Harry's party was in full swing and like the last one Charlie had not shown. Harry tried not to be disappointed. Tons of his friends had turned out and everyone seemed to be having a lot of fun. Laughing and dancing while drinking heavily even Ginny had made an appearance. At the moment she appeared to be dancing rather suggestively with a delighted looking Dean Thomas.
Harry didn't want to be a buzz kill but still he found himself leaning against the wall, speaking to no one and drinking a fizzy but very strong beverage. He smiled whenever anyone spoke to him but overall he'd wished they'd all just leave. The party was Hermione and Ron's idea Harry had just wanted to stay in and maybe watch some telly. Harry didn't mind he knew his friends loved that he had his own place where they could enact their legal right to drink without having to justify it to their parents. He just wanted to see Charlie.
He'd told himself if Charlie showed he'd make a move. Charlie wasn't a close friend after all and he doubted the Weasley's would disown him for it and when it went badly he could always blame it on the drinking. Harry downed his glass, not that it mattered as Charlie had chosen not to show up at all. Not, Harry supposed, that he'd really said he would. Harry had just hoped. Feeling disgusted with himself Harry set his glass down on the nearest hard surface and went to his room.
Sadly his room was already occupied by a desperately snogging Neville Longbottom and Hannah Abbott. Harry left before they saw him feeling that at least someone was having a good time. He pushed through his well wishers receiving many slaps on the back and congratulatory slaps along the way before finally opening the door of his flat and leaving them to it.
Walking quickly down a flight of stairs and out into the hot summer night Harry was brought up short. A tall red haired man was leaning against the streetlamp in front of his flat. His eyes were directed up to the second floor from which the clear sounds of merry making were drifting down. Harry thought to himself that he'd better cast some silencing wards after today's party otherwise he'd have some very put out neighbors. For the moment though Harry could only stare in shock at the man in front of him.
"Charlie?"
Charlie had arrived on time for the party, he'd even made it to the door before turning around and going back downstairs. Since then he'd just been standing watching. Possibly hoping Harry would come to the window and see him. He knew it was a bit creepy and completely cowardly. He'd faced Dragons, battled death eaters and fallen from broomsticks without hesitation yet somehow going in there and telling Harry Potter he was hopelessly in love with him was far more terrifying.
Instead he just stood there going over the plan in his head. He'd go up there say his bit be politely declined and then leave. Easy that, like falling off a broom. How did one tell Harry Potter they were in love with him or at least they hoped to be? Charlie had almost resolved to leave forget the whole thing but then Ron's words would float back to him and he'd pause stuck between cowardice and courage.
This was how Harry found him nearly an hour after Charlie had arrived. Harry was now staring at him his green eyes wide and questioning.
"How long have you been out here?"
"Oh. . .err. Not long."
"You could've apparated right in. Didn't Ron tell you?" He had but Charlie shook his head anyhow then shrugged.
"Well yes but I've never been so I thought it'd be better to land somewhere I knew no one would be." Surprisingly Harry's face broke into a grin.
"Ron told me about your test." For a moment Charlie drew a blank before the image of himself dropping on top of some poor old woman flashed back into his head. He laughed.
"Yeah I'd hate to have history repeat itself. What are you doing out here anyhow? You seem to be having a very successful party upstairs." Charlie asked curious. Harry flashed him a guilty grin.
"Just needed a bit of air." Charlie nodded understanding. While they'd been having this little back and forth Harry had been slowly moving closer and Charlie suddenly found himself within inches of the other man. He was looking down into Harry's eyes and he was suddenly acutely aware of his own body. His heart was beating loudly in his chest and his breath was coming in and out rather heavily. Harry was looking up at him and Charlie realized it was his turn to talk.
"So-" Charlie paused having nothing to follow it up with but Harry didn't seem to notice he was moving even closer. Charlie could now feel the other man's breath against his chin. Suddenly Harry took a deep breath and then before Charlie could move or even think Harry pressed his soft lips against his own. For a moment neither of them moved. Charlie was surprised at just how soft Harry's lips were.
Before he could really appreciate it or even deepen the kiss Harry had pulled away.
"Sorry, I just- - - I'll see you inside" Harry turned and moved walked back inside the building.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
Harry'd really fucked it up this time. He couldn't believe he'd just kissed Charlie and because he hadn't been holding a drink and speaking in an utterly reasonable way he couldn't even blame it on the liquor. Stupid.
He was halfway down the hall when someone grabbed his arm and tugged him back. Charlie spun him around and pushed him up against a nearby wall. His body was flush against Harry's so close Harry was sure Charlie could feel his heart pounding.
"Sorry lets try that again." Charlie said gruffly and then he was kissing him. This wasn't like before. Harry had been quick and timid but Charlie seemed to be kissing him like it was going out of style. Charlie's hands had found their way to Harry's waist and were gripping him tightly holding him in place. Harry moved his hands up to wrap them around Charlie's neck letting his fingers trace the skin there. Charlie moaned and Harry used the chance to slip his tongue into the other man's mouth.
They stood like that for several minutes kissing desperately before they broke off panting heavily. Charlie leaned his forehead against Harry's and looked into his eyes.
"Want to go back upstairs?" Harry swallowed then nodded.
"Yeah I have a room there with a bed."
Authors Note: So I seem to find myself lacking inspiration/motivation. I always find it helps to read a story featuring my leads when this happens to me to get me back in the mood for their love. If anyone knows any good Charlie/Harry stories let me know. I could use the inspiration to get this thing going again.
Thanks again for all the lovely reviews!
