forum Vienna Calling | oxo | closed

Started June 12, 2023 by @knightinadream group

tune

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."

Will had barely ever left England, let alone travelled Europe. His dreams of travel had been taken when the Queen had practically enlisted him into her personal workforce and now he only ever went where she wanted him. There was the odd trip to Wales, even Scotland, where Her Majesty thought that his efforts and his brain would be needed in order to help, but for the most part, he stayed in London. It was his home, no matter that he worked there. Even if the streets of London were covered in smog and the streets were dirty, it was still home. The tiny apartment he had was home. Nothing would change that, unfortunately, and until there was something better for him in the world outside of London, he wasn't going to leave. And at this point, he didn't think that a better opportunity would be arising anytime soon.

"It's not embarrassing, it's quite sweet, actually." The detective couldn't help his soft smile. He wondered what Edvin's mother was like - or what she had been like. Whether or not her son was like her in the same respect of coming across as calm and stoic upon first meeting but was really a darling underneath. Did she love adventure as much as Will and his mother, did? There were many questions but he left them unspoken. As much as he wanted to get to know the man at his side, he didn't want to scare him away, otherwise, Will would be left to uncover this case on his own and he didn't think he was up for that.

Travelling here alone had been a task in itself. He didn't want to imagine what it might be like to go out into unknown territory with a serial killer, no less, on the loose and not have a clue where to go, who to turn to or what to do.

"I've never been to a ball," Will mused, chewing on his lower lip for a moment before he continued, "I used to dream of them, as a child as an… escape. How grand they seemed to be in stories and the papers spoke of Her Majesty's in ways that were breathtaking." Edvin was lucky, in his eyes, that he got to experience them.

Edvin laughed as he held his hands behind his back, "Please don't tell her I said that. She will pinch my cheeks and then kiss my forehead…Be warned for she would do the same to you too." It always worried him that sometimes people would think he is a mother's boy. He just has more fond memories with her compared to his father. After all, she was the one who was at his bedside all that time. Actually, he's never quite had a single fond memory with this father, but that train of thought would be for another time. He didn't want to waste any moment with Will only because his mind was off thinking about a scary grumpy old man in back Stockholm.

The idea of Will never being to a ball made him think of what it would be like to see the detective at one. It would be lovely for sure. "They truly are magical, Will," He sighed. Briefly he had thought back to the ones he had been to here in Schönbrunn. He made Gheorghe at one then they started to sneak out to go dance together…

"You should go to one. I will ask Frederick or even write to Her Majesty to have one for you." He gently nudged the detective in the shoulder. "Better yet, you should come to Stockholm. Kristoffer tends to have one every now and then."

The captain took his eyes off of Will. As he gazed around at different things, he kept on thinking about the ballroom and all the dances that would take place. "Do you know how to dance, Will?" He asked while slightly tilting his head. His eyes returned to staring at the detective.

Will couldn't help his chuckle, "She sounds like a lovely woman." He thought back to his own mother back home in England. His parents had moved out of London not long after Will himself had moved away from home. They now resided in the midlands, the country, on a large plot of land in a small town and kept to themselves. His father still travelled to London on cases occasionally, but not as often anymore, now that he and his wife were growing old and in retirement. He should make an effort to see her more often, Will missed his mother dearly.

Having the captain confirm that balls are magical only had him eager to go to one even more. He wondered if it truly was as amazing as Edvin said, but he had no doubt that it would be. With all the lovely dresses and suits, the glittering lights, the music and swaying around the dancefloor with someone who would lead him through a dance. It was something out of a dream.

He was quick to flush at the suggestion of Her Majesty holding one for him, "I am not deserving of a ball, Edvin. You're absurd." But his smile was shy and he tried to hide that, along with the rosey pick of his cheeks, "And I cannot dance, how can I attend a ball when I do not even know my left foot from my right?"

The detective looked back to Edvin from where he had been trying to avoid his gaze as he poised the question, raising a brow as he tried to ignore the heat in his face. He had never danced in his life. There was absolutely no way he would be good at a ball. Even though it was a dream, even though he longed to go to one, Will felt he would only make a fool of himself if he was to attend such an event.

Edvin wondered what Will's parents were like. The only thing he knew about about were that they too are well revered detectives. He was curious to see whom did the detective get his looks or mannerisms from or whether they were as lovely as their son. If the opportunity were to come up, he'd have to ask about them.

His eyes widened briefly as his brows rose up. Absurd or not, he believed that the detective was more than deserving of having a ball. Not that the way Will was blushing and smiling had anything to do with his opinion. Just by the smile alone did the man deserve one.

