Chapter 3
Harry let the oven door slam close. He dropped the hot pan of individual pies to the counter and turned to grab the bowl from where it had been mixing only to realize he had allowed the whipped cream to become over beaten.
“Fuck!” He threw the bowl in the sink. It clattered against the other dishes before settling. He pinched his nose and drew in a deep breath. He had been off his game the past two days, ever since-
Nope. Don’t go there, Harry.
He knew he could fix it but ultimately decided to make a new batch. He moved to pull more ingredients from the pantry and fridge, grabbing a new bowl as he went. As he measured and poured, he caught Hermione sneaking through the kitchen out the corner of his eye.
He sighed. “I don’t bite.”
She froze. “Maybe not but you have been barking.”
He set the stuff he had gathered down and set his hands on the edge of the counter, head down. “I’m sorry, Mione. I-“ He shook his head. “You don’t deserve that. Neither of you do. I’m being an ass and taking my bad mood out on you both. Maybe I shouldn’t go out tonight.”
“Absolutely not, mate.” Ron strode around the corner and stood next to Hermione. They shared a glance that spoke a thousand words. “Tonight is exactly what you need.”
“Ron’s right, Harry. You definitely need a night out to get your mind off… things.”
Harry turned to face them. He knew by the determined looks on his best friends’ faces he wasn’t getting out of this. He threw his hands up in the air.
“Fine! Fine. I’ll go. Jesus, stop looking at me like that.” Harry pouted as he began to whisk by hand this time to make sure he didn’t mess this batch up.
“Wonderful! Pansy is so excited! She is really hoping there’s a dance floor. We haven’t been dancing in ages. She’s also picked out a dozen outfits already for the both of us. I’m slightly afraid of what I’m going to come home to, honestly.“
“Luna has been going on and on about dancing, too. Fred and George are going to meet us there. I’m not sure who they are bringing, if anyone. Do the five of us wanna ride together?” Ron leaned back against the wall as he pulled out his phone. “I can go ahead and schedule a car to come grab us.”
“Oh, yes! Pansy and I can walk to Harry’s so that the driver doesn’t have to make that many stops!” Hermione looked to Harry for confirmation that that would be alright and he nodded absently, whisking away furiously.
As they chatted about outfits and drinks they wanted to try, Harry finished whisking and transferred the whipped cream once it was perfect into a piping bag and moved to pipe stars onto the pies he had pulled from the oven.
“This all sounds good to me. One question, though.” He looked at them over his shoulder.
Ron and Hermione both tilted their heads and waited.
“If the two of you are back here harassing me and chattering like hens, who’s up front taking care of our customers? We haven’t hired anyone else yet.”
“Shit!” The other two shouted together.
Harry chuckled as they ran from the kitchen, feeling the lightest he had all day.
Thankfully, the rest of the day went much smoother and before he knew it, it was closing time. The three friends waved goodbye as they headed home to get ready. Hermione normally walked to Pansy’s shop after work but Pansy had closed her shop early so she had more time to get ready for the night. Instead, Hermione walked alongside Harry as their homes were in the same direction.
Hermione hooked her arm through his and leaned her head on his shoulder as they walked. “It’s going to be ok, Harry. Just forget about it and let’s have a good time tonight. If nothing else, at least Fred and George are good for a laugh.”
He kissed the top of her head, warmth flowing through him as he thought about how lucky he was to have her in his life. “I know, love. Don’t worry about me. We’re gonna have a great time. I promise!”
They chatted about the plans for the evening and settled on Hermione sending him a text when they headed his way. At the crosswalk they separated. He laughed as he reached to catch the kiss she blew him before walking away.
As he walked through the door the tortoiseshell kitten came zooming through the room. He had finally settled on a name for the sweet kitten. It came from his favorite series of books and movies.
“Hello, Arwen.” He crouched to scoop her up. He gave her a kiss on the head as he walked towards the kitchen. Her purrs were loud in his ear as she climbed onto his shoulder.
“Here we go, darling. Dinner time.” He set her down in front of her food bowl and grabbed the canned food. After he topped off her bowl, he headed to the alcove off the hallway where he stored her litter box and scooped it clean.
Once he was finished tending to Arwen’s needs, he made a small supper for himself. He stood in the kitchen eating his sandwich and crips before heading to take a shower.
He stood under the scalding hot water, letting it wash away any lingering tension. Hermione was right as always. It was going to be ok and he did need to get his mind off things.
He scrubbed at his body and let his thoughts drift to the possibilities of the evening. He imagined what he thought the bar might look like. He had to agree with Pansy, he hoped there was a dance floor. Something with loud music he could get lost in.
