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"Well, my Lord? The taller person generally leads."
"I don't see any reason as to why this is necessary."
"Come on, my dear fellow. Think of it as an exercise. I simply wish to indulge my curiosity by trying something out."
"We don't even have music."
"I'm sure you can count."
Barok reluctantly steps forward to where Herlock is standing in his office and positions himself in the leading position for a traditional waltz. Herlock rests his hand lightly on Barok's hip and joins his other in the taller man's own.
"For the record, I still think this is ridiculous."
"Well, sometimes you need to be ridiculous. Come on now, I keep in time with you." Barok sighs, but begins the footwork, quietly counting the beat out loud. One, two three, one two three. Even and paced. He was surprised to find how easily Herlock matches his rhythm, but considering the detective's incredible reaction time, it served to benefit the dance. Herlock was not even back leading, but instead putting his faith in Barok's own ability to set the pace.
"I must say, you're a much better dancer than I expected."
Herlock smiles. "Why thank you, my Lord. You're not too bad yourself."
Eventually, they fall into a pace where Barok no longer needs to count the beat out loud, instead trusting that his partner would follow the pace that was already established. They circle around his office, slowly but steadily. They were on the same page for once, and Barok had to admit to himself that it felt good to know that they could count on each other enough to keep something as simple as a dance so steady.
"Iris inquired about you recently, you know."
Barok's foot fumbles. Herlock quickly pulls him back in line with his own steps. They eventually resume the original count, but Barokis shook momentarily, and doubt forms in his mind about his ability to continue leading.
"Does she know?"
"She's incredibly perceptive, and I know for a fact that she is aware that there is something she's missing. I think she is waiting for us to come to her."
"Ah," That is all Barok could think to say.
"Do you think you should not do something about this?"
"What can I do? I don't know the girl, and I doubt she'd feel comfortable with me there if she is truly waiting for us to broach the subject."
"It is her choice to make in the end, but what you can do is at least make an effort. I will be there, but this requires us to be on the same page. You need to trust that this can work, that we can make this work. Just like a waltz."
"So that was your ultimate goal in getting us to dance? To see if I was compliant?"
"To see if you were ready to open up. Someone once told me that the best way to get to know a person is to dance with them. For example, we easily fell into a rhythm where we both knew what was required of the other, without having to compensate for missteps other than a minor slip-up. You trust me."
Barok thought about this. Throughout this entire conversation, they kept dancing. Even after Barok missed a step, they were able to correct their positioning to get back on the beat, even while discussing something that Barok was only beginning to wrap his mind around. A niece. He has a niece. Even now, they are still dancing as thoughts tumble through Barok's mind.
"I...don't know if I should lead."
"Frankly, I wouldn't want anyone else leading. I trust you. Please tell me now if you feel the same. That way I can at least brace myself for the disappointment, and find a new dance partner."
Barok's heart clenched. "I guess I do trust you. I never thought I'd say this, but I cannot think of anyone else I'd rather dance with. I'll think about what you said regarding Iris." Barok smiles slightly at Herlock.
Herlock smiled back. "There's an expression I never thought I'd see! Smiling suits you."
"I was never one to smile much, even as a boy."
"Well, maybe I can change that," Herlock says softly. They slow their pace, before coming to a complete stop in front of Barok's desk. Herlock tilts his head to the side and leans in. Before he registers what has just happened, Herlock locks Barok into a kiss. Barok closes his eyes and moves his hand that was still clutching Herlock's to cradle the back of the detective's neck.
Herlock pulls back first. "I've been waiting to do that for a long time," he whispers.
Barok smiles once again. "I think next time we should dance to some music."
"I couldn't agree more, my dear fellow."