prinxiety one shots

Seven

"I was wondering if we could talk."
"That is generally what's its called when humans move their mouths like we're doing."
I flushed, looking down. Was I really doing this? Was I really, seriously, doing this? 

Roman's face softened after a moment, studying his expression, teasing and distracted smile pausing on his lips. "Virge? What is it?"
I hesitated a moment, wavering, glancing around us. 

"Hey." Roman caught hold of my arm, warm and firm and easy, and guided us out of the rush of people to a quieter corridor. "Are you alright?" he asked. 
"I'm fine."
"Your hands are shaking." Oh. So they were. Right. 

Roman's palm was still steadying on my bicep-was he aware of that? 

I released a breath. "I like you. As in-well, you probably already know that. I just wanted you to- you know-know. You don't need to do anything or say anything!" I added quickly. 

I'd planned this conversation out a dozen times. I didn't say it like any of the times I  had planned it out in my head, graceless and clumsy. 
Roman blinked at me. "Well, now you know.." I felt a bit faint and tried for a too bright smile to compensate. "Um. Glad that's settled then. Please don't hate me."

Roman's hand on my arm reeled him back in as he took a step back.  "Hey." His voice was almost unbearably fond, steadying, sure. "Give me a second to process before you run off, okay?"

But it was definitely unbearable standing there while Roman processed that. I would have preferred to hide under a rock somewhere, possibly forever. My heart pounded. "I mean, I'd really rather do the running off bit."

Roman laughed. "You're cute." He gave me a distinctly appraising look, not cool, nor particularly judging, but some kind of mental weighing up. "Alright."

"Alright?" My blood was rushing in my head so hard I couldn't help but fear I'd miss something important. 
"I'll pick you up at seven tonight," Roman said. "Wear a jacket, the bike gets cold at night. That okay with you?"
"Are you asking me out on a date?"
He smiled, just faintly. "I think you were asking me out on a date and I graciously accepted." 
"Seven." I blew out a breath. 
"Seven," Roman agreed, smiling a little harder. He touched a hand to my shoulder. 
"Seven," Finnian said again, more sure. A smile tugged at his lips. 
He kissed my cheek and slid past me again, sauntering out of sight. 
Seven. I couldn't wait.

                                                                Bluebadger19