His hand trailed along his chest. He pictured meeting a gorgeous stranger. Dancing with them, hands trailing over sweaty skin. Their bodies pressed against each other, rolling hips and swaying shoulders. He moved his hand down his torso.
The faceless partner in his mind wrapped their arms around his neck. His breath hitched at the thought of someone running their lips over his neck. He gripped his hardening length, pumping it slowly. He leaned a hand against the shower wall as the other twisted over the head of his cock. His moan filled the steamy bathroom.
Thoughts of bodies moving together in a dance as old as time flew through him. His hips stuttered as he fucked into his hand. He didn’t normally have a type. He liked people short, tall, curvy, thin. The person in his imagination however, was tall and hard bodied. They gripped his hair and he gripped his cock tighter. He moved his hand faster and faster, chasing his release.
His breathing became ragged as he pictured long fingers wrapped around him instead of his own. He came as he thought of dark chocolate eyes filled with lust meeting his green ones.
“Goddamn it.” He dropped his head onto the shower wall.
Not exactly getting your mind off things, are you? Don’t picture his fucking eyes when you wank, creeper.
He continued to berate himself for where his mind had gone as he hurriedly finished his shower.
As he dressed he swore he would put those eyes and hands out of his mind and focus on meeting someone new that night. He picked out what Ron called his seduction clothes- a dark green button up and a pair of tight, dark wash jeans. He finished with a pair of boots and some silver rings.
He spent a few minutes styling his hair the way Pansy had taught him when they were still in school, something he didn’t usually bother with when baking as he tended to end up with flour in his hair anyway. As he was checking himself in the mirror to make sure he looked as good as he hoped, his phone rang.
He glanced at where it sat on the bathroom counter and cursed as he saw the name that popped up. He ran a hand down his face and answered.
“Hey Dad.” Harry’s voice was wary. He had a feeling he was about to get a guilt trip. He slipped his wallet and keys into his pockets as he walked into the living room.
“So… You are alive,” Sirius said flatly.
Harry winced. “I’m sorry I missed dinner last night. I know I should have called. I just wasn’t fit for company.”
“So we’re company now? Not family? You’re too grown and busy for your old man now?”
Harry sighed. Sirius’ voice was teasing but he could heard the genuine hurt behind it.
“Dad. Come on. You know I didn’t mean it like that.” Harry put Sirius on speaker when he felt the text notification come through. The girls were on their way. “It was one dinner. I’ll make the next one.”
“I know, Bubs. But it’s not like you to miss family dinner and to not even call to let us know what’s going on?? Remus had to stop me from calling the hospitals or showing up at your place.” Sirius sounded worried.
Harry hated worrying his parents. They had been through so much already and he didn’t like to add to it.
“Tell Pops I said thank you. I’ve just had a bad few days. I’m ok now, I swear. In fact, I’m going out with everyone tonight. The girls are on their way now and then Ron and Luna are picking us up.”
“That sounds like fun. Would have rather heard about it over the roast Remus made.”
“Are you going to hold this over my head the rest of my life?” Harry propped his feet up on the coffee table.
“Not at all. Just the rest of mine.” Sirius barked out a laugh at his own joke and Harry knew they’d be ok.
“Tell me about your week. Anything new happening at Imagine Nation?”
Arwen jumped up on the couch next to him and started making biscuits on his thigh. He gave her pets as he listened to his adoptive father ramble on about the bookshop he and his husband owned together.
Once he had promised again to never miss another family dinner as long as he lived, Sirius let him go. He had just stood to tidy up a bit when his front door opened.
“Darling, look at you!” Pansy rushed to him, kissing each of his cheeks. “Who are you hoping to seduce, looking so delectable?”
“Honestly? Anyone at this point. Did you invite your hot Italian friend?” Harry winked.
Pansy smacked his arm as Hermione cackled.
“No, the two of you aren’t allowed within ten yards of each other if I can help it.”
“Do either of you want a drink?” Harry asked, still chuckling at Pansy.
Before they could answer, a horn honked outside.
“That should be Ron and Luna.” Hermione glanced at her phone to check the time. “They had said they were picked up at the same time we started our walk here.” The three friends walked outside to see a large suv waiting for them. Ron opened the back door to grin at them and they piled into the vehicle.
“What’s the name of the place again?” The driver called back to them.
“The Tipsy Alchemist!” Hermione answered.
The five friends chatted, conversations overlapping, laughter echoing around the suv before arriving at the bar. They thanked the driver before spilling out onto the side walk. The group got in line and waited to enter.
