forum Vienna Calling | oxo | closed

Started June 12, 2023 by @knightinadream group

tune

Talking about one's self was something that Edvin was never good at. He found it to be selfish in most cases. Anytime he would, he ended up talking about his children or whatever else was on his mind. If anything, he's more interested in others. He'll turn the conversation whenever given the chance. In the case of Will, he was intrigued to say the least. He wanted to know more about the detective. Who knows? Maybe it's just interest or curiosity.

The captain froze. They were so close to one another. Physically at least. Edvin moved back a little. When he noticed his reflection in Will's eyes, he realized that he barely moved at all.

His brows raised soon after Will spoke. "Are you doubting one of the greatest military leaders in all of history?" The captain asked. He wasn't sure how one would suffer from such beauty. Of course having two different eye colors makes one unique from others, but it doesn't impede on one's character. "I believe the only thing he had suffered from was his final and only defeat…death, but in the end, we still call him Alexander the Great, do we not?"

Edvin's lips remained open. They waited for words to spill out. He kept looking at different things. Eyes, nose, cheeks, blush, lips. Then he stared down at the sheets. "Will…" The captain whispered, "He was loved for the things he had done. If anything, he was quite handsome looking too."

For awhile, his eyes lingered on Will. Finally, he decided to get up. After standing up, the captain straightened put his coat. He tried his best to smoothe out any wrinkles but forgot to comb through his hair. There were strands that had fallen out of place.

"I should…We should find out where you are staying. It shouldn't take long, but I know you probably want to relax after all of the traveling you had done."

Will was tempted to argue with the captain. He never tended to argue, he was a people pleaser, and Edvin had authority and power compared to him, it wasn't a good idea to anger him or argue, especially when they were going to be working together for what was going to be months, he figured, considering the size of the case.

But he couldn't bring himself to do so. He couldn't find the words to argue, to talk about it further. It made it worse when Edvin mentioned that Alexander the Great was declared to be handsome, and the detective tried to keep his brain from jumping to any conclusions about what that may mean in relation to him.

Yet words failed him. What would the man think of him if he told him about his childhood? How others had treated him, his own family, when it came to his 'issues' with his eyes. It had been ingrained in his head for long enough that Will wasn't going to change his opinion anytime soon, and he couldn't. He had tried but he just couldn't bring himself to believe that his difference compared to others was a good thing.

Edvin moved away a few moments later, and Will couldn't help but feel a little upset when the other moved out of his space. He had been able to feel his breath, his body heat, get a better look at his features and he wouldn't lie when he thought that he liked it.

He held back his sigh, and for a few more moments he stayed still on the bed while Edvin spoke. He didn't want to move. They had been in a little bubble of peace for a few moments and the detective didn't want to face the world and the case. He had to, though, and finally, he pushed himself up off the bed.

"Yes- Yes, of course. I'm… sure you have other things to attend to as well, before we really get to the crux of the case." He tried a small smile, but he turned away to grab his coat only a few moments later.

The more he remained standing still, the more he regretted moving so suddenly. Edvin was unsure of himself. What he was confident in was that he would've wound up making a mistake one way or another. He worried about talking too much or saying something that would upset Will. There's something he liked about the detective. Well, maybe not just one thing alone.

He knew that something would've happened if they remained that close. Whether it be by God or his foolish self, he would've inched closer towards the Englishman. He'd ruin the case in an instant. Things are going well between the two. For the sake of Frederick, the rest of the family, and the case, he had to put a stop to it. Not to mention they're bound to have more peaceful moments in the near future. If not, he'll make one or two.

"All I need to do really is to translate all those letters so you will have something to read. I think I also need to translate what I wrote in my journal too," He said, "Other than that, I am here if you need anything. You can bother me for whatever reason, but I do not want to take way any free time you have before we go."

Edvin stepped in front of Will. When he looked at him, he decided to fix the detective's hair. "You're in Vienna, in one of the most finest palaces in the world. You should look as fine as the architecture," He mumbled. His hand combed through a few times before falling at his side. "Oh my apologies, it appears that I didn't need to do anything."

The captain winked at him then strolled over to the door. He stepped out into the hallway. At a first glance, he already spotted a few palace staff walking up and down the hallway. "Excuse me," He called out to a servant in German. The servant, a short man with black hair, stopped a few feet away. Edvin asked, "We're looking for Detective Erbosol's quarters. Would you by any chance know where it is?"

The servant glanced up at the ceiling, thinking for a moment. Turning, he pointed down the hallway. "It should be three doors down on the left, sir." Edvin leaned over a little, repeating the directions to himself. The captain glanced back at the servant, bowing his head, "Thank you."

