( open ) so darling, save the last dance for me

[winscenario]

who: Jim Kirk & YOU!
what: last month Jim asked for some dance lessons on the network, this is a log for said lessons + people randomly walking in on him practicing on his own, and finally the actual date with Victor
when: throughout July
where: various places
warnings: none, will edit if need be

(( starters in the comments!! ))

Comments

( semi-closed ) learn the steps

[winscenario]

(( closed to anyone who offered to teach Jim some dance moves— feel free to handwave that he got in touch to set it up! ))


[ It might be the first lesson, or maybe they've gone through the basics already and this is a lesson later along in the month. Either way, the scenario is much the same: Jim will be there at the scheduled time, at the arranged location, in appropriate attire (if applicable). He's carrying a bag with a few personal items, a towel, a water bottle and a change of clothes, since he doesn't want to head home post-lesson and give away where he was and what he was doing.

If he arrives there early, he'll be practicing a few steps on his own while he waits— maybe a few he has more trouble with. Either that, or he'll be doing a few stretches to warm up. Dancing is surprisingly tough, it takes its toll. ]

Lessons, as offered.

[nobasisinfact]

[Richard hadn't expected Jim to be early. In fact, he was fairly certain that the man would be late. Still, he watched the man as he practiced the steps that he'd taught him. Simple box steps for now. If he wanted to get into something fancier, they could do that later.

Removing his suit coat he continued to watch for a few more minutes before addressing the other man's progress.]

You're progressing Mr. Kirk.

[winscenario]

[ Jim tried never to be late, and if it happened at times it was only due to his work. This wasn't the Academy, and he wasn't exactly twenty and irresponsible anymore. Besides, he was the one asking for lessons, it seemed rude to take up Richard's time, when he offered willingly.

He startled to a stop and turned to find Richard in the room. ] Well, I'd hope so. [ No point in having lessons if he wasn't learning anything. He made his way to Richard, offering a hand for a greeting shake. ] Hi. I managed to come in a little earlier today, figured I'd put in a little practice while I waited.

[nobasisinfact]

Unfortunately, my class ran late today.

[He reached out a hand to meet Kirk's, shaking it firmly. If pressed, he'd say the other man was rather impressive in how quickly he'd been picking up the steps. He was a fast learner, which made things all the more easy for Richard.]

Technically, what you've learned now would suffice, but I assume you're looking for something a bit more advanced.

[winscenario]

Don't worry about it. You're not that late.

[ And even if he were, Jim wouldn't have minded waiting longer. He happened to have a little more time to spare today. ]

I'm looking to learn as much as I can. So if you think there's more you can teach me, I'm both glad and willing.

[evasives]

[cassian learned how to dance over the years, different kinds and styles, all from different planets or species. even slightly the different steps between the same dance, depending on location. he's learned and internalized a lot, like he's memorized a lot of things over the years. teaching jim is easy.]

[he walks in the room to catch jim already practicing. they've done this a couple times already, and even though jim is a fast learner, some parts are trickier. he's been focused on those most.]

You are starting to get the hang of it.

[winscenario]

[ Jim's eyes flicker up to meet Cassian's, and he slows to a halt. He's quick to smile, hopping from one foot to the other and doing a playful little twirl, bowing at Cassian. ]

Thank you. I think I'm getting really good at it. [ Look at him, so perky! ] So— what are we doing today?

[evasives]

[cassian rolls his eyes at the bow, but at least it's fond. friendship, he guesses.]

We could try a new one, see if you like those steps better, or start with more practice on the one from last time. It's a little faster, but not something that might trip up Victor.

[winscenario]

Oh, it's fine. He's a pretty good dancer— better than me, actually. He's used to it, from his own world.

[ His original world, anyway. It's complicated. But point is, he's been to more balls than Jim, that's for sure. ]

I wouldn't mind trying to go a little faster. So I can keep up with him.

( open ) practice makes perfect

[winscenario]

(( open to anyone who wants to walk in on him practicing dance steps on his own at the perimeter guard. ))


[ The lessons have been helping a lot. It's different too, getting to practice certain moves with someone else, but he's nothing if not meticulous about his learning methods, and he really wants to get it right.

