(A/N: Hi everyone! I'm sorry for the long pause between chapters as I've been traveling out of state for artist alley's the past few weeks and have two more coming up in the next few weeks so I may be slow at updating for a bit but promise that the story is not being abandoned or forgotten! Thank you for your patience and understanding and now on to the chapter! )
Chapter 10: Misunderstandings
(Harry's P.O.V.)
The next day, shortly after breakfast, found Harry sitting in a spare office-like room with Lucius Malfoy for his ancient rune lessons. Harry had seen a handful of runes during his reading in the restricted section at Hogwarts but those had been very basic as he soon found out. Currently the Malfoy patriarch had him copying down a handful of basic runes to memorize their patterns and although he was trying his best to concentrate the raven had other things on his mind.
Breakfast with Tom had been a semi awkward affair after both his discussion with Morgana and the dreams that had followed after. For Harry's part he had found himself staring at the other man trying to puzzle out if he was really developing a crush on the former dark lord or if it was just teen hormones settling on an admittedly hot wizard that was being nice to him.
It didn't help that Harry's years at Hogwarts with the constant dangers and near-death experiences had left him little to no time for dating or even to think about dating. He supposed there was that kind of crush that he had felt for Cho at one point but he even questioned if that had actually been a crush or if he was just starved for kindness and affection from anyone willing to provide.
Tom for his part had shot Harry a number of inquiring looks, likely noticing Harry's staring and wondering why. Near the end he had asked twice if the raven was feeling alright to which Harry had made an even bigger fool of himself tripping over his words as he tried to reassure the man, he was okay. Tom had left him be at his insistence but had parted from him with a concerned and curious look.
His worry was later on in the day when he and Tom were scheduled to have a lesson dealing with their shared bond. Harry was sure that during that Tom would likely feel his very confusing emotions and if he didn't recognize them for what they were right away Harry was sure it wouldn't take him long.
"Harry? You've been staring at that same rune for the past five minutes." Lucius' voice cut into his inner turmoil and he glanced up to see the blonde wearing a bemused expression. "It seems like your mind is elsewhere, is there something bothering you?"
Harry debated whether or not he could answer truthfully to the older male, after all he knew Lucius was one of the few people Tom maybe considered a friend. He decided that he could use the advice but maybe not tell the man who it was he may or may not have feelings for.
"I think I might have feelings for someone, er..romantic feelings that is but I'm not sure if I really do. I also don't think this person will return them if I do." He confessed a bit awkwardly. He half expected the other to laugh at him or look at him like he had lost his mind, but instead he gave a small hum and seemed to think for a few minutes after Harry's words.
"Well, I can at least be of some assistance with the first part. Tell me how you feel when you're around this person." That made Harry pause as he thought back on all his interactions since he had met with Tom initially to discuss switching sides. "When I'm around them I feel safe and comfortable. They're a bit on the reserved side but every now and then they open up a bit about how they're feeling and that makes me happy. I don't know much about them as a person aside from their past, they don't really talk about their hobbies or interests…"
"I see. Do you find yourself wanting to know more about their hobbies and interests? Or do you find yourself only wanting to know them on a physical level?" Harry nearly choked at the man's last words and stared wide-eyed at the older wizard earning an eye roll. "Oh please Harry, you're a teenage boy and I've had this same conversation with Draco. There is nothing wrong with it or you if that is the case but lust and romance are two separate things. So I'll ask again do you want to get to know them on a deeper level?"
The honest answer was yes, he did want to know Tom better than he currently did. He found the man interesting and now that Lucius mentioned it he found himself wondering what the man did in his free time, what made him happy, what made him sad, what made him upset, and so on and so forth. Finally, he nodded in response to Lucius' question, earning a small smile from the blonde.
"Then I would say you are dealing with the early stages of romantic feelings for this person as by the look on your face earlier I can already tell you've thought about them physically." Harry flushed a deep red at this, refusing to meet the amused eyes of the Malfoy patriarch. "For now, I would say try to get to know them better and see if your feelings grow stronger. I believe we should call it a day here and pick back up a few days from now."
As the man stood and made to leave from the manor he paused, "As for the second part Harry, I believe I know why you feel they won't return your feelings and I think you are wrong. I have a hunch that should you ever confess to them, they will likely respond favorably." With that final parting the Malfoy vanished, leaving Harry to ponder his words and wonder if the man had actually caught on that Harry was talking about Tom. If so hopefully he wouldn't tell him.
