[This chapter's title was inspired by the song: Down by the River by Milky Chance]
"C'mon mate, get up!" Ron tried to get Harry to leave his bed as morning struck the following day. Harry locked the blanket above him, refusing to show himself or getting out of the bed.
"No. Go on without me. I'm not hungry." Harry said in a weak monotonic voice.
"You can't just lay in bed all day. Let go!" Ron shouted to no avail. He was starting to get impatient with Harry's persistence. He wouldn't let his friend soak in his sadness. He forcibly snatched the side of the covers and slid into the bed, snuggling Harry. "Good. Let's make a day of it then. I will do the same thing you are." Ron made himself comfortable as Harry is shocked by his action.
"What are you doing?" Harry asked annoyed.
"Sorry. I'm too comfortable now. I can stay here like this for the rest of the week. If this is what you want to do, then fine." Ron bluffed. "I just feel bad for Blackwood. The poor guy must be waiting for you in the great hall, all alone with his eight-pack abs and his groupies around him."
Harry remembered he promised he would sit with Alex during breakfast. He growled silently as he slowly began crawling out of bed.
Ron got up and laughed with pride as he was successful with his stunt. He was pleased of himself as it was something Hermione usually would've done. "Wear something hot. We don't have to wear the uniforms until the classes officially starts. Give him something to drool over."
"Shut it. we're just friends." Harry threw his towel on the red-head's face.
"Sure, you are just friends." Seamus got into the conversation. "How stupid do you think people are? I'm not remotely gay but I would try it out for him. He even gets the straights confused."
"Go ahead. Explore away." Harry leaned on the wall as he smirked at his friend.
Seamus blushed as his joke got too real suddenly. "I'm just saying. He is smoking hot. Athletic. Smart. Rich, and a nice guy. What's stopping you?"
"His record." Neville popped out of the bathroom as he was brushing his teeth. "I heard someone stopped counting the hearts he broke at twenty-five people. I mean, when did he even have the time?"
"Oh, come on, it's not his fault that people are going crazy over him. What should he do? Hide? Wear a mask?" Seamus said.
"Harry got his heart taken by someone else. Didn't you?" Dean winked at the surprised guy. "Cedric."
"Cedric? Who is he?" Seamus and Neville asked at the same time.
"Just some Durmstrang douche that led him on." Ron explained as Harry buried his head in his pillow after collapsing into bed again. Harry suddenly got up confused.
"Wait… How did you know that Dean?" Harry asked the guy.
"Well, I got up last night around two to grab a glass of water and heard you mumbling that name. I just figured it now." Dean explained.
"Wait, hold on, the plot thickens." Seamus got excited by the rich gossip he's being hearing. "Durmstrang? You mean as the school we are supposed to host this year? Oh, nah mate this is awful. Now I understand why you want to stay in bed."
Seamus rarely realized he was being tactless and unsensitively blunt. He understood it though a second after he was knocked over by the pillow Dean threw at him.
"Ugh, sorry mate, I didn't mean…" Seamus mumbled as he lost the words he wanted to say. "don't worry though. We have got your back."
"Yeah. We will teach him a lesson about messing with our Harry." Neville declared.
"I appreciate it you guys, but I really want to go through this year peacefully, which includes me pretending like he doesn't exist. Or not dating the IT-BOY of the school." Harry explained. "I just want a quiet, non-eventful, boring year."
"Boring is Ron's middle name." Seamus said as everyone laughed. Harry missed goofing around with his friends. He missed the teasing and the jokes.
"Now let's go eat and start our boring year. Harry, you better make it fast before Seamus will make an embarrassing move at your guy." Dean mocked his friend.
"Hello?" Alex stepped into the Hogwarts kitchens as he saw the House-Elves working on breakfast. The Elves kept working as no one even looked over the stranger that greeted them. Only one elf turned around and approached him. "
"Hi! I'm Alex. I just wondered If you could help me with something." He reached his hand over to the elf to greet him and shake his hand.
"Very polite tall wizard." The elf said. "A polite Slytherin student is very rare. Dobby never met one before."
"Nice to meet you, Dobby." Alex shook his small hand.
"What can I do for you sir?" Dobby asked the guy.
"Well… I want to surprise a very special someone I met. I want to take him outside and throw him a picnic." Alex explained. "I was wondering if you could help with some food and drinks."
"Forgive me for asking sir, but may I ask who he is?" The curious elf asked and regretted it immediately, thinking he forgot his place.
