Chapter Text
Victor enters the hall the ball is being held in and takes in the scene. He loves balls, for the most part. He enjoys seeing friends and acquaintances, and the opportunity of new connections.
While his family is not of particularly high standing, his father merely a baronet, nor are they in possession of any great fortune, they are quite respectable and have a great many friends and acquaintances among the nobility and gentry. That paired with the regard paid to Victor’s appearance earns him a reasonable amount of attention, but not anything overwhelming. Victor is quite content with his place, glad not to have to bear the way those of higher standing are so diligently sought after by nearly everyone.
The one recent downside to such events is his parents recent insistence that he should look towards securing a proper match of his own, with well-meaning suggestions as to who they feel would be appropriate matches, be they ladies with influential families and large dowries, or gentlemen that could offer greater standing in society.
Victor cannot fault his parents, he is well aware of the demands of society, but that does not mean he has to like them. He would much rather simply find a person that suits him, that he can love and be loved by in return, no matter their standing. It is a romantic notion, he knows, and his friends often tease him for it, but he cannot help dreaming of such a match. However, with his parent’s increased pressure, it feels as though time to find such a one is running out, and that knowledge casts a slight pall over the festive atmosphere.
Still, he smiles and steps forth, knowing he looks well in his new suit, his hair pulled back in a neat plait. Whatever the future brings, that does not mean he cannot enjoy the the evenings amusements. There is sure to be pleasant company and, of course, plenty of dancing. As long as he dances with a few of the people his parents recommend he will be able to placate their concerns for a while, and maybe he will meet someone interesting tonight. It is still early in the season and there are likely to be new faces present. Victor firmly maintains the belief that anything can happen at a ball.
It doesn’t take him long to find a few of his friends. He only needs to follow the sound of Chris’ boisterous laugh. Chris is his best friend, and as the second son of a Viscount, is on similar footing as Victor himself. They have been close friends for many years and often meet at events like these. Somehow Chris seems to know absolutely everyone and all the latest gossip, so he is certainly the one to go to for any interesting prospects or news.
“Ah, Victor. You’re here,” Chris greets him warmly, and with a broad grin they exchange the usual pleasantries. “Come, let us see who else is here and if we can find anyone interesting to dance with.”
The next couple hours pass by in a whirl of polite greetings, smiles and the ever enjoyable diversion of dancing. He and Chris spend a great deal of time on the dance floor, dancing with a variety of ladies and gentlemen.
Eventually, they decide they are in need of a respite and make their way to the refreshment tables.
The tables are rather crowded so Chris goes to fetch them both something to drink while Victor waits a short distance away.
It appears as though even more people had arrived throughout the course of the evening. Victor look around, taking in the sea of faces, both familiar and new. His eyes finally alight on one group. He sees a few people he knows, but almost moves on before one new face catches his attention and he cannot fathom how he had not noticed this face immediately.
It seems very likely this new face is not anyone local, his countenance belying a foreign origin, but something about him holds Victor’s attention. He doesn’t wish to be caught staring, but he lets his eyes pass over this gentleman’s visage several times to take him in fully. He has well defined features, and yet there is a pleasant softness to him, and the spectacles he wears cannot hide the lovely warmth to his eyes. Truly, he is quite attractive in Victor’s eyes.
“So, who is it that has caught the eye of our esteemed Mr. Nikiforov?”
Victor frowns, disappointed that his efforts to be subtle have failed, at least in regards to his good friend, who is admittedly more observant than most in this regard. “I’m hardly esteemed, Chris. But if you must know, I find myself curious about the gentleman just there. He seems foreign, but something about him is intriguing to me.”
Chris hands Victor his drink before looking in the direction Victor indicated.
“Oh, I believe that’s Mr. Katsuki. You’re right, he has only recently come to town on diplomatic business I believe. I met him in passing briefly last week. I can’t say I know him well, but he seemed a good sort, if a bit reserved. Come, let me introduce you. Perhaps you can coax him to the dance floor and make him feel welcome here.”
Before Victor can even open his mouth to respond, Chris is tugging firmly on his arm towards the gentleman in question.
A moment later they are greeting those in the group the apparent Mr. Katsuki had been conversing with.
“Mr. Katsuki, it’s a pleasure to meet you again. I hope you are enjoying yourself,” Chris says in his usual friendly and charming manner.
“Thank you, I’m having a very pleasant time. Mr. Giacometti, isn’t it? I have made the acquaintance of so many new faces, I’m afraid I must apologize if it takes me a little time to learn everyone’s name properly,” Mr. Katsuki replies.
Victor cannot help but be slightly impressed by Mr. Katsuki’s manner of speech, so refined, despite being foreign. He supposes this is only proper for one trained in diplomacy.
“Not at all,” Chris said, “I hope you don’t mind my introducing a good friend of mine, Mr. Nikiforov.”
At the introduction Victor gave a slight bow.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Nikiforov,” Mr. Katsuki replies, bowing in return.
“The pleasure is all mine,” Victor reassures, “I am always eager to make interesting new acquaintances at events such as these. I heard that you come to us from quite a distance. I am very interested to learn more about you and your homeland, if you don’t mind, humoring me.”
Victor has always been talented at getting along with anyone, especially when he wants to, and his talents do not fail him now, as he smoothly engages the handsome Mr. Katsuki in conversation. He soon learns that he is indeed in the country on diplomatic matters and expects to stay for some time. This is somewhat surprising, considering how young Mr. Katsuki seems. Victor always thought those in government tended to be much older, but Mr. Katsuki explains it is kind of like a “family business” since all his parents and sister are also involved in the government.