Harry used the time before lunch to go back to his rooms and spend some time with Cinis, sitting with the little serpent curled on his knee and petting his sleek scales.
'The other snake here has been showing me where to find food on the grounds.'
It seemed that Nagini had taken a liking to the younger snake and had been allowing him to accompany her around the manor grounds when he wasn't with Harry. He had come across them together a time or two and often heard Nagini refer to the ashwinder as a snarky little brat but heard amusement and fondness in her tone when doing so.
'That's wonderful, I'm glad that you've settled in so well.' Harry hissed in response, watching the snake cock his head up and fix those red eyes on him.
'That older speaker is most entertaining as well.' Harry perked up at that statement a bit.
'You've been spending time with the older speaker as well?' Harry asked curiously, he had told Cinis Tom's name but just as he referred to Harry as Little Speaker regardless of how many times he told the snake he could just call him Harry, the same could be said for Tom.
'Sometimes. He has called for Nagini a few times and I have tagged along with her. He seems to spend quite a lot of time in that room with the many books. I hardly see him elsewhere.'
Harry realized the serpent probably meant Tom's study. To be fair, Harry rarely knew of the man going elsewhere in the manor aside from the dining area and probably his bedroom. Harry made a mental note to ask Tom about it when they had their lesson after lunch. Lucius had told him to try to get to know the man better if he was serious about possibly developing romantic feelings.
Speaking of lunch, he should probably be heading to the dining area soon. He carefully lifted Cinis from his knee and placed him onto the bedspread.
'I will be heading out for lunch now, tell Nagini hello for me if you go in search of her.' Harry stood from the bed and stretched as the ashwinder slithered his way down the bed railing.
'Of course, have fun with the older speaker.'
Harry watched the serpent disappear from view and headed for the door. As he left, he noted that Morgana's portrait was empty again and assumed she was likely off enjoying the ability to move around again. He had considered approaching the witch for her opinion on his feelings regarding Tom, but her teasing of him already told Harry that she would likely tell him he had a crush.
Upon arriving in the dining area, he saw Tom was already seated and waiting for him. He hoped that this time he could maybe act a bit more normal and not trip over his words around the older man.
(Tom's P.O.V.)
Tom was not often confused by other people; in fact, he was usually quite remarkable at reading them and figuring out true intentions. However, Harry Potter seemed to be an exception to that just like the boy seemed to be for most other things. He had been concerned when the boy had stared at him for nearly fifteen minutes during their morning breakfast, seemingly spaced out and not aware of it.
He had tried to get the boy's attention a few times but nothing had seemed to work, even prodding slightly at their mental connection had not seemed to register to the boy. It wasn't until he had waved a hand in front of the other that he got a reaction and was able to ask him if he was alright. The boy had then proceeded to flush in embarrassment and rush out a half coherent stutter of denial and reassurance to him.
He had watched the boy rush off to his scheduled lesson with Lucius afterwards and sat at the dining table wondering just what was going on in the boy's head. He had decided to later broach it with him if the boy was still out of sorts at lunch and had gone about his day. A good portion of it had been sending off owls with the hopes of recruiting further allies for their side.
Near their usual time he had left his study and settled himself at the dining table once again, wondering if Harry would still be acting strangely or if he would perhaps have returned to normal after his lesson. When the boy joined him in the dining room, he noticed a small flush on his cheeks and a bit of a slow pace as he came to sit down, but otherwise he seemed normal. Was he getting sick maybe and trying to hide it?
"Hello Harry, how was your lesson?" He began casually, deciding to try and coax conversation out of the boy before he could zone out. "It was good, Lucius started out with just having me copy down the basic runes to begin familiarizing myself with them." The raven answered with a small smile.
Food appeared on the table moments after Harry had sat and he quickly began eating, surprising Tom a bit as he had noticed the Gryffindor had a rather small appetite most of the time. He found himself slightly pleased as well though as maybe the boy was beginning to develop a slightly better one now that he was in a less stressful environment.
Tom ate his own lunch silently, keeping a discrete watch on the boy to pick up any weird behavior. He noticed Harry still staring at him from time to time for prolonged periods but not the zoning out that he had seen that morning. He admittedly was curious about what was causing the boy to stare so much.
