Dates

Part 1

Harry has been coming to the same outdoor bookstore on his lunch for months. Mostly because of the books, but there was always a customer that showed up around noon that drew his attention. He swore it was the sun shining on platinum blond hair that was to blame and not actual attraction. That debate had only lasted till striking grey eyes regarded him for a few passing seconds. So maybe it was more than the sun.       

               What helped was the knowing smirk the man wore, as if he knew of Harry’s attraction and found it amusing. Well, Harry certainly wasn’t going to cave and admit anything if that was the kind of attitude the stranger held.

               “He’s cute.” A somewhat familiar voice had Harry’s head snapping up and realizing that he was holding up an entire line while he had been busy staring.

               “Er,” Harry supplied inelegantly as he handed the cashier, Ginny, too much change. 

               When an older woman yelled for them to hurry up, he rushed away—ignoring Ginny’s smirk. Harry sunk into a chair and wished that the embarrassed flush he could feel on his skin would actually eat him whole instead of broadcasting his embarrassment.

               Harry closed his eyes for a second before peering at the stranger who he may have a crush on. When grey met green, Harry quickly opened his newest book at random and pretended to read it. The embarrassed flush that had barely begun to leave, came back full force when he realized that the book was upside down. Why did he even bother? Clearly leaving his flat had been the highest accomplishment of the day.

               “You are kind of a mess, aren’t you?”

               Harry startled as he looked up in time to see the stranger sit right next to him.

               “Excuse you?” Harry might not be the smoothest when it came to social outings, but he could rise to insults very well. Not that that was something to necessarily be proud of.

               A smirk began to form, and Harry was either annoyed or turned on by it—he wasn’t too sure which.

               Before the man could explain away his rude behavior, a shout of Harry’s name had him turning his head.

               “Oh, no,” Harry breathed, biting his lip in panic. He turned to the man next to him and adopted a very pleading face. “I will buy your next ten book purchases if you pretend to be my ex.”

               The man blinked rapidly, eyebrows arching in surprise. “What—your ex? Why would—”

               “Please?” Harry interrupted, lip quivering in a dramatic effect that had the man’s shoulders slumping.

               “Make it fifteen books, your number, and a coffee date and we’ll be even.”

               Harry’s heart stuttered as his mind tried to get up to speed. “Is that—are you asking me ou—” He was cut off by another excited shout of his name, only this time much closer. In his complete panic, Harry scooted so close to the other man that his thigh was passing all kinds of personal boundaries.