forum Vienna Calling | oxo | closed

Started June 12, 2023 by @knightinadream group

tune

"I shall dance with you a million times if you ask," Edvin smiled before quickly adding, "So you can become a good dancer, of course." There was more delightful than seeing Will and his smile. It was clear how dangerous it was for him to think this way. Becoming so mesmerized by the detective can put so much in jeopardy for the both of them. What made it worse was how easy it was for him to captivated. He wanted to be.

Even a whisper had the same impact as shouting. A simple glance was enough for him to almost lose his balance. He shook his head, "But Will, dancing is not about the guiding and being guided. It is about-" Edvin was not sure what happened in those next few moments. Once he opened his eyes, he found Will pressed against him.

No matter the distance, they just could not be far apart from each other. The closer the proximity, the more his heart stopped. The entire world had come to a grinding halt. Although this moment had to be his own fault, it felt like God had orchestrated it for a purpose the captain did not know.

Caught between both sides of a channel, he did not know what to do. An Englishman who bewitched him had his body pressed against his. Past fleeting moments lingered in his mind, leaving him in a buzz. In this moment they were one. The rest of the world was irrelevant to him for the wonders of the universe stood before him.

Edvin stared back at Will while holding himself from looking any lower than those eyes. The hand that remained against the detective's back was now combing through that blond hair again. He loved the way it glowed under the dim light. The soft glow made Will look more magnificent than all the paintings in the palace.

Softly, his hand grabbed the detective's chin. While gently lifting it up, Edvin glanced down at Will's lips. "I hope there are other things I can teach you," He muttered in German. He let go, but only so he could whisper in Will's ear again. As much as he wanted to hold himself back from temptation, he whispered in English, "You owe me more than just a second dance."

The captain looked away while clearing his throat. "Perhaps we should…we should…we should… go to supper. We can continue our dance some other time."

It was the one time in his life that Will didn't curse himself for being so clumsy. Had he been light on his feet and as easy a dancer as the captain, he wouldn't have stumbled and fallen into the other man who was now holding him closer than anyone else had ever done. It was both a blessing and a curse when he was already yearning for the other man.

The whole situation was entirely unfair. On one hand, he was working with a man that was treating him better than anyone before him. A man who was kind, multifaceted and a man that the detective was desperate to get to know more. Something about the captain called to Will, and the realisation was terrifying.

Because getting too close to him now was dangerous. They would only have a small amount of time together if things went well with the case, and after that, it would be unlikely he would ever see the man again. It was a damning and terrible knowledge, and one Will didn't want to think about but couldn't bring his mind to let go of. The moment he was alone again, if he were not focusing on the case he knew he would be thinking about Edvin and the moments that would be stolen from them in the future. Like a second dance.

He wanted nothing more than to give Edvin another, or three, or five of Hell, as many as he wanted. At that point Will was ready to attend whatever ball the captain invited him to, whether it be in his name or otherwise, just so he could experience the rush of both the situation and dancing with the captain once more. He'd take up lessons if he had to in order to prevent embarrassing himself in front of people.

God, he was a dead man. His heart burned and he had only known the man less than a day. Was this how all crushes felt? Will was half glad he had missed out on most of those feelings during his childhood.

And his heart practically stilled when Edvin leaned in, lifting his chin. Will made no protest, his eyes hooded as his breathing hitched a tad. He could have screamed at himself for the fact that he didn't know German otherwise he would have known what the man said and it would eat him alive for the rest of the night wondering about those words. Though he could make a pretty solid deduction from how Edvin looked at his lips, and Will could have begged for it if he wasn't so nervous, "That's a debt I'll make sure to repay." His hands tightened his grip just a little, eyes flashing to the captain's lips and back to his eyes.

The suggestion of supper brought him out of his thoughts and they stilled to a halt in the middle of the ballroom, but Will didn't pull away just yet, "I suppose we should go to supper, yes. Dancing is one way to work up an appetite."

Edvin did not move a muscle. If he did not know any better, he would have said he was unsure why. The problem was is that he knew exactly why he did not leave from Will's grasp. Moving just a little but meant that he would not be in it again for a while. And it was not like they would staying in the same rooms together, but he wished they did. Since meeting Will only hours ago, all he has been doing was wishing they could be together, closer just for a little longer. It got worse the more he stared into Will's eyes or those rosy lips.

Part of him was sure that the detective gazed at his own lips. Whether or not he imagined it was out of the question. He was sure that it happened although the captain was sure that his heart was doing more thinking than his mind.

