A mid-afternoon Nocturne{Dorian and Iris}

[Yuki]

"B flat, G, F, G, F, E flat..."

The piano was such child's play, mused the Handsome Eye sitting on the bench next to said instrument. Of course, he was no Chopin or Liszt when it came to the piano, but it seemed as though any fool with two hands could play a piece. It was almost hard for Dorian to find someone who could not play the piano, or at least even a few notes. It certainly was not hard to press down on a few keys and make magic, at least not for him.

Mr. Crictern had taught Dorian how to play the piano at the ripe age of six, and it all started from there. However, there was only so much that his father could teach him, and soon Dorian had his very own piano teacher. He didn't care much for the woman--she was old, smelled, and had an extremely thick French accent that was hard to understand. But he did learn a lot from her in only a few years, so Dorian was of course grateful for the few years that he had with her. His lessons stopped when his teacher's heart did, and Dorian never did try to become better at the beautiful instrument.

That still did not mean that he wouldn't play, of course. Whether he had spare time or he was just in "that mood", he would waltz his way over to the tiny music room that Florence had. The room itself only had a few precious instruments that were in working condition, and thankfully the piano was one of them. It was the only one in this large room that he knew how to play, and he was happy to have time to actually use the piano to its full potential.

As Dorian continued to play the Nocturne, he wondered if Dante knew how to play the piano. He wasn't even sure if Dante knew that Dorian played, let alone was actually good at it. Would Dante laugh at him for it? Most likely, because that's what Dante always did. The young man scowled at the thought, accidentally missing a note and his left hand faltered. A quiet "shit" escaped his pale lips as he backed up a few measures, this time hitting that note right on spot.

Smiling, he continued to play, yet his mind wandered off once more as he reached the exposition. It was always Dante that managed to get on his mind, the fool. That bastard. That liar. His best friend... damn everything, why did Dorian always think of him? If Dorian knew his friend well, then he was most likely the last thing on Dante's mind. It was amusing to the Handsome Eye how different a relationship could be in the point of each person--how one thought of the other. If this relationship was sexual, Dorian always imagined that he would be the woman, since he was the one always thinking about the other, and always the one who wanted to spend time with him.

Which was exactly why he was in here in the first place. Dante was "busy" (probably just wanted to nap), so Dorian had the entire afternoon to himself. There was no one else to spend the time with, so why not with a piano?
Was it sad that he had no one else who would spend time with him? Have no other person he could really call a friend?
Probably. Oh well.

Finally, the end of the piece, the coda. Dorian took his time with the trill, eventually slowing down to the final chords of the nocturne. His fingers lingered on the final chord, waiting for the sound to evaporate into the air before moving his fingers away. Silence filled the room quickly, and Dorian let out a sigh that bounced off of the walls.
It was pathetic that he was so used to this silence.

ooc;; The piece that Dorian is playing is Chopin's Nocturne in E flat Major, Op. 9. No. 2...it'd be chill if you listened to this too. It sets the mood. (:

[whisp.]

The hallways were sprinkled with students here and there, the quiet hum of conversations ringing in the young woman’s ears. Iris Smith was a listener. She supposed that came with the title of Pretty Face. Any gossip, was her gossip. Any news, was her news. Any rumor, well she probably had a hand in its origins. Despite all that information, many still sent smiles her way and nods. She absently smiled and continued on her merry way.

She was headed to meet up with another member of her clique when the first set of music notes hit her ears. There was a pause in her step and she crossed the hall and stood outside the room, listening. Iris had always had this special connection with piano music. It was gentle and cleared her thoughts. She herself had never learned to play. Her father was too busy getting her nannies to even consider other activities to engage her with, but that didn’t mean she didn’t know good playing when she heard it.

Tugging on a black curl, she opened the door slowly, afraid that any too much motion would cause the pianist to stop his wonderful sound. It was in the doorway she stood, with her eyes closed and hands together as the magic sound floated all around her. She was little again, running through a park…being care-free. Her frame leaned against the wall in silence. The song was vaguely familiar to her and she visibly relaxed as each note rung throughout the room.