"Now what you have said is absurd," He chuckled as he pointed at the detective, "You are fine detective therefore I am sure that you can dance and deserve a ball. You deserve much more than a ball! I am sure that you can tell your left foot from your right." The correlation between Will being a fine detective and his ability to dance made no sense, but Edvin still had to make his point. Whether or not it translated well, it does not matter to him. Anyone can dance really. It is not that hard. As long as you want to dance and you have someone to dance with, then that is all you need.

The more he had thought about it the more he wanted to see Will at a ball. His lips curled back as he was thinking. He smiled while staring back at the detective. "Well, I can teach you how to dance if that is something you would like." The captain was not sure whether or not he would be a good teacher. Although, Edvin can certainly do his best for Will. Whether it be tonight or later on when they turn in for the night after investigating, he is more than eager to teach Will how to dance.

With his past and the deep-rooted insecurities that the detective held inside of him that he refused to let bubble to the surface around the Captain, he couldn't help but flush at the idea, deny it to Hell and back. He didn't deserve a ball. A ball was for royalty, people of nobility, power. People who had done something incredible to deserve themselves honoured and known by people. Will didn't deserve that. He helped people but he wasn't amazing. There were others out there far more deserving. His parents, for example, were a fine example of this. They deserved the world. They deserved a ball. Will, however, believed that he did not.

He was nothing special in his eyes. He was simply a man with a knack for seeing patterns with his abnormal eyes and used that skill to help others. He was nothing more than a brain, a servant to help for the sake of other's happiness. Will wasn't special like his brothers or his parents, like Edvin. Maybe it was just his insecurity talking– it probably was– but he could not see how he deserved anything, let alone something so grand.

Argument wasn't exactly what he was looking for, and every time he looked at Edvin the thoughts of arguing simply drifted away in the wind when he saw how happy the man looked at the prospect of throwing him a ball, or having him attend one. Pale cheeks were practically bright, rosy red at that point. How could they not be when presented with a handsome man saying of what he deserved, offering to teach him to dance of all things? Anyone would be just as flustered, surely. Everyone's heart would be beating so loud that he was sure that Edvin would be able to hear it.

Will looked back to Edvin and was met with that charming smile once more and his heart practically melted in his chest at the sight of it, "If you were to try and teach me how to dance I would surely step on your feet," He said, trying to suppress a growing smile of his own, "As long as you're willing to potentially lose a few toes than I would love for you to teach me how to dance."

Edvin was sure that he would lose his balance. The more he stared at Will, the more wobbly his legs became. If the man were to do something as simple as blink or breathe in his direction, Edvin would fall. His strolls were already at a slow pace. Staring at the floor didn't do much because then he would be missing out on staring at Will.

"Oh do not underestimate such a fine man as yourself, Will. You can do it! Besides, I am more than willing to take on that risk." In the vast divided world they were living in, Edvin believed that there were a few things that united humanity with dancing being one of them. It is a natural thing to do. One doesn't need the lessons that the captain and all of his siblings were forced to take. Eventually his children would do the same yet he could tell they were all fine dancers.

The captain spun around on his left heel then began to walk backwards. His hands lightly swayed at his sides. That is until he lifted his right hand up and pointed at Will. "I know you can dance and I will prove it. All you need is some instruction and the right partner, that is all."

When they return, who knows what may happen? Frederick could throw a ball for the two of them. Perhaps Her Majesty would for Will, then the detective would have to know how to dance. Anything is possible.

He hated thinking about what life would be like after they'd finished the case. He hated how his mind somehow drifted that far off. Edvin returned to the detective's side. Right now, he was walking besides and talking to a handsome man. It was just the two of them, and he loved every second of it.

God, Edvin was going to be the death of him.

From the way he so effortlessly made his heart race, his cheeks heat and blush, he wondered how he didn't have women hanging off his arm all the time. He was sure that back home he would have been surrounded by them- or men- or just anyone. He was charming and deathly handsome and flirted- if that was what Will could call this- so easily.

The detective held back a giggle, though couldn't stop the soft, faint sound that came out before he was able to snuff it out completely. He could only shake his head in disbelief, blond strands falling in front of his face as he did so and looked at Edvin from under his lashes without knowing, "You're ridiculous, Edvin," He said, pushing the captain's pointed arm out of his face as he did so.

"And you do you suggest will be the right partner, Captain?" He asked slyly, bumping Edvin gently once he was back at his side, "Know anyone willing to take up becoming a dancing teacher to a detective with two left feet? If I am to attend a ball of all things, I will have to learn soon, I do not even know where the ballroom is, let alone dancing."