This was unfair. They just met. Not during a ball, not in a courtyard or garden late at night. Chances are they would have never met if it were not for the mysterious deaths of people happening hundreds of miles away. And even though they have met, if anything happened, it would not last long. His heart already went through the pain of distance, so why was it beating so quickly again?

He could not move. There was no where for him to go except into the detective's gaze. Supper could wait a little longer. Edvin could not. His heart could not wait any longer for it would explode if he moved away and out of the ballroom.

"Well sure….dancing is one way to work up an appetite." Still he did not move away from Will. There was an appetite that he needed to address. The question is if the man against him has the same. Edvin felt that he owed Will yet was unsure if he could ever repay him.

The captain pressed his forehead against the detective's. "This may be abrupt but I must confess to you something," He whispered, still staring down at Will's lips. "I believe I am a selfish prideful man who is not perfect by any means, but more importantly, I do not want to leave this ballroom yet because then I will not be this close to you."

Gently, his thumb pulled down on Will's lower lip. Edvin sighed, "Yet I worry about what I truly want to say…or…or…what I truly want to do with you right now at this very moment."

Was fate real? Truly, the detective wondered if it was, or perhaps this was all a dream that he didn’t want to wake from. If he did, that would mean he had to leave Edvin’s arms, leave this moment of the ballroom, with him, and leave that bubble of happiness the two had created together. It wasn’t fair. How could a perfect man come into his life in such a horrible situation? Let alone one that would leave once they had cracked the case.

It was a stupid idea. Stupid and selfish. Will shouldn’t. They shouldn’t. It would change things immediately. God, this wasn’t supposed to be how it went. This was work. This was serious. But here he was in a ballroom of the most magnificent place in the world with a devilishly handsome man holding him. Unfair. It was all unfair.

Will couldn’t think, he couldn’t breathe. He didn’t want to move a muscle but his hands found their way until they were wrapped around Edvin’s neck and pushing almost impossibly closer to the man if that was at all possible. He didn’t know if it was considering he was already pressed against him flush, but if he could, he did. There wasn’t an inch of space, and it only closed more when Edvin rested his forehead against his own.

He swore he stopped breathing as the captain spoke, worried that even a breath would burst their bubble. Will couldn’t help but question whether or not Edvin truly wanted this, wanted him, wanted what he was implying he did. The man was a captain, royal- but Will? He was nothing but a detective from London. All he had was his brain. It seemed unreasonable for the other to want him.

Will wasn’t going to say no, though. Because if it was a dream this would be his only chance. He couldn’t stop flicking his gaze from the man’s eyes to his lips.

He could have sworn his heart leapt into his throat as his lips were touched, “Don’t think, Captain,” He whispered, “Just do. Whatever it is.” His hands tangled in the locks on the nape of Edvin’s neck, giving them a small tug.

The moment Will wrapped his hands around Edvin's neck, the captain could have sworn there were butterflies in his stomach. His knees felt wobbly. Thank God he had not fallen over yet. It was miracle that he was standing. By now he was sure his cheeks were as red as his hair.

Who could blame him? Standing before him is a handsome Englishman with the eyes of Alexander the Great and soft hair who happens to be the greatest detective in all of Europe. Better yet, the man is kind. All Edvin had is a title. They only had spent so much time together, but Edvin got to be himself around Will. The worst thing is was that he did not know much about the mesmerizing detective. After all, there had to be reasons why he is the best detective ever.

Don't think. He chuckled. The captain wished he could. Anytime he looked at Will that was all he was doing. He thought about everything and nothing all at the same time. The fact that he was standing in the ballroom with someone as angelic as Will was mind boggling to him. What was even more mind boggling was how he wanted to kiss this man whom he only met hours ago. Crazy how he would do nothing but think if he did not.

Edvin tilted his head to the left, leaning in to brush his lips against Will's. From the moment their lips were pressed against one another, he could feel warmth from his chest spreading out all over him. He could not tell if the pounding in his ears was from his heart or if there was someone pounding a drum.

Though the kiss only lasted for a few seconds, to him it felt like an eternity had passed. The captain deeply sighed. His eyes flickered open, looking down at the detective. "You are as heavenly as I thought you were. Well I am sure you always have been," Edvin sighed, "I would kiss you again if such a thing would be permissible…but I understand if you would prefer to go to supper and pretend like nothing happened…"

Enough already happened. Still if Will wanted him to pretend like nothing happened, he would. Edvin bit down on his bottom lip. When he looked away, he still looked at Will's lips from the corner of his eye.