There had been rumors of a change in position in the Pretty Faces, or at least the cancelation of members. And although Iris had no worries about her own place among them, any one of those girls could stab her in the back. Though if they did, they should watch out. This school was her kingdom, and her only kingdom. At home she was just as purposeful as the maid who cleaned the bathrooms. But here…here is where she had power and she lived for it.

Slowly as the music died down and finally finished, Iris took in a deep breath and began to clap. It didn’t matter who was the one sitting on the bench, but as Iris opened her eyes and saw the familiar head, a smile tugged on her lips. ”I should have known it was you playing, Dorian.” She said gently, making her way over to him. ”That was wonderful. It brings back happy memories.” Gently, she ran her hand across the top part of the piano.

Dorian had seen things from her past that she had never even told others. Years of abuse and maltreatment, he had seen it. To bring a happy memory forward, was sheer talent. ”You had a teacher when you were younger, right?” Somewhere in her memory she remembered stumbling upon his house and hearing the few notes of music drift from the window. ”You’re music is wonderful.” She commented again, before she paused. ”Will you teach me?” It was blunt and direct, but she had a passion to learn. Right now, and at this very second.

[Yuki]

As soon as the silence was broken by clapping, Dorian jumped. Whirling his head around, his feeling of shock went away as soon as he saw his friend's face. Iris. It was a relief to see her, and know that it was only her in the room that heard his horrid rendition of Chopin. "Iris," he started with a faint smile, "you almost frightened me." A grin slowly crept upon his face, shifting to the left just a bit as his old friend began to walk over.

”That was wonderful. It brings back happy memories."[/i]

Dorian was so glad to hear that. He was sure--unless she her precious Pretty Face leader--that he was the only one who knew of her abusive relationship with her father. There had been so many times when he tried to go to her house for a playdate, or even a hello, but was forced out by a maid saying that it was "not the right time". It was always some silly excuse, such as Iris having a tutor over, or Iris taking a nap, or Iris this or Iris that.

But he knew what was really going on.

"I'm... glad to hear that, Iris," he said truthfully. A happy memory was certainly better than any memory that Iris could have at her house, and it always pained the Handsome Eye to know that such a pretty, strong girl could be so hurt inside by that wretched man. He hated that she was so unhappy at home, and wanted to let her know that any place with him was better, and that she was always welcome at his house.

"Yes, I did have a teacher, but only for a while. Mrs. Anne. She was, well, interesting to say the least. I can't quite say that I'm glad to have had her, but I am glad that she knew how to play the piano so well."

Again, Dorian was startled at the girl's request, and a chuckle escaped his lips. "I'm honored that you like my music," he started, "but you really want to learn? This instrument is so... boring. And easy. Almost anyone can play." This was true, but Dorian also was not sure how to teach someone how to play the piano. He was about to continue, but when he saw the determined look in her eye to learn, he closed his mouth. He knew that look well, and that if Iris wanted something, by God, she would do anything to get it.

"Then again, a pretty girl can easily learn a pretty instrument. Sit down, Iris," he said, patting the empty space next to him on the bench. "I'll try to start off easy."

[/size]

[whisp.]

Iris laughed as the young man jumped and she stepped further into the room, her shoes clicking on the wooden floor. ”I think you jumping was me frightening you, I’m terribly sorry.” She said, but the smile on her face showed slight amusement. It was a harmless scare, she knew he knew that. It was just…entertaining.

Iris had remembered how at first she didn’t know how to act around him. Here she was, new girl at the school and full of secrets. And there he was, the boy who knew them all. She had been afraid he’d let it spill; betray her and she wouldn’t be the new Pretty Face. She’d just be the girl that was hurt again. But he hadn’t, and she felt closer to him even though it had never been discussed.

”I was thinking of the park.” She said with a smile, her eyes on the piano key and a slight smile on her face. ”one of my nannies took me there, got me out of the house. I got to play with other kids. Run around, laugh. That’s what this song brought me back to.” She commented, letting her gaze drift to him. It felt good to feel safe again, here at Florence. Iris dreaded the holidays and the summer. She hated to have to go home to that dead house and be helpless once more. It was nice to feel safe here.

