Gift-Giving Extravaganza: Emryses

Prompts:

Drarry

Solangelo

Cute fluff

Muggle/Mortals AU

Coffee shop AU

"Shut up." / "Make me."

"You're honestly so annoying. I have no idea why I love you."

Word Count: 4444

Harry Potter had seen many troubled people come into his coffee shop, and he'd done his best to cater to their caffeine-related needs. Sometimes, when there weren't as many customers in the shop, Harry would stop and talk to the shop's regulars. People often told him he was like a ray of sunshine, able to make people feel better about their day whenever he offered them a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a bright smile.

One young teenager came to the coffee shop every day at six in the evening, sat at the same table by the window, and always ordered the same drink: a caramel macchiato. The boy never moved from his spot until it was closing time, but since he always bought at least three cups of coffee by the time he left, Harry didn't mind.

Harry was curious about why the boy never looked away from the window. It was a fairly mundane sight. A young woman named Thalia Grace owned the tattoo shop across the street. On its right was a public park where people often came to walk their dogs.

Every time he walked past the boy, Harry wondered if the blond was stalking someone or simply people-watching. What was going on?

Finally, one day, Harry's questions were answered.

The first of the winter's frost had just started cloaking the autumn leaves on the trees near the coffee shop. The cold had begun to seep through the customers' clothes, and Harry had to turn on the heater to warm the ice crystals forming on the window-pane. As the air outside turned frigid, Harry's coffee shop became a haven for people to escape into and grab a hot cup of coffee that would warm not only their hands but also their souls.

The number of customers waxed and waned, but the teenage boy never stopped coming to the shop. Not even when the country was hit with the biggest snowstorm of the year. As Harry's flat was right above the coffee shop, he didn't have any trouble in pulling the shutters up that morning. But he knew not that many people would venture out in the storm, and he was right.

Harry didn't have any customers that day… until the clock struck six and, like clockwork, the blond boy stumbled into the shop. His shoulders were hunched, his hands buried deep within his indigo jacket, and his golden strands standing on their ends, tinged with the frost.

The boy panted as he stumbled his way towards his usual table, his cheeks red. Harry hurried over to the boy's side, startled by his appearance.

"Are you out of your mind? It's freezing out there!" he exclaimed.

The boy dropped his head onto the table with a soft thunk and breathed in, calming himself before he spoke. "I'm fine, I'm fine… I'll have a caramel—"

"Caramel macchiato, I know," Harry said, running to the counter to make him his usual beverage. He couldn't believe the boy had come to his coffee shop in the middle of a snowstorm. What was wrong with him?

When he brought the steaming cup of coffee to the boy, the latter chugged on it so fast it should have scalded his tongue. Harry watched in awe as the boy placed the cup on the table and looked up at him, his cheeks tinged pink.

"I think I burnt my tongue," the boy murmured, sticking his tongue out. His eyes crossed as he tried to inspect it, and Harry burst into laughter.

"That's the least of your worries, kid," Harry said, shaking his head lightly. "I'd be more worried about the frostbite."

"Don't worry, I'm warm-blooded. Mum used to say I practically glowed with it." The boy shook the droplets of melted snow from his hair and turned to look out to gaze out the window.

Harry followed his gaze. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but… what brings you here today? It must be something really important if you're here today of all days."

The boy ducked his head to hide his face, but Harry could see his ears turning red. He was about to apologise for his direct question when the boy said shyly, "It's… complicated…"

"Maybe you'd feel better after talking about it," Harry said with a shrug. He didn't have anything else to do — and sure, he was nosey. It had been years!

"Well, okay," the boy said, straightening up. Harry sat down as the boy gazed out the window and fiddled with his cup as he said, "There's this… boy I like, and… I want him to like me back."

"So? What's wrong in that?" That didn't sound too complicated to Harry.

"The problem is that he's… he's one of those stoic type people — you know? The ones who'll die before they tell you they have feelings for you?" The boy waved his hands around as he spoke. "I know he likes me back, but he refuses to admit it! I mean why is it so hard for him to just come out and say 'Will, I like you. Go out with me?' I've asked him out so many times, but he always shoots me down by saying something sassy like 'Solace, I'm having a headache this weekend.' Is there something wrong with me?"

Harry pursed his lips to muffle his laughter. The boy, (named Will Solace, it appeared), had the same problem Harry used to have when he'd first started liking Draco Malfoy, his incredibly hot neighbour.

