The next evening was an off night for the cast. Maria was in Yvaine’s hotel room sprawled on her bed and grinning like a cheshire cat. “You know, I saw something preeeeetty interesting in the Theater’s hallway last night. Looked an awful lot like a King kissing a Ballerina…” -Yvaine
Yvaine: Yvaine nearly choked on her water, sitting on a chair and reading one of the local magazines. …Learning a little bit of german while in school had been the best idea ever…! "I.. don’t really know what you’re talking about, but if you tell anyone, I am going to kill you!" -07:51 Feb 28
“I knew it!” Maria exclaimed sitting up on the bed. “You have to tell me. Was it really so hot and heavy that he just couldn’t wait to rip off all your clothes and have you right there? Oh my god, that’s so hot…” -Yvaine
Yvaine: "Why does everything with you involve clothes getting ripped off!" Yvaine slumped in her seat and hid her face with the magazine. "I was fifteen when we met… we didn’t do anything then. And last night was just…" she dropped her magazine and sighed as she looked up at the ceiling. "Completely unreal! I always wanted to kiss him, and then we did and… I’m waiting for my dad to show up and threaten to kill him." -07:56 Feb 28
“Honey, your dad is across the ocean and you’re a grown woman. Nex time you see that man, you need to get your hands on his trouser snake and a King Sandwhich.” Maria knew she would, if Yvaine didn’t. -Yvaine
Yvaine: "What does that even mean?" Yvaine tossed the magazine at Maria. It was better she didn’t ask about trouser snakes and sandwiches. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t had a boyfriend before, or that she didn’t get the innuendo… but Maria’s phrasing was always really bizare. "Iiiiif he has time to see me again. He IS a King and told me how tight of a leash they have on him. There’s no telling how much work he has to do running a country." -08:00 Feb 28
ther was a sharp knock on the door, three short bangs then silence. “His majesty King Ha…” there was a short silence… -Hans
Maria was up and to the door before Yvaine could even get to her feet. She swung it open with gusto, fulley expecting the King himself to be standing there, and possibly with intentions to leap on him if he was. “YES?” -Yvaine
Hans: By the time the door opene Hans had moved into place of his driver and blinked when it wasn’t Yvaine at the door. "Hey…" he said before he saw Yvaine… "I was going to just send a car but.. picking you up is better… yes?" -08:07 Feb 28
Yvaine: "Maria!" Yvaine nearly tripped over her own feet. She stopped behind Maria, catching the back of the woman’s shirt before she jumped out and cause some sort of international disaster. "Yes! I… just let me get my coat! You can come inside." Yvaine dragged Maria away to the other room. Somewhere safe and secluded. "Don’t say a word. Do I look okay?" -08:10 Feb 28
Blast. Maria was about to smooch that King good, but now she was stuck eying Yvaine up and down. “You need a dress that shows off your boobs better. Show him your boobs and he’ll knock you up for sure!” -Yvaine
Hans: Hans stepped into the room while the driver waited outside. He looked around while he waited. "I hope you havn’t eaten yet since I’m taking you for that meal I said I would." -08:13 Feb 28
Yvaine: "…and that’s all the advice I need!" Yvaine snatched up her coat. When she escaped to meet Hans, she was pretty sure her face was red. Hopefully the walls weren’t thin. "Famished actually..! You have the best timing in the universe. I’m ready!" -08:15 Feb 28
Hans: "Great, wait until you see the place, one of the oldest resturants in Rhineland." he took her hand and red fro from the room the Driver giving Maria a short bow before closing the door behind them. "The owner’s great great grandfather used to be the court chef before he was granted land and opened up his business." down the stairs and onro the street were a bentley waited fore them, large, powerful but above all luxurious. Hans opened the door for her and smiled. "But I’m here to talk about you.. how have you been since I was brought back?" -08:20 Feb 28
Yvaine: Yvaine was so busy grinning at Hans, she didn’t even seem to notice how fancy the car was. She slipped in to the back seat and settled her skirt around her knees. Not to think that Maria was right about showing boobs, but maybe she -should- have changed her clothes! Yvaine waited until he was seated next to her before she spoke. "Honestly…? I still have nightmares sometimes about a lot of it. I thought I might grow out of using a night-light but…yeah." She shook off that sheepish feeling to grin at him again. "You were the best part about all of it." -08:26 Feb 28