Iris laughed as she thought of this woman that he was describing. Somehow, she faintly remembered someone leaving his house, and whether or not that was the woman he was speaking of, that’s the face she got. ”She seemed to have taught you well, too.” Iris commented, letting more of a smile tug onto her face.

”Well I obviously can’t find it easy since I don’t know how to play at all. I find it fascinating.”

She waited a moment before settling into the seat next to him on the bench. Their bodies touched lightly along their sides but none of it was uncomfortable. She’d known him since forever, if anything…it was familiar. ”start off easy, I’m afraid I’m a terribly slow learner when it comes to things like this. But trust me, I want to learn.” And she looked up at him, ready for their first lesson.

[Yuki]

A small blush attempted to creep upon Dorian's face at Iris' comment, but instead he tried to smile it off. Maybe even with the sunlight pooling into the room could Dorian pull off a "totally-not-blushing" look, having the redness on his cheeks actually be the "sunlight". Yes, of course. "Oh Iris please, I don't get frightened easily. Especially by a friend on such status as yourself," he replied, the smile still there.

"The park?" Dorian wondered aloud. Well, he wouldn't exactly call Chopin's piece a piece to remember days in the park... he was actually surprised that Iris had not returned to the darker memories of her childhood. Then again, the piece was slow yet it moved happily, so maybe it could remind one of a park? Dorian would have to really wonder about this later, because he was not going to think about how this particular piece of music should make him "feel"--it was important, but to him, just playing the piece perfectly was fine.

"Why not think of a memory of myself?" he joked. "I of course am kidding, as long as it makes you happy then I'm happy. At least this piece gives someone a happy memory."

He wasn't exactly saying that Chopin's nocturne made him sad, but it definitely didn't make him feel happy either. He had, after all, come to this room only to try and stop thinking about Dante, yet ended up thinking about him throughout the entire tune.

Dorian glanced at her as she sat down, mumbling a low "thanks" to her comment about the teacher. He felt her body touch his, but thought nothing of it. As children, they played with each other enough so that her touching him was almost reassuring, to remind him that his childhood also had some bright moments. "Of course I'll start off easy...hmm, maybe with the keys themselves? There are eight-eight keys, black and white, but the black keys are only used in a few occasions. I'll start you off with the white ones..."

He continued to explain to her how the keys worked, but after a while he realized that he wasn't even sure what he was saying. "Sorry, I'm not the greatest teacher," he confessed sheepishly. "There are eight major keys, and those make up the "piano alphabet", A through G. A starts here," playing A, "and G is here." He played G, looking back up at her and smiling. "Try playing through the notes? Don't touch the black ones, only go for the white keys. They're the most important."
As Iris was one of the most important to him.

[whisp.]

Iris was not blind to the color that crept onto his skin and she found herself smiling more and laughing. ”Oh Dorian. Please, if you wish to make excuses you may. But I saw what I saw.” She said with a wink. There was always something about Dorian that brought her back down to earth and made her feel like a real human instead of the bitch the Pretty Faces had made her, or the bitch she’d turned out to be. Sometimes it was hard to tell what changed her first.

”Yes, the park that was just a street away?” She glanced over and studied his face for a moment. ”Perhaps that’s not what the song is supposed to convey but…it’s what I feel. I hope that’s not too horrible.” The young woman commented. There was just something about the song that calmed her and took her back to a peaceful time. It wasn’t busy like everything else in her life seemed to be. It was…just right.

Iris laughed at his next comment and reached up to stroke the side of his face. ”If you’d like, of course I can. There are many of them. You always had the best toys. I was extremely jealous of them.” Her soft laughter filled the room again and she let her fingers touch a few of the keys creating the echoing sounds.

As he began to teach, she let all laughter slip off her face. She listened very intently, soaking in everything he was saying. Iris did find her train of thought slipping from time to time. She’d go back in the past to her own piano in her house, to watching Dorian play, to play time with Dorian, and to now. She had to mentally snap herself out of the trance to focus on the words in the present. ”no, no! you’re doing fine. It’s just a new concept, you’re doing great.”

There was a pause as she moved to place her fingers on the correct keys. Her eyes drifted over to his make sure they were in the right place before she let her fingers flow down the keys. She wished right then she could start playing some magnificent song and completely impress the pants off of Dorian, make him proud of her. But she knew that wouldn’t happen, at least not right now.