"Tom? Can I ask you something?" Harry suddenly chimed, pausing halfway through his meal. "I believe you just did, but you may ask me something else as well." The older wizard teased, making the Gryffindor flush red and shoot him a glare. Tom internally chuckled at the look, the boy was far from intimidating or threatening so it just looked out of place on him.
"Do you spend all day in your study?" Harry inquired after his face had returned to it's normal color. The question caught the former dark lord a bit off guard resulting in a raised eyebrow at the boy. Harry seemed to backpedal for a moment and threw his hands up as he spoke. "Not that there would be anything wrong with that! I know you're busy and have work to do, but I assume you have some free time also but still rarely see you outside of your study during the day. I was just…curious I guess."
Tom managed to work out Harry's words after a moment as the Gryffindor had rushed them out and nearly chuckled at the other's embarrassment. Outwardly he gave the boy a small smile, "I do spend some of my free time in my study as well." Harry cocked his head to the side, "Doing what?"
"Most of the time reading, I often have a drink in the evening and read by the fireplace. I do leave the study during my free time also; I often spend time in the manor gardens and go on strolls through them a few times a week." He answered drawing a hum from the other, "I didn't know the manor had a garden." Harry muttered softly, "Would you like to see them sometime? They are rather expansive; I think you would probably enjoy them."
The raven nodded enthusiastically at his question, causing an amused smirk to curl on Tom's lips. The boy's excitement was nearly radiating off him and Tom found it causing a feeling of fondness in him. "Perhaps after your lesson with Bartemius then."
"I would like that a lot." Harry chirped, a big smile on his face. With that decided he watched the boy tuck back into his food. He felt slightly relieved to see the boy seemed to be back to his usual self after the episode this morning although he was still curious what had caused it. He finished his own lunch still keeping an eye on the boy just in case but their meal ended with no unusual behavior.
Once Harry was ready Tom led him to his study for them to work on the Gryffindor's access to their mental connection. He was interested to see how long it took for Harry to be able to sense Tom's emotions like he could the boy's.
Upon entering, he strode behind his desk and got comfortable in his armchair as Harry did the same in the one across from him. He observed the younger as he took a few deep breaths and seemed to center himself as one would for meditation until green eyes opened and met his own with fierce determination.
"Alright I'm ready."
Tom couldn't help the small smile that formed on his face at the boy's behavior, he found the attitude about learning and facing challenges to be very amusing for some reason. In the past it had always frustrated him when others didn't pick up on concepts as quickly as he himself could, but for some reason he didn't feel that with the Harry. Maybe it was due to Harry doubling down when he couldn't get the hang of something to his liking and continuing to try harder instead of complaining or giving up.
He felt the other prodding their mental connection after a few moments and decided to get a reading on Harry's emotions after his odd behavior from earlier. When he opened himself up to the Gryffindor, he felt an odd mixture of feelings and began trying to dissect.
There were a few he could place easily such as anxiety and embarrassment which he didn't find out of sorts for a teenage boy to feel, but there were two others that he couldn't place a name to. The first felt similar to the relaxation feeling that he had experienced previously from the boy but stronger and almost warm in nature. It wasn't something he could recall feeling himself. The second he was able to identify after a bit deeper prodding at it and his eyes nearly widened in surprise.
The prodding towards the second emotion had sent a wave of heat through Tom's veins, making his blood feel like lava as it seemed to rush through him at a much faster rate than normal. The boy had been feeling a rather strong wave of lust or arousal. He had pulled back from Harry's emotions after that realization, his own blood cooling but an echo of that heat still present.
He supposed it wasn't surprising for the boy to have urges like that considering he was in that hormonal teenage state. Tom could vividly recall his own and although he hadn't been very inclined towards letting anyone else touch him, he had still gone through a phase of needing that type of contact from himself.
This of course led him down a dangerous trail of thought. Had the Gryffindor ever been intimate with another person? He'd made no mention of a partner when they had initially discussed him leaving Hogwarts for good, but the older wizard knew that a relationship wasn't always required for two people to want to have sex. He should know, the few times he did allow someone in his bed he never had anything to do with them after.
He felt an unpleasant coil of something at the thought of the younger male doing anything of the sort with a faceless person. Pushing the feeling away, he refocused his attention on the green-eyed boy who was sitting across from him with a look of concentration.
