Closed Worth the wait

Teddy had been looking forward to the Yule Ball ever since Hugo had asked him to go with him. Hugo. He still wasn’t quite used to how much that name meant these days. It used to be nothing special, just another name around the school, like background noise you don’t pay attention to until someone turns it up louder. And now he listened because every time they met, Teddy would pull Hugo aside just to kiss him, like he needed it and definitely like he enjoyed it. And Teddy thought Hugo glowed. Not just in the cheeks since he did blush a lot. It was the eyes. Hugo made Teddy feel special and he couldn't get enough of all the attention.

Teddy wanted Hugo to feel special too which gave him an idea. They had arranged to meet at the ball, but Teddy had other ideas. He left his common room early and headed upstairs to the Ravenclaw common room instead, waiting outside the entrance in his red and white checked suit and feeling much more appropriately dressed than when he was a frog at halloween. He wondered briefly what he would say if Audrey came out at this point, or Lucy. Come to think of it, there were quite a few familiar faces that might emerge from the Ravenclaw common room before Hugo did, but he was happy to wait until he did.

@Hugo Stark-West

The last few weeks had been a whirlwind for hugo.It had only been just over a month since he and Teddy had become Him and Teddy whatever that was exactly. It had been a whirlwind of spending as much time with him hanging out at study sessions or between Teddy's numerous after-school commitments and their prefect patrols, which he was glad he was in charge of and often tried to schedule his during Gryffindor Quidditch trainings. And of course their quick sneaky make outsessions as they moved between classes which usually left him with his cheeks red heart thumping wanting a little bit longer while he watched Teddy run off to his next commitment.
He liked teddy he really did, a like that was growing a little every day, though he was never quite sure where he fit into teddys world, were they dating, were they friends that just kissed a lot? was teddy just usigng him? he supposed he would find out a little bit more tonight. The yule ball. he had been looking forward to it ever since he had asked Teddy to go with him in a spontanious moment after they first got together if they really were together.
hugo was methodical as he got ready he wanted to be sure he looked his best after how much teddy seemed to like his outfit at halloween he had reworn the same suit but removed the princly pomp to make it a lot more classy. he tied his tie in the mirror his stomach knotting alongside it before slipping a small package wrapped in christmas paper into his pocket making his way down to the great hall, not wanting to be late for his date.
he probably wouldnt have noticed the person hanging outside ravenclaw tower waiting for him if he hadnt been dressed in such a distinctive red suit. but he changed his direction and made his way over to him. he stopped just before he got to him. they had somehow managed to draw a line between being good friends in public and being closer in private and he wasnt quite sure where that line lay tonight or if the line still existed. not sure if he should kiss him or hold his hand or offer his arm or what ever else was normal to do meeting ones date before a ball he smiled and waved slightly awkwardly. "Hello Teddy. Happy yule ball. you look great" he said before leaning a little firther forward and adding in a whisper "can i kiss you"

Teddy grinned when Hugo emerged from the Ravenclaw tower, his breath catching slightly as he saw him in full. The black tie suited him so well that it made Teddy feel like his Halloween prince had returned for another evening. For a second, Teddy just stared then replied. “Happy Yule! You look great too,” cheerfully, leaning in to listen to Hugo whisper in his ear. Teddy nodded once, "Of course." Then he turned his head and kissed Hugo first even though Hugo had asked. He wouldn't mind doing this all evening instead of going to the Yule Ball.

hugo bit back a smiled as he felt hugos breath on his cheek as hewhispered in his ear. he then let his smile go and turned his head towards Ted. however he was too slow Teddy leaned in and hissed him first. all of his concerns and misgivings melting as Teddy kissed him. right there in the corridor, with what felt like half of his hosue watching. He kissed him back before pulling away before he could get too caught up in it. turning around when he heard the sound of nervous tittering behind him spotting a group of first years stairing and whispering. not sure if it was from seeing two people kissing, guys kissing or the head boy specifically kissing in the corridor. "the balls downstairs go on you are blocking the corridor, go on, have a good night" he said to them before turning back to his date. "Teddy, would you do me the honour of attending the ball with me" he asked, offering out his hand for Teddy to take. It was almost shocking how much his confidence had grown since September. but he was fairly sure he would not have had the confidence to do this back then.