"Sure. It's Harry. Harry Potter." Alex laughed a bit at the innocence and cuteness of the small elf.
Dobby's large eyes widen with wonder as the name was called. "Harry? Harry Potter is Dobby's friend. Dobby is happy to help, sir! What kind of food would you like me to put in the basket?"
"Everything you will come up with will be fine. Thank you for helping me." Alex gave Dobby the freedom to do whatever he thought was fitting.
"Dobby will make sure everything is ready for your surprise picnic, sir! It will be a feast to remember!" The elf said as he quickly rushed to the table. His eyes sparkled with keenness, his small and nimble hands already itched to start the preparations.
"So, how do you know Harry?" Alex asked as he walked in front of the elf so he could see him.
"Mr. Potter saved Dobby's life two years ago." The elf said.
"Of course he did." Alex released a small, impressed laugh. He wasn't surprised anymore comparing it to other countless heroic stories he heard throughout the years.
"Mr. Potter has gone through a hard life, sir." Dobby started saying. "All I want for him is to be happy."
"I promise you; I will do whatever I can to make that happen." Alex assured the elf as he was finishing putting together the basket.
"Good sir." He tried to lift the basket, but it was too heavy as he began to struggle with it.
"Let me take that." Alex offered to help.
Dobby stared at Alex with curious eyes as he handed over the basket, he saw the excitement and nervousness he was experiencing. "You like him, don't you?"
As he envisioned the date in his mind, he couldn't help but feel a sense of tension. He was never nervous before about a date or seeing someone, but this time was different. he was anxious. He was the first to laugh at the 'love at first sight' nonsense, but he didn't feel like this about anyone before, ever. Maybe it was just that, love at first sight. He hoped the surprise picnic, with Dobby's magical touch, will give him the jumpstart he needed to make this non-date date a success.
"More than both of us think, trust me." Alex said.
"Have a good time sir. I hope you and Mr. Potter will enjoy." Dobby smiled at the look of the excited guy in front of him.
Alex emitted with gratitude, appreciating Dobby's willingness to help bring his plan to life. "Thank you, Dobby. I couldn't have done it without your help. And please, call me Alex."
Alex waved at Dobby and left towards the great hall.
"The buttercream pancakes are delicious. Try some." Hermione told Harry as last night news struck him again. He really felt like a wall of bricks collapsed on his head and landed on his heart.
"I will, we just sat down." Harry answered impatiently. He barely had an appetite or could even think about eating right now. If it was up to him, he would've stayed in his bed for the rest of the day, but Ron's nagging and spooning him in bed kept him for doing that.
"He is waiting for his hot boyfriend to join us." Seamus announced as the Twins short laugh suddenly disappeared with awkwardness.
"We are not eating here." Alex appeared and put his hands on Seamus shoulders. "His soon to be hot boyfriend is taking him out." he rubbed Seamus shoulders letting him know he heard the compliment/joke. "Let's go love." Alex dominantly announced. "Sorry guys. I'm stealing your friend for a few hours." Alex said as he gave Harry a confident smile. He wore a half-buttoned light-blue polo shirt that revealed his impressively built chest. The fitted shirt perfectly highlights his well-defined muscles. It hugs his muscled frame just right, his athletic-jock physique and exuding an undeniable confidence. The strategic choice to leave the top buttons undone adds a hint of casual charm, allowing a glimpse of his shape and adding a touch of sensuality to the overall look. He also wore a short blue denim and a pair of sleek, white sneakers to give his complete look a whole summery, country-club style.
"Alex, I'm sorry but I'm not really in the mood for that right now. Do you mind if we'll do this another time?" Harry felt bad to reject the guy, especially now that he realized he did it in front of the Gryffindor table and apparently in front of the other houses' tables as well, who stared at them with almost absolute silence. The whole school looked like they are seeing a movie in the theater as their eyes were fixated on the two.
"I don't want to pull the 'you promised' card, but you promised." Alex said. He was crushed inside as the rejection came to him as a surprise. This was the first time he got rejected. It felt horrible but he was determined to convince him.
"I know, it's just not the best time." Harry told him.
"Ok, umm… sure, next time." Alex couldn't hide his devastated look on his face. He didn't want to push too hard, he thought he would try again tomorrow. "I just wish I didn't put Dobby through the troubles of preparing the food especially for us."
