bakerstreet | you are the dancing queen

With work and classes and other responsibilities to attend to (not to mention having to hide lest anyone from the paper see them and make assumptions) ... no, they hadn't really been able to partake in the normal sort of date activities that everyone else seemed to take for granted. So, yeah, he was going to try to make this a night to remember. And hopefully, it would be the beginning of many more actual dates, rather than staying in with takeout.

... Not that he disliked staying in with takeout.

Miles did actually think a lot about spending nights together and waking up together and maybe living together, but he worried about taking those steps too quickly, especially with the knowledge that most of this was brand new territory for Rey. The last thing in the world he wants to do is push

But standing in the middle of his living room, holding hands, on the verge of sharing a dance, he thinks that he could absolutely get used to more evenings like this.

"Trust me, I'm not gonna ask for a waltz, Rey. Just ... come a bit closer, let me put my arms around you, and sway. We don't even have to move our feet."

There were many things they would be able to do once Miles started his new job. They could go out, not hide in the shadows and fear someone might catch them. They could hold hands in public, even show a little affection and be normal. Granted, they could still do nights where take out and a movie would be just as exciting. This was the first step to something new, something exciting...and maybe even lasting.

It took Rey a moment until she nodded her head at him, placing her hand in his to close the distance between them. At least with the music he was playing she could find the beat and sway. Before they started to sway she moved her arms up to rest on his shoulders. Okay this....this was nice. Something new, different, but still very nice.

Now she felt silly for hesitating.

"This isn't so bad...."

Maybe once he was able to show Rey that she wasn't his dirty little secret, it would be easier to fall into comfortable patterns with each other. He'd already told her that he wasn't willing to lose the best thing in his life, he could prove just how serious he had been when he'd said it. And yes, then they could go out or stay in, and he'd be perfectly happy doing either as long as they were together.

There's no need to feel nervous - no one was watching, there was no one to impress. Miles just wanted a dance with his favorite girl - okay, the one that isn't either of his two nieces. Or his older sister.

He offered an encouraging little smile - although hands at his shoulders was nice, and they were certainly close enough once he curled an arm around her middle, closer was always better. "You can put your arms around my neck - don't have to hold on tight, it just - well, in my opinion, it feels better."

And then his smile grew just a bit - not teasing, just pleased. "Told you it'd be fine."

Maybe once they could come out publicly and not be each other's dirty little secrets. They could fall into a pattern that was comfortable, quaint, and made her feel more secure in taking another step in their relationship. They could be a normal couple for once. They could start trying to build a life together--assuming Miles still wanted that. Hell, Rey was still trying to figure out what she wanted. But, she knew she wanted Miles to be part of it.

Rey glances down for a brief moment then looks up at him. her hands did feel...odd to be on his shoulders. In books and in the movies, the girl's hands were closer to her partner's neck. Now Miles was suggesting she do the same--if she wanted to.

"Like this?" she asked, moving her hands closer until she's leaning more into him, allowing his arm to curl around her middle. Her hands loosely clasp together behind his neck, swaying with him. It...it did feel better.

"Well...you never know. I could still some how, step on your foot." She admitted sheepishly. At least she was letting Miles know of the reasons why she was hesitant to start dancing.

Little steps. Little steps, and some time, and the opportunity to get used to the realities of having a real relationship, and they'd get there. That's the hope, anyway, he thinks, gazing at her with the utmost adoration. He'd never push for anything that she wasn't comfortable with, but it would be very easy to see a life together.

They'd figure it out. If he has hope for anything at all in the world, it's that.

There - that was more like it. Now they're as close as possible without being totally on top of each other, holding each other just tightly enough, enjoying the music, the movement, and just being together.

He laughs then, shrugging gently. "I've had worse, believe me. You could step on my toes all night long, and I doubt I'd care much at all."

"I think you would," Rey told him, smiling softly, continuing to sway with him to the music.

"I think..." she began, averting her gaze shyly before looking up at him. "I think you would mind if I do anything. Like, staying the night, or staying on the couch, or moving in.." Rey's tone was soft, trying to be teasing in an affectionate manner without giving him any indication that maybe, just maybe she was strongly considering those possibilities.

Change is never an easy thing to do, or to roll with. As scared as Rey was with taking the next step in their relationship, there was a part of her that was excited. A part of her that was hoping they could become something more, but didn't dare say it out loud. She didn't want to get her hopes too high if something happened. At least then, the disappointment wouldn't sting as much.

