Work Text:
The sound of music floated from the gardens up to the open window , the low notes sounding almost melancholic. Edward paused, hovering over the next line of words as he listened. The only person he had ever remembered playing music at all was Capell. But the low noises he could hear didn’t come from any wind instrument he could name, especially not a flute.
Edward set his things aside, ignoring the large stack of papers in favor of trying to look out the window. But he couldn’t see anyone from where he was. A small sigh passed his lips as he made his way for the door. The king could only hope he would make it outside before the music stopped.
A few guards and nobles greeted him as he passed, and Edward gave them half smiles and nods. He didn’t stop to talk like usual, mumbling a half excuse here or there to avoid conversations as he made his way outside.
The music was still going, only the song was different now. Edward grimaced as he heard the wrong note. There was a pause, and the music started again. He followed the sound, trying not to make a face every time the wrong note was heard. He stopped at the edges of a flowerbed, staring across it at the blonde currently staring at the music in front of him.
Kiriya wasn’t wearing his usual attire, he noticed right away. The alchemist had changed into a thin, long sleeve shirt, and dark pants. Edward noted that he had removed his gloves, which were set on top of the music stand. His blonde hair was pulled back into a braid.
With his back to Edward, he couldn’t see the irritation in his eyes. Kiriya’s brow was furrowed in concentration, as he tried once more to work through whatever bar he was struggling on. The violin in his hands had a beautiful shine to it, the instrument clearly very well taken care of. Kiriya didn’t seem to notice Edward has he brought his bow up once more, beginning to play again.
Edward was in no rush to get his attention either. He simply moved to lean against one of the pillars, crossing his arms comfortably as Kiriya started to play once more. He could see Kiriya expression from this angle, how he was so laser focused on the pages in front of him. His fingers moved over the strings with a well practiced ease, and it took a few moments for Edward to realize he had stopped playing and was staring at him.
“Is there a reason you’re hiding over there and staring at me?” Kiriya asked, not lowering the violin at all as Edward cleared his throat.
“I heard someone playing, and I came to see who it was is all. My window is open.” Edward explained. “I didn’t know you knew how.”
“I do. Savio used to write sheet music for me.” Kiriya murmured, finally moving. Edward stayed in his spot as Kiriya carefully put his things away, a little upset he wouldn’t be able to hear the whole song. “I just recently found someone who had some music they no longer wanted, so I asked if I might have it.” He paused as he turned to see Edward holding out the music for him, as well as his gloves. “… Thank you.”
“You know… You rarely take those gloves off.” Edward murmured, watching as the blonde took his gloves. “I don’t see why you wear them.”
“I wore them because of my glyph.” Kiriya refused to look at him as he finished packing up. He held the gloves in one hand, staring at them. “I can’t wear them when I play. I can’t get the notes right when I wear them- why do you even care?” He demanded.
Edward smiled slightly, reaching out to take one of Kiriya’s hands. “You know, you didn’t have to pack all of this up.” He murmured. “I’m sorry if I interrupted you at all.” Kiriya shook his head, not pulling away from his grip.
“I assume you heard the song before I started working on that one.” He said instead, still staring at his gloves. “It was the last one Savio wrote for me. He did it just before I left to live into the Timberlands. I told him I would play it for him, right before we…” Edward frowned as he trailed off, before pulling him into a hug. Kiriya didn’t protest, simply wrapped his arms around Edward and took a deep breath. Edward stayed silent, simply holding him close. Kiriya eventually pulled back, a wry smile on his lips as he let go. “We shouldn’t stand out here in the gardens. What would people think, seeing us together like this?”
“Let them think what they want.” Edward replied instantly, even as he slowly let go of Kiriya. “What will they say? That the king is enjoying time with his partner in the gardens?”
“How scandalous, your majesty.” Kiriya teased. Edward rolled his eyes as he blonde gathered up his things, waving a hand as Edward tried to protest again. “I’m starting to get cramps anyways. I’ll play later… Shouldn’t you be ruining Burguss’ budget?” He asked instead, that teasing smirk still on his lips as they started to walk.
“Shouldn’t you be trying to bankrupt me?” Edward shot back. As they made their way out of the gardens, Edward grabbed his hands, fingers linking together. He couldn’t help a small smile as he realized there was no fabric between them.
Days later, Kiriya claimed to have lost the gloves. Edward simply chose to believe him, as the blonde stood on their balcony running through his warmups. Blue eyes simply studied him, hands idly fiddling with the fabric in his hands.