Teddy hadn't seen who Hugo was talking to until he noticed the first years he was shooing away. Teddy's eyes lit up looking at Hugo, "You’re ridiculously attractive in head boy mode,” he said, then grinned at Hugo's formal invitation, he made him feel like a princess. “Of course, let’s go Mr Stark-West!” He slipped his hand into Hugo’s without hesitation, and they made their way toward the Great Hall. Teddy chatted as they walked, one question he had was if Hugo thought the headmaster might finally give in and do a beach themed Yule Ball this year. They reached the entrance but Teddy paused just before going in. “Wait,” he said, tugging gently on Hugo’s hand to stop him. “Just one more kiss before we go in. Yeah?"

Hugo looked back from the first years to see Teddy staring at him with an expression he couldn't quite name. he looked down bashfully and rubbed the back of his neck as teddy complimented him on head boy mode, sure that he was blushing again. "Yeah, well, what else was I meant to do? they were blocking the corridor and ... he cut off not sure how else to end the sentence. He couldn't exactly take points from them for staring or blocking the corridor without taking points from himself and Teddy as well. he smiled as Teddy took his hand for the walk down to the hall. glad of the light conversation and speculation of the ball theme. And how they had had a summer ball back when he was in his second year and Teddy was in his first.
it was only when they got to the great hall that they came to a stop he was slightly relieved as teddy pulled him to a stop. he knew it didnt make sense as the entrance hall was already busy with people meeting their dates from other houses and they had already been seen kissing outside of ravenclaw tower and holding hands all the way down. but there was something about walking through those doors with Teddy that felt more like coming out than going in, and he didnt feel like he had the right answers about that just yet. he liked Teddy. That he knew. And yes, this was a date, but were they dating, did Teddy want them to be dating? Was he gay? he still wasn't sure if that word felt right, but didnt know what other word to use. They moved to one side, and Teddy asked for one more kiss before they went in. "yeah" he echoed before leaning in and kissing Teddy, trying to remind himself that everyone else was probably busy with their own dates and friends and there was no spotlight on them for everyone to watch.

Teddy did feel a little nervous but those nerves were far outweighed by feelings of happiness and excitement. There was something in the back of his mind hoping this date went well. And, if he was being honest, worrying just a little about what it would mean if it didn’t. But then Hugo kissed him again and Teddy felt better. This was going well, he reminded himself. Teddy pulled back with a soft smile and took a steadying breath. “You okay?” he asked gently.

Once ready, he asked Hugo if he was ready too and laced his fingers through his fingers again to arrive at the ball. The Great Hall had been decorated as a winter wonderland and it was impressive as always with snow, an ice rink, a dance floor and forest trees. There was one decorated tree with gifts underneath it and Teddy looked excitedly at Hugo, "Let's go see what gift we get from under the tree." It was obviously the best way to start.

Hugo smiled as Teddy pulled away. It was funny being here with Teddy. He was the reason he was feeling a little on edge, but having Teddy with him was good at calming him. he appreciated Teddy checking if he was okay. and he was pretty sure if he said no they would bail on the ball and wpend the night together somewhere else. "Yeah. This just feels bigger than just walking through the door. But I'm ready now," he said, feeling Teddy lacing their fingers together before they made their way through the door into the hall.
As suspected, once they were through the door, nothing was different other than the fact that they were in a winter wonderland. "The hall always look amazing for the ball," he said, looking around the room before his gaze returned to his date. He couldn't help but smile at the expression on his face. He would describe it as like a kid at Christmas. Except Teddy was clear that he wasn't a big fan of that particular holiday. And he had to agree for a very similar reason. "and here i was thinking you didnt like Christmas. If I had known you would be this excited at the prospect of a generic Christmas present, I would have gotten you one," he teased, trying to keep a straight face as he delivered this part. He hadn't known when would be a good time to give Teddy his Christmas present but hadn't expected the perfect moment to come up quite this quickly. "its a good job i got you a little something a little more you" he said, pulling the small gift out of his pocket and giving it to Teddy. Inside the wrapper, there was a small frog prince plushie, just big enough to fit in a shirt or jacket pocket.