Tom could admit that Harry was attractive from an objective standpoint and likely would have been as popular as Tom himself had been during his school days if not more due to his fame as the Boy Who Lived. More so now that the boy's glasses were gone and the clothes he wore actually fit him instead of the baggy ill fitting ones Tom had seen in Harry's memories.
He thought back on his few interactions of physical contact with Harry. What would it be like to engage in more intimate contact with the other? Immediately he shoved those thoughts away, mentally berating himself. What was he thinking? Harry was still underage and while Tom's renewed body may look like his early twenties, he was quite a bit older than that.
'Um….Tom'
His eyes snapped up and locked on green ones filled with curiosity.
'Yes Harry?'
'I think I managed to get at least a minor reading on your emotions, but it felt like you were…I don't know..anxious maybe? Or worried? It was still a little fuzzy but it definitely didn't feel positive.'
Tom wanted to curse mentally, of course the boy would figure out how to feel his emotions while he was in the middle of a mental debate about the morality of wanting to physically touch him. He certainly wasn't about to discuss these thoughts with the other so he did his best to reign his emotions to a state of calm and offered a reassuring smile.
'Well done Harry. As for what you felt don't trouble yourself over it I was simply lost in thought and let my mind wander a bit too far into unpractical situations.'
The raven still held curiosity in his eyes but seemed to accept the former dark lord's answer and returned to his pose of focus with his eyes closed.
Tom breathed a mental sigh of relief that the boy didn't push further. He couldn't be sure what Harry's reaction to his thoughts would be, but he wouldn't be acting on them anyway so it was a moot point. With his mind made up he settled himself down to observe Harry's progress. If he happened to pay a little to much attention to the way the boy scrunched his nose in frustration or the absolute joy when he managed to get a clearer grasp of Tom's forced calm emotions, he'd chalk it up as being a dutiful instructor.
(Harry's P.O.V.)
They called an end to their lesson a few hours later when Tom was satisfied with Harry's ability to get a firmer reading on the emotions the older man pushed towards their bond. It seemed easier for him to read them if they were strong or if Tom actively tried to push them to Harry, which the raven hadn't realized was possible. He had taken the break between his lessons to go and check on Cinis before heading to the room he had had his ancient runes lesson in to meet up with Barty.
Upon arriving at the room, he saw Barty was already there lounging in one of the chairs. The older wizard shot the Gryffindor a smirk as he took a seat as well and the Deatheater straightened a bit.
"Hello Barty, you look rather happy." Harry remarked with a bit of suspicion, feeling it grow when the man's smirk stretched wider.
"You could say that. Been ages since I've had a chance to teach someone the more complicated charms I know. Not met many that have a talent for them. I'm hoping you might have it." Barty replied, twirling his wand in one hand. "But first things first if I'm supposed to be playing proper teacher again, what do you already know as I assume it's beyond the average fourth yearth curriculum."
Harry snorted softly shaking his head at the older wizard. "I had practiced up through the fifth-year charms and a few from the sixth-year curriculum. Beyond those I studied a few from the books I came across in the restricted section, but only the theory behind them not the execution.
Barty gave a nod of understanding and seemed to consider this information before humming softly. The man stood from his chair and summoned a book to himself. He flipped through it momentarily before stopping on a page and flipping it around to show it to Harry.
The page read 'Full Body Bind Curse' which caused Harry to glance up at the man in question. "We'll begin with this then. Many consider curses, hexes, and jinxes to fall into the category of charms but refer to them as dark charms. I'd like to take a practical approach and have you learn charms that would benefit you in battle as there will likely be many to come when you begin interfering in Dumbledore's plans."
Harry nodded solemnly and took the book from Barty. "I know, I'm hoping Tom and I can figure out a way to deal with Dumbledore that reduces the need for violence involving innocents. Tom has already said he's working on that, but I have a feeling that doing so will be easier said than done." Harry gave a wry smile before focusing his attention on the book in front of him. He only hoped when the time came it wouldn't mean losing more people that he cared for.
He and Barty worked on the body bind curse until close to dinner time with Harry managing to cast the curse, but only able to hold it for a few minutes or Barty would snap himself free from it. The Deatheater told him they would continue to practice it until he could not only hold it with ease but withstand someone struggling within it and attempting to dispel it. When he joined Tom at the table for their meal the other man looked slightly annoyed.
