A/N: Thanks to all who favourited and are following this story. You make me feel so proud of myself. (≧∇≦)This chapter is dedicated to Seeing Sasha and Mutant Goddess, as well as Hellcat for cheering me up with their reviews. I love you guys!
Ch. 4
-It's a dream. Just a dream. I did not see Angelus' eyes on a Seal. Nope, I did not. Must have had some crazy drink with Hagrid to have such a crazy dream. Yes, I must have.-
That was Harry's rather long mantra that he repeated in his head while he shut his eyes tightly, unwilling to believe what he saw.
But, denial could only last so long before reality sunk in. Gathering all of his Gryffindor courage (which he didn't feel like he had), he eventually opened his eyes. Slowly. And promptly groaned while slinging his arm over his eyes.
Damn. So it wasn't a dream. Harry was really tempted to close his eyes again but it wasn't worth seeing An's nervous face. Nothing was. Ewww. Since when did I become so -so mushy? An does strange things to Harry. He makes him nervous, his stomach becomes funny. It bubbles!
Seriously. What kind of stomach bubbles?
Now Harry. You are a Gryffindor. You can do it. No more procrastinating, just uncover your eyes and-
"Harry?"
Oh dear Merlin. I can't do it. Breathe in. Breathe out. Just stop covering your eyes!
A bemused snort sounded. "You know Harry, your face is an open book right now. I can tell everything that you're feeling just from one look." An paused before continuing with a sigh, "I understand if you do not want me to stay by your side. However, I would like a chance to explain myself if you would allow it."
Harry didn't like the way An was speaking. So formally. He was never that formal with Harry before, and he didn't like it. At all. His tone was bitter too as if he knew that Harry would never give him a chance. As if he had experienced this rejection so many times, he expected Harry to be the same.
Well, too bad Harry was always an exception to such rules.
He sat up and held An's face in his hands, forcing him to look at Harry in the eyes. Eyes wrinkling in slight amusement, he said seriously, "Angelus, I do still want your company. It's just... kind of an overload for me right now. I mean *chuckle* if Ron or Hermione were to become animals, I would faint too! Not that you should mention that ever again..."
Eyes widening, An looked away with a light blush across his face. Awwww, how cute, he was embarrassed! His eyes then half-lidded (A/N: is this the way to use it? I'm not sure...) and he peeked at Harry shyly from under his lashes. "Really? You still want to have me around? Even though I'm... not human?" He stared at Harry wonderingly, realising not for the first time that Harry was a blessing to him after all who had rejected him.
Harry's mouth opened to answer but just then raindrops started to pellet down on them and he realised that they were still out in the fields, beside the rock at the Lake. He grabbed An's hand and pulled him up while he stood, running inside. "Hurry up! Don't think you'd want to be sick!"
XxxX
They ran into the Entrance Hall and unfortunately slipped. Both landed on their backs, heads knocking against the stone floor, giving a loud thunk! Panting and laughing, Harry and An stared at one another. Out of the blue An's laughter bordered on hysteria and tears streamed down his checks, he broke down.
Covering his face, he howled and wailed, mourning for the loss of what could've been and gratitude for his acceptation. Harry could only look after him in concern. After all, he above all understood how the past rejections would've affected one when met with approval. His need to be accepted conflicted with what others made him feel: useless, worthless, dirty. No matter how much time it had been since, those words would forever be imdebbed in his mind.
After raving for a few long moments, An finally calmed down from his despair. Breathing somewhat raggedly, he gently laid his head on Harry's shoulder and whispered,"Thank you. For not refusing me. For everything." Looking up at Harry, he smiled wanly before closing his eyes and dozing into a light sleep.
His whole demeanour softened as Harry looked upon An. The lines on his face smoothened and his body relaxed into Harry. An should look like this more often; so sweet and pure... He tried to resist, he did. But temptation proved to be too strong, and sighing in self-mocking, he bent down. Closed his eyes... And kissed his An on the forehead.
I'll always be there for you.
PS. I know this is short. I know this was long overdue. Inspiration ain't coming in and I keep filling up the other bunnies stored in my device. HELP! I also know that the last few parts are kind of confusing... I will edit it (I think) on a later date. Ciao.
