450 words, by google docs
Charlie is late for his date. That shouldn't be the first thought that pops into his brain, but it still is: Charlie is late. He was late before the egg started to hatch, having gotten caught up in his work, but he had to stay for this.
There's sweat dripping down from his face. His hands feel like they're about to burn off despite his protective gear but there's a sense of euphoria he has. He can do this. He's done it before.
The little blue egg shakes in his hands, the creature inside of it shaking and longing to get out. With another shake, the egg starts to break, a crack snaking down the middle of it. Charlie holds his breath.
It would be nice to have someone else here, but Charlie's not about to call for help. He's delivered worse dragons before by himself and he knows that everyone else is busy doing their own jobs. Besides, they didn't expect the dragon to hatch this early.
So Charlie squats there, his hands gripping onto the tiny dragon egg. His hands are shaking and he's thinking about how late he is—he should've sent a patronus ahead of him.
He gives a loud exhale as another big piece of shell falls off and a little bronze head sticks out.
"Yes, it's okay," Charlie murmurs, holding onto the bit of shell that remains. More pieces fall off, into the fire and the dragon is almost free when the door opens. Charlie almost jumps, but he manages to keep hold of the egg.
"Who—?" Charlie asks, not bothering to turn around; he needs to keep an eye on his vipertooth.
"I thought you would be—sorry!" The voice is familiar and it takes all Charlie's willpower to not turn around.
"Draco," he says, recognising his boyfriend's voice.
"Hi, Love. I didn't realise you were in the middle of—" Draco pauses and Charlie is pretty sure that he's gesturing, even though Charlie can't see him. Charlie keeps his eyes fixed on the egg, watching the last piece fall away.
"What type is it?" Draco says, his voice much closer. Daring to take his eyes off now that the dragon is fully hatched, he turns his head to face Draco.
"Peruvian Vipertooth," he replies, leaning in to press a quick kiss to Draco's lips.
"So you have your own little dragon now?" Draco asks, nodding at the little bronze dragon, now bobbing its head up and down. Charlie withdraws his hands from the fire. He draws the dragon close, letting it hit his protective vest with its fire.
"No," Charlie says, looking back up at Draco. He leans and kisses Draco again. "I have two."
for:
auction [peruvian vipertooth]
pinata [chaco]