Hans: He got in after her and closed the door as the driver started the engine and pulled away apparently already knowing their destination. "Well when I got here I thought about you all the time. They had me doing so much romance was forbidden, I often thought I’d be back in ameroca even with all the craziness." he chuckled "Those were crazy times… and I wish I could have seen you though the aftermath. I’m glad you are alright." -08:32 Feb 28
Yvaine: Romance! It was probably just an innocent mention of how busy he was. After all, she didn’t have a lot of time for a personal life either. But… it had her flushing and fidgeting with the hem of her coat. Yvaine was incredibly glad that Kings weren’t mind readers. "You had a country to run after all. My dad wasn’t exactly keen on me talking to you anymore. He kinda thought half of it was all your fault, even though you had nothing to do with that serial killer…" -08:36 Feb 28
Hans: "The reformation is almost done." he said "But this isn’t the time to politics." they were leaving the modern building behind and were surrounded by old brick buildings with tall facades and had to at least be a few ceturies old. "I don’t blame your dad, I brough a lot od troubles of my own, anf thetas why I left to bring them back here with me." -08:43 Feb 28
Yvaine: "Crazy times, crazy timing, I guess?" Yvaine felt like she was fishing for information. Like some silly teenager trying to see if a boy liked her. It’d be simple enough to just ask him… but Yvaine was so afraid to hear the answer that she found heself unable to ask! "I did decide after you left that I would start dancing again. With all that happened and weird near death experiences, I really didn’t want to miss my chance to try." -08:48 Feb 28
Hans: "And now look at you. International Ballet star gracing the eyes of royalty." he reached over and put his arm around her looking out though the front windscreen. "I always knew we’d meet again. That I’d get to show you my city." -08:52 Feb 28
Yvaine: She could have squeeled and started clapping again. Instead she tried to keep her smile from getting wildly silly. "I’m so glad the play added Rhineland to the tour! I’ve been saving for a visit forever and haven’t even nearly had enough, but now I’m here on the company’s payroll. I doubt anyone would even let me walk up to your front door and ask you to have coffee. …well, maybe Gunther. I’m surprised he’s not still your personal bodyguard!" -08:55 Feb 28
Hans: "He is, in effect. Hes the the head of the royal guard whose job it is to protect me… And… I have a confeccion… Rhineland was added by royal request…" -09:02 Feb 28
Yvaine: "Royal request?" It was so difficult to mask that thrilled expression, and keep those butterflies in her stomach from making her bounce right off the seat. In the end, Yvaine failed and fell in to a fit of soft giggling as she leaned slightly to the side to rest her head against his shoulder. "You could have told me before and came to see me before the show. I was so nervous through the whole thing." -09:06 Feb 28
Hans: He looked at her his blue eyes finding hers. "I had to make sure you remembered me." He rested hie head against hers as his other hand found hers. "Its been a long time and we were young back then, you remembering me and what was between us not being in mu own imagination seemed too good to be true." -09:10 Feb 28
Yvaine: "I had a very big crush on you, Hans." she confessed, flushing again. "I always thought maybe I was being stupid. Every girl wants to meet a Prince and you were a lot older than me. And not getting any letters back! I was sure I over-romantisized things." -09:17 Feb 28
Hans: He sighed. "I never got any letters. When I said romance was forbodden I mean I was an enforced regime of zero romantic contact. I wasn’t allowed distractions." he took a heavy breath. "We’re here." Ther had parked outside a small bistro of ageg brickwork the cracked plaster paijnted dark green. Outside the resturant men in suits stood watch and one of them stepped forwards to open the car door. "I’ve rented the place, it will be just us." -09:22 Feb 28
