Floor 44 - Function Centre and Rooftop.

The next time Jason and Finn rode the Elevator to the 44th floor, it was night!

The Elevator was full of Formally dressed, chattering worker's, heading to the Buildings Annual Ball. Many of them had openly stared and whispered, looking Finn, up and down!

Jason sensing Finn's hesitation, reached out a hand and took Finn's trembling hand in his own. He gave it a squeeze!

Finn had never looked as beautiful as he did tonight! Jason felt proud to be standing beside him! They wore black trouser's, white shirts and highly polished shoes. The distinguishing feature was their matching waist coats, Finn's in jeweled shades of Red and Purple, Jason's in Yellows and Greens!

Finn could feel Jason's hand squeezing his. It wasn't enough to stop, the fear rising!

He had only been to this Ball once before! Before he had known better! That time he had been at the centre of everyone's focus. An evening that had started well, but gradually had worn him down, until he had left in a flood of tears! He had thought they were his friends, until he had overheard the gossip. Hurtful words, putting him down! Criticizing his dress, his personality!

Ever since that night, he had hidden his feelings, closed himself off. Avoided friendships, stayed in his Archives room, locked away from those nasty people, who had hurt him.

Could he go through with this? Would History just be repeating itself?

He felt Jason pull him from the Elevator! He clung tightly to that hand, that felt like a life-line!

Jason knew that Finn was afraid! He was tempted to turn around and take Finn away! But in his heart he knew that like Dan's office, this was a fear that needed facing! He would face it head on with Finn, holding his hand all the way!

As they walked through the door, many looked at them with interest! Some whispered, some smiled!

A waitress approached with a tray of Champagne flutes. Jason took one and passed it to Finn, then took one for himself!

You two look amazing! - Josie appeared at their side.

Thank you! - Finn smiled.

Doesn't he? - Jason smiled at Finn.

She mean's you too!- Finn nudged Jason in the side. To Finn, Jason was the most handsome man in the room.

Josie laughed! - OK, you know you are the most gorgeous guys, here tonight!

Hey! - Nick walked up. - What about me?

Oh you are a bit rough around the edges, but you polish up alright! - Josie threaded an arm through his, and kissed his cheek!

Two sets of eyebrows rose!

Josie grinned! - Have you met my Husband Nick?

You know fully well we have met! - Nick admonished his wife. Then added with a wink - I see our matchmaking worked!

Finn and Jason, looked from one to the other in astonishment!

That wasn't matchmaking, just a gentle nudge! - Josie argued.

Nick laughed - OK you win!

I alway's do! - She beamed at Finn and Jason - Husband, please get me another drink! Have a great night Guy's! - She yanked Nick away!

Jason looked at Finn, incredulous! - Did you know?

I had no idea!

They both grinned then laughed!

Jason could see Finn was relaxed now, and smiling! Nothing made him happier!

Stranger's and colleagues approached them as they mingled, everyone was polite and friendly!

Was it because he was with Jason, that everyone was treating him with kindness? Everything was different this time! Finn could feel his happiness grow, and also his confidence! Jason hadn't left his side, still held his hand firmly! He should let Jason go, he wriggled his hand to loosen the grip, prizing his hand away.

Jason looked at Finn.- Are you sure?

Finn smiled and nodded!

As the night wore on, they drifted in different directions. Mingling and chatting! Jason kept one eye on Finn! Just in case!

He hadn't had this much fun in ages, Finn eyes's met Jason's from far across the room, he smiled! Jason gave him a thumbs up!

When Jimbo Jones approached, Finn's smile faded a bit! But now he felt more prepared!

From across the room, Jason watched and waited. He had heard stories about Jimbo! An overly friendly type, who took a liking to young guys! What would Finn do?

Finn chatted with Jimbo, tried to be polite! But Jimbo's slurred speech made things difficult. He had obviously drunk too much! Finn was wary! When he went to move away, Jimbo reached for him! Instinct kicked in, Finn accidentally, on purpose bumped an elbow into Jimbo's side. Jimbo lost balance and stumbled, crashing into a chair and falling to the ground!

Oh no! - Finn raised his voice, to a worried pitch. He intentionally called out. - Jason where are you?

Then as Jason hurriedly approached, Finn bent to Jimbo, and stated loudly - Don't worry my boyfriend, will help you up!- Then he grinned!

Laughter burst out across the room! - Josie couldn't help herself!

Nick quickly covered her mouth, stifling the sound, but couldn't help his own grin.

Jason held in his own laughter, as he helped a startled Jimbo to his feet! Accidentally adding his own elbow to Jimbo's ribs in the process!

Then he pulled, a grinning Finn towards the dance floor, where a few were already dancing!

You were incredible! - Jason laughed as he drew Finn into his arm's.

Finn draped arms around Jason's neck - Poor Jimbo!

I think he has no doubt now, that you are already taken!

Finn raised eyebrows, smiling slyly - Taken, you say?

You did just announce to the whole building, that I am your boyfriend? Or was I hearing things?

No! You are right! I did! - Finn grinned. - He cheekily placed a quick kiss to Jason's cheek.

Gasps rose around them,

Time stood still for a moment!

Then Cat Calls and Whistles broke out. Claps and Cheers!

You are causing a sensation! - Jason laughed.

Are you complaining? - Finn laughed back.

No! - Jason shook his head. - But you have left me, craving more of your kisses!

They will have to wait!

Until when?

Until you take me home tonight!

The suggestive look, hadn't gone unnoticed. Jason swallowed!

Finn winked! - But right now, I just want to dance with my Boyfriend!