For Bex
Word Count: 736
Kingsley stands beside George, looking down at the bed. Well, it isn't much of a bed. It's a dirty mattress with springs poking out, but it's the best they can find in this ramshackle hovel. Kingsley wishes they could return to London and get a room at the Leaky Cauldron, but it isn't safe anymore.
Voldemort has run. So many have been lost, but the most shocking is Harry. At no point did Kingsley ever think it was possible for them to be on the losing side.
He looks around, his heart heavy. Hermione sits on her own battered mattress, a book clutched desperately in her hands. Ron sits beside her, watching her with a protective glint in his eyes. Neville and Molly fuss over the fireplace, maneuvering a frying pan over the flames, hoping to heat it enough.
There were more of them only a day ago. Death Eaters ambushed them. Some managed to break away from the group, and Kingsley only hopes they made it to safety. Others, like Arthur, Dean, and Minerva, died in the battle. Their deaths are still so heavy in Kingsley's heart.
"You can have the bed," Kingsley offers.
George shakes his head. "Don't be daft. You're not sleeping on the floor."
Kingsley doesn't have the energy to argue. Instead, he just shrugs and climbs onto the mattress. There's a red, moth eaten sheet nearby, but Kingsley thinks he would rather take his chances.
"Looks like Mum and Neville managed to get dinner started," George observes. "I'm starving."
Kingsley frowns. He can't imagine the pain George must be going through, and yet he doesn't show it. Maybe George is in shock, still unable to process everything. Whatever the reason, he wears a smile that almost looks real.
…
Kingsley can't sleep. His wide eyes remain fixed on a corner of the shack. In the shadows, a rat scurries across, squeaking. Kingsley shudders; he hates rats more than almost anything in the world.
Beside him, George squirms. A few seconds pass, and George curls closer, wrapping his arms around Kingsley.
Kingsley can't deny that it feels wonderful. At this point, he can't remember the last time anyone has held him. Maybe there's a part of him that longs for that gentle contact.
But it isn't right to accept it. George is asleep. It isn't a big deal to most, but it still feels wrong.
Kingsley sits up, studying George curiously. After a moment, George wakes with a yawn. He blinks slowly, tipping his head to the side. With a grin, he reaches out and gently pokes Kingsley's chest. "Has anyone ever told you that you're a bit weird?" he asks. "Just watching blokes sleep… Bit creepy, mate."
"I wasn't watching you!" Kingsley's cheeks burn. "You… You turned over and started cuddling with me."
In the milky moonlight that pours softly in through the window, Kingsley can see George's brows raise. "Ah. Is that a problem?"
The fact that he is so casual about it is bizarre. Kingsley ponders for a moment. As understanding dawns on him, he snaps his fingers, chuckling. "You knew you were a cuddler."
"Yep."
That's one mystery solved, but there's more to it than that. Kingsley frowns. "Why would you want to cuddle with me? You insisted I didn't need to sleep on the floor."
George snorts and shakes his head. "Come on, Shacklebolt," he teases. "Use that brilliant brain of yours." When Kingsley doesn't respond, George adds, "Blimey. Do I actually have to spell it out for you? We're both pretty haunted. I think you're about as lonely as I am."
"What a sad reason to hold someone."
"To be fair, I wouldn't need a tragedy to want to hold you."
Ah. So there it is. Kingsley swallows dryly, unsure what to say. Maybe there's a part of him that has always noticed George, but he would never try to start anything. The world is dark and twisted, and it's no time to start a relationship.
And yet, somehow, he doesn't mind now. With a smile, he lies down, gesturing for George to join him. "If you don't mind," Kingsley says quietly, "I think I would like to hold you now."
It's the first time in ages that he feels safe again, like the world isn't going to fall apart. As George curls close, Kingsley smiles. Maybe there's some glimmer of hope for them after all.