Swiftly, Edvin began to make his way to where Will was staying. He still was speaking in German when he beckoned to the detective and said, "Come on, Will! You should get some rest before we go. Let's go!"

"Maybe I'll have to find an excuse to come bother you all the time," Will said softly.

But the detective damn near fainted when he was winked at.

He wasn't good with affections, well, receiving them, at least. The only people who had ever really done that had been his mother and yet even still it was different to what he had just gotten from the Captain. He couldn't help the way his eyes went wide, his cheeks went red and screamed internally at his own reactions to something so simple.

It didn't help that Will found himself enjoying Edvin's touch. He liked the way his hands felt combing through his hair, the warmth from the other being so close to him. Considering he tended to run cold he needed as much as he could get, and being in close proximity with Edvin was easily enough to warm him up in more ways than one. And insinuating that he was as fine as Vienna's architecture?

God, he was screwed. If Edvin kept it up he wouldn't have any brain cells left for the case because the Captain would have stolen them all the way and turned him into a blubbering mess. So much for the smartest detective in the world. Reduced to splutters and red cheeks over a simple compliment from a very attractive man. A man who was kind, and smart, and one he was going to be working with for what would be weeks, if not months, and if he didn't stop his train of thought he very well might pass out.

At least Edvin was conversing with a servant and had his back turned for the time being, at least for a moment long enough for the detective to try and level out his expression, even if he was red.

And he didn't have a clue what Edvin was saying, but he figured it had something to do with his room when he beckoned him down the hall, "You know I don't speak German, Edvin. You might have to stick around and translate for me all day at this rate."

Edvin stopped walking then turned around. "What? I was not speaking Germ-" His brows were raised as he stared at Will. Then his eyes grew wide at the realization. So he wasn't talking in English? He was so sure that he was. Once he had opened his mouth to talk again, he started to laugh. Some strands of hair fell out of place as he threw his head back.

It took him awhile to stop. As he placed his right hand over his chest, he took a deep breath. He said in German, "Lucky for you, I speak Swedish, Danish, Romanian, and a little bit of French too…." His gaze wandered off, staring at the wall across from him. English was always difficult. The captain bit the inside of his cheek, waiting for the words (ones in English) to be locked and loaded into his brain.

He snapped his fingers then pointed at the detective. As he spun on his heel, he spoke in English, "You are going to be stuck with me anyways. I just only hope you like the sound of my voice." Again, the captain beckoned him. "Now come on, Will!"

In an blink of an eye, he was already halfway down the hallway. He always found the whole palace to be massive and easy to get lost in. Even now when he's only going a few doors down, he swore that the hallway stretched longer. Half of him felt like he walked for miles despite the fact that it only took him less than thirty seconds to reach where Will would be staying.

It was tempting to open the door. The moment his hand reached for the handle, he yanked it back. They'll be stuck together anyways. Edvin wouldn't mind being around Will for as long as he needed to be. He may or may not accidentally speak German if it would give him an extra minute with the detective.

(Why'd I just get the image of Will attempting to learn German to make communicating easier for Edvin…)

God, had Edvin always looked like that? Or was it the sweet as honey laughter that fell from the Captain's lips that made him seem ethereal? Or was it simply the detective being overdramatic as always when it came to how he viewed others? Will didn't know, but that was one mystery he was okay with leaving unsolved for the sake of his sanity.

Because Edvin continued speaking in German, and the Englishman couldn't help but smile even though he understood nothing that the man before him spoke. Maybe he should learn German, to make communicating between the two of them simpler. It was unfair that Edvin had to go through mental hoops to simply be able to talk to him, he shouldn't have to do all the work. Yet again learning a whole new language would take months. Will was sure they would have the time together but when working the case it would be near impossible to pick up an extra language on the side. Near impossible, but not improbable.

"Yes, yes. I'm coming." I could listen to him talk all day. Especially when he laughed like that, seeming to let go for just a moment. It was tempting to walk up to the taller man and brush his hair out his face, but Edvin was already bounding down the corridor like a hyper puppy for him to do anything. For the best, most likely.

Yet the detective took his time walking the short distance down the hall, half to see of Edvin would be able to wait the extra minute it took him, and half to admire the beauty of the palace. Not even Buckingham was as grand. Those multicoloured eyes were wide and practically glittering with wonder, like a child receiving their first piece of candy. Will was too enraptured by the place, keeping his eyes trained on the ceiling and at the wonderous painting that lay above them, to notice bumping into the strong wall of muscle that he met at his back.

Talking in different languages was always more than just what he said. Edvin always felt like he was a bit different if he spoke Swedish compared to German or English. Regardless, he knew that he would be having difficulty finding the right words when his mind was focused on someone else. He could no make sense of himself. It wouldn't be of any help no matter what tongue he spoke in. Sometimes words are not sufficient to convey meaning.

