Work Text:
It was once again after another breakup that Harry found himself at Tom’s door. He promised himself that he will not be crying and becoming a total mess until he was in Tom’s apartment. So with that thought, he willed his tear ducts to stay closed which was close to bursting. Really close.
Just then the door opened and he was met with the sight of black boots and felt a huff of air blow at the tips of his hair. “Tom..” his voice came out wobbly, vision turning a little blurry just the slightest. Such weak tear ducts, how disgusting.
He heard a resigned sigh then the owner of those boots stepped aside, “come in.” Harry sniffed as he walked into his best friend’s humble abode. Right as the door closed, the waterworks came out like a dam broken.
He made his way to his favorite spot in the place, the couch, his very own little niche. He grabbed the stuffed snake plushie and bawled his eyes out. Through sniffles, “I can’t...Believe! I-I got...got bro-aghhhhhhh! I’m so-so fucking tired of...m-my heart...brok-en. Why me? Was I a villain in my past life! It’s unfair!!!!”
He flopped down on the couch, further crying into the poor plushie. When crying was not enough to get it off his chest. He screamed, whined, yelled, cursed, sobbed, and mumbled. It was some minutes before he calmed down. Just around that time, he heard footsteps walk closer, then clinking.
One rimmed puffy eye peeked. Just as always. His heart warmed, a smile already tugging at his lips. It never ceases to amaze him how Tom always had his comfort food on hand for whenever the occasion came up. It was like he had some third eye or something, always prepared. It was suspicious, seeing how there was someone eating everything. He knows because he’s the culprit.
Harry grinned against the plushie, a grubby hand reaching out for a bite of the treacle tart, he couldn’t wait to wash it down with butterbeer. It was the best cure for whatever shitty thing happened in his life. Has helped him through every break-up and whatever other mishaps so far.
Not even bothering to lift his head up, he lazily took the fork carving out a big chunk. Just as he was lifting the fork, that one eye that was not pushed against the plushie shifted just to catch sight of-
The fork tipped and fell back onto the plate. Harry abruptly sat up, blinking at his reflection in the flatscreen tv. He rubbed his eyes and blinked some more. That couldn’t be, he must’ve been imagining it. It was so brief after all.
He tilted slightly and there Tom was, sitting on the floor, his cheek resting on the hand that was perched on top of the table. He was looking at him, bored eyes probably used to all of his outbursts to be fazed anymore. But no...That wasn’t the issue. No-everything, it’s all normal, all of it but-
Harry blinked some more before he quickly leaned down, hands holding the edge of the couch, barely holding him from crashing into Tom. Tom shifted his head a bit so Harry didn’t knock into his nose, but other than that, made no action of moving other than raising an eyebrow at him.
Oh FUCK….
Was that?
No. Why is there something thumping in his chest? It felt as if someone left an over-energized bee in his chest, buzzing and rattling. And Harry hesitantly peered one eye open, and it was.
Tom had his hair tousled rather than its normal coiffed state, instead of his usual long-sleeve turtlenecks or button up he was wearing a loose sleeveless band t-shirt, the front labeled Death Eaters in sharp letters, there was a skull with a snake crawling out of it. Was-oh heavens- was that fucking piercings, his poor heart, be calm!
But it was freaking piercings, when the fuck did he get them! And then-then there was a tingle of hurt bubbling that Tom hadn’t told him. He should be stuck on the hurt part but noooo his eyes zeroed in on the smudged eyeliner around Tom's eyes.
It was...so captivating. Only seeming to bring out his brown eyes. He was being seduced and by all things, eyeliner! It’s not fair how attractive Tom looked, disastrously so. What was he supposed to do with this revelation! Oh, fucking hell he’s having a panic attack and for his best friend of all things.
The feeling is so familiar to that of him crushing and crushing hard but he refuses. Every relationship he's ever had always ends, usually in heartbreak for him to cry and sob to Tom about. So he adamantly refuses to fall for Tom, refuses to lose him.
Absolutely not!