"How long do you want to keep dancing?"

Okay, so maybe she has a point there, but he still doesn't concede, no matter how wide his smile grows.

He's quiet, just watching, allowing Rey as much time as she needs in order to both get her thoughts together, and to voice them. And although she might inject the statements with just a little bit of teasing humor, there is definitely truth within them as well. And although he might answer with a voice brimming with that same teasing humor, there's a truth in his sentiments, too.

"I wouldn't make you take the couch if you ever wanted to stay over - what kind of host would I be if I did? And ... y'know, I definitely wouldn't give you the couch if you moved in. At the very least, I'd offer the spare room. But I'd hope, maybe, that you'd want to ... share the master with me."

The offer is there, if she wants it. And, as far as he can tell, there is no expiration date on it. If now was too soon, if she was still uneasy about the thought of taking that step just quite yet ... he'd wait. For as long as it takes, he thinks, he'd wait.

"All night", he answers, breathing out a soft chuckle. "Unless there's something else you want to do?"

The wide grin on Miles' face was one of the things Rey greatly liked about him. How his face lit up with that grin. How rare it was for her to see that grin and if she was honest with herself…she loved it. She loves him, but wouldn't dare say it out loud. She wasn't ready for that, but day by day she was getting closer to it.

"So you would be willing to give up your bed for the couch?" More teasing, more smiles and simple swaying.

Her heart skipped a beat hearing Miles wanted to share the master bedroom with her. He wanted to share his space, his home with her. A woman who had to work hard for ever hung she owned. He wanted to create a life with her. Scary, exciting and nerve wrecking all at once.

"...we could try a night. Just to see if we can handle sharing a bed. " baby steps. Tiny, little steps to show she was willing to do this.

There was a shake of her head, leaning in so she could place her head on his chest. "I don't have anything else in mind. I'm following your lead. "

It's not as though Miles doesn't have reason to smile - but this one in particular, this wide, completely unguarded, happy grin was something best saved for special occasions. And if this entire day didn't count as something special, he didn't know what would.

Even though he hasn't said as much yet, he hopes that the way that he feels is obvious in every smile, every glance, every touch. As difficult as it is to keep it to himself, he's very much in love, too, and he hopes that when the time is right, he can share what he's feeling without fearing that he'll scare her away.

"Of course. Wouldn't be the first time I've fallen asleep out here. Probably won't be the last."

It is a huge step - the moving in together. But if he wasn't certain of what he wanted, he would have laughed off the suggestion when she'd first made it. He certainly wouldn't have revisited it just now, nor shown the obvious pleasure that he's feeling when she suggest a trial run.

That is ... something. It's a start. And he wholeheartedly wants to try.

"Tonight?" He asks, in the moment before she nuzzles against his chest, and he drops his head to press a kiss to hers. "I mean - we're already here. And ... I don't want you to leave just yet."

"You and I have that in common. Used to falling asleep on my couch...or at my table.." Like when she was doing a paper or doing research. Though, she had a feeling that if they moved in together, he wouldn't fall asleep on the couch as often as he did now.

Though Miles couldn't see it, Rey's grin faltered for a moment, surprised he would suggest her staying the night tonight. The grin soon returned having a kiss pressed to her head. What was it about him that made Rey feel so safe? So wanted? So ...loved? Miles really did hold her heart in his hand, whether he knew it or not. She stayed silent for a long minute until she finally had an answer for him.

"..If you have a shirt I could borrow...I can stay the night. But.." she pulled back to look at him, her smile giving way to concern.

"I do have a tendency of keeping the covers...and I wake up early. So..if you don't mind that, then..I can stay."

He can't feel too dismayed to hear the admission - he knows her well enough, after all, to fully realize that if she was doing research or writing a paper and she started feeling tired, she'd fight through to get it done ... even if it meant falling asleep in uncomfortable places. And it's not as though he can even admonish Rey for it, not when he's found himself in the same position more than a time or two before.

Bed would certainly be more comfortable. All the more so if they were able to fall asleep together.

He'd be thrilled to know what she's thinking, thrilled to know that she felt as strongly for him as he did for her. That would come in its proper time - for the moment, he was more than content with this, right now.

