[ in no intentional slight to salieri's impressive, presentable poise, amadeus retains none of his words.
instead, he listens to his voice. his tone, his cadence, the way the deeper ends of it sound so naturally sorrowful, no matter the contents of the maestro's thoughts. perfectly antonio salieri.
could a man conjure a dream so real?
... a genius could. a genius has. which is why— ]
You have. You have and yet ... How is it you know that, Salieri? What did you feel? Where were—
[ he stops himself before emotion breaks his voice. his hair is already a right mess from the rush over here, he shouldn't fall apart completely before he knows — for certain — that that's really his salieri standing there.
he breathes even. ]
Can you come down here, Salieri? The stage is certainly no place for a composer.
A part of him despairs silently at the thought, at the fact that he would never be able to give Amadeus the answer he sought. There was no feeling then. He was simply there one minute and the next... he was not.
They, more than anyone, know the existence of their own kind. Servants are intangibleā shells of their former selves, and yet this place was able to make them whole once more. Truly a second life, a second chanceā
To think he nearly lost it once more...!
Salieri doesn't need extraordinary hearing to detect the hitch in that voice. With another quiet huff he crosses the short distance- the heavy thud of his padded feet echoing through the theater itself.
When he makes his way down he realizes then the state of Amadeus even through his naturally blinding demeanor. The urge to chide him rises as easily and naturally as ever, but he refrains for now. He approaches without reserve then, red eyes blazing and tail swaying behind him.] Amadeus...
[His hand lifts before he can contemplate the action. He only hesitates once he realizes their closeness, the fragile tension hanging between them. Instead of reaching for him like he intended... Salieri extends his hand instead. Every deep dark line in his face conveys the depth of his longing then.]
[ when salieri doesn't answer him, it does nothing to abate the inkling of uneasiness at the back of his mind. what a cruel vision this would be to have ... but his wandering thoughts are no stranger to raising the departed in his times of desperation.
permanent happiness, to him, was a foreign thing. he'd spent his whole life always chasing and running. after love, flings, attention, inspiration, money – the heights of art and the ashes of dying flames. what he and salieri built in this second life had been the closest thing to true satisfaction, to a home where he could stay permanently, he'd ever had.
to have it taken away and then dangled in front of him as a reminder of what he'd be missing from then on would be nothing short of spirit-breaking. as salieri approaches, amadeus hesitates.
but as he lifts his vision and meets the honest fire in salieri's eyes and the igniting warmth in that upturned palm, he realizes this could be nothing but the real thing.
he huffs something that's a laugh in name only, the quirk of his lips convincing no one. ] Of all times, Salieri ... ahah. Now's not the time to be meek. Please. [ but amadeus is already dipping his head, reaching for that hand ... before he takes it and pulls their bodies together. ]
[Similarly, Salieri dreads the tinge of apprehension he feels in that split second of hesitance. Though it only lasts for a moment his thoughts convene and settle towards the same conclusion: he's been gone far too long.
Far too long to be so readily accepted back into Amadeus's life, far too long to make amends. His lips part, his ears lower as he bristles and rises to meet it with a defiance all his own. It couldn't have been too lateā I'm here now. I've made my appearance!
I am that Salieri, here in front of you...!
Amadeus...!] !
[And just like that, it falls away.
His fingers are curling tight around Amadeus's before their bodies even meet. When they do his arms come upā circling the familiar body and reaching into the thick mane of golden hair. He shuts his eyes as he brings Amadeus tight against him, his nose buried against his temple. He inhales and his wings extend with the jolt that runs through him then.] Ah.
Ah... [He's breathless. He's finally... finally home, and Amadeusā
Home?
What on else could this possibly be?
Silently the Kapellmeister's shoulders begin to shake. 'Now's not the time to meek,' yes?] Ahaha...
Ahahaha! [Comes a deep, tired laugh pressed against Amadeus's hair. As much as he'd like to remain holding the Maestro in this way, he still pulls back just slightly for him to see the expression on his face. A tired yet warm look softens his rigid brow.] 'Meek' he says... as though you don't have a penchant for goading my ire and fleeing when convenient! Teasing me yet again, Wolfgang?