But Iris did know something….she did want to impress Dorian and she always wanted to.

[Yuki]

The color on Dorian's cheeks could not get any more red than it did after Iris' comment, and he was so happy that it was only her that could see. Dorian never blushed, it just wasn't something that he--or any of the guys that he knew--did. It was silly, almost childish or even feminine. Not something that a male on such high status like Dorian would do. Not at all. "Ah, well then fine. I'll let you believe whatever you want, Iris," he said, the color slowly starting to recede from his cheeks.

"That's quite alright, I guess," he continued, hoping that she'd forget about his little color fit. "Music is just supposed to make you feel something is all, so I'm glad that you at least thought of something. Emotionless music means nothing after all." Dorian brightened up, smiling at his little comment. So what if Iris was thinking of a silly park, just as long as it wasn't Logan... "It's not horrible at all."

The Eye laughed at her next comment, remembering the toys that his parents would always get him. They seemed to be the best, and Dorian always made sure to show off to the other kids who previously had the better toys. That's just how it used to be in Dorian's childhood; a competition for the better toy. If only life was that simple again, when everyone wanted toys, not money or social status. "Yes, I did have the best, didn't I?" he mused softly, mostly to himself. "They were so entertaining, but they were really only fun if I had someone to play with them also, such as yourself," he admitted with a smile.

This was also true, playing with toys was no fun for Dorian unless he had a friend over. That's especially why he cherished his relationship with Iris, since she was always able to come at the right time. Right when he got new toys, right when he was settling into Florence, and now, when he just needed someone to make sure he wasn't alone.

Dorian watched as Iris played the notes on the piano, still smiling. "That's great, Iris! And I'm glad my teaching method isn't too bad, I'm not so used to being the teacher." He then moved his hand onto the keys, placing his fingers on the C, E, and G notes. "Now, this is what is called a chord." He played it softly, letting the tune ring out before continuing. "They're used in many types of music, and it's important to know how to play different notes at a time."

He played a different chord, and another, showing how easy they could be. "Iris I promise that once we get through this, I'll teach you a few tunes. Easy of course, don't worry." His fingers, wanting something else to do besides play silly chords, begin playing random notes on the piano, drifting lazily along the keyboard as if they had a mind of their own.

[whisp.]

Iris let a laugh escape her and she reached with her hand to cover her mouth, as if embarrassed by it. She really truly did adore the color that rose to his cheeks and the feeling that it brought along with it. It was a feeling of empowerment and happiness and lustfulness. For some reason it just made her want to curl up in his lap and kiss all over the red parts. But, for the time being, she kept her lips to herself.

She smiled softly at his comments about music. There was so much out there to be heard and to be seen. Her favorite activity was just to listen to someone play an instrument and the magic it could create. She never told any of this to any of the other Pretty Faces because frankly, none of them really cared. Their life passions were to gossip and to backstab and to marry the wealthiest man there could be. That didn’t include many other side activities like music or sports or anything too exciting. Though Iris would admit, the gossiping was fun and being fashionable was amazing, and the gorgeous men were wonderful but like Dorian said: emotionless music means nothing at all. And that’s how a Pretty Face’s life was like.

Her eyes drifted towards him as she remembered the mountains of toys he had had. She scoffed at his comment and elbowed him lightly in the side. ”Not that you’re bragging or anything.” She added with a laugh, letting her hands drag across the keys. ”I’m glad that I was able to provide such companionship. It was a treat for you after all.” she teased, letting the smile drift into her eyes. She felt such like a kid around Dorian, so much so that it was almost overwhelming. But it was a comfort and safe. She marveled in the sensation.

For as long as Iris could remember, he had been there for her. When she needed a place to just get out of the house, Dorian was there. When she was first new at Florence and needed help finding her way around, Dorian was there. Whenever she had a problem or just needed to work it out, Dorian was there to listen. It was just this familiar pattern to her. He was her rock, whether she truly understood that or not.

As their conversation drifted back to music, Iris found herself more closely studying his face. How his cheek bones curved so and the way his eyebrow would quirk ever so slightly as he talked and explained things. She noted the seriousness and concentration his eyes held as he played the chords. There was something so captivating about his expression.