Hermione, Ginny, and a few other girls in the back simultaneously chanted a big sigh of romance to his attempt to impress Harry with the picnic basket.
"Wait, did you ask Dobby to prepare it?" Harry was shocked to learn that.
"Yeah, he's great. He really helped me a lot." Alex said.
"For Merlin's sake, Harry, go! Don't you see how much effort he put in this? The poor guy." Hermione mentioned.
"I swear, if you don't go out with him now, I will tell everyone about your stuffed animal you sleep with." Ginny whispered quietly and looked at him with a promising intimidating stare.
"I don't sleep with a stuffed animal." Harry grinned at the girl.
"Try. Me." She slowly threatened. "Now go. You humiliated him enough."
"I can still hear you girls but thanks." Alex said shyly at the pity help the girls offered. He finally noticed the whispering around him and as he looked over and saw the whole school feel sorry for him.
"How can I say no to Dobby's sandwiches?" Harry smiled at the Slytherin student as he decided to go after all, he felt really bad at the sight of the situation.
"You really can't." Alex exhales deeply as the tension of the whole situation got to him.
Alex handed his hand over to Harry. Harry grabbed his hand and got up with a small pull from Alex. Alex pulled him with hand closer to him until they were nearly a breath away.
"You really had me worried there for a second." Alex said as he stared deeply into Harry's eyes.
Harry swallowed a batch of air as he was nervous standing this close to Alex. "Sorry. I really wasn't in the mood. I didn't mean to."
"That's ok love." Alex laughed slightly. "So… shall we?"
Harry and Alex walked towards the exit together as everyone's gaze moved along with them. Halfway through, Harry realized they were still holding hands, but he kept going anyway. He didn't mind it.
"Where are we going?" Harry asked Alex as the two stepped outside the castle and went towards the dark lake. They walked side by side, still holding hands. Alex led the way since Harry didn't exactly knew where they were heading to.
"It's a secret place I found two years ago, and I spend my time there whenever I want some peace and quiet." Alex explained. "Sometimes I just need a minute away from all the commotion. I'm sure that that's something you can relate to."
Harry knew. If there was something he wished he had less, it's the attention and 'fame' that awful night gave him. It wasn't even his doing. He just happened to be there. An unfortunate case of fate. "I can definitely relate."
"Alex," Harry called him.
Alex kept looking forward with Harry by his side. "Yeah, love?"
"I can't stop thinking about the way I turned you down on the great hall. I feel bad. I just wanted you to know after last night at dinner I got news that kind of knocked me down. I wasn't up to seeing anyone, I wasn't trying to avoid you specifically." Harry explained as he tried to catch Alex's eyes, but he was still looking forward.
"I noticed. You looked like someone ran over you." Alex said. "I didn't want to force you into talking about it."
"I appreciate it." Harry said. He was really surprised of his sensitivity and ability to read the room. Harry thought that that was the reason why he came over there to sit with them.
"Close your eyes." Alex ordered the green-eyed guy. "I want it to be a surprise."
Harry played along. "Ok but you'll have to guide me."
"I'm counting on it." Alex said a devious voice as he covered Harry's eyes with a piece of black silk ribbon he got out of the back pocket of his denim. a playful smile played on the Slytherin guy's lips. With cautious steps, Alex moved closer, his breath gently caressing Harry's neck. Slowly, Alex wrapped his arms around Harry's waist, pulling him in and pressing his body against his back. The touch was firm yet gentle, sending a shiver down Harry's spine, as they moved together in sync.
Their footsteps echoed through the air as they ventured further into the woods near the lake. The scent of blooming flowers filled the atmosphere, mingling with the soft whisper of the wind. As they kept on walking, Harry could feel the ground beneath his feet change and transform from firm soil to a velvety carpet of moss.
The sunlight painted a mesmerizing pattern on the forest floor, illuminating patches of vibrant wildflowers that bloomed in a rainbow of colors. The swishing leaves created a soothing symphony, a gentle whisper that seemed to dance with their every step.
Alex continued guiding Harry deeper into the heart of the woods, their steps becoming more confident as they navigated the enchanting landscape.
After a while, Alex stopped, his arms still wrapped protectively around Harry. "Okay, we're here," he whispered, his voice filled with anticipation.
Harry's curiosity peaked, his heart pounding with excitement. "Can I open my eyes now?" he asked.
Alex leaned in closer, his breath warm against Harry's ear. "Not just yet…" he whispered, his words carrying a conniving tone.
