For the First Time
"Thanks for coming to the village with me, Hugo," Sofia gushed one summer afternoon as the two teens sat in the coach on their way back to the castle after spending some time in Dunwiddie.
"No problem, Sofia." The dark haired boy grinned and took a chocolate muffin from the box of bakery goodies between them on the seat. "The village baker is way better than our royal chef."
"I know." She gave him a sarcastic look. "You've eaten five muffins already, and we're not even halfway back to the castle."
He shrugged, smiling guiltily. "I can't help it if they look delicious."
"Oh, Hugo…" She laughed before calming down. "Seriously though, I know this wasn't really what you wanted to do, but Minimus hurt his wing last week, and I didn't want him flying."
"Hey, it's fine." He finished his muffin and brushed a few crumbs from his lap. "I only came to Enchancia to spend time with you. It doesn't matter what we do."
Sofia's heart fluttered at his words. Unable to think of anything to say, she changed the subject. "So, what did you think of the village where I was born?"
"The bakery is pretty awesome!" He smirked when she rolled her eyes and giggled. "But I enjoyed the tour you gave me. It was nice to see your friends too." He laughed as he thought of something. "I like that girl–Jade. She's not afraid to speak her mind." He cleared his throat and said in a perfect impersonation of Jade's voice, "'I hope you know how to serve yourself, O Mighty Prince, because there are no servants at this tea party.'" He hummed in amusement. "Not too many people would have the nerve to speak to me like that. It's refreshing."
Sofia just smiled. "I know Jade can be tough sometimes, but she's a really nice person when you get to know her, just like you."
"Mm…"
A comfortable silence fell over the two as the coach continued toward the castle. Hugo became so lost in thought that he completely forgot about the box of sweets on the seat beside him. Sofia gazed around them, enjoying the fine weather. It had rained the previous day, and everything looked bright and fresh. She breathed deeply, inhaling the smell of pine as they passed a few evergreen trees.
"Hey, Sofia?"
"Yes, Hugo?" She turned back to the prince, and, seeing that he appeared almost shy, she offered him an encouraging smile. "What is it?"
He looked down at his hands, which were folded in his lap. "I… um… I just wanted to thank you for giving me a chance."
"What do you mean?" she inquired, blinking.
"When we first met, I wasn't very nice to you," he admitted, grimacing at the memory. "I didn't think a princess belonged on the flying derby team. Heck, I even knocked you off your horse during the tryout race. I was a real jerk back then, and I totally deserved to lose my place on the team."
"Hugo…"
And then," he went on, still not looking at her, "when Sir Gillian picked me to replace James for the Flying Crown Championship, I wouldn't work with you because I thought I could win by myself." He heaved a sigh. "I just felt like I had to prove to everyone–my family, the whole school–that I was the best rider at Royal Prep. But you taught me about teamwork, and we won the race, together." He finally looked up at her and grinned broadly.
She grinned back. "We really did make a great team."
"Totally! Not only in racing, but also ice dancing." He laughed as he remembered the craziness of practicing ice hockey and ice dancing at the same time. He also remembered how pretty Sofia looked dressed for the recital. He shook his head, trying to focus on what he really wanted to say. "Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is, thanks for putting up with me, even though I wasn't always nice to you."
"Aw, Hugo, you were always a nice person deep down under all that pride." She giggled when he gave her a bewildered look. "But I like who you are now. I'm glad we're such good friends."
"So am I." He picked up the box of goodies and set it on the floor so he could scoot a little closer to her. Taking one of her hands, he smiled when she looked at him curiously. "I really had a great time with you today. Do you think we could spend more time together?"
"I–I guess so." Sofia stammered, her heart fluttering in her chest. She could feel her cheeks growing warm as his thumb gently stroked the back of her hand. Suddenly, it was as though a veil had been lifted from her eyes, and, for the first time since they met, she could see Hugo clearly. Had he always been so handsome? Had his eyes always been so deep and green? Was there always a dimple on his cheek when he smiled? What's happening to me? she asked herself. One minute they were talking like old friends, the next she was mentally picking out details of Hugo's incredibly handsome face. Sure, she had heard girls swooning over boys at school. Her own sister seemed to be charmed by a different boy each week. But Sofia had never really thought much about boys that way. She was much too busy with schoolwork and her duties as a Protector, Story Keeper, and princess. And yet… His hand felt so nice holding hers… She cleared her throat. "Summer has just begun. I'd love to spend more time with you."
"Great!" he said, raising her hand to place soft kiss to the back of it. "Why don't you come to my castle this weekend? The gardens are pretty nice this time of year. Maybe we could have a picnic or something."
Sofia's heart was racing, and she found it extremely difficult to focus on what he was saying. His lips had felt so soft on her skin. She wondered how they would feel if…
"Sofia?"
The princess blushed darkly when she realized Hugo was looking at her, waiting for a response. "Y–Yeah… That sounds amazing."
As the coach neared the castle, Sofia found herself smiling widely. After all, summer had just begun, which meant she and Hugo would have plenty of time to be together. And she was looking forward to it.
A/N: Yep, I decided to use Hugfia for the Gratitude prompt. I mean, why not? I thought the conversation in here was something that needed to happen between them. I'm pleased with how it turned out. I hope you liked it.