All of the buzzing energy evaporated. Not a single muscle in his body moved as he stared at the detective. Nothing else in this hallway stood out to him. The art lying above was dull yet the amazement gleaming in Will's eyes were more captivating. They shined on their own. Clearly, the captain enjoyed the sight of them up close, but he enjoyed the view from a distance. Only when Will turned around he was disappointed to not get a glimpse. Not that it affected his ability to enjoy the view or anything.

"God-" Edvin's breath hitched. It would be foolish for him to say that he didn't think Will would bump into him. And yet here he was trying to compose himself. While brushing against his coat, he cleared his throat. His face turned pink as he took a step back. "Are you alright?" He asked. "I was going to say that you should explore the palace, but I now worry that you might bump into more people or get lost in all of the beauty and glamor."

His hands ran through his hair till he thought it was neat enough. The captain tried his best to ignore the sound of his heart pumping rapidly. He looked up at the ceiling whispering, "It's beautiful but I believe there's someon- something much more beautiful here."

Being in Edvin's space was something that Will was beginning to enjoy more and more considering that he had been so close to the man so often in the space of the last twenty minutes. He practically radiated warmth, and his touches had been gentle when the captain had brushed his hair out his face back on the bed. It was bad to develop such a closeness with a man he would never see again after this case was solved - if it were to ever be solved. They would like never speak again and yet here Will was, silently hoping that wouldn't be the case when he was starting to really like being with Edvin more than he had any other case partner.

The man was different from the rest. There was something in those honey-brown eyes that had Will captivated and he didn't know what it was. For a detective he should have been able to decipher it with ease, however, instead, he was left with a pounding heart and confusion in his brain at the fogginess of his thoughts, especially when they made him feel like a schoolboy all over again. Fellings were easy when they weren't his own, but in this case, they were, and he had no idea what to do with them or how to react. He could simply only ride it out and hope that he didn't say the wrong thing or scare away the man standing before him.

He turned around, tilting his head up to look into those eyes with a sheepish smile, "I guess I would need someone to keep me out of trouble if I was to go exploring," He said, basically offering the invitation for Edvin to go with him, show him around, "So I don't bump into anyone, of course." But the only person he wanted to bump into again was the captain. Will couldn't help but want to feel those hands on him again. He wondered who else had been subject to the touch.

Before his thoughts became too out of hand he had to look away, quickly diverting his gaze to the door and wrapping his slender, pale fingers around the warm gold of the door knob and pushed it open. The room was grander than he had anticipated, and Will's eyes went wide once more at the space. His bag was seated on the bed and he sighed at the sight of it, glad the thing was in one piece. The detective was quick to move to throw his coat over the end of the bed.

Nothing in this world could prevent the captain from smiling at the moment. The look on Will's face bewitched him. He liked the way the detective had to tilt his chin up a little just to make eye contact. The detective's eyes must have been painted and sculptured by God. They were just utterly breathtaking. He knew that would never get tired by staring into them.

Edvin was unsure about getting close to the man. In the little time that they have spent together, he felt okay. There was no need to uphold a facade that many would see when they saw him. His fingers yearned for the softness of those blond locks. He wanted to be laying on that bed again with Will, talking about whatever came to their minds as they inched closer and closer. The captain found himself being able to talk to Will about things he rarely had to others.

Yet he worried about getting too close. Not to say that he concerned himself over their partnership for this case. It is likely that he may never see Will again. If they were to solve this case, Edvin would be thrown back into his normal life. Before he got to Vienna, he barely had any time to see him own children. He wouldn't be able to see Will, and he couldn't bear thinking this.

But oh how he could not resist the urge to get close to this man. "Yes well…I believe I may know someone who could be of help," He said. His hand combed through his hair before ruffling it. "If you ever happen to bump into him, just ask. I am sure he would be more than happy to show you around the palace." He would love to show Will every part of the palace possible. From the gardens to the ballroom, he give the finest tour of Schönbrunn in all of history.

After Will stepped inside, Edvin went to lean against the doorway. He tried to distract himself by glancing around at everything in the room. Only a second went by before he was back to staring at Will. "So, do you like it?"

Will bit his lower lip to suppress a grin, "And if I already have bumped into him, what would he say to giving me a tour?" Navigation wasn't his thing. Talking about himself, with someone that he was supposed to be having a professional relationship with wasn't his normal thing. He could help others. Talk his way into a situation that would gain information, and help people in that sense, but he could never help himself.

Less so when it was with someone he was beginning to like far more than what was good for him. He couldn't get attached. He couldn't allow himself to get attached when they were never going to see each other again after this. He would go back to England, go to his apartment and pour over cases day in and day out like usual, make the trip to Buckingham when he was called by Her Majesty and never see the handsome captain ever again. So it was definitely a bad idea that he was starting to like him more than the average person. Or maybe it was because he had never received a kindness from a stranger like this before, not in the way Edvin was being kind to him.