Harry felt a soft touch against his cheek as Alex slowly removed the silk ribbon, allowing him to see. Blinking his eyes open, Harry found himself standing near breathtaking sight; a beautiful small running river.
The river flowed with a soothing elegance, its surface shimmering like liquid silver under the caress of the setting sun. The soft sounds of its gentle currents carried a melodic symphony, echoing through the moss-covered stones that lined on its sides. Each note harmonized with the whispered secrets of the woods, creating a gentle serenade for the two wizards.
A smile spread across Harry's face as he took in the sight before him. The picnic blanket was colored with vibrant colors. A few plush pillows were placed on it to further the comfort. He slowly turned around and absorbed the beauty around him.
"I Just…" Harry couldn't believe this place existed and he didn't know about it.
"I know." Alex's confidence rose after he saw Harry's shock.
"And you're telling me, no one knows about this place… Just you?" Harry wondered.
Alex joined Harry as they both scanned the place. "That's right. Just me. And you, now."
"And the girls you brought here to." Harry said in a teasing voice. "This place probably helped you a lot."
Alex looked at the Gryffindor student with a whimsical stare. "Ouch." He said as he placed his hand on his heart. "No. You are the only one."
"I'm sorry." Harry saw how the comment made his look like a jerk. Alex's seemed to be offended under his act.
"I am truly hurt you would think I would lie about it." Alex told him with a serious face.
"Sorry. Really. I was just joking around." Harry said.
"If you were really sorry you would've given me a compensation." He told Harry.
"Oh, really?" Harry asked as he caught his endgame of his little dramatic scene. "What did you have in mind?" Harry spoke as he slowly got closer to Alex. He got closer and closer until he was a few inches away from Alex's lips. Harry looked into his dark blue eyes as he caressed his hand on Alex's pumped chest. Harry kept leaning closer with merely a thin space of air between their lips.
Harry suddenly smiled as he slowly backed away from the tall guy.
"I…" Alex was speechless.
"Yeah?" Harry asked.
"You… can't tease me like that. I won't be able resist the next time." He told Harry.
"I'm counting on it." Harry couldn't believe he was doing that. He was never the type to do something like this, but it just came out naturally. He really wanted to turn him on.
"Careful what you wish for." Alex said as he stretched his hands behind his head. He had to cool off before he'll get too heated. Harry's teasing did its thing. More than it was supposed to.
"I'm hungry." Harry announced as he stepped onto the blanket. Alex joined him and they both sat in front of each other.
The sun continued its gentle glow, casting a warm golden light upon the two of them. The air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly squeezed orange juice, red fruits, two sandwiches and a few mini croissants. Alex had spared no effort in creating a magical experience, a moment of tranquility amidst the wonders of nature.
Harry couldn't resist the smell anymore and grabbed one of the sandwiches and took a big bite. He lavished on the Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Sandwich. The sliced smoked salmon layered with creamy cream cheese, red onion rings, crispy lettuce, and thin slices of a tomato.
"Is it good?" Alex asked as the boy seemed to be fully concentrated on his sandwich.
Harry looked at Alex and smiled. "They are the best. I love everything that has salmon in it."
"I will remember that." Alex said as he took a bite out of his. "This is the best sandwich I ever had."
"So, tell me, I'm curious." Harry said as he took a sip out of his tart orange juice. "Why are you so famously known as a heartbreaker?"
Alex took the straightforward question by surprise. He knew he would get asked about it. Most of the school knew him as just that. A heartbreaker. A player. "I… if I'm being honest, I wasn't looking for anything serious. I wanted to be able to focus on schoolwork and just live drama free. I have seen people every now and then and I broke it off quickly, so the other person won't get attached or hurt. I didn't want to lead them on. I don't know how to say this without sounding like a total arse or a douche, but I never wanted people to fight over me, or think I was using them, I didn't. I was always clear with them. I wasn't looking for something serious. I honestly never met someone that made me feel a certain way." He looked up into Harry's eyes and smiled. "Until now."
Harry blushed. The strawberry he was just eating almost choked him when he heard Alex's confession. "Alex, I…"
"I know. I know. The first person I think I am falling in love with is in love with someone else. Just my luck huh?" Alex said releasing a small laugh filled with sadness.
"I wish I wasn't." Harry admitted.
"I don't want to put pressure on you, but I'll be here when you get there." Alex announced. "Until then, consider me your friend."
