Archive of Our Own

Charlie sighed to himself as he gulped back the rest of his coffee and stared at the door that Bella had disappeared through. He knew that teenagers didn't really want to spend all of their time with their parents, but at the same time, considering they hadn't lived together for a while, he had hoped she would want to spend more time with him. Or even some time with him.

But in the time that she had been here, that hadn't changed, though she did spend plenty of time with the Cullens. With her boyfriend. Even after he had left her for months not long ago, and had broken her heart.

It hurt, he had to admit, but he didn't really know how to change it either. He remembered first love, the thrill of it, the heat of it, the passion, but he also remembered how badly it had gone for him and Renee, and he was terrified that his daughter would be hurt the same way that he had been. For all that she might not want to admit it, he and her were much more alike than she was her mum, they felt and cared deeply, and they meant it.

She had already had to grow up too fast, she had had to be an adult for Renee with her wishy washy ways, and part of Charlie resented her for it, for the fact that it had been that that made her leave him, but mainly because it had meant that Bella had had to grow up too quickly and become the responsible one. She was difficult to connect with because she didn't need a dad, she didn't think she needed a dad, because she was so used to having to do everything herself.

He sighed deeply to himself again before standing and moving to grab his things, considering his hope to spend the day with Bella had fallen through, he decided he might as well go and see Billy and annoy the other man for the day. He had given him the heads up that he probably would be considering how well all his previous attempts had gone.

He quickly had what he needed and tugged on his warm brown coat before locking up the house. He plodded his way across the grass to his car and then froze, cop instincts kicking in at the sudden shout breaking through the sound of the rain coming down on the trees around them.

"Teddy!"

He sharply looked up, eyes scanning around before he quickly relaxed and stifled a grin at the sight of the completely naked kid who looked about 4 streaking across the grass of his new neighbour's garden.

The new neighbour had moved in three days ago, and Charlie had barely seen anything besides the moving van and lights on in the house that had been empty for nearly half a year. Gossip around town had told him that the house had been bought by a young man with a son, they were British, and the young man was polite and friendly enough.

The fact that this was all the practised town gossips' had been able to get had impressed Charlie.

He moved quickly tugging his coat off and intercepting the little boy before he could get out of his neighbours garden and head for the road, bundling the little boy up in the coat and scooping him up as a young man raced across the garden in just a pair of black jeans and a blue tshirt, completely barefoot.

His dark black hair was a riot, and yet it somehow looked as though he had styled it that way, though Charlie didn't think he had, and then Charlie noticed the eyes, bright emerald green, absolutely stunning green eyes like nothing he had ever seen before.

Charlie thought that the Cullens' eyes were unusual and stunning, but that thought was quickly replaced as he looked into the wide green ones of his new neighbour.

He had met plenty of good looking guys - Cullens' again, anyone - in his life, but he had never really thought that a guy was beautiful before, but looking down at this man the thought went through his head. A delicate heart shaped face, with high cheekbones and beautiful pale skin, he was smaller for a guy, probably at 5,4 to Charlie's 5,10, and he was slender….delicate his brain supplied.

Charlie turned to the little boy in his arms just as his new neighbour nearly reached them, and he couldn't help but chuckle at the furiously giggling little boy in his arms who beamed a gap toothed grin at Charlie, his hair was a bright blue but he had green eyes that matched the man's.

"Teddy!" The voice was more scolding this time. "Thank you so much!" the man breathed out to Charlie.

"No problem at all," Charlie fought down his laughter as he saw the man trying to be stern with the little boy, Teddy.

"Teddy, what have I told you about running off like that?" he scolded, reaching out and Charlie transferred the boy, coat and all, to the other.

"Sorry Daddy," Teddy blinked big green eyes at the man, and Charlie didn't know how the other didn't melt every time at that look.

"That isn't an answer Teddy Bear," the man shook his head.

"I shouldn't run off, 'specially not towards the road, and I need to ask you to leave the house," The boy recited faithfully. Then he added, "But it is raining really pretty!"

"And clothes?" The man sighed.

"I need to keep my underwear on at least," Teddy pouted fully this time. "And I was a nudemist in another life!" he chirped.

"Nudist Teddy Bear," The man chuckled. "Thank you so much!" he said again.

"No problem at all," Charlie grinned, trying not to laugh again at the conversation. "I am Charlie, your neighbour," he motioned to his house.

"Oh, you're a police officer right? Your car gives it away, sorry, I am Harry!" the man rambled, flushing a little.

"I am a cop yup," Charlie grinned a little brighter, taking Harry's hand when it was offered to him.

"It is nice to meet you," Harry smiled brightly, and Charlie felt ridiculous as he realised his heart fluttered a little at that smile.

"Daddy!" Teddy whined, wiggling in his arms.

"Say thank you to Mr Charlie for stopping you from running into the road," Harry said gently.

"Thank you Mr Charlie, and the way you spun me was fun!" Teddy beamed.

"Go on, you nudist!" Harry huffed, dropping the boy to his feet and taking Charlie's coat away. Teddy cheered and went racing back towards the house, hands in the air and little legs pumping. "Oh, I can wash your coat for you…" Harry blinked, holding it out to Charlie.

"It is ok, just a little water and mud, I will probably be going fishing, worse will get on it," Charlie shook his head, taking the coat back.

"Fishing?" Harry asked dubiously looking up at the rain clouds that were clearly set in for the day.

"This is Forks, 325 days a year of rain, you work your hobbies with it," Charlie laughed, chuckling even harder as Teddy raced behind Harry with a shriek of delight.

"We have been settling in and catching up on jet lag, I am in for a long day and night I think," Harry sighed, glancing at the little boy, but there was so much warmth in his eyes that Charlie had no doubt he utterly adored the boy.

"Letting him run a chunk of it off is a good idea," Charlie hummed.

"As long as my neighbours don't complain to the police," Harry said, green eyes sparkling mischievously.

"I am sure that they wouldn't even dream of it," Charlie found himself responding.

"Well then I may save my sanity a little," Harry grinned.

"I had better get going, it was good meeting you though," Charlie held his hand out again.

"It was lovely meeting you too," Harry's smaller hand slipped into his.

Charlie reluctantly moved his way back to his truck and climbed in. Just as he started the engine, he heard an excited little voice shouting.

"Oh Daddy there is a massive puddle!" Looking up as he started pulling out the drive he saw Harry running over to where Teddy was standing, he grabbed the little boy around the waist and then jumped right into the middle of the puddle making the little boy fall into a riot of delighted laughter as water and mud covered them.

Charlie ignored that thump in his chest as he watched Harry put Teddy back on his feet and then jumped in and out of the puddle with the little boy.

He completely ignored the baffled looks Billy gave him as they fished and the questions as to why his mind seemed to be a million miles away.

Aside from glimpses of Harry, Charlie didn't have a chance to talk to the other again until nearly a week later.

He walked into the diner to grab some supper, considering Bella was spending the evening at the Cullens', and he found himself wanting company as he finished his shift. He walked in and went to move to a free table when he spotted Harry and Teddy clearly not long settling into a booth.

He had no clue what possessed him to do, it was completely out of character for him, but all he could think of was the bright smiles and laughter he had seen and heard from Harry and Teddy that morning as he made his way across the diner.

"Harry, Teddy, good to see you again," he greeted.

"Mr Charlie!" Teddy beamed at him, and Charlie noticed he had lost another tooth.

"Charlie," Harry's cheeks flushed a little as he smiled up at him as well.

"Decided to try out our famous local diner for supper?" Charlie asked.

"We have been busy all day getting things setup for Teddy to go to school and officially registering here, I didn't have the energy to cook, especially not when the young master seems to think I am his personal chef," Harry teased, poking Teddy gently in the side.

"I have just gotten off shift and had the same idea," Charlie admitted.

"Would you like to join us?" Harry asked a little shyly, and that thump in his chest was back.

"Are you sure? I don't want to impose," Charlie asked.

"Please Mr Charlie, you wouldn't be impoosing!" Teddy insisted, making the adults grin.

"It would be nice to have some adult company," Harry said.

"Hey!" Teddy squawked.

"Are you an adult Teddy Bear?" Harry teased.

"I nearly am, I am 4 now!" Teddy told Charlie proudly.

"So close to it!" Charlie agreed, slipping into the seat across from Harry so he wasn't hovering over them, ignoring the fact that the gossips would already be twittering.

"So, so close, and you're already very mature," Harry agreed, kissing Teddy's temple.

"Here we go boys, and for the little boy," Vassie beamed, coming over with menus for them and a little colouring paper and crayons.

"For me!" Harry gasped.

"No, daddy! They're for me!" Teddy giggled. "Thank you very much!" he beamed at Cassie and Charlie watched her nearly melt.

"You're very welcome, I will be right back when you're ready to order," Cassie waved.

"Do you recommend anything?" Harry asked, looking over the menu.

"You're new to America right? Jet lag?" Charlie hummed.

"Yeah," Harry nodded.

"Meatloaf is good, and not something I think you really have in Britain right?"

"We don't, guess I will be trying that," Harry said, easily setting his menu down.

"Can I try some of yours daddy?" Teddy asked.

"Of course you can," Harry kissed his temple as he got him setup to colour. Charlie watched with fondness as Teddy set about colouring with all the seriousness that a four year old could manage.

"I feel like I have been run over by a truck," Harry sighed, dropping back a little in his seat.

"Long day?" Charlie smiled.

"I had no clue that there would be so much paperwork, sign here, sign there, here again, honestly, I feel like I might have accidentally signed my soul away somewhere in there," Harry groaned.

"You're all official now? A fully fledged member of Forks?" Charlie asked.

"I am," Harry smiled brightly.

"Do you mind me asking, why Forks?" Charlie asked what had been spinning around in his head since seeing the fun loving, bright man.

