Hello there! We're back with the next adventure. Whose turn is it now? Read and you shall see ;)

Like the title states, I feel like pulled deeper into the abyss of pervy-ness. I'm sure my beta-reader aka co-author aka partner in crime feels the same too. And maybe some of you too so far?

In any case, thank you for those following our stories so far. It is enjoyable to read every single review. Again, thank you very much! Please follow us until the end of the story, ne? ;)

Disclaimer: La Corda d'Oro will never be ours!

Melody #5

Gravity

I opened the heavy crimson curtain that covered the stage slightly, only enough to take a peek of the audience in the opera hall. I closed my eyes and swallowed nervously when I saw more and more people coming inside, occupying the numbered-seats, mixed with their anticipating chattering. My hands and feet grew cold and I unconsciously clutched my hand tighter onto the curtain.

If someone asked me about how I felt that moment, I'd say I was nervous. Very nervous. I hadn't sung in front of such a large audience for so long that I couldn't find in my memory anymore of how it felt like. The last time must have been the thesis for my graduation from my college for Performing Arts, where I majored at Opera Singing.

I sighed. That very memory reminded me of that fateful night. The night after my graduation, when my long-term boyfriend at the time and I were driving home and encountered a car accident. It was snowing heavily and the road was slippery. He tried to avoid a slipping car that came from the other side, but ended up slipping too. He couldn't control the steering wheel and collided against a wall.

The next thing I knew, I woke up in a hospital, bandaged here and there. Apparently I had a light brain concussion and some broken bones, waking up three days after the accident. But my boyfriend never woke up again. They said he passed away on the way to the hospital.

I never got the chance to see his body, since his funeral was held when I was still unconscious. When I woke up inquiring for him and found out he wasn't around anymore, I turned hysterical and refused to eat nor talk to anybody. I kept on blaming myself for the accident, since he was only accompanying me for the graduation party. If anything, I thought I was the one who should have died, not him.

The weeks I spent in the hospital felt like hell. I was weak, but felt numb. Until the day I was released from the hospital, I was still like a zombie. And it went on for quite a time afterwards. I stopped singing, did nothing in particular and closed myself from social activities. I stayed at home most of the time, despite the urging from my parents. I didn't budge.

Until that sunny afternoon last year, around two years later. I was walking home from the convenience store through the riverbank. While walking slowly, I thought I heard a voice in the distance. A singing voice. I didn't bother at first, but as I walked on, the voice could be heard more clearly.

And then, something in the voice made me stop on my track. I suddenly felt like pulled into a black-hole-like dimension which was so overwhelming that I froze, with my feet rooted to the street. I had goosebumps and before I knew it, my sight was foggy. It felt like eternity, since the last time I heard such a beautiful singing I used to hear a lot during my college days.

While not being flawless, the voice was still a beautiful male baritone. My trained ears could distinguish that the singing man hadn't been practicing for long. But no, the voice felt whole, that he couldn't have been an amateur. He must have had sung for some time before. He might have stopped for whatever reason, and was starting over.

Maybe he was just like me...

With that thought, curiosity overcame me, and I jogged toward the voice. I reached the bridge that crossed the river and looked downwards. And down there, standing at the riverbank in a distance, was a man with light brown hair that glinted silvery under the afternoon sky. I couldn't see his face, since he was backing me.

Sadly, as I reached the bridge, the song was nearing its end. I grabbed the railings of the bridge, hoping the man would continue singing. But no, not long after, that man walked away, until he disappeared from my view.

I bit my lower lip with mixed feelings. It felt weird. For once, I wanted to hear more singing, something I myself was able to do. And I wanted to see his face, wanting to know what kind of person had such powerful attraction in his voice. And suddenly... I wanted to sing again.

After that day, my life turned the other way around. I suddenly had a new motivation and purpose in life. I wanted to lead a better life and make use to the fullest of what I had. I went back to my professors and vocal coaches and refined my voice that hadn't been put to good use for years.

Somewhere within my heart and mind, I had the slight hope that I might be able to see that mysterious man again and hear him sing if I was in the same industry. I didn't know what exactly I felt for him from that one encounter, but one thing for sure, I wanted to thank him for pulling me back to reality from my idle and zombie-like state.