"I've got a closet full", he answers, and his smile shifts, fades, turns into something more serious, at least until she speaks again, and he finds himself utterly charmed. "I've got plenty of blankets. If I get cold, I'll just get another one. And I am more than okay with you waking up early just as long as you don't sneak away without waking me up first."

The terms both of them were setting up seemed fair enough. She could borrow one of his shirts, he could get more blankets if he gets cold, and she wouldn't leave early in the morning without letting him know. There was no way tomorrow morning would constitute a 'walk of shame'. They wouldn't have sex, not tonight. Tonight she wanted to spend time with Miles and enjoy the moment.

"Me? Sneak away? I don't know what you're talking about," more teasing, but she was serious. She hadn't left him asleep at her place without a note or anything. If she left, she always found a way of telling him. Now, if he remembers her telling him or he doesn't, that's on Miles. But...she wouldn't instantly bolt once she woke up.

Rey leaned in again, nuzzling his cheek and basking in Miles' closeness. She could do this. She could spend a night and see what happened. Maybe it wouldn't be bad. She could borrow his tooth brush to brush her teeth and she could borrow a shirt--even wash it and then return to him.

"I can do that," she murmured, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"I won't leave without saying goodbye, promise. I just hope you have enough pillows...or if all else fails, I can take the couch if the bed isn't big enough."

Miles is a simple man, and he has simple desires. And, for the record, absolutely no expectations when it comes to what the rest of the night would bring. Dancing, certainly. Maybe - maybe - sharing a few kisses before settling in for the rest of the night. Nothing more involved than that. And hopefully ... this night would lead to many more just like it.

Hopefully, it would prove them compatible when it comes to sharing this space together. Hopefully, they could discuss more seriously the idea of sharing a household, of taking that step together.

He laughs, clearly amused. No, she'd never snuck away without waking him in order to tell him, or leaving a note, but there was a first time for everything. It would cause him a lot of worry, waking up and finding himself alone without some sort of little note to quell his fears.

Miles doesn't mind sharing anything, should Rey find herself in need. Bed, definitely. Shirt, toothbrush, whatever else he has. It's all worth it if it means he'll wake up holding her close.

He hums happily, arms tightening just so, and then he's tickled by the return to speaking about the couch, of all things. "I've got plenty. And, the bed's a Queen, so I'm thinking we'll have more than enough room to roll around. They don't make 'em much bigger than that."

A queen size bed was much bigger than the full size bed Rey had. It was one of the few splurges she had done for herself, getting a bed that was bigger than a twin, perfect for her to actually roll around in. For the night, she would be sleeping in a queen sized bed with Miles, someone to hold her as she slept....which was odd, thinking about it, but it felt nice whenever he held her. Really, she wouldn't know what to expect until they actually spent the night together.

"You seem to have everything figured out," she quipped back, turning her gaze from him to the couch they continued to refer to back and forth.

"But, it never hurts to have a back up plan. You never know, we might fall asleep on that couch a few times..." Like when they watched movies, or both were tired after a long day. As scary as it was to consider moving in with Miles, the longer he held her...the less scary it became. But, she didn't wan to jump the gun. They could spend the night together and take baby steps towards that goal.

Rey looked back at Miles, tilting her head back to let her lips brush against his for a quick kiss.

"For now..maybe we should get ready for bed?" Their long walk around the city was starting to catch up with her.

Full is good. But Queen is so much better. And, honestly, much too big for Miles to keep to himself. He's looking forward to the cuddling, certainly, but the best thing of all is that the bed is more than large enough to offer space to be apart while they're still together. So he's cautiously optimistic that when the morning comes, he won't find Rey on the couch.

He'd shrug, if he were certain that he wouldn't disturb her from where she rests, warm and solid against his chest. He laughs, though, and spares a glance over to the couch, as well, the main topic of conversation for the evening. "I have no doubt about that. It is very comfortable, after all, and I'm sure there will be times where I will be so content lying with you, I won't feel the need to get up. It's surprisingly soft - it won't hurt our backs."

Baby steps. One day at a time - it's an open-ended offer, after all, he doesn't intend on taking it back anytime soon.

Happily, he returns the kiss, for as soft and sweet and quickly as it comes and goes, and hums his agreement, although he still doesn't make a move to end the dance. "Yeah, it is getting pretty late. I should find you a shirt."