She jumped slightly when he spoke again and brought her back to the world they were in now. ”Oh, of course. I’m not worried at all.” Iris said softly as she watched his hands lazily drag on the piano. She allowed her own hands to press down gently on a few of the keys and eventually make their way towards his hands, brushing against his fingers.

There was a pause before she turned her face up to his. ”Dorian…?” the words came out barely at a whisper as she gently cupped his face with her hand. Slowly, she turned his face towards her and leaned in.

Tenderly, she melted her lips against his.

[Yuki]

The Eye rolled his eyes at the laugh, but it was making the color die from his cheeks. It was silly that he even had to blush it the first place, since it was only Iris. It wasn't as if some stranger had applauded his piano playing skills, judging him without knowing him the slightest bit. Only Iris, his childhood friend, his companion for as long as he could remember. Nothing embarrassing there at all.

Hearing Iris' reply about the toys, Dorian couldn't help but to laugh himself. "Yes, you know I did enjoy those days when you'd come over to admire all of my belongings. You always got that little sparkle in your eye," he said with a smile. That sparkle always brightened up Iris, and it made Dorian always so happy to give her that look of happiness. The way her eyes lit up whenever she was excited always managed to pull at his heartstrings, and it made him pleased that he could have such an effect on her.

It was always a pleasant time with Iris for him, and he could honestly never remember a dull moment with her, or not having fun with her. Iris was always his go-to buddy when he was feeling a bit down, or when Dante was acting strange or annoying. The two were almost perfect for each other; they helped each other out during their own problems, and the other was always ready to help. Their relationship was rare, since it was a girl and a boy that could have such a tight bond during these dark times, instead of a same-gender relationship.

Dorian watched as Iris would play the chords, always and still smiling. "You're doing great, Iris!" he exclaimed. She did seem to be doing well, especially for her first time playing the piano. Dorian chuckled when her hand touched his, expecting it just a bit for simply pressing keys down. "Oh, don't worry about it, I mean it's not like we never to--"
And then she kissed him.

It was funny how Dorian never really expected their relationship to ever go this far. To him, Iris was just his friend, his companion, always by his side. And he was always for her whenever she needed help, which was often during her childhood days with Logan. He would always remember feeling so guilty when he left for Florence his first year, leaving Iris completely alone with him. Excluding the few maids around the house, of course, but who knew how much they even helped her. So Dorian always just pictured the two as just great friends.

Nothing more. Just. Friends.

Dorian stayed only for a moment before slowly backing away, wanting to make this situation as least awkward and not-offending as possible. Dorian tried to give a smile, but it was obviously a forced smile. There were just too many emotions going around in his body that could make him focus on just one, whether it be good or bad.

The brunette bit his lower lip softly, trying to figure out what to do or even say. "Iris," he whispered softly, "I... I-I..."

He exhaled. Breathed.

"I don't think this is a good idea, Iris. Us, together. It just doesn't feel right."

He grabbed her hand gently, rubbing his index finger on the back of her hand, at least trying to make it seem as though the situation was better. Even though he had a feeling it definitely wasn't going to be.

[whisp.]

Iris was back in the past again, remembering all those times she had slipped out of the house and meandered to his. All those times that his companionship saved her from facing Logan at home. She could almost feel the adrenaline when she’d run from her house to his with Logan screaming something out the back door. He was her safe haven. And now she was here, laughing at his comments about their childhood. ”little sparkle in my eye.” She said softly, laughing more. ”I’m glad that the spark was there. You saved me many a days.”

That was the thing about her and Dorian’s relationship. She didn’t have to explain anything to him. He would just know. He practically had her entire past written in his brain. He knew the real her, the girl behind the Pretty Face. Hell, sometimes he’d complete her thoughts and sentences. He was her Dorian.

When he was around, she drifted into the Iris Smith that lived six doors down from him. The Iris Smith that could laugh at funny jokes and could feel good about herself. The Iris Smith that wanted to make changes and stand up to people. The Iris Smith that was afraid of her past and of her Father at home. He made her, her.

