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“What if someone asks you to dance?” You questioned the inventor, guiding him into the empty ballroom.
Your mouth parted as you took in the intricate golden detailing woven throughout the walls of marble. Tracing your fingertips against it to feel the difference in texture, you continued to walk forward before turning around. Your forehead creased as you waited for his response, playfully pouting at him.
He sauntered forward slightly, shaking his head before lifting his gaze up to yours, “Then I will simply decline.”
You let out a soft sigh as he placed his cane in front of him, both hands resting on the handle.
“Even if it was me?” There was an implication within your tone which caused him to pause. Leaning further on his cane, he tilted his head admiring your stubbornness. The corner of his lip twitched at your question, he knew what you were doing and it was unfair.
“Why are you being so persistent?” He counteracted the question, raising his brow slightly as your mouth parted, eyes widening as if you were trying to come up with an excuse. Ultimately, you failed.
“No reason.” You mumbled, pursing your lips as you pretended to be extremely interested in the architecture of the room around you. You continued to stand awkwardly, fidgeting with your hands as you waited for him to speak.
“I’d rather not embarrass myself in front of someone I’m fond of." He admitted, stepping forward in a slow motion as your eyes met his amber ones. Your face softened at his admission. Chewing on your bottom lip out of nervousness, you contemplated what to say next.
“You know I won’t judge you, Vik,” You replied earnestly, “Besides, this room is perfect for it.”
Spinning around on your heel, you gestured dramatically with your hands which caused a chuckle to slip past his lips. He composed himself, shaking his head whilst looking at the floor. Finally, letting out an annoyed sigh he complied, “Alright.”
You beamed at his verbal confirmation before continuing, “You’ll have to put down your cane, are you alright with that?”
Viktor nodded slightly, “I should be okay.” He walked over to the nearest table, placing his cane down before slightly limping back towards you. As he grew nearer, you let out a soft sigh to expel the nerves you were feeling.
Attempting to manage his weight he stood upright in front of you, diverting his attention from your face to his leg. Stepping forward, you placed the palm of your hand behind his back pulling him towards you so your chests were almost touching. His arms were glued to his sides, almost as if he was afraid to touch you without consent.
“Arms around my waist." You directed him softly, as he nervously reached forward ghosting his hand over the curve of your hip before comfortably placing them around the small of your back. You rested the palms of your hands on his shoulder, dipping your head slightly towards him. You could see the panic expressed on his face at your proximity.
You tilted your head downward, tapping his right foot with yours as a gesture to move it.
“Put your foot on top of mine, I’ll do the moving with that one,” You informed him, smiling slightly, “You won’t have to put as much weight on it.”
He nodded at your instruction, exhaling sharply as he allowed his injured leg to be supported by your own. He hated how weak he became in your grasp, your tender touches and supportive words turned him into putty.
“I’ll guide you with this foot,” You stated whilst gesturing to your left foot, "You just follow after me alright?”
He nodded, unable to form words as he furrowed his brows, concentrated on the floor so he’d know when to move. You brushed your thumb comfortingly against the material of his vest hoping somehow it would calm him down.
“Hold on, I’ve got you.” You reassured him, lifting one of your hands from his shoulders to underneath his chin. He followed the movement of your fingers allowing you to tilt his chin up to make eye contact with you. He smiled sheepishly as you began to move.
“Alright, there we go,” You praised him, gazing down at your feet as he began to predict where you were going to move. The both of you moved harmoniously in sync, holding onto each other as if it were the end of the world itself.
His grip around your waist tightened, pulling you closer. You rested your head against his shoulder in the space between his chest and neck. “This is nice.”
The hairs on his neck stood up as he felt your soft warm breath against him. You were in that position for a few more minutes until you pulled back, noting how the corner of his eyes crinkled as he smiled at you. It caused your chest to tighten.
Tracing his prominent jawline, you cupped the side of his face. He nuzzled into your touch as if it was instinct. Moving your thumb softly against his cheek you began to speak, “Do you trust me?”
“Of course.” He remarked, tilting his head towards your hand. The action made you want to cry, he was usually uncomfortable with physical affection but in this moment he seemed content.
Keeping your hand plastered to his back, the other one gripped his hand tightly as you dipped him back in a slow motion. His brows raised at the action, taken off guard by it before allowing a slight smile to grace his features.
“I’m the one supposed to be doing that,” He playfully stated as you pulled him back up. Embarrassed by his comment, you pressed your face into his chest mumbling a teasing response, “You enjoyed it though, don’t lie to me.”
You bit your bottom lip to prevent a grin as you waited for him to reply.
“Thank you, for this.” He sincerely stated, his chin resting on the top of your head as he wrapped his arms around your back in a warm hug.
“I wouldn’t want any other partner.”