NOOO! This couldn’t be happening, he can’t, he won’t! he’s...not...But the longer he looked the more it tugged at his heart. This is going to ruin him and his taste buds. Calm down, yeah calm down. It can be explained. It’s simple really. He must have fallen asleep on Tom’s couch and this is all a dream, just a nightmare. Yup, that explains everything.
So why wasn’t he waking up, he pinched harder and all he was getting was pain and indents upon his skin while the image in front of his eyes is not going away. Harry took in a sharp inhale, standing up, he didn’t say anything as he made his way out the door. Not once looking back or anything, strides wide and purposeful. And he was out the door before Tom could say anything. Then the door banged shut behind him and he sprinted like hellhounds were chasing him.
Meanwhile….
Tom sat there, bewildered. Wondering just what took place, he was blinking at the place where Harry was just moments ago. What had just happened…?
--
Ginny was chilling on the couch with Luna, a blanket thrown over them as they rewatched their favorite series for who knows what hundredth time. She cuddled closer to the blonde, hands finding their place wrapped around each other under the covers. She watched adoringly as her girlfriend smiled serenely, feeling like a third year with a crush all over again.
It was their day to just stay in and relax. Doing nothing but lazing around and spending time together. Ginny released a content sigh, leaning down on her girlfriend’s shoulder when the door suddenly banged open. She didn’t even get to fully process the situation or even go through all the range of emotions before a figure appeared before them.
Hands found her shoulder and she was rudely pushed away from her girlfriend and the asshole decided to just plop themselves right smack dab in the middle. She blinked a few times, before sharply turning to berate them for ever being born. Catching sight of untameable messy curls, there could only be one person.
Ginny looked at Luna from behind the slumped form, in turn, her girlfriend gave her the smile she always does and Ginny looked away rolling her eyes. She did hear this dumbass got his heart broken...again. But what she did not hear about was him crashing her date at home. He should be with Riddle right now as always after anything slightly inconveniencing happens.
She shoved at the curled form, instead of begrudgingly staying upright. No of course not, he would let himself fall against Luna, finding his place beside her shoulder where it was supposed to be her. This little shit. Because she is very professional, “what the fuck are you doing here?”
Luna just softly shook her head at the bluntness already used to her girlfriend’s rough scathing words with hidden concern. She hummed, running her hands through thick coarse hair, somewhat having a little battle with the tangles. But Luna took it all in strides.
Ginny pursed her lips watching Harry with a raised eyebrow, the little menace had the nerve to glare at her while still laying on Luna’s shoulders. She narrowed her eyes at him, flicking at his forehead. “Ow! What the hell Gin!”
Served him right. He should be happy this was all she did instead of her full wrath. “So, why are you gracing our humble abode with your unwanted presence?”
“Thanks for the welcome.” Harry rolled his eyes, straightening himself. Ginny watched as what she could only make out as a multitude of emotions crossed over his features before he ducked under the blanket. Both her brows lifted up in surprise, well this was certainly new.
Let it not be said Harry was not one for being outright and straightforward. Which is exactly why he fits so well with the Weasleys. He’s basically been adopted into the family after not even a year of knowing him. A raven in a nest of weasels. And because he’s family, she is obligated to deal with his shit.
Siblings.
She rolled her eyes, before ducking under the covers. “What are you doing?” She whispered. Luna also ducked down, “are we looking for a night-thorned pixtail?” Ginny’s face softened at her girlfriend’s good-natured joke, she somehow had the ability to ease the tension by saying the most random things even after all these years of knowing her, she still had no idea how it worked every single time.
“No…” Harry mumbled, “just my sanity.” The redhead scoffed, “you would've needed to have one in the first place.”
Harry suddenly groaned, head in his hands. And was that sniffling she heard? Ginny shook her head, wondering where he got the dramatic genetics from. “Out with it already? We haven’t all day for your woes .”
“I...I’m-I’m doomed…” Was the mumbled response. She threw the blanket off with more whines from Harry as he tried to grab onto the edge of the fabric. What a fruitless endeavor it was. As she was able to tug it out of his hands with a huff.
“Speak more clearly. Do I look like some kind of mumble Rosetta Stone? And before you start with any sarcastic remarks, know I will beat you senseless two ways to Thursdays.”