As she played, she loved how she knew she had his full attention. She enjoyed feeling like she had him all to herself. Sometimes she worried about how much influence Dante had on his life and how tiresome it was for him. She was afraid sometimes that she’d lose her friend to that wicked leader. Iris never dared to say that out loud though, she was too afraid of how Dorian would react. But every now and then she’d throw in a jab or two of her own against the leader. Only when Dorian was ranting, of course.

Now here they were, playing chords on the piano together, being the friends they always were.

And she had messed it up with that damn kiss.

The moment that her lips pressed against his, she knew she took him for surprise. But she expected the shock to wear off after a moment, and hopefully he’d wrap his arms around her and pull her against him and they’d kiss passionately.

Unfortunately for her that didn’t happen. As he pulled back from the kiss, Iris made sure to keep her eyes downcast. Something in her throat made her breathing shorter and faster and she swallowed it down hard. There were so many feelings that seemed to sever her body. Hurt. Self Pity. Anger. Hate. It all flashed through her quickly.

Pulling her hand away from his, she shifted her body further from him. Her gaze still refused to meet his and she cleared her throat softly. ”I’m afraid that I have places to be Mr. Crictern.” She said stiffly, standing up. ”But thank you for the lessons. Good day. “ And with that she was moving towards the door, the gnawing feeling inside eating her away.

She knew it was wrong to walk away and to not resolve this. But she couldn’t sit here, not right now, not with him. She needed air suddenly and the room they were in was suffocating. Long ago she had promised herself she’d never cry over a man again. And she’d be damned if she broke that promise.

[Yuki]

"Yes, that little sparkle. Always there to brighten up my day, and it never failed!" Dorian said proudly! And this was true--Iris always knew how to make the day better. And he knew that he was always there to brighten up Iris' day as well, even now. Even if Logan managed to get a grip on her here, in the safety of these (incredibly boring) Florence grounds, he would be there to make the situation at least somewhat better.

He hadn't forgotten the first time he experienced Logan's wrath. It was in the beginning of their friendship, when the two were just starting to get to really know each other. Dorian had entered the Smith household, excited for his playdate yet Iris was no where in sight. He was about to call out her name when he heard yelling from another room, and before Dorian could even begin to comprehend what was going on, iris had run past him. He couldn't remember if she was crying or not, but he did remember just holding her for what seemed like an eternity, just calming her down. Nothing was said between the two--it was almost as if they knew what the other felt just by being there.

Dorian was sure that it was at that point when the two became more close, and Dorian became her "protector". He was just always there for her, no one else. It made him feel special to know that he was like that to her, and he knew that he would be her protector for as long as she needed him, until she found someone else who could do that.
Which he hoped wouldn't happen for a long, long time.

But not enough to be her protector for life. For love, for even marriage. It was just something that never crossed his mind, and he didn't want it ever to. The Handsome Eye hated the idea of marriage, so of course he would never cross the idea of hatred and Iris together. It wasn't that he completely denied the idea, he was just in too much shock and surprise to actually take in that she had kissed him. It freaked him out, and made him just feel a bit uncomfortable.

But as soon as she had said "Mr. Crictern", he knew it was completely over and ruined. This was the last thing that Dorian wanted; he still wanted to be her friend! Her close buddy, someone she could always go to. Damn, and he thought that he was at least trying to handle the situation better.
Trying wasn't enough, then.

"Iris, wait," he started as she started to leave. "Don't be like this, come on. Iris?" He stood up hastily, wanting to get over to her as fast as possible, yet accidentally knocking over the piano bench in his speed. He glanced at it for a moment, muttering a tiny curse under his breath before he walked after her. Before she was able to leave the room, he grabbed her hand and pulled her into one of the tightest hugs he had given someone in a long time, as he did so long ago after her fight with Logan.

He wasn't sure why the hug was so tight, probably to just keep hanging on. To keep her from leaving, to keep her and even himself steady. He knew that if she left, things between the two would not be the same and he could never have that. If Dorian didn't have Iris as at least a friend, nothing good would come out of it, and nothing would go back to the way it should have. As friends, as each other's rocks. Just someone to hold onto.

"Iris, could we just talk? Just for a moment, please, Iris."

[whisp.]

