forum Vienna Calling | oxo | closed

Started June 12, 2023 by @knightinadream group

tune

Aside from the fact that their together is limited, he only had one other concern: their differences. Edvin did not mind the fact that they were from two completely different backgrounds. It was so apparent in the way he walked and talked. The thing is is that he worried about what Will may have been thinking…If he was insecure or not. Or if Edvin's nobility made him uncomfortable.

Of course, he did not mind the obvious differences. Then again, he had his own concerns and insecurities but not in the same way it could be for Will. No matter what though, the captain had always been on a path completely different from the detective's. He was just glad that they intersected.

If they had not, he would not be able to see Will biting his lip. He stared at it while heavily sighing. "I see…" Slowly his hand glided down Will's back, bringing him up against him. "Well, as a matter of fact, I am great at leading…amongst other things."

Edvin could not resist laughing. While the captain wondered if Will was blushing or not, he found the light slap to be amusing and adorable. "Perhaps a fine Englishman with colorful eyes." He always found the detective's reactions to be fascinating. What more can he say (or do) to make Will blush, smile, or laugh? It did not matter. For all he knew the detective could just blink in his direction and he would be on the floor.

Before stepping back, he brushed through Will's hair one more time. He loved doing the gesture as much as he loved how soft the man's hair was. The captain stepped away, strolling over towards the doors. He hated the feeling of missing arms being wrapped around him. He hated the fact he missed being so close to Will.

With his fingers wrapped around the door handle, he pushed it open. The halls were beginning to dim as the skies turned dark. From where he stood, he could hear faint murmurs. Gazing over towards Will, he motioned to the hallway. "After you, Detective Erbosol."

It wasn't the fact that the captain's title and background made him uncomfortable, because he didn't mind in the slightest. Edvin had shown that, even if he was of a different world he could be down to earth with him and put aside the fact that they were not of the same rank nobility-wise. It was the fact that Will was… well, he was just a detective. In his mind, he was nothing.

The money that he earned when it came to his cases, most of the time went to living expenses. Rent, food. Will did his best to put as much money as he could away so he could provide for a better life in the end, but regardless, it wasn't anything like what Edvin had. His family was scattered. His apartment a mess and his mind, too. Will had no title, nothing that he could offer Edvin that the man didn't already have. Why would he ever want to be with a man such as himself?

And even if he did, would it even be possible? If they solved the case of people dying in mysterious ways, Edvin would return to Sweden and return to a life of nobility and luxury and he would return to England, with his small apartment and solving whatever case he was handed by Her Majesty or those knocking at his door. The same routine. At least he was helping people, that was what mattered the most. But if he was to go for something he wanted for the first time in his life - if he attempted something with Edvin, Will was far more than a little worried about how it would work, or if the man would even want to continue something outside of their little bubble in the ballroom.

He was more than a little disappointed when Edvin pulled away, and practically pouted when his touch left his body. The warmth was nice. Edvin was a strong, comforting presence against him and he didn't want his touch to leave. Not now, not ever. God, he was in the shits.

But, he followed once the door was open, flushing deeply at how Edvin held the door open for him. No one had ever done that before the captain, "Thank you, Captain Ragnvaldsson."

This was only the beginning for the two of them. Solving the case did not have to be the end of it. God forbid he would never see Will again after they solve whatever mystery remained miles and miles away from them. Affairs are a fleeting thing for him. Most of them were flings that only lasted for a day or two. The longest one he had was also his first. Edvin was still trying to forget. While his mind was weightless, flying above the clouds thanks to Will, it remained heavy and grounded. He was sure Gheorghe had written a few letters that sat in his temporary chambers. Just thinking his name made his mind throb.

On the other hand, Will made his heart and mind throb. Even staring at the man was enough to make him sweat. The captain stood up against the door with his left hand pressed against it. Everytime he blinked, he was brought back to when they kissed. Those rosie tender lips softly brushing against his…

Hopefully they would have enough time, enough opportunities. If not, they can make them. Whose to say they have to leave it up to fate? The bed. The ballroom. None of it would have happened if neither of them acted. Thank the heavens Will laid down on that bed. Thank the heavens he impulsively decided to do the same.

His eyes followed Will as he walked past him. "The pleasure is all mine, Detective," Edvin purred. He looked up and down at the man before pulling the door shut. Opening and closing the door was more fun than he expected it to be. By the look of Will's face tells him to do it more often.

