riverviewlogs | open-ish

[ Jim's brow raises and his smile widens. He lets out a soft huff, lifting a shoulder as he steps closer to Victor, still not letting go of his hand. ]

I thought we'd agreed on that already? Didn't think that story would be enough to scare me off, did you?

Maybe a little. But what I mean is... us doing more things together. Like stargazing or walking on the beach. Or going dancing again.

[he's well aware of the romance behind those activities. One would think he'd be less awkward about asking someone on more dates]

[ It's kind of sweet how awkward Victor is, though. There's just a hint of a fluster on Jim's cheeks, and he tugs a little at the front of Victor's lab coat with his free hand. ]

I love all those things. [ Also candlelit dinners, poetry, flowers and chocolates, because Jim can sometimes be a walking cliché. ] Are you asking me out on dates, is that it?

[at least Victor isn't the only one getting flustered. He lets the tug pull him forward, his fingers brushing James's cheek before sliding around to his shoulders]

Yes, James. I'm asking you to go on dates with me.

[ His smile stretches even wider, and he dips his head in a nod. His answer is prompt, so Victor doesn't have to stand there worrying that Jim might say no. ]

Yes, please. I'd like that very much.

[he grins, feeling relieved and warm. He sort of wanted to do this sooner, but he's glad he waited until after showing James the lab. He pulls the captain closer, pressing a kiss on his mouth]

Stay here.

[Victor releases him, going to turn off the ambiance rain and thunder. A bit of hunting around later and he finds what he wants, pulling it out. A violin case]

I haven't played for anyone in years, but special dates usually have violin music.

[ He kisses Victor back, whining playfully when he pulls away and tells him to stay put. He does as told, though, leaning against one of the tables while he waits for Victor to come back with...

Well, a violin case, apparently. He's genuinely surprised and caught off-guard, and a soft chuckle slips past his lips. ]

They do? Aw, man. And I can only play the guitar. [ Which Victor may have guessed by the guitar sitting on a corner of his loft. ] Does this mean we're on a special date right now?

[he smirks, taking the violin out and plucking the strings to make sure they're in tune]

You're in Frankenstein's lab about to be serenaded by a violin. What do you think?

[though actually, if James is expecting something slow and romantic, then Victor surprises him. It's Come On, Eileen. He does it hoping to get James to smile or laugh]

[ He holds both his hands up apologetically. ] You're right. Sorry, my mistake.

[ Jim's not actually sure what he expects, but he is surprised, and immensely pleased too, when Victor starts playing the song and he actually recognizes it. He lets out a soft laugh, and it's not long before he starts singing along to it, in a near perfect pitch. ]

[Victor grins, listening to James sing for a while. Then amazingly, he finds himself singing along. He hasn't sung out loud in an even longer time than playing the violin, but he's just in that sort of mood. He's happy.

He sets the violin down, grabbing James to pull him close. It's the sort of song that demands dancing]

[ He lets out a soft little yelp when Victor sets the violin aside and pulls him close, grinning as he wraps his arms around the doctor's shoulders. ]

It's kinda difficult to dance without the song playing, you know.

[ Not that he'll let that stop him from trying, of course. ]

[he laughs breathlessly, resting a hand on the small of the other man's back with the other between his shoulder blades]

Okay. What about this song:

Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars.
Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars.
In other words, hold my hand.
In other words, baby, kiss me.

[he's no Frank Sinatra, but he has a clear voice. And singing to James while dancing with him makes it a bit more intimate]

[ Oh no, that's aiming straight to his soft sappy heart. He's grinning so much he thinks his cheeks might actually start to hurt. ]

Fill my heart with song and let me sing forever more,
You are all I long for, all I worship and adore...

[ He sways a little to their singing, even if there's no tune in the background, no instruments playing to mark the pace. ]

[this is better than anything he could've come up with. Just slow dancing with James, the two of them singing In Other Words back and forth. Victor knows the next part of the song but it's a little much, so he improvises a little]

In other words, please be true.
In other words, I want you.

[ Jim's eyes glint a little in amusement and surprise. He'd wondered how Victor would go about that particular bit of the lyrics, and he has to admit he is very much pleased with the quick little improvisation. ]

This is really nice. [ He hums the tune, letting his head rest on Victor's shoulder. ]

It is. I'm glad I shared this with you.

[his fingers slide up to brush through the man's hair. He's going to practice his optimism and just enjoy this moment. Being happy like this is so foreign and wonderful, he refuses to let himself ruin it]

So am I. [ He nuzzles a little against Victor's neck. ]

Not just the lab. About your brother too. [ His lips quirk into a slight smile. ] And you playing the violin.

[his lips also move into a smile] I haven't done that in a very long time. Singing or playing music. But I wanted to make you smile, so...

[he concludes with a shrug]

It's not that hard for you to make me smile, though.

[ Victor's sweet, thoughtful, a little romantic too... despite being a little out of depth here, he still manages pretty well. ]

You say that like the lack of difficulty would stop me from trying.

No, nor should it.

[ He pulls away, kissing Victor briefly. ] I like making you smile, too.

[he purrs against the man's lips, squeezing him close] You do it well.

Thank you. It's one of my many unique talents.

[ He winks playfully at Victor, grinning lopsidedly. ] So, if you're keeping your place like this, maybe we could head out, and I'll show you the Enterprise?

[ Since he'll want to come back here and dork around the lab, poking at things and taking pictures. ]

Yeah. I'm looking for a house anyway, so I'll just leave it like this. [and whoever inherits the place will get a surprise. He lights up, grinning]

Yes. I'd love to see it.

[and be a dork and poke around. He doesn't have a camera, but he'll sketch everything]

[ Jim nods and slowly untangles himself from Victor, catching his hands again. He looks the doctor up and down, eyebrow raising. ]

Do you want to change first, or...

[ Jim doesn't mind either way, but Victor does look like he literally just stepped out of the Frankenstein movie. ]

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