Baltimore, Wednesday night

[sharp_as_knives]

This had been a close runner-up when they'd been women; now that showing off was (slightly) less of a priority and they weren't looking for trouble, it was in the front by a bit.

So, here they were at this converted church that promised lovely wooden dance floors (which was an advantage) and no rude people (which was only a slight pity).

Hannibal grinned at Jono and held out his hand. "Shall we?"


[NFB due to distance, unless the squirrels hitched a lift to go swing dancing. I won't judge!]

Comments

[sharp_as_knives]

Hannibal wouldn't exactly mind that, either. "Shall we see how quickly we can do it?"

The next song was a little more traditional, but still lively, and Hannibal spun Jono around to match the tempo.

[furnaceface]

//Oh, I think we can manage a fair bit of speed to us,// Jono decided, quite happy to follow the tempo that Hannibal was setting. //And if I end up embellishing somewhat as we go using dances I already know in the meantime? Would that be so terrible?//

Because again, Jubilee making the New Warriors study ballet meant that Jono wasn't terribly lousy when it came to footwork, here.

[sharp_as_knives]

"Not at all." Hannibal grinned and stole a kiss to Jono's ear in passing. "Part of the beauty of swing is that so long as you keep the rhythm, nearly anything will work."

[furnaceface]

//Well then...// Jono returned that kiss with a nuzzle of his own, the next opportunity he had. And then he quite happily started to do said embellishing. Because why the hell not? They had come here to dance, and it wasn't like he wasn't following Hannibal's lead or making use of the steps that he'd been shown. Really, there was just some extra creative footwork to go with it all, while they were at it. //Let's keep the rhythm, shall we?//

[sharp_as_knives]

"Naturally." And Hannibal wasn't above mirroring some of Jono's moves, either; he knew many dances himself, and improvisation in all things was a passion and a challenge.

[furnaceface]

And see, that was what Jono had come out tonight for. Even if it was at least, in part, about showing off, there was something delightful about just letting go and playing off of one another, dancing and embellishing and yes, maybe being a touch on the competitive side about it...

//So, how much dancing have you done before now?//

Because this? Was excellent.

[sharp_as_knives]

"I am an excellent waltzer," Hannibal answered, smirking. "And I do quite a mean tango."

[furnaceface]

//Well, you'll have to show me your tango one of these days too, then,// Jono decided, winking as they found themselves chest-to-chest for another moment still. //Not much of a tango-er, really. Maybe I just haven't had the right partner yet.//

[sharp_as_knives]

"I may have to do that," Hannibal agreed. The song they were on stopped and he held up a hand. "One moment. One of us needs water. And possibly to lose this jacket." He grinned. "Don't go away."

[furnaceface]

//Where would I even go?// Jono was smiling right back, contemplating whether or not he should be losing his own jacket just yet. He wasn't sweating, but that wasn't really a surprise, all things considered. Still, it looked like Hannibal wasn't the only one who was starting to shuck layers, either. And Jono hated feeling conspicuous.

Which was why he was keenly aware of a couple not far off who were whispering amongst themselves and looking his way. He was going to just ignore it, for the time being. He couldn't make out what they were saying anyway, after all.

[sharp_as_knives]

Only because he was being pesky and moral and not mentally eavesdropping.

Hannibal folded his jacket neatly over a chair and headed for the bar. They were a few people deep, but the servers were doing their best, so he waited politely.

[furnaceface]

And Jono... mostly Jono was just standing around some more, watching Hannibal idly where he was standing. Hands in his pockets, listening to the music.

Which was about the moment one of the murmuring people stepped up to him with a shy smile and a polite, "Excuse me, would you be interested in dancing?"

...

//Um, Hannibal?// Jono was having a minor bluescreen moment, now. //Go on and get your water, don't let me interrupt, but, er... I think I was just asked for a dance.//

He was looking supremely awkward while he attempted to figure out how to spell out in charades that he sort of needed to ask his partner, first.

[sharp_as_knives]

Hannibal glanced back at him and saw what was going on.

Forgive him if he looked and sounded extremely amused, Jono.

It does look that way, yes, he agreed. They probably don't sign, but I imagine a nod or a shake of the head is universal, he added helpfully.