The kiss was… Will didn’t have words to describe the kiss, just that God had blessed him with pairing him up with Edvin on this case. If it had been anyone else he highly doubted he would be in the situation that he was in now but he was damned lucky to be in that moment with the captain.

In the middle of a ballroom after a waltz, no matter if there was no music playing, no crowd or royalty to watch them sway in one another’s arms. Just them. And the whole world faded away into nothing as he was kissed as if he were something precious.

No one had kissed him in such a way before, Will hadn’t thought it possible. His heart burned in his chest and his stomach was alight with a fire he didn’t think was possible, raging war through his blood as their lips connected and he tasted Edvin’s sweet lips against his own. His eyes fluttered shut and his hold on the man tightened just a tad. He never wanted the moment to end. He didn’t want to leave their bubble of safety and sweetness that they had accidentally created now they were there. Leaving meant pretending, surely, that it wouldn’t have happened but he didn’t want to forget.

The second their lips parted and Will opened his eyes again, he loosed a shaky breath. Then Edvin was talking about how he wanted to kiss him again and he could have died and gone to heaven in that moment.

Will wasn’t the type to swear without good reason, and usually it was he who couldn’t stop talking when nervous. But for once he wasn’t, and instead he brought one hand round from Edvin’s neck to rest his hand against his cheek and turn his head in his direction, “Just shut the fuck up and kiss me Edvin.” He breathed, before pushing himself up onto his toes to press their lips together in a kiss that was more passionate than the last.

Because he didn’t know if they would ever have this opportunity again and he was going to make the most of it before supper. Before they had to stop and forget any of this happened. But Will prayed to whatever God was watching that he wouldn’t have to forget. That maybe Edvin wouldn’t want to forget and they would do this again. The captain was sweet in words and sweet on the mouth and he was already addicted by the first taste. Being unable to have that again would be a worse fate than death.

Part of him was worried that he overstepped a boundary he was not meant to. Like his heart, and more importantly his lips, acted before his mind could think. He wondered if he was being greedy by wanting another kiss. Not just one but a million. His mind paced around, incessantly thinking of a million things at once. Most of them pertaining the detective.

"We do not have to, I understand. It is just that your lips are sweet like a delicacy just like the rest of you…Not that I mean you are…but I do not mean…" Whatever was going on in his mind was a mystery he could solve himself. Every word that fallen out of his mouth guaranteed that two more would follow. This was unusual. Typically he never spoken that much especially in a language that was not his native tongue.

Never in a million years had he expected someone to act so directly towards him. His eyes widened as they were directed back to Will. The man's hand held his cheek so delicately yet with a touch of firmness. Fuck. He had never heard anyone say that word to him in English. And fuck, did it make Will even more attractive if such a thing were possible. The detective was already a man that appeared from his dreams. He was amazed. Beyond amazed. Edvin could not get a word out. His jaw would have dropped if it weren't for those lips that passionately pressed against his.

The firmness. The boldness. The shock. He was so stunned yet his lips were moving along with Will's. They were addicting. Each light brush made his heart flutter. The back of his neck was covered in goosebumps as shivers were sent down his spine. All the nerves faded away. His hands were pressed into the man's shoulders. The whole time his heart was yearning for more and more. He never wanted to stop.

God he hoped this would happen again. Just the two of them alone in a space where no one would both them. Their bodies and lips entwined. Surely they would do this again and again and again. In Vienna again to the Carpathian Mountains and back. Edvin already could not stand the fact that they may not always be together alone. Thinking they may never be able to kiss would be terrible. Edvin would never stop thinking about this moment till the day he dies. Even when he does, he still would be thinking about Will and the two of them together like this.

Will's heart was beating as fast as lightning in his chest, as loud as thunder and ringing in his ears. The world faded away until it was just the two of them. If he had been able to go back in time and tell himself before he left England that he would be standing in a ballroom with a man far more handsome than anyone he had ever seen before, kissing said man and being kissed back, he would have laughed in his own face.

The detective's insecurities, his fears that haunted him from his childhood right through to adulthood, along with the fact that he was different from the rest of the men his age, made it difficult to find someone to fit with. There had been no one in his life that he had ever truly connected with.

Sure, there had been the occasional fling when he was an adult that would have certainly gotten him in trouble with his family and the police back in London, and that was probably the reason why he didn't ever take a real lover, but something about Edvin was different. The captain, in such a short amount of time, had taken his expectations and turned them right on their heads within a few minutes. Ever since they had laid on that bed together Will could sense something was different about him.