The hallway appeared as empty as the ballroom. Edvin swiftly walked around to stroll next to Will. "You never told me that you were quite the…" The captain lightly pulled down on his lower lip with his thumb before smirking, "Dancer, Will. Is there anything else I should know about you?"

Edvin lead them down the hall before making a left turn. Everything looked as empty as the ballroom was. Sunlight still shined through the back windows. However everything grew dim as light from chandeliers and sconces illuminated everything including the detective's eyes.

Even though the hallway was void of people, that didn't stop Will from marvelling at the palace's beauty. It was the most impressive place he had ever seen or visited. Even if he hadn't been there with Edvin he would have been impressed and in awe of the palace, but being with the other man made it all the better. The ballroom had been amazing on its own, being there with the captain, kissing him and dancing with him in the middle was something out of a dream. Maybe he was still dreaming? Surely he must be. Nothing like that ever happened to him, of all people.

But it seemed that he wasn't dreaming, not when he could feel the presence of the man next to him and the lingering tingle of his kiss on his lips. Oh, how he craved more of those lips on his own. Addicted didn't even begin to describe how he was feeling towards the man and his stupid, sweet lips. It was a terrible, awful thing and beautiful all at once. The detective knew that, really, he was going to break his own heart by getting his hopes up that something could happen between them, but for one night, he was going to let himself believe that maybe it could happen. Maybe things could work out.

That tone… that tone had Will shivering. It was far from cold, but he couldn't help but do so when Edvin was looking at him like he was the most delectable thing in the grand palace and taking that stupid tone with him. Stupid, yet one that Will craved to hear. One that had a permanent blush on his face. How someone could be so charming was beyond him. The matters of the heart, of being pursued, if that was what it could be called, was not someone he was well versed in.

Will could unscramble the mysteries of criminals, the worst of the worst and put them in jail and brought to justice but people? Love? Whatever it was that was beginning to bloom between them, he was no smarter than a toddler learning the way of the world. God, he would take a murder over trying to understand his heart any day of the week.

"I have no idea what you mean," He replied, taking his gaze off the stunning artwork and up to the captain, feigning innocence in those multicoloured eyes, "I haven't had much practice dancing, need a lot more."

Edvin tried to keep his eyes fixated on other things. Ceiling, floor, windows, you name it. His eyes were constantly looking around, barely resisting the urge to only look at Will. This would only last for a minute or two as he ended up giving into the urge. If he could not admire the man with words or kisses and touch, then let him do so with his eyes. Will was a sight for sore eyes. In the halls that grew dim, the detective was the brightest and the captain was lucky to bask in his light.

The look of innocence in those captivating eyes made him chuckle. They were different from before the two of them had kissed a second. He did not know whether he sighed about then or right now. Oh what he would give to just kiss him right there and then. No one else was there except for the two of them. Of course supper was waiting for them and he did not want to make either of them to wait any longer.

He tried to play innocent too by tilting his head and sounding slightly shocked. He even made a small gasp. "I do not understand, you are already so good at it." Then he smirked before whispering, "We should dance again soon. To give you some more practice, of course."

They could practice in the gardens after supper. Will did owe him another dance. Dancing, kissing…Edvin never expected to desperately want to do those things with someone. He has done both, sometimes with the same person, yet he missed being so close to Will. It was different. He loved everything about it.

He held his hands behind his back. In the corner of his eye, he could see the gardens through a window. Edvin turned around the corner then rushed over towards a pair of doors. They opened up to the terrace. "After you, Detective Erbosol," He said while holding the door open.

Edvin sounded so eager to return to how they had been mere moments ago. It was unbelievable to the detective, how someone wanted to have their lips on his once again so soon. Crazy. It was crazy and something out of a dream and yet it was happening. Will was walking through the most beautiful palace ever built, with the most gorgeous man that he had ever seen, and said man wanted to kiss him. Again. He could have groaned at the thought if they hadn't been in the open. Maybe he would next time their lips met in such a way.

Either way, he couldn't wait. Eager was an understatement. God, it was a bad idea. To become involved with the man he would be solving this case with. They would have to be leaving soon, surely, to investigate the crime scenes. Will was almost as eager to set off as he was about kissing Edvin again.