Truly, Maestro. [His hand finds the curve of Amadeus's cheek and brushes it gently there. Raise your head, Mozart.]
the nature of a genius's ambition is such that he would move on if he had to – if he had to continue to live without salieri and all that they'd built together, he'd find a way. somehow, someway. the miracle of his bonds with both salieri and marie always felt like a precarious, fragile thing, ready to be taken from him at a moment's notice. he thought he'd be prepared for that to happen, and simply enjoy the precious time he had with them.
but he built a second life here with salieri. a second chance for the both of them, in a world that allowed him to live just as he always dreamed. theater, bonding, falling in love, composing, initiating artistic revolutions – take the other half of his world from him and there exists an unfillable gap. and a broken down man.
when they embrace, he feels whole again. his heart fit to bursting, he clings tighter than he ever has to salieri – letting his hands speak for him when his throat burns with emotion. he's content to allow this wordless moment to go on until—
—salieri's laughing jolts him out of the moment (no matter how missed, wonderful and welcome that sound is). ]
You— [ he pulls away just enough to look into salieri's face, and proceeds to wipe his damp eyes with the heel of his palm, looking all out of humor. ] I'm just telling you to be more of a man, Antonio. [ he bites back, huffing and shaking his head. ] You see what you've done to me, don't you?
[He lets out a quiet huff before he can even help it.] Yes. I completely see and understand, Wolfgang.
... I understand. [His softening tone suggests he means to leave it at that, but now that they are this close there's no mistaking the bit of shine from those teary eyes. His thumb comes up gently to wipe the moisture from the corners there. Amadeus... is painstakingly human-like here. He may as well beā they may as well be, despite circumstances, despite his own appearance. Here the fragility of human connection has never been so evident before.
And yetā] Will beast at least be a suitable substitute...?
[As he muses he brings his lips to Amadeus's forehead. His path seamlessly moves from there to the bridge of his nose, the corner of his lips... and finally- firmly- against his lips.]
like the first breath after breaching the surface of water, his lungs fill completely. he suddenly feels complete, and inhaling is no longer a painful strain in his chest.
he falls into the kiss, taken, grasping at salieri's upper arms. after what feels like both an eternity and a fleeting moment, they part, and the once chilled tips of his fingers are warm again. ] Antonio. [ an honest giggle, one that sounds much more like the impish musician, escapes him.
he looks up at salieri, pure affection in his teal eyes. ] Fortunately, we already know beasts make excellent maestro. [ a smile. ] So my answer would have to be yes, of course.
[Small and brittle as they are, his wings still attempt a valiant effort of framing both he and Amadeus togetherā enclosed tightly in this moment. Behind him his tail curls and sways at its base. Hah.
He is completely taken in.] Hn. Then its been decided.
This beastly maestro shall aide you to the best of his ability. Although the visuals may be different... [One furred ear twitches!] ...the music will be as fulfilling as ever.
So rely on me once more, Wolfgang. [His fingers cup the back of Amadeus's neck and bring them toward yet another kiss.]
[ he's all too compliant to the chimera's leading, not bothering with a response before he's pulled into another kiss. in fact, he's ready for it this time, cupping each side of that sharp jaw just as they connect.
he breathes in deep again. right now, no amount of reminding that this moment, right here is real will be enough.
barely parting for a breath, he speaks between their lips. ] So long as you don't depart before you even get to hear your own music play, Salieri.
[ and by that he alludes to the theater motion. ] We did it. Our efforts finally came to fruition and you'd gone before I could even buy the champagne bottles...
[Both his outward and underlining contentment show through with their closeness now. A familiar continuous rumble thrums through this chest soon enough, while he relishes in the slow brush of their noses and lips. He canāt help but press a kiss to that mouth againā again, and again...]
Ah. [But first. He pulls apart only to look once again into that glimmering teal. Salieri shakes his head.] One bottle, then. I must catch up with what has happened while I was gone- as well as figure out where our efforts will go from here...
[Frustration suddenly shows on his face, pinching his brow yet again.] There is still so much to do...!
[ for the first time today, amadeus laughs genuinely. ] Oh? Now? Do you mean right now?
Take things slowly, Antonio, don't short yourself out the second you arrive. [ after that, his humor quiets down, glancing downward at the space between them as he gathers his thoughts. it's a little silly to stand here in the middle of the theater, holding each other this way, but he doesn't want to let go just yet... ]
You never did give a response. Did you know you were gone? Or for how long...? [ if salieri has a sense that he kept him waiting, or that there are a great many things to catch up on, then one can only wonder. ]
[It certainly isnāt the question that bothers him. No, he was only somewhat prepared for the concern Amadeus would eventually impart on him... what truly bothered him was the answer itself.]
Time is truly indifferent. [He mutters (mostly to himself) before shaking his grey head once again.] Perhaps you expected this... but I havenāt the slightest clue.