No one else would have ever done such a thing. In fact, as much as Will found himself frequently in interesting positions to gather his thoughts, he had never though Edvin would have joined him. Yet he had, and that had been indication enough that the man was different. Kind. Handsome, terribly so, and even though he knew little of the man, he was eager, no, desperate to know more. If this was to be their only time together– working on the case, that was – and if they were to never see each other again, Will was going to make the most of it while he could. If he was allowed, and if Edvin wished the same.

Will broke the kiss just enough to catch his breath, lowering himself from his toes to regain some balance as he feared he would fall if he stayed where he was. There faces were still inches apart, less than that, and very slowly, he opened his eyes to gaze upon the face of the man he had just kissed. Dinner was waiting. They should leave the ballroom less it get cold, but he didn't want to. He really didn't want to ever leave those strong arms and never wanted their lips to part.

Thank God for pairing him with Will. There was level of understanding that he had only achieved with a few people. Most of them were gone. Him and Gheorghe had ended their affair a while ago. Not to mention Gheorghe had suddenly stopped writing back a few months ago. It was like the man had vanished. Then there was his wife, Beatrice whom he was still grieving for.

There was something about Will that was different. The two of them were, in some ways, completely different. Until now they were hundreds and hundreds of miles apart, living two completely different lives. For Christ's sake, he is in line for the Swedish crown but was part of the Austrian one as well! It was a miracle their fates had crossed. It was a miracle that he was kissing this man.

When the kiss was broken, his breath was shakey. Edvin kept his eyes closed for a second or two before opening them. His left foot moved slightly back to help keep him balanced. Then his arm slid down to Will's waist. All he was able to hear were his slow deep breathing and rapid heartbeat. As he stared into Will's eyes, his heartbeat grew fainter and fainter, but he knew it was still quick. The fact it had yet to grow exhausted was a wonder to him.

Oh there were many wonders. Just like the freckles on the detective. Each one reminded him of a star in the sky. The captain would kiss each one if he could. If only, but then they would be in the ballroom forever. Although that did not seem bad to him, they still had to go.

Eventually they would have to leave the ballroom. One way or another, they would have to go then move on to the next moment. Something inside Edvin assured him that this would not be the last time they would be together like this. Still, it made him just a tad bit melancholic that they would have to leave. He didn't ever want to leave those slender arms or lose such a perfect view of those angelic eyes.

"You can lead." Edvin laughed softly before placing a kiss on the detective's forehead. His eyes glimpsed down at those breathtaking lips. "And you move so well." The captain smirked before giving Will a quick peck. His heart was tugged at the brief kiss.

In the corner of his eye, he saw rays coming from the sunset. Hues of pink and orange shining through the windows on the other side of the ballroom. "We should go," He sighed, "How else would we be able to stroll in the gardens, have supper, and possibly kiss underneath the moonlight?"

Being in those strong arms only reminded Will of how small he seemed to be, not just physically, but in all aspects.

Compared to Edvin, Will was simply no one. He didn’t have a crown or a fancy title to his name. He had no palace to reside in. Hell, this ballroom was far bigger than his own apartment back in London. Christ, his chambers here were larger than the little London flat. He had been deemed the ‘greatest detective’ in the world and yet that name, that title, didn’t feel fitting. His brothers were surely better detectives. They were older, more experienced. They might not have been working for the Queen but their minds were far more talented than his own. At least, that was what Will thought.

After being compared to them all his life it was hard to shake the feeling. His insecurities would never dull nor leave him and he would forever be feeling the weight of their shadow, no matter how far he traveled away from them.

Yet Edvin was here, kissing him, wanting to kiss him. The man was royalty. This was the life he lived on the daily. No matter how badly he seemed to crave Edvin, those lips, those hands on his body in places far more private than those around his waist right then and there, there was that fear in the back of his mind that perhaps Edvin was simply doing this to get his guard down on this case, for some reason or another. He didn’t know why and it didn’t make sense, really, but it had been so long since he had ever been in such a situation that he couldn’t help be worried. Especially when back home, he had been singled out for who he loved.

Will blushed a deep red at the quick pecks and Edvin’s words, despite his inner turmoil, “Just because I can doesn’t mean I want to,” He replied softly, biting at his lower lip for a moment, “I quite prefer following.”

His blush only deepened at the mention of kissing under the moonlight, and to hide it he rolled his eyes and lightly slapped Edvin on the chest, “Who would have picked you for a romantic.”

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.