Time flew by very quickly, and before I knew it, it had already been a year since that encounter. And I still couldn't forget that man...

"What are you doing here?"

The raw voice from behind me made me almost jump in surprise. I immediately turned around, to find the source of my motivation standing right there with his hands rested on his hips and looking at me questioningly. Like me, he was already full-dressed and made-up in Victorian clothes for tonight's act.

I smiled sheepishly. "I was looking at the audience. But I think it was a bad idea... It made me even more nervous," I mumbled.

"It definitely is. I can't remember myself how it feels like to stand up here and sing for so many people," he muttered with a sigh.

"You're right. We both left the stage for quite some time..," I murmured.

"Anyway, I came looking for you. Briefing is about to start," he said with a shrug, then turned around and walked away.

I looked at his retreating figure, not knowing what to think about. It suddenly reminded me of the first time we met a few months ago.

Back then, I was told that it was about time I officially and professionally made my name on the opera stage. Saying I had potentials, I was given the female leading role, while my partner was supposedly someone who was making a comeback as well.

My body went cold the time he made his first appearance for that meeting. I could never forget that hair color. I was convinced he was the man I was hoping to see again. I was dumbstruck when he offered me his hand and mentioned his name – Kanazawa Hiroto – that I lost my voice for a moment there. And I was sure my hand was ice-cold as I responded to his warm handshake.

When we had our first singing rehearsal, I thought I was going to die the moment he started to sing. There was no mistaking anymore. He definitely was my very reason of returning to this world. I was instantly drowned, pulled by waves of his voice that were both strong and gentle. I had the sudden urge to cry of relief and happiness, but wasn't able to show that little secret of my life, so I had to hide it instantly.

Days went by. Every rehearsal had been both exciting and tiring, yet I knew it would be worth it to be on the same stage as him, acting and singing alongside him. I made sure I gave my best to prove my worthiness and not turn them down.

I smiled at the memories. Though still nervous, I was sure everything would turn out just fine tonight. I was confident of my skills, and we'd rehearsed like crazy until perfecting everything. We didn't want to disappoint anybody.

I finally moved my feet to follow Kanazawa-san's steps toward the dressing rooms; my eyes never leaving his figure. I still didn't know what it was the feelings I had for him. I was clearly attracted to him for various reasons. But I still didn't know if it would develop into something later. After all, our relationship so far had only been of colleagues. We'd never been alone, except when we were rehearsing our duets. And what would happen after tonight was unknown.

Well, I guess, que será, será...

The last note had just been sung. Waves of voices and music could still be felt in my surrounding. On the stage, it was so hot, and I was sweaty under my heavy attire and make up, but I didn't feel all that until the very last moment. I only felt adrenaline rush, deep satisfaction, and my hands were slightly trembling from a feeling I couldn't decipher.

But this was it. This was the feeling I had long forgotten, and I was glad I decided to come back to experience it again. It made me feel worth living and that I had something to be proud of.

When cheers started to be heard from the audience, I felt my body starting to shake and tears forming in my eyes. My view got blurry from tears and excessive lighting, so I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

A small smile formed on my face.

"Tadaima...," I murmured to no one in particular.

I couldn't stop smiling at the after-party held afterwards. Congratulatory words were heard the rest of the evening, and I lost count of how many times I thanked all those people. I was tired from the whole preparation and rehearsal, but seeing those satisfied faces made it all worthwhile.

When the evening grew late and the party was nearing its end, I thought I should start preparing my things in the dressing room so that I wouldn't need to rush when the time to leave came later. So after excusing myself, I went to the lift at the back of the building that led to the backstage and dressing rooms few stories down.

I pressed the button beside the lift and waited, while pondering how the next stage play would be. I had already been appointed for a small recital in the next month, so I would only have few days of break before starting with the next rehearsals.

My ears suddenly captured steps coming closer from behind. I turned my body in reflex, and saw him – my living motivation – in his dark suit, approaching me with steady steps. The sight of him alone made my heart beat faster and my feet go cold for reasons I didn't understand of.