Will continued to rant. "I'm smart, handsome, funny, and interested in him. I've been coming to your shop just to watch him work in the tattoo shop for the past two years! What else does he want me to do?"

"Wait… You're interested in Nico?" Nico was the young boy who studied as an apprentice under Thalia, rumoured to be her cousin. Harry had met the duo, and he could easily admit that they both looked and acted similarly. Both had black hair and dark eyes that seemed to stare into your soul. Harry had never seen them wear anything but black; Nico never went anywhere without his black aviator jacket.

Will's head shot up to look at Harry, his eyes wide. "You know him?" When Harry nodded, Will's eyes lit up in obvious excitement. "Isn't he just wonderful? He's so pretty with his cheekbones and eyes and those lips… Man, I wish I could just—"

Harry coughed loudly; he had no interest in knowing exactly what Will wished he could do with Nico's lips or any other body part. Fortunately, Will quickly shut up.

There were a few uncomfortable moments of silence before Harry finally cleared his throat. "So… Nico, huh? My boyfriend is exactly like him," he admitted, rubbing the nape of his neck.

"Really? Like Nico?" Will sounded surprised, and Harry was curious as to why. When he voiced his question, Will shrugged and said, "No, it's just that… you don't seem the type to have a partner like Nico."

Harry threw his head back and laughed heartily, the sound echoing through the empty shop. He wiped the tears from his eyes and said, "Actually, we're more alike than you'd think. I, too, had a similar problem with my boyfriend when we first met. No matter what I did, all he'd say to me was 'Shut up, Potter. You lower my IQ level.' So… yeah, Nico and Draco both at least have the sassy attitude down to a pat."

Will burst into peals of laughter, bending over as he banged his fist on the table. Peering through his fringe, he grinned up at Harry and asked, "Did he really say that? Oh, man, that's hilarious!"

"I thought so, too. That's why I continued asking him out until he finally gave in."

"How many times did you ask him out?" Will asked curiously. "I've been asking Nico out for two years, and my obvious charm hasn't attracted him yet."

Harry chuckled and shook his head. "I beat you there. The first time I asked him, we were both sixteen. We were twenty-two when he finally accepted."

"And… you two are still together?" Will both sounded and looked hopeful as he gazed up at Harry with his big blue eyes.

Harry nodded. "Yeah, I asked him to marry me a few weeks ago."

"And he accepted it? That easily? Nico would never—"

"Who said it was easy? I've been asking him to marry me for the past two years," Harry said with a loud laugh. "He's such an arse that he calls himself 'The Prince of Darkness.' And for some reason, that means he's not allowed to have feelings."

Laughter bubbled out of Will. "Nico calls himself 'The Prince of Hell.' I keep asking him why, but he just says that it's his thing. So no feelings for him either."

Harry shook his head and said, "But you still love him, don't you? I know I love Draco — even though he's incredibly difficult to be with."

Will's smile was soft as he nodded. "Yeah, I do. I understand how you feel… Hey!" His face suddenly brightened as an idea hit him. "Maybe you could teach me how you managed to wrangle your boyfriend!"

Harry grinned as he thought back to the only way he'd managed to get Draco to go out with him.

Harry leaned against the fence, waiting impatiently for Draco to exit his house. Harry knew the blond would go to the library to finish his homework as the Malfoys were renovating their house for the fourth time that year.

When the mansion's doors opened, Harry perked up and straightened out of his slumped posture. Harry's father had taught him a few tricks on getting Draco's attention; Harry was determined to use at least three of them at once.

Draco walked down the driveway, ignoring Harry's hopeful look, and began to make his way towards the library.

Harry followed at a sedate pace, whistling merrily under his breath, just loud enough for Draco to hear. A few times, Draco looked over his shoulder and glared at Harry, but the latter refused to acknowledge him.

Harry continued to whistle as he sauntered after him, his hands in his pockets. When they were crossing the street, Harry's tune and walk became more jaunty. He knew it would annoy Draco, and he was proven right just a second later.

"Stop it, Potter," Draco hissed, glaring at him over his shoulder.

"I'm not doing anything," Harry said lightly before he continued to whistle.

Draco came to a sudden halt and whirled around to face him. "Yes, you are! You're whistling, and you're following me, and you're being your usual annoying self!" He flailed his arms around as he spoke, and Harry tried his best not to grin triumphantly.

