It's Swing Time~

[cipherspeak]

It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out Elisha's motivation for organizing - or, honestly, delegating the organization of - a semi-formal dance party. Lucinda had suggested a ball, with stars in her eyes. She probably had already picked out ballgowns and themes in her head when Elisha had nixed the thing and - in a moment of desperation, with the memory of the swing-themed Fox wedding still in his head - suggest a Spring Swing, instead.

Everyone had run with it, and Elisha was pleased to say it had come out well. He was even more pleased to say that he didn't have to wear a suit, even if he stepped out into the lantern-lit gardens in everything but the tie. He paused near the raised dais provided for dancing and gave the small band the signal to start up the music before he attempted to fade back in the crowd. Not that that ever worked.

"Let the games begin," he murmured to no one in particular as he picked up a glass of champagne off a tray.

Note: Open to everyone and their brother; tag around, have fun!

Comments

[spysinspades]

One must be happy for small favors. A smile was a smile was a smile.

He didn't let himself belief in much of anything these days. So he would cause her smiles and assume the worst.

Hopefully a lift won't be the worst, however.

[lowtohigh]

A lift isn't the worst. It might confirm that things have changed--that she's taller, that his hands fit differently holding her--but it certainly won't mar anything.

[spysinspades]

Lifting a young woman is different than lifting a little girl, but years of practice help smooth it out easily enough.

[lowtohigh]

And that's good. That's a step too, because that's not missing a step. Feels almost like the separation was a growing apart rather than an actual leaving.

"--see?"

She did dance on her own two feet these days.

[spysinspades]

Growing apart... Yes. This felt different. Like a link was missing.

"Indeed. Did your mother foist lesson on you?"

[lowtohigh]

"My Jack, actually." The one who had for years, after all, been her dance instructor. "It would have been embarrassing if I couldn't keep up at our own party."

[spysinspades]

"You make a fine showing, my dear. I'm sure she's pleased." Sweetheart was carefully tucked back and replaced by his more common endearment with nary a pause.

[lowtohigh]

It's only slightly off. She almost doesn't notice that it's off. It might bring just a touch of nerves to her smile, but only for a second.

"Thank you, David. I'm sure you're too kind."

[spysinspades]

"We can't have that." He gives her a small smile for his joke, and bows as the dance reaches its end.

"Thank you for your time, lady."

[lowtohigh]

"And you for yours, sir."

Because that, after all, is what she still needed. His attention. His time. Even little pieces of it.