Earlier at the party, I met him during my rounds and told him it was nice working with him and that I looked forward for another collaboration. That was true. I did enjoy his presence for various reasons. And I would gladly see him more often during or outside work, if only I could get to know him better. I had the feeling that the man was quite something and could change my life, one way or another.

I plastered a smile to greet him so I didn't look dumbstruck and laughable.

"Going to the dressing room too, Kanazawa-san?" I managed to ask.

"You too?" he asked instead, and I took it as a yes. I only nodded in response, while I curiously felt my heart dancing; which was odd.

It was followed by an awkward silence while standing side by side and waiting for the old and seemingly-slow lift to come, which felt like forever. I gulped nervously while fighting a curious sensation building inside me. My stomach suddenly felt warm and fuzzy, and for reasons unknown to me, I felt a certain spark attraction building between us, although no words were uttered and no contact was made.

Finally the lift arrived and the door opened before us. And along with that, I felt even more nervous. Maybe it was the realization that we would be riding the lift alone? I didn't know.

"After you, Milady," he muttered in a tone different than usual, while showing me inside.

I nodded shortly and forced my feet to move inside the small metal room, with him following shortly after and standing behind me as I looked at the row of numbered-buttons beside the still open door.

"Which floor was it again, Kanazawa-san?" I asked with my index finger hovered about the row of buttons.

Suddenly, I felt his presence very close behind me. Or maybe too close, since I could practically feel the fabric of his clothes against the skin of my bare back. And before I knew it, his face was already beside mine.

My brain told me I should move away, but my instincts said otherwise. And somehow, I went on with the second option. I stayed silent, while his warm breath caressed my cheek, unintentionally building something warm inside my body.

How long had it been already? It almost felt like eternity since the last time a man had been able to make me feel this way with the mere touch of his breathing. I couldn't help but shiver although my body was slowly heating up.

"Hmm... let me see...," he murmured in his raw voice, tickling my senses somehow.

He suddenly pushed the lowest button, which had the marking B4 on it, and with that, the door closed before us.

"Are you sure that's the right level?" I asked nervously, feeling a stone inside my throat.

"I'm not, but we could check it out...," he whispered heavily beside my face.

As if on cue, I turned my head to the side, and at the very same instant, he moved his face even closer to mine, resulting our lips to touch. I was surprised for a short moment, but the feeling faded in an instant as a sudden passion overcame and an unintended touch turned into a battle of tongues.

While our mouths were busy doing their job, I felt his hands encircling my waist, pulling me closer to his body. Not before long, one of them moved up until it touched my bosom. It stayed there, caressing one peak, and then the other hungrily.

"Kanazawa-san...," I moaned his name short-breathedly between kisses, only to be answered by his tongue invading my mouth again, and his hand slipping underneath the top of my gown until coming into direct contact with my breasts, before resuming to squeeze them in turn again.

I could feel my body heating up tremendously under his touch, the pebbles of my bosom hardening, my legs growing weak, and yet in the back of my head, I still craved for more.

As if he could read my mind, his other hand moved southwards until he found the sensitive part between my legs. He started to caress it over my long gown, moving his fingers expertly about it.

Suddenly I heard a loud 'ping', and we instinctively stopped all activities. In the few milliseconds, he moved backwards until his back hit the wall of the lift, while I did the same with the wall beside me. But I felt my breathing almost leaving my body and my face was obviously very flushed, that I decided to look downwards, so that my face wouldn't be very visible.

The door opened and I saw a pair of male shoes entering the lift. I glanced upward and saw a middle-aged man in suit. The man shot a small smile toward each of us, before turning and pressing a button beside the door, which I recognized to be only one story down.

While riding that one level, I shot Kanazawa-san a glance, and I saw him doing the same. His eyes showed heat, impatience and promise of whatever good was about to come. He was obviously resisting every urge to continue the broken activities that very moment. It was almost pitiful to see, and yet heart-warming in some ways.

A loud 'ping' was heard again, followed by the door opening, and the middle-aged man turned his head and nodded courtly towards us before stepping outside the lift. Right after that, in very quick movements, Kanazawa-san dashed towards the opening of the lift, turned his head left-and-right, then pushed the button to close the door more quickly.