Maybe he was just totally deprived of anything good when it came to friendships that he was mistaking the wrong cues for different meanings. Maybe it was because he was terrible at his own feelings, any situation hat involved his feelings, when he was better at helping others. God, was it going to be like this the entire time he worked wit Edvin? Wishing for quiet moments to get to know him better, wishing to feel his touch on his face and through his hair once more?

He scanned the room, taking in the bed that was far larger than anything he had ever slept on himself, how the large windows let in streams of light and warmed him to his core, "Like it? It's beautiful! It's far too much for someone like myself." He would have been more than happy with a single couch or bed in a dark corner, as long as it was semi-comfortable with a place to rest his feet after standing all day.

He shouldn't be getting this close to the detective. No matter how tempting that grin or those eyes are, he cannot. They have to maintain some sort of balance or barrier. Case partners cannot be getting attached to each other. The captain had never been personal with any of his comrades nor should be doing the same with Will. Any time they'd be able to spend together outside of investigation would go to waste by the time he goes back to Stockholm and the detective back to London. Neither of them have any business in the other's city. They'd never see each other again.

The captain hesitated to respond. His jaw hung low while his face turned pink. Edvin wanted to blame himself bring quiet on language issues but he would be lying. All of his thinking was pushed to the side. "I suppose…" He looked away from Will biting his lip. Somehow staring at his boots wasn't enough to make the blush disappear. Oh heavens it must be so obvious that he is overthinking. Will must know how much Edvin is thinking.

Gazing into Will's eyes, he whispered, "He would be more than delighted to give you a tour of the palace." He has only known the man for how long and he already is blushing and looking away like this was some kind of romance novel. If it weren't for a cold mysterious case to unite them, this might as well be a romance novel.

"Come on, Will. It is enough for you, it is worthy of you." He ambled further into the room. With his hands held behind his back, he went to stand next to the detective. His eyes looked around. In some ways the room looked identical to the one he was sleeping in. "You deserve it. Being here in Vienna, in the Schönbrunn Palace because the Emperor needs your help means something good about you."

It made sense to Edvin. Will worked to solve many cases back at home, helping his fellow countrymen and Her Majesty too. He, on the other hand, was simply a cousin of the Austrain emperor and the Swedish king. Sure he could speak Romanian and whatever, yet blood runs thicker than water, doesn't it?

"I should leave you alone while you still have time to be by yourself." He began to inch away, getting closer towards the door. As he walked backwards, he used his left hand, brushing through his hair. Edvin sighed, "Is there anything I can for you, Will? You will know where to find me if you need anything."

Will opened his mouth to make a comment about Edvin giving him a tour, but it was quickly shut not a moment later as his thoughts took over his mind.

It was so easy to get lost in thought when you lived inside your mind all the time. Will couldn't seem to get away from the thing. If he wasn't working on a case he was still stuck inside his head wondering about what he could have done better, how he could have changed and made the case go by quicker, and what he could have said or done differently. This was no exception.

Because even though the two of them shouldn't, couldn't get close with one another as nothing was to become of it, Will couldn't help but want it, just a little. Maybe it was foolish, selfish, because the man was attractive and nice and had an energy about him that the detective was beginning to really enjoy more than anyone else. or maybe it was stupid because if they solved the case they would never see one another again, but he wanted to. God, he was in deep shit.

Yet the comments about how the place, the room, how lavish it was, said something good about him only had him tumbling into another pit of self doubt. He really didn't deserve a room this nice. He had never stayed in a place so grand before in his life. He was a detective, nothing more, nothing less. He helped people, but that didn't mean he deserved special treatment.

And in Will's head, he was the last person on Earth to be worthy of such a thing.

Not when the room was bigger than anything he had ever seen, he knew the mattress was going to be dead soft and he would sleep wonderfully when his brain finally shut down. No, he really didn't. He was nothing more than a mind with a mind that worked in a different way to some people's.

But then Edvin was backing away. Stay. He wanted to ask. Just a little longer. Instead, he shook his head, "No, no there isn't," He said, and looked over his shoulder at Edvin and tried a smile, "I should organise some case notes, anyway."

Edvin didn't want to go. He wanted there to be a reason that would keep him there or bring Will to him. Perhaps he would accidentally leave his gloves behind. No that wouldn't work. His gloves are tucked nicely in his breastpocket. He tried to find other reasons to keep himself there without making it obvious that he didn't want to leave Will. Everything he thought of was foolish. Would fluffing the pillows and opening the windows be too much?

