Chapter Thirteen: Be With Me
There was a beat or two where Charlie was too shocked to respond, but it passed quickly. He wrapped his arms around Harry's waist and hung on like his life depended on it. The kiss grew more passionate until Harry pulled back, panting.
Charlie stared at him, still a little shocked. Of all the possible responses he had imagined, this had not been one of them. Harry stared back, he hadn't planned that. It had just felt right at the time. His eyes widened when he realized his earlier question had been answered. His hope was for Charlie.
Harry smiled. "I know. I had a big reality check recently and I've realized a few things that I hadn't noticed before. Including what an asshole I've been. It made me think and, it's time for me to move on."
A hopeful light came into Charlie eyes. "Then-"
"Yes, I would like to move on with you. I'm not ready for love, but I think in time, I might be. I know that I've made you wait, and I'm sorry. Please, will you be with me and wait just a little bit longer?"
Instead of answering Charlie grabbed Harry, holding him tightly. "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'll take care of you, I promise. I won't hurt you and I'll never leave you. I'll love you and I'll support you and I'll get you your own dragon and-"
Harry kissed him, it was the only way to get him to stop rambling, smiling all the while.
"Happy Valentine's Day Charlie."
"Happy Valentine's Day, love."
***A/N: This next part I added just yesterday for all you gentle readers who have been waiting patiently for the chapters. Enjoy.
Two and a half years later...
"Harry, I have something to ask you."
"What is it Charlie?"
"Um.... Harry, I love you."
"I love you too Charlie, now seriously what's going on? Why the kneeling?"
"Tradition I guess. You see, uh.... Will you marry me?"
"Oooh, that's why you were kneeling!"
"Yes that's why I was kneeling. Answer please!"
"Well jeepers I don't know. I mean, I never did get that dragon you promised me."
"Wha-"
"Could be a sign that you don't make a habit of keeping your promises and I don't even know how you feel about children. Not to mention-"
Charlie kissed him. He pulled Harry off his chair and into his lap. Satisfied he had a good hold on the younger man, he ruffled the already messy hair. This was just a tad aggravating. Here he was trying to propose and his maybe fiance was stalling. "The dragon is the second part of your present. I went directly to the minister and he was only too happy to make an exception in the law for you. The egg is in that box on the table. I love children, and I'd especially love any that I might have with you. Now will you marry me?"
"Maybe I should take sometime to think about this. This is a rest-of-my-life kind of decision after all."
"We're not moving until you agree to marry me."
"What if one of us has to go to the bathroom?"
"You're just gonna have to hold it."
"That'll be an interesting story to tell our children. Daddy, why'd you marry Papa? Because he wouldn't let me go to the bathroom."
"Harry-"
"Oh alright! Ruin all my fun like that... Yes I'll marry you."
Charlie sighed in relief, and kissed him again. "Thank you." He mumbled against Harry's lips.
"You're welcome, now shut up."
A/N: Not that any of you will be up that early, but tomorrow's chapter will be posted in the wee hours of the a.m. as well cuz I'm going to be gone for most of the actual day (my fiance is in Florida, so I'm going to spend the day with my little sister and try to make it special for her) and I have to stay up anyway...so that I can bake cookies for everybody. Ya know, without them being awares. :D So be prepared for the exciting (or not, however you see it) conclusion tomorrow! Yay!