I giggled watching his impatient act, but my giggle hung in the air as he suddenly pressed his body to mine, with an arm above my head.

"We have three more levels inside this slow lift until the lowest basement," he whispered, while his eyes glinted with more ardor than before.

I smiled in response, then put my arms around his neck and pulled him for more kisses. He soon relaxed and responded to my calling.

I felt the kisses to grow impatient very soon, and then his mouth was already attacking my neck. Meanwhile, his free hand moved to the straps of the top of my gown and slid them until my breasts were visible, before resuming the fingering on them.

I heard my own moans echoing inside the small room. It had been too long since the last time I had an intimate physical contact with the opposite sex, and it made me feel good a lot sooner than I would usually be.

Before I knew it, my hands moved downwards and fumbled with his pants, unzipping it impatiently and introducing a hand to touch his hardened manliness, caressing it all over. I felt it. I wanted him. Soon.

He suddenly stopped his kisses and faced me hungrily. "You'll drive me crazy if you continue doing that," he muttered in a raw voice.

"And what do you think you're doing?" I purred while pointing with my free hand at his fingers over my swollen breast.

He cleared his throat and grimaced.

"I can't help it. You're very attractive," he tried to reason playfully, then made circles with his thumb around a hardened nipple, making me moan involuntarily.

"And you are very manly yourself, Mister...," I dropped my tone between moans, while my hand continued stroking and pressing his length in an even faster pace.

In a flash movement, he put his free hand that was above my head on my thigh, then started pulling the skirt of my gown up hurriedly, then slid his hand to touch my thigh directly, and up until he found my sensitive spot again. This time, he stroked a finger right there in a quick pace, before seeming to have grown more impatient and finally tugged my thong down and introduced a finger into my already wet spot.

I cried and moaned at the same time, feeling that I might die from the too good feelings that were building within me. As if it wasn't enough, the hand on my breasts was soon replaced with his mouth; doing biting, licking and sucking all over my already swollen peaks. In response, I hurriedly unbuckled his belt and took his length from inside his boxer as soon as his pants slid down. I moved my hands around it hungrily, impatient to have it inside me already. And my action resulted in him introducing a second finger into my center and thrusting more eagerly while I cried out for his name.

"Do you want me that badly?" he asked teasingly, but the question was obviously directed to himself as well.

I felt that his mouth had stopped its game on my breasts, but his hand around my center hadn't. He was now standing straight facing me from the vicinity. I only smiled and nodded.

"Tell me you want me," he half-commanded between short breaths while his thrusting went quicker, making me cry again. I felt like I was about to explode, but I didn't want to experience it without having him inside.

"I... want... you," I finally confessed between moans. "... now."

"Damn it, I want you so bad. You're driving me mad!" he suddenly exclaimed, then took his fingers from my center, released his length from my hands, then drove it into me in a quick movement.

I cried again when I felt him inside me, and instinctively opened my legs wider to provide him easier way in. Meanwhile, I put my arms around his neck and soon another battle of tongues started while down there, heavy thrusting was taking place.

Suddenly, he lifted both my legs and put them around his waistline, while pushing me to a corner.

"Hold on to me," he ordered, before resuming the thrusting. Deeper, deeper...

"Oh my God... that's right... more... please...," I let out a set of incoherent words, before invading his mouth with mine again.

Then he moved his mouth downwards and started doing the great things with his mouth on my breasts again, and thus driving me more to ecstasy.

"You feel... amazing," he muttered while still pumping inside me, before sucking an already very swollen nipple again.

All actions together resulted in an explosion from deep within, that slowly but sure spread to all extensions of my body. It felt like bliss, like driven to heaven, blinding me and making me stop all movements in an instant. I felt like at that very moment, he reached his peak as well, that made him shake, grab my waist more tightly and bury his face onto my cleavage.

After a short blissful silence, he took his center out, and we collapsed on the floor. He was still holding my waist, and I rested my cheek on his shoulder. And we stayed like that while regaining our usual breathing.

At that very moment, the 'ping' was heard again and the door opened. I panicked, but couldn't move. I only hoped nobody was out there and saw us in this vulnerable state.