"I wanted to get away from England, Teddy and I don't really have much there anymore, and those we do have will either visit or follow. I wanted somewhere with nature, peace and community, a bit of research and here came up," Harry explained.

"Not many people really want the peace of a small town, they find it boring," Charlie's mind couldn't help but drift to Renee as he said it, how she had chafed at edges of the 'boring' town, she had been bright and filled with light and laughter as Harry seemed to be, and she had been smothered by Forks.

"Boring is what you make of it, cities and big places are definitely not for me, I went to school in the Scottish Highlands since I was 11," Harry explained, pulling Charlie from his thoughts.

"To School in the Scottish Highlands, but not lived?" Charlie asked.

"You really are a police officer!" Harry teased.

"Not just a police officer, he's our Chief," Cassie said as she came back over to them. They quickly ordered and she swept away.

"Chief huh?" Harry smiled.

"Scottish Highlands huh?" Charlie teased.

"Ugh, it makes me sound like a posh prat," Harry groaned.

"Why?" Charlie couldn't help but throw his head back laughing when Harry dramatically covered his face and dropped forward onto the table. He was aware of eyes on them, the curious gazes drifting over to them, but he couldn't really find it in him to care.

"Daddy, Daddy and Mummy went to school there!" Teddy chirped.

"It was a boarding school," Harry explained as Cassie grinned at them, dropping their drinks off.

"That…does sound a little posh," Charlie allowed after thanking her.

"It is a castle!" Teddy said excitedly.

"That sounds posher," Charlie hummed as Harry pouted a little.

"It is a bit of a family tradition. I got used to quieter places. I grew up in Surrey, right on the edge of London, it was so busy and filled with people that didn't know each other, even when you were neighbours, there was no real community or care. Somewhere like that is where I really want to be, and for Teddy to grow up," Harry ran his fingers gently through Teddy's blue hair.

"I grew up here and loved it, but there are a lot who move to Seattle as soon as they can. My daughter Bella has just moved back from living with her mum in Arizona. I am not too sure that she is really fussed on anything here besides her boyfriend," Charlie found himself admitting.

"How old is she?" Harry asked with a gentle smile.

"17, and definitely doesn't want to hang around with her dad," Charlie smiled a little sadly.

"I will always want to spend time with you Daddy," Teddy said thoughtfully, "And you can spend time with us Mr Charlie!"

"I feel like that would be a lot of fun," Charlie hedged, suddenly feeling awkward about being invited into Harry's life by his son, especially when his heart kept thumping the way it did.

"The company is always welcome, especially good company," Harry said softly. There was something in those green eyes as they looked at him that made his heart thump again.

Cassie saved him by bringing over their meals, and Harry lost a chunk of his meatloaf to Teddy who devoured everything on his plate, and Harry's in delight. Charlie and Harry talked throughout with Teddy piping in here and there, mainly Charlie telling Harry about Forks, the best places to go and see, what to do, and who the main people in town were.

Harry seemed interested, and he asked a lot of questions back, also telling Charlie little bits about himself and Teddy along the way, his green eyes, those green eyes, kept coming back to Charlie again and again, and Charlie was fairly sure that this was what an addiction felt like.

"Is your car here?" Charlie asked as they left the diner.

"We walked, I can't drive yet, it is on the list of things for me to do," Harry admitted.

"Can I take you guys home? It is a little late and miserable to walk, and we're neighbours," Charlie offered a little awkwardly.

"We get to go in your police car?" Teddy gasped excitedly, making Harry chuckle.

"Yes, you definitely can," Charlie smiled.

"Cool!" Teddy enthused. Charlie couldn't help but think how mortified Bella had been when he had had to drop her off at school on her first day in the car.

"There is a small strip of road where there is nothing about, if there are no cars, we can turn the lights on," Charlie promised.

They quickly had an excited Teddy bundled into the car, and then Harry slid into the seat next to him in the front.

"It is so pretty here," Harry sighed happily as they drove down the road surrounded by trees.

"It is, I don't really take it in and appreciate it enough after living here my whole life," Charlie admitted, glancing around them.

"It is peaceful," Harry smiled.

"It is wet," Charlie chuckled.

"Again, Scottish Highlands," Harry grinned, "It feels like home,"

"True, was that part of the attraction?" Charlie asked.

"A little yes, School was more of a home to me than where I grew up, so getting to be around trees and similar nature was a big plus when we saw this place," Harry admitted.

When they pulled into Charlie's driveway, Teddy was out for the count in the back. Charlie got out and helped Harry unbuckle and pull Teddy out without waking him, the younger man settling Teddy against his chest, cuddling him close.

"Do you mind me asking about something Teddy said in the diner?" Charlie asked cautiously.

"What part?" Harry tilted his head.

"Daddy, daddy and mummy?" Charlie asked, and almost regretted it when a small, sad smile touched Harry's lips as he looked at Teddy.

"I am not Teddy's biological dad; his dad was an uncle to me, and his mum was a cousin of mine. They were killed when he was only a few days old. His mum's mum struggles; she lost a lot, and she knows she isn't in the right place to be raising him, so I adopted him. He wants to call me his Daddy, he asked when he realised that I was raising him like a parent but he called me Uncle Harry, but I will always make sure he knows about Remus and Tonks,"

"I am sorry." Charlie touched Harry's shoulder.

"You didn't know," Harry shook his head. "And it is important I keep talking about them, it is easy to stop because it hurts, but that wouldn't be fair to their memories or Teddy," Harry said softly.

"You must have been young when you adopted him," Charlie said, looking at the peacefully sleeping little boy.

"Is that your subtle way of asking my age?" Harry asked, green eyes sparkling again and a teasing grin tilting his mouth.

"No!" Charlie spluttered.

"I was 18, I am 23 now," Harry grinned wider.

"I wasn't asking," Charlie spluttered.

"Mmm hmmm, thank you for the company, Chief Charlie," Harry teased, making his way across Charlie's lawn to his house.

"I wasn't asking!" Charlie called out.

The last thing he heard before Harry disappeared into his house was Harry's bright laughter.

If it flowed through into Charlie's sleep last night, well, that was between him and his dreams.

"Mr Charlie!" The excited shriek had Charlie looking up from meeting Billy at his car in time to see Teddy streaking across Harry's lawn towards him.

"Teddy!" Harry's shout from the house reached Charlie's ears.

"I have underwear on!" Teddy shouted defensively before he launched himself at Charlie's legs, little arms wrapping around them as he looked up at Charlie excitedly.

He was definitely wearing his underwear, and only his underwear, making Charlie laugh. He bent down and scooped Teddy into his arms, hugging the little boy who eagerly wrapped his arms around Charlie's neck. Charlie felt himself warming when Teddy smacked a messy kiss to his cheek.

"Hello!" Teddy said brightly, looking into the car and spotting Billy.

"Hello Little Man," Billy waved.

"This is my friend Billy,"

"Hello Mr Billy!" Teddy said politely as Harry came jogging over. "I have underwear on!" Teddy defended.

"You do," Charlie agreed, fighting a smile when Harry narrowed his eyes at him.

"I wanted to say hello to Mr Charlie!" Teddy hugged Charlie tighter.

"Charlie was saying hello to his friend," Harry said gently.

"I don't mind, it isn't every day I get such an excited greeting," Charlie reassured Harry, realising from his glance that Harry was worried he was feeling put out.

"Teddy's love does always brighten the day," Harry relaxed, combing his fingers through Teddy's hair. "Hello," he waved at Billy.

"Hello, you're Charlie's new neighbours," Billy said in his normal friendly way.

"We are, I am Harry, and this is Teddy," Harry offered his hand, which Billy shook.

"Billy, great to meet you, I hope this grumpy bugger has been a good neighbour,"

"Grumpy?" Harry blinked, looking at Charlie confused.

"He thinks he is funny," Charlie rolled his eyes. "Because I lived by myself for years, he thinks it made me a grumpy, miserable bugger,"

"Thinks," Billy grunted.

"Told you he thinks he's funny," Charlie rolled his eyes.

"What are you up to today, Harry?" Billy asked as he shuffled to get out.

"Oh, here let me," Harry moved to grab Billy's wheelchair from the back and quickly had it set up for him, offering his arm to help Billy transfer to it. Charlie and Billy both appreciated the fact that Harry did it with no muss or fuss, and with none of the pity some people had, it was all done quickly and efficiently while Charlie held Teddy who clearly didn't want to let him go. "We don't have any plans today, if I unpack one more box I am going to run screaming through the forest, so nope not today," Harry said as he helped Billy.

"Why don't you two come join us? It would be nice to meet you properly," Billy offered.

"Oh," Harry glanced nervously at Charlie.

"That would be nice!" Charlie nodded quickly.

"Thank you," Harry brightened nodding, "That would be nice,"

"Lunch will be a microwave meal," Charlie warned, and watched amused and interested as Harry's eye seemed to twitch.

"Ah…no offence, how about as appreciation, I bring something over and cook?" Harry offered.

"You can cook?" Billy nearly had hearts in his eyes as he looked at Harry.

"Daddy is an amazing cook!" Teddy enthused from where he was still happily snuggling with Charlie.

"Well with that review, how can we say no?" Charlie said.

"How about we go get you some clothes on, and I get the food together to bring over?" Harry suggested but Teddy was already pouting.

"I want to stay with Mr Charlie, Daddy,"

"How about you get his clothes and the food and bring it over, and we can get settled?" Charlie suggested softly, not sure how comfortable Harry would feel about leaving his son alone with him yet, never mind Billy who he had just met. But Harry smiled.

"Sounds like a plan, you're in charge of making sure he keeps his underwear on though!" Harry warned.

"Streaker?" Billy chuckled.

"He is a nudist!" Harry complained, sounding as dramatically put upon as he could making Teddy giggle into Charlie's shoulder.

