Closing time once again. Dani went through the typical motions: bid the final guest farewell, check the rooms to make sure everyone had exited, lock the center doors, and then went to finish her closing tasks. It was nothing too complicated, just general clean up mostly, and took about 20 minutes or so to complete. Most days she would leave right after and not return until the morning, but not today. Today was different.
Not everyone could make it to her classes. Sometimes schedules didn’t align or someone interested might not be comfortable in a group setting, so she offered private lessons before or after hours to those few interested in such an arrangement. Monday evenings were one of those scheduled times which meant she wouldn’t be going home for a little while yet. She didn’t mind; she quite enjoyed giving private lessons, especially to the man she was currently waiting to arrive.
He was special. Teachers weren’t technically supposed to have favorites but it was impossible for him not to be hers. He had supported her and her crazy idea for arts center since the very beginning. He’d helped her present a case for it, helped convince the government official it was a good idea. If he hadn’t been there she didn’t know if her idea would’ve ever come to fruition.
She hovered around the front desk, occasionally glancing at the door as she waited in anticipation for the knock to signal her student's arrival.
As much as he wanted to Roman took no credit for the idea of the Center. While he had pitched in here and there he claimed no part large or small in the creation, of the birth to the movement. Though he would brag that had it not been for his motivations the thing never would have taken flight but he never uttered such things in front of Dani. No, that would spoil all that he had built between them. Remaining humble around her, he reminded once in a while that they both had spent long hours applying paint to the walls, pushing furniture around to get things just the way she had envisioned. He had stopped by with dinner on more than one occasion - just dropping by - though he had her schedule just about memorized by now.
It was after hours. Just about anything with a set timeline had begun to wind down for the onset evening. Josie’s and a few other places would remain for a while yet, catering to those of the nocturnal realm or those seeking to take the edge off of the day. While drinking sounded delightful he preferred the solitary company of a certain woman with plant loving abilities.
Approaching the door, his bag for working out tucked beneath an arm, Roman rapped softly upon the barrier. Through the glass he peered in, offering a small wiggle of fingers at Dani when he spotted her.
While he knew the repercussions of what he was after he was willing to entertain what might arise. She was an easy target, worth the patience and work it would take to shape and mold her into the woman he wanted her to be.
Her head turned as soon as she heard the rap on the door, her lips lifting into a bright smile when he wiggled his fingers toward her in greeting. She hurried to unlock the door for him. "Hey, long time no see," she greeted, letting him into the building. It really hadn't been too long since they last seen one another, about a week which wasn't an uncommon amount of time between meetings. They were both busy with their respective responsibilities, after all, but she wished they could be together more often. She'd grown quite fond of his company.
Dani motioned for him to follow her to the dance studio. "How was your week? Not too crazy, I hope."
As she closed the distance between him and the door Roman turned to take a last look around at the Facility, gauging to see if anyone at all was around. He wasn’t afraid to be seen with the residents; being spotted around town only aided in solidifying the illusion that he really was there to help the citizens. He wasn’t kissing babies or running for mayor, but having someone advocate for certain rights wasn’t a terrible job. It paid the bills, so to speak, and his room was wrought with luxuries only accessible to Government employees.
Turning to look at the door he offered a smile to the woman when she had opened it. “You too,” Roman greeted, slipping into the Center. The air was always cool and the atmosphere itself was fragrant as if it were a garden instead of a dusty old building filled to the brim with various things.
Once inside the Center he paused at the door, catching one of her hands for a very brief moment. Fingers would lightly squeeze hers before allowing them to fall away, “Hectic, actually.” A laugh would be emitted, smile dampening slightly to appear more humble. “But it’s better now.”
“What about you?”
Dani had felt his fingers squeeze hers gently and very nearly returned the gesture but his hand left hers before she could. It was so brief; she wasn't sure how to interpret it. A mistake? A friendly gesture? Something else? The uncertainty made her decide not to address it, instead continuing on as if it didn't occur.
