Unconditional Love

Percy

“Thanks again for coming with us, Perc. I normally have Pop’s help but Dad surprised them with a trip to Scotland.” Harry pushed the double stroller as they walked toward the bookshop.  

Percy hasn’t seen Anthony since the back massage. He did talk to Barnaby about who could make the sweets for the shop. Unfortunately, he didn’t know anyone. Harry said that he would help, but he knew his brother-in-law had too much on his plate as it is. 

Maybe he could look up a few recipes. They wouldn’t need that many. When it sold out, it sold out.

“Of course, I love spending time with my niece and nephew.” Topher looked up at him with the biggest smile. 

“I sit on Unca Percy’s lap!” He shouted.

Winnie was right behind him shouting “NO NO NO!” 

“Topher we have to share. You can sit on my lap.” Topher was quickly happy. He wondered if his baby would love him like that. Babies woshouting,ld love unconditionally, right?

Percy opened the door to the shop. Parents with their children filled the shop. Oh, they could profit off of this. The shop was making money, but if he made more. Anthony could hire help. 

Anthony saw him and winked. His cheeks burned red. He could tell. 

“Hey, you made it!” Neville’s voice broke their eye contact. He had a double stroller with Silas and Nash. 

“Of course, we couldn’t miss it. I brought Percy! He will be bringing his little one soon! Isn’t it great we have so many babies now!” Harry’s eyes sparkled. Neville and Harry were only children and you could tell. Percy didn’t know if he would want more than one child. Maybe two? 

“A big family like we never had.” 

Percy watched as Anthony read a muggle story about a wolf and three little pigs. He was so animated. You could tell how happy he was to read and act out each part of the story. Percy loves to read, but he hasn't allowed himself to enjoy a book in so long. He could picture Anthony reading to a baby with red hair. Percy shook his head. That is a thought that he shouldn’t be thinking. 

When the story was over. Anthony made his way over to them. Harry took Winnie from him.

“We should get going, Neville. The kids need lunch. See you back at home, Percy!” Sure, leave me all alone with the bookshop owner who has been in his dreams every night.

“Hey, Percy.” The blond smiled at him. “How are you? You look great. Practically glowing.” Percy rolled his eyes. He looked huge. He felt huge. 

“I’m doing well. Been working on Barnaby’s and your books. I think I have found you a baker but I won’t know anything until later.” Anthony reached out and squeezed his arm. 

“That is wonderful Percy! So we can get together and work on where to set up the cafe. I’ll make dinner.” A pretty woman walked up to them with their toddler. 

“Anthony,” She smiled flirtatiously. “I need your recommendation.” She flipped her hair. Oh gods seriously. Percy wanted to watch to see Anthony’s reaction, but he couldn’t.

“Anthony, send me a letter with a date and time for the meeting.” He turned and walked out of the shop. 

 Harry had a table full of food when Percy walked into the kitchen of his brother’s house. 

“You’re home early. I figured Anthony would have kept you longer.” The smirk on his brother-in-law's face made him groan. 

“He has a job to do. Many attractive moms to help.” There was a hint of jealousy in his voice. Harry looked over at Neville who failed to hide his smile. 

“Oh, Anthony has to fight her off every week. She can’t take a hint.” 

“Nope, not at all.” Neville agreed with Harry.

“Plus, I’m sure our Tony has a crush on someone else.” Harry bounced his eyebrows up and down.

“I doubt that. Who would crush on a single pregnant man? No, you are mistaken. I need a favor. I have been wanting to learn to bake a few things. Being a parent and all. I think I should learn how.” They didn’t need to know why Percy wanted to learn how to bake. They would find out soon enough. He didn’t want to hear the teasing right now, anyway. 

“Oh, I have so many!”

Anthony

Percy was actually talking to him, and that woman had to come in. He has told her many times that he wasn’t interested. He would have to say it anymore. There was a look on Percy’s face when he left that hurt his heart. Anthony could tell the interaction made Percy uneasy. 

That just means for dinner this week when Percy comes over. It would be the best dinner ever. It wouldn’t all be talking about the shop, either. He wanted to get to know Percy. 

He was about to send Percy a letter as the doorbell jangled. 

“I need your help! Draco is a mess. I don’t know what I need to do. I have a panicking husband who is pregnant.” Justin rushed into the shop. His best friend looked like a mess.

“What’s wrong with Draco? Why are you not with him?” Anthony walked toward his friend. Who ran his fingers through his hair. 

“He is sleeping. I need books. Everything you have on childbirth, child raising, teaching children sign language.” 

Anthony smiled and motioned with his head to follow.

“I can only imagine how he is feeling. I can’t believe you are going to be a dad! I’m happy for you. I’m also a little jealous.” Okay, maybe envious.  

“You could have it with Percy. You should read up on these as well. Percy is closer to having the baby than Draco.” It wouldn’t hurt to read a few books.

“Maybe you are right. There ya go. Get back to your husband.” Anthony handed him a small pile of books.

Justin pulled out his wallet. Anthony shook his head.

“Family discount. Tell Draco not to worry. You guys will be great.” His best friend rolled his eyes and placed a galleon on the counter as he walked by.  