"I accept your challenge," Charlie teased back, getting even more giggles and sparkling green eyes from Harry and Teddy.

"I will be right over," Harry said, turning to head back to his house.

"Thank you Mr Charlie," Teddy said brightly.

"You can just call me Charlie, Teddy," the older man assured him as Billy wheeled himself to the house and Charlie carried Teddy in.

Teddy was happily chattering to Billy about his new room and everything that Harry had put in it for him while still cuddling Charlie when Harry tapped on the open front door and stepped in.

"Here I will go and help your Daddy," Charlie placed Teddy onto the sofa and then hurried over to Harry who had a few bags in his hands.

"Some clothes and entertainment for Teddy, I hope you don't mind," Harry grimaced a little.

"No problem, I remember how much shrapnel kids need to have," Charlie reassured him quickly. "How much food did you bring though?" he blinked.

"Well, I thought I could knock something together for lunch with enough for some leftovers for you and Billy, I also had a cake baked so I have brought that over as well," Harry explained with a small blush.

"You're going to spoil us," Charlie blinked into the bag.

"Did I hear cake?" Billy leant back so that he could see them.

"Daddy makes the best chocolate cake ever!" Teddy enthused, crawling onto Billy's knee. The other man blinked before smiling softly at the little boy and helped settle him.

"I think you are setting me up for failure Teddy Bear," Harry said as he followed Charlie into the kitchen.

"Don't judge!" Charlie declared when Harry opened the fridge to put some of the food away and just blinked into it.

"I didn't know veg could turn that colour," Harry grimaced.

"If I had known you were going to be looking I would have cleaned it!" Charlie groaned.

"Would you now?" Billy smirked.

"Shut it you! I am normally better than this, it has just been busy!" Charlie defended himself to Harry, those damned green eyes looking more and more amused.

"I am building a picture up," Harry said.

"Please don't," Charlie groaned louder as Teddy started giggling.

"Right Teddy Bear, clothes!" Harry said like it was a threat, handing the bag of food to Charlie to put away.

"Daddy!" Teddy whined.

"Doesn't work on me, come on you little nudist!" Harry grabbed Teddy and wrestled him into some clothing.

"I have never seen such an adorably grumpy teddy bear," Billy fought down his laughter.

Teddy was in a brown fleece all in one with little bear feet, a little bear tail and on the hood bear ears.

"He tricked me, I like this because it is soft," Teddy pouted at the man before climbing onto Charlie's lap where he was sitting on the sofa. Charlie leant over and grabbed the bag that Harry had brought with him as the other man popped back into the kitchen to start cooking.

Teddy happily settled into his lap colouring in, every now and then asking for Charlie's help as Billy and Charlie started watching the game.

"Here we go," Harry brought through a couple of beers that he had guessed were for them for the game.

"Harry you don't have to!" Charlie said mortified realising that he had just left Harry to himself.

"I really don't mind," Harry smiled, squeezing his shoulder, "It is nice to know that he isn't going to be streaking anywhere while I cook, I find cooking relaxing," He reassured him.

"Charlie is helping me colour," Teddy proudly told his dad.

"I can see, you guys are doing really well," Harry praised before heading back to the kitchen. Charlie couldn't help but watch him go, his eyes on his slender back as he padded through as though he belonged here.

He turned back around and found glittering black eyes watching him, Billy arched an eyebrow that said everything that a best friend could to you without actual words and Charlie scowled back, doing the exact same thing.

"Harry that smells amazing," Billy groaned as the smells from the kitchen drifted through to them nearly half an hour later. Charlie and Teddy were now playing a game with some building bricks on the floor as they carried on watching the game, every now and then when Charlie and Billy would groan or cheer Teddy would excitedly imitate them even though he had no clue what he was doing.

"It won't be too long now," Harry popped his head through and blinked when he saw Billy's lap housed a small castle. "That ok?" he asked.

"Not a problem at all," Billy grinned at him, getting a bright smile back.

"Daddy we're making Hogwarts!" Teddy exclaimed.

"Where now?" Charlie blinked.

"Daddy's school!" Teddy said scoldingly like Charlie would know, making the older man grin.

"Your school was called Hogwarts?" Charlie shouted through.

"Don't ask! Our School song was ridiculous! 'Hogwarts, Hogwarts, hoggy warty Hogwarts'," Harry snorted.

"You went to school in a castle?" Billy choked.

"Harry was a posh boy!" Charlie said.

"I was not!" Harry squawked.

"It is the vibe I am getting, a castle boarding school called Hogwarts?" Charlie teased.

"No cake for you!" Harry shouted.

"I would apologise, Daddy's cake is really good!" Teddy advised seriously.

"Maybe not full posh boy!" Charlie called.

"You're getting a slither!" Harry huffed.

"Seriously? A castle?" Billy asked.

"I have some pictures I can dig them out at some time to show you," Harry chuckled, walking in with two steaming bowls.

"Harry…" Charlie was certain that there were love hearts in Billy's eyes now as Harry handed him the bowl of stew.

"I already had the meat ready to go, figured it would be nice and filling," Harry said blushing.

"This smells so good, it looks even better," Charlie groaned as Harry handed him his bowl.

"It is just something I threw together," Harry was blushing even darker now as he shot back through to the kitchen for his and Teddy's bowls.

He blinked and smiled in appreciation when he came back in and found Charlie had cleared the coffee table and sat Teddy on a small pile of cushions so that he could reach it, ready for his lunch.

"Oh are you sure?" Harry asked when Charlie just reached out to take Teddy's bowl from Harry, not moving from where he was sitting beside the little boy.

"I don't mind at all, you cooked, sit down and enjoy it," Charlie shook his head and settled to eat his own meal and help Teddy with his as Harry settled right behind them on the sofa.

"Harry, Teddy was not exaggerating, that was brilliant," Billy sighed happily patting his stomach.

"So good!" Teddy nodded excitedly, grinning when Charlie dabbed his face for him.

"Thank you," Harry blushed again darkly but looked content as he sat there.

Charlie quickly collected their bowls and took them through to the kitchen, before coming back with drinks for all of them just as Harry came back with Teddy from taking him to the toilet.

"Fancy a film?" Charlie asked.

"Sounds good to me," Billy nodded.

"I haven't watched many films, that would be nice," Harry looked between them, unsurely, and Charlie read on his face he wasn't sure he was outstaying his welcome with the friends.

"Well, we will have to correct that over time, you get settled, I will get more drinks and bring cake through," Charlie placed his hand on Harry's back and nudged him towards the sofa before hurrying to the kitchen.

"Western?" Billy called through.

"Good for me," Charlie answered.

"I have no clue," He heard Harry admitting.

"It will be a good gauge for what you like," Billy decided and Charlie heard him rolling across the room to set up the DVD player.

Charlie stepped back in just as Billy got the film started, handing out the bowls and going back to grab their drinks, he made a note to get some more kid friendly drinks in for Teddy as he settled down on the sofa with Teddy sitting between him and Harry.

Twenty minutes into the film he started when Teddy crawled into his lap and cuddled tiredly against his chest, blinking sleepily in a way that clearly meant a nap was coming.

"Oh…" Harry moved to take him but Charlie shook his head.

"It's absolutely fine," he promised, shifting a little to make sure that they were both comfy. His heart melted a little when Teddy rubbed his little cheek into Charlie's chest before letting out a small content sigh and drifted off nearly right away. Rubbing his hand up and down the small back he turned to watch the film again, aware of green eyes drifting over them now and then.

They watched the whole film, chatting as they did, Billy telling Harry about the reservation and La Push, making Harry promise to come visit so that he could show him and Teddy the beaches there, and Harry telling them a little bit more about himself.

"I should get him back," Harry said, standing and stretching.

"It was really good meeting you Harry, I hope we can see more of each other, and that little bundle of joy," Billy said fondly looking at the napping boy.

"Definitely, thank you both for inviting me," Harry flushed.

"It has definitely been our pleasure," Charlie shook his head, carefully standing with Teddy. "I will carry him across for you, you grab his bags,"

"Thank you," Harry blushed softly again before gathering their things.

"Right back," Charlie called over his shoulder.

"Don't rush for me, make sure they're settled," Billy said, "See you soon Harry,"

"Bye Billy, see you soon," Harry waved before leading the way over to his house.

Harry got the door open and led Charlie into the warm looking living room, a little bigger than his though clearly still being settled into place, going by the boxes sitting out. It was white but Harry had already started putting pictures up and some paintings filling it with a little bit of colour.

"Thank you," Harry said as he dropped his bags near the sofa. "You ok to pop him down there?" he asked motioning to the sofa.

"No problem," Charlie carefully laid Teddy down and stood as Harry stepped closer and covered him with a blanket. "Thank you for coming, and for the food,"

"Thank you for inviting me, it is definitely nice having some adult company," Harry smiled softly at Charlie as he stood, and he was much closer than Charlie had been expecting. Looking down at the other he couldn't help but notice that this close Harry green eyes seemed even greener, and his thick black lashes fanned his pale cheeks when he blinked up at Charlie.

It took everything in him to only reach up and carefully touch Harry's soft cheek with his callused hand and then step back and not kiss the other.

"See you soon?" He asked, hoping he didn't sound as eager as he felt.

"Definitely," Harry nodded, and Charlie was sure he sounded a little breathless.

"Evening Harry,"

"Bye Charlie," He definitely sounded breathless!

Charlie ignored his pounding heart as he hurried back into his, only to be met as he shut the door with interested black eyes and a beer.

"Soooooo you fancy your neighbour and I am fairly sure he fancies you!" Billy grinned.

"Ugh shut up!" Charlie groaned at his friend, snatching the beer from him and dropping onto the sofa.