“Neville just text me.” Luna glanced up from her phone. “He, Hannah, and Susan are already inside. They snagged a table for us.”
“That was good of them,” Harry said appreciatively. “Who else is coming tonight?”
“Fred and George should be here soon. I had a few people respond saying they might stop by but I’m not exactly sure if anyone actually will.”
They showed their ID’s and entered the darkened bar. There was indeed a dance floor with flashing lights as well as tables scattered throughout the floor. Harry spotted Neville and gave a wave. The group of five headed to the well stocked bar to order drinks then sat at the saved table.
Harry sat across from Neville, Ron on his right and Hermione on his left. Pansy and Luna sat next to their respective partners. Hannah leaned into give Pansy a kiss on the cheek from her place at Neville’s right. Susan gave a cheeky grin from his left and winked at Harry.
Harry gave a grin and wink of his own before scanning the bar. He listened with half an ear as everyone around the table caught up. The bar wasn’t quite packed yet. Music pumped through the speakers and a few had made their way to the dance floor. It was still early and Harry was hopeful as he found several fit individuals who caught his eye.
“Harry!” Harry giggled as he was attacked from both sides by the red headed menaces Fred and George, Ron’s twin brothers.
“Get off me, you demons!” Harry pushed them away while the rest of the group laughed.
Fred pulled up a stool between Harry and Hermione while George did the same between Neville and Susan. Fred leaned his elbow on the table, with his head in his hand, staring at Harry.
“Looking good, Harrikins. On the hunt?” Fred wiggled his eyebrows.
“You could say that.” Harry took a sip of his drink and smirked.
“Fred, how’s the toy store going?” Hannah called across the table, pulling Fred’s attention away.
The next hour was full of drinks and stories. Friends stopped by the table to share greetings, sometimes pulling up a chair to stay awhile. Pansy pulled Hermione onto the dance floor and the two turned heads as they moved together.
Harry asked if anyone else wanted another round and made his way up to the bar. As he made his drink order he noticed two men leaned against the wall in the corner. The taller one was whispering in the shorter ones ear, one hand on the wall, the other on the man’s hips. The shorter man had a coy, inviting smile on his lips as he tilted his head to give the taller man better access. Harry’s stomach did a flip.
Harry couldn’t take his eyes off the scene unfolding before him but he wasn’t sure why. The taller man turned slightly and Harry’s heart dropped into his stomach.
Oh.
Severus’ face was the picture of shock as he took in Harry staring at them. Harry watched as Severus took a step towards him, hand extended. Harry turned away, face carefully devoid of emotion, and walked back to the table. He dropped the drinks to the table. The conversation came to a halt and the group turned as one to look at Harry.
“Fred. Dance with me. Now.” Harry crooked his finger, face still an unreadable mask. Which meant his friends read him immediately.
Fred gave a wary smile and raised his brow. “Me? I’m flattered, sweetheart, but we both know you aren’t into redheads.”
“Harry? What’s wrong?” Hermione had just stepped back off the dance floor to wet her aching throat.
“Severus is in the corner pressed up against someone fucking else. So it’s me. He just doesn’t want me.” Harry wouldn’t meet anyone’s eyes.
Fred’s eyes hardened. “I don’t know who that is but he sounds like an idiot. Let’s go show him what he’s missing, darling.” With one fluid movement, Fred lifted from his seat and was wrapped around Harry.
He guided Harry to the dance floor. “Which one is he?” He whispered into Harry’s ear. He made sure to have a flirty smirk on his face in case anyone was watching.
Harry wrapped his arms around Fred’s neck. “Tall guy. Long hair. Dressed in black. Dark eyes. By the bar last I saw.”
Fred looked down at Harry. “How jealous do you wanna make him? How far can I go?”
“Don’t fuck me on the dance floor but other than that? As far as you want.”
Fred’s eyes darkened. “Shame you have a rule about dating Weasleys. We could have had so much fun.”
“Fred…” Harry trailed off uncertainly, brows coming together in a frown. “Maybe this was a bad idea.”
“Oh no, you wanna make him see what he could have had right?”
Harry nodded hesitantly.
“Then it’s my pleasure to help.” Fred turned Harry so that Fred was pressed against his back. He wrapped strong hands around Harry’s waist and chest and pressed Harry back so there wasn’t an inch between them.
Fred ducked his head into Harry’s neck as he rolled their hips together. “Is he watching?”
Harry glanced around, trying not to look as though he was looking for the other man. He spotted him at the bar, hand wrapped around a glass of amber liquid. Severus’ eyes were glued to Harry and Fred.