The teasing and the flirting, whatever it may be, was probably a bad idea. It was digging himself into a hole that, if not careful, would only collapse and bury him completely. Either he would be buried with the awfulness that would be a rejection from the captain and having to continue working with him, or buried from the fact that maybe Edvin was going to return the compliments and the teasing and that might even be worse. At least worse for his heart. It was already beating so incredibly fast he didn't know what to make of himself of what to do.

Why was it so hard to hold back? Edvin should not be doing this. From the moment he got up and laid next to Will, he should have stopped. This was wrong. All the teasing, flirting, laughing and long gazes need to cease immediately. He really should not be doing any of this. It would go nowhere. They are here together to help the emperor and hundreds of thousands of people by investigating these string of deaths. Then when they are done, if they ever find out who or what's behind it, then they would never see each other again.

But Will is so perfect. Even if Edvin would never see him again, at least he can try to tell the detective that he truly is amazing. And goddammit has it been difficult for him to hold anything back. So far every word that fallen from his mouth came without resistance. Being around the detective was more than easy. The captain felt that he could be himself. Surely the two of them can work together, that he was confident in. They were walking around casually talking to each other. Maybe he is being ridiculous.

The bottoms of his earlobes grew warm. A faint hesitant burst of laughter rose after Will gently bumped into him. "I think I know of one," He mused, "There's this handsome gentleman from Stockholm who loves to dance. He's quite the dancer and I am sure he would love nothing more than to teach you how to dance. I think he'd be delighted to have a dance or two with you."

Edvin stopped for a second. His brows raised as his eyes scanned his surroundings. "I can show you the ballroom," He whispered, "We should go…now." The captain swiftly grabbed Will by the wrist then started to run down the hallway. No thoughts were in his mind; he let his feet do the job till he reached two tall grand red and gold doors.

"Here…" The captain panted, "Ballroom." His right hand rested on his knee as he tried to catch his breath. In the corner of his eye, Edvin noticed he was still holding onto Will's wrist. His heart was pounding into his eardrums. Letting go of the detective's wrist, he was able to catch his breath. "So, Will, would you like to see the ballroom?"

Will had come to Vienna to investigate one of the most hideous and heinous crimes someone could ever commit. Murder wasn't something to be taken lightly, it never was in his mind. Each case was taken as seriously as the next, and each victim was treated with the same respect in death as they should have been granted in person. This case would be nothing dissimilar, only this time William had a captain next to his side that he had never expected to have.

When he had arrived that morning he hadn't known what exactly he had been expecting when it came to working the case. Whether he was to be working alone or with someone else. Usually, it was the former, rarely did he ever work with a stranger of all people. At least back home in London, he knew who the police were, they knew who he was, too, and it meant working with them was easy. Working with someone unknown was completely different.

But this time, working with a stranger was seeming to be the easiest thing in the whole world. Something about Edvin made it easy for the detective to just let go, for a little bit, at least. Edvin made it so simple. The fact that after this case he would never have the opportunity to see the man again was heartbreaking, almost, but he didn't want to think about that. Right now all he wanted to think about was how he was able to explore the palace with a man he was growing to enjoy the company of far too much.

Before Will even had a chance to reply to Edvin about seeing the ballroom - they had dinner to attend to, after all - his wrist was grabbed and he was running. The detective couldn't help the laugh that escaped as he tried to keep up with the other. He didn't have a choice with the way the man was running. All of that left his mind when they arrived at the ballroom, though.

The gold, the intricacies, the size. Will couldn't stop the way his eyes went wide, multicoloured glistening with excitement and happiness that he couldn't contain. He was practically bouncing as he took everything in before he turned his eyes to Edvin and took a moment to catch his breath before he practically squealed, "Goodness Edvin it's-" He took in a deep breath, turning back to the room as he struggled to find words, "I-I cannot find the right words but God."

The ballroom really was a sight to see. From the golden scones to the chandeliers to the ceiling covered in a canvas of blues skies, clouds and angels. Only one chandelier and few lights on the walls were lit. Even with dimly lit the whole room was mesmerizing. According to Edvin's mother, magical things tend to happen in the ballroom. After all, it is where she met her first lover then a few years later, met the captain's father. His eldest brother met his wife and his one sister met her husband there too.

