Just Friends

Chapter 9

The room was filled with a quiet intensity as Theo and Draco lay on the bed, their eyes locked on each other, a silent understanding passed between them after they declared their best friend status. Emotions swirled within them, each acknowledging the significance in their own way. Draco found solace in the thought of holding a distinct place in Theo's life, while Theo revelled in the satisfaction of now being able to claim Draco as his best friend, a connection even surpassing Draco's bond with Blaise or any of his other friends.

"Hey there, bunk mates!" Blaise exclaimed with a sudden leap onto the bed, wedging himself between Draco and Theo.

Theo jolted upright, clearly taken aback by Blaise's sudden arrival. "What the fuck, Zabini?" His voice carried a sharp edge, irritation evident in his tone. Draco, still lying down, wore a perplexed expression as he fixed his gaze on Blaise, who lay beside him. Blaise returned the look with a wide grin.

"Oh, lighten up, Theo. I couldn't find Edward's tent, so I thought I'd crash here with you guys," Blaise said with an infectious cheer, turning to face Theo.

Theo shot him an impatient look. "Let's go find his tent,I'll help you," he suggested, clearly eager to usher Blaise out.

"Nah, it's too late for that. I bet he's already out cold. Plus, I'd rather spend the night with my besties right here," Blaise declared, stretching his arms around Draco and the still-sitting Theo, playfully patting Theo on the backside.

Theo swatted away Blaise's hand, irritation evident in his retort, "We are not besties, Blaise."

"Come on, Theodore, don't deny our unbreakable bond. Besides, this tent is supposed to be for me and Draco; you're the third wheel here." Blaise teased, a sly grin creeping onto his face, which earned him a piercing look from Theo. "Well, Theo, if you're not up for sleeping, that's on you. But Draco and I are hitting the hay. Good night," Blaise turned towards Draco, wrapping his arms around him comfortably, settling in with a contented smile. Draco appeared bewildered, eyes darting between Blaise and Theo, trying to make sense of the situation.

Theo was taken aback when Blaise unexpectedly embraced Draco. Moving in swiftly, he intervened, attempting to pull Blaise away. "If you're sleeping, just sleep. Why make it complicated?" His annoyance was palpable.

Blaise chuckled as Theo tugged him away. "What, Theodore? I'm just being cosy here."

After pulling Blaise away to the opposite end of the bed, Theo swiftly claimed his spot beside Draco. "You sleep over there; I'll be with my best friend ," he emphasised, playfully sticking out his tongue at Blaise before turning his attention to Draco.

"No, you guys were hardly friends. I'm his best friend, so I should sleep next to him," Blaise argued, attempting to squeeze himself between Theo and Draco again.

Theo blocked Blaise with his hands, determined not to relinquish his space. A struggle ensued as they jostled, both fighting for the coveted spot beside Draco.

Amidst their tussle, Draco suddenly rose to his feet. "How about I just leave you two to it and I'll just head on over to Edward's?" Draco suggested casually, grabbing his coat before calmly stepping out of the tent.

Blaise and Theo were left gaping at Draco's swift departure, surprised by his abrupt exit.

"This is all your fault, Zabini," Theo scolded, smacking him on the arm with the back of his hand as he disentangled himself from Blaise. Blaise responded with a guilty chuckle, rolling over to the other side of the bed.

*****

As Draco stepped out of the tent, he had no intention of seeking out Edward's tent. What he craved was some solitary time. The realisation of how close Blaise and Theo were caught him off guard, though Draco found it rather comforting. Having someone else genuinely caring for Theo felt like a positive revelation.