The more he remained there, the more his face grew warmer. It was impossible for him to not think about running his fingers through the detective's hair. He wanted nothing more, he yearned for it. If he stayed, he would've made it happen. Now the captain realized why he must go.

A weak smile replaced the frown that was directed towards himself. His eyes grew soft while looking back at Will. He asked, "How about I give you a tour tonight? We can go together and wander through the halls and gardens. I think you will like it." As he stepped out into the hallway, his hand remained on the door handle. His knuckles turned white. The captain took a step forward, leaning in so the detective could see him. "Well, I should leave you to it then. Goodbye, Will."

After closing the door, he let out a deep sigh. His right hand rested over his rapidly beating heart. When Edvin went into his room, he fell onto the bed. He would've made himself useful by translating those letters, but his mind wasn't able to comprehend language. From thinking about the case to Will, there was no way he would be able to translate anything. Translating thoughts already proved itself to be quite the task.

"Yes, tonight." That was only a few hours away. Will would be fine until then, right? "Goodbye, Edvin." And with that, the captain was gone and the detective nearly collapsed onto his bed.

Why was it so hard to deal with people when it was personal? He didn't understand. God, the minds of criminals were far easier to understand than his own, than men in his life. He had always been different. Liked different people, didn't like women the way that his peers had, or his brothers did. And he had been reprimanded for it as a teenager and he wasn't about to mess this up with a stranger.

A kind, attractive stranger that he had just met but there was clearly something drawing him to Edvin and Will didn't know what it was. And if there was one thing he hated, it was not knowing. And God, he was worried that, if he said something, made a move - not that he would ever dare out of fear - he might lose the only other man that could help him with this case.

Will flopped onto the bed and groaned into the pillows that were incredibly soft. He would have sworn if he had had the capability. Instead, he only took a few moments to collect himself before he sat up and pulled out his notebook. He really should organise the case notes.

And that was exactly what he did. Will didn't know how long he sat on that bed for, hunched over his notes as he scrambled to write down all his ideas and thoughts, tried to brainstorm where to begin, where to go, what might happen and possible theories. Usually, he would spread them out over the floor but he didn't want to make a mess of the lovely room he was staying in. Instead, he barely moved an inch, until he couldn't feel his feet and they were numb. By the time he was out of thoughts, the sun had begun to set, painting the sky in pinks and oranges that sent the room into a deep glow.

His boots and coat laid on the floor. Edvin remained laying on his side in bed. With his hand stretched out, he stared at the spot where Will had laid beside him. He both knew and didn't knew why this Englishman was occupying thoughts. It didn't make sense to him. When he spent time with Gheorghe Zamfir, it took him weeks, if not months, to realize that he was head over heels for the man. Some of his memory was fuzzy from what had happened before the Romanian soldier had confessed to him. That was different. He wasn't sure if he should utter a word around Will. They'd be spending time together on this case and he quite enjoyed being around the detective.

Oh God, what was he doing? Edvin was closed off, wanting to get all of this done then go home. From first sight, it was clear how the detective is handsome. For the record, he only laid next to Will because the action was genius and his mind was melted from traveling. He glimpsed into eyes he had never seen before. They were so close that he could feel Will's breath. Don't get him started on the hair combing.

Really, he shouldn't be thinking about looking at another man. If anything, he should be looking for a woman to remarry. He knew that both his parents were already looking across European courts for a bride. And sure, Edvin had always had an interest in women, but he always had an interest in men too. As far as he's concerned there isn't any words to describe him except for "disgusting" and "sinful." Things that are disgusting and sinful can ruin cases and any chances of having time with someone as smart, attractive and wonderful as William Erbosol.

Edvin fell asleep. By the time he woke up, the moon started to shine. The sun was on its way to setting below the horizon. And the Swede didn't even wake up on his own. There was a knock at the door. Stumbling out of bed, he hurried to put on his boots. He almost fell three times. Was it Will? Does he want to explore the palace? Or just talk?

Behind the door wasn't Will. The captain was making eye contact with a blue-eyed graying Ludwig, Frederick's longtime butler since he was a boy. His heart rate returned to normal. "Sir…" Ludwig bowed his head, "His Majesty apologizes that he will not be at supper. Her Majesty is not feeling well and he has canceled plans for the evening. He wanted me to tell you this personally."

Edvin's left foot took a step back. He leaned against the doorway. It would've been nice to have supper with Will and the Imperial family but…"Ludwig… Could you arrange supper for Detective Erbosol and I out on the platform by the gardens? We could be over there in less than an hour or so."

The butler gave him an affirmative nod. Edvin watched as he went down the hallway then disappeared around the corner. It took him only a few seconds to run down to Will's door and knock. His hair was messy. He had no coat on. His breathing was fast. He was still waking up. At least the captain gently knocked on the door.