But Edvin was not looking around the ballroom. His eyes were staring at Will. Watching the detective being mesmerized left him on the verge of fainting. On the other hand, he could not because then he would not be able to stare at such a beauty. There was nothing more brighter in that room than Will. The way the dim light reflected off of his skin, blond hair, eyes, and lips, the captain just could not get enough. Did Will know how breathtaking he truly is? The ballroom was nowhere near as gorgeous as he is.

When Will looked back at him, he immediately began to pretend to look around. Edvin cleared his throat before glancing back. His hand reached out, sitting on Will's shoulder before patting him on the back. "You do not have to say anything, Will," He laughed, "Your eyes have already spoken for you." Yes his eyes. Those heterochromatic one blue one brown eyes that seemed to glisten even when they are not under any light for they are lights themselves.

All of the sudden Edvin found himself staring at the floor. The whole ballroom was quiet minus for his breathing and heartbeat. He wondered if Will could hear how loud his heart was. It practically was beating into his ears. He was sure that it was going to explode any minute now and yet he said that he would teach the detective how to dance. Christ he was going die.

He strolled around behind Will before stopping in front of him. "Well, you are in a ballroom and you have someone who can teach you, be your dance partner and all…I think it is only wise to dance in such a place like this." Edvin extended his hand out to Will before asking, "May I have this dance, Detective Erbosol?"

It was something out of a dream. A story, one that his mother would have told Will when he was a child. Dreams and stories of grand palaces that glittered with gold and jewels and marble stairwells. Walls covered in art that would be worth far more than anything the detective would ever own, God, even his parent's own house wouldn't be worth as much as a singular painting in that room itself. Nothing, nothing would ever compare to such a grand space in his eyes. It was like stepping into a painting itself, or into the pages of a fictional story filled with tales of princes and princesses.

He was as giddy as a child receiving its first sweet. Insane, really, considering it was just a ballroom and there would most likely be places in the palace far more grand and breathtaking than that room itself, but William didn't care, nor did he want to look for them when it was as if his dreams had been made simply be stepping foot into the space. He would have been more than content to leave and head to dinner right then and there, with seeing the ballroom enough to subdue his childish joy over something like that.

Yet his heart did yearn for a dance, just one dance. Will wondered what it would have been like had the ballroom been filled with people. If there was a grand orchestra playing Beethoven or another classical composure. How many people would be there, dressed in finery, gold and glitter and dresses that swayed and spun with the ladies as they danced around the marble floors. God, he could only dream what it would be like to be surrounded by such beautiful, chaotic madness. Edvin had probably been to many in his lifetime, and he couldn't help but be a little envious of the thought.

And as he looked at the man beside him before back to the grand space before him, Will couldn't help but turn his head shyly to one side as the man patted him on the back and laughed, feeling the ever-present heat creep up his neck again. The detective silently cursed Edvin out for having such an effect on him so easily. It was unfair. Especially when commenting on one of the parts of his body he was most self-conscious about. He knew his eyes would be a dead giveaway, and he tried to keep them averted as much as he could.

But as Edvin moved around him it was almost impossible not to look at the man as he outstretched his hand and asked for a dance. Truly it was something out of a romance novel and Will felt as if he were a servant boy being courted by a handsome prince. The thought only made his blush deepen, but he didn't stop himself from gently slipped a soft hand into the one that has been presented to him, "Yes you may, Captain Ragnvaldsson."

Once he felt Will's hand on top of his, Edvin placed his other hand on Will's back. He pulled the man in towards him. "We may not have Mozart or Franz Liszt to play for us, but we will not being needing music," He grinned, "I believe we can dance to our own beat."

The captain had to remember the instructions he was given long ago. It was so complicated. He could dance like his life was depended upon it. For him, it was as easy as breathing air. Although, he struggled to think when he was so close to Will. They already were physically close to begin with. Despite that only being moments ago, his mind often drifted back to it.

Looking up from the floor, he swiftly spun them around once. Edvin made sure to be slow and steady with each step. The rules for the waltz was simple but slightly different depending on who is the leader and follower. However it was not complicated; at least this is what the captain thought.

"Regardless of who is leading, there must be eye contact. Try not to look down so often. It will do you more harm than good," He explained. "And the dance requires us to count in three-fourths so one…two…three…four…five…six… Like so." Edvin could only ever count in Swedish in his mind. Counting in any other language he spoke required more time and much more thinking. His mind only had so much room. If only most of it was not occupied by the detective.

"What you do is basically the opposite of what I am doing. So if I step forward with my left, you step back with your right. If I step to the side with my right, then you do so with your left. Alright?"

