*gradually straightens up on the bench, holding his breath as the song slows and wends to the conclusion; his fingers are tingling now, so fiercely has he played for you, and he's almost embarrassed to turn and see your expression (because he knows it was perfect, for once, not a single misstep or missed beat)*
*touches the very last note and holds it (one... two... three) before taking his hands from the board and resting them in his lap* *inhales deeply and stretches his neck, eyes closed, a pleased smile lingering on his lips*