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

[ He smiles at the question, nuzzling against that hand. He's glad that Victor doesn't try to mess up his hair right away; he did style it this way purposefully, and he'd like it to last a while before the doctor decides to mess it up. ]

Wait here.

[ He hasn't even kissed Victor yet, and that's how he keeps it, as he pulls away from the doctor and makes his way to the sound system smartly hidden behind one of the panels. Music starts playing, the intro giving him more than enough time to make his way back to Victor, standing up straight before him, then stretching out a hand. ]

Dance with me?

[He does as he's told, a little smile playing on his lips. A smile that drops as he instantly recognizes the music. How many times had small orchestras played this type of music at the various social functions he attended back in the day? Victor's eyes are wide as he stares at James.

He feels like he's been transported back in time. The hall is empty except for them but otherwise, it's so reminiscent of days back in his home world. Oh. He gets it now. He had tried recreating a typical modern teen date night, and now James is recreating what would've been a typical night out for Victor when he was a teenager. He sort of feels like one, too, getting weirdly nervous when James asks him to dance]

Yes. Um, yes, I would be honored.

[He feels a little ridiculous at stumbling on his words. Victor takes James's hand, settling into the proper waltz position. But then pauses, giving James a questioning look]

You did mean to pick a waltz, right?

[ He has to admit, that reaction is in good part what he was aiming for. Of course that he still wants to impress Victor a little, and most of all he wants to have fun dancing with him, but he already feels a little pleased with himself at that look alone, and the way Victor stumbles over his own words.

Jim draws him in close, taking the leading position. There's the appropriate space between them, of course, because he's going to do this right. ]

Yes. I did.

[ He taps on Victor's hand, as though marking the rhythm of the music. After a brief pause, he starts slowly on the steps, hoping Victor will catch on and follow so they can catch up to the tempo. ]

[Now he's really surprised. He recognizes that positioning. Victor gets enough time to realize James must have been taking lessons before the other starts leading him through the steps. He's actually never danced this as anything other than the lead, so it takes him a moment to adjust.

But he does, and he looks at James with a sense of wonder. The waltz is not a particularly hard dance but even so, James made the effort of learning the right posture and hand positions and everything.

A little smile plays on his lips]

Why is it I've never seen you at one of these parties before?

[He already feels like he's back in time, so might as well play it up a little]

[ Jim smiles at the surprise on Victor's face, which soon gives way to wonder and amusement. He mirrors Victor's smile with one of his own, squeezing his hand a little as he leads them through the steps, slow for now. ]

Well, this usually not my type of thing... [ He shrugs. As if the room is full of people— it's fun to pretend like they're back on Victor's world, during one of those balls he was probably forced to attend. ]

But I was told there's a handsome doctor looking for a special someone. Figured I'd give it a try. [ Whispering, ] I hear he's loaded, too.

[Victor chuckles at that comment]

I wouldn't put much faith in stories like that. It's just what they tell people to get them to come to these things.

Oh. Well, that's disappointing.

[ He shoots him a playful frown, scrunching up his nose. ]

I guess if he's good in bed, I can overlook a few shortcomings.

Now, if you want a good prospect, I would suggest the young baron. His father recently passed, so he has a title and land. As long as you don't mind him running a few science experiments in the summer home.

[He smirks. He doesn't actually throw his title around much at all, but as long as they're playing like they're in his time, might as well go all out with it]

A baron?

[ Jim's eyebrows do go up at that. Sure, he knew Victor's family had some standing back in his world, but he never bothered asking about details. There was never reason for him to. ]

You never told me that. [ His fingers brush along the collar of Victor's shirt, before the music starts to gradually pick up pace. ] It's got a nice ring to it.

Because "doctor" was at least something I earned. I worked hard for my medical license. [He hears the music pick up its tempo and easily follows along with it. His expression turns teasing]

But you said you're looking for someone loaded.

[ Jim smiles fondly. He knows how Victor feels about his license, how proud he is of it. Jim can relate. He's very proud of his own rank, how hard he worked for it. Even if, yes, he's well aware that he was often favored, and took full advantage of it. ]

Well— obviously. You gotta think about certain things, when you're looking for a suitor.