During quieter days, he can be found on several spots around the perimeter guard— from the training facilities to the shuttle bay area, there's a high likelihood of walking in on Jim, with some kind of music playing in the background, arms up as though holding onto an imaginary partner while he goes through specific steps that follow the rhythm of the music playing. ]

[neversurrender]

[Steve is already on his way to the training facilities when he catches the sound of music from inside echoing out into the hall. It's not unusual for people to play music while they work out and train, but this music seems more suited to an event or ballroom then sweating it out against a punching bag.

Curious, he steps inside, greeted with the sight of Kirk moving through some steps with an invisible partner. It's hard to hold back a smile, as it reminds Steve of his own attempts to learn dancing. He's content to watch from the door way as the music begins to die down, ending the choreography.

He claps.]

It seems like you've been practicing for awhile. That was pretty good.

[winscenario]

[ Well, he is training, and this is a training room, so— it fits. Sort of. Jim's glad that he managed to get the whole area to himself today. Not that he's embarrassed to practice dancing in front of other people, but he likes having the whole area to move around in, and at least like this he doesn't have to submit anyone else to the same music. It's not everyone's cup of tea, he knows that.

He slows to a halt with the last step as the music reaches an end, turning around with a mildly surprised look at the applause. With a smile, he takes a proper bow, straightening back up. ]

Thanks. I think I'm getting the hang of it. [ Another music starts up next, and he makes his way to the sound system to turn it off. ] Sorry. I was taking advantage of the empty facilities, since I can't practice at home.

[neversurrender]

[Steve doesn't mind the music. It's reminiscent of music he grew up listening to. His mother had loved to dance, at home or elsewhere, and would often play the music as she did random house chores, making up her own steps as she went along.

As Kirk makes for the sound system and shuts it off, Steve steps properly into the room.]

You are. There were a couple of turns that could use some work, but that's an area that's hard to improve when you've only got an invisible partner you're trying to not bump into. [He speaks from experience.] You'll get the hang of it.

And don't apologize on my account. This facility has a large floor, an ideal practice space. If I can just grab a few things I'll find another space to work-out in and leave you to it.

[He begins walking towards one of the shelves towards the back of room that holds training and weight lifting equipment.]

[winscenario]

Yeah, I think I will. Practice makes perfect, as they say.

[ It's easier during the classes, when he has someone else to correct his steps as needed, and to serve as a partner so he can practice. Alone, it's not the same thing.

He waves a hand and shakes his head as Steve moves towards the training equipment. ]

Are you kidding? No way. I have the shuttle bay, that's plenty of room if I wanna keep practicing. [ A pause— ] Or you could be my partner, if you want. Do you dance?

[wiccant]

( one of the benefits to being a reality warper is being able to find people easily. billy--could have called, yes, or texted, or something, but there's been a shitton of stuff going on between now and the tunnels, he's grown. gained a few years thanks to the memory canister, gained a bit more muscle, filled out a little.


and he finds jim, dancing by himself near the shuttle bay. billy waits, watches for a moment, follows his steps before he takes a step forward himself and speaks up: )

Is there a party coming up that I just didn't hear about?

[winscenario]

[ Jim looks over, surprised but not embarrassed to have been caught dancing in the shuttle bay. It's been a quiet day anyway, and it's not like he's getting in anyone's way. Music keeps filtering out of the shuttle. ]

No— it's more like a private event for two. You wouldn't have heard about it. [ He studies the man. He looks a bit older now, bulkier too. Not nearly as banged up now, but he still recognizes him easily. ]

Took you a while to get in touch. I was starting to think you'd forgotten all about your promise.

[wiccant]

I didn't forget. There was just a lot going on. ( look he's not gonna bore jim with the details of the dramatics of the young avengers. missing speedsters, needy godlings, shapeshifting space kings--all of that nonsense. definitely not something to get into especially out here.

instead he offers a sheepish smile, raises a hand up to comb through dark hair. )

Offer still stands, whenever you want a drink. Sorry it took me so long.