Victor is fascinated to learn a little about the country he is from as well. Though he had not been very familiar with it previously, the land of Yuutopia sounds quite idyllic and it is clear that Mr. Katsuki enjoys speaking of his homeland.
“I’m sorry, it seems I’ve gotten carried away,” Mr. Katsuki says with an embarrassed chuckle, “I’m sure you’re not interested in listening to me ramble on about the local cuisine of my home.”
Victor quickly waves off the concern, “Not at all. I find it all quite fascinating, I assure you. I find myself wishing I could sample these dishes you describe. Though perhaps it is best to change subjects for I fear I will become quite famished if I hear anymore of such enticing food. Perhaps I can persuade you to accompany me to the dance floor? I feel standing in one place too long can make one feel rather stiff.”
Victor smiled brightly, hoping his offer will be accepted.
The other man hesitates, seemingly unsure, and Victor fears he will be rejected, but a moment later something in his eye changes, and the look that meets Victor’s gaze the next moment makes his heart skip a few beats with it’s intensity.
“I would be honored to dance with you,” Mr. Katsuki says, and offers his hand to Victor.
Despite how taken he’d been with the handsome and intriguing Mr. Katsuki throughout their conversation, he is surprised to notice just how quickly his heart beats as he accepts the offered hand. The grip is firm and he swears he can feel the warmth of the hand in his, even through the gloves they both wear.
Though dancing had been his suggestion, Victor now feels that Yuuri is the one in the lead. Victor is unsure what he is feeling, but he feels almost as if he is floating as he lets Mr. Katsuki guide him onto the dance floor.
They take up their positions moments before the start of the music and Victor is grateful he knows this dance so well, as he is not thinking of the steps at all and instead puts his whole focus on the man he is dancing with. Mr. Katsuki moves with astounding grace and it is clear that, though he is not native to this area, he has had very thorough training so as to know this dance as well as Victor does.
Their eyes meet frequently as they turn and weave through the other couples in the intricate pattern of the dance, stepping close and then away again. Every time their gloved hands come together, Victor is loathe to let go again.
They dance two sets together and while part of Victor wishes to continue dancing with the other man all night, he is also unsure if his heart can take any more. He finds himself quite taken aback by how much being near the other man affects him, so it is with some relief that they retire to get refreshment.
With drinks in hand, Victor cannot help but continue their conversation. He probably should move on to greet other attendees, or find Chris, but he just cannot pull himself away. As Mr. Katsuki appears equally amenable to keeping him company, Victor has little motivation to leave.
“You are a marvelous dancer,” Victor says, “One would never guess you had not been raised here. Where did you receive such excellent training?”
Victor can see the other man flush slightly at the compliment, though he otherwise seems unaffected.
“Actually, there’s a family friend who is a dancer and she has traveled to many places, solely for learning new forms of dance. My family are all involved in politics, so cultural knowledge was highly encouraged. I quite enjoyed dancing growing up and eventually realized it could be a valuable skill, as it is an essential part of society here, and I knew it was likely I would travel here one day. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to test my skill.”
Victor’s eyes widen at the comment, “Do you mean that was your first public dance?”
Mr. Katsuki nods, “It was, and I enjoyed the experience greatly.”
Victor beams, “I’m very glad you did. I found you to be a most amiable partner as well. If you would ever like to repeat the experience, I would be glad to join you again.”
Victor feels saying this might be a bit too forward, but he truly hopes he will be able to see the fascinating Mr. Katsuki again, and that his attendance at similar functions will be a regular occurance. He would love nothing more than to dance with the other man.
Mr. Katsuki looks directly at him then, their eyes meeting, and Victor thinks he can catch a glint of gold in the warm brown of the other’s eyes.
“I too would enjoy that, but I was wondering if there are any other sorts of diversions you enjoy? Do you perhaps care for the opera?” Mr. Katsuki enquirers.
Victor is momentarily stunned by the the question. He can’t help wondering if Mr. Katsuki is about to invite him somewhere. Will he really have the opportunity to spend more time with him in the near future?
Before Victor can manage an answer, Mr. Katsuki speaks again.
“I’m sorry if I’m being too forward. I only wonder because I have an extra ticket to a performance in a couple days. I know few people here, and I feel I would enjoy your company if you are agreeable. But feel free to decline if you would rather not,” Mr. Katsuki explains, the words sounding almost rushed as that becoming flush returns even more strongly.
Victor quickly collects himself, taking a sudden breath after realizing he had been holding it the entire time Mr. Katsuki was speaking. “No– I mean yes, I would very much like to accompany you. I enjoy opera and theatre very much.”
They’d arrange the details and Victor feels a great fluttering in his stomach as he realizes how soon he will be able to see Mr. Katsuki again. That he has been specially invited. He feels he must be smiling like a fool.
Victor cannot guess where their conversation might have gone next had not Chris suddenly arrived announcing that Victor’s parents are looking for him.
With an internal sigh of regret Victor excuses himself and bids farewell to Mr. Katsuki before reluctantly following Chris away.
Still, he knows it will not be long before he gets to see the other man again, so his spirits remained high. It feels almost too good to be true that he was able to meet such an intriguing and agreeable person as Mr. Katsuki. It has been a good night, one worth remembering, and with a promising tomorrow on the horizon.