A smile spread across the Engineer’s face. Lyrics stopped falling from his lips, yet nimble fingers never stopped playing, the soft yet upbeat instrumentals of the song providing a pleasant backdrop to their conversation. He’d played this song so often — but he’d never quite sung in the company of another. Such was reserved for the ones who Dell knew wouldn’t judge him. He’s decent enough, but he never felt like he belonged on a stage. This was a hobby, and apparently one that Ludwig enjoyed watching him partake in. He pretended not to see the doctor’s gaze — he found that he quite treasured the way he looked at him, but there was always a fear that if he noticed, the other man would stop looking at him.
He would play all the songs in the world if it meant Ludwig would keep paying attention to him.
“ Can’t say anyone has, ” Dell responded, casually despite the hint of red rising to his cheeks. “ Thanks, doc. You really think so ?”
what a shame that dell’s wonderful voice had stopped carrying that melody, a soothing tune that would undoubtedly chase him ( a song to hum under his breath as ludwig worked, reminiscing about this moment. ) affection danced within his eyes, fixated ‘pon the visage of the wonderfully talented engineer, melancholy muddled with the affection coiled tight within a heart that barely opened. sometimes, it spilled, bleeding from the cracks that ludwig couldn’t cover —— subtle gestures that were inevitable. one could not always conceal their adoration.
and frankly, medic wasn’t known for self - control.
“ of course ! ” why would he lie to him ? at this point, he wasn’t sure he even could. dell deserved to hear the truth : that he was talented, with a voice that could put a babe to sleep within mere moments. the smile that lips curled into was warm, exhibiting a unique fondness ludwig held for few ... if any at all beside dell. “ i wouldn’t mind if you sang to me more often. ”