Finn let out the breath he’d been holding in, waiting on Caleb’s reaction. Maurice touched his back gently.
“You okay?” Maurice asked.
Finn nodded. “Yeah. Thanks for… you know. Being there.”
Maurice’s hand slid down Finn’s back, warm and reassuring. “Always.”
Finn’s chest loosened again. “Let’s get that drink.”
Maurice smiled. “And then another dance?”
Finn grinned. “Only with you.” Then he said, “Caleb is rooming with his ex-boyfriend.”
“Yes, Billy is his ex.”
“Really?”
“Billy told me he was very possessive and he doesn’t want to be with him.”
“But they bunk together.”
“I know. Makes no sense.”
They finished their walk to the bar, shoulders brushing, matching shirts catching the soft light, like two people choosing each other in a room full of strangers.
After their drinks, another slow song drifted through the Lounge Car—soft, warm, the kind that made the whole room sway. Maurice held out his hand without saying a word, and Finn took it instantly.
They stepped back onto the dance floor, closer this time, Finn’s hands resting lightly on Maurice’s shoulders while Maurice’s settled at Finn’s waist. The matching black shirts made them look like they belonged together, and Finn couldn’t stop smiling about it.
Maurice leaned in, voice low. “Still doing okay?”
Finn nodded. “Better now.”
They moved slowly, the train rocking gently beneath them, the lights dim and golden. Finn rested his forehead against Maurice’s cheek, breathing him in—clean cologne, warm skin, something steady that made Finn’s chest loosen.
For a few minutes, nothing existed except the music and the way Maurice held him like he mattered. When thesong ended, they headed toward the bar again, still close, still wrapped up in their own little bubble.
But Caleb wasn’t done.
Caleb stepped right in front of them again, blocking their path. His smile was sharp this time, not friendly at all.
“Oh look,” Caleb said loudly, “the matching couple is back.”
Finn stiffened. Maurice didn’t react, at least not outwardly. He just waited, giving Finn space again.
Caleb pointed at Finn. “You owe me a dance. Don’t think you can hide behind him all night.”
Finn shook his head. “Caleb, I said no.”
Caleb scoffed. “You’re really going to waste your whole night on him?”
Maurice’s jaw tightened, but he still didn’t speak.
Finn tried again. “Please stop. I’m not dancing with you.”
Caleb stepped closer, ignoring the words completely. “Come on, Finn. Don’t be boring.”
Maurice finally stepped forward, voice calm but firm. “He said no. Back off.”
