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

[bluntforces]

Of course Evan McCartney is at the dance. Of course he's dressed up with sensible shoes. Of course he's going to be dancing up a storm.

But way more important?

Of course he brought moon bounces. Of course one is a castle and one is a pirate ship. And of course at least part of the evening is going to be spent mooning jealously over being too tall (and old) to play in them.

[standlikestone]

Sometimes she can just slip up and press her cheek to his from behind without being outrageous, right? She hums softly, pressing a kiss to the corner of her lips. "Help me keep my mind off things."

[bluntforces]

Sometimes, contrary to popular opinion, they are completely normal human beings. Amazing but true. His fingers find hers to lace with, hum soft and contented in his throat.

"Absolutely. We goin' for dancing or drinking?"

[standlikestone]

"Drinking first," she suggests with a laugh, squeezing his hand. "So that if I'm bad at swing, you won't notice."

[bluntforces]

"You tryin' to get me tipsy, Miss Thing?" Which doesn't mean he isn't grinning as he steals a kiss, tugs an arm around her without letting go of her hand. "C'mon. Get you something classy. Like with an umbrella in it."

[standlikestone]

"Yes please," she sighs with a happy hum. "Don't... let me get too drunk."

Yes, she just said those words. For real.

[bluntforces]

...who is this. What has she done with his girlfriend.

There's a firm squeeze as he nods, pulls her a little closer along. "Ain't gonna push, but-- everything good, Ri?"

[standlikestone]

"I'm just..." she lets her head sink onto his shoulder. "It's my last month with the kids. Before I... quit. That's all."

[bluntforces]

Ah. Time to smile and hum and bump her hip lightly with his. "Gotcha. C'mon. Drinking time."

[standlikestone]

She'll hop up on a barstool, pulling her dress down over her garter before ordering a drink. "What're you thinking about staying, then? After this summer?"

[bluntforces]

"'bout staying here?" His lips pull sideways just a little, fingers drumming against the bar as he leans without properly sitting. "It's-- a little harder 'n I thought it would be. Still don't want to get the folks over-excited about the idea, y'know?"

[standlikestone]

"M'not-- I'm not trying t'be over-excited," she claims hastily. "Take your time, okay? Make the right decision for you. Just... just I was wondering, I guess. That's all. Promise."

[bluntforces]

"...babe." His fingers reach for hers, tug them away from the glass to bring up to his lips. "I know what's right for me. It's just a matter of gettin' everything lined up properly."

I haven't used this icon in too long

[the_songbird]

So getting hugged by an exuberant Elani is totally okay, right? Also probably getting pulled onto the dance floor at least once.

But for now there is hugging and laughter. "I see the kids love your contribution."

Evan will move home soon and you can use it ALL THE TIME. \o/

[bluntforces]

It's part of the plan. It's a fabulous part of the plan. And it's going, of course, to involve spinning her up in the air for a few moments before setting her down with a squeeze.

"The adults do too. Jealously. I been seein' it in people's eyes."

I WILL, DON'T YOU WORRY

[the_songbird]

She kisses his cheek with a loud smack. "Well, it would have been better if they made those things for adults too, I have to say."

She totally would've given it a go. That's what wearing dance bloomers were for.

[bluntforces]

"I'll keep an eye out for next time. Promise, munchkin." Just another few seconds clinging before his hands find hers, body already starting to sway. "This whole thing is fantastic, you know? Really did good."

[the_songbird]

"I had help, you know."

But she's also already following him, it's sort of an ingrained response, really.

"But thank you, Brother. And I'm glad you made it." Not that there was really any question.

[bluntforces]

"Woudln'ta missed it, Elani. Really."

She's getting spun whether she likes it or not. This is the way of their family's conversations anyway.

"You promise you been enjoyin' yourself? Not just running around keeping everyone correct?"

[the_songbird]

Of course she likes it. Even if it does make a bit giddy and giggly. Maybe because it does. Whichever.

"Cross my heart. I might actually be all danced out after this is over with."

Well. For a day, maybe.

[bluntforces]

Oh, gasp. Absolutely gasp, madam.

"Elani Claire Deirdre McCartney, how can you even think that?"

[the_songbird]

"I don't know," she laughs breezily, "it must be the champagne."

But that doesn't seem to be interfering with her dance steps any.

[bluntforces]

"You been gettin' tipsy? 'm tellin' Mom." Or maybe he was going to give her a toss up into a low aerial.

Probably the second one.

[the_songbird]

"She's here," Elani laughs when she comes back down. "We can both tell on each other for that."

[bluntforces]

"Tattle-tale." Tattle-tale still getting swung around to the beat of the music. "We'll have t' wait until she and Dad are done makin' us both look like amateurs, I'm guessing."