If things went well Miles might find Rey curled up next to him. Not on the couch or on the edge of the bed, but spooning next to him and wanting to breathe in his scent and enjoy his touch. It was a lot to consider, but it was a good possible outcome for the two of them. Maybe, just maybe this would be the start of a new life together. A chance for them to come out in public and just enjoy each other without fear of who knew.

Maybe they would fall asleep on the couch after a long night of reading--for fun. Or after watching a movie. Or whenever Rey pushed herself too hard and simply passed out on the couch. Maybe then, Miles might find her and pick her up to go to bed with him.

"Now it sounds like you're up selling the couch as the place to sleep," a light tease, followed by another soft kiss. Their dance had yet to come to an end. Rey didn't want to let go of Miles, even just to let him grab a shirt.

"You should do that...really should.." she murmured, kissing him softly once more, unable to stop herself.

That is certainly the hope. Or, more of a goal, really, helping her settle into comfortable patterns with him. It seems such an innocuous thing, cuddling, but for a person that had never really had those sorts of affectionate gestures before, it did take some working into. And he's more than okay with taking his time. If anything, it's allowed for real, strong feelings to take root, and wasn't that just as important?

Today, he hopes, marks the beginning of a whole new chapter in this story.

Maybe they would. Maybe they'd spend a late night out, and not be able to make it to bed. Maybe he'd spend so much time researching that he falls asleep right where he is, only getting up to go to bed after much poking and prodding. And probably complaining on his part, but mostly jokingly.

"It's a good alternate option, that's all", he answers. It's smaller, anyway, which almost guarantees those cuddles.

It's funny how one kiss has turned into three, and has caused him to hold her all the closer, and has easily put those plans of making a move toward the bedroom on pause. It's just too nice to put an end to too soon. "Yup. Definitely should."

It is too nice to end so soon, but just because it was ending, didn't mean it couldn't start again. Every kiss, every touch had its own beginning and ending, but the ending was only temporary. Only until they came into contact with each other again, when they were asleep or waking up. Or any time they wanted to show affection with one another. Though, if Rey wasn't careful, their kisses could turn steamy. Their touches could make them hotter and the need to look for something for her to wear would be ignored.

If they weren't careful, their clothes would fall to the floor and the couch would be used for something else. Which was becoming more and more of a possibility. Rey tilted her head to the side, giving them a better way to kiss each other, but pulled back at the same minute. A sheepish smile danced along her lips. She was getting carried away, and though she pulled back from kissing him further, she didn't pull away from his hold.

"Maybe...we should stop dancing. Just...just for now." Maybe tomorrow night they could start this again--assuming they lived through this one. But, they couldn't live through it if they didn't get to bed first.

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end. Or ... something like that. In any case, just because things needed to come to a halt now certainly didn't mean that they wouldn't pick up at another, more opportune moment. Still, though, she's always so wonderfully receptive to him that it always took more willpower than he would like in order to pause, take a breath, leave things as they were with the unspoken promise that they would, at some point, continue.

And while he'd love nothing more than touching and teasing and exploring and enjoying ... it is getting late. And they don't have the luxury of it being the weekend, either. Morning would come sooner than they'd like, and with it, work and school and the types of adult responsibilities that drain one's energy far too quickly for their own good.

Another time.

"Yes. We might never actually get to bed", he answers, laughing softly. Although he finally manages to take that first step away, he doesn't let go of her hand. "C'mon. Bed awaits."

It was hard to believe Rey wasn't as receptive and welcoming of his touches before. When they first started to date, she wasn't sure what to do outside of a quick peck on the cheek, or a hug. While she had been in previous relationships before, she didn't have a strong, serious relationship as she did with Miles. When things started to pick up between them, it was hard in the beginning to stop. To stop touching each other, or playing around, but now at least she a bit more control over her actions...

If only tomorrow was the weekend. Then they could have more fun...but tomorrow would mean they could come out in public as a couple.

"Alright," she told him, giving him a soft smile as he lead her to his bedroom. Tomorrow they would have to go back to the real world and be 'adults'. But tomorrow night, they could go out on another date, even if it was staying at one of their homes.

It's taken time to get to this point, to be sure, but it was time well worth the taking. And honestly, Miles loves knowing that with that time and patience and kindness and understanding, they've reached this point in their relationship. He hopes that it means that they could stand the test of time.