I only know-... hn. Perhaps it would be better to say I could feel the amount of time that had passed. And yet I remained unchanged.
[Salieri remains close- taking Amadeusās dexterous hands into his own, as though afraid to lose contact with him once more.] As for the other...
I didnāt know. [A visage of his former firey self emerges as he grits his teeth.] If I did... I would have done everything in my power to come back sooner.
[ it's an expected response. salieri's earlier assessment was correct — it's not a concept they're unfamiliar with as servants, manifestations forever suspended in and teleported through time at the ether's will — but it is easier to digest now that his immediate anxieties are assuaged. ]
It makes sense, in an utterly nonsensical way. [ another huff of a laugh. ] But I'm still impressed by your awareness, Antonio.
Then, what shall we do first? Maria – has she seen you? [ truly, the only reason he asks at all is because he has an inkling as to the answer. ]
[Ah, the mention of their Queen and other Bonded has him wilting just slightly.] She has.
Her forgiveness knows no bounds. Itās wasted on one such as myself... but somehow I find myself strangely content with that.
Or is it not so strange? [He mutters. He really, truly has no clue right now.] Ah, but she may soon be contacting you.
Do not leave her in suspense if she does, Amadeus. [Comes his growled warning, despite the way he brings those long fingers to his lips and nips them at their hills.]
[ knowing marie, it's just as likely that she allowed for their meeting to happen naturally and gave them their space. though he can't say for sure just yet. ]
Never doubt a woman's intuition, Salieri. [ he says as he quickly steals his fingers back, a hint of playfulness on his lips. ] Ahaha, you're getting impatient! [ and amadeus's voice is getting louder, filling with more of his usual jubilance. ]
Come then, where do you want to go first? What do you want to see? There's a marvelous carnival set up at the docks — or we could fetch you a coffee if you're somehow tired from the journey? We could also just head straight...
except that home is currently the site of ground zero for aefenglom's most depressed artist (recently renounced) and is nigh unrecognizable inside. nothing but disaster and mold under the carpet is to be found there.
oh, shit. ] Nevermind, how does a chocolate muffin sound, mein Schatz?
[His nose wrinkles when Amadeus takes back his hand. There's a apprehension in him now that has nothing to do with finally returning to this place and has everything to do with simply learning what has happened. Every option sounds like a reasonable option, and as far as he's concerned he may as well dive right inā
āto... it?] Amadeus?
[Yes honest a chocolate muffin sounds heavenly right now (given all the emotional upheaval) but the silent stutter in Amadeus's tone is giving him enough incentive to push back his raging sweet tooth for now.] I suppose...
[Salieri's quizzical brow deepens.] What are you thinking, Amadeus?
[ unfortunate that you've just given him the opening he needs to compose himself, salieri, and access the abilities granted to him following lifetimes of flightiness to simply smile through the turmoil.
he laughs, the sound short, before burying his face into salieri's chest. disarming technique. ] Oh, nothing. [ muffled. there he stays, affectionately squeezing the man before finally deciding to pull away.
there he gives salieri's back an equally friendly smack. time to get out of here! ] Come, Antonio, I know you must be craving one right now. I'd say it's too early for cake, but I suppose I can spoil you just this once! [ cue meticulously personalized distractions. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
instead, he listens to his voice. his tone, his cadence, the way the deeper ends of it sound so naturally sorrowful, no matter the contents of the maestro's thoughts. perfectly antonio salieri.
could a man conjure a dream so real?
... a genius could. a genius has. which is why— ]
You have. You have and yet ... How is it you know that, Salieri? What did you feel? Where were—
[ he stops himself before emotion breaks his voice. his hair is already a right mess from the rush over here, he shouldn't fall apart completely before he knows — for certain — that that's really his salieri standing there.
he breathes even. ]
Can you come down here, Salieri? The stage is certainly no place for a composer.
no subject
A part of him despairs silently at the thought, at the fact that he would never be able to give Amadeus the answer he sought. There was no feeling then. He was simply there one minute and the next... he was not.
They, more than anyone, know the existence of their own kind. Servants are intangibleā shells of their former selves, and yet this place was able to make them whole once more. Truly a second life, a second chanceā
To think he nearly lost it once more...!
Salieri doesn't need extraordinary hearing to detect the hitch in that voice. With another quiet huff he crosses the short distance- the heavy thud of his padded feet echoing through the theater itself.