"I'm not following you. I'm just heading in the same direction," Harry lied smoothly.

"Fine. But just... shut up," Draco demanded, glaring at him furiously as the whistling grew louder. Harry loved to rile him up; Draco's skin would flush, his hands would clench by his sides, he would grit his teeth, and — if Harry was lucky enough — Draco would even stomp his foot like a little child.

"Make me," Harry taunted, his hands still in his pockets. He fiddled his thumbs as he whistled louder, completely out of tune this time.

Draco let out a roar as he leapt at Harry, grabbing him by his shoulders and shaking him furiously. A few people walking past looked on in shock at the scene, but Harry simply grinned and waved them off.

"You listen to me, Potter," Draco snarled, still shaking Harry. "I am sick and tired of you following me like a lost puppy and I will physically hurt you if you don't stop this right now. You think you can impress me with your perfectly green eyes and handsome face and that chin and—"

"You called me handsome. So, yes, I believe I can," Harry said, interrupting him smoothly. "I just need a chance."

Draco bared his teeth, and Harry couldn't help but chuckle. "You're so cute when you're angry."

Draco's eyes widened at Harry's words; Harry could easily make out the flecks of black in his fathomless grey eyes. Draco snapped, "I am not cute! I'm gorgeous as hell, but I'm not cute. Take that back!"

"What if I don't?" Harry challenged, his nose almost pressed against Draco's. He heard Draco's breath hitch. Harry grinned.

"P-Potter, you… you…" Draco was unable to say anything as Harry took the opportunity to steal a quick kiss.

It lasted barely two seconds, but it was so damn perfect that when Harry pulled away, Draco leaned closer automatically in an attempt to stop him. Harry's lips turned up in a triumphant smirk, and Draco noticed it. His face darkened with anger and embarrassment as he barked, "You are so annoying, Potter! Just leave me alone!"

"I wouldn't annoy you so much if you just agreed to go out with me. Just once. I swear if you still think I'm annoying, you can dump a jug full of water on my head and walk away — I promise I won't try to come after you."

"What if I want to dump something hot on you instead? Would you still allow me?" Draco practically demanded, but Harry knew he was frazzled. Draco's brow was furrowed, and he kept on licking his lower lip; Harry had stalked the man enough to know all his little tics.

"Yeah, whatever you want," Harry almost purred, tilting his head to gaze into Draco's eyes. His father had advised him to look directly into Draco's eyes to give him the full effect of the 'bedroom eyes' — Harry hadn't bothered asking his father how he knew the trick worked, thank you very much.

When Draco's breath hitched audibly, Harry knew it was working. He made sure to lower his lashes just a little while staring into Draco's eyes. He silently started counting to ten, and the moment he reached five, Draco let out a loud groan and clenched his eyes shut.

He let go of Harry's shoulders and took a large step backwards, almost tripping over a stray dog passing by. The dog nipped at Draco's heels, and the blond cried out. Harry chuckled as he gently shooed the dog away before turning to Draco.

"Well? What do you say?" Harry asked, his eyes full of hope.

"Fine. You win. I'll go out with you" —Harry couldn't stop himself from whooping loudly— "but only because you're so damn annoying." Draco ran his fingers through his hair, clearly aggravated.

Harry knew it was time for him to leave; if he stayed any longer, Draco might change his mind. He beamed down at Draco, his chest swelling with delight. "Great! I have your number — don't ask where I got it from. I'll text you the details. Keep your schedule free for Saturday, yeah?"

Draco narrowed his eyes, but finally, he relented and nodded his head slowly. "Alright. Now, sod off, Potter."

Harry grinned as he quickly lowered his head and pecked Draco's cheek, startling the blond with his action. "See you soon, Malfoy!" He turned around and hurried away before Draco could hurt him for the kiss.

"Unfortunately," Draco grumbled loud enough for Harry to hear, but Harry didn't mind.

He had a date with Draco Malfoy.

"So you just… followed him around? Whistled to annoy him? Looked deep into his eyes? And he agreed to go out with you?" Will was bewildered by the man's story. The process seemed easy enough to him.

"I did try to make him jealous by dating someone in our neighbourhood, but it didn't work with him. I'm sure he was jealous, but he refused to admit it."

Will chuckled and dropped his head into his hands. "I tried that with Nico. He told me to keep dating Jason."

