"This is how the Muggles do it!" Ted says brightly, holding his hands just above the fire's reach. "See, it's not so bad! There are plenty of fun things to do, and this is something everyone can enjoy."

Lucius disagrees. He'd much rather do without the bugs and the dirt and the threat of wild animals attacking them in the dead of night — but he keeps his mouth shut, because Ted is happy.

"I came with my Muggle friends once when I was young," Ted continues, oblivious to Lucius' growing discomfort. "And now I'm glad that I get to bring you here. I know this isn't your scene but I thought why not give it a try? It doesn't require magic, which is perfect."

Lucius supposes what he says is true — he gets to witness a piece of Ted's childhood. Even if he'd much rather be having a long soak in his tub. "You're right," he rasps. "It's not my 'scene', but I'm glad to be here with you."

The first part of his statement flies over Ted's head and his face lights up. "Really?"

"Really," he echoes. "There is no one else I'd like to spend this time with."

"I agree." Ted pinkens, biting his lip. "I mean — I'm happy to be here with you. Actually, I wanted to show you something else — something else Muggles do." He rummages through his rucksack, pulling out a package of — chocolate?

"Chocolate!" Ted cheerfully confirms. "And marshmallows and graham crackers! We melt these over the fire and Muggles call them s'mores."

His grin is so infectious that Lucius can't help but return it. "I suppose we could...try it," he says, though it doesn't matter. Ted will insist and Lucius can't resist, especially when Ted turns those doe eyes on him. It's easier to spare the embarrassment of revealing how soft he feels around Ted.

It's not like he minds. Not much.


325 words

Auction 24.2 - Squib!AU

Assignment 4, Aromatherapy Task 4 - Write a story set in a camp or forest.