#blind ben

Hux hums in acknowledgement. “The formal kind. Ballroom dancing.” He clicks his tongue. “You’d think they’d just have everyone dress up in period costumes and admit the gala’s for those who mourn not being born in the era of Pride and Prejudice.” Hux laughs, but when Ben fails to respond he pushes off from the wall, the smile sliding from his face. “Ben?”

Ben seems to shake himself from whatever deep thoughts were clouding his mind. “Uh. Yeah. Pride and Prejudice.” He leans back, propping his cane against the wall. “You love that movie. I’m sure you’ll have a great time.”

Hux furrows his brow as he sits next to Ben. “Ben. You’re invited, you know. I want you as my plus one.”

Ben bites his lip. “I don’t... I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“What? Why?”

“I’ll... I won’t be upset if you ask someone else... It’s okay. I-”

“Ben, no, it’s not okay.” Hux drops to his knees before Ben, staring up into the other man’s sightless eyes. “Ben. You’re my boyfriend. I want you to come. Why would I ask someone else?”

Ben’s brow creases, his expression troubled. “You don’t want me to come-”

“I just said I did.”

“I don’t-”

“Are you busy that day?”

“No, but-”

“Did... I say something that upset you?”

“No, but-!”

“Ben-”

“I can’t dance!” Ben yells. The exclamation startles them both. Ben winces, then shrinks in on himself. “I don’t know how. I can’t see. I would just be an embarrassment and a burden to you. I don’t know anything about upper-class etiquette, and I don’t want others to look down on you because you’re with me.” Ben sniffs, then angrily wipes his nose with his sleeve. “Ask Phasma to go with you. Or Poe, or Rey. Hell, Mitaka would be over the moon if you asked him.” His voice is vulnerably soft as he ends with, “You’d only be disappointed if you took me.”

Hux blinks. Ben has always been bluntly honest, but never to this level. He lets a lapse of silence settle between them before he slowly runs his hands up Ben’s knees and thighs, taking his boyfriend’s hands in his own. “Do you not want to go?” he asks lightly.

Ben’s face contorts. “I just told you-”

Hux squeezes his hands. “I know, but don’t think about me. Don’t think about what others will think. What do you want?”

There’s a pause, and then Ben releases a shuddery breath. “I want to be with you,” he says, voice breaking on the last word.

Hux squeezes Ben’s hands again before reaching up and sliding his hands along Ben’s jaw and into his hair. “And I with you, Ben. My love.” He kisses the corner of Ben’s mouth. “The last thing I want to do is force you into something you’re uncomfortable with. If you don’t wish to attend, I will wholeheartedly respect your decision.”

Hux gathers his boyfriend into his arms, fitting between Ben’s knees as he noses Ben’s hair. “But Ben, I couldn’t care less what anyone else thinks. I would proudly show you off to anyone and everyone. I love you, blindness and all, and no one else’s opinions can change that.” He smiles as he feels Ben’s strong arms wrap around his waist. “And if it’s dancing lessons you need, well. You’re hugging someone who’s quite willing to teach you.”

They remain in each other’s embrace for a couple more minutes until Ben finally pulls back, resting his forehead against Hux’s. “You’d... you’d teach me?”

Hux grins. “But of course. Care for a taste right now?”

A flash of uncertainty crosses Ben’s features, but he schools it quickly and nods. Hux stands, taking Ben’s hands in his and guiding him to the center of the room.

“At most, I’d be expected to take part in only a few dances. We’ll stick with the simpler ones. I don’t particularly like or remember the intricate ones anyway.”

Ben bites his lip. “Will it... will it we frowned upon for you to dance with a...”

“Another man?”

Ben nods.

“No, I don’t think so. One of the members on the board of directors brings her wife every year, and I hear they’re quite a pair on the dance floor.” Hux allows Ben to draw him in by the hips. “Maybe we can give the a run for their money.”

That gets Ben to grin a little. “I think I need to learn the basics first.”

“Yes, I suppose so.” Hux stands in position, placing one of Ben’s hands on his hip and the other he holds out to the side in his own. His free hand rests on Ben’s shoulder. “I will be guiding us through the steps, but just so you’re aware, you will be playing the part of the leader. It’s typically the man’s role in the dance.”

Ben’s brow furrows. “Why would I be leading when I can’t see?”

“Because my part, the one that follows, does all the steps your part does but in reverse. Backwards.” Hux squeezes Ben’s hand encouragingly. “Besides, you’re not supposed to look down at your feet anyway. You’re not at as much of a disadvantage as you think.”