It was the case of a lifetime. Not only a case where he was granted the opportunity to travel parts of Europe he had never been before, but a case so mysterious that he couldn't help but pass on the opportunity. How could anyone not? Taking it by both hands and ceasing the case was the only reasonable reaction to such horror and amazement. The only two things on his mind were the captain and the case. But in that moment, Edvin was currently taking up far more space in his head than anything else.

"I think I would like dancing with you again very much, Captain," Were his cheeks going to be as red as the roses in the gardens the whole time they were together? At this rate, the answer was going to be yes, most definitely. Especially when Edvin was once more holding the door open for him, and the detective muttered his thanks.

His mind, though, was quickly turned away from those thoughts as he was met with the gardens and his eyes somehow, only grew wider. Beautiful. Stunning. There were not enough words in the English language to describe their beauty, and Will couldn't take his gaze away from the rows of bright flowers that lined the space before him.

"Good, I'm glad. I'm growing quite fond of dancing with you," He smiled, "I hope you are somewhat fond of dancing with me." It was not a good idea to become intimate with his case partner, but it was a good idea to stare at the detective's lips and think about how much he wanted to kiss them again. Just thinking about him and Will made him feel like a character in one of those romance novels.

Holding his hands behind his back for a while, yet he felt the need to fan himself. Thinking about kissing Will, especially given they already have kissed, made his heart flutter. They were standing outside in the late spring weather, but Edvin was sure that he was going to faint from the heat. Seriously, his whole body was burning. Whether Will was kissing him or just looking at him, he knew that he was bound to melt at some point.

"Enjoying the view?" Edvin glanced over at Will. There was that glow in those colorful eyes again. Beauty being admired by beauty. Turning to face the detective, he stared into his eyes. He could have sworn that God had taken a pinch of the universe then placed it into those wide pupils. Heaven only knew how much he wanted to kiss that man on the cheek then hug him from behind.

Aside from the most mesmerizing view in the world, the gardens looked lovely. He knew how much Empress Eliza put effort into designing and upkeep. The empress never hesitated to get her dirty too. The captain always enjoyed walking amongst the rows of flowers and shrubbery. Sometimes he'd get lost or be late to supper or a meeting because of how grand it is. Not to mention the fact that he loved enjoying stopping to smell the flowers or just admiring their beauty.

By the corner of the terrace, he could see a small rectangular glass table prepared with a supper for two. Edvin smiled at the sight of the bottle of wine accompanied with the two glasses. The captain strolled over to grab the bottle. After pulling the cork out, he looked up at the detective and said, "If you'll do me the honor, I'd love to have a glass of wine with you."

"It's beautiful." Will couldn't help but admire the amazing expanse of the gardens before him. It was something out of a dream for him. Never in his life had he ever thought he would have ever been looking at such at such a wondrous place. London was nothing in comparison. Buckingham was a jewel of beauty, yes, but it wasn't anything near as beautiful as the place that he was now standing in. Oh, how he wished he could have the time to wander through the rows and rows of hedges and flowers of varieties he had never even seen before.

Vienna was far more stunning than he would have ever thought it would be. He had heard of its amazing landscapes but never thought he would have been walking amongst them, let alone in the palace of all places. Walking in such a place, with a man who was far more handsome than anyone he had ever seen before… Will thought he might faint. Staring across the gardens as if he were in a trance with glittering eyes and childlike wonder.

Edvin snapped him out of it, though, like he always did when he spoke to him and he was lost in thought. It seemed that the man was becoming quite good at pulling him out of his own head, a skill that he was more than grateful for considering the detective had a terrible habit of becoming so lost in thought the rest of the world became nothing but faded around him.

He looked, finally taking his gaze away from the gardens and smiled softly, a light blush once more settling down on his pale cheeks, "Even though I don't normally drink, I'll oblige just this once, for you." He had never been keen on alcohol but he would let himself have a glass with the captain, just once. Drinking on the job wasn't exactly something he was particularly fond of, or drinking in general, but the captain had a face that easily persuaded him to let it go just this once. He already had a feeling that Edvin would be able to make him do things he usually didn't. A simple flash of that charming grin and Will would have been bending over backwards for the man.