Teddy gave Hugo's hand a reassuring squeeze as they arrived. Teddy knew what he wanted to do but whipped his head around playfully when Hugo said Teddy didn't like Christmas. That wasn't true. Was it? Teddy just thought his birthday was more important, “Excuse me, I do like Christmas, but because my birthday is on the same day, that feels more important.” he said, already grinning. He did like getting gifts and gave an excited squeak when Hugo produced a gift for him. "Aww, thanks." Teddy said, taking it and ripping off the wrapping paper. He laughed when he saw what it was. "Ha, I love it. Thanks Prince Hugo!" He said, offering his arms out for a hug.

hugo smiled as Teddy said that he did like Christmas just not the date. "Your birthday is important. especially as you turn seventeen this year. So christmas on any other day is fine. so in the future we will have to find another day to celebrate Christmas" he said, thinking of the tradition of christmas in July.
He watched as Teddy unceremoniously opened the present, shredding the paper as he went. it reminded him of Christmases at home Violet was like that, where he would methodically open them. he smiled at teddys reaction, joining in with the laughter. "It is a bit of a silly present, but I am glad you like it." he said, smiling and giving Teddy a hug. "Merry Christmas Prince Teddy" he said resting his head against teddy's ashe held him. "so do you want to go and get your tree presnt now or save it for later?" he asked letting Teddy make the decision if he wanted more presents now or wait for later and doing somethign else first.

Teddy had been thinking about turning seventeen when Hugo mentioned the future together. And Teddy froze. The future? Like their future? As in their future together. Teddy hadn't thought of what he and Hugo might look next Christmas, or the one after, or even what would happen after Hugo graduated at the end of the year and they spent an entire year apart. And he wasn't sure if he was ready to talk about it right now, not in front of all these people, so he didn't say much back to it. Instead he laughed, awkward but fond, then hugged Hugo, “Merry Christmas,” he murmured, letting the comment pass. Teddy leaned back slightly, keen to distract himself and enjoy the Yule Ball, “Let me choose you a tree present so we can pretend I got you a gift too.”

Hugo could feel Teddy tense in his hug and loosened his grip slightly. "Are you okay? We can leave if you want, or go back to acting as just friends," he said gently, slightly concerned about his friend. He had been so caught up that this night was a big deal for him the first time he had been on a date with a boy, and the first time he had been on a date. He hadn't thought that Teddy could also be having the same worries. with Teddys general vibe and charisma he had forgotten that he also hadnt technically been out.
He chucked as Teddy said he wanted to go with presents and pick one for him. "Okay then. But make sure it is a good one. Last year i got a quill and some peanut cluster, and i dont really like peanuts" he replied winking trying to keep the lighthearted tone of the conversation going. Or at least tried to wink to though it was never a skill he could master, so it was more like he scrunched up one half of his face and still pretty much closed both eyes.

Teddy stepped back slightly, not pulling away completely, but enough to show something had shifted, thrown by Hugo's words but he was not angry. This was complicated, and new, and Teddy knew there were a lot of factors to consider. “What? No! I don't want that!” he said. “To go back to just being friends I mean.” He looked at Hugo for a long moment, “Because I like you. But I get it if you're feeling unsure.” There was a beat, and then he added, a little more sheepishly, “I want to pick a present you actually want first though."

Hugo saw teddy back up. Maybe he had misread his discomfort. good because I don’t want that either. I didn’t mean that. Just you seemed uncomfortable. And I thought you maybe didn’t want to be quite as public about things. he said.
There was a long moment where the space between them hung heavy with the weight of their worries or thoughts. As teddy looked at him and he tried not to look away. When teddy spoke he felt that resolve melt and heat rise up hi neck and through his cheeks. I like you too. I’ve just never had a crush on anyone before and I’m still working out what liking someone, means for me. I if I am uncertain it is about me not you” he said. The additional words of liking someone like you, the someone who is a guy training implied and unsaid. ”but i am glad we are us and want to spend more time being with you. Whatever you want to call us, I like you and that I know for sure” he said. Not sure if he was making any sense. He had sort of started thinking of teddy as his boyfriend even though he knew that hadn’t named what they were officially. And he knew that he was going to get questioned about it at some stage. Be it from his dorm mates or his sister or his mums. Or from the girls at the monthly. But he would like to be able to give it some kind of name.
When teddy said he wanted to pick him a present he would like he chuckled. pick any one you want. I will like it because you picked it it for me. he said glad for the topic change. Even if it was peanut brittle again he would like it because it wasn’t just peanut brittle. It was peanut brittle teddy picked out for him.

