missed his key change.
One of Violet's pretty gold eyes drifted open and sparkled beneath his bangs, as if he had half-heard his underclassman's disrespectful musings. Once again, Cheslock nearly forgot his fingering. That singular gold eye threatened to swallow him whole. His only defense was to shut his own eyes and concentrate on the music. Sometimes it was easier to play without such visual distractions.
Violet smiled serenely and folded his long white hands primly in his lap. Twice he had almost succeeded in unseating those steady fingers. Perhaps a third time would be the charm. Chester did not give him the opportunity however, keeping his eyes stubbornly shut and playing flawlessly through the piece. He was consumed by the music, devoting his every fiber to the performance. Not one mistake, not a single waiver or false note. Violet grinned openly, both enjoying the music and secretly plotting to upset the apple cart. Perhaps less subtle tactics would be called for. Violet ran his tongue slowly over his lower lip. He'd get him next time.