“Hectic huh? They sure know how to keep you busy, don’t they?” She flashed him good-natured smile. “At least it’s settled down now.” They entered into the dance studio, the lights already illuminating the space. "Not nearly as exciting as yours, I bet," she answered with a bit of a laugh of her own. "Weren't as many attending my classes this week. Probably all tuckered out from Memorial Day." She couldn’t blame them. Even she had been tired by the end of it all. She loved it though. She got to pig out on delicious food, meet new people, and spend time with friends. Roman had been there and the two of them enjoyed some time together chatting and dancing. It had been a lot of fun.
She stretched her arms out in front of her, rolling her shoulders and rotating her head side to side, front to back. It was a non-verbal cue for Roman to start his warm-ups when he was settled. No dancing until warm-ups were complete. That was the rule.
“Mhm,” came the sound of reply. Hectic was an understatement, but then he didn’t really do much in the way of fighting for specific rights. Mostly he had been keeping things stabilized this week, maintaining the peace between the government officials and the citizens. It was always with the eye roll to see old men shaking fists at each other over some minuscule legislation. Playing God was always on the agenda, it seemed.
“Makes it all worth it the trouble to be able to escape, though.” It was an assuring statement, one that he actually had a bit of heart in. Getting out of his office with an actual purpose other than work was nice once in a while.
And then his smile grew for her again, “You usually have your fair share of excitement here, I’m sure.” Though her words about the aftermath of the holiday didn’t shock him. It would probably be the same circumstance for July Fourth. Few holidays were as big and lavish, and celebrating things like birthdays weren’t exactly a huge event in the residential homes as supplies were scarce.
Bag went down where he normally put it. When that was completed he joined Dani, beginning to stretch and warm up. Her rule of warming up was one she stuck to and he had to let her have a few unbreakable rules to get behind if his plans for her were going to work.
“I'm happy to be your escape.” Her cheeks grew the faintest shade of pink when she realized how her words sounded. That wasn't what she meant to say. She wanted to say she was happy to be helping him escape not that she was his escape. Though the idea that she – not just the dance lessons - was that for him made her heart flutter briefly even if that probably wasn't the case.
Dani chuckled a little, parting her legs and stretching her arms toward her toes. “I suppose there can be a bit of excitement around here. Especially when the kids show up.” They could be a rowdy bunch after hours stuck in a classroom learning “boring things” as they called them. The arts were a lot more fun. “They can be a handful sometimes.”
With warm-ups complete, she flashed Roman a smile and clapped her hands together. “So, ready for some salsa?” She swayed her hips and did one round of the basic steps before twirling, keeping her front facing him, and shuffling backwards to the cd player.
Roman offered an endearing look, his own cheeks heating up a bit at her comment. “Me too.” He left it at that. Something about her had him coming back again and again. If she wasn’t careful he would be eating out of the palm of her hand, the succulent fruit produced by the branches of her tree.
His own series of stretches ensued: arms, shoulders, legs, anything that might be utilized while dancing but only those specifically instructed by Dani. He had a nearly perfect memory for such details which was a blessing in court. “I bet you’re wonderful with the kids.” Glancing over at her mid-stretch he smiled, before returning his focus to what he was doing.
Finally the warm up was complete and he stood at his full height. At the inquiry he couldn’t help the grin that spread across his lips. Watching her sashay toward the CD player he turned, moving through a few of the most basic steps himself. “I’m afraid that is as good as my salsa skills get.”
Pausing, he waited for her to join him.
"Well, I wouldn't say wonderful," she replied with a chuckle as she straightened back up, smile humble. She wouldn't say it herself - she was far too modest for that - but she was great with them if the words of some of the parents were to be believed. The children seemed to like and listen to her because she was easy to talk to and didn't speak to them like they were kids. At least that's what someone commented once. "They do seem to like me though which helps."
"And those skills are great," she said encouragingly, pressing the play button. Salsa music filled filled the room, not too loud as not to make it difficult to hear their conversation. "You have the basic steps down pact. That's pretty much half the dance." Dani moved to join him, taking his hand with a smile and facing him. "We just need to work on smoothing out those moves while dancing with a partner." She lifted there combined hands and rested her other hand on his arm. "I'll lead."
“I’ve heard that children can often be a good judge of character,” he replied. He doubted there was any truth to that - children would follow a stranger for a lick from a piece of candy most times - but he had heard it all the same. It seemed to fit the context of this circumstance and so he shared it for that fact. “Who couldn’t like you?” A soft laugh would come, echoing like a smooth melody in the empty space.