"Tom, are you alright?" He questioned when the other didn't show any reaction or acknowledgement of his presence. His question drew red eyes over to him and the look of annoyance eased slightly.
"I'm fine. Just some rather annoying news reached me earlier." The older wizard sighed out tiredly, "There was an attack on Hogsmeade by a group of masked wizards claiming to be supporters of mine. So far, the casualties are being reported as single digits, but all the same it's a problem. I've asked Lucius to look into it and see if he can apprehend any of those who were involved. I highly suspect Dumbledore has something to do with this."
Harry understood the man's frustration at the situation, violence being committed in his name would not be helpful to the cause they were hoping to push forward. They largely ate in silence as Harry could still sense a simmering irritation in the former dark lord and he doubted the man would feel like idle chitchat during. It wasn't until their plates had been cleared away and Harry had started to leave for his rooms that Tom spoke again.
"Harry? Were you still interested in seeing the gardens?" Tom inquired, standing just to the side of his chair. On the one hand he really wanted to see them and spend some time with the older wizard. He had planned to use the walk to try and get to know more about Tom. However, with the man now having to worry about possible plots from Dumbledore Harry felt a bit foolish and like there were more important things he should be focused on.
Tom seemed to pick up on his hesitation and gave another small sigh. "Do not feel as if you are keeping me from anything important Harry. I could use the fresh air as well." Hearing this Harry gave in and answered the man with a small nod, gaining a small smile from the red eyed man as he led the Gryffindor from the dining room into what appeared to be a large sitting room. He continued over to a large set of glass double doors positioned at the farthest side of the room and pushed one open for them.
When Harry followed Tom out of them, he was instantly hit with the smell of a variety of very fragrant flowers, the smell was sweet and sharp. The doors had led them onto a small patio-like area equipped with dark wicker furniture. Around it was a sprawling area with many different plants all bearing different colored blooms as well as some larger shrubs and trees. There was a stone pathway that led through them and that is where Tom was heading.
"These are some of my favorite plants near the patio." Tom told him casually, his hand brushing along the petals on a bush that was producing what appeared to be white and peach colored roses. "Those are very pretty. I wouldn't have expected so much color out here." Harry answered softly, eyes moving over the blooms as he fell into step directly beside Tom.
"Do you have a favorite out of all of them?" Harry asked after a few moments, Tom hummed in thought and was silent.
"I'm rather fond of carnations and orchids." He finally admitted, "What about you Harry?"
"I don't know much about flowers or plants in general outside of what we learned in Herbology. Although I did some gardening for my aunt when I was younger. She often had me plant Tulips and Lilies."
"If you're interested to learn more about them at any point, I'm sure I have plenty of books on both muggle and wizarding varieties within my study." Tom offered, drawing a small smile from the young Gryffindor. "I think I would like that. I wouldn't have pegged gardening as a hobby of yours." Harry chuckled lightly; he assumed most people wouldn't associate one of the supposed darkest wizards of the century with such a non-threatening pastime.
"It's relaxing and the flowers themselves are pleasing to multiple senses." Tom shrugged, they were nearing an area where multiple pathways converged and a small fountain sat in the middle. Harry observed the middle of the fountain, which was a large stone snake whose mouth seemed to be the opening for the flowing water.
Tom made his way over to a small wooden bench that was set to one side of the fountain and relaxed down on it, the young Gryffindor following suit soon after. Harry closed his eyes momentarily, enjoying the last rays of the setting sun and the pleasant breeze that hit his face.
"Hey Tom, can we go into Diagon Alley tomorrow?" Harry asked suddenly, turning to face the older wizard. Tom gave him a curious look, "Of course, but may I ask what for?"
"I need to find a birthday present for Draco's party the day after." Harry smiled, excited to spend time with the blonde again even if it would have to be under the guise of Harrison instead of as Harry. He had been thinking what he could give the blonde as a gift without making the boy suspicious as Harrison likely wouldn't know much about him as they had just met. Luckily, he had the cover of telling the other that he had asked Lucius for suggestions during their ancient runes lessons as a cover.
With that in mind he had settled on a few books on advanced potions brewing as he remembered the Slytherin had an interest in mastering more complex brews and some merchandise for his favorite Quidditch team, all of which he was hoping to find within Diagon Alley.
