#robertacolindrez

Poe holds his breath as the prince comes walking elegantlydown the staircase he’s standing next to. Finn is elegant as ever, dressed in afine jacket with delicate golden embroidery—but he’s not gaudy about it, likethat duke over at the neighboring Order, Kyle or Conner or whatever his namewas. Rather, he’s more modest as he seemingly floats down the stairwell,expecting no attention or praise and yet receiving it all, and for good reason.

It’s not news that the prince is extraordinarily attractiveand amazingly kind; everyone with eyes in this small kingdom can notice it,even Poe’s friend Jessika who favors the ladies. Simply, Finn is wonderful thesame way that the sky is blue or the ocean vast; it is an obvious fact of lifethat no one bothers to question.

It’s also not news that ever since Poe was knighted and becamea favorite of the court, he’s fallen a little bit in love with him. And, yes,even Jessika notices it.

“So, are you going to stare at him all night, or should Imake the first move for you?” she whispers, elbowing him in the ribs.

He yelps. “Jess, come on.”

“He’s right there,” she says, gesturing to Finn—still wavingat the rest of the court. “Just go for it, come on, the music’s about to start!”

“I don’t want to pressure him into anything,” he shootsback.

Jessika rolls her eyes. “Christ, Poe, It’s just a dance.Besides, you know one doesn’t just become a favorite of the prince for nothing.”

“I know,” he says, “but the fact remains that—”

“Good evening.”

Poe looks away from Jess to see Finn, nervously retractinghis hand. “Sorry, am I interrupting something?”

His heart begins racing. “Oh, not at all,” he says,extending his own arm. “Er, your Highness, would you…” Come on, man. “Sorry,may I have this dance?”

Finn blinks. Is he surprised? “Absolutely—I mean, yes,” hesays, graciously taking it. Next to them, Jessika is busy giving him some kindof knowing look.

“Oh, hush,” he mouths at her as the music begins. She merelyrolls her eyes and bounces off.

Surprisingly, Finn lets Poe take the lead, even though he’sthe prince; perhaps he’s too polite to turn down Poe’s offer, or maybe—he letshimself entertain the thought—maybe there’s a chance he feels the same way,too? There’s no way of knowing for certain, at least not in the middle of thecrowded ballroom, but the way he holds himself close to Poe and holds his gazemight be indicative of something, perhaps—as is the fact that he doesn’t switchpartners once the song is over, instead continuing to hold on to Poe’sshoulder.

There’s no way of asking—not now, not here, with nearly theentire kingdom breathing over their shoulders. But as the symphony strikes upanother melody (more upbeat this time), Finn cocks his head—face flushed,clearly asking a certain hesitant question.

Praying he’s answering the right prompt, Poe nods.

Finn bites his lips as they continue to go through themotions of dancing. “To my quarters later tonight, then?” he whispers, thenclears his throat. “Of course, unless that is not something you wish for.”

Giddily, Poe smiles as they dance, ever so close to eachother. “Buddy, that would be absolutely fantastic,” he says, gently restingtheir foreheads together.