A nod. Roman let her approach and did as instructed. Before too long they both were dancing the salsa in its purest form. This wasn’t a reality dance competition show by any means, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t show off a bit for her here and there as needed.
Letting her take the lead was a rare feat but this time he offered no measure of protest. By the end of the dance he was smiling at her like a fool. “You move so well, it’s so natural. I’m envious.”
She simply smiled. Who couldn’t like her? A few people probably but it wasn’t something she gave any thought to. As long as those she cared about liked her it didn’t matter what some unknown person she’d likely never interact with thought.
With a quick one, two, three they started their dance. It was clumsy at first but it wasn’t long before they were moving together in perfect sync. Roman even showed off a few times which made her question just how much he needed these dance lessons. He was a natural and the two of them together… it was as if they had been made to dance together. A romantic thought that was likely greatly exaggerated. There was no doubt, though, that they had obvious chemistry.
“You shouldn’t be envious. It’s only because I’ve had years of practice,” she answered, smiling just as wide as he was. Their hands were still clasped together and arms on one another’s. “If anyone should be envious it’s me. You move so well.” She gave him a teasing look. “Are you sure you need lessons? I’m beginning to wonder.”
He peered down at her with a sheepish smile, nearly biting at his lip as she complimented his technique. “Would you find it odd if I confessed to having been watching a few YouTube videos on dancing to try to impress you?” The government internet was on a different level than residential but he wasn’t hiding it from her in effort to be more endearing.
His hand stayed clasped around hers, arm around her though the difference in their height was significant. Instead of his usual towering presence he remained normal, and as casual as possible in such a position.
Roman did finally pull back but slowly, twirling Dani around in a circle. “I could never compare to you. You’re like a blossomed flower in the height of spring. Everything else pales in comparison.”
"Impress me, huh?” Dani was noticeably flattered. He had no reason to try to impress her yet he took the extra effort to anyway. It was sweet. “Well, color me impressed. Whoever made those videos knows what they're doing.” Instructional videos could be hit or miss and it seemed these were a definite hit. She would’ve loved to see those videos but residents’ internet access was limited. If she asked him though then perhaps… “Maybe you could show me sometime.” She wasn’t sure if he was allowed but it didn’t hurt to at least bring up the idea.
She gazed up at him, heat rising to her cheeks the longer they stood there. It was nice being so close together with his arm around her; she could’ve stayed that way forever. Eventually he pulled back, leaving her slightly disappointed, that was until he complimented her. Her cheeks turned a dark pink and she dipped her head once her twirl was complete. She was quiet for a moment, rendered speechless by the poetic words, then dared a look up at him. “That’s... really sweet.” Her gaze dropped to their clasped hands with a shy smile. Her heart was beating so hard she feared he wouldn’t hear her soft voice over the pounding. “You’re wonderful.”
His cheeks colored again.
“Yes. To impress you.” Another confirmation. And her want to see the videos was an invitation silent to spend time together alone in a place unregulated - together. He didn’t invited anyone back to his private quarters but maybe an exception could be made. She wouldn’t remember all of the corridors anyway. “I’d like that.”
The way she reacted to his compliment was how he had anticipated. Hook, line, sinker. “It’s just the truth.” Roman looked down at his feet, grin plastered across his face in a humble way. “Not everyone thinks so, but I’m glad that you do.”
His chin lifted, carrying his gaze toward her. “I’m so grateful you’ve agreed to private lessons. What would people think if they saw me dancing like a fool in a real class?”
She lifted her gaze, noting that her appeared to have dropped his. Her hand lifted toward his face then paused and dropped it before her fingers could touch his face. “Of course I do. You’ve done so much… how could I not?” She wanted so desperately to touch his cheek and lift his gaze but she hesitated, unsure if she should.
Her smile widened. “I think they’d be impressed. Probably be the envy of the class.” She squeezed his hand. “I’m glad you like the lessons. I like giving them. It lets me spend more time with you.”
He knew the rumors about his position - Daryn had echoed her disdain for him - but he did the best that he could. Taking himself as the top dog he moved forward with that. Maybe Daryn was right, but he didn’t think he was wrong. You had to eat or be eaten.
