End of Sallow

***The world could be ours tonight

CW: BIRTHDAY SMOOTS.

Guys, this chapter 8k words. It was 21 pages in a word document. Sorry.

"You have to master yourself. You have to control yourself. Everything. Emotions, actions, reactions.

Control it.

Control. It.

CONTROL. IT."

---x---

He was trying so hard to not grin like an idiot.

Charlie had held his hand the entire way back to the house, and even into the house, where he was surprised with the streamers and balloons and 'happy birthday' sign. All in all, it made him feel like a child. And immensely happy.

Charlie released his hand as Anne swept him up in a hug and kissed his forehead. "Careful with that one, her father is a bit protective," she murmured affectionately, and he grinned and hugged her back tightly, biting back a laugh. He was far too giddy over this.

All because Charlie had held his hand, his birthday was being celebrated, and Anne had given her approval. Something that he wasn't even aware he needed until now.

He was elated.

"She's quite a handful herself," Anne added, and as if on cue, Charlie proved her right.

"You told them about Malfoy?!"

Theo released Anne quickly to come to Levi's aid. Charlie had all but launched herself towards Levi but Theo had his arm around her waist and was holding him against his side in an instant.

For the sake of saving Levi, who was standing next to Ominis, who looked... resigned to the chaos that Charlie had brought.

"I was just worried about you!" Levi said loudly over her snarlings, giving Theo a look of grateful relief. Theo grinned.

"Maybe I should write about your love life, Levi!"

His grin dropped and he sighed, watching as Levi's face fell as he looked to his father.

"Levi? You have someone you're courting?"

Charlie had stopped struggling and he found it safe to loosen his hold on her, though he kept his arm around her. He liked the feeling.

Charlie looked a bit guilty, until Levi glared at her and she flipped him off in retaliation.

"Levi?" Ominis pressed.

"I meant lack of love life, Uncle," Charlie mumbled, trying to – unsuccessfully – smooth over the reveal of Levi's new girlfriend.

Tessa, who either have impeccable timing or wanted to save her daughter from the absolute awkwardness she'd caused, called for Charlie to come into the kitchen.

Charlie sprinted.

"I don't understand, why won't you tell us?" Ominis asked, confused, and Theo decided he didn't want to be in there either. He followed Charlie as Anne and Ominis spoke to Levi and Theo disappeared right after hearing. "Is it because you prefer men? You must know that we'll accept you, no matter what."

He walked in, coming to stand behind Charlie quietly, seeing Tessa lean over to kiss Sebastian's cheek as she stirred something in a mixing bowl, filled with some kind of batter.

His stomach rumbled at just the thought of eating Tessa and Charlie's cooking.

Tessa turned to look at Charlie but caught sight of him behind her and smiled. "Theodore! What kind of birthday cake do you want?"