Work Text:
Dan-Ole was feeling quite brave after his and Eva-Lisa's mating dance. She had invited him to her cabin once more, deeming him more than worthy of a second chance. That time Dan-Ole said nothing about being a coffee-drinker. As they left the dance floor, Eva-Lisa took his hand, linking her fingers with his. Neither of them let go as she led him all the way to where her cabin was. Not many words were said, either, as both halves of the pair were so caught up in their own minds. Dan-Ole's head was buzzing with different thoughts, all of them positive, even if a little bit scary at the same time. He had never been with a girl before. Or, a woman, he should now probably be saying. But, Eva-Lisa.. Oh, she was wonderful. Dan-Ole felt his heart start taking wild leaps in his chest. And so, he didn't even realize right away that they were no longer walking.
"Why'd we stop?"
he asked a moment later, feeling a little stupid. He was standing in front of a door. And right by his side, Eva-Lisa opened said door and turned to him.
"Here we are, Dan-Ole,"
she announced, her voice kind and inviting. She wasn't making fun of how he very obviously had been spacing out.
"My cabin. Do you.. still want to come in?"
Did he ever.
"Yeah.. Oh, yes, Eva-Lisa!"
Dan-Ole said with a fast, almost furious nod which elicited a giggle from Eva-Lisa's lips. It was one of the most beautiful sounds Dan-Ole had ever heard. Perhaps even more beautiful than the call of a skylark at dawn. Suddenly he felt like the luckiest man alive. And quite possibly even happiest. He was finally, after all these years, actually trying to find love. She stood in the doorway, turning back to look at her. Seeing her like that, biting her lower lip in that very specific way.. Oh, it did something to his brain. Rearranged something in a very specific way that just.. worked. He was starting to space out again, and Eva-Lisa noticed this. Laughing, she took his hand once more and pulled him into the cabin.
Afterwards they were sitting on Eva-Lisa's bed, very close to each other. Their sides were brushing against each other softly, and all of it felt natural. Like it just was meant to be. Still, somewhere in his heart flickered a tiny flame of uncertainty. It was given more room to exist once again now that the previous, almost breathtaking confidence boost was slowly fading away. He should say something to make things better. Not that there was anything wrong with them as they now were.
"I.."
he breathed out, wringing his hands in some sudden, apparent discomfort. Eva-Lisa turned to look at him, now giving Dan-Ole her full, undivided attention. Oh, great.. And it was great! Dan-Ole loved having her all for himself. But, words.. They, suddenly, didn't come easy.
"I.. really can't dance, Eva-Lisa. Bertel and his instructions of slow and fast didn't really help me at all. He was wasting his time."
Hearing that, Eva-Lisa laughed. But it wasn't a mocking laugh, it was one of disbelief.
"What are you even talking about, Dan-Ole? If only you'd seen yourself back there."
She nudged him.
"I saw a man who was confident in himself. Not awkward or uncertain. Powerful, dramatic and elegant. Isn't that man still part of you?"
she inquired softly. Dan-Ole shrugged, still looking a bit uncomfortable.
"That was then.. And now is.. well, now. I had to get that other man away from you. I don't think I can do it again. Maybe.. I'm hoping that I can just be myself.. And that you'll still like me."
Eva-Lisa took Dan-Ole's hand in hers, once again. He didn't pull away; didn't want to. But the nervousness remained. Now he didn't have to stand up for himself, anymore. And so, all of a sudden he felt as if he was standing at the base of a steep mountain that he'd have to climb.
Soon, Eva-Lisa got on her feet, pulling Dan-Ole with her. It wasn't very graceful as he bumped right against her, feeling quite awkward and suddenly very aware of his long limbs. That was the old, held-back Dan-Ole right there.
"I've got you, Dan-Ole,"
Eva-Lisa said as they stood in the middle of the cabin, close to each other and holding hands. Oh, how Dan-Ole wished that he'd be able to enjoy this moment without anything holding him back. Best to be completely honest with her, even if by doing so, he would push her away and get placed back in square one.
"It's the.. slow dancing I'm especially not good at. I don't know what I'm supposed to do with my hands, where do I put them, and.."
"Do you want me to show you..?"
Eva-Lisa then suggested, still holding him close.
"Uh-huh.."
Dan-Ole was able to give at least some kind of positive response.
"Yes."
Their first attempt at a slow dance didn't go quite so well. Just like Dan-Ole had feared, his long legs got the better of him and he tripped on them, landing on the floor in a way that was far from graceful. Eva-Lisa was by his side very quickly.
"Are you okay, Dan-Ole?"
she asked as she took his hand once again. He was able to nod and was soon freed from his predicament and helped back on his feet. He tried to decide if he was making things up, or if there really was a look of adoration in her eyes. Dan-Ole was mostly certain that it was genuine.
Only a few swift seconds later they were again in the starting position. And in his still slightly flustered state, Dan-Ole of course stepped on Eva-Lisa's toes. His face was flushed and expression near horrified as he apologized.
"Not again, I'm so sorry. Maybe we should stop.."
he then sighed.
"I mean.. Eva-Lisa, I don't want to, but.."
She shook her head.
"No.. You're okay, Dan-Ole. Let's try again,"
she suggested, in a way that made it impossible for him to turn her down. She really didn't want to let him go.
"Don't look at the floor, look at me,"
Eva-Lisa continued. Still, he kept looking down at their feet. His feet, more than anything.
"Dan-Ole?"
Only hearing his name gave him the courage to look at her once more.
"So.. What am I supposed to do?"
he asked. Eva-Lisa took his hand and placed it on her waist.
"Let me show you."