She laughed at him again and tried to imagine the spark. Of course, she couldn’t see it but she knew the sensation she felt when she ‘sparkled’. It was happy and bubbly and comfortable. All the things that Dorian made her feel. No wonder why he liked the sparkle, she always had it whenever he was around.

Some people may say they try and forget their pain, but Iris has never been one of those people. Every scream and every punch was engraved in her memory forever. Certainly there were people in her household that would help her, but most of them couldn’t intervene. They needed that job to feed their own family. It was a selfish act, but Iris knew most people would just pray to God for His forgiveness and turn the other way when Logan slapped her across the face.

Iris was ashamed of her past and of who her father was. If Dorian hadn’t stumbled upon her that day, she would have probably never told them and they wouldn’t be where they were today. All she could remember was the comfort of his arms and how good it felt to feel loved and protected by someone. That was the last day that she cried.

It all seemed to be a whirlwind now. They were grown up. Soon they’d be leaving Florence behind them and moving on to the real world. He’d get married and she’d get married. They’d lose touch. She’d occasionally write and she was sure he’d reply. But eventually she knew his wife would get jealous and her husband would grow resentful, and she’d lose her best friend.

She…she loved him.

And yet she was running from him right now, towards the door. She could hear him call after her and she jumped as the bench was knocked over, and before she could even protest or push him away, she was against his chest. Her whole body stiffened at first in some form of protest, but as she felt his heart beat under his skin, she nestled her face into his shirt and wrapped her arms around him. ”I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. I don’t know what came over me.” She mumbled into his shirt. Iris Smith was embarrassed and there was no other way around it. Of course there were many times she had been embarrassed around Dorian before. When she started her period, the morning after she had lost her virginity, and the time she had gotten sick and practically puked on his shoes were all examples. But nothing compared to this.

With that single kiss she had opened up a whole new world of embarrassment and feelings. And suddenly she wasn’t quite in the mood to have them all opened up anymore. ”Can we just pretend it didn’t happen? Okay? Lets just go back to playing…” but she knew it wouldn’t be the same and she clung more tightly to him. Afraid to let go.

[Yuki]

Dorian smiled at the laugh, happy that he could at least do that. Make someone laugh. He was always afraid that once he grew up, he'd start to lose his effect on people, and that he'd just become some suit in some town with some job. But Iris was always the one that brought him into reality, the one that made him know that he was different and that he at least wasn't trying to follow the rest of the world on one large assembly line.

Then again, nothing was just "normal". Definitely not for Iris and Logan, Dorian was sure of this. Although the Crictern house was a happy and simple house, he knew of the bad that was going on only a few houses down. And Dorian was not one to keep the bad going. He wasn't quite sure if Iris did want a normal life, but he knew that she wanted something that was less of a threat than Logan. He wasn't even sure why Logan hated Iris so much, but he would never question that, never ask her to open up like that.

That's probably what made that friendship so strong in the first place, because he never asked at the wrong time. He was Iris' silent knight in armor, saving her yet without much reason besides Logan was hurting her. Dorian knew that if Iris wanted to discuss Logan, she would. Dorian wouldn't--and shouldn't--have to rush her at all.

Which was why he was so confused when she kissed him. It did seem a bit rushed and sudden, and Dorian wasn't sure what to do with it. Sure, he could kiss her back, but everything just seemed so wrong with that idea that he couldn't go through with it. Pulling away was the best and only option, and that was what he had done. Who knew, maybe if Iris had kept up with the subtle flirtatious motives, he might have fallen for it, but in this random spur of the moment kiss, never.

Maybe Dorian was destined to just be normal, just be another "suit". But he just felt different when he was holding Iris, all of those thoughts just floated away, like in a breeze. It was just those two in that music room, alone. Nothing else mattered except protecting her and making sure that she was still okay. And she did seem to be getting better.

"I mean, I guess we can. I won't forget about this, but we just... don't have to bring this up for a while. Okay?" He smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair out of her face and tucking it behind her ear. "But promise that we'll discuss this one day, even if that day is years to come?"

Dorian laughed at that, walking her back to the piano bench. He quickly placed it up, like he had never pushed it over, and sat down. "Would you mind playing me another chord, Iris?" he asked her, moving over so she could sit down as well.