Yvaine: "The whole place? Won’t the waitors get a little bored?" She took his hand when he helped her out of the car. The place looked small, but quaint. Yvaine was a little glad it wasn’t one of those giant fancy places where she would feel incredibly underdressed. "I didn’t realize you never got my letters. I might’ve written more often just to see if something slipped through." -09:27 Feb 28
Hans: "The owner id going to serve us personally, hes a family friend. Most of his staff have the day off." He led her to the door and puthed it open. A table in the center was layed out with candles and a basket of fresh buns as the smell from the kitchen wafted though the room. "Well I should say of the court since I’m the only family there is this side of prison." -09:32 Feb 28
Yvaine: Everything looked so very picture perfect romantic that Yvaine was finding herself feeling very shy and wishing to shake herself. Still grinning, she was chewing on the inside of her cheek and trying to remember the right way to act. Squealing and laughing like a loon wouldn’t be good. And there was no way she’d take Maria’s advice and flash her boobs! "It looks really beautiful, Hans. More trouble than you had to go through, really!" -09:39 Feb 28
Hans: He stooped and pulled her chair out for her. "I thought it would give us tome to talk and for me to tell you that.. I had feeling for you ten years ago, and I found them again last night. Yvaine, This is a date, I am kind dating a beatiful ballerina by renting out a resturant just to have a quiet talk with her. I Have never heard of anything this crazy before but, here we are." -09:45 Feb 28
Yvaine: Yvaine slid in to her chair. She had to! If she didn’t sit, she’d fall on the floor from weak knees and being dizzy with glee. It took her a moment to find her voice again, and even then she was speaking softer than she meant to. "It’s making a really good impression! But I think I was enchanted with you long before this, I might be biased." -09:49 Feb 28
Hans: "Well then" he said taking his seat. "I’m glad its working." he said picking up a small bell and ringing it. A midleages man in a waistcoat appeared almost immediatly his arms covered in dishes that he set on the table naming each one, it was a display if the local quisine like magasine reviewers would kill for, then with a kirt bow he left. -09:56 Feb 28
Yvaine: Yvaine was so glad she was hungry! There were more things she could try than she could probably eat, and everything looked really good. She picked up a fork. "Have you not done anything besides Kingly duties? You don’t look like you’ve been wasting away doing nothing but signing paperwork." -10:04 Feb 28
Hans: “In the moders world a ruler’s life is frightningly public and I ws encouraged to take up hobbies that would make me more aproachable.” he admoted “But I mostly ignored thier sugestions and took up the piano.. theres also the official visits and state afairs that get help. A bunch od self important men looking to make.. friends is the wrong word… partners..” -10:11 Feb 28
Yvaine: “Trying to erase the playboy Prince that once paid visit to foreign countries for fun?” she cast a joking grin, but it made her a little sad! All of the work he had to do for his country, but never getting any time for himself or getting to do the sorts of things HE enjoyed. “But like you said, now that the government has been reformed, you can do the things you like, right?” -10:14 Feb 28
Hans: “I will never be fully free but It will make me into a spiritual and not a political leader, and will have more time, more freedom.” he helped himself to a sample from the plate closest to him. “What about your career, whats next after this tour?” -10:20 Feb 28
[Yvaine is so glad to be having such a fantastic dinner with Hans! It’s more than she ever though possible!] -03:44 Feb 29
[Hans has eaten suprisingly little and can’t take his eyes off of his date.] -03:45 Feb 29
Yvaine: Having no problems trying things directly from random plates just to make sure they were delicious, Yvaine offered Hans a wide grin. “A break for a few months, and then casting for the next play! I think I’ll be in plays until I can’t dance anymore, and then I might teach ballet. Even if my feet fell off, I wanna stay involved in dance.” -03:47 Feb 29