She watched him sniff, puffing out his cheeks while leaning down on his hands that were perched on his thighs. It was such an unconscious thing he did, she would know. Many had fallen victim to this oblivious habit which is why it worked so wonderfully in gathering sympathy.
Even now, Luna was softly patting his back with a soft smile, consoling him. Grudgingly, she had also fallen victim to it...too many times for her own comfort even whilst knowing. Hell, it would be better than some puppy eyes, she had a natural resilience to any act after having to grow up with six brothers and there this gremlin was, taking all her pity.
“Well…” she goaded, crossing her arms, her body turned to face the gloomy existence. When there was still no response, she pushed at his legs, lightly kicking him. “Hurry it up!”
“Alright, alright! Gee, such a brute.” Then he looked at her and to Luna then back to her, “the definition of beauty and the beast.” Luna softly laughed, it was light and delightful. But she could feel her veins popping, patience running thin. She grabbed Harry by the scruff of his hoodie, hauling him halfway out, “you can leave then.”
“Did I say that the beast was actually beautiful, like a very very pretty princess! Ow! Ow! I was joking! All jokes!” Ginny huffed, abruptly letting go, causing Harry to fall back into his seat.
Luna, ever the voice of calm, cut in. “Was there anything you wanted to share with us?” When Harry didn’t say anything, “hmm, perhaps it’s a good time for us to just catch up on that Fantastical Creatures show.” Then the full head of curls shook before he finally sat up.
Harry took a deep breath, gathering himself so he doesn’t ramble off with jitters. “I think I-I-I....I have a crush.” Ginny scrunched her brows at that, “that’s nothing new. You develop crushes faster than flies die.” There was an indignant gasp at that. “I do not! Take it back, you witch!”
She held up her hand, “no takesies backsies.”
“No. It’s different. It totally is and I don’t want to think about it. I want to forget.” Harry clutched at his head as if he was having some tragically painful brain freeze. “What’s so different about it?” Harry looked up at her, eyes shining. Oh no. Not the tears. “Ginny~” and there he goes, glomping onto her arm.
“If I don't talk about it. It will go away.” He answered, sounding resolute. She rolled her eyes again at the absurdity. If there was anything about Harry it was that problems like to keep him company. So she highly doubts, higher than heaven upwards, that this whole whatever debacle will go away.
“Come on,” she softly shoved at him with her shoulder, “just talk about it. It helps right. Maybe Luna and I can help or we can just listen. Whichever you prefer.” Her tone took on a more mellow tone than previous, trying to ease him. He seems to mull over the thought, nose and brows scrunched and lips puckered out like he’s in deep concentration.
Hesitantly but surely he started, “you know I...I think I always had some sort of feelings for them. Somewhere deeper, I've always known that my feelings for them were more than just being friends.” Ginny sat there listening, noticing how vague Harry was being about the information surrounding this person when he normally goes in depth about any one that may have caught his interest, to the point it was hard to shut him up about it.
“It was always there but I guess I just ignored it or buried it because I didn’t want to acknowledge it. Maybe I was scared it would change everything, I’d rather stay in the safety of the boundaries already erected. What’s to say it wouldn’t all go to ruins. So it was nice how I was able to lie to the point those thoughts wouldn’t frequent my mind so much. But it’s getting harder and harder. It would be better if these treacherous thoughts just burned to ashes, I don’t want to think about it. I don’t want to think about him.”
Ginny looked at her brother who seemed to be on the verge of actual tears. That was one of his tells. The boy would and could easily cry, whether it was dramatic sobs or just tears but when it comes to stuff that truly mattered and was deeply hidden in his heart, he’d become more vulnerable, closing up and trying his best to not even shed a tear.
She also suspects she may know who this mystery man is. She had her suspicions about the two already, it was more of a when rather than an if. “Why are you reluctant?” Luna softly asked, voice barely above a whisper, as if scared to break whatever silent spell hung over them.
Harry let out a watery laugh, sounding too bitter and deprecating for her liking, “that’s it. That’s the thing. Whatever relationship I have ends, they all come to an end so easily.” Then in a softer than ever, almost a mumble, “I’ve known as young as five how easy it was for people to leave. I’m scared. I don't want to lose him. He’s the only one that stayed since then, I can’t lose Tom.”