And suddenly, it was as if nothing had happened. If someone were to walk in at that moment, it would just seem as though Dorian was teaching Iris how to play the piano. But Dorian felt the slight tension in the air, the awkwardness of trying not to touch her again to not spark another kiss.
If only that feeling could just go away again.
Dammit.

[whisp.]

There were many things that Iris hadn’t discussed with Dorian about her family. She never mentioned her mother or the cold grandmother that dropped in every once in a while. She never mentioned why she believed Logan treated her so poorly, and she never mentioned how she would sometimes escape from her fathers wrath. It was all too much for her to talk about at once and she’d much rather be discussing other, happier things with her friend.
Right now, there were too many things going through her head and feelings rushing through her skin. She wondered what Dorian must be thinking. Maybe he never liked her that way, just saw her as a sister. Maybe he just didn’t want to go that far ever. She knew Dorian had dated a bit in the past and hadn’t he been very testy about the boys she’d seen? Maybe she was just reading it all wrong. Iris didn’t understand what was making Dorian react the way he was. Maybe they could never go back to the way they were.
Stupid hormones and all.
Iris nodded slowly when he mentioned talking about it later and took a deep breath as his fingertips brushed against her cheek. She let herself force a smile on her face and meandered over to the bench and settled down after he had picked it up. ”I wouldn’t mind at all.” She said softly, keeping her eyes trained on the keys. Her eyes studied the piano for a moment before settling her fingers on the correct places.
She pressed down on a few of the right ones and then one wrong one. She paused, and started again. But the concentration never came. There was too much going through her mind that even the simplest of chords were difficult. ”Dorian, can we talk about it right now?” She said, sliding the cover back over the keys and turning to face him. ”If we don’t it’s just going to be the elephant in the room until we do.” She said, inhaling deeply.
There was a pregnant pause as Iris tried to gather her thoughts, what she wanted to say, and how she wanted to phrase it. ”Have you ever thought of the possibility of you and I as a couple?” Her blue eyes met his and she studied his expression seriously. ”Have you never thought more of me than just the childhood friend you’ve known all these years?” She wasn’t grilling him, or at least she wasn’t trying to. She just wanted to know, those questions were ones she just needed answers to.
”And why don’t you think it’s a good idea? You and me.” Dorian shouldn’t doubt if he had her full attention or not. Iris was all ears.

[Yuki]

The two walked back to the piano bench, but there was enough silence to last a lifetime. Dorian felt awful; he just wanted to take everything back a few minutes to when it was all fine and well. He probably could have handled that situation much better, have a better reaction to everything. But of course the two of them had to screw up, with her kissing and his poor reaction to it.

Again, Dorian just wanted a simpler time like when they were just children, before Florence. Lately, Dorian had just been wishing for things to go back to how they used to be. First as kids, but now, even ten minutes earlier would be better than this. When it was just Iris and Dorian, having a fun time at the piano. But now it was just awkward at the piano, and it didn't quite feel right.

He frowned when he played the wrong note, turning slightly towards Iris with a confused look on his face. "Iris, wha--" Before he could even continue the sentence, she had attacked him with multiple questions. She did have a point, and he was very happy to know that she wanted to get this awkwardness out of the room.
But right now?

Dorian took a moment to himself, placing the hands on the piano into his lap as he tried to collect his thoughts. They were scattered about in his head, trying to think of something to say to Iris, yet nothing would come out. "Well... I mean, no. Not at all. I'd never really expect this to happen, you and the idea of marriage just never crossed, I suppose." He paused, realizing that Iris could have easily taken this the wrong way and quickly added: "Not that I wouldn't date you, of course. You're beautiful. You're genuine. Kind. Funny. Intelligent. However, you just don't seem like you'd be the one for me. You're my... my friend, Iris."

Again, silence. But now that he was talking, there was just so much he wanted to explain to her, how this might not work out at all. "I feel like I already know too much about you, and you for me. And just, it doesn't feel right. We've been friends for so long... lovers just seems a bit wrong." Of course Dorian expected the worst to happen, for the worst reaction from Iris. But he was expecting the worst, because he knew that's what she was going to give him now.