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“Darling, standing there looking angry isn’t going to change anything.” Naib scowled, pouting a bit as he turned away from the door to the gym. Jack had pulled all of his training equipment out of the way, leaving the floor nice and open for them. The taller man was leaning next to one of the various storage stands, a pair of speakers set up.
“This is gonna be such a mess,” he grumbled, feeling the urge to just walk out. He knew Jack wouldn’t judge him, but part of him refused to give up either. Arms wrapped around his middle, gentle and non-restraining.
“You don’t have to do this,” Jack said softly, “after all, you brought it up. If it makes you uncomfortable then we can do something else with our time.” He sighed, leaning back into the taller man. Something about his boyfriend always calmed his nerves, no matter how frazzled.
“You make fun of me and I will walk out,” he warned. Jack only chuckled, turning him around and giving him a patient smile.
“I would never,” he replied, ruby eyes sparkling. Naib huffed, standing on his toes to press a gentle kiss to the other’s jaw.
“Fine. Let’s get this over with,” he said with a sigh. Jack shook his head in amusement, gently tugging him to the center of the room. It was only once Jack turned to the speakers that Naib looked him over. Seeing the normally refined ravenette in workout clothes was odd for sure but not exactly unwanted.
“You sound like you’re being tortured,” Jack said, settling on a simple, calming song to play for them, “It’s just dancing dear.”
“Some of us can’t dance,” Naib commented as Jack returned.
"Relax," he said, taking his hand and pulling him closer, "let me lead. Just relax and let the music move you. We'll start with a simple waltz alright?"
The steps Jack showed him were simple enough, nothing more than simple movements and following the rhythm of the music. It was nothing difficult, especially given Naib's military training. And yet he found himself unsure and off-balance. Lost despite the simple steps. He nearly tripped when Jack stopped, flushing in embarrassment. The older man wrapped his arms around him, chuckling.
"Naib, you've got to relax," he said with a smile, "you're overthinking it."
"Well yeah," Naib replied with a pout, "how else am I supposed to remember what I'm doing." Jack shook his head, leaning to press a kiss to his temple.
"Dancing isn't about calculating your next move or thinking through every little thing," Jack said, "it's about letting yourself move freely. To let yourself feel free and just enjoy yourself. I know you happen to struggle with." Naib pouted, ducking his head in embarrassment. "Do you trust me?"
"Of course I do," he said, "you know I do." Jack smiled, ruffling his hair before stepping back to change the music to something a bit more upbeat and yet still refined. He turned back, offering a hand.
"Then trust me to lead you," he said with a smile. Naib sighed, taking his hand and letting himself be pulled close to his partner. "Just relax and enjoy this dance with me." Jack pulled him close, starting a quicker sequence of the same steps. "Don't think," Jack breathed, "just feel." Naib nodded, closing his eyes and resting against Jack's chest. Relax. He could do that.
As time passed, he felt himself calming as Jack led him around the room. The song's melody nearly lulled him into a state of half-sleep, letting Jack guide him along with the beat of his heart. It took him a few moments to realize Jack was speaking. Or...singing at least. He looked up at him, enraptured in his words.
" Dance with me, my moonlit queen, as we waltz amongst the stars, " Jack sang, his gentle timber resonating over the music and deafening his partner to anything else, " Come with me and soon you'll see, together we'll go far~ " A spin, somehow managing to keep on his feet as he was thoroughly entranced in Jack's song. " Without you near, you see my dear, my heart begins to ache~ So won't you say that you will stay, whatever it will take~ " Another turn, the breath escaping the shorter male in a rush as Jack's ruby gaze locked onto him. " My moonlit dear, no need to fear, together we'll be fine~ I'll stay with you, I say it's true, until the end of time. "
"You always did have a way with words," Naib breathed, only just realizing that they were still. The music still played around them, seemingly forgotten. "It's a beautiful song."
"A favorite of my mother," Jack replied, raising a hand to his cheek, "And I mean every word of it. I'll stay as long as you'll have me my little rabbit."
"Sorry, but I'm keeping you," Naib said, nuzzling into his chest in a rather uncharacteristic manner, "so you'd better not go anywhere."
"I won't," Jack promised, "If you desire it, I won't leave your side." Naib looked up, studying his expression. He found nothing but pure affection and honesty, emotions so strong it floored him. He was safe and wanted, and it was hard to ignore in times like this. No matter how often his mind betrayed him.
"I love you, Jack," he breathed out. Jack's smile widened, his eyes softening.
"As do I," he said, leaning down to press a chaste kiss to his lips, "I love you with all my heart." Naib nodded, burrowing into his chest. This is where he wanted to be; loved and safe in Jack's arms.
In the arms of the one man who meant everything.