The man nodded, running his fingers through his black hair. "Yeah, I can understand. That's why I used my dad's plan. It was simple, yet extremely effective. Apparently, you can either annoy the person into going out with you — or they could beat you up like pulp of freshly squeezed orange juice."

Will winced. "Your father told you that?"

"Yeah, my mum both beat him up and then went out with him just because she pitied him," the man said with a laugh. "Dad says she actually liked him, but Mum always refuses to admit it."

Will's shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. "Your mum's one of those types, too?"

"Oh, yeah! Mum still argues with Dad over her feelings for him," the man said, shaking his head. "Just last week, Dad had to kiss her to shut her up."

A soft smile formed on Will's lips as the man talked fondly of his parents' love. If he can ask his crush out, so can I. He was about to say something when the door slammed open.

A gust of cold wind brought in two dark-clothed men, and both Will and the man visibly perked up.

"Draco! You're home early," the man exclaimed, running over to meet the taller of the two men. He reached up to dust the snowflakes off 'Draco's lashes and leaned closer to kiss him sweetly.

Will's heart leapt when he saw the other figure yank off his hood with a scowl evident on his face. Nico glared at Will and muttered, "Solace."

"Nico," Will stammered, his hands beginning to sweat despite the cold.

"What are you doing here?" Nico demanded as he walked over and sat down across from him with a loud plop.

Nico grimaced and rubbed his hands fervently to warm them up. He looked over his shoulder at Draco and the man, who were still embracing like they hadn't seen each other that morning.

Will glanced at the amorous couple before turning his attention to Nico. "I… uh… I was just…"

"Were you stalking me again?" Nico demanded, his dark eyes narrowing in on Will's.

"Uh… no, I was just… I was talking to him," Will said, gesturing to the man. He wasn't lying, though; he had been deep in conversation with the black-haired man — he didn't even know the man's name, but he knew so much about him already.

"Potter? You were talking to Potter?" Nico asked, his frown deepening in suspicion. He clasped his hands together and leaned over the table. "What were you talking about?"

Will swallowed to clear his suddenly dry throat and shrugged. "Just about how we're both desperately in love with idiots who can't see what's right in front of them."

"Did you just call me an idiot?" Nico's face darkened as he glared at Will.

"Did I say I was in love with you?" Will asked innocently, batting his eyes at him. His heart skipped a beat when he noticed Nico's ears turning pink.

Nico pursed his lips. "You've been stalking me for so long, Solace. Who else could you be in love with?"

"I dunno… I could be in love with… uh… Potter? After all, I am a regular at this coffee shop, aren't I?" Will goaded Nico on, hoping that Potter's advice about being annoying would work.

"Just because you come to his shop doesn't mean you're in love with him. Hell, you don't even know his first name, do you?" Nico drawled, leaning back in his seat.

To Will, it looked as though Nico was getting the upper hand in their argument. He quickly thought of something and said, "Okay, I'm not in love with him, but that doesn't mean I'm in love with you. I could be in love with someone else who comes to this shop."

Something flitted in Nico's eyes, but it was too fast for Will to understand.

"Do I look like I care who you're in love with, Solace?" Nico asked, turning his head away to look at the man, who was whispering something in Draco's ear. "Potter, can I get a cup of black coffee? Make it scalding hot!"

"Sure thing, Nico," the man said, hurrying off to make the coffee.

"Make me a black coffee, too, Harry," Draco said absentmindedly, pulling off his gloves and blowing on his hands.

So his name's Harry...

"Look, Will!" Harry called out, and Will looked up at him with confusion. "They both want their coffee black, like their souls!"

Will muffled his laughter behind his hands as both Nico and Draco began loudly exclaiming at the injustice.

"So what if we like black coffee? We're paying you, aren't we?" Draco demanded, crossing his arms over his chest. "You could at least be a bit more grateful, Potter."

"It's like you want us to walk right out of here and never return," Nico said, rolling his eyes so hard Will thought they'd pop out of his head.

"I'm kidding, sheesh! So defensive, both of you," Harry said with a laugh. He winked at Will, who was barely holding back his laughter.

"Just give it to me, Potter," Draco grumbled, holding out his hand.

"I can give you many things, Malfoy," Harry purred, and Draco rewarded him with a pointed glare.