"I don't want you to wait. I don't think it's fair." Harry said.
"Then date me." Alex suggested.
Harry laughed as the guy in front of him smiled widely. "You really cannot take no for an answer, can you?"
"No. I just need at least a maybe to make it work." Alex noted.
"You are impossible." Harry told Alex, as he placed his lips on the juicy red apple and took a bite.
"Lucky apple." Alex said smiling with a teasing look.
Harry stopped moving during the second bite as he heard Alex's joke. He started laughing strongly. "Stop! You're horrible!"
"Oh, come on… I'm just teasing you." Alex playfully bit his lip. He took his wand out and charmed the leftovers into a plastic bag. He took out the desserts Dobby prepared for them from the basket and placed them on the blanket between them.
"Oh no." Harry saw what Dobby cooked for them and he hit the jackpot of Harry's taste. Harry sat a lot of times last year with Dobby in the kitchens. Dobby spoiled with lots of types of foods. Everything he made was a delicious work of art. "Not the Chocolate éclairs!"
Alex panicked as he saw Harry looking like he disapproved the choice of the dessert. "You don't like them?"
"You don't understand." Harry said as he looked troubled. Once I eat one, I take another one, and another one. Last time I ate six of those. They are irresistible!"
"Just like you then." Alex said. He couldn't help it. His flirty nature just has its own mind.
Harry gave him a dismissive look at the yet again another flirty pick-up line. Alex gave him a teasing face back.
"What are we waiting for then?" Alex said as he took a big bite out of the pastry. The creamy French pastry was long, finger-shaped and was light and airy. The golden-brown éclair was filled with a luscious chocolate-flavored pastry cream. "These are absolutely heaven. You weren't kidding."
Harry stared as Alex enjoyed it, it looked too erotic for him to stop staring. Harry didn't know why he thought Alex eating the pastry was turning him on. The way he takes a bite of it, owing it with his lips. Something took over Harry and he was getting hot.
Harry quickly tried to take his mind of him, but fate said no. As he got closer to the plate with the éclairs, he spilled the orange juice next to Alex as he was laying down on the side in front of him, balancing his body on the blanket with his hand.
"I'm so sorry." Harry said as he realized Alex's shirt was a casualty of the spill.
"That's ok don't worry about it." Alex laughed as he got up and took his shirt off and revealed his muscular body. The sunlight emphasized his chiseled muscles, causing Harry's heart to skip a beat. Alex reached for a napkin to dab away the spilled orange juice from his skin, unaware of the effect he was having on Harry. His impressive wide and built chest was complimenting the very visible and rare eight-pack abs he showed.
"I guess I should clean this up," Harry mumbled, his eyes still fixated on Alex's mesmerizing muscles. He quickly grabbed more napkins and began to pat dry the orange juice spill from the blanket, trying to distract himself from the captivating sight before him.
Alex wore a big winning victorious smile as he noticed Harry's lingering gaze and couldn't resist taking his chance, teasing him further. With a mischievous grin, he leaned closer and said, "I should really wipe it clean. It's getting sticky really fast." He took another napkin, licked it a bit a slowly wiped the excess of the spilled sweet juice from his wet body.
Harry was getting sweaty. He wasn't ready to deal with Alex's naked upper body. He just couldn't get his eyes off it. His face flushed crimson as he realized he had been caught staring when he saw Alex's victory smile. Alex didn't even look at himself while cleaning the juice off himself, just at Harry enjoying the view.
Harry diverted his gaze, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and desire. "I... uh... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."
Alex's playful laughter filled the air. "Relax, Harry. It's flattering. Besides, you're not the only one feeling a bit... heated." He was getting worried Harry might not find him attractive. He thought maybe Harry wasn't into him, so that's why he keeps rejecting him. He got all the confirmation he needed now. Harry was checking him out.
Harry's heart raced at the suggestive comment, his mind filled with a whirlwind of emotions. He couldn't deny the undeniable attraction he felt towards Alex, and the way his body responded to the sight of him only intensified his desires.
Alex leaned in closer, his voice low and seductive. "Don't overthink about it. I don't mind. on the contrary, you are more than welcome to take a peek at whatever you want, whenever you want."
Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the tension between them became intense. The air was thick with anticipation, both aware of the growing attraction and the unspoken desires lingering between them.
Harry's voice quivered as he spoke, "What are we doing, Alex?"