“Making you happy is worth it. We made this place. This sanctuary. It makes me thrilled to know that it gets so much use and happiness.”
Chewing at his bottom lip, Roman nodded. “I feel the same way. Spending time with you is wonderful.”
Her heart fluttered. It was their place, wasn’t it? There had been others that had helped bring her dream to life but Roman had been the one to make it happen. He had convinced the ones in charge. If he hadn’t been there none of this would have been. She truly believed that.
“We should spend more time together,” she declared. Her sudden assertion made her blush and she gave him a sheepish smile. “If we can… I’d love to be with you more often.”
A laugh would come - soft and joyous - coupled with a nod. “I’d like that. Maybe some place less private, if that would suit you. Dinner, maybe? With me?” Perhaps that was bold but maybe a next step needed to be taken and she seemed interested enough in him. It wasn’t asking her to bed, but rather a time spent in the eyes of the public and bearing the interpretation of whatever would fall from lips. Daryn seemed to think everyone could see through his facade.
I’d love to be with you - the context behind those words was left for reading between the lines and he was curious to know what intent she had behind them. Clearly it wasn’t in a negative connotation.
“Yes,” she answered almost immediately with far more enthusiasm than she realized. “I’d really like that.” She’d love it actually. When did she start using love so readily when thinking about time spent with him? When had simply liking to be with him turned into loving to be with him? That was a musing left for another time. Right now she was with the man she now loved to be with. “When were you thinking?”
A soft chuckle would escape, a breath of relief. He liked her enthusiasm, that eagerness she radiated. “Great, great. Would tomorrow evening work? If you’re not busy. I know you have class. If there’s a better time I’d be happy to know. I couldn’t bear to keep you from your children.” Her role was important to the community, the people needed to see her.
Another twirl of her fingers. He watched the way she spun and smiled.
Roman would be lying if he said he didn’t like being with her, too. Probably not love, but then again love had a way of sneaking up on you when you least expected it.
His relieved chuckle made her smile grow. “I’m not busy at all.” Not a lie though not completely true. Dani had a busy day ahead of her tomorrow. Keyword being day. The evening was free. Well, it had been free. Now she was going on a date. That’s what it was; there was no misinterpreting it. How long had it been since she had done that? It didn’t matter. She was going on a date.
She spun around, unable to keep an amused giggle from escaping her lips. “Other than these lessons most of my classes are during the day. So my evenings are usually free.” Her smile once again turned shy. “If you ever find yourself looking for company.”
Glad to hear he wasn’t keeping her from her students Roman nodded, “Alright. It’s a date then.” He confirmed it officially. Slapping a label on something seemed appropriate in this context.
He wasn’t generally the type to get himself into relationship, or really anything serious, so the word felt heavy on his tongue. A date.
The interest was piqued by the next comment, the offer was clearly more that it appeared. A humble smile, “I’d always welcome your company.”
“It’s a date,” she repeated. A wave of giddiness washed over her at the declaration. That was unexpected. Not the whole date being official but just how happy she was to learn that it was. She never realized just how much she wanted it until it actually happened.
Her moment of boldness paid off. She had been a bit worried that it might make him uncomfortable knowing how it could have been interpreted. “Whenever you want it, just ask. I’ll gladly give it.”
That was something that should have frightened someone else - that willingness to give whatever someone wanted without a slip of hesitation. Being around her was nice, though. He found himself thinking about her when they were apart. It had taken a while to get to this moment, no need to ruin it now with misunderstanding.
Dating was a large step for anybody. But he welcomed it all the same for however long it would last.
Feeling bold as well, Roman took a chance. Leaning down he pressed a soft, chaste kiss against the corner of her lips. Just something enough to entice and lure, to show interest. He was pulling away just as quickly.
His kiss rendered her speechless. Her fingers touched the corner of her lips absent-mindedly. He had kissed her… it had been so brief she hardly had time to register it. She wasn’t sure what to do. Dani looked up at him, eyes searching for any sign, any hint on how she should continue.
She wanted him to do it again.
