literature

Austria x Reader: The Piano Duet

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(y/n)’s leg nervously bounced while she sat on a couch, waiting for her appointment with her professor. He had passed around a sign-up sheet for one-on-one practice times to help his students prepare for the upcoming final. There were two slots for each thirty minute block, which meant the teacher and his aid were taking turns. (y/n) hoped that her professor would be available before Roderich finished. The Austrian was--for lack of a better or polite term--a Classical Natzi. It seemed all he ever appreciated, played and handed out were pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach. Mr. Sanders often passed out different styles of music for his students to try, ranging from good ol’ Journey to Yanni. That’s what (y/n) preferred. She even dabbled in Anime and video game songs, which brought smiles and laughs to her fellow students as she played. All she gained in return from Roderich Edelstein were scowls, rolls of the eyes and exasperated sighs.

The sound of a door opening drew (y/n)’s attention from her sheet music to the room it protected. From the look on the student’s face, she knew who was in there. Rather than being rude, she got to her feet and made her way to the room. “Here goes nothing,” (y/n) muttered under her breath.

(y/n) opened the door to the practice room, meeting the stern, violet eyes of the man sitting next to the piano. He glanced down at the clipboard in his hand, confirming it was your turn. “I appreciate your punctuality,” he said smartly in his German accented voice. “Let’s get started zhen.”

“Alright.” (y/n) took her seat in front of the baby grand, arranging the piano music just right. “How has it been?” she asked, trying not to make this experience too awkward.

“Not as bad as I zhought it vould be,” Roderic replied out of courtesy. “But zhere are some who can still be better.”

“That’s good, I guess,” (y/n) said as she adjusted the bench to her preference.

Roderich looked over her shoulder to examine the piece. To his relief, it was one he could tolerate. He forced himself not to smile. “ ‘Nights in Vhite Satin.’ A razher complicated arrangement by Lanz.”

(y/n) stiffened. “It is difficult,” she admitted. “But I still love the song.”

Roderich got to his feet. “It is gut to challenge yourself. Do excuse me. I shall be right back.” He left the practice room, heading down the hall towards the restrooms.

After waiting a bit, (y/n) decided to warm up her fingers. As she started playing the first few measures of the piece, she changed her mind. Another song begged her to be played instead. The fingers of (y/n)’s right hand slowly, gently, pressed on the keys, allowing the notes to ring quietly. She continued playing the rather sad piece, unaware that a certain someone had returned.

Roderich recognized the song immediately. Even though it wasn’t Classical, “The Piano Duet” from The Corpse Bride was a beautiful piece, one he secretly liked. While (y/n) played, his fingers itched to join hers on the ivories. Unable to contain himself, he slipped into the room. After (y/n)’s right hand completed a small run of notes, he placed his own on the keys and played Victor’s cheerful reply. Roderich saw (y/n) stiffen again, watching her (e/c) eyes rise from his slender hand to his face. He smiled softly, to (y/n)’s surprise. She flushed a little at the oddness of it; he rarely smiled. The Austrian nodded to the keys, silently encouraging her to continue.

(y/n) slowly started playing Emily’s part again, scooting over to allow Roderich to sit beside her. He claimed the space while playing Victor’s part. His eyes followed her fingers as they pressed the keys once more, prepping his left hand for the rest of the song.

The lively measures brought an actual smile to Roderic’s lips. (y/n) felt hers twitch upwards as she listened. Roderich stole a glance her way, as he cued her in. The pianists grinned brightly as their hands danced across the keys, bringing the song to life. (y/n) overlapped hands with Roderich as she completed the last run of notes, trilling the final key at the end. Both of them laughed lightly afterwards.

“Danke, (y/n),” Roderich said happily while adjusting his glasses. “It’s been too long since I last played zhat duet.”

“I thought you only like Classical music,” (y/n) replied, raising an eyebrow.

Roderich smirked as he lowered his voice to say, “I actually enjoy certain film scores. Und since becoming an assistant, I’ve learned zhat zhere are songs just as beautiful as Classical ones. Composers like Yanni and Zhe Piano Guys are just as talented.”

(y/n) chuckled. “Yes they are,” she answered with a smile.

“So, shall we get to your piece for zhe final?” Roderich asked as he returned to his chair beside the piano.

“We better.” (y/n) glanced at the clock in the room. “There’s only ten minutes left.”

Roderich listened while (y/n) played “Nights in White Satin”, taking note of the places she still stumbled through. He kindly gave her suggestions, showed her how to make the changes and let her try herself. Due to the fact they started late, Roderich couldn’t go over everything. There was one more student waiting in the foyer.