Harry huffed. “Yeah. The jerk is watching.”
“Then let’s give him a show.”
Fred grabbed Harry’s hand and before he could blink, spun him out before whipping him back in and dipping him.
Harry laughed brightly when Fred kissed up his neck as he stood them up from the dip. Fred gripped Harry’s hips and slid a leg between Harry’s. Their hips swayed in time with the music and Harry let himself be lost in the movement.
He was desperate to forget Severus even as he danced in such a way to make the man jealous. Fred was right though, it was a shame he had the No Weasleys Rule. The man could move.
As they danced, Fred spun and twisted them, teasing touches and neck kisses all designed to drive someone mad. Harry was close to losing his mind between Fred’s hands and Severus’ eyes both on him.
The song changed to one that Harry loved to do the dance to. He looked around for Pansy, only for her to swoop in behind him and snatch him by the waist, pulling him away from Fred. They laughed as they head toward the middle of the dance floor. The rest of their friends joined them. The crowd of people all moved together, clapping and shouting as they twisted and stomped across the dance floor.
He could still feel Severus’ eyes on him as he danced with all his friends. He tried to not pay attention but it was proving difficult. Fred snagged him again and wrapped his arms around him from behind.
“I have an idea to really make tall, dark, and dumb jealous,” Fred said with a wicked grin.
Harry hummed curiously in response. He was once again dancing facing Severus and the man looked like he was made of stone His companion had long since abandoned him. Fred’s hand trailed up his chest, over his throat, and up to his chin. He tilted his head back. Fred brushed their noses together.
“Can I kiss you? On the mouth this time?”
Harry felt like he had been punched in the gut. He couldn’t breathe.
“Hey, Harry. Harry! It’s ok.” Fred rubbed Harry’s side soothingly. “It was just an idea.”
“Sorry. Sorry. I’m an idiot.” Harry sighed. “It’s just… it’s what I asked him the other night. And then…”
“And then?”
“He left. He said it would be a mistake to kiss me. He said that he doesn’t date and he didn’t want me to get the wrong idea. And he left before I could even get a word out.” Harry sighed. “Which sucks, yeah. And I was disappointed because he’s good looking and surprisingly witty. I wanted to get to know him better outside of how he takes his coffee. But not everyone is made for dating. I get that. Yet, here he is. On the pull. So… like I said. It’s just me he doesn’t want.”
“And like I said. He’s an idiot.” Fred blue eyes were sincere as he smiled softly down at Harry.
Harry tipped his head against Fred’s as they danced. He watched as the music slowed and the couples wrapped around each other.
“Hey, I’m gonna get some air. I’ll be right back.”
Harry left Fred on the dance floor and stepped out of the bar. He leaned against the brick wall a little ways from the door and closed his eyes, resting his head back. After about a minute, he felt someone standing in front of him.
“Fred, I’m fine. You didn’t have to follow me out here. Go dance! I’m sure Susan will be more than happy to-“
“I am not Fred.” A voice dripping with disdain interrupted him.
Harry tensed. His eyes opened to see Severus looming over him. Both men waited for the other to break the silence. Harry finally rolled his eyes and spoke.
“Ya know, you could have just said you weren’t interested in me specifically, instead of giving me the song and dance that you don’t date. I’m a big boy. I can handle rejection.” Harry ignored the two days of pouting as well as the petty show he just put on.
“I didn’t lie. I do not date.” Severus took a step closer.
“Could have fooled me. You seemed pretty into that guy.” Harry crossed his arms.
“Harry.” Severus huffed. He pinched the bridge of his nose before dropping his hand in defeat. “I don’t date.” He stressed the last word as though it meant something.
Harry stared impassively. “Me. You don’t date me. I got it, Severus. You don’t have to keep saying it. Go back inside. I’m sure there’s plenty more fit guys dying for you to pay attention to them if that one from before has wandered off.”
Harry moved to head back inside himself and was stopped by Severus’ arm slapping the wall beside his head.
“Do you believe that me saying I don’t date means that I don’t fuck?”
Harry raised his eyebrows at the vulgar word coming from the normally composed man’s mouth. He cocked his head to the side. “You refused to kiss me.”
Severus leaned in closer, eyes black. “First of all, not kissing someone does not mean one does not enjoy sex. And second of all… You don’t seem the type to do casual, Harry.”
“Well, you didn’t ask, did you? You just left.” The hurt was evident in Harry’s voice.
“You seem to have bounced back quickly.” Severus spat.
“Why do you care?”