He turned his head to see outside as well, and what we saw was nothing more than a dim parking lot. Thank God nobody seemed to be there. But it also meant that we got the wrong floor.

And then I crawled toward the side of the door and pressed the second button from lowest, which read B3. After that, while holding onto the wall beside me, I slowly stood up and put my clothes in the right position. The flowing garment of the skirt of my gown looked a bit creased, and I was sure my hair was somewhat messy, so I combed my hair as much as I could with my fingers, just in case.

I saw Kanazawa-san doing the same with his clothes, but he didn't say a thing. He finished it quickly and then leaned to the wall behind him.

When the 'ping' was heard and the door opened again, I saw that we were indeed on the right floor. Still in silence, we walked out and stepped directly to our own designated dressing rooms, which were separated by gender.

Once inside and having closed the door behind me, I proceeded to sit on one of the chairs facing the mirrors. I watched my reflection, and wondered if what I did just now really happened. I never knew myself to be so bold, daring or maybe even desperate. I wasn't a very spontaneous person who'd do such things mindlessly. But now, it had happened.

Along with those thoughts, I wondered how Kanazawa-san would react. What he would think about this. I admired him and felt a certain attraction about him, that was for sure. And judging from what he did inside the lift, he too must feel some attraction towards me, even if in a different meaning. I really wouldn't know.

But as I watched my reflection again, I could only see rest of a passionate and quick love-making. I looked contented, somehow. But there was no trace of regret.

I finally stood up and proceeded to pack my things. Qué será, será, I thought to myself again. If everything turned out good later, fine, but if it didn't, I'd have to accept it somewhat. I couldn't blame anyone since I did it on my own will.

When I finished with packing and freshening myself up in the adjacent bathroom, I put my belongings in a corner, then walked towards the door again. I stood before the door for a moment, staring at the doorknob, sighed, then finally turned it and walked outside.

To my surprise, Kanazawa-san was standing beside the door, leaning his back on the wall. I could only blink at the sight of him.

He turned his head and stared at me. "I was waiting for you," he voiced out.

I cleared my throat. "Um... yes?"

He stood upright, looking at me uneasily, then diverted his gaze while scratching his head. It made him look like a shy student, somehow.

"Ah... I'm... sorry," he muttered.

I blinked again and tilted my head to a side. "What for?"

"Well, for what happened earlier... I know it might sound like a lame excuse, but I haven't been able to feel attraction toward a certain woman for years, so just now I was like venting my desperation on you. And I'm sorry for that," he explained.

I felt myself beaming inside for some reason. Maybe because his words sounded like a confession towards me, and that my worries earlier were just unnecessary after all.

"Kanazawa-san...," I called him.

He faced me again. When our eyes met, I smiled.

"Don't worry. Really. Truth is, I was concerned about the same thing earlier. I pondered if it was the right thing to do, and if it wasn't, what would happen afterwards. But I think it's resolved now. We don't need to worry anymore, do we?"

He listened silently until I finished speaking, and then a relieved smile formed on his lips. Then he walked forward and embraced me.

"Thank you. I'm so glad I met you during my comeback. I guess I've found a new reason to do my best again," he said.

I hugged him back. "I'm the one who should be saying that, Kanazawa-san."

He released me and looked at me with questioning eyes. "How so?"

I chuckled, and felt a bit embarrassed that the moment of confession finally came. I took a deep breath before looking directly into his eyes and spoke.

"You see, it's because of you that I'm now standing here. Some time ago, I was very down and had lost every wish to live. I was stuck deep in a dark hole. And then... I heard you sing. And it was your singing that touched my soul and pulled me back to reality, like a very powerful gravity. So I decided to move on, with the hope of being able to thanking you one day. Who knew that day have come now?"

He blinked again, perplexed, then grinned. "Oh wow, I didn't know I had that power in me."

I chuckled again. "You do. So... thank you. Very much."

He laughed, then embraced me tightly again, with me holding him back. Everything had been revealed now, and leaving our dark pasts behind, I looked forward to brighter days with new reasons to live.

.

== END OF SYMPHONY #5==

A/N: Soooo? What do you think of this one? Do let us know of your thoughts, alright? ;)

Coming up next! Guess xD