The knock on the door startled him and he practically yelped. Will shut his notebook, the pencil keeping the page that he was working on ready and for easy access for when he ultimately returned to it later on.

He scooted off the bed as quickly as he could but underestimated just how numb his feet were and within a few moments of standing, he was falling to the ground with a soft thump. Typical, but very him. Embarrassing, but at least no one was around to see that. His feet were still tingling as he stood and hurried to the door, quick to open it and be met with the captain on the other side.

They were both just as much of a mess as the other. Will was leaning against the door, trying to hold it steady so he could maintain his balance and bring back circulation to his feet, looking up at the detective with another one of his sheepish smiles as he tried to play it cool like he hadn't just fallen to the floor a minute ago. His button-up was untucked and not buttoned the whole way, and blond strands of hair were just as messy as the captain's auburn.

"Captain!" Will cleared his throat and tried to stand up straight to no avail, "What are you doing here?"

He had completely forgotten about food and their plans to roam the castle. With his mind so far into the case and the notes that he had been making everything else had slipped away until it had faded into the background like a shadow on the wall. Now that he had Edvin standing in front of him again he was only reminded of how handsome the man looked, and those multicoloured eyes tried to look anywhere but Edvin in order to hide his growing redness. Mainly out of embarrassment.

He was pretty sure an eternity had passed as he waited for the door to open. The sleepy feeling clung to him. As much as he was up and running, he regretted not staying in bed for a little while longer. Of course, the captain wouldn't have minded getting up if that meant seeing a certain special someone. A fine intelligent man who happened to be the greatest detective in the world. Not to be on the nose, of course.

The captain was sure he heard something, or someone, falling. Before he could react to the thud, the door swiftly opened in front of him. In a second, his eyes laid on Will. The tips of his ears turned red. He would have comb through his own hair or tucked in his shirt, but it was too late to do anything. "Hello Will…." He faintly grinned. Seeing Will's disheveled look reassured him. His eyes kept looking up and down. While he thought it would help him find the right thing to say, it wasn't working.

Perhaps he shouldn't have made plans before asking the detective. Ludwig must be getting everything ready. They only had so much time. Not that this was dire or anything. They still had enough time to make themselves look more neater and ready. He wanted to brush through the detective's hair again, not to even make it look neat or anything. It was perfect just as Will was.

Rubbing the back of his neck, he stared down at the floor. "I was thinking maybe we can roam around the palace in a few minutes," the captain said, "Apparently the emperor and empress aren't available to dine with us so I thought maybe you'd like it we started our little journey and eat supper by the gardens."

Will wanted to scream at the fact that the captain was looking him up and down. Raking his gaze over his body and no doubt taking in his messy appearance. He should have done something. Tucking his shirt in, at least, or done up a button. He couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious. He knew he was far too skinny, pale and pasty, especially in comparison to Edvin who was bigger in every way. A prince and a pauper, if there ever were a pair. Even though the man before him had clearly just rolled out of bed, too, presumably for other reasons that weren't hunching over case notes, he was still a gorgeous sight in the soft light of the evening.

"That's unfortunate about the emperor and empress," He said with a slight pout, "But I would love to explore with you before dinner, that sounds quite lovely." Because although it was sad that the royals wouldn't be joining them, it meant that he would be able to spend more one-on-one time with Edvin.

Not that that really mattered or was needed. They were going to be spending a lot of time together in the coming weeks in their adventures and travels, their exploration and attempts to solve the case at hand. Once they left the palace there wouldn't be a time where they were apart for longer than an evening, if that. Companions, maybe even friends at that point, searching and hoping for the same goal. Hoping to help and uncover the truth of the mysterious deaths and disappearances that were occurring.

The detective cleared his throat, "How about you come back here in five minutes? So we can uh- freshen up, first." They both needed it. Lord knows he needed to fix his hair. He had no doubt it was sticking up in every which way. He also needed to fix his shirt, they both did. Well, Edvin could certainly model the look well, he on the other hand, definitely could not.

The captain shouldn't have let his eyes wander. He cannot entertain whatever idea was clouding his mind. They'd be stuck together from here on out after they leave the palace, but he didn't want to make things awkward between them. And he knew that he thought about this a million times already. Yet, it was difficult to determine if he thought about that or Will more or which would ultimately win in the end.

Between the lip pout and them getting roam around, he was unable to think straight. He had to look up at the ceiling for a second in order to prevent himself from turning pink. A beam swept across his face when he lowered his chin. "Great! I believe…I believe…umm…" He bit his bottom lip. "It would be lovely. I am really excited to show you everything. It's amazing and I'll make sure you that you'll have fun."