"No no no, I have not seen you take a proper interest in anyone like this before, all your dating attempts have been blah. But the way you look at him!" Billy was teasing, but he could see under it his friend was serious, and he was excited for him.

"There is something about him," Charlie admitted with a sigh.

"But?" Billy frowned a little.

"He's younger than me,"

"How old is he?" Billy asked.

"23."

"You're 34, hardly a horrifying age gap, and really he is mature for his age, having that little boy he doesn't need someone his own age," Billy shook his head.

"There is Teddy as well to think about," Charlie pointed out.

"Teddy who clearly adores you if the way he came running to you indicated, or wanted to stay with you, played with you and wanted to nap on you, and Harry seemed more than comfortable with it," Billy tilted his head.

"He's a lovely little boy," Charlie frowned. "I don't want to…"

"What is it?"

"What if it comes across as me trying to steal a ready made family to make up for the one I lost, play second chance? That wouldn't be right on Harry and Teddy, and definitely not on Bella," Charlie admitted what had been rattling his head.

"You talk to Bella and explain if this becomes serious, and I don't think Harry is the type to think that at all. What anyone else thinks doesn't matter,"

"And the fact that he has just moved here, I am the only person he has really spent time with besides you now, and am letching on him when he is in a new country, in a new place trying to settle in and probably just wants a friend?" Charlie closed his eyes and dropped his head against the back of the sofa.

"Not with the way he was looking at you my friend, the way he looked at you was not as a friend! You know I believe in the fates and spirits, what if he was brought here to give you a chance at being happy? And to give him a chance!" Billy offered.

"He's special," Charlie breathed out.

"And you're smitten my friend," Billy chuckled.

"Charlie!" The shout had him turning from his car, half expecting to see a naked Teddy running over to him, but instead he found a fully dressed Teddy in school uniform grinning at him with a bag in his hands.

"Good morning Teddy, you are looking very handsome!" Charlie whistled.

"Thank you!" Teddy beamed. "Daddy told me to bring this for you and Bella, he said he made too many!" he said, holding out the bag.

Charlie blinked and then took the white bag, looking in he found four cinnamon rolls that looked and smelt mouthwateringly perfect.

"Tell your daddy thank you very much!" Charlie said, that damned thumping happening in his chest again.

"I will, he said you work really hard and should eat properly, he was muttering to himself and probably didn't mean for me to hear that!" Teddy rambled and Charlie had to fight back a laugh.

"He probably didn't, but thank you for telling me," He rested his hand on Teddy's blue hair. "You have a great day at school,"

"I will, be safe chasing the bad guys Charlie!" Teddy waved before racing back over. Charlie was sure he caught a flash of dark hair in the window of what would have been the kitchen of Harry's house before it was gone.

"Who was that?" Bella asked, stepping out ready for school.

"Teddy, the neighbour's son. Harry sent some breakfast for us," Charlie quickly placed the bag on his car and placed two buns onto some of the napkins Harry had packed as well and held the bag out to Bella.

"Why?" Bella asked, confused.

"He realised that I am hopeless in the kitchen and is taking pity," Charlie shrugged as she took the bag and peered in.

"The stew was from him, not from a store?" Bella guessed.

"Yup, I have been spending a bit of time with him and Teddy," Charlie admitted.

"Oh," Bella frowned a little. "I didn't realise…sorry,"

"It is ok, I would like to introduce you two though, I think you will get on with him," Charlie tried.

"I…sure, he made breakfast for us, it would be polite," Bella said uncertainly.

"I will set something up," Charlie said quickly before she could change her mind or something. Just then Edward pulled up and he had to fight to sigh.

"Bye Charlie," she waved, hurrying off. He fought another sigh, but he did smile when she slipped into the car and took out one of the buns. He was able to see her smelling it appreciatively before taking a bite just as Edward pulled away.

He quickly gathered his own buns and slipped into his car before he was late, glancing at Harry's house before pulling away.

"Where are you boys headed to?" Charlie called out seeing Harry and Teddy bundled up and heading down their drive.

"Morning Charlie," Harry seemed to brighten when he saw him, and Teddy was already shooting over to him. Charlie easily caught the little boy and lifted him into a hug.

"We're going shopping!" Teddy explained.

"Without a car?" Charlie frowned.

"I have things called arms," Harry teased waving them about.

"Let me give you a lift there and back, I could do with grabbing some things as well," Charlie shook his head.

"You were on your way out," Harry frowned.

"Just to pick up some paperwork from the station, if you don't mind a small detour on the way back," Charlie said.

"But…" Harry was biting his lip, that concern in his green eyes again.

"I haven't had a chance to spend some time with you guys in a couple of days, and considering the breakfast and lunches you have been leaving for me and Bella, I reckon the least I can do is give you a lift to the shops," Charlie walked closer to Harry.

"I…they're just leftovers," Harry muttered, his cheeks tinting that lovely shade of red.

"You never normally make that much Daddy," Teddy blinked innocently at his dad who turned a darker shade as Charlie bit back his laughter.

"From the mouths of babes," He chuckled.

"I…" Harry glanced up at him with those bright eyes, clearly worried that he had offended Charlie somehow.

"I don't think we have eaten so well in years, I think lifts to the shops can at least be some thanks for me eating things that don't have a hint of plastic to them," Charlie said, before making a decision and walking to his truck to start loading Teddy into it.

"Hang on, how has it gone from one lift, to lifts, and you don't need to do something to thank me," Harry spluttered, hurrying after them.

"I am not going to have you lugging bags of shopping back and forth, especially not when it means I can spend more time with you and Teddy," Charlie said softly, finishing belting Teddy in and looking up in time to catch Harry melting just a little.

"I like spending time with you too Charlie," Teddy beamed at him.

"Well you just made my day," Charlie ruffled Teddy's hair making the boy squawk in outrage.

"Charlie…" Harry said hesitantly.

"In the truck Harry," Charlie said firmly, and that thump was back when Harry climbed right in with him.

"Thank you," Harry said softly as Charlie pulled out the drive.

"I should definitely be thanking you, I have been the envy of the station for the lunches I have been having, I swear they have all been drooling at my window from the smell," Charlie said, smiling when Harry's bright laughter filled the truck. "The cakes have gone down real well with them too, I swear production is up in there,"

"I am glad I could help," Harry smiled at him.

"I really do appreciate it Harry," Charlie reached out and squeezed Harry's hand, that thump happening again when Harry's hand closed around his own and squeezed for a moment before letting go.

"I like cooking," Harry said softly.

"Daddy cooks with love, so it tastes even better," Teddy said from the back, making both men smile.

"That is definitely a powerful secret ingredient," Charlie nodded. "I would like to introduce you to Bella, if you would like?" he found himself nervously adding.

"I would like that, I have seen her coming and going, but haven't had a real chance to say hello," Harry nodded quickly. "Why don't you guys come around for supper tomorrow?"

"That wasn't me asking you to cook for us more," Charlie groaned.

"I know, it was me offering," Harry laughed.

"That would be nice, as long as you're happy doing it," Charlie smiled at him before they pulled into the supermarket.

"I feel like I am four years old too," Charlie grumbled to Teddy who grinned at him as Harry scowled at the item Charlie had just put into the trolley and took it back out.

"I can make that better, and far healthier!" Harry shook his head.

"Harry, I am not trying to make more work for you!" Charlie protested.

"You have a growing teenager at home, it is better to eat healthier!" Harry insisted.

"Low blow," Charlie huffed as Teddy giggled some more.

"Whatever works," Harry beamed before hurrying to throw some other things into the trolly as Charlie strolled along with him pushing Teddy. He nodded seriously as Teddy told him a story about two of his toys and the mischief that they had apparently gotten into.

"What's that for?" Teddy asked curiously, twisting when Charlie picked up a little kids chair and placed it in the trolley.

"For you when you come over, that will be much more comfortable than sitting on cushions, how about we pick some stickers and you can decorate it how you like it?" Charlie suggested heading over to where there was a selection of kids stickers.

Teddy eagerly selected a few different packs from Charlie's hip, the man holding him up to reach the ones that he wanted before settling him back into the trolley and throwing the stickers in as well, when he turned Harry was watching him with intent green eyes that seemed to burn through him.

"You're a wine drinker?" Charlie asked as Harry hummed between a couple of different bottles.

"Yes, why are you surprised?" Harry grinned over his shoulder before deciding on a bottle.

"I don't know, though I guess you being posh a you are I shouldn't be shocked," Charlie teased.

"I am not posh!" Harry squawked as Charlie had hoped his would, poking Charlie in the stomach angrily.

"I think you are," Charlie singsonged as Teddy grinned between them from his perch.

"There is nothing wrong with a nice bottle of wine! I am not really a beer drinker," Harry pouted.

"I am definitely a beer drinker and not a wine drinker," Charlie snorted.

"Well each to their own, I will keep my posh wine and you can keep your common beer!" Harry grinned, poking him in the cheek before moving further down the aisle to look at another bottle of wine.

Charlie smiled softly and hummed to himself as he followed. His last attempt at dating had thought that she should change him and his tastes from drinking 'cheap, nasty beer' and move him onto something more mature.

Harry placed a crate of Charlie's beer into the trolly without asking or blinking.

"Ok I am glad that we didn't have to lug all this back," Harry admitted as they rolled the trolly back into the parking lot and moved to Charlie's truck.

"Just whenever you need a shop, give me a shout. I had more fun shopping than I have in years," Charlie admitted honestly.

"Me too!" Teddy yawned.

"Charlie?" The voice had the two adults turning and Harry blinked at the beautiful woman walking towards them. Brown caramel hair, golden brown eyes and near perfect skin.

He couldn't help but feel a small flash of jealousy when she walked over and kissed Charlie's cheek.

