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

(( 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. ]

Edited 2018-07-16 19:05 (UTC)

(( 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. ]

(( 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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[ 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.

[ 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.

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.

[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?

[ 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.

( 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?

Edited 2018-07-17 18:00 (UTC)

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 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.

[ 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.

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.

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.

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

( semi-closed ) learn the steps

( open ) practice makes perfect

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

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Lessons, as offered.

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