Will had never been good when it came to coordination. He could barely tell his left foot from his own right sometimes and now he was going to be dancing with the captain who had been doing this for his whole life. It was entirely unfair that he was going to be doing so, especially when the captain caused his heart to flutter and stomach to twist in ways that no one else had been able to cause before.

He didn't know if he would be able to make eye contact, but he didn't want to disappoint Edvin. If there was one thing he didn't want it was that. He wanted to show Edvin that he could do this, and maybe he didn't want to avoid looking at his handsome face in favour of the floor. So, he lifted his gaze, looking up at Edvin through his lashes until their eyes connected. God. It was tempting to look away. It was so tempting when his cheeks were heating under the man's gaze as he followed every instruction that he was given and did his best not to step on the other's feet.

"It might take me more than once dance to grasp the hang of all this." And maybe it was an excuse to spend more time with the captain.

Not that they wouldn't be spending time together. They were working on the case as partners, which required them to be around one another as much as possible. The only times they would only be separated would be during the evenings, the intimate moments on their own. Even then on the road, there would be little room for time apart, unless they were staying in an inn somewhere along the trip to visit those villages that had been impacted by the murders. There would be little time for them to dance together like this, though, and so the hopes of a second dance would probably remain just a dream. At least they had this one dance together.

They were sharing air, now. Sharing the space that had been left between them despite how close they had been before, now there was none. Pressed against each other, Edvin leading him in a dance that was usually seen only by couples. It was something out of a dream.

Never once had he danced with a man before. Anytime he gotten this close to one…neither of them were on their feet for long. There was little to no space between him and Will, again. From hair brushing to dancing, he wondered what was next for them. Good God it was miracle his heart had yet to die from exhaustion but it was not solely the close proximity.

Will is perfect. It was a wonder how he had only met the detective now and yet he was grateful. Case partner or not, Edvin thanked God for breathing the same air as this man. And to teach him how to dance nonetheless. The detective was a good dancer. He was the perfect partner. So far the captain hasn't had his foot stepped on, but his opinion wouldn't sway another way.

"Sounds like you owe me a dance, Will." Edvin smiled at his partner. "Only to help you learn…of course…but you still owe me a dance."

The captain may have used this potential dance as an excuse. To be this close to Will was a dream. They had each other. In order for the dance to be good, they had to work together as one. This was perfect preparation for the case. May not have been Edvin's true intention behind this dance practice, but he could use it as an excuse.

Now the real reason? He could never tell a soul. Or maybe he could tell those blue and honey brown eyes. The delicate hand that was in his. Maybe even that dirty blond hair. Perhaps Edvin could tell that God-forsakened smile, the one that had taken his breath away. When else would he be able to be this close, this intimate with the detective?

Edvin lowered his head, bringing his lips to Will's ear. "You are very good on your feet. You are quite the dancer," He whispered, "Maybe next time you can lead." Looking back at Will, he gave his partner a slight smile before taking another step back.

There might not have been another time for the two of them to dance again, at least not anytime soon, and William was only a little reluctant considering he wasn't a good dancer, but didn't stop himself from smiling bashfully at the comment from the captain, "It might take more than one other dance."

Yet another excuse to be this close to the man.

Becoming so enraptured by the captain so quickly was dangerous. God, he felt like a schoolboy with a crush for the first time and didn't know how to act around him. Edvin was his opposite in every way and yet they seemed to fit together as if they were the other side of the same coin. Like a missing piece that had been filled when the other came into his space. It was terrible. Terrible but brilliant at the same time. William wanted nothing more than to get to know and understand the man in front of him better than anyone had ever done so before and that thought scared and excited him at the same time.

And the moment the devil of a man brought his lips close to his ear, Will's mind practically stopped working. He didn't know what to think or say or do, but he knew that his cheeks went bright red and his lips parted in a very soft, almost inaudible gasp at the proximity and the feel of the other's breath on his neck. Dangerous. So very dangerous to let whatever it was that they had going on right then and there continue but he couldn't stop himself from enjoying or liking it, for that matter.

"I-I'm not great at leading," He said, voice barely above a whisper himself. Will looked up at the man from beneath his lashes, "In certain… situations, I like being told what to do. Guided."

Edvin took a step back and the movement shouldn't have caught him off guard considering what they were doing, but with his flustered mind, the detective lost his footing just a tad. He stumbled a step until the arm that was holding onto Edvin's shoulder was wrapped around his neck to stabilise himself, while his body pressed against Edvin's until they were flush with one another. No longer was there any space between them, and the world seemed to disappear as he looked at the captain from where he now stood.