Alex reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from Harry's face. "Nothing, Harry. You told me not now. So, I'll respect that, even though, I'm burning up inside. All I want is to touch you. To make you feel good." Alex got closer to Harry. "Right now, all I can think about is how much I want to taste that chocolate éclair off your lips. I want to make you feel like you are the only thing in the world that matters." Alex got even closer. "I want you."
Harry's breath hitched at the sheer intensity of Alex's words. Harry couldn't think straight. Alex's enticing words got to him. He felt too turned on by the way Alex spoke and the fact that his perfect body was a few centimeters in front of him didn't help the case either. Harry leaned in closer.
"But I promised you. And I'll respect it." Alex said as slowly pulled himself back. Alex knew Harry was about to give in, but he chose to end it. The teasing game was his game, and he won. He made Harry want it, but he will get it on his terms, not Harry's. He also really wanted to give Harry the time to get over the other guy. He didn't want to be rebound, he wanted to be the endgame.
Harry couldn't believe that after trying to get with him multiple times, Alex turned him down. He knew he asked him to, but still. He wished for a second, he would make a move. To avoid those thoughts, Harry grabbed his wand to end his misery and spelled a cleaning charm. The stain soon disappeared and left no memory of it. "There, you can put it on again." Harry couldn't stand another sight of him. It was getting harder to resist staring by the second.
"Are you sure? For a minute there I thought you saw an éclair on my abs." Alex winked and laughed.
"Very humble of you. And funny too." Harry caught his teasing act. "Next time I won't look at you at all." Harry gave him an upset look.
"Trust me babe, next time, the shirt won't be the only thing I will take off." Alex bluntly promised.
Harry didn't even have a sassy comment to answer back. He just imagined what would that be like. He had to snap out of it though. He couldn't let him have the upper hand. "Sure. Next time." He laughed giving the boy a dismissive stare.
"Somebody is getting sarcastic. That's cute." Alex noticed. He laid on his back on the blanket and stared at the blue sky. After a few seconds, he turned to look at Harry. "Come here."
Harry sat on the blanket.
"What?" Alex wondered. "You won't even get near me now?"
Harry scooched over to Alex's side.
"I think you can do better than that." Alex got up a bit and gently pulled Harry closer to him. Harry didn't resist and slowly laid next to Alex. As Harry softened beside Alex, the Slytherin student wrapped his arm around Harry and gave him a lingering kiss on the forehead. Harry felt a comforting warmth radiating from his body. The closeness brought a sense of peacefulness amidst the wild desires that still lingered within them. They lay side by side, their gazes fixated on the sky above, watching fluffy clouds drift lazily across the area.
In that serene moment, Harry suddenly decided to speak. "Cedric. His name is Cedric."
Alex was surprised, glad and quite disappointed at the sudden revelation. He hoped Harry would respond to the kiss he just gave him, but he chose to talk about the other guy. He was a bit happy Harry confided in him to share it with him.
"I found out he will attend Hogwarts with his school for the entire year." Harry took a deep tired breath. "That's why I was down since last night."
Alex turned his head to face Harry, his expression softened. "I see… what are you feeling about it?"
"We only met twice, but there was something about him. There was something about being with him. He made me feel like I was his everything, and that he fooled me to think he really wanted me. He made me promises and told me he wanted me." Harry recalled. "I believed him… and then he told me we shouldn't see each other anymore in a letter, not even in person."
"He is an idiot for doing that. The bloke doesn't even know what he lost." Alex angerly said as he got back to stare at the sky. He couldn't bare seeing him talking about this piece of garbage. "When I see him… I will beat the shit out…"
Before Alex could finish his violent threat, he held Alex's hand to calm him down. "You will do nothing. He clearly doesn't want anything to do with me, and so do I. The plan is to act like he is not even there. Just like the air. Maybe eventually I won't have to pretend anymore."
"Don't expect me to do sit still if he will even think of trying something with you." Alex lectured. "I would fuck him up."
"My hero." Harry cynically said. "You all really need to give me the benefit of the doubt when it comes to me standing my ground and knowing what's best for myself. I can handle him."
"Hey, no one said that you can't. I just said you won't be alone." Alex laughed at the defensive behavior Harry presented.
Harry appreciated Alex's protective behavior. He liked the fact that he cared that much.
Alex reached out and gently brushed his fingers against Harry's cheek. "I'll always be here for you, Harry, no matter what. Whether it's as a friend or something more, I'm with you."