They were standing in one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, yet his eyes were stuck on Will. How can one person be finer than a massive garden full of the finest flowers of Europe? The question faded into thin air once the detective was smiling at him. Oh, what he would give to God just so he could kiss those rosie cheeks right now. It was a sin to just stand there and admire the man with just his eyes.

Edvin softly laughed, "You and Frederick have one thing in common. He isn't one for drinking either." The emperor hated any kind of alcohol. Compared to his father and even his wife, he was more conservative in most things including drinking. The captain was different. He loved having a glass or three, but he was more of a brännvin or beer person.

Carefully, he pour a little bit in the glass across from him. He moved it closer towards Will before pouring some in his glass. "You do not have to drink this. If you do not like it, I'll be more than happy to finish it." Wine and spirits were made to be enjoyed by those willing to consume it. Edvin did. Not as much as he used to a year ago, but he still enjoyed it all within reason. When they close the case, he surely will enjoy a glass or two or even more than that.

He lifted up the sliver cloches, placing them on the floor by where he would be sitting. The captain gazed down at the food on each plate. "Tafelspitz," He sighed with a soft smile. "Ahhh you are in for a treat, Will. This is one of the many finest dishes of the empire." Edvin sat down in the chair, leaning back while grabbing his glass.

Leaning back, he took a small sip while looking up at the sky. The further he looked up, the more darker the sky was. He loved seeing the orange, yellow, and pink hues turn into blue then black. When he squinted his eyes, he could even see a few stars. While the stars took ahold of his attention, it only lasted for a few seconds. The captain grinned as he raised his glass up at Will then drank from it again.

Never would he have thought that he would have had something in common with an emperor, of all people. Frederick was a nice man from the little that he had interacted with him that day, but somehow Will didn't believe he would be getting to know the man any more than he already had. Why would he, when Edvin was there to help with the case and the two would be the ones travelling together?

For the briefest moment, his mind drifted back to the case. The deep red of the wine in his glass, he could only imagine, was what the blood of the victims had looked like. A massacre. The detective was practically itching to get his hands on the case files again, to reach the sites of the murders and examine the crime scenes, to uncover the truth. It was what he lived for, and there was nothing more thrilling than understanding the mind of a criminal, no matter how deranged.

But, as it was, he was not at the scene of the crime but instead with Edvin. The handsome captain whom he was sharing a glass of wine with, a dinner with. A man he had kissed not moments before in a way that had his mind spinning and reeling more than anyone ever had. Even more so than the most fascinating case he had ever uncovered and had the honour of working on. What more could he want? It was being greedy wishing for another kiss. For more than just one kiss. Edvin was addicting, though, and Will had never believed himself to be an addict until that very moment.

Will sat at the table across from the captain, taking the glass in his hand and taking a small. It was lovely, he wouldn't deny it, but then the food was uncovered and he damn near started salivating, "It smells delicious, far better than beans and potatoes." Because he could barely cook for himself. It didn't help that he was skinny to begin with, only made worse by the fact that he didn't eat enough since he had no one to teach him how to cook.

It didn't matter. He was used to the life that he led now. Will had grown accustomed to the run-down apartment he had a connection with, to the creaky bed and the mattress that was basically nothing but a small strip atop a wooden frame. It was nothing compared to the bed he had napped in earlier. The room was bigger than his whole apartment for God's sake! It was almost unreal that anyone lived a life like the emperor and the captain.

"Well…" The captain thought about the comparison for a moment. Just as his eyes settled on Will, he smiled. "I believe you may be more sweeter than him, but it may be best to keep that between you and me." He winked before softly laughing and gazing down into his glass.

The wine was sweet. Edvin thought of something more sweeter. Yes, more sweeter and gentle to the touch. Something which he had only known for a few moments but was immediately accustomed to. What made it more enjoyable was how anytime he looked across at Will, the captain was brought back to those little moments they already shared.

Was it possible to get so close to the detective now? Even if it were just for one moment that's all he ever needed. Even if all he could do was have one small kiss, he would be fine. The closer he was to him, the less likely he would be thinking about their case and getting all tensed up.

That was what he enjoyed most about the wine. More often than not he failed to relax his own body. It was something easier said than done. He did not want to rely on something so trivial in order to make himself feel better yet the more he would try to focus on being relaxed, the more stressed he would get. At least he was able to get his shoulders to drop as he slouched back into the chair. Sitting in such a manner was unprofessional yet it didn't matter. It was just him and Will there, sitting on the terrace in the gardens as they ate supper.