Teddy really wanted to kiss Hugo. He really did. It wasn’t like they hadn’t kissed in public before since some first years had walked past them snogging in the corridor, literally just before coming to the ball, but this was different. The Yule Ball was packed, and everyone from friends and professors were here, including family, Teddy was pretty sure his dad would be around somewhere helping chaperone the event. He nodded and smiled. “I’m not in any rush and I like spending time with you too. And I want to kiss you already. But first, your gift!"

He gently tugged Hugo’s hand and led them over to the Christmas tree, crouching down to inspect the gifts. After rummaging though, he held up a rectangular box wrapped in red and white checkered paper, almost exactly matching his own suit. “This one,” he said, shaking it slightly. “I hope it's a framed photograph of the headmaster. Something to hang up in the prefects lounge." He teased gently.

Hugo leaned towards Teddy just a little bit. it seemed the topic of what they actially were had somehow been evaded, but with Teddy this close he didnt actually mind. "Its a good job as i want to kiss you too. but after you pick my present." he said a slight tease in his tone as he put an arm around teddy and gave him a little squeeze. Before Teddy took his hand and led him towards the Christmas tree.
He watched as Teddy carefully examined the boxes, finally picking one in a red and white pattern. "this looks like you" he said as he took it and chuckled at his comment. it probably wouldnt be. but it did remind him of a project he and oz had planned that heh ad half forgotten about. "No, I bet it's the transfiguration professor to hang up in, the HM office" he teased back carefully pealing back the tape to reveal the contents of the box. It did indeed have a photo frame in it, it was black wood with snowflakes on it, and said Yule Ball 2064 on the bottom, as well as a small packet of ice mice. "Good choice, i love ice mice, and we will need to go and get a picture to put in it" he said before leaning a little closer. "but first as promised" he said, leaning in for a kiss but giving Teddy time to move away if he wanted to. somehow being between the tree and the dancefloor felt a lot more intimate then the general hall and the way the soft gold light from the tree illuminated Teddy made him look almost angelic.

Teddy had been right, it was a picture frame but unfortunately did not contain the photograph of any professor. A good gift though he thought, one Teddy could take credit for giving to Hugo because he chose it. "Yes, we'll find a photographer to take a picture of us to put in it." Teddy agreed, knowing Fraser was into photography and probably around taking pictures for Accio, or someone else if he wasn't. But Hugo was right, that could wait. Right now, Teddy leaned in and kissed Hugo back, soft and slow, his fingers brushing gently against his cheek. It was nice being out of sight, just them, but not hidden away like they were hiding because they weren't hiding from anyone. Everything felt calm again as he pulled away. “Have I ever told you you're a great kisser?" he said as his lips curved into an affectionate smile.

hugo nodded as Teddy said they would find a photographer to get a picture. "Yeah i am sure the accio guys are around somehwere he said. the other option, would be veronica the monthly photographer but while he thought it might be easier to to get his hold on a monthly picture he had more faith in fraiser.
thoughts of photographers and frames disapeared as he kissed teddy. the world was a little bubble of them hidden in plain sight. it ws slow, gentle and deliberate and he felt his breath hitch and then sigh as teddy stroked his cheek. he held teddy before riaing oen hand to morroe the gesture. he was sure teddy could feel lhis heart pounding in his chest his whole boddy feeling warm. when they eventually pulled apart he smiled feeling more proud of himself at the compliment than he possible should do. "Well i habe been practicing, and i learned from the best" he said reaching up and brushing a few straind of hair back from teddys face. all his worries and concerns melted away leaving just a warm tender feeling towards teddy.
it was then that the music changed from some chistmas pop song that he had been zoning out to background noise to a slower song. he held out his hand "would you care for this dance" he asked smiling in away that he hoped was giving his best prince charming.

"I assume you're talking about me and not some other guy," he laughed. In truth, he didn't have much experience of kissing except with Amodeus that one time, Audrey during Spin the Bottle if that counts, Elio in his dreams last year and recently Hugo a lot. Hugo was older so perhaps he was the one teaching Teddy. Anyway, to get the compliment was really nice and Teddy was always happy to hear anything that inflated his ego even just a little. He could almost hear Audrey telling Hugo not to encourage him, but Audrey wasn't here and he hadn't seen her all evening. He looked around briefly as he thought about that, then back up when Hugo asked him to dance, all other thoughts fizzling from his mind. "I'd love to, let's go!" He said, already moving towards the dance floor.