"Harry this is Esme Cullen, Bella's boyfriend's mum, Esme this is my friend Harry and his son Teddy," Charlie introduced, and that bubble of jealousy popped in his chest making him feel a little silly.

"Pleasure to meet you," she said brightly, holding her hand out. Harry blinked a little at how cold her hand was despite the day not being particularly chilly, and looked again at her eyes.

"You too," Harry said just as Teddy sneezed heavily.

"Something smells really sweet," Teddy blinked before sneezing again a couple of times.

"Alright there?" Charlie asked concerned picking Teddy up who quickly buried his nose into Charlie's shoulder.

"My nose tingles!" Teddy sneezed again.

"We should probably get him in the truck," Charlie said concerned.

"Yes, I hope to see you again Mrs Cullen," Harry eyed her again, something nipping at the concern of his mind.

"Esme please," she said warmly, but there was a hint of concern to her tone.

"Nice to meet you," Harry waved as they headed to the truck, aware of her eyes on them.

Charlie quickly loaded Teddy into the truck, running his hands through his hair concerned.

"I feel better now," Teddy promised the man.

"You get in, I will load this," Charlie shook his head to Harry, quickly placing the bags into the truck and hurrying the trolley back as Harry settled into his seat.

"I like Charlie," Teddy said softly from the back, making Harry turn to smile at him.

"Me too," Harry admitted softly.

"You smell really good when you're around him, like you but better," Teddy yawned again sleepily as Harry flustered a little in the front at the comment. "You smell like you and sunshine,"

"I…"

"I like how Charlie smells too, he makes me feel safe," Teddy said just as Charlie opened the door. Harry blinked big green eyes at the man, feeling as though he had been caught doing something he shouldn't. But then a wide, bright smile crossed Charlie's handsome face as he slipped into the truck.

"I'm glad I make you feel safe Teddy," Charlie said.

"You make Daddy smell happy too," Teddy yawned, nearly dropping off as Harry's face burned a brighter red.

"That I am definitely glad of," Charlie said a little more intently than he meant to as he looked into Harry's green eyes. That blush was back and Charlie felt as though his heart was going to come out of his chest as Harry stared back at him, something he was sure was hope blooming in those eyes. "He makes me very happy too," he admitted after a moment.

"Charlie," Harry breathed out, and Charlie reached forward and stroked Harry's cheek in a manner that said he was definitely did not mean it as a friend, especially with what he had said before as he cupped Harry's cheek.

Harry tilted his head a little into the warm hand touching him like he was something precious as warm brown eyes seemed to drink him in, he felt as though he couldn't catch his breath properly as he looked at the handsome man in front of him, his words repeating over and over in Harry's head.

"Let's get you home," Charlie risked leaning forward to kiss Harry's cheek before starting the truck, aware of the bright, happy smile on Harry's lips as they drove.

"This is…" Charlie blinked at the kitchen that he had walked into with Harry's shopping bags, the air between them was still warm, and felt as though it was filled with promise, it had the whole drive back.

Now though he was struck by the chef's dream of a kitchen.

"When you said you liked cooking…" Charlie blinked again.

"I really like cooking," Harry admitted, placing his own bags down on the counter.

"My kitchen must have felt like medieval torture compared to this," Charlie snorted placing his bags down too.

"Only before I figured out your oven, that was a battle," Harry chuckled.

"I will get Teddy in," Charlie smiled, "you get everything you need away,"

"Are you ok taking him to his room? It is the second on the right," Harry asked nervously.

Plucking up that courage, and remembering that smile, Charlie leant forward and placed a lingering kiss on Harry's cheek, "Not a problem," he said before hurrying back outside feeling a blush burning his own face, and feeling green eyes burning onto his back.

Lifting Teddy into his arms, he warmed when the little boys wrapped his arms and legs around him and snuggled his face into Charlie's shoulder as the cool air hit him. Wrapping his arms around him he quickly carried him into Harry's house, and after toeing his damp boots off at the door he headed upstairs to Teddy's room.

He could see how much Harry adored Teddy from the care and attention that had gone onto the room. It was painted to look like a forest, trees detailed on the walls, and here and there little animals had been painted in. Teddy's bed was a comfortable looking sleigh bed with forest green covers on. There were plenty of toys and games around the room for the little boy.

He managed to get Teddy out of his jacket and boots, before hesitating for a moment and hoping he wasn't overstepping before changing him into the pajamas on the bed. Teddy was soft and warm as Charlie slipped him under the covers and pressed the cuddly toy wolf that was by his pillow to his chest.

"Cha'lie?" Teddy blinked tired eyes at him.

"Hey little Bug, just tucking you in," Charlie crouched down by the bed and ran his hand over Teddy's hair soothingly.

"I like that," Teddy smiled softly.

"Little Bug?" Charlie wasn't sure where it had come from.

"Mmm," Teddy nodded.

"Then you can be my Little Bug now," Charlie promised before making to stand, but Teddy's little hand gripped his.

"Thank you for making Daddy happy," He said tiredly.

"You both make me very happy," Charlie promised, leaning down to kiss Teddy's forehead before slipping out the room and down into the kitchen.

Harry had two cups of coffee on the counter and two slices of lemon cake, and he was wearing a nervous expression that said he wanted to have the talk that they both knew they needed to have.

Balling up all his courage, and holding onto the words Billy had been trying to drill into his head, Charlie walked right over to Harry and wrapped his arms around his waist, making the younger man gasp and grip his biceps as he looked up at him.

"I don't normally do things like this, and I am hoping this doesn't freak you out, but I haven't really felt like this before. I hope you feel the way I think you're feeling, but I love being around you and Teddy, I love spending time with you both, and definitely not as a friend, I am hoping we could spend a fair bit more time together, getting to know each other better?" Charlie mentally grimaced at his rambling, but he relaxed when the smile that spread over Harry's face seemed to indicate he had said the right things at least.

"I don't normally do things like this either, and it doesn't freak me out when I am thinking the same thing. I really love spending time with you as well, and I would really like to see where this goes between us. Teddy though…he is…"

"I know you and Teddy are a package deal, and I know that if this works between us I would be taking him on as well. That isn't…I adore that little boy, and getting a chance to be in his life is a privilege, not something that I am just putting up with," Charlie shook his head, and Harry practically glowed in his arms.

"I am not sure how I got so lucky to move in next to you Charlie," Harry said softly, reaching up and brushing gentle fingers along Charlie's cheek.

"In amongst teasing me mercilessly for being smitten like I am 14 again, Billy mentioned about maybe this is a gift from his spirits to me," Charlie cupped Harry's hips with his hands. "I don't normally really believe things like this, but maybe this time, I can," He smiled.

"I think maybe I could get behind that as well, I normally feel as though the fates are laughing at me, perhaps it is time that they gave me something good in my life besides Teddy," Harry smiled softly, a smile that Charlie hadn't seen on his face before.

But as Harry looked at him with warm green eyes and that smile, he thought that maybe Billy was right, maybe Harry was his chance at being happy, that maybe Harry felt the same way for him as he did for Harry, and that smile was just for him, just for Charlie.

He couldn't have stopped himself from leaning down and pressing his lips to Harry's even if he had really wanted to as he carefully cupped the back of Harry's head, slipping his fingers into that wild, silk soft black hair and sealed their lips together in a gentle kiss.

Harry sighed happily into the kiss, the feeling of Charlie surrounding him and filling his senses feeling utterly perfect as he slipped his own hands up Charlie's strong arms and wrapped his arms around Charlie's shoulders and pressed back into the kiss, smiling happily against the other's lips when Charlie squeezed him a little tighter and kissed him a little firmer in response.

Harry smiled brightly up at the other man when they parted, leaning into the touch Charlie pressed to his face, his thumb stroking gently over his cheek as he looked down at him.

"What?" Charlie chuckled when Harry blushed suddenly and looked down to play with the buttons of his plaid shirt.

"Just thinking how lucky I am, and how handsome you are," Harry admitted shyly.

"I don't think I have ever really been called handsome before," Charlie snorted but blazing green eyes locked onto him quickly.

"You are, your eyes are amazing," Harry said and Charlie shook his head.

"They're just brown, not like your stunning eyes,"

"They're like warm chocolate, and they show everything you're thinking and feeling," Harry argued back.

"I…" Charlie paused and looked closer at Harry, seeing the expression on his face and in his eyes, he realised that Harry really did see him as someone handsome, that he really did believe it. He had dated off and on since Renee, but it had been a long time since he had really thought of himself as someone attractive, he was packing maybe a few more pounds than he should, and he reckoned that he was pretty much an average Joe. He didn't think he was ugly by any means, but he didn't think he was particularly good looking.

Harry seemed to think differently.

Harry yelped and then groaned when he suddenly found himself pressed against the counter behind him and his lips seized in a little bit of a firmer kiss as Charlie gripped his hips. He whined a little and pressed back against Charlie, losing himself in the heated kiss that seemed to sink through his whole system as he sank into Charlie, gripping tightly onto the sofa plaid material of his shirt and pressing himself against as much of Charlie as he could manage.

"God, I feel so lucky," Charlie breathed against Harry's temple when they finally parted.

"I am fairly sure that I am the lucky one," Harry said softly, leaning up to kiss Charlie's jaw. "Stay for a little? I will make fresh coffee," he asked.

"Nowhere else I want to be," Charlie shook his head kissing Harry's cheek and then lips gently before moving to allow Harry to move to the coffee machine that looked like it was something from a coffee shop as he settled down at the counter.

He ended up sitting watching Harry move around the kitchen putting a few different meals together as the two of them talked, Harry telling him a little bit more about his friends and the people that he had left back in England, and the people that he had lost. The number was alarmingly high for someone Harry's age. Charlie's heart burned for him as he listened to him talking about the losses.