Severus pressed his chest against Harry’s. He dipped his head to whisper against the shell of Harry’s ear. Instead of answering Harry, he asked his own question. “Do you know why I didn’t kiss you?”
Harry shuddered at the feeling of Severus breathe against his ear. He kept his voice as cold as he could to avoid giving away how affected he was. “Obviously because you didn’t want to.”
Severus chuckled darkly. “Oh no, quite the opposite. I could not kiss you, Harry.” He nuzzled his nose into Harry’s hair. “I knew if I kissed you, if I knew what you tasted like, I would not have been able to stop at just the one kiss.”
Harry choked back a moan that wanted to escape at the thoughts those words sparked. “I don’t believe you. You had a chance, Severus. Why are you doing this now?”
“I watched you dance with him.” Black eyes bore into green ones. “I don’t do relationships. That’s true. But that does not mean I do not want you. I found it… distasteful to watch someone else touching what I want.”
“I’m not your toy that someone else was playing with. You can’t throw a fit now. You could’ve left. You seem good at that.” Harry snapped.
“I could not have left.”
“Why not?”
“I saw your reaction by the bar. I wanted a chance to explain.”
“Well, you’ve explained. So if that’s all…” Harry pressed a hand to Severus’ chest to push him back but Severus covered it with his own hand, caging it against him.
“Harry.”
His name had never sounded more like both a command and a question. Harry threw his free hand up in exasperation.
“What, Severus? What else is there to say?”
“I’m asking.” The taller man moved impossibly closer, fingers stroking the hand on his chest.
“Asking what?” Harry replied breathlessly. Goosebumps trailed up his arm from the touch of the other man.
“Can you do casual?” Severus rested his forehead against Harry’s.
Harry closed his eyes. He had had his fair share of one nights and casual situationships in the past. He just wasn’t sure if he’d be able to be casual with the man in front of him.
“What does casual mean to you?” Harry whispered between them.
“No commitment. We can be friendly but nothing romantic. Just sex,” Severus said bluntly.
“Would you fuck other people?” Harry asked as though it didn’t matter. It did.
Severus hesitated before answering. “I would rather you didn’t.”
“I asked if you would. I don’t sleep around. Casual or not, if I’m fucking someone, I’m only fucking them.”
“No. I would not fuck anyone else during the time we were sleeping together.”
Harry took a deep breath. He nodded. “Then I can do casual.”
Harry barely got the words out of his mouth before Severus crashed his mouth to Harry’s.
Harry wrenched his hand free and drove both hands into Severus’ long, silky locks. He gripped the strands in his fists and tilted his head. Severus swiped his tongue against Harry’s bottom lip seeking entrance. Harry opened his mouth to suck Severus’ tongue inside, his own tongue curling around it.
Severus growled deep in his throat as he plunged his tongue into Harry’s mouth. His long fingers wrapped around Harry’s hips and he slipped his knee between Harry’s legs. He rocked against Harry as he devoured the shorter man’s mouth.
Harry moaned when he felt Severus press their hips together. He could feel the other man’s hard shaft through his pants and was desperate to see it. He tore his mouth away to heave much needed air into his lungs. Severus moved to attack his neck with biting kisses.
“Fuck. Hold on. I gotta-“
Severus latched his mouth to Harry’s once more. His tongue licking into Harry’s hot, inviting mouth. His hands moved to grip on either side of Harry’s face. Harry was lost. He forgot what he was going to say as he moved his hands to wrap around and grip Severus’ back.
The sounds of the street faded until all he knew was the feeling of Severus’ mouth and body against his. He had a nagging thought in the back of his mind that he was forgetting something.
“Oh Harry! There you are.”
Luna’s airy voice was like ice water crashing down on a Harry. The two men separate quickly and turned, red faced, to the petite blonde.
“Everyone was worried, so I volunteered to come check on you. I knew you’d be just fine, though. I’ll let everyone know you decided to go home and you’ll text them tomorrow. How does that sound?” Her voice was calm but her eyes glittered with amusement.
“Thank you, Luna. That sounds perfect. I’ll see you later, love.” Harry rasped.
She blew him a kiss and turned to walk away. She looked back over her shoulder and smirked. “Severus, right?” She waited for him to nod silently. “Perfect. Ron owes me twenty pounds.”
Harry doubled over with laughter as she headed back into the bar. He wiped tears away as he looked back at Severus.
“So, your place or mine?”
Severus pulled Harry to him sharply. He lowered his head to press their lips together quickly. He kept his lips against Harry’s as he spoke.
“Mine.”