positively anachronistic…

[thecountofthree]

Well, to be very frank - I don't think it's a good idea. This may seem blatantly obvious but in the event that you're as stupid as you look…

[Sigh.]

I don't exactly hate my life. As it is. You're only doing this because you're bored.

And that's disgusting, darling, ends and… uh… means not withstanding.

Comments

[waywardious]

As far as entertainment goes, what could be better?

[thecountofthree]

I, uh…

[One answer coming up easily, trying not to think about that...]

Well. What's wrong with a walk in the park?

[waywardious]

Whatever you've heard them whisper about, those things that writhe in the shadows amongst the bushes? [The slightest of smiles.] They're very real.

[thecountofthree]

I've heard nothing at all about that. [Looking away, away, away.] But good of you to tell me, Claude. Very kind.

[waywardious]

I like to lead by example.

[thecountofthree]

You must show me one day. [Pause. A slight smile.] On stage. Obviously.

[waywardious]

Obviously.

[He could dig the hole deeper, but humiliation isn't his thing, he isn't Strauss.]

I'll get you front row tickets, if the miracle ever happens, you have my word.

[thecountofthree]

That would be a pleasant change from standing. Though really, can you explain to me again - why are they keeping you back like this?

1/2

[waywardious]

[His face goes blank, the only remains of emotion caught between his furrowed brows.]

2/2

[waywardious]

I don't fit the style; beyond that schooling and dedication only gets you so far. As you can see.

[thecountofthree]

[… not convinced. But polite enough to drop it.]

Oh, yes. Sorry, that was a bit rude. [Pause. Smile.] But I'll be seeing you on Saturday!

[waywardious]

In my finest, then. They pulled Sylvia, back when it was first staged, because Eros was too queer for the public eye to behold.

[thecountofthree]

[… pause.]

Too… uh. How so?

[waywardious]

Followed at Aminta's heels and kept his passion in flame.

1/2

[thecountofthree]

Oh.

[thecountofthree]

But you'll be perfect for the role, I'm sure. As with any, really.

[waywardious]

I don't get enough compliments like that... Maybe I'll keep you around.

[thecountofthree]

If not, you'll simply have to tolerate the sight of me. Regardless.

[waywardious]

Tolerate would never be the verb I'd choose when it comes to your appearances, Vincent.

1/2

[thecountofthree]

[Paaaaaaause. Christ, Christ, Christ…]

[thecountofthree]

Uh, so. This ballet - I've never heard of it before. What's it about again?

[waywardious]

The ancient story of the boy who loves a girl, but the girl is captured by an evil man, eventually restored to the boy by divine interference.

[thecountofthree]

People do love the classics, I suppose.

[waywardious]

The beauty of the dancing will salvage the plainness. Like beauty always does.

[thecountofthree]

Mm. My mother always tells me that beauty is firstly a woman's business.

[A dry laugh.]

I wonder where that leaves the rest of us.

[waywardious]

I don't know. Do you want to go explore it?

[thecountofthree]

I… [Voice getting a lot thinner now.] Yes. Yes, I do.

[waywardious]

Meet me at the stage door Saturday night, after the performance. There's a place nearby I usually go celebrate.

[thecountofthree]

What place would that be?

[waywardious]

A gentleman's lounge.

[thecountofthree]

And we won't be seen?

[waywardious]

Except each other? Only by people who have as much to lose.

[thecountofthree]

By those people. Yes, I see.

[waywardious]

They're just people, Vincent.

[thecountofthree]

Depends on who you ask, doesn't it?

[waywardious]

Ask whomever you like, I'll be as much of a danseur for it.

[thecountofthree]

I…

[He sighs.]

I apologise. It's not for me to say.

[waywardious]

No. It isn't. [A long pause, halfway contemplative, halfway tense.] If you meet me, I'll take you.

[thecountofthree]

Fine. [A half-smile.] Tell me, how much courage will I need?

[waywardious]

[Claude stills. Regards him wordlessly for a moment, his lips eventually curving in a half-smile.]

The weight of the world is difficult to carry, when you lack the training, isn't it?

[thecountofthree]

[Have a laugh.]

That much, I see. You're proving quite the dangerous acquaintance, darling.

1/2

[waywardious]

2/2

[waywardious]

Never allow me to show you exactly how much.

[thecountofthree]

… pardon?

[waywardious]

Nothing. [A shrug.] Nothing. Just... Meet me there. With flowers. I liked the last bouquet you brought.

[thecountofthree]

Oh, you did. You did! I'm quite relieved, I… well.

[Ahem.]

I'll make sure of it.

[waywardious]

Thank you.