"When's your birthday Tom?" Harry inquired, after all he'd like to be able to celebrate it with him. "December 31st"
"Do you ever do anything to celebrate it?" Harry was curious what the man did in the past, Harry himself had never really celebrated his own aside from Hagrid bringing him a cake when they had met.
"No, I usually don't do anything out of the ordinary for it." Tom replied softly, "I have never really seen the need to."
"We should do something for it this year." Harry suggested with a grin, Tom shot him a skeptical look.
"Like what?" The older wizard asked with a bit of wariness, Harry shrugged slightly. "I'm not sure yet, but I'll think of something before then trust me."
"What about your own then? It'll be coming up rather soon if I recall correctly." The former dark lord smirked, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I'm not sure, I've never really celebrated my own either." He admitted sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Then I suppose I'll have to come up with something for your own before then." Tom teased him, smirk still present.
"You don't have to do that!" Harry blushed a bit, not wanting to make the other wizard go to unnecessary trouble.
"Is it not normal for friends to celebrate these sorts of events together? I assume that is why you were asking my own and why we are going to celebrate with the young Malfoy heir." Tom countered back.
"Well yes, but I don't want to cause you unnecessary trouble over my own." Harry admitted, fidgeting with his hands a bit.
Tom sighed, shaking his head, "Harry I enjoy spending time around you. It is in no way troublesome." His voice was firm as he grabbed Harry's chin and twisted the boy's head back around to lock their eyes. Harry could see sincerity in them.
Unfortunately for Harry, this close proximity was not helping with his blush as his eyes drifted down from Tom's to settle on the man's lips which were very tempting to Harry right now. Tom himself seemed to have realized how close they were also but to Harry's surprise he wasn't pulling back. On the contrary, he seemed to be leaning into the Gryffindor's space more. Was Tom going to kiss him?
Harry's mind was racing as he took in the fact that the older wizard's eyes were half lidded as he moved closer to Harry and Harry felt his lower a bit as well. There were only a few inches between their faces right now and Harry felt like he wanted to close it, but what if he was reading this wrong? Maybe he was imagining the want in the other man's eyes and that would be extremely embarrassing to try and explain if he went for the kiss and was rejected.
He was ultimately saved from a decision when Tom cleared his throat and pulled back, eyes averting to the side and refusing to meet the Gryffindor's. "We should probably head back inside; it's getting rather late." He muttered softly; Harry could swear that he saw a small dusting of pink on pale cheeks in the fading sunlight.
Fighting his disappointment as the tension of the moment dissolved, he gave the other a silent nod. Maybe he had imagined it after all. As they stood and moved back toward the manor, he couldn't help the bitterness that settled in his stomach. Why did he think that someone like Tom would ever be interested in someone like him?
Harry knew he wasn't horrible to look at, but next to Tom he just looked plain. He was unremarkable and boring with no special traits that would make him a highly sought after partner. The only thing he had been desirable for at Hogwarts was his fame, but Tom wouldn't care about something shallow like that and if he did the man himself was far more famous than Harry.
Tom walked the Gryffindor to his room in silence and bid him a quiet goodnight as he left, presumably to go to his own bed. Harry tossed himself down on the bed, burying his face in the pillow ignoring a concerned hiss from Cinis.
'Little Speaker? What is wrong?' The young ashwinder hissed out, coming to rest near Harry's shoulder.
'It's nothing Cinis. I'm just really tired right now.' Harry lied, barely raising his head from the pillow but enough that the little serpent would be able to understand him clearly.
The snake gave him a look similar to one of doubt and disbelief but thankfully dropped the subject. He watched as Cinis crawled down from the bed and slithered off, to where Harry was unsure.
He reluctantly stood and dressed for bed a few minutes later, when he crawled under the covers, he tugged one of his pillows close to himself and hugged it tightly. He soon found himself drifting into an uneasy sleep, never noticing the new addition to his room. On the small writing desk by the window sat a vase with black and salmon roses in it.
(A/N: Alright lovelies that's a wrap on Chapter 10, I will be out of town this weekend but promise I'm already working on the next chapter and will hopefully have it finished not long after I get home! I know Tom is a bit OOC but I like making him work through his feelings more than pretending he doesn't have them. Warning it's about to get really angsty these next few chapters while these two begin sorting out their thoughts and feelings about each other. See you next time!)