[Victor snorts and rolls his eyes] That explains why I haven't found on yet. But I have heard of a ship's captain who does lots of exploration. I was thinking to find a way into his heart so I can go on adventures with him.

[ He chuckles at that, drawing Victor in for a small twirl. ]

Mm, sounds like a catch. And he probably needs a lot of funding for all that exploration. Match made in heaven, if you ask me.

[He smiles, following the twirl and pulling back into James's arms]

Mmmm. Sounds pretty perfect to me.

[ He smiles wide and winks at Victor, tugging him closer for a moment. Carrying Victor into the next few steps, he leads them through the rest of the music. It's pretty long, but not particularly taxing, and it is what Jim's been practicing for. He never thought he'd enjoy this kind of dancing, but with Victor, it's turning out to be a lot of fun. ]

[He always found coming to these sort of parties really boring. He liked the music well enough but the obligation to dance was annoying. This is actually the first time he's in this sort of atmosphere and having a good time. All the while as they dance, a little smile is playing on his lips. The ease that James has on the dance floor shows that he put some time and effort into learning the moves.

When they go into their last spin, Victor gets them close, brushing his fingers over James's cheek]

How'd I get so lucky to find you?

[ He's always been pretty good at learning new things. Dancing is a lot about following patterns, keeping rhythm. The rest is just agility and good reflexes. Nothing he's ever had trouble with.

Jim draws to a halt as the first music comes to an end. Another will follow soon after, but for now he's content to stop for a little while. ]

Something I ofter wonder about you, myself. [ He smiles, tilting his head towards the touch of Victor's fingers. ]

[That gets his smile to widen and he brushes their noses together. He doesn't really stop dancing so he moves them to sway gently together]

You did a lot to make this special. You took the time to learn this dance, you found a place and got the right music. You sent out a formal invitation. And the way you look right now...

I've been thoroughly and completely swept off my feet, James. And the only time I really enjoyed myself in one of these ballrooms.

[ Jim chuckles, tilting his head a little. ]

Believe it or not, finding the place was almost as tasking as learning how to dance.

[ There were always the holosuites, of course, but he wanted it to be real. A real place, with real music, real decorations. Holograms can be useful, but they're not particularly romantic. ]

I'm glad you like this. I wanted it to be special. [ A hum. ] Oh— I got us something else, too. You don't happen to be thirsty...?

I can believe it. You think this place is even used for something? [He may not be fond of balls, but he can imagine others would be]

Well, now that you mention it, I am a little.

It's a public spot, usually. There's a bar, music and the like, and dance lessons a couple of times during the week. [ Not where Jim had his lessons, but he's learned that much while looking for a spot for their date.

He smiles, pulling away from Victor, and taking a bow all proper before he makes it to aforementioned small bar. He dips behind the counter and produces a couple of flutes and a nice bottle of champagne. ] I hope you have something to toast to.

Really? I didn't even know this place was here.

[He watches, curious and a little amused. He takes a moment to think of a toast] How about... to risks? Because if I didn't take one, I would never have met you.

Wouldn't have known if I hadn't been looking for it, either. [ He shrugs. ] We can come back sometime, if you want.

[ There would be other people, but they could still dance a little, have a bit of a fancier night out if Victor wanted to. Jim would definitely enjoy more opportunities to dance with him. ]

Really? [ He grins and chuckles, while opening the bottle of champagne with a 'pop'. He pours a bit onto each glass, not overdoing it for now. ] Using a dating app is your idea of taking risks? God, you really are an old man.

[ Said with all the love (and all the teasing) in the world. ]

Before that. The risk was following Rumplestiltskin into another world. But it also led me to the moment where I used a dating app to meet a handsome captain. So that is why I'm toasting to risks.

[He tapped their glasses together] But yeah, I'm an old man. And you just set up this whole night to appeal to this old man.

Yes, I did. [ He says as he clinks his glass against Victor's, then takes a slow sip. He steps closer to Victor, finger curled around the hem of his blazer. ]

Because I love you... and because you're the most important person in my life. I want to have as many experiences as I can with you.

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