Hugo suppressed a smile at Teddys assumption. "oh, no, I was talking about my other boyfriend." he said trying to keep his face as deadpan as he could. obviously he did mean Teddy. it wasnt like people were queueing up to kiss him. Although he was starting to wonder if he didnt have a slightly skewed view of his popularity, and he was actually more popular than he thought.

Hugo went with Teddy onto the dance floor. and he tried to work out the last time he had danced at one of these events. And he was was fiarly sure it was never. but there was something about being here on a date that made him want to do good date things and be a good boyfriend even if it was his firsttime trying them out. "be warned i am not a good dancer" he said as they reach the dance floor, just as the chorous started and he started to move his head and shoulders, swaying to the music.

Teddy smirked, Hugo was messing with him and he loved it. It felt he had gotten past overthinking everything, Hugo liked him, Teddy liked Hugo, and now they could enjoy the fact that they both knew that the other one liked them. Plus Teddy never had been one to take things too seriously if he could help it anyway. "Your other boyfriend yeah? I bet he isn't half as handsome as me." He said, flicking a strand of hair from his face. He went with Hugo onto the dance floor, spinning around once he got there. Teddy stepped close enough to sway in time to the music with Hugo. "Well today is your lucky day Hugo, because I know a few moves, so all you need to do is follow my lead." He swayed with Hugo then started to do some basic steps for Hugo to follow.

Hugo frowned slightly at Teddy's comment. trying to think of something witty to say to keep the banter going. banter wasn't usually his thing. But he could at least try. "Yeah. I don't think you would have met him, but I think he is a keeper, as for handsome. most days i would say two thirds. but today. You've stepped it up, so yeah maybe half, " he said. Before leaning forward and giving Teddy a quick kiss on the cheek.
He chucked as Teddy spun on the dance floor, looking very much more coordinated than he would have. he mildly wondered if his coordination was due to Quidditch. Before Teddy was next to him, heound the Gryffindor awkwardly, trying not to let the photo frame put his arms art in the way, in his grasp ge and followed his lead.

Teddy nodded along and figuring out who he was talking about based on the clue that they were a keeper, "So your secret boyfriend is Horror Zhefarovich?" Teddy teased, "There aren't any other male keepers in this school at least." He wasn't sure on the other schools but it didn't really matter because Teddy knew Hugo was just messing around. He looked around to check Horror wasn't within earshot. "Yeah, half." Teddy grinned when he earned another kiss on the cheek. The dancing was fun too but the photo frame was in the way. Teddy took it out of Hugo's hands and placed it on the side to collect later. Then he offered one hand and raised his arm so Hugo could twirl. "Come on then, let me twirl you."

hugo was confused by teddys comment. wht did horror have to do with any of it? he was pretty sure he had never had a conversation with the guy. however as teddy explained he laughed "What, no" he said. he really didnt follow Quidditch and while he knew vaguely who played, he had no idea who took what position. "Like I said, I don't think you have met him" he added.
he let teddy take the frame and puttit to one side out of the way of them dancing. He just hoped it would still be there when they went back, as he did quite like his Christmas present from Teddy. it was a lot easier to dance without it and soon they were back to dancing hand in hand. he nodded as Teddy asked to let him spin him. it was a little awkward to turn he was the taller one but once he was back he raised his arm "your turn" he said, letting teddy do the spin, he was actually surprised at how fun the dancing was it needed a lot less coordination than he had feared.
and as he turned he saw his sister sitting there on the side of the dance looking slightly grumpy with some boy he didnt know sitting next to her and talking. Their eyes met he watched a look of surprise, no shock, spread across her face. Part of him wondered if she was okay, if they should go and drag her onto the dance floor. but he was enjoying dancing with his... well with Teddy and didnt want to have a third wheel. He looked back at Teddy and grinned raising his hand to let him spin again. a chorus or two later the thought was still in his head "Hey Teddy can I ask you something?" he asked leaning a little closer to be heard over the music.

Teddy spun Hugo, then let Hugo spin him right back. It was fun, informal, and they were just having a laugh together which was nice. Teddy didn't think Hugo was a bad dancer at all, not for this type of dancing at least. The song was coming to an end when Hugo leaned in and asked to ask a question. "Yeah sure." Teddy replied, curious to hear what the question was.