They also talked about happier times, Harry telling Charlie a little bit more about his Castle school and taking Charlie's teasing in good humour, it definitely helped that when Harry's pout got to a certain point Charlie would pull him in and press some sweet kisses to his lips.

"What?" Harry smiled when he turned in a lull in their conversation and found Charlie watching him.

"It is nice seeing you like this, you look like you're in your element," Charlie admitted.

"I really enjoy it, it is relaxing for me to cook, especially for people I care about," Harry admitted with a soft flush.

"It is good to watch, I stumble around like a clown in the kitchen, you dance around in it," Charlie said before there was a small noise from the kitchen door.

"Charlie, you're still here!" Teddy said enthusiastically hurrying in and clambering up onto the seat next to Charlie with the other man's help, still clutching his little wolf toy.

"I am indeed, you were nearly fast asleep earlier so I couldn't leave without saying goodbye," Charlie combed his fingers through the boy's blue hair.

"Are you staying for supper?" Teddy asked eagerly.

"I…" Charlie glanced at Harry, not wanting to risk pushing his luck.

"You're more than welcome," Harry said softly.

"Then that would be amazing," Charlie nodded.

"Yay!" Teddy wiggled excitedly in place.

"How about I go get your chair in and we decorate it?" Charlie suggested, the shriek of excitement giving him his answer.

Twenty minutes later Harry walked into the living room to relax with them and burst out laughing at the sight of Teddy and Charlie covered in as many stickers as the chair was.

"So?" Billy said when the silence on the other end of the line lasted longer than it normally would.

"I kissed Harry," Charlie blurted out.

"Give a guy some warning!" Billy coughed. "Gods you go from mooneyeing him to snogging him!"

"There was only a little bit of snogging," Charlie muttered.

"How did it go? Did he enjoy it? Did you speak to him as well? You didn't just snog him did you? Did you…"

"Jesus and you say that I am like a 14 year old with this!" Charlie snorted.

"Well?!" Billy demanded, completely ignoring his friend's comment.

"Yes I spoke to him, I rambled like a fucking idiot, but he seemed to get what I was saying and liked it, we're together, we're going to be spending time together, we're going to give it a go. He said he likes me, that he likes spending time with me, that he…" Charlie cut himself off, actually feeling his face heating up and was thanking every lucky star that Billy couldn't see him right now because he would never live it down.

"What? That he what?!" Billy asked excitedly, making Charlie grin a little at his friend's excitement for him.

"He said that he thought he was lucky, and that I was handsome," Charlie muttered.

"Charlie man, you dog! You got it!" Billy whistled.

"I felt like I was going to have a heart attack!" Charlie groaned, dropping his head on the back of the sofa.

"But you did it! You actually did it, I thought it was going to be at least another three months!" Billy teased.

"You underestimate how attracted I am to him, my mortification of putting myself out there like that was far overwhelmed by how attracted I am to him," Charlie snorted.

"What got it moving?" Billy asked.

"Teddy," Charlie said fondly.

"What did he say?" Billy was smiling, Charlie knew it, the older man had formed a rapid soft spot for the little boy.

"He said that he felt safe with me, and that I made Harry happy. The way that Harry looked at me when he said that…fuck Billy his eyes say everything,"

"You have it bad," Billy chortled.

"I do," Charlie snorted, dropping his head back onto the sofa. "Harry and Teddy are meeting Bella tomorrow, I need to tell her before then,"

"Ah yeah, I kind of forgot in the excitement of having to tell the teenager about the new romantic interest, not sure how Bella will take that," Billy said slowly. "Jacob was just awkward the last time I dated,"

"I will speak to her tonight when she comes back," Charlie sighed, "I text her to let her know about the meal so at least she will actually be here for it,"

"Well, good luck with that, ring me and let me know how it goes. How about Jacob and I come over Sunday for lunch with you, Harry and Teddy?"

"Let me ask if he is available,"

"Sure, sure," Billy said, and then his voice turned evil. "So, where are you taking him for your first date?"

"He asked me out!" Harry breathed and laughed when Hermione squealed.

"What happened?" Draco raced into Harry's view wearing only boxers, one sock and his shirt hanging off of one arm.

"Charlie asked Harry out!" Hermione told her fiance before Harry could even say anything.

"The hot not Auror that Potter has been drooling all over?" Draco wandered over looking interested.

"I have not been drooling 'all' over him," Harry protested and then huffed at the twin incredulous looks he received. "Just most of him," he muttered petulantly.

"What happened? How did it happen? Was he sweet?" Hermione breathed.

"Did he snog the life out of you?" Draco asked.

"Oh he did!" Hermione laughed when Harry's face burned.

"Oh he is looking satisfied! He was good then?" Draco smirked.

"I hate the two of you together," Harry whined.

"No you don't, we're adorable," Draco stuck his nose in the air. "So, was he sweet?"

"Yeah, he was," Harry found himself smiling softly as he remembered Charlie's words. "Really sweet, and sincere, and he made it clear that he likes Teddy as well, and that he is a plus in all this,"

"Oh Harry," Hermione was practically wiggling in happiness for him.

"I am meeting his daughter tomorrow, we're having a meal together," Harry nervously bit at his thumb. "Wait, what if he doesn't want to tell her yet and I say or do something wrong? Or Teddy says something? What if she doesn't like me? And I need to tell Teddy! How do I tell him and…"

"Merlin breathe Potter before you pass out," Draco rolled his eyes.

"It will be fine Harry, Charlie doesn't sound like he is wanting to hide anything, but ask him to check how he wants to go with it tomorrow before the meal so you are on the same page," Hermione soothed.

"But if he wants to keep you a secret for months you get rid of his arse right away, no matter how sweet he is!" Draco scowled.

"And then you and he can work from there, you just be yourself during the meal, that is all you can be, but I am sure that she will like you," Hermione carried on as though Draco hadn't spoken. "And from there you take things as they come to you. Teddy just explain to him that you and Charlie are closer than friends and spend more time together, and if things develop you explain that you're like me and Draco,"

"Thank you," Harry breathed out. "Yes I will take breakfast for him tomorrow, and then I will ask about Bella,"

"I have to get ready for work, I want a picture of him, Potter." Draco stood and kissed Hermione before walking back out.

"So, tell me everything that he said to you!" Hermione grinned at Harry who laughed and settled down.

Harry blinked at the knock on his door just as he was peering into his fridge sleepily. Running his fingers through his wild bedhead to try and tame it just a little he walked through and opened the door before burning a bright red when he found Charlie standing on his doorstep.

"Charlie!" He squeaked, looking down at his pyjamas and combing his hair even more in mortification.

"Yeah…" Charlie managed to say, and Harry stopped panicking and looked closer at the other man.

He was standing there in fitted blue jeans with a neat black leather belt in place, a fitted black tshirt with a red and black plaid shirt open over the top. But it was the expression that he was wearing that caught Harry more than anything else. He was looking Harry up and down, and he was looking hungry.

"Morning," Harry smiled a little, suddenly feeling a lot less self conscious for answering the door in loose black pyjama trousers and a black tank top.

"Morning," Charlie said gruffly.

"Do you want to come in? I am just making breakfast," Harry offered. He gasped when Charlie suddenly stepped up the step into Harry's house, wrapping his arm around Harry's waist and easing him into the house before closing the door behind himself. Harry groaned when he tugged him forward against Charlie's firm chest and found his lips captured.

Gripping the front of Charlie's shirt Harry leant up on his toes a little and tugged the other man down so that he could press their lips together a little firmer, gasping into Charlie's mouth when the older man nipped at his bottom lip and then pressed his tongue inside to taste Harry, his hand slipping from Harry's waist to the top curve of his arse, and all Harry could think was that he wanted that hand a little lower.

"Morning," Charlie rumbled out.

"I could very quickly get used to that type of good morning Chief Swan," Harry teased, green eyes burning as they looked up at the other, moving to wrap his arms around Charlie's shoulders and just rest against the other man happily.

"I hope you do," Charlie pressed more gentle kisses to his lips and then to his cheek.

"Breakfast? I can do a fry up?" Harry offered.

"Sounds amazing to me," Charlie nodded eagerly.

"I actually wanted to ask you about tonight, how you want to play things with Bella," Harry said carefully as they walked through to the kitchen, Charlie's arm still wrapped around his waist.

"I am not keeping you a secret," Charlie tugged them to a stop, pulling Harry back more firmly against his chest.

"You're too perceptive," Harry huffed a little.

"I don't want to keep you a secret, and I have no plan for it. I am not…ashamed or embarrassed because you are a man. I have never announced that I am bisexual to the town because there has never really been anyone to announce, and we don't really do Pride parades here for me to attend, I want to let everyone know that I am with you, that I am proud that I have managed to snag you, somehow," Charlie said against Harry's rapidly burning cheek.

"I think it is going to be more of a case of how I have managed to snag you," Harry shook his head leaning back against Charlie's warmth.

"I think that is going to be something that we are going to have to agree to disagree on Baby," Charlie husked into Harry's ear, and the green eyed man's breath caught at both the timbre of his voice and the nickname. "You liked that?" Charlie asked a little more cautiously.

"I was never really one for nicknames, but yeah…yeah, I liked that," Harry licked his lips. He moaned when Charlie pressed him against the wall and proceeded to kiss the breath from him again as Harry gave back as good as he got, gripping tightly onto the slightly longer hair at the top of his partner's head and tugging it in a way that had the man moaning into his mouth.

"We need to move before we're in a really inappropriate situation for Teddy coming down the stairs," Charlie groaned against Harry's mouth. "I can't get enough of you,"

"Me either," Harry whined leaning up and pulling Charlie into one more kiss before he slipped away from the man, laughing at the frustrated groan he got before Charlie trailed him into the kitchen.

"I spoke to Bella this morning and explained everything to her," Charlie said as he sat at the kitchen table and watched Harry start their breakfast. The younger man paused and then carried on working.

