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[tinkertank]

❧Dance ❧With ❧Me?




➷ Pick A Muse
➷ Post a prompt, picture prompt, or set the scene.
➷ Label who you're tagging.
➷ NO REGRETS, JUST LOVE. We can dance until we die, bb.
➷ ...Something like that!

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[fliesonfour]

[Joly had decided it would be wise to take a short trip to Chartres, to take in the air. It was not very far outside of Paris, but it was going in the right direction towards warmth, and the township had less of the dinge about it and less of the damp. That led him to believe that it was as revitalizing a place as could possibly be (though he made no mistake that the usual dangers for cold and flu still lurked there.)

He had thought it would be good for Musichetta too, and had entreated her to come. Not only good for her, but a good deal romantic, at that! One should always treat their lady, wasn't that the case? He was sure Bossuet agreed, but that he was too cross with carriages after the spokes on the last one he'd entered had broke but to come with them.

Which, decidedly, proved wise. The 'country' road was a little rough on the horses, and rougher on the wheels, and they had had a little break in one and were now awaiting repair. Rather than fretting too immodestly (after all, the sun was still out), Joly put a hand up to help his girl out of the carriage, having some idea of what they could do to pass the time! Indeed.]

A little pause in the journey, is all! Might you be tempted to muddy a shoe with me? Oh, do come!

[Smiled, poking his head in just a little to make sure she was in good enough spirits to take his hand and be led out.]

[cruelpatience]

[Musichetta had no qualms about a getaway. To be perfectly honest, she needed one a great deal currently. She was upset that Lesgles had been unable to join them, as she did love having both her boys with her. However, she could hardly complain having Joly all to herself.

Even a rough carriage ride did little to dampen her spirits. Seeing her darling poke his head in the carriage and offer such a pleasant fix to the situation was all she needed to smile just as brightly. Taking his hand, she carefully stepped out of the carriage.]

As though it is possible to deny such charm, my dear! I would be happy to!

[fliesonfour]

[Joly twinkled; it wasn't limited to his eyes, really, not so much when she was about!; and gave her a winking look before helping her down from the carriage with all the care of someone worried about fractured ankles and scraped knees.

Once she was down, he announced cheerfully,]

Why! In charming company one can't help but emulate, That's the case, it is.

[And the shared look he gave her marked her as being the most impeccably charming creature he ever did glance at!]

I propose an idea to you, little bird.

[If Bossuet was the eagle of their three, then she was the songbird.]

[cruelpatience]

[Musichetta smiled at him, eyes wide and shining. She'd tut at him later for any excess worry about scrapes or fractured ankles, she's more than capable of watching herself to make sure those would not be the outcomes. Still, if he was going to be so impossibly dear in his compliments, she'd match them sure enough.]

You flatterer! You are the charming one, not I.

[But she gave his hand a small squeeze and blinked up at him, grinning coyly.]

Propose away, my darling. I wait with bated breath to hear what grand idea you've come up with this time!

[fliesonfour]

[That little squeeze was all the encouragement he needed to march on with his speech and with his idea, though he started by looking very pleased with what she'd said (always so sharp! she was a wonder). Nonetheless, he scolded in a very serious voice,]

But my dear, my dear. Flattery is for men of art. I am a man of science. Say, therefore, I considered all of your points, both ill and strong, and found nothing wanting! I am full of compliments for what I observe, not flattery.

[Though, speaking of observation and breath, Joly trailed off, looking a little uncomfortable as he ducked down to peek at her.]

Is your breath only baited, or has it been short? I've found my own quite short lately, which is why I suggested the trip. Perhaps it's catching?

[Out of Paris not a moment too soon!]

[cruelpatience]

As a man of science, you never fail to amaze me.

[But as he ducked to peek at her closer, her eyebrows raised at him. She did not laugh at his worries, just smiled gently and released his hand in hers. Both hands up to his cheeks softly, she smiled a bit more and shook her head.]

It is only baited in anticipation, my sweet. I assure you the shortness of breath is not catching. But it is easier to breathe out here, isn't it?

[She trailed her thumbs over his cheeks a little in an attempt to soothe.]

[fliesonfour]

[Musichetta always had the curious effect on him; without Joly so much as really noticing; of easing his anxiety. Not by saying that his fears were unfounded, but by combatting them with good sense.

Indeed it was easier to breathe out here, he noticed at once upon her saying so. Regaining his smile, he stayed a bit stooped, rather liking the soft feel of his hands against his cheeks.]

I daresay that you could have been a woman of science, had you been able to take the courses. You've more up here-- [Picking up his own hand, he went to give her temple a gentle tap.] --than twenty such men as me! And so, you are right. I find it considerably easier to breathe out here.

Easy enough to be able to exert my breath, a little, I think. Which brings me back over to my idea, dear girl.

[cruelpatience]

[At his tap on her temple, she laughed. Light, merry and adoring. Smoothing her hands over his cheeks, she moved them just behind his head to bring him a little closer and press her lips to his forehead.]

I will leave the science to you, in any case...

[All the more to calm him in his moments when she can.]

Your grand idea, my darling! Your grand idea that you have yet to clue me in on... I may grow impatient if you keep me in such suspense.

[fliesonfour]

[He can't help a glowing little laugh at her kiss, thinking it very wry of her.]

Your threats are almost too hearty for me. So! I submit. I wouldn't want you to purse your lips at me, other than in another stolen kiss.

[Because she did have a way of pouting that, he readily admitted, could fully floor him.