If only tomorrow was the weekend. There would be no getting up early, and even if the day was spent being lazy, at least they could spend it together. On the plus side, they didn't have to hide anymore, and he'd be more than proud to show off to the world at large that this woman has chosen him to be with, and he's gonna work hard every damn day to prove that he was worth taking the chance on.

He'd normally make some stupid joke about this is where the magic happens, but truthfully, he's more embarrassed about the boots and jeans and socks littering the floor. He hadn't anticipated company, see, and hadn't yet picked anything up. But here they are, and he only reluctantly releases Rey's hand so that he can pick up his pajama bottoms from the fleece sheets (hey, it's still cold at night, sue him) and gesture to the closet. "Take your pick. I'll change in the bathroom."

The sigh of boots, jeans, and socks littering his bedroom floor didn't mean anything to Rey. She didn't find it annoying or labeled Miles as a messy person. If anything, it showed her the man she thought was charming and nearly perfect, had some flaws about him. Flaws that she could easily relate to and honestly, if this was the biggest thing she had to worry about, then she would be okay. Her apartment was too small to actually have things laying about. Anything on the floor would take away space that she desperately needed.

"I could change in the bathroom, it's your home." He could change in his own room if he wanted to. While waiting for his answer, she stepped into his closet, careful not to disturb anything that could topple over. It felt weird to be in his closet without him there, still feeling like she wasn't meant to be there even with his permission.

Eventually she came out with a white shirt in her hands.

"Do you mind if I borrow some pajama bottoms too?" She wasn't faulting him for it being cold. She would prefer to go to bed in a sweater and socks too, but didn't want to borrow anymore items than she needed to.

Well. It's a habit, and a bad one, getting undressed and leaving things where they lie. But it's certainly not the worst habit in the world - and Miles would like to think that he knows that for a fact, since he's two years and seven months sober. Before ... well, the easiest way to put it is that he hadn't been at his best. Things are ... better now, and looking up, and he's looking forward to finding out how content he can be.

While he thinks 'it could be your home, too', but he bites the comment back, nodding his agreement. Boundaries. It's the first time they've done this, and there are obviously going to be boundaries. He can accept them. As with most things, this would become easier in time - so natural and normal that it would all happen without thinking, or worrying.

"Oh, yeah, of course", he answers, pointing back into the closet, which is, surprisingly, arranged very particularly. "Second shelf. They'll probably all be a bit big, but I think you'll manage."

Boundaries were good and at times, great. It allowed Rey and Miles to know where they stood, although sometimes Rey liked to push those boundaries when she felt comfortable enough to do so. Normally she wasn't one for rules, but once she knew the rules of something, she learned how she could bend and twist them to her advantage. Like now, she's pushing their boundaries and expanding them by staying the night and borrowing his clothes.

"I'll be able to manage. I don't want to go to bed and wake up freezing." Because honestly, if it were warmer, she would be okay just sleeping in a t-shirt and her underwear. She turned her attention back to his closet, finding his pajama bottoms quite easily and grabbed a pair. Both items in hand, she retreated to his bathroom to quickly change. In a matter of minutes she came out swimming in his clothes. She felt a little silly, but it would be comfortable at least.

"Thanks again, I'll be sure to wash these before I return them to you."

Testing boundaries could be very fun, as long as there was nothing impatient about it. And thus far, those sorts of pushing have been mutually wanted and enjoyed, so he's got no complaints there. Rules! Hardly. More like ... guidelines, which are a bit more fluid and a lot less rigidly enforced.

"It'll get pretty toasty under the blankets, I think. I mean, the body heat and all", he replies, offering a quick, teasing little wink, too. "And if not, I suppose I could be talked into keeping you warm."

Nothing dirty, he means, with lots of cuddles, and allowing cold feet to steal some of his warmth. She takes her leave, and he takes the opportunity to change, too, hair messy and disheveled from pulling his sweater up and over his head. They both look silly, sure, but they're comfortable, and that's what counts.

"Cute", he offers, and by the size of his grin, he means it completely. "C'mon. Cuddletime awaits."

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staph making me like these two, ITS TOO MUCH CUTE

NO NEVER <3 <3 <3

URGH <3

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....how can they be so adorable? gdmit need more

haha i know. that is why i'm tagging once more before bed even though i really should be sleeping