Biting her lip, she considered what to do next. It was bold and it could possibly turn him away... Her hand reached up hesitantly, fingers just barely touching his jaw. But he had touched her so perhaps… She closed her eyes and gently pressed her lips against his, lingering.
He didn’t lean backward as those fingers lifted, curious as to what was on her mind. It was evident she was considering something, perhaps to do with what he had done. Would she strike out at him? Offer tender touch? Recoil? Any of those would be appropriate and yet he found himself rewarded with the actual reaction.
Roman leaned down again. Their mouths collided in a blissful crash of skin. The kiss was easy at first, simple. He would let her set the pace.
Arms would wind around her. Roman lifted Dani carefully up to better suit the difference in their height and make it easier on both of them.
Arms wrapped around her and she melted into his embrace. He completely filled her senses - his strong arms, his warm body, his soft lips. It was sheer overwhelming bliss. Her fingers moved along his jaw, then cupped the back of his head as she deepened the kiss between them. She hadn’t thought of sharing a moment like this with him before but now that they were in it, she didn’t want it to end.
But humans needed to breath. Reluctantly, she freed his lips but kept them near as she took in a much needed breath. Her breathing was heavy and her cheeks flushed. “I…,” she started to whisper, fingers grazing the back of his neck absently.
Hands found purchase beneath her thighs, though he dared not go higher than that for the sake of decency. He had no shame. Roman would have gladly taken her there in the studio if that was what she wanted but for the sake of the idea behind the place he refrained, leaving only their tongues to do the dancing.
He kissed her until he could no longer and then he was pulling back, taking a breath. Eyes fluttered open. Eyebrows arched. “You...what?” He murmured, still holding her up, close, leaning into her touch.
“I…,” she repeated, trying desperately to figure out what she wanted to say. Her head was spinning prevent her from forming any coherent thoughts. All she could concentrate on was his hands on her thighs and lips so close to hers. “I don’t know,” she answered with a breathy chuckle and a slight drop of her head, embarrassed. Her other hand that had found itself resting on his chest traveled upwards until her fingers were grazing over his lips. “We should…” What? Continue? Stop? What did she want? “... do you want to come over?”
What did she want?
That was the trouble. He knew what he wanted but he had learned to keep himself at bay, to be patient. Light eyes found her own, pupils blown with desire. He watched her chin drop, waiting.
And then their gazes met again. The ghost of her fingers across his lips had him tingling, shuddering. “I’d love to.”
He kissed the tips of her fingers, gently, keeping his eyes on hers.
His gaze, so full of desire, and gentle kiss caused her body to shiver in anticipation. Her head was spinning and her vision slightly blurred from the heat in her cheeks. She had invited him to her home. Why? What did she want?
Him, she determined. All of him. That’s what she wanted. Him with, in, and around her.
“We should... go then...” she murmured, not moving from their embrace despite her words. It was hard to part from him. Everything was perfect right there with their bodies against one another’s and desire in their eyes. "Or..." Her gaze briefly moved to a door located in the back of the studio before returning to his. "...there’s the room in the back..." She had nearly forgotten about it.
The room in question was a side room attached to the dance studio. It just barely housed a banged up couch and small table in its limited space. She had set it up back when they were doing the remodeling for the center. A little space for her to sleep when she lost track of time.
They shouldn't. Not at the center. And yet...
She pressed her lips against his several times, short and sweet kisses meant to entice. “Maybe...?”
He was after the same thing she was - staking claim to everything he could touch or take - having each other in every capacity physically and mentally. There was a danger in her eyes that he wanted to tempt. And now that the momentum was there he was helpless to stop it moving forward.
When her gaze shifted his did too. He looked at the familiar door already aware of what lay beyond. The look on her face, the way her body was reacting to his touch told him that if they left the spark would fizzle. They’d find it again but both were sinking into the heat of the moment and precious were the seconds which dwindled.
Roman would nod, blue eyes finding her own gaze again.
Holding her close, he pivoted gracefully and began to move toward the doorway. There was no special lock or mechanism on it, so it was easy enough to open. And then he plunged into the darkness with her. Door swung shut behind him. Roman fumbled with the switch, elbow pressing into the plate for the light and once it was on he carried his prize to the sagging little couch.