Edvin would be more than fine if they had started going around the palace just the way they were now. Will looked perfect like an angel. Hell, even better than an angel. He only wished that he could tell him without potentially scaring the Englishman off. Any word in English won't do him any good either. He could try, but he worried that he'd blurt out the wrong thing.

The best he could do was nod. "Sure, take all the time you need, Will," He smiled. "I mean you already look amazing. Well, wait a moment…" The captain took a step forward. He couldn't pass the opportunity. Carefully, Edvin brushed through Will's hair, moving away whatever strands possible. Then he stepped back, "Well, I'll be back in five minutes, but take all the time you need, Will." Before saying or doing anything else, he returned back to his room.

Will damn near squeaked when Edvin touched his hair again. The touch was always welcomed, by anyone, but something about the way the captain touched him that way had him melting into a puddle of water within seconds. Something about Edvin, something about the captain just sent his mind into a frenzy of hazy mush. God, the last time he had felt this way was with a crush on a boy back at school.

But the last time he had had a crush on a boy it had ended terribly. It had ended with Will bloodied and bruised and that wasn't something he wanted to experience again. The detective knew he had to shut down all those thoughts and feelings that were arising before things became too difficult and it ended up with him hurt once more, physically or mentally. Both, would probably be the answer to that, especially when it came to working with someone. They were supposed to be colleagues, but he couldn't go developing a crush on the man he was to be working with. Yet here he was, already enraptured by the man by simply a few touches, "S-See you in five." He whispered, and then quickly shut the door when Edvin had disappeared down the hall.

Pale cheeks were bright red. Multicoloured eyes were wide and damned near glittering as he hurried to fix his shirt, tucking it into his pants and doing up the few buttons that had come undone. Will scolded himself mentally. He didn't need this. He didn't need to be developing feelings like this. The detective didn't touch his hair, however, not wanting to mess with what Edvin had done for him. It might be the only touch he was allowed for the upcoming period of time. Who knew when - if ever - they would touch like that again? They shouldn't. They couldn't, but God did he want it.

The detective's shoes came next, quickly slipping them onto his feet before he tied the laces and stood up again. By the time the five minutes had passed Will's face was still pink, a softer shade than it had been, but it was still there. He had a feeling that around Edvin his cheeks were always going to be warm and noticeably red. His eyes were always going to be wide and excited unless something awful happened or was said. He hoped that it wouldn't be too noticeable, that the captain would ignore it if he did. Steeling his breathing, Will headed to the door and opened it, stepping out into the hall.

By the time he closed the door, it was like lightning ran through him. The captain tried his best to look as good as possible in little time. Usually he didn't care about his appearance. Now, he found himself standing in front of a mirror as he moved every single hair strand to its correct place. He even tried to shine his boots too. When he slid his coat on, he tried to take care of every single wrinkle. He wanted to look perfect, just perfect for Will. No matter how much he tried to think of anything else, his face kept getting more rosy.

He stepped out into the hallway still brushing his hand through his hair. It didn't take him a second to see the Englishman from the corner of his eye. It didn't take a second for his heart to take a leap. One big gigantic leap. The captain wasn't able to say anything. For a minute, he just stood there until his heart took another big gigantic leap.

"Will!" He beamed. His eyes remained still as he briskly walked over to the detective. Edvin couldn't contain his excitment. "See, you always look amazing. Gorgeous, handsome, fine…" He sighed. "I don't know if I could find a word in any language that I know to describe how wonderful you are, Will, but I will try."

Edvin looked up at the ceiling. The painting above was the same as it had always been since he first saw it when he was nine. Vibrant and elegant. Although, his heart had settled in the brief moment he stared at it. As soon as he gazed back at Will, his heart went back to thumping again. "So…do you want to start walking now? We can go left or right down there, it's up to you."

The moment he was out in the hall Will was searching for Edvin. His eyes were wandering and barely even taking in the magical hallway and how beautiful it all was, in fact he really didn't care until he was next to the captain again, but the moment he saw Edvin at the other end and the man heading down the hallway, he couldn't help his grin. Will knew he looked like an innocent puppy half the time, but the captain was certainly starting to rival him with how excited he looked. Was it just because of him, or were there other things going on that he was excited about? Food, maybe?

It was almost stupid to think that the captain was that excited to see him. He was nothing more than a detective from England, come to help on a terrible case. There was the chance he was simply like that with everyone, and the doubts were beginning to creep into the back of his mind like a tidal wave. Years of insecurities that had been bottled up and hidden away bubbling to the surface at the slightest sign of affection and niceness from a man he would never see again when - if - they solved this case.