“See you at game night.” 

Oh yes, game night so he will see Percy two nights in a row! Now to send that letter.

Dearest Percy,

I’m sorry that our conversation was cut short because of a daft customer who can’t take a hint. I would love to meet you on Thursday. Same time as last time. I can’t wait to see you. 

Yours.

Tony

Anthony tied the letter to the owl's leg. 

Justin

“Draco, I’m home.” Justin stepped out of the floo. Draco sat on the couch. He had a drawing pad on his lap. His fingers held the pencil loosely. His husband smiled up at him. 

*Where did you go?* Draco asked. He looked a little better than he did earlier. *I’m sorry about earlier. I am just worried.* Justin sat down next to him. He placed the pad and pencil on the coffee table. 

*I understand why you are worried. Becoming a parent is scary. I’m worried as well. I know it isn’t the same, but I worry about you and the baby. Do you want to talk about your fears?* Justin tried not to try to treat his husband like he was his patient. The blond picked at his fingers before he answered. His hands were shaky. 

*How could I be a father to this baby? I know how my father was. How could I be good enough for them? I don’t know the first thing about fatherly love! The only person who ever loved me was my mother! We all know what happened there! My father killed her!* Draco’s hands trembled as he signed.

Justin couldn’t take the hurt in his eyes. He pulled his husband on his lap. The smaller man cuddled into him. Justin was worried about setbacks. There will be good days and bad days. Justins will be there for them all. 

“You will be a great dad! You will love them. They will love you. I promise. You are very lovable Draco.” 

*I love you.* Draco signed. Justin kissed his hair. 

*I love you.* 

Harry

“You know you are pretty cute when you are concentrating. No wonder a certain bookshop owner can’t keep his eyes off of you.” Harry teased his brother-in-law. Percy hasn’t shared anything with them about everything. That is okay Harry wouldn’t pry. Though he does look happier than he has since coming here.

“You are not helping Harry. I don’t know how you don’t have exact measurements! What is a splash of vanilla? A pinch of salt!” Percy huffed and pushed his glass on top of his head.

“Okay, we will make it together. We will measure each thing. Then you can write everything down. Will that be helpful?” Percy rolled his eyes but nodded.

They went through each ingredient and recipe. Ever the student. Percy wrote every measurement and step with precision. 

Percy sat down at the table once everything was baked. Harry couldn’t wait to taste one of each. 

“Thank you.” The tone of his brother-in-law's face broke Harry's heart. “For everything. When I was pregnant, I didn’t know what I was going to do. I knew I had to leave. Coming here was always the plan. I knew I didn’t treat my siblings how I should. I was always so determined to be the best. To do what I was told. Mum always had a higher standard with me. I don’t know why. I knew I didn’t want to end up like my parents. So many kids and not successful. I’m just thankful that I didn’t burn any bridges with Charlie” 

Harry placed his hand on top of his. He didn’t know what to say. Though Charlie had been standing at the doorway the whole time. 

“You are my younger brother, Percy. I love you. You think I don’t know how our parents are? When I told them I wanted to be a dragon trainer. They were not happy at all. Mum wanted me to go into the ministry. Of course, it's what Dad did. I know that there was a lot of pressure on you. I know I pushed everyone away when I had my accident. It took Bill to help me. So now it is my turn.” Charlie squeezed Harry’s shoulder. Before he walked over to his brother. He pulled Percy up from the table and into a hug. How could he love this man even more than he already does? 

Harry quietly snuck out of the room. They needed to talk. 

Percy

Percy felt tears burn his eyes as his brother’s strong arms wrapped around him. 

“It’s okay Percy. You can let go,” Charlie said gruffly. That is all it took. Tears poured from his eyes. Percy wanted to blame it on the pregnancy hormones, but it wasn’t.

Charlie held him as he cried until there was nothing left. His brother helped him sit back down at the table. 

“I’m sorry.” Percy rested his arms on his bump. 

“You don’t have to apologize. Now, what is the real reason you want to bake? You have never wanted to before.” Charlie picked up a scone. He broke off a piece and put it in his mouth. “Mm, this is good. So?” Of course, he didn't let it go.

“Anthony and I have been talking about how he can make more revenue. I suggested a small cafe that serves tea and pastries. If I make the pastries. He wouldn’t have to split the profit with someone else. It could just be a flat rate.” 

Charlie’s eyebrows lifted. “Well, they are delicious.” Percy watched as Charlie ate another. 

“You better leave me some!” Harry’s voice carried through the house.

“ Of course my feisty fae! They are delicious Percy! I’m proud of you. I’m glad you are learning new things.”

Percy got a scone of his own. 

“I hope Anthony likes them. I mean. I hope they are good enough to sell.” He felt his cheeks redden. Hopefully, Charlie wouldn’t notice.

“You made them. Anthony will love them. I’m sure he would love anything you make.” Charlie teased not as much as Harry, but he loved his brother. 

“It doesn’t matter what he likes. It's about his business and what they will like. Pass the butter." Percy didn’t want to think about Anthony. Most men wouldn’t want a useless pregnant wizard. He is better off on his own. Or was he?