*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧—chapter twenty-six: the dinner

NERVES, NERVES, NERVES. All Poe feels is nervousness as he paces around the living room. It's five o'clock in the afternoon and he and Nico have an hour before they have to go to one of the restaurants down by the harbor to have dinner with Nico's parents. Honestly, Poe doesn't know why he's stressing over it. It's not a big deal. He's known Keke and Sina for most of his life. He shouldn't be this worried.

"Poe..." Nico calls softly, knowing there isn't much he can do right now to help calm him down.

"I know, I know." Poe doesn't look at Nico as he speaks, he gaze focused on everything except where Nico is currently seated on the couch. "I need to stop pacing the room like idiot."

"I never said that. And you're not an idiot," Nico says with a sigh as he gets up from the couch and walks over to him. "It's okay to be nervous."

"It isn't just that, Nico," Poe says with a sigh as he stops pacing momentarily to run a hand through his hair in frustration. "Last time we had dinner with them was before we were married. Now, I just feel like... What if things are different this time?"

"You'll be fine, schatz." Nico wraps an arm around his waist and rests his head on his shoulder. "They love you."

Poe stays quiet for a moment, thinking. Nico's right. Keke and Sina had always treated Poe like their second son. Things weren't going to change. He'd always be welcome there.

"Thank you," he says finally.

Nico smiles as he lifts his head and looks up at him. "You're welcome," he murmurs, reaching up to rest his hand on his shoulder. "Now go get dressed before we're late."

✧ ✧ ✧

The Rosberg home is always welcoming, the air filled with the scent of nice, home-cooked food and the sound of the music playing softly from the record player by the kitchen. When Poe and Nico step inside, Sina is the first to greet them, pulling them both into tight hugs, and her smile is as radiant as ever.

"Poe!" she exclaims, holding him at arm's length to get a good look at him. "You look wonderful. I swear, you get more handsome every time I see you."

Poe flushes slightly, ducking his head. "You're just saying that."

"I'm not," Sina insists, cupping his face briefly before pulling him into another hug. "It's so good to see you. We've missed you."

"I've missed you too," Poe says softly, his arms wrapping around her.

"Mama, don't steal him from me," Nico says, his bottom lip jutting out in a pout as he crosses his arms over his chest.

"I would never. I love both of you too much," Sina says with a laugh, reaching up to ruffle Nico's hair.

Keke appears at the entrance a moment later. He claps a hand on Nico's shoulder before turning to Poe with a warm smile. "There's the man of the hour," he says, pulling Poe into a quick, firm hug. "How's it feel to be a graduate?"

"Still getting used to it," Poe admits, though there's a smile tugging at his lips now.

"Well, we're proud of you," Keke says simply, his tone carrying the weight of sincerity.

"We are," Sina says, nodding in agreement, before ushering them all toward the dining table. "Come, sit. Dinner's already on the table. I thought you two might need a home-cooked meal after all that traveling."

Poe smiles at that as he takes his seat, the familiar warmth of the Rosberg household settling over him. For years, this had been his safe haven, the place where he first felt like he truly belonged. And now, sitting here with Nico by his side and Keke and Sina across from him, he feels that same sense of belonging all over again.

✧ ✧ ✧

Dinner is lively and filled with laughter, like always. Sina had started the conversation with a story about a failed attempt at gardening, claiming that the tomatoes were conspiring against her, while Nico discussed every race so far from this year's season. Keke shared his stories about his own racing days, complete with the exaggeration of sound effects that causes Poe to laugh so hard he nearly chokes on his drink.

At one point, Sina leans forward, her gaze soft but curious. "So, Poe," she begins, "now that you've graduated, what's next for you? Any big plans?"

Poe hesitates, his earlier nerves creeping back in. He glances at Nico, who gives him a reassuring smile, and then back at Sina. "Honestly? I'm still figuring that out," he says carefully. "I've been looking at some freelance writing opportunities, and I've got a few interviews lined up. But I'm trying not to rush into anything. I want to make sure I'm doing something I love."

Sina nods, her expression warm and understanding. "You know, that's a good approach. You've worked so hard to get here—you deserve to take your time and find what makes you happy."

"She's right," Keke adds, raising his glass slightly. "You've got the talent, Poe. Whatever you decide to do, you'll be great at it."

Poe can feel his heart swell at that, feeling all warm inside as he smiles, the weight of his earlier worries beginning to lift. "Thank you," he says quietly.

"Of course," Sina says, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. "You're family, Poe. We're always here for you."

The words hit Poe harder than he expects, a lump forming in his throat as he nods. Family. It's a word that used to feel foreign to him, something other people had but he didn't. But sitting here, surrounded by the people who have loved and supported him for so long...

He has a family. He has the Rosbergs. A family he's had for so long. People who'd always be there for him no matter what.

And they're a family he wouldn't trade for anything.

✧ ✧ ✧

Things start winding down a bit as dinner slowly comes to an end. Nico and Poe help clear the table. Nico goes to help Keke with the dirty dishes. Poe straightening the tablecloth as Sina comes back with fresh water in the vase of flowers she had as the table's centerpiece.

After setting the vase down, she pulls Poe aside for a moment, her voice quieter now. "No matter what happens, you'll always have a home here, Poe," she says, her eyes glistening slightly. "You've come so far, and we're so proud of both you and Nico."

"Not to be bittersweet, but sometimes I think what happened was a good thing..." Poe says, though he trails off at the end and inhales sharply, glancing away.

Sina is quiet for s moment. Poe never did like pity. She'd known that about him for a long time. Every time his childhood was brought up in conversation, he'd be quick to shut it down. Before she could reply, Poe starts speaking again.

"Thank you, Sina. Really. Thank you, and Keke, and Nico. For everything," he says, smiling. "It... It means more than words can express."

She hugs him tightly, her warmth enveloping him like it always does. "You're welcome, Poe."

And when Nico and Poe take their leave, saying goodbye to Keke and Sina and giving them hugs once again, hugs that neither of the four of them wanted to end, Poe slings an arm around Nico's shoulders as they walk back to the car.

"You know, the whole time I thought things would go wrong," Poe admits with a small shrug.

"You're always thinking something's gonna go wrong," Nico says with a playful roll of his eyes. "I told you it would be fine."

"And you're right," Poe says, leaning into Nico's side. "But don't let it get to your head."

"There are no promises," Nico says, stopping for a moment. Poe raises a brow as he looks at him. A grin tugs at Nico's lips as he reaches up to cup Poe's face in his hands and kiss him. "I love you."

Poe smiles, kissing him back. "I love you too."

author's note
hi 🥰

01.14.25