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

[ 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.

[He left just enough space that he can sip his drink and James can run his fingers over the blazer]

Good thing we're both clever and we can find ways to do all sorts of things together. You recreated a moment just like one I would've had back in my old world. Except better. Just think of where else we can take each other.

Anywhere we want.

[ Smiling, he closes the distance to finally kiss Victor for the first time tonight. ]

Oh, I learned other dances too. If you ever feel like giving them a go.

I like that.

[He smiles, returning the kiss but not trying to make it more. He knows that they will get to that eventually]

Yeah? What other dances did you learn?

Mm, you know... foxtrot, a bit of tango. A couple of completely alien dances I'd never even heard of before. [ Thank you Cassian. ]

I didn't have time for much more than that, and— well, I'm not a master at any of them. But I'm pretty good. Not to brag or anything.

Really? Well, you may have to teach me the tango, because I don't know that one.

Oh, it's a fun one. A little difficult to manage, I'll give you that. But it's very... sensual. Close. [ He looks down at himself and tips his head, eyebrow raising. ] Probably not a good one, with these clothes.

Sounds promising. [His eyes dart over James's clothes, a slow smile spreading] Probably not. I do love what you're wearing, though. You always look good but you look hot right now. With your hair slicked back like that, you're like some sexy businessman.

[ Jim hummed, trying to suppress a very amused grin. ]

Mm, is that what gets you going? Sexy businessmen?

[He smirks, taking a sip of his champagne] Like you said, babe, you have to consider these kinds of things when looking for a suitor. And I like my men with beauty as well as brains.

Well, I do have both... but I hate to break it to you, despite appearances, I'm no businessman. [ A wink, he takes a drink from his own glass too. ]

I know. [He set his voice to a low purr] You're the ship captain who explores the stars. You just had to dress up like this so they'd let you in, and you could meet the handsome doctor. Right?

Shh, be quiet! [ He puts a finger over Victor's lips, voice lilting with a grin. ] They'll kick me out the moment they're onto me. You wouldn't want that, would you?

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