Ginny pursed her lips at the mention of Harry’s childhood. He seldom rarely if ever, talks or even mentions it. What she did know was that if she ever had a run in with those damned Dursleys, she'd definitely send them to the ER. She’d see to it they do.
The redhead inhaled through her nose, trying to calm herself. Luna, as if noticing her state, reached out her hand behind Harry and she reached out too, squeezing it reassuringly. GIving her girlfriend a confident nod and squeezing it one more time before letting it go.
“Harry,” she said gingerly, the teen blinked up at her, looking like he was emerging from a world all his own. “You know, I think you should go for it. Do not live your life by these rules. Don’t drown yourself, it’s not good to stay submerged in the water forever. You have to break through the surface to take a breath. We’re here. We all are.”
Harry gave her a wobbly smile and she smiled back fiercely, hoping to reassure him. “Plus,” she started, slyly, “If anything, Tom is the most persistent and resilient prick I have ever met.” Although it was stated teasingly it was also in equal parts-if not, more in annoyance.
She remembers how much she had wanted to strangle the boy in her first year. He had been a pain to deal with, the asshole had thought she had a thing for Harry and would not let her know rest while disarmingly smiling all the while. Even though that misunderstanding had been resolved, that shitty prefect to this day is a total pain to deal with.
Harry was still smiling at her before his expression froze, eyes going wide before a nervous laugh broke out. “Ah ha ha...ha. Wh-what are you talking about? Tom!” It was truly something to watch him trying to cover up his mishap, the way his voice practically pitched at the bastard’s name was a dead giveaway.
“What Tom. No, no. umm, I was talking about a-oh yes! My crush she’s a girl. Wh-where did you even get a boy and on top of that, Tom?!” He continued laughing it off, at the rise of her eyebrow, his laugh teetered off.
Why was she surrounded by idiots who’s been holding a fucking flaming torch for their longtime friend? Everywhere she goes, there's one. She can’t even look at the mirror without seeing one. What kind of fate was this?
“Puh-lease. Save it, we’re way past that. So let’s not go dredging it up, hmm? It’s impossibly lifespan reducing.”
“Well, I think you should go for it as well,” both looked towards the blonde. Harry's face was hesitant and worried. They both watched as Luna seemed to be rather not looking at his face but rather somewhere higher, around the top of his crown. Luna hummed, nodding to herself, “definitely should.”
Harry nodded along although albeit still somewhat unsure.
“So…” the ginger started, smirking, causing the lovestruck teen to gulp cautiously. “What brought this little crisis on?” Harry groaned, rubbing at his burning face, “you really know how to ask ‘em.” Her smirk only turned sharper.
“Well spill thy tea.”
“well...Aghhh!” Harry furiously rubbed at his cheeks, fully flushed. “It wasn’t my fault. How could I not? Do you know what he had on?” Harry started off almost conspiratorially. “He had on a sleeveless band tee, and no that’s not even all. On top of that, you know what this traitorous bastard did? He had piercings! Oh yes. When he said he wouldn’t be caught dead or living when I asked him to do it with me. Can you believe it?! The nerve ! But...all that went out the window when I was met with those smudged eyes.”
Harry started yelling (fanboying) while rubbing his cheeks some more. On the other hand, Ginny’s jaws widened more and more as she was given all the details, “no fucking way.” With a hand over her mouth, and mirth and disbelief shining in her eyes.
“Way.” Harry nodded. “He also had on boots. Combat boots! How could I not notice it from the start!”
“Shut up! Are you fucking for real? Oh my god! I need photo proof right now. Do you hear this Luna? It’s fucking surreal.”
“How could that not ignite my already smoldering feelings! My heart went into cardiac arrest, I almost needed CPR.”
Ginny wiggles her brows suggestively, “ooh, I bet you wanted no needed some CPR and maybe even something more.”