"How did she take it?" He asked as calmly as he could, trying not to allow the concern bubbling in his stomach to pass into his words.

"I am not sure she actually believes me," Charlie snorted and Harry turned to look at him.

"How do you mean?" He asked.

"I have been trying to spend a little more time with her, I don't know if she thinks I am…exaggerating or…I don't know, she was just very blase about it, while looking at me a bit incredulously," Charlie sighed.

"We can play it however you want, hold hands at the table, just have a meal together and let her see what she sees, whatever you need," Harry moved over to the table and squeezed his hand.

"I don't know if it is because you're a guy, or she is just shocked that someone would want to date me," Charlie snorted.

"Why wouldn't someone want to date you?" Harry frowned, taking a seat now and pulling it close to Charlie. He realised looking at the other that he wasn't the only one with some self confidence issues going into this between them.

"I am hardly a catch Harry," Charlie snorted. "My only serious relationship was with her mother who ran as far and as fast from this town and my boring self," he looked away a little but turned at Harry's urging hand on his cheek.

Charlie blinked at the serious green eyes that peered at him and seemed to see through his soul as they pinned him into place.

"I happen to think you're quite the catch Charlie, you're handsome, intense in the best moments and sweet and kind in others, you're clever and I love the conversations that we have ranging from serious to just silly, you're far from boring. You have a steady job and a steady life, you're a firm presence that I enjoy having in my life. You're amazing with Teddy, and you make my heart speed up every time I see you," Harry said firmly.

"I…"

"Just because your ex thought you were one thing, doesn't mean that is how everyone will see you. Her loss, my gain, I am just sorry for the hurt that you had to go through to get there. She saw boring, I see someone steady and solid, someone, that isn't flighty. I don't want someone who is going to be here and there and crumbly, I want and need someone like you, someone that says what they mean and does it, someone reliable," Harry slipped from his chair and straddled Charlie's lap, looking down into the raised face, brown eyes wide as Harry spoke. He stroked gentle fingers over Charlie's face as he talked, running along the slightly wind chafed skin and stubble on his jaw.

"I…hadn't thought about it like that," Charlie admitted, licking his lips.

"Someone would probably look at me and see a boring homebody who likes cooking and fussing too much, someone who would rather have a night in front of the TV cuddling than go out to fancy places, my friend definitely thinks that I am boring as hell," Harry laughed.

"I would rather that as well, cosy and comfortable, intimate moments rather than big, fancy declarations," Charlie licked his lips as he wrapped his arms around Harry's waist, realising what the other was telling him.

"I think you're quite the catch Chief Charlie Swan," Harry pressed their lips together gently.

"Are you and Charlie like Aunty Hermione and Uncle Draco?" The sweet voice interrupted their kiss and the two pulled apart to see Teddy standing in the doorway holding his wolf cuddly toy and looking between them curiously.

"Not quite, Aunty Hermione and Uncle Draco have been together for much, much longer, Charlie and I are quite new, but it is very similar, would you be ok with that?" Harry asked nervously slipping off of Charlie's knee to stand beside him.

"Will you two argue as much as Aunty Hermione and Uncle Draco do?" Teddy scrunched his nose.

"Highly unlikely sweetheart," Harry laughed.

"I really like Charlie, and you smell much happier when you're with him, you smile more, I like spending time with Charlie," Teddy said thoughtfully as Harry's face lit up.

"I would like to spend more time with you and your Daddy, I would be around a little more if that would be ok?" Charlie asked, trying to ignore Harry burning brightly next to him and how Teddy's words made his heart swell.

"Yes, I would really like that!" Teddy decided hurrying over and hugging Harry around the waist and then climbed onto Charlie's lap.

"I will go and get breakfast going," Harry kissed Teddy's forehead and then after a split second Charlie's lips before moving over to his cooker.

"We're going to be having supper with my daughter, Bella tonight, to introduce you and Harry to her if you don't mind?" Charlie asked Teddy.

"That would be cool, can I sit on my new chair?" Teddy asked excitedly.

"You definitely can!" Charlie nodded.

"Yay!" Teddy beamed. "Can I have juice please?" he asked Charlie.

"Of course," Charlie stood and placed Teddy onto the chair before moving to the fridge. "Billy and Jacob, his son would like to come tomorrow and spend some time with us as well, if that is ok?" Charlie asked Harry nervously, suddenly realising that he was claiming a lot of his time.

"That would be good, I will throw something together for lunch for us!" Harry nodded.

"I feel like everything ends in you cooking for us," Charlie said concerned.

"I told you, I like cooking! Stop fretting," Harry shook his head. "I like Billy as well, and I am definitely interested in meeting his son,"

"Cool," Charlie let out a little breath as he left a glass of apple juice for Harry before going back over and claiming Teddy on his lap before holding out his glass to him. "So…."

"So what?" Harry glared over his shoulder.

"Not a posh school but your friends are called Draco and Hermione?" Charlie raised a teasing eyebrow.

"They might not have gone to school with me!" Harry squawked.

"They did," Teddy said promptly.

"Snitch!" Harry growled as Charlie high fived Teddy.

Bella blinked when she opened the door and found a red haired little boy standing on the doorstep in a neat little pair of trousers and a green button up shirt.

"Hello, you must be Bella, I am Teddy, is Charlie here?" Teddy asked.

"Everything ok?" Charlie looked around the door and blinked. "I like the new colour Bug!"

"Thank you! Daddy is struggling to get all the food across, could you help?" Teddy beamed at Charlie.

"Of course," Charlie chuckled, running his fingers through Teddy's hair.

Bella seemed baffled as she looked between them before she tugged her boots on and followed him and Teddy across the gardens to Harry's house.

"Sorry, I might have gone a little over the top!" She heard another voice saying as she cautiously stepped into the house.

"Harry this is…" Charlie choked as she poked her head into the kitchen and blinked when she saw the table was covered with wrapped food.

"I know, it will do for lunch tomorrow as well," Harry groaned before kissing Charlie sweetly.

"Erm…" Charlie and Harry spun to see her standing there, the two of them flushing a little.

"I have a bag!" Teddy burst into the room with a big bag.

"Thank you Teddy Bear," Harry passed the bag to Charlie and swung Teddy onto his hip. "Hello Bella, I have heard a lot about you from your dad, it is good to meet you," he smiled, stepping over and holding out his hand.

"Nice to meet you too," Bella blinked repeatedly, but she accepted the hand.

"Shall we head over?" Charlie suggested.

"I came to help as well," Bella explained a little awkwardly.

"Thank you," Harry smiled warmly at her. "Here…"

"Ah, maybe these?" Charlie took the plate Harry had been picking up and placed it in the bag before passing some other things to Bella.

"I trip over my own feet on a good day, never mind carrying something like that," Bella explained a little ruefully.

"Ah my friend Neville was like that, he managed to fall down three flights of stairs once, how he came out with only bruises I have no clue," Harry shook his head.

"Is that why Uncle Neville only has one eye?" Teddy asked.

"No, that was from him being very brave and protecting someone else," Harry smiled, kissing his cheek and then putting him on the floor to stack some of the other bowls.

"Your friend lost an eye?" Charlie asked softly.

"He wears a really cool patch, he looks like a pirate, and he has lots of scars!" Teddy explained.

"He does, he protected some people from some not great people and got hurt because of it," Harry explained carefully.

"At least one of your posh friends has a normal name," Charlie teased to ease the atmosphere and grinned a little when Harry pouted at him.

"Nev would actually technically be a lot posher than Hermione," Harry admitted with a huff.

"Posh boy," Charlie teased, kissing his cheek before remembering Bella was still there. Turning he caught her looking between them a little baffled, which hurt, but then Harry was hurrying them to collect everything and get across the yards and into Charlie's house.

"Right, I will get everything plated," Harry said after they filled Charlie's much smaller kitchen with food.

"I can help," Bella offered.

"That would be great," Harry nodded.

"We will be out the way, I can take a hint," Charlie said dryly motioning to the living room as he picked Teddy up.

"You thought bread sauce was soup," Harry said equally dryly and then smiled a little when Bella burst out laughing, clearly not having expected that.

"Least you like me Teddy," Charlie grumbled walking through.

"Sorry about it all, I stress cook," Harry admitted to Bella as they heard Teddy start talking Charlie's ear off.

"I can't really complain when I have been enjoying your food for the last couple of months," Bella smiled a little shyly.

"I am really not what you expected huh?" Harry said softly after a moment.

"Sorry?" Bella blinked at him.

"If your dad ever dated, I am pretty sure I am the furthest thing away from what you would have pictured," Harry grinned a little. "Male, younger, British, and then the neighbour cliche,"

"Pretty much," Bella snorted out a laugh looking a little embarrassed before she caught the humour on Harry's face.

"I really like Charlie, and you're the most important thing in his life, I would really like for us to try and get along," Harry leant against the counter.

"I am not the most important thing," Bella shook her head, brown hair covering her face.

"If you think that you haven't seen how proudly he looks at you, or heard in his voice how much he adores you. You're the most important thing to him, and he is proud of you," Harry said softly.

"I…I always feel like he doesn't really know what to say to me," Bella found herself saying.

"That may be true, but that doesn't mean he doesn't love you, and that he isn't incredibly proud of you. He talks about you all the time, not to embarrass you but I am currently aware of all your grades and how well you're doing," Harry smiled when she blushed darkly. "Learning to talk to each other can work itself out with a little effort; it is finding the right time, just because he doesn't know how to talk to you, doesn't mean he doesn't desperately want to."

"I can see why he likes you," Bella said softly.

"My cooking?" Harry said seriously waving at all the plates managing to get another laugh from her.

"That as well," She glanced at the living room. "He likes spending time with Teddy too," she said before looking a little horrified that it had slipped out.