Hans: He smiled back. “Its good to see you’ve found something you love, a passion so strong you’re living it and not just doing it.” he reached over and took one of ther still steaming buns from the basket and sliced it in half. “It almost makes me feel guilty that I wish you to stay in Rhineland.” His eyes shot to hers to watch her reaction. “But now that were reaquianted.. is there any rreason to rush things, a tickt here or wherever you are would be a trifle…” -03:52 Feb 29
Yvaine: “I haven’t even seen all of the country yet, Hans. You should probably show me, first!” she was grinning, and playing coy. But on the inside she was absolutely delighted. It was strange that she had never thought past a week or two with the few boys she dated, but it was so easy to thinking about coming back to Rhineland… or even staying! “Could you show me? I have a few more days before the next play.” -03:55 Feb 29
Hans: “Its isn’t the biggest of countries, but I’d be happy to show it to you. The river my boat and all the castles along it.” He leaned forwards and placed his hand on hers. “It would be an pleasure.” -03:59 Feb 29
Yvaine: “Multiple castles? You’re making your country sound a lot more enchanting than I bet it is.” Still, she was grinned and curling her thumb around his fingers. With the candle light his eyes looked so pretty. All of those cheesy lines about staring in to someone’s eyes must have come from sparkling moments like this. -04:11 Feb 29
[Hans cuckles in an amused way.] -04:25 Feb 29
Hans: “Well we are in a fairy tale.” he joked his finger lightly brushing her hand before they curled around it and he leaned further. “We could leave today if I make the call.” -04:29 Feb 29
Yvaine: “Whisking me away on an evening trip would definitely be very fairy tale like.” Just with holding her hand he could take her breath away. Inching forward to be closer came all too natural. “On the boat, even? I don’t think anyone will miss me for a day or two.” There were practices for sure, but she had done the play so many times already, there was no concern about missing a step. -04:35 Feb 29
Hans: “Then it will be you… me… and the water..” he said so far forwards now thier noses were almost toutching. “For the weekend…” it was almost an accident that his lip brushe hers then he was talking. Almost but it prompted him to press the kiss home his hand coming up to hold the back of Yvaine’s neck. -04:43 Feb 29
Yvaine: It was amazing how something so simple could leaving her feeling so dizzy. Her returned kiss timid at first, before turning more confident. Her fingertips from both hands coming up to brush against his cheeks softly. -04:48 Feb 29
Hans: He held the kis his eyes closing as his lips moved agaist hers slowly. In the back of his mind he knew they could get him and the entire covernment into trouble but with Yvain that seemed a problem for tomorow. “I fear I’ve grown fond of you.” he said softly ehen hi finall pulled away his eyes openeing. “We’ll have to do something about that.” -04:54 Feb 29
Yvaine: Yvaine gave a dreamy laugh. What she would have loved to do was leap out of her chair and throw her arms around his neck. She would have to restrain herself. “Are you going to toss me in to a tower, Hans? I’m not sure that’s how these things work!” she teased. It was much better to tease, than blabber out how much she adored him. -04:56 Feb 29
Hans: He pus his hand on his chin in a gesture of thought. “That is an idea I could live with.. though I hope I don’t need to resort to that to get you to stay. A few dates, a trip up the Rhine, maybe a tour of the palace… then I’ll introduce you to the intricacies of court.” -05:01 Feb 29
Yvaine: Such a simple gesture, and she was covering up her mouth with her hands so he wouldn’t see her grinning like an idiot and so she wouldn’t squeal with amusement. Yvaine might have been a grown woman, but clearly she was far from mature enough to handle having an adult crush. Once she had that sudden burst of smittenness under control, she dropped her hands to her lap and tried to at least look prim. “In the meantime… would you dance with me? It would make up for missing my prom and not being my date.” -05:06 Feb 29
Hans: He smiled and stood. “A dance promise is a dance promised.” he held his hand out for hers. “Though dancing with a world class ballerina… you will excuse me if I’m a little nervous.” -05:09 Feb 29