[winscenario]

I get it. Life kinda gets in the way.

[ And evidently Billy's been through stuff. Jim's a very amenable guy anyway, he isn't actually upset about the wait. ]

I've got a couple beers in a cooler, here. Or we can go elsewhere right now, if you'd like. I'm pretty much wrapped up for the day.

[mannerism]

[ It has all become a bit of a metaphor, hasn't it? Dancing. It was almost a code name, once, to a life promised and lost. Since then, Peggy had barely danced with anyone but she does enjoy it or at least, she remembers loving it. The deep sound of brass, the rhythm of jazz. ]

Careful lest you'll step on their toes.

[ The voice is familiar enough and she wouldn't have said anything if he wasn't familiar to her. It's been a while since she left but it seems that the place deemed it appropriate to bring her back. She was making her way back home and has already exchanged her slacks and shirt to a practical dress. ]

[winscenario]

[ Jim's a little lost in the moment, focused on the music, and keeping his steps in tandem with the rhythm. His motions are fluid, showing at least some level of practice, though he doesn't seem to be going for anything particularly complicated while practicing on his own.

The voice startles him, and he turns, only realizing who it is when his eyes land on her. ]

Peggy! You're back! [ Grinning wide, he makes his way to her, leaning in to plant a friendly kiss to her cheek. It doesn't cross his mind that she might not even remember her previous stay here, but— whatever, he's taking a chance. ] And I don't remember stepping on your toes.

[mannerism]

Look at you, Frenchman.

[ She blames him for his kiss even as she accepts it. Luckily, everything from her tone to her smile suggest familiarity. God, there are some people she misses and some who she is glad to still have here. ]

It's good to see you, Captain.

[ She puts the sentiment to words for a change and tilts her head ]

Not do I and yet here you are, practicing.

( closed ) when we dance you have a way with me

[winscenario]

(( closed to Victor. ))


[ Much like he'd expected, dancing hadn't been that hard to pick up on. Rather than just one dance, he ended up learning quite a few of them, though for tonight he's mostly looking forward to surprising Victor with one specific dance.

Finding a place for their date tonight turned out to be almost as complicated as the lessons. It's a miracle that he manages a place that's along the lines of what he was looking for, but isn't ridiculously expensive to rent for the night. It's a small but fancy-looking ballroom, with more than enough room for just the two of them, which is basically what the night is about. There also is no band or musician to play the music, and instead he has brought along several tracks to set up on the sound system discreetly hidden that will play all around the room.

It's quiet when Victor gets there, though. There are lights and candles on, and as Victor steps inside, he'll find Jim standing there, waiting for him. ]

I was starting to worry my invitation hadn't reached you.

[jolting]

[Victor had no idea what to think of that formal invitation. Nor did he really know what to expect, but he decided to dress up. After all, a formal invitation like that suggested they were doing something a little fancier than usual. He found the address on the invitation, his eyes going wide when he walked into the ballroom. It felt like stepping back in time. He remembered so many evenings playing out in a ballroom just like this, him going through the motions of dancing with eligible women or talking with Gerhardt.

This was not going to be like those evenings at all. He wanted to dance with James. Speaking of James, Victor's eyes lit on him and felt his heart skip. James was always handsome, but damn]

Glad it did, or I would've missed this. You look gorgeous.

[winscenario]

Glad you did, or this would've all been for nothing.

[ Thinking about it, a note left on his desk was romantic, but a little risky. Granted, he'd have texted Victor in the meantime if he didn't show up, but it would ruin the surprise a bit. So he's relieved that it worked out the way he planned it. ]

Thank you. [ He smiled, stepping closer and smoothing his hands down the lapel of Victor's blazer. Very nice. ] You look wonderful, yourself.

[jolting]

[Victor likes James no matter how he's dressed, of course, but this really gets his heart racing. He leans in a little, resting his hand on a cheek. He almost doesn't want to ruin the way James's hair is styled]

What've you got going on in that brilliant mind of yours?