When he makes his way down he realizes then the state of Amadeus even through his naturally blinding demeanor. The urge to chide him rises as easily and naturally as ever, but he refrains for now. He approaches without reserve then, red eyes blazing and tail swaying behind him.] Amadeus...
[His hand lifts before he can contemplate the action. He only hesitates once he realizes their closeness, the fragile tension hanging between them. Instead of reaching for him like he intended... Salieri extends his hand instead. Every deep dark line in his face conveys the depth of his longing then.]
Wolfgang.
no subject
permanent happiness, to him, was a foreign thing. he'd spent his whole life always chasing and running. after love, flings, attention, inspiration, money – the heights of art and the ashes of dying flames. what he and salieri built in this second life had been the closest thing to true satisfaction, to a home where he could stay permanently, he'd ever had.
to have it taken away and then dangled in front of him as a reminder of what he'd be missing from then on would be nothing short of spirit-breaking. as salieri approaches, amadeus hesitates.
but as he lifts his vision and meets the honest fire in salieri's eyes and the igniting warmth in that upturned palm, he realizes this could be nothing but the real thing.
he huffs something that's a laugh in name only, the quirk of his lips convincing no one. ] Of all times, Salieri ... ahah. Now's not the time to be meek. Please. [ but amadeus is already dipping his head, reaching for that hand ... before he takes it and pulls their bodies together. ]
no subject
Far too long to be so readily accepted back into Amadeus's life, far too long to make amends. His lips part, his ears lower as he bristles and rises to meet it with a defiance all his own. It couldn't have been too lateā I'm here now. I've made my appearance!
I am that Salieri, here in front of you...!
Amadeus...!] !
[And just like that, it falls away.
His fingers are curling tight around Amadeus's before their bodies even meet. When they do his arms come upā circling the familiar body and reaching into the thick mane of golden hair. He shuts his eyes as he brings Amadeus tight against him, his nose buried against his temple. He inhales and his wings extend with the jolt that runs through him then.] Ah.
Ah... [He's breathless. He's finally... finally home, and Amadeusā
Home?
What on else could this possibly be?
Silently the Kapellmeister's shoulders begin to shake. 'Now's not the time to meek,' yes?] Ahaha...
Ahahaha! [Comes a deep, tired laugh pressed against Amadeus's hair. As much as he'd like to remain holding the Maestro in this way, he still pulls back just slightly for him to see the expression on his face. A tired yet warm look softens his rigid brow.] 'Meek' he says... as though you don't have a penchant for goading my ire and fleeing when convenient! Teasing me yet again, Wolfgang?
Truly, Maestro. [His hand finds the curve of Amadeus's cheek and brushes it gently there. Raise your head, Mozart.]
no subject
the nature of a genius's ambition is such that he would move on if he had to – if he had to continue to live without salieri and all that they'd built together, he'd find a way. somehow, someway. the miracle of his bonds with both salieri and marie always felt like a precarious, fragile thing, ready to be taken from him at a moment's notice. he thought he'd be prepared for that to happen, and simply enjoy the precious time he had with them.
but he built a second life here with salieri. a second chance for the both of them, in a world that allowed him to live just as he always dreamed. theater, bonding, falling in love, composing, initiating artistic revolutions – take the other half of his world from him and there exists an unfillable gap. and a broken down man.
when they embrace, he feels whole again. his heart fit to bursting, he clings tighter than he ever has to salieri – letting his hands speak for him when his throat burns with emotion. he's content to allow this wordless moment to go on until—
—salieri's laughing jolts him out of the moment (no matter how missed, wonderful and welcome that sound is). ]
You— [ he pulls away just enough to look into salieri's face, and proceeds to wipe his damp eyes with the heel of his palm, looking all out of humor. ] I'm just telling you to be more of a man, Antonio. [ he bites back, huffing and shaking his head. ] You see what you've done to me, don't you?
no subject
... I understand. [His softening tone suggests he means to leave it at that, but now that they are this close there's no mistaking the bit of shine from those teary eyes. His thumb comes up gently to wipe the moisture from the corners there. Amadeus... is painstakingly human-like here. He may as well beā they may as well be, despite circumstances, despite his own appearance. Here the fragility of human connection has never been so evident before.
And yetā] Will beast at least be a suitable substitute...?