Yvaine: “I’m not asking you to pirouette or sissonne, Hans!” she laughed, taking his hands to pull herself from her seat. Yvaine pulled him away from the table, wrapping one of his arms around her waist. Taking his other hand with hers, and finally resting her free hand on his shoulder. Of course she knew he probably knew how to dance. Once of those things a King would need to know for fancy social parties. But she was happy to play the part of teacher to make him less nervous if needed. “Besides, not excluding speeches, how often are you nervous?” -05:14 Feb 29
Hans: “Not when I sign an order, not anymore…. just when I divert a ballet, and go to it in diguise to try to see if a gorl I knew a decade ago still knew whi I was.” He let her guide him but by the ease of which he fell into stance it was obvious he had done this before. “And then talking to her, knowing the nervouce prince she knew had been replaced by a king and wondering if she could still see the same prince in his eyes.” -05:20 Feb 29
Yvaine: He made her feel so very special! Yvaine was blushing, and trying to pretend she wasn’t as she led him in to the simple steps. Dancing with him came as natural as breathing, but she really wasn’t surprised at all. “Well..~!” she started with a breath. “I see a man who was once very sweet prince. That was no afraid to ask for help from a teenage girl. Was nice enough to carry her home when she slipped in the rain. Who might be a little taller, but still makes that girl feel like she is someone important. Is that an acceptable answer, your highness?” -05:27 Feb 29
Hans: “More than.” he said following her though the steps imediatly catchin onto the dance and letting his muscle memory take hims through it as his mind stayed fixated on her. “Thank you Yvain for another chance under better circumstances.” he said as they moved. “Then and now you make me feel the happiest a have with anyone even if then I never said it. I still see the girt who helped a floundering price with his speach and tried to proove his innocence when the world condemened him.” -05:35 Feb 29
Yvaine: None of it should make her feel embarassed, but Yvaine still dropped her forehead against his shoulder to hide her smile and the tinge of red in her cheeks. “I can’t believe I’m here. And this is all real. You have no idea how much I really wanted it to be. To have all of the bad stuff happen, and then never getting to see you again… I think I cried a million times.” -05:40 Feb 29
Hans: “Thats at least ten times a day for the last ten years.” he said, if the maths was correct it wasn’t important. “I hope they weren’t waisted tears.” He drew his arms around her and pulled her closed talking the lead as he adopted a slewer dance not unlike the last dance of a prom.. or how he imagined them. “And I hope they you don’t add to that number after today.” -05:47 Feb 29
Yvaine: Dancing and getting to have his arms wrapped around her. Yvaine decided she could die happy if she passed out right there. She slipped her arms around his neck, tilting her head back so she could grin up at him. “I think it was worth every tear and the very long wait. I doubt you’ll be making my cry, though. Right?” -05:53 Feb 29
Hans: “Not if I can help it.” he said looking down at her, then slowly moving his lips to hers in another kiss his arms tighting further around her. “I prefer your smile to your tears.” -05:56 Feb 29
Yvaine: “If you don’t stop kissing me like that, I might not make it back to my hotel with any sense left.” she murmured with a dazed grin. …and she wasn’t kidding. Yvaine was getting swept away by him, and quickly forgetting her list of things she -wouldn’t- to to make a fool of herself. -05:59 Feb 29
Hans: “Then I’ll pick you up later for the boat.” he said still holding her close. “Since you’ll need a change of clothes or two. Though I knink I’ll be able to find something in your size.” -06:03 Feb 29
Yvaine: Yvaine laughed! “I am tempted to let you try. I’d like to see how a King would dress a ballerina!” He was absolutely amazing. Yvaine nibbled on her bottom lip before leaning up on her toes to kiss his cheek. “I promise Maria won’t be there to answer the door this time.” -06:08 Feb 29
Hans: “Shes seems like quite the… character..” he said slowly. “I’ll be there at three, with brand new clothes and have the boat fueled and stocked for a weekend on the water. You’ll love it.” he sighed for a second wonderign if they were going too fast… but after waiting ten years was anything too fast? -06:12 Feb 29