"You know he isn't a replacement for you, right? No one and nothing could ever replace you," Harry said firmly.

"I…he didn't get a chance with me, being able to raise a kid," Bella looked down at the food she was now unwrapping mechanically.

"Charlie is too good of a man to do that, it wouldn't be fair on you and it wouldn't be fair on Teddy, and I wouldn't stand for that, no matter how much I like Charlie. He is a good man who has love to give for the kid of his partner and is generous enough not to see me having a young kid as a burden. Whatever happens with me and Charlie, and whoever he becomes to Teddy, will never change how much he loves you, and who you are to him,"

Harry watched her think it through as they unwrapped a few more things and started plating them up.

"I hope you don't think I am overstepping here, but Charlie badly wants to spend some more time with you, he has been trying to ask, but in his way, he really wants to see more of you, and have quality time together," Harry said after a few moments.

"I don't really like any of the things he does," Bella muttered.

"He would happily do whatever you wanted to do," Harry chuckled. "Go to the cinema, watch a film here at home together, he would happily spend time in a bookstore with you if you got time together,"

"I…hadn't really thought of that," Bella admitted.

"I don't want you to think I am sticking my nose in, and tell me to get lost, I won't be offended, but Charlie would enjoy anything you want to do, and if you wanted Teddy or me, or both, there as a buffer initially we would be more than happy, he would like to spend time with you and Edward together as well," Harry smiled warmly at her. "I have no intention of coming in and taking over your life, or trying to be anything that you don't want me to be to you, but I care for Charlie, and I can see how much you care for him, if I can help, I am here, for both of you,"

"Thank you, I will think about it," Bella said quietly, not meeting his eyes.

"That is all anyone can ask. Now, let's go save Charlie before Teddy starts listing his favourite dinosaurs," Harry laughed and led the way into the living room.

"You guys ok? You took a while," Charlie asked, concerned looking between them.

"Bella was just telling me about the horrors that your fridge was when she first arrived, I thought the colours the veg were when I peeked in were bad!" Harry said brightly.

"You didn't!" Charlie stared at her wide eyed, making her start laughing. "Harry!"

"I guessed how bad it would be," He kissed Charlie's cheek and then slipped into his seat beside Teddy.

"It was impressive," Bella smiled a little.

"No, don't gang up on me," Charlie huffed.

"But it is so easy," Harry grinned, moving his legs under the table to tangle their legs together in comfort.

"I am surprised that you didn't poison yourself," Bella said thoughtfully as they started eating.

"Maybe you built up imfunity?" Teddy asked innocently.

"Immunity?" Harry offered.

"Yes, like Daddy did to Aunty Hermione's nagging," Teddy nodded.

"Teddy Bug, you're dropping me further in it," Charlie groaned.

"Am I?" Teddy grinned mischievously.

"I need you on my side if Bella and Harry are going to gang up on me!" Charlie nodded.

"But Daddy feeds me," Teddy said thoughtfully.

"I will take you fishing!" Charlie offered.

"Ugh, he can wash at yours before you bring him back," Harry scrunched his nose.

"You don't like fishing either?" Bella asked.

"I would rather be indoors, dry and warm, than sitting in a small boat, in the rain, touching and gutting slimy fish," Harry fake baulked.

"Thank you," Bella waved at Harry.

"It sounds cool!" Teddy protested.

"Thank you," Charlie waved at Harry.

"The kid likes making mud pies, not the argument you think it is," Harry laughed.

"Billy enjoys it," Charlie huffed.

"Not the argument you think it is," Bella smiled a little brighter when Charlie threw his head back and laughed.

Charlie smiled a little as he watched Bella talk with Teddy about the books he was reading, seemingly to be enjoying chatting with the little boy who was eagerly telling her about the stories, some of which she had read herself and was discussing with him.

Looking across the table he smiled a little more when he took in Harry watching the two as well with a soft look in his eyes, clearly happy as well with how it was going. Green eyes flicked onto him, clearly feeling his gaze, and Charlie felt that ridiculous thump in his chest that he was becoming familiar with when Harry's face softened into something that Charlie was realising was only for him.

He reached his hand across the table and held it out palm up, warming when Harry quickly moved to place his hand in his, squeezing it firmly.

"I am so full Daddy, I feel like I am going to burst," Teddy groaned happily, settling back in his seat.

"Keep your pants on Mr! Bella does not want to see you streaking!" Harry narrowed his eyes as Teddy's hands reached for the buttons of his trousers.

"But I am so full!" Teddy whined.

"Pants get left on!" Harry snorted.

"Your cooking is really good, I really like your cinnamon buns," Bella complimented.

"You shouldn't have said that, Daddy will be making you tons of them now, Aunty Hermione says that cooking is his love language," Teddy chirped.

"I would actually like to learn to make them with you if you wouldn't mind," Bella said, setting her shoulders a little, and clearly ignoring the bright smile she got from Charlie, though her cheeks flushed a little.

"I would definitely be able to teach you, we could do it over at mine wherever you want," Harry nodded.

"I would really like that, maybe I could come over after school and bake, and then we could have supper together?" Bella suggested.

"I would like that, you can tell me what types of foods you like and I can cook it for you," Harry smiled, squeezing Charlie's hand.

"What types of foods do you like cooking?" Bella asked, and Harry and her fell into a chat about cooking.

"I had a really good time, it was really good meeting you, Bella," Harry smiled warmly as he lifted a now very sleepy Teddy into his arms and got ready to leave.

"Me too, thank you," Bella blushed.

"See you tomorrow?" Charlie asked.

"Yes, 12:00 ok?" Harry asked.

"Sounds good to me," Charlie kissed him sweetly but quickly considering their audience.

"See you soon Bella," Harry waved before Charlie opened the door for him.

"He's nice," Bella said softly as Charlie closed their front door once they had both watched Harry going through his door and closing it behind him with one more wave.

"He is, he's a good guy, I really like him," Charlie smiled a little tentatively at her.

"I…" Bella started to say and then remembered what Harry had said. "I need some new books, would…would you come with me to get them? Maybe we could get a coffee while we're there?"

"I would like that!" Charlie said quickly.

"We could do it one day this week?" Bella asked.

"Yes, that would be good!" Charlie nodded even more enthusiastically.

"Great!" Bella nodded back to him. "We should go and wrap up and put away what is left of dessert,"

Charlie smiled when he heard Teddy's voice coming across the lawn, he, Billy and Jacob turned towards the door moments before it burst open and Harry and Teddy walked in, Harry with a few bags with items to entertain Teddy.

Billy and Charlie's cheerful greeting died on their lips with Jacob's quick words as he got to his feet.

"He's a wolf!"

Harry froze for barely half a second as the smile died on his lips before he dropped his bags and grabbed Teddy by his shirt and yanked him back towards him, gripping him tightly as his green eyes scanned over them.

"He smells like me Daddy, but different," Teddy said sniffing the air.

"You smell happier," Charlie groaned, smacking his hand to his face before standing and holding a cautious hand out to Harry who looked ready to run. "Baby, wait, let's talk, no one will hurt you or Teddy,"

"How is a kid a wolf?" Billy blinked.

"He smells different to us like he said," Jacob nodded, sniffing the air again.

"Charlie?" Harry looked to his boyfriend.

"Come on," Charlie walked around the sofa and to Harry, combing his fingers through Teddy's hair as he cupped Harry's face.

"Are you…" Harry drew off confused but walked in with Charlie.

"No, but…wow wasn't expecting this conversation," Charlie huffed as they sat down, Harry pulling Teddy onto his lap. "Jacob and some of his friends are Shifters, they shift into wolves, it is in response to the Cullens being here in the area, they're vampires,"

"Fuck sake," Harry groaned closing his eyes tightly.

"You said a bad word, Daddy!" Teddy giggled.

"Yes, and one you won't repeat Mr. I can't believe I didn't realise when I saw them, Sanguini will kick my arse if I tell him," Harry huffed. "They're the stupid sparkly ones aren't they?"

"You're not a fan of them?" Billy said eagerly.

"No I am not, they tend to come with additional, annoying gifts, they're different from my type of Vampire," Harry sighed.

"Your type?" Charlie frowned.

"When you say Shifter, you're not a Werewolf?" Harry asked.

"That's what Teddy is?" Billy asked as Jacob asked, "Werewolves are real?"

"Right. I mean absolutely no offence, but I need to have a private conversation with Charlie first. Could you come to mine?" Harry asked nervously.

"Sure," Charlie was clearly confused, but he stood first.

"We will wait here," Billy smiled comfortingly at Harry.

"Come on," Charlie held his hand out to Harry and let out a breath of relief when Harry slipped his hand into his without hesitating. The walk over to Harry's house was a little awkward and seemed to take longer than it had before as Charlie tried to work out what Harry needed to talk to him about away from Billy and Jacob, while his head was reeling with the fact Teddy was a werewolf apparently.

"Teddy Bear, Charlie and I need to talk, can you go to your room please," Harry asked softly, placing Teddy on his feet.

"Is this because of me?" Teddy asked nervously looking between them.

"No, it is because of what we are, I need to tell Charlie, but it is a conversation we need to have together first, ok?" Harry crouched in front of the little boy, smiling warmly at him.

"Ok," Teddy nodded, he looked between them a couple more times before he dodged forward and hugged Charlie around the legs and then turned and raced up the stairs, the slam of his door pointedly loud.

Charlie looked down at where Harry was still crouched down, facing away from him, and he could see that his shoulders were tight with nerves.

"Charlie!" Harry let out a startled laugh when the older man suddenly dropped to his knees behind him and tugged him back against his chest, toppling him off his feet so he fell back on his bum. Hooking his chin over Harry's shoulder he pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"Whatever you have to say I will listen, I listened when Billