Pokemon Challenge, DracoTheo: teal, nonsense, "Because I care about you, I'm asking you to leave this alone."

Character Appreciation: Trio Era

Shannon's Showcase, Switzerland: "Sins of the father make us fall. And I can't do anything about it.", attack

Book Club, Eddie: birthday, nightmare, forgiveness

Showtime, Valjean's Soliloquy: "Is there another way?"

Ami's Audio, Old School: traitor

Photography, monochrome photography: Write about someone who is downcast or depressed

Word Count: 627

"My aunt sent me cupcakes for my birthday," Theo says awkwardly, lifting the cupcake and resisting the urge to swipe his tongue over the teal frosting.

Draco's eyes flicker in his direction for a fraction of a second. "Happy birthday," he says with clear disinterest.

Theo sighs, setting the cupcake down on the table next to the blond before sitting across from him. He glances around quickly, but the common room is empty apart from them. He bites the inside of his cheek, wringing his hands together as he ponders the right words to say.

After two years of dating Draco, Theo knows how sensitive he can be. Even if Draco won't admit it, saying the wrong thing can cause him to snap. But Theo can't just stay silent. He's spent the past three months watching his boyfriend fade away, and he doesn't think he can take it anymore. He wants to see Draco smile again; knowing his boyfriend is struggling with some emotional battle breaks Theo's heart, and be doesn't think he can take it anymore. He needs his Draco back.

"People are talking, you know."

Draco holds his gaze now, his brows raising. "Why does that surprise you?" he asks dryly. "People always talk." His apathetic tone sounds a little too forced, flimsy, hollow.

"They're talking about you."

"And it's nonsense, I'm sure."

"They're saying you're a Death Eater."

Draco's pale cheeks flush with color, and his nostrils flare. Within seconds, however, he's composed again, though Theo can see the anger in those icy eyes. "Are they?"

"Yes. Draco…"

"Because I care about you, I'm asking you to leave this alone."

"I can't."

He knows it isn't his place or his business. Still, Draco is so young, and his constant haunted eyes tell Theo everything he needs to know. Draco never chose this life; the Dark Lord forced him into it. It isn't terribly surprising. Lucius Malfoy, Theo's father says, has been disgraced. Draco's waking nightmare is punishment for his father's sins.

"Is there another way?" Theo asks, reaching out and taking Draco by the hand.

Maybe Theo shouldn't care so much. His own father is a Death Eater, after all. He's meant to support this cause; he should be proud that his boyfriend cares so much about the preservation of magical kind that he's fighting.

But he can't bring himself to feel pride. There is no way this will end well. If trying to save Draco leads to his boyfriend hating him, Theo will ask for forgiveness later. For now, he has to try.

"I've already made my choice," Draco says quietly, losing all fight from his voice. "Traitors don't live very long. I rather like being alive."

Theo relaxes. At least Draco doesn't think he's trying to attack him. That's progress. But still. The hopelessness in the other boy's voice causes his heart to shatter. He wants nothing more than for Draco to be happy, for this nightmare to finally end.

He climbs to his feet and closes the distance between them. Taking Draco gently by the hands, he guides him to his feet and presses a gentle, chaste kiss to his thin lips. "I don't like it," he says softly. "I know you, and I know your heart. This wasn't your choice."

"Drop it."

Theo pushes his fingers through Draco's hair, kissing his forehead. "I won't stop you. At least if I have worry, I'll know you're alive. That sure as hell beats the alternative."

This isn't Draco's fault. There's nothing to be done when you're forced to bear your father's burden.

Maybe it's going to hurt, but Theo will stay by his side. He loves him too much to give up, and he will help Draco find his brighter days again.