--
Harry knocked on the door, nerves on an all time high and heart palpitations that of a sugar rush addict. But he’s seeing this through, he didn’t spend the whole of yesterday and night with Luna and Ginny trying to boost up his confidence for nothing. No, he will not let their efforts go to waste, he will see it through.
The door opened and he was greeted with the sight of Tom. The older of the two had a blank face which made him a bit more unnerved than before. His mind was in overdrive, fretting over what happened the last time he was here. He had left without a word after an outburst. He wanted to dig a hole and hide there forever.
Tom didn’t say anything, only moving to the side to let him in. Harry cautiously walked in, without saying much either. Silence hung over them, like heavy roiling clouds. They both walked towards the couch with an unsaid agreement.
Harry as always chose to head towards his favorite side of the couch. Tom was sitting down on the other end just as Harry was going for his favorite one and only plushie, Nagini. When he felt her be a bit heavier to pick up than normal, only to see her tail end was crushed between Tom and the couch.
He did not know what overcame him. Maybe it was because of habit or because his nerves were high strung at this point. But he forcibly tugged with all his strength, making Tom stumble to the side, body slightly rolling against the armchair. Tom blinked, eyes just slightly wide. Stunned once again, having a moment of deja vu. He readjusted himself after it was free of the tail.
Harry was crying internally and screeching. He wanted to bang his head against the table, how could it get any more awkward. But damn the conversation, Nagini was his. He won the custody battle over her, Tom only had visiting rights. And dammit, he will have her to himself, he needs the extra support. And he will get it.
So Harry sat down, tightly hugging the giant plushie like a lifeline, not easing his grip a bit. So there they sat...in silence, neither one of them willing to start the already awkward conversation. What a bust. It had already gone to hell shit before it even started. Harry was very much internally crying, he bet Ginny would be laughing her ass off if she witnessed this.
Harry went to clear his throat, hearing the same from the other end. They both turned and looked at each other before turning away from one another again. He clenched his eyes shut, saying fuck it to all.
“I have a crush!”
“I apologize.”
At that, they both sharply turned to look at one another. Harry looked back in surprise while Tom’s brows furrowed the slightest bit, lips pursed. He looked...unpleasant…?
“Isn’t it a bit too soon?” Was the question Tom asked after smoothing out his face although Harry could still see the slight crease to his brows. He was blindsided by the question. “Oh, um. I…” what the fuck was he supposed to say to that. Oh hey Tom no worries, it’s not a new crush. Oh no, well you see, your best friend has been holding a torch for you since his second year. Oh yeah, nothing too soon.
At the look on Harry's face, Tom sat up a bit straighter. “I didn’t mean it in that way. I just thought you’d like to take some time to heal. You normally take a few months even for just one-sided crushes…”
Harry exhaled a sigh, he turned so his body faced the man that he’s pining for. “Tom,” at the mention of his name, the man in question perked, his body also fully turning towards Harry. “Would,” he swallowed, “would our relationship ever change?”
Tom frowned, “change…? What do you mean?”
“I mean” he was listlessly looking around anywhere but Tom’s face. “Is there anything I could ever do that could make you hate me or leave me?” Tom’s face took on a more stricken look, “Harry, what’s wrong? No, I would never hate or leave you. What brought this on? Is there something going on?”
“Umm, no. Nothing like that...Per se. But say like,” he looked away shyly, fidgety around with the plushie in his hand. “In the sense of dating…”
“Oh.” Tom’s demeanor changed a bit at that, eyes looking a bit narrowed he looked a bit colder, it was almost imperceptible. “No Harry I wouldn’t be, I mean you went and dated Malfoy. Is there any worse than that?”
Harry let out a startled chuckle at the reminder.
“So who’s this lucky person who holds your affections?”
Harry mumbled out, “you.”
It was so low and barely audible, Harry didn't think Tom would’ve heard it but guess he was wrong. Harry was shocked still when a hand came rushing towards him out of nowhere, was he about to get hit. Tom had heard him, was this it? So shocked Harry couldn’t even dodge if he tried. He had been horrified that Tom would react badly, he was prepared for yelling or unpleasantness but he hadn't thought Tom would actually fucking hit him! The look in Tom's eyes was one he’s never seen before, he couldn’t grasp what it could mean but it was dark.
