Work Text:
Prompt: Laying a gentle kiss on the back of the other’s hand.
Pair: Grimsley x Shauntal
" 'Taking the maidens hand, a gentle kiss was bestowed upon her hand as their eyes locked. She could feel her heart in her throat, unable to believe that such a proud noble would spare a moment to offer a dance to a commoner like her..' "
"That sounds a little dry. I certainly hope that's not the only interaction between them."
Shauntal placed her notebook down as she turned her attention toward Grimsley, who sat beside her on a couch within the League. She had been reading off her latest work for Grimsley, as he seemed interested in the plot of her story. However, his side commentary was starting to make her feel irritated.
"Do you have a problem with what I wrote?" She asks, black velvet gloved hands placed firmly on her hips.
Grimsley waved a hand off at Shauntal, offering a small grin, "Not at all, Kitten. I just think you might want to up the anti if you want to draw in your readers."
"...and you have an idea how to do that?" She raised a brow at him.
The growing grin over his lips told her that he had a wicked scheme in mind. Standing from his seat, Grimsley stood in front of his companion as he tapped his chin in thought.
"You setting is an intriguing one, I admit. A ball at the end of the fall equinox with orange, red, and black being the preferred colors for attire. Your maiden, being from the humble background she has, slipping through the masses, hoping to embrace the high of the event."
Shauntal shifted a little in her seat as his piercing blues bore into her soul as the curve of his grin grew more..sinister. Why did she suddenly feel so warm when he gave her that look? She swallowed hard as he gave her a low bow before taking her hand into his own.
He brushes his lips against her knuckles and then up toward the back of her hand.
"I couldn't help but notice that such a dark and perfect creature was lurking in the shadows on her own. Such a shame she appears to be deprived of a spotlight on the floor. Might I have the pleasure of having this dance?"
She bit her bottom lip, giving him a nod," You may.."
A soft chuckle slipped from his lips as Grimsley pulled her up from the couch. Shauntal gave a soft squeak as he holds her close. He pressed her close against him, one hand on her lower back while she held his shoulder, the other laced between her fingers.
"Now this is a story I'd love to hear more about. Does the stranger merely spare her just a brief dance on the public dance floor? Or..does he capture her breath in such a way that they relocate to his chambers?"
As he spoke, the hand that rested on her back trailed softly up her spine for a moment before slowly making his way back down to gently grasp her rear, earning a soft moan from Shauntal.
"I-I..see your point. I can work on that. Th-thank you for your advice."
She bit her bottom lip, almost embarrassed to pursue a question she had in mind.
"Uhum..what happens if they don't do either?"
Grimsley hummed in thought, "Then I suppose they could talk and dance the night away. There are many ways to know a stranger, to unravel their secrets. You just need to be precise with your wording."
She gave a light nod, understanding what he meant. Grimsley gave her a light nudge, encouraging her to dance with him for a short while. Though slow at first, Shauntal followed his lead. Shauntal felt warmth around her cheeks as Grimsley expertly lead her around the room. He noticed how she was hesitant with her steps, deciding to boost her confidence.
Releasing her from the hand he held around her waist, he allowed her to step out of his arms but still be within reach. When he gave her arm a light tug, she spun back into his arms, finding herself once again chest against chest with him.
She took a quick self conscious step back, "S-sorry! I didn't mean to get that close!"
"On the contrary, my dear. I don't mind the close proximity of your company," he carefully tucks a stray lock behind her ear, "No need to apologize. Think you've got enough inspiration to edit your work?"
Shauntal gave him a nod, "Yes. I believe so. Thank you for your input, Grimsley."
He takes hold of her hand once more, brushing his lips against her gloved hand, but this time his gaze lingered as if he was trying to figure out her tells.
"The pleasure was all mine. I'd be delighted to lend a hand again."