And he tried his hardest to fight away the pinkness of his cheeks that had risen when he had been simply touched by the man in front of him in a simple gesture, it only worsened when he was complimented. Will made a soft noise of protest, unable to deal with the fact that Edvin was so easily able to say those things. Totally normal. This was totally normal, "You- You flatter me, Edvin. You're too kind." His cheeks were red hot, right to the tips of his ears and he turned his face away in an attempt to hide it. Mess didn't even begin to cover how he felt.

Will didn't know where his feet were taking him but he began walking at the invitation to do so, "This way. Let's go this way." Even though he would most likely get lost on his own if it weren't for the captain, he didn't care. They were to be exploring, and Edvin was going to show him around, a personal tour, before dinner. Some might have even called it romantic if they had seen the two.

"Alright." Edvin smiled as he strolled beside Will. The look on his face was calm and serene, but inside, he was far from it. Thank goodness they were walking. With his excitement, he could run around the palace for God only knows how long. His eyes were lowered to the floor. He watched the marble patterns as him and Will walked together.

He was excited about a lot of things. Will, walking with Will, showing Will around the palace, getting to have supper with Will in the gardens, being out in the gardens at night…There was so much for the captain to be excited about. All the noise in his mind had drowned out the feelings of anxiety and doom that mulled over him ever since he left Stockholm. And he was excited about that too.

But with the excitment, he didn't want to ruin anything. Will could just be a good kind man after all. Maybe the detective wasn't interested in him in that kind of way. The case is critically important and their relationship, as colleagues, is important in a way. Although, Edvin knew that in his heart there might be feelings developing that he shouldn't have with a colleague.

"I could explain some of the things that we pass by or if you just want to talk or not…The choice is up to you, Will." He didn't want to use their time just pointing at things and talking about them. He wasn't sure if Will wanted something like that or if he only wanted to just walk around. The palace is a sight to be seen after all. A once in a lifetime view nonetheless. The captain didn't want to ruin it for the detective. Still, Edvin was staring at the floor.

The captain sure did have a beautiful smile. Will didn't think he would ever forget it, the way Edvin's features lit up when his face bloomed into a wide grin. Or even just a soft, gentle smile at the ground. Regardless of how the man beside him looked when he was smiling, Will wanted to see it more. He wanted to keep seeing it. And more importantly, he wanted to see it due to himself causing it. He wanted to be the reason as to why the captain was smiling, whether it was because he was foolish and the man beside him thought him funny and stupid, or because he did something intelligent and he was impressed by his work. Either way, he wanted that smile.

Will slipped his hands into his pockets, trying to turn his focus away from the beautiful man and the beauty of the halls he was walking through. The palace was magnificent. He couldn't believe that he was walking around a place such as this freely. The artwork had clearly been crafted over centuries, taken care of and looked after to a perfect degree that they looked almost brand new. And the frames glittered with gold that had clearly been polished and shined more than twice a day. The detective's eyes were just as glittery as the gold frames he looked upon.

The Englishman turned his head softly in Edvin's direction, "I want to hear all about your favourite things in the palace." He said, glittery gaze full of childlike wonder even when turned onto Edvin, "It's all so wonderful, I don't even know where to begin when it comes to it all. There's too much, honestly. But in a magnificent way."

If only he were able to see these things back home. The museums were wonderful. Buckingham Palace's artwork was wonderful, but it was nothing like this. Will knew he would have been able to spend hours getting lost in the halls of art and gold and jewels if it weren't for Edvin standing next to him, guiding him through, he would have easily been lost for good.

Edvin would be lying if he said that he didn't think of Will when the Englishman said he wanted to hear about the captain's favorite things in the palace. The captain almost froze when those heterochromatic eyes gazed over at him. No painting or piece of architecture could be as fine as this Englishman walking beside him. Don't get him wrong, he loves Schönbrunn, but really it was the people who roamed its halls that made him love it.

You had people from all over the world in one place. There's Edvin, but you also had people from as far as Moscow and even the United States. Every now and then there'd be a Turk, but ever since Frederick ascended to the throne, Edvin had never heard of one being here since. Same goes for the Russians and any Balkans too. His mother had told him stories about an old lover from Romania and the one from Sweden. Most of Edvin's favorite things in Schönbrunn are because they're his mother's favorites too.

"This may be embarrassing to say, but almost everything I like about this palace are also my mother's favorites." He rubbed the back of his neck as he spoke. "I spent most of my childhood sick and in bed, and she told me all these stories about her life here. It made me feel like I was there too. So when I first came here at nine, it was magical like the stories came to life right in front of me. This was the first place I had been to outside of home all the way back in Stockholm."

He stopped for a second, only to look around for a second. They were in the right direction, right? Edvin bit the inside of his cheek, nodded, then carried on. "I have to show you the ballroom. When I was younger, I used to sneak out of bed and sit on the stairs and watch everyone twirl around. It's beautiful, Will. I think you'll love it."