[furnaceface]

Jono did an admirable job not looking as pained as he felt, even if the look would have only crossed his face for a moment. And then he looked back at the young lady who had asked, and tried to look apologetic for a moment while gesturing to his wrappings. See, he couldn't answer aloud, but...

//... Should I accept this dance?//

He didn't know! He had no idea! What was going on? Why were people asking him things??

At least the realization that he was mute had bought him some time, here. Look, he didn't have to pull an immediate answer out of his arse right away! It also meant the charades he was going to pull to explain that he'd come in with somebody were going to be an interesting sight to behold.

[sharp_as_knives]

Do you want to? Hannibal asked equably. She seems to be a polite young lady.

"Oh!" She blushed a little at Jono. "Sorry. I was wondering, but it seemed kind of rude to just blurt it out. You don't need to talk to dance, though! Please?"

Her friend grinned at Jono. "Yes, please, or I'll be listening to her sigh all evening. I can tell your partner where you are when he comes back, if you want."

[furnaceface]

Jono looked... well... immediately relieved, mostly. And still a little stunned that anybody was asking at all.

//She is a very polite young lady,// he admitted, scratching awkwardly at the back of his neck. //And her friend is offering to tell you where I've gone off to. She called you my partner and all, so they get it, that we're together, I mean.//

He fidgeted for a moment more, and then just held up one finger, for her to see, while speaking to Hannibal again.

//One dance? That ought to at least give you time to get your water, and then maybe we can make proper introductions, here.//

[sharp_as_knives]

More likely she means dance partner, but in this case either will do, Hannibal answered.

"One dance," she agreed happily. Then promptly wrapped herself around his arm and headed for a bit of room on the floor. "Can you lead? Or I can if you like. Um." She grinned at him. "Just hold your hands how you like, and I'll take the other position."

[furnaceface]

Jono kind of squinted one eye a little as he pondered that one, and then shrugged his shoulders and held his hands out in a silent offer to let her lead. He could dance, sure, but he was still a beginner at this particular sort of dance, and being unable to communicate with her outright was just asking for somebody to get hurt or something, with that in mind.

//Dance partner, right. Right, that's also a-- I don't go out dancing often enough,// Jono intoned, sheepishly. //Apparently I need to get out more, Hannibal.//

It really didn't take a genius to be able to recognize that, though.

[sharp_as_knives]

The girl smiled and took her position, then started out a little tentatively while they got the feel for each other.

And now Hannibal was giving the bartender a smile wider than was strictly called for as he ordered his water. We should definitely do something about that. There was an echo of inquiry and then a different kind of amusement before Hannibal spoke again. And apparently there are water coolers available in several places. For free and without waiting. Hannibal thanked the bartender, paid for his one bottle, and left a generous tip.

[furnaceface]

Tentative was good. Jono wasn't going to be doing any footwork unless he was sure he wasn't going to end up on his behind for trying, after all.

//Well, that's good to know. It'd be a hell of a place to spend a summer evening if you had to stand in line every time you needed to take a drink, after all.//

[sharp_as_knives]

Agreed, although it wouldn't be the first such place, Hannibal drank his water on the way back; true to her word, the other girl met him and pointed out Jono and her friend. Hannibal smiled and nodded, then offered his hand to her for the rest of the song.

He might not be quite the young catch Jono was, but he could dance, too, after all.

[furnaceface]

//Well, that just makes this one better than the rest,// Jono decided as he and his partner started to get a better feel for each other's rhythm, and before long they were both feeling a little more confident with embellishing as they went. //Free water and a no-harassment policy? I'd revisit this place happily.//

Even if he couldn't partake in the free water, himself. Alas.

[sharp_as_knives]

Then we will, Hannibal answered. But not next Wednesday; we have plans for then.

[furnaceface]

//Not next Wednesday,// Jono allowed, though he didn't shake his head, lest his dance partner get the wrong idea. //Since you're right, I suppose we do have plans.//

Stupid birthdays anyway.

[sharp_as_knives]

All Jono was getting back for that was a burst of amusement tinged with smugness. And a grin the next time they were in sight of each other.