“I’m sorry you veren’t able to practice more,” Roderich said as (y/n) gathered the music. “I must make it up to you.”

“No, it’s okay,” (y/n) replied. “It was fun.” She gave Roderich a smile.

Roderich chuckled. “Ja, it vas.”

A crazy idea tempted the Austrian. His heart reminded him of how he felt while playing with (y/n). Beautiful, sweet, gifted (y/n). Since the beginning of the semester, Roderich’s perception of (y/n) gradually changed from annoyed to entranced. He had to try.

“I still feel responsible for vhat happened,” Roderich told (y/n). “I must make it up to you. How do you feel about another practice session after class on Zhursday?”

(y/n) looked at Roderich, baffled with how quickly he had changed since the beginning of their appointment. She didn’t mind the change; it was good for him. It surprised (y/n) to have it happen with her present. Her heart raced at the idea of being with Roderich after class. She might have developed a small crush for the Austrian throughout the semester, despite his stern--yet handsome-- facade. (y/n) caved in.

“Sure,” (y/n) said with a slight shrug. She felt her lips twitch into a smile as her cheeks heated up. She prayed her face wasn’t too red. “As long as there’s a room open.”

Roderich smirked. “Zhere vill be. I am a TA. My needs come before a student’s.”

(y/n) chuckled at his logic. “It’s true.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “I better get going. I’ll see you on Thursday.” (y/n) offered a hand to Roderich. He accepted and shook it gently.

“Don’t forget,” Roderich teased.

“I won’t. I promise.”

Roderich affectionately squeezed (y/n)’s hand, letting his relax afterwards. The gesture made her blush a deeper shade of red. He thought she looked adorable with her rosy cheeks. (y/n) pulled her hand away. “Bye, Roderich,” she said softly as she turned towards the door.

“Goodbye, (y/n),” he echoed.

As (y/n) left the room, she caught the shocked gaze of her classmate, who had watched the entire exchange. Before he could ask any questions, (y/n) dashed through the hall and down the stairs. Thursday was going to be interesting.


Roderich didn’t have to remind (y/n) about their practice session. After leaving the classroom, she lingered by the door to wait for him. One of the rooms was vacant, which made Roderich’s job easier. He opened the door, allowing (y/n) to enter first.

(y/n) played through her recital piece first, applying the changes Roderich suggested two days prior. He already noticed a significant difference. It meant that (y/n) was dedicated and practiced hard. He only gave one additional suggestion, to (y/n)’s relief.

They lingered in the room, taking turns at the piano. Roderich surprised (y/n) by playing a few songs he picked up from her. Hearing him play the embellished game themes made her laugh. She tried copying him, but failed, making him laugh. While playing, they got to know each other a little, asking questions back and forth. Before they knew it, one hour turned into two, then two-and-a-half. Neither (y/n) or Roderich wanted to leave.

“(y/n),” Roderich said as he closed the door behind them. The hesitation and softness of his voice caught (y/n)’s interest.

“What’s up?” she asked.

“A-are you free tonight?” Roderich stuttered out. His face turned a soft pink. Seeing it brought a smile to (y/n)’s face.

“I have no plans,” (y/n) told him.

“Zhen, vould you like to go out for dinner?” the Austrian offered.

“You mean, like a date?” (y/n) felt her own face flush at the thought.

Roderich ran his finger along his beauty mark. “Vell, if you put it zhat vay, zhen ja. I understand if you don’t--”

“I’d love to go out with you,” (y/n) blurted quickly.

Roderich caught her blushing as she quickly turned her head away from him. He smiled while claiming one of (y/n)’s hands with his, holding it as they walked to the parking lot. The action surprised (y/n). Instead of pulling her hand away, she gently squeezed Roderich’s, letting him know she didn’t mind.
5/20/14: I felt the ending was a bit weird, so I edited/extended the story to make it end better.

I'm quite surprised with how fast I wrote this insert! I started and finished it in a day.

I :heart: Austria. Here's the link for "The Piano Duet" for those who want to listen to it while reading the insert. If you want, you can play it while reader chan and Roderich play together:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaMcIm…  

And for those who are curious as to what "Nights in White Satin" sounds like, here's the link for it: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F1sm8…  

I love both songs, and wish I had sheet music for them. :( I kind of made myself pop out a bit in the reader. Most of my sheet music comes from Animes and my favorite video games. XD

I don't own Hetalia or the songs mentioned. Just the story.

Enjoy a little bit of Roddie.~
© 2014 - 2024 Autumn-Maple
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LunaOkatu777's avatar
I love this! I just started writing fanfiction, it's nothing compared to yours but I was fangirling throughout the whole thing XD