Will grinned and looked over at Nico, who had a soft look in his eyes. He nudged Nico's foot with his, and when the latter shot him an annoyed look, Will murmured, "Look at them… Don't you want that love with someone, Nico? Come on, go out with me, just once."

"You're not above begging like a puppy, are you?"

"Nope," Will said, popping the 'p.' "Just go out with me once, and if you're still not interested in me, I'll let you tattoo something embarrassing on my face."

"Oh, now you're just asking for it. What if I tattoo an arse on your nose?" Nico asked, a cruel smirk forming on his lips.

"I don't believe it will come to that," Will said, his tone confident despite the terror eating him up on the inside.

"And why's that?"

Will smirked as he leaned over the table. "Because I saw that look in your eyes."

"What look?" Nico tried to pull away from Will's heated gaze, but Will refused to look away. "And stop looking at me like that…"

"Like what?" Will murmured, lowering his lashes just a little as he gazed at Nico. He crossed his fingers under the table and hoped he didn't look like an idiot.

"Like… that…" Nico tried to look away, but Will's stare was too intense; backing down would seem like a failure now.

Will slowly lowered his eyes to Nico's mouth, licking his own as he imagined kissing Nico's lips. Nico shifted uncomfortably in his seat, and Will knew he almost had him now.

He remembered what Harry had told him about being persistent — and annoying — and he looked back up into Nico's eyes. He smirked as he reached up to push Nico's hair out of his eyes, making sure to caress Nico's temple; he cursed that he couldn't steal a kiss from the black-haired man — Nico was on the other side of the table.

The small touch finally caused Nico to burst. His chair fell to the ground with a loud thwack as he leapt to his feet, his face redder than Will had ever seen it.

"You're honestly so annoying — I have no idea why I love you," Nico snapped before he realised what he had said. He quickly clasped his hands over his mouth in abject horror.

Will's eyes widened and he quickly shot out of his chair as well. Did Nico just say…?

Nico's hands were still on his face as he tried to back away from Will, but the blond refused to let him bolt out of there. Before Nico could run, Will's arms were around his waist.

"Say that again," Will whispered, hope evident in his eyes.

Nico scowled, his hands still over his mouth, and shook his head furiously.

Will grinned and pressed his forehead against Nico's. He placed a soft kiss on Nico's knuckles, right over Nico's lips. Nico inhaled sharply.

"Okay, fine, you don't have to say it," Will said, still beaming as if he had just won the lottery. "How about you just go out with me this weekend?"

Nico glared at him and shook his head in answer, refusing to lower his hands.

Will shrugged. "Okay, I'll be here then, just waiting..."

Nico narrowed his eyes at Will and finally lowered his hands a little. "If I go out with you once, will you stop sitting here and wasting your time?"

"My time could never be wasted on you, Nico," Will said honestly.

Nico's cheeks turned red and he tried to look away. Smiling, Will stepped away, knowing that he'd forced Nico out of his comfort zone enough for the day — or possibly the year.

"Stop smooth-talking me, Solace. Fine... I'll… I'll go out with you. Just once. Got it?"

Will held back his screams of delight as he nodded, forcing himself to be cool and composed. When Nico turned around to finally grab his coffee from Harry, who was standing nearby with the largest smile on his face, Will opened his mouth and let out a silent yell.

At Harry's choked laugh, Nico whirled around to see what had happened, and Will composed himself faster than he thought was possible. Nico looked at him suspiciously but shrugged it off and walked towards the door.

"So, I'll see you soon?" Will asked, his tone full of hope. He had wanted to sound calm, but he failed spectacularly.

"Ugh, yes. I know you have my number — only use it in emergencies. Emergencies, Solace," Nico warned as he gave Harry and Draco a quick nod and stormed out the door.

Once Nico was gone, Will bounced on his heels and shrieked, "I've got a date! I've got a date with Nico! Yes!" He whooped and fist-pumped the air.

Harry laughed heartily as he walked over and clapped his back. "The Potter way never fails!"

Draco's eyes widened at Harry's declaration and he barked, "You taught him that stupid trick of yours?"

Harry grinned and said cheekily, "It wasn't that stupid since I managed to get you now."

Draco's face darkened and he quickly turned away to hide his embarrassment.

Will laughed, his heart lighter than it had ever felt. His smile stretched from ear to ear, and happiness glowed all around him. He was on cloud nine, and nothing could bring him down.