Charlie had invited Draco for a drink about a week after they went to dinner at Albus and Scorpius'. Alone. They never came to the bar alone, it was always with Danielle and Fabian. He didn't know if this was supposed to be… a date? Draco wouldn't know if it was or not, Charlie was not the type to bring someone to a fancy restaurant or that type of thing. Charlie was the type who wanted to have fun on a date and have good conversation.
There was every possibility that this was a date and Draco wasn't sure if he was ready for it. He wanted Charlie. There was no doubt about that. But there was still so much stopping him.
Draco was the the first there, as per usual. He had even got here half an hour later than he and Charlie had agreed, and he was still late. Draco sighed and ordered a firewhiskey, sitting at the bar. He shunned himself for being so nervous.
Draco felt movement next to him and looked up, expecting it to be Charlie but another man sat next to him with a grin on his face.
"You're Draco Malfoy aren't you? The potions master?" The man said, leaning on the bar languidly.
"I am," Draco said bluntly.
"Hm, I've noticed you around the reserve before," The guy smiled charmingly and Draco couldn't help but flush, "I was hoping to introduce myself to you sooner or later. Are you waiting for anyone?"
"I'm meeting a friend."
"Well, I'll just have to keep you company until they show up then," the man leaned closer to Draco, holding his hand up to get the bartender's attention.
"I already have a drink," Draco said with a slight smile. He had to admit, he was enjoying this. He had known he was gay for so long and had never had the opportunity to explore his sexuality at all. Getting attention from men was something he wasn't used to and something that excited him.
"I know," another two firewhiskeys were set in front of them, "Drink up."
They clinked their glasses and Draco smirked when suddenly he felt a hand slip over his leg.
Before he could protest, there was another hand on his shoulder, pulling him back. Draco was stunned and looked up, only to see Charlie shooting daggers at the man sitting next to him.
"Why don't you shove off Samuel?" Charlie said sarcastically.
The man, Samuel, stood up and held his hands up defensively, "Of course, boss. You should keep a tighter reign on your boyfriend."
Samuel swaggered away and Charlie released his shoulder and sat opposite him, glaring at Samuel, then turning his glare to Draco, "What the hell are you doing with that guy?!"
"Charlie, he just sat down and started talking to me," Draco said nervously.
"He had his hand on your leg!"
"I didn't get a chance to tell him to piss off before you came barging in!" Draco hissed.
"That guy is a man-whore, that wouldn't have stopped him! You should stay away from him!"
Draco jumped off his stool, "What is it to you anyway?! I can look after myself!"
Draco began to walk away when Charlie grabbed his wrist and stopped him, "I'm sorry. I really am. You're right, I had no right. You can do what you want. Let's sit back down and forget about it."
Draco breathed heavily and sat back down, "Okay."
The next day, Draco panicked. He had never been so confused about his feelings in his life. Charlie had clearly been jealous over him and it was quite likely that he did like Draco, or was at least attracted to him. After that little spat at the beginning of their meeting, it was very clear that it was a date. Charlie was flirty and tactile with Draco; he rested his palm on Draco's leg, as if to make Draco forget about Samuel doing the same thing to him. His hand stayed there most of the night. He would place his other on Draco's shoulder when he laughed. By the end of the night he was holding Draco's hand.
Draco had no idea how to act on a mutual attraction. He knew the ball was in his court. Charlie couldn't know how he felt. Charlie was bisexual, he knew that. Charlie didn't know he was gay. And there was still his pride. He was still worried about what the rest of the world would think of him suddenly coming out. It would deny everything he had tried so hard to maintain.
His whole world would crumble.
Draco went to see Cassie that evening and asked for a few days off. She accepted and he hurried back to Malfoy Manor as quickly as possible. He spent a peaceful evening roaming around Malfoy Manor. He looked at all the paintings and heirlooms his family had left. He was the only one left. He had freed Scorpius from all responsibility. He was the only Malfoy to carry on their traditions. Even if it would all disappear when he left this world. How could he possibly go against all of that?
In the morning, Draco flooed to Teddy's apartment. He was happy to see Teddy, and Teddy happy to see him. Teddy was the one he confided in when he couldn't tell Scorpius. Draco had no friend in the world but Teddy. And he was the best friend he could possibly ask for.
"Uncle Draco!" Teddy came towards him as he appeared in the fireplace and gave him a warm hug.
He hugged his cousin back and said, "It's good to see you."
"You too!" Teddy separated from Draco and led him to sit on the couch.
"Is Serena here?" Draco asked.
"Not at the moment, her friend is over from Italy and she's showing her around London."
"So she's living here permanently now?"
"Yeah, I asked her to stay. We didn't want to let it become a long distance thing. They never end well."
Teddy proceeded to ask Draco numerous questions about the reserve and his new job. He asked how Scorpius and Albus were doing and told him more about his job as a wand maker. Draco was nervous, anticipating what he was going to discuss with Teddy.
"I wanted to talk to you about something, if that's okay. I need a bit of advice," Draco nervously whispered.
"Of course, anything you need."
"This is hard to say… I've never admitted it to anyone before," Draco took a deep breath before he finally spoke, "Teddy, I've been attracted to men my whole life. I've never… never told anyone."
"You're not the first that has come to me about this, always me," Teddy mumbled mostly to himself, "I have to say I'm surprised… I knew that you and Astoria weren't in love or anything. But I didn't know you liked guys…"
"I did love Astoria… just not like that…"
They fell into silence for a moment and Draco let Teddy take it in. Draco could see the clocks ticking in Teddy's head.
"Have you met someone?"
Draco smiled sadly, Teddy knew him too well, "Yes well… I'm attracted to someone… who I get along with very well."
"Who is it?"
"It's… Charlie," Draco managed hesitantly, "Charlie Weasley."
"Oh…" Teddy said with wide eyes, "I did not expect that."
"I think he might feel the same way… I know he likes men as well as women. And… we spend a lot of time together. He got very jealous a few nights ago when this man started flirting with me. I just… I think he's interested in me."
"That's great, Draco. Charlie's a great guy. Why don't you go for it then?"
Draco sighed, "Everything. My name, heritage, my pride. Scorpius."
Teddy looked confused, "Does that all matter? I mean, you don't make Scorpius live like that. So why do you have to?"
"I don't know, Teddy. I really don't know. I wish I could stop but… I don't know how to."
"Scorpius would be happy for you as well. That is everything Scorpius wants for you. He wants you to be happy."
Draco lowered his head and ran his fingers through his hair, "I'm scared, Teddy. And I don't know why. I've been scared before but not like this…"
"This is being scared of recognition. Not just recognising yourself… but everybody else recognising who you truly are. I know it's hard, but perhaps it's time to embrace it," Teddy placed a comforting hand on Draco's shoulder, "It's time for you to be happy. Truly happy."
Draco knew Teddy was right. Teddy was always right. But it didn't stop Draco from being frightened. Terrified. And that was enough of a reason to stop Draco altogether.
~x~
Thank you GingerHannah, JDTEA and hvermeal for reviewing the last chapter! The next chapter is a big one! It was nice to get a good response for the last chapter, hope you like this one!