Love For Blood

Chapter Twenty-One

Harry laughed brightly as he held his shopping bags to his chest. He had finally finished getting gifts for all of his loved ones. He had to look around at different stores seeing as how he had to buy for very different people. Now, he had accounted for all of the Weasleys, Hermione, Luna, his dormmates, Sirius and Remus. He had even managed to sneak a gift for Draco behind his back.

Draco had also spent the trip picking up gifts of varying sizes. Although, much less than Harry had bought. Although, that might have been due to Draco already buying most of his gifts. He did seem the type to shop early.

Now, they were heading off to eat at the Three Broomsticks. He and Draco had carried on lighthearted banter the entire time. It was comfortable, without any of the awkward tension he had been accepted. Draco acted as he always had, snarky and confident but caring when the moment called for it. It was refreshing to not have to hold his tongue in fear of saying the wrong thing.

There was one difference, however. Unlike before, his usual behavior had begun to include small touches and shows of affection. Intertwining their fingers when walking, wrapping an arm around his shoulders or waist, and even light kisses at times. Harry was glad that everyone was so caught up in their holiday shopping that they didn't pay the PDA any mind.

Not that Harry didn't enjoy the open displays of affection, because he really did. But Merlin, they'd be on the front cover for weeks if the profit caught wind of this. He could already picture the slanderous headlines about them, accompanied with out-of-context statements that would conclude without a doubt to something along the lines of him being brainwashed. All because Draco had a Slytherin bloodline and his relatives had been acquainted with Voldermort before he was born.

It was ridiculous, but a truth that many believed. That evil was dressed in silver and green. And even Harry himself had believed it for a while. He had been so scared when had found out that Slytherin was the house he should've belonged to. Scared of what it meant to be in a house with that much stigma.

And now, in what had been to originally spite Draco, he was decked out in red and gold. Something often acquainted to brave heroes who fought for justice. Sometimes, he truly thought it was a cruel expectation to hold over someone. To always be brave and strong. Everyone crumbles sometimes, even the strong ones.

It was overwhelming sometimes. Then again, he had no place to complain. He had chosen this fate himself. So what if he was doomed to drowning in unrealistic expectations. At least he had someone to laugh about them with.

He looked over at Draco who was quietly humming to Christmas song playing softly in the background. It was probably one in wizarding culture, for he wasn't familiar with the soft beat. He gently squeezed the blond's hand, causing the boy in question to turn to him instantly.

At seeing the content smile on Harry's face, Draco's gaze softened and a small smile overtook his face. It was moments like this that made everything buzzing in his mind come to a peaceful halt. At that moment all of the noise faded away, leaving only him and Harry.

Maybe he'd regret all of this one day. Getting so attached so quickly. Falling without any resistance. But at that moment, Draco didn't think twice about leaning forward and catching the Gryffindor's soft lips.

He was met with a small squeak of surprise, but the other boy began to kiss him back instantly. It wasn't anything heated or overly intense. It was more akin to a soft reminder that they cared for each other. That this was more than just friends. That they were more.

Draco pulled away with a chuckle. He placed a hand against Harry's flushed cheek.

"You're all red. We should get you inside," Draco said in false concern, a shit-eating grin covering his face.