[As he muses he brings his lips to Amadeus's forehead. His path seamlessly moves from there to the bridge of his nose, the corner of his lips... and finally- firmly- against his lips.]
no subject
like the first breath after breaching the surface of water, his lungs fill completely. he suddenly feels complete, and inhaling is no longer a painful strain in his chest.
he falls into the kiss, taken, grasping at salieri's upper arms. after what feels like both an eternity and a fleeting moment, they part, and the once chilled tips of his fingers are warm again. ] Antonio. [ an honest giggle, one that sounds much more like the impish musician, escapes him.
he looks up at salieri, pure affection in his teal eyes. ] Fortunately, we already know beasts make excellent maestro. [ a smile. ] So my answer would have to be yes, of course.
[ it's him. it really is him. ]
no subject
He is completely taken in.] Hn. Then its been decided.
This beastly maestro shall aide you to the best of his ability. Although the visuals may be different... [One furred ear twitches!] ...the music will be as fulfilling as ever.
So rely on me once more, Wolfgang. [His fingers cup the back of Amadeus's neck and bring them toward yet another kiss.]
no subject
he breathes in deep again. right now, no amount of reminding that this moment, right here is real will be enough.
barely parting for a breath, he speaks between their lips. ] So long as you don't depart before you even get to hear your own music play, Salieri.
[ and by that he alludes to the theater motion. ] We did it. Our efforts finally came to fruition and you'd gone before I could even buy the champagne bottles...
no subject
Ah. [But first. He pulls apart only to look once again into that glimmering teal. Salieri shakes his head.] One bottle, then. I must catch up with what has happened while I was gone- as well as figure out where our efforts will go from here...
[Frustration suddenly shows on his face, pinching his brow yet again.] There is still so much to do...!
no subject
Take things slowly, Antonio, don't short yourself out the second you arrive. [ after that, his humor quiets down, glancing downward at the space between them as he gathers his thoughts. it's a little silly to stand here in the middle of the theater, holding each other this way, but he doesn't want to let go just yet... ]
You never did give a response. Did you know you were gone? Or for how long...? [ if salieri has a sense that he kept him waiting, or that there are a great many things to catch up on, then one can only wonder. ]
no subject
Time is truly indifferent. [He mutters (mostly to himself) before shaking his grey head once again.] Perhaps you expected this... but I havenāt the slightest clue.
I only know-... hn. Perhaps it would be better to say I could feel the amount of time that had passed. And yet I remained unchanged.
[Salieri remains close- taking Amadeusās dexterous hands into his own, as though afraid to lose contact with him once more.] As for the other...
I didnāt know. [A visage of his former firey self emerges as he grits his teeth.] If I did... I would have done everything in my power to come back sooner.
no subject
It makes sense, in an utterly nonsensical way. [ another huff of a laugh. ] But I'm still impressed by your awareness, Antonio.
Then, what shall we do first? Maria – has she seen you? [ truly, the only reason he asks at all is because he has an inkling as to the answer. ]
no subject
Her forgiveness knows no bounds. Itās wasted on one such as myself... but somehow I find myself strangely content with that.
Or is it not so strange? [He mutters. He really, truly has no clue right now.] Ah, but she may soon be contacting you.
Do not leave her in suspense if she does, Amadeus. [Comes his growled warning, despite the way he brings those long fingers to his lips and nips them at their hills.]
1/2
Never doubt a woman's intuition, Salieri. [ he says as he quickly steals his fingers back, a hint of playfulness on his lips. ] Ahaha, you're getting impatient! [ and amadeus's voice is getting louder, filling with more of his usual jubilance. ]
Come then, where do you want to go first? What do you want to see? There's a marvelous carnival set up at the docks — or we could fetch you a coffee if you're somehow tired from the journey? We could also just head straight...
ho...—
no subject
except that home is currently the site of ground zero for aefenglom's most depressed artist (recently renounced) and is nigh unrecognizable inside. nothing but disaster and mold under the carpet is to be found there.
oh, shit. ] Nevermind, how does a chocolate muffin sound, mein Schatz?
god
āto... it?] Amadeus?
[Yes honest a chocolate muffin sounds heavenly right now (given all the emotional upheaval) but the silent stutter in Amadeus's tone is giving him enough incentive to push back his raging sweet tooth for now.] I suppose...
[Salieri's quizzical brow deepens.] What are you thinking, Amadeus?
no subject
he laughs, the sound short, before burying his face into salieri's chest. disarming technique. ] Oh, nothing. [ muffled. there he stays, affectionately squeezing the man before finally deciding to pull away.
there he gives salieri's back an equally friendly smack. time to get out of here! ] Come, Antonio, I know you must be craving one right now. I'd say it's too early for cake, but I suppose I can spoil you just this once! [ cue meticulously personalized distractions. ]