Standing up again (and privately deciding he would steal a kiss of his own after declaring his idea, wanting to keep thinks contentedly even in their bliss), he announced,]

I think that we should have a dance. The ground is flat, we have time enough, and if you'd lend your voice, the music would be better than any. What does the lady say to her gentleman, about that?

[cruelpatience]

[She watched him, smiling, as he finally submitted to telling her his idea. She wouldn't pout unless absolutely necessary, using it as a last resort if anything. Still, as he stood again, she lifted her chin to watch him easier...

And at the suggestion, she brightened and laughed.]

The lady would enjoy that greatly. What a spectacular way for us to pass the time!

[fliesonfour]

I had a mind to think that she might, that I did.

[Seeing the opportunity present itself, he bent to press a kiss to her precious cheek, before drawing back to offer her a hand.]

If you will sing, I will lead, and we will be in such a tandem as to make this nothing about us quite green with jealousy. Which it could use, I daresay... looking a little barren as it does.

[Autumn was approaching after all, and its ill effect was beginning to play against the leaves and grass first as a sign of things to come.]

[cruelpatience]

[She closed her eyes at the kiss on her cheek, fluttering open only when the hand was offered to her.]

It is looking a bit glum, isn't it? Let us see if we cannot brighten it up with our fun.

[Accepting that hand, her smile was all teeth before she started in on one of his favorite tunes of hers. Something lighthearted, upbeat. Fun.]

[fliesonfour]

[Hearing the song, he made a noise of delight, and put a second hand about her waist before taking her into a calm but excited spin, following her music as she made it and looking quite pleased with the pair of them. He'd stay close to their carriage, just in case really, but otherwise took them around it, to where the brush was a bit higher.

Not too high, of course. He wouldn't stand for any insects or pests. That was a quick way to ensure a sudden deadly illness, after all.]

[cruelpatience]

[There were bursts of laughter in her music as he spun her around. She was eager to let him lead and even more eager to follow, squeezing his hand when she could. The song went on longer than it should have, with her laughter interrupting it so often. She wished it would go on even longer, however, so she snuck in a few improvised verses to see if he would take note.]

[fliesonfour]

[But of course he noticed! Clever girl! He couldn't make up so much music in an hour, and yet she was made of music, from her dancing eyes to her apt name! Laughing well himself, he made up a step to go with the imaginary verses, careful with her, but leading her in a bit of a folk dance. Not so fashionable or popular, nothing he'd do in Paris! But in the South, still very distinguished...

Granted, not quite in the foppish manner they were going about it, which left a grin on his face.

When at last it became too silly, and she too irresistible, he stopped to kiss the side of her mouth, before drawing back to bow at her.

One should always be the gentleman! Even when there were only the reeds to see it done and nod.]

[cruelpatience]

[She laughed along with him when it became too much. The verses weren't as cleverly written and only about him and Bossuet if one took care to listen closer. As he stopped dancing, she let the song drift, leaning into the kiss at the corner of her mouth.

She drew back and curtsied, over dramatically at this point, but all in good fun.]

One of your finer ideas, my dear, if I do say so myself!

[fliesonfour]

Well! Only because you have made it so fine.

[He decided, chuckling again at the memory of an especially good line, that seemed to relate to their Eagle well.]

Bossuet is with us in spirit, isn't it so? He is the break in the wheel that paaused us unluckily, but afforded us such a joyful moment.

[cruelpatience]

I don't dare think of what may have been of he had been with us physically. But it is with his ill fortune that we could share that dance...

[She paused a moment, thoughtful and smiling.]

We should, of course, return his favor upon our return. Even if he is not aware of his presence here.

[fliesonfour]

A marvelous idea! That's the very thing.

[He couldn't help but give her waist a squeeze round, gentle and very pleased.]

How does the clever mademoiselle suggest we return his favour to us?

[cruelpatience]

We treat him to a dance of his own, of course. And I will make supper of both your favorites just for the occasion!

[fliesonfour]

Martyr that you are, my pet, can your feet surely stand it?

[He'd never want to deny Bossuet any form of joy, but speaking strictly as someone who had seen him dance before... he was not sure that anything beyond stepped-on toes and stubbed knees came out of it, for either partner.]

The supper is an outstanding idea; first class, yes! But something safer than dancing might not go amiss.

[cruelpatience]

[Her eyes shone as she smiled at him coyly.]

I said nothing about me being the dance partner, my darling. I will provide the music!

[Teasing, of course, with a small laugh.]

[fliesonfour]

[He made a high noise at the realization, but then gave a hearty laugh, pressing his face to her neck just briefly to hide it there, as if from the very thought!]

Ah, ah! So you've made me the martyr, is that it? Women are a cruel breed! But if it will please you, I will give him the invitation. How I will lead someone so very tall, I am not yet sure, but I am keen upon invention. Only, you must promise you will draw a bucket of cool water for my feet after-- to prevent the gangrene setting in, you know, from wounds inflicted.

[cruelpatience]

[As he pressed his face to her neck, she brushed her fingers through his hair with a quiet sound, most certainly not a laugh, no.]

We have but all of our holiday to think of an even better form of repayment, I'm sure we will come up with something, my dear. Do not fret so, I would not allow you such grievous injuries just to bring a smile to my lips. Not when you are so excellent at it otherwise!

[fliesonfour]

[If it were possible to fall asleep standing up, in such good hummour, in midday, waiting for a carriage fix? Then he might have, so relaxing were he slim hands against his scalp.

Instead, he simply stayed where he was.]

If it would surely bring a smile to your lips, then I am nearly honour-bound to do it, I daresay. This is the sort of witchcraft you have, darling girl. Anything to be done to make you so much as glance at happiness, why, it must be done at once.