Wall of Disclaimers is up.
"Barry, what did you want to show me?" Roddy was fumbling since he couldn't see past Barry's large hands.
Just months ago, the laws against homosexuals in general had been over turned. Holly, being a well versed speaker, had won over parliament in her supercharged speech. Frank's firm had jumped on the case for good publicity, but, under the table, many thought this was a long time coming. Those two would be an unstoppable duo. In the time since then, Monroe had made an honest man of Nick. And, Hanson had gathered the courage to propose to Holly. (He was accepted.) Sally found love with a silks merchant. Gracie had sworn off marrying only to be promptly swept off her feet by Kevin, an apprentice with Hanson. Everyone seemed to be falling during the spring haze. Even Rosalie had started a long courtship.
"Just a little further." Barry guided him to the middle of the room. "Here."
Roddy blinked at the sudden change in light. The room was brightly illuminated by windows. Under his feet was a plush patterned rug. There was a stand for music and a shelf filled with books on the left. To his right, there was a cherry wood desk. On it was a violin. Correction, it was his violin with new strings and a fresh bow.
Roddy stroked the old wood. It was cool at his touch, familiar under his hand. "How did you?"
Barry hugged him from behind. "Monroe was willing to dig it up." Roddy glanced at his gloved hand.
"Can I?"
Barry whispered into his ear, letting go, "If you trust me."
Roddy undid the clasp of his glove. "I trust you."
The hand was made of titanium. The parts were strong and agile due to regular maintenance. It glinted harshly in the sunlight. Metal, not flesh. Another hand wrapped around it.
Barry brought the metal extension to his lips."I love this part of you too." Roddy let him kiss the cool metal. He retracted and readied that hand on the neck. His right picked up the bow and started pulling it across the strings.
The sound that came out was light and fluttery. It was a flurry of notes, each sharper and more wild than the last. His fingers moved instinctively. Sweetness, without being saccharine, permeated the piece and the softness of cashmere followed. Every note had its own words and beat, glittering as it swirled around the room. Barry stood in rapt attention, his mouth slightly open in awe. Roddy quirked up the edges of his mouth in a phantom smile. The piece slowed and stopped, leaving the listener and composer startled out of a lovely day dream.
Barry leaned in and brushed his lips against Roddy's forehead.
"I love this part of you too."
Two gold bands glinted in the light.
"Iron hand in a velvet glove."
- Charles V
Thanks for reading, everyone. Nick and Monroe? Maybe...