Just closing his eyes preparing for the impact but what he felt instead of a harsh pain blooming across his feature was instead a soft tender kiss placed upon his forehead. The action had his breath stuttering. Blinking to get his bearings. He was getting whiplash from all this.
Tom, whispered just barely an inch away, breathless and reverent, “say it again?”
Harry, a bit dazed, answered “you?”
“Say it again. Who is it, say the name?”
“I'm in love with you, Tom.” Harry breathed out.
A chuckle left Tom, his grip on Harry's head was a bit firmer as Tom rubbed his forehead against his. “Do you know just how long I’ve waited for those words? I thought I would never hear those words in this lifetime.”
Was this really happening? He could feel his head spinning. Could this really be happening, it doesn’t feel real. Was it truly this easy, it feels like a trap. He couldn’t believe that Tom could even reciprocate his feeling let alone hold feelings for him for who knows how long.
“You-you better not be lying?” Harry clicked his mouth shut as he felt a hiccup almost bubble up, his eyes no doubt lined with unshed tears. He furiously kept them, worried if he blinked they would come falling down.
Tom let out a low laugh, eyes looking at him intently. As if searching as if he himself couldn't believe it was real. “It was torturous waiting. Seconds felt like hours sometimes but I would. I would wait for you, however long you needed. It doesn't feel real at all. Out of all the things I was expecting you to say...it was surely not you confessing to me.” Tom looked at him, eyes warm and fond, “you never cease to surprise me, do you?”
“But-...what if this is all a dream, Tom. What if I fell asleep on the couch and this is just a dream. Seems like something that would happen to me because this feels unreal.” Harry clutched at the other’s wrist, the seed of doubt already taking hold. He was scared to let go, that if he did, all this would crumble away.
“Know that in whatever realm, dream or reality. That these feelings are the same and will not change.”
Harry sniffed, hugging Tom, Nagini stuck between them. It really was happening, it’s real! “Why didn't you say anything, you idiot.” He cried out, “I could’ve totally avoided this whole crisis. I could've been dating you who knows how long ago.”
The other chuckled, patting at his back, “would you believe me if I said I was scared to lose you?” Harry leaned back, giving Tom a curious look, “the Tom, scared he was going to lose. Now that’s truly something.”
Tom sighed, content, “it truly is, isn’t it? But you are known to be quite skittish as well, so I had to tread carefully.” He pursed his lips at that but then shrugged, it was true. They both dropped to lay on the couch. Harry let himself fully cuddle against Tom, cheeks full and puffed from just how much he was smiling.
They laid like that for a while, content and relaxed to just soak in each other’s presence. Harry happily snuggled with Nagini on top of Tom’s chest while the other traced patterns on his back. “Do you want to kiss?” Harry abruptly lifted his head, meeting Tom’s eyes which were shining with mirth.
He let his head fall against the other’s chest, blush fully in place, “oh my god.” He softly hit against the other’s chest. “Aren’t we going a bit fast? Not even a date and you’re already asking for a kiss. How shameless." He was shifting and squirming around as he fanboyed, Tom holding an arm up so he wouldn't roll off the couch.
“Was that you coyly asking for a date?”
“Maybe~ Why are you trying to take me out?” Harry teased, grinning toothily. Tom played along, face contemplative for a while before Harry hit him again causing the other to laugh and wrap his arms around him. “I was just teasing. That's been the plan the whole time.”
“When are we going? Today! This evening!”
“Well, aren’t you eager.”
“Maybe we should count this as a date. Gin and Luna does this, having a little date at home.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you badly wanted to get that kiss.”
“Hmmm, maybe I do.”
“A little unofficial one?”
Harry nodded, leaning down to Tom’s face, lips only a centimeter away, “a little unofficial one.”
--
Ginny was once again on the couch lazing around since it was raining when the thought hit her. Maybe that prick will now stop terrorizing people. Followed up by another, that maybe she should have warned Harry, she shook her head, those two idiots aren’t her problem anymore.
Content with her answer, she glomped all her weight on Luna, snuggling to chase away the cold.