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

[butneverbreak]

It was easy to follow. More than that, it was a pleasure. Absolutely wonderful to stop thinking about anything but the flourish of her fingers, the enjoyment of her spinning skirt, the comfort of catching a familiar hand when she came right again.

"Like riding a bike, doll." And, she added with a bite of a wink. "Watch out you don't show off too much, or it won't just be the 'crusty old ladies' asking you to get on your feet. Might have to keep up with someone in their early thirties."

Shocking and horrible, surely.

[holdsmyheart]

Theo laughed with her, feeling some of his weariness dissipate, a bit of stress ease from his shoulders. It was good, this event. Light, unmotivated by necessity, politics, or any underlying reason. Just a time for people to get together and have a bit of fun.

He'd definitely have to send Elisha a thank-you note.

"Then I'll just have to build up my stamina again, won't I?" It was out of his mouth before he realized it, to his mild shock. But hell, why not? He wasn't in his office, being official or autonomous.

[butneverbreak]

There was a beat of surprise. A beat of staring at his own mildly shocked expression before her own burst into absolutely tickled joy.

She might stop laughing by the time the song ended. She might stop laughing by the time she leaned to plant a firm kiss on his cheek, leaving a bright red form of lips behind.

But probably not. Which wasn't a bad thing.

[holdsmyheart]

It was always nice to make a woman laugh, Theo recalled. Even if it was somewhat at his own expense. He'd always been able to do the same at himself, which made things so much easier.

He accepted the affection with alacrity, not minding the souvenir in the slightest. Spinning his partner in a final twirl, Theo pulled Rita back, dipping her over his left arm as the song ended. And following that with a heartfelt hug afterwards.

"Thank you kindly, m'lady."

[butneverbreak]

It was with him, hopefully, more than at him. In good fun and more in the spirit of the dance than anything else.

And was certainly punctuated, cheeks flushed and eyes brimming with happiness, with an entirely tight squeeze of a hug.

"Thank you, Theo." She did relent when she pulled back, thumb lifting briefly to give the lipstick on his cheek a quick, efficient smudge from brightness into something less obvious. "And I swear, if I see you doing work tonight, I'm stealing your pager."

[holdsmyheart]

Theo chuckled, turning his head to let her rub out the lipstick marks. "Deal. I promise to even let you." He hadn't thought about the thing in the last half hour, which was promising, really. A record, since attaining the throne.