Edvin cut a piece of meat, then stabbed it with his fork. After gazing at it for a few seconds, he said, "You should really have a taste of it. I promise it tastes even more delicious." He had a few pieces himself. Oh, it was so good. Even though he has eaten tafelspitz back home, it was not the same. It was much better in Vienna or Salzburg than in Stockholm. But he also enjoyed food in Buda, Timisoara, Gyula, Bratislava, Berlin, Paris, Prague, Copenhagen, and just about anywhere he went.

All food was delicious to him. Then again, the captain always felt hungry; it has not changed since he was a boy. "Tell me Will, what is your favorite dish from home?" Edvin asked, "I assume it's not all just beans and potatoes."

Edvin was a flirt. Such a flirt. They were supposed to be professional and yet that hadn't happened at all. What kind of a detective was he? Will didn't know. Then again, he had never done such a thing before. Never been attracted to or dared get close with a work partner in a way that had had done with Edvin so far and they had only known one another for a few hours. Not even a whole day. Was this what normal people did when it came to romance? He supposed it might have been. Those that had an inexplicable attraction to one another no doubt did the same but Will was certainly not one that was well versed in the knowledge of attraction and courting and dating or whatever it was called.

His knowledge lied in the criminal realm. Lied in the facts and the theories of why people committed horrendous crimes. Why people killed and lied and took their own life. Why they kept what he deemed as 'rewards' for the kills that they committed, or the crimes that they partook in. He was not, and never had been, versed in the knowledge of affairs or attraction. Edvin was only the second man, the second person in his life who he had ever dared kiss or let himself be close with in such a way.

Edvin was, as well, the only person who was of noble status. Of importance. Of greater importance than that of a teenage fling or a detective who lived in a run down apartment because he had a strange attachment to the place. How mysterious life was that he ended up in such a position. Quite frankly it was almost unbelievable. In fact, Will still felt that it was all some strange dream and soon he would wake up and find himself back in London living off beans for one meal a day.

Instead, he was flushing at the comment from the man in front of him, cutting a piece of the meal and taking a bite and damn near moaning at how good it was. Edvin was right, it tasted even better than it smelt. Although, anything was better than beans on toast or boiled carrots and peas, but this was downright heavenly.

Will looked up from his plate to the captain before him, swallowing his mouthful before he replied as he thought about what his answer was to be, "Well, really, England does not have as many interesting meals as that of Europe, or anywhere in the world for that matter," He said, scratching at the back of his neck, "I've always been quite partial to a roast dinner, though. Beef and yorkshire pudding with gravy is delightful on a Sunday afternoon."

God help the captain. The only thing Edvin could think of meandered between Will and the case. With help from the fine gentleman sitting across from him and the wine, it was more feasible to solely think about Will. Even when the detective spoke of English cuisine, he tried to come up with ways to make the man blush again. He only achieved this a handful of times in the few hours they have known each other, yet the sight of those flushed cheeks were mesmerizing. If only he had not preoccupied himself with eating, then he might have been able to slip in a compliment or two.

"Really?" The captain tilted his head, "Is that so?" Edvin could not say he has had English food. Ironically he had never been to England or any other part of Great Britain. Even when with his English tutor or the English ambassador, they have always had Swedish or Austrian cuisine when dining. He was sure that it was lovely just as food is from any other place around the world.

Beef and yorkshire pudding with gravy, he repeated in his head. The captain attempted to commit it to memory. The dish sounded lovely. Perhaps someday he could have it on a Sunday afternoon. Edvin grinned, "Now isn't that interesting? I hope it is as lovely as tafelspitz on a Tuesday evening or any of the other fine dishes we will be having together." He was right, it was not all just beans and potatoes.

All this talk of food made him think about the case. Everything was making him think about the case. Romanian cuisine does use things like beans and potatoes, but there is also pork, beef, cabbage, and even some paprika. The Transylvanian region has ethnic Hungarians so there is more than Romanian cuisine. It is all great food nonetheless.

When he had finished his dish, he leaned over to grab the bottle of wine. "Have you ever shared wine with someone back in England?" Edvin sat the bottle down, closer to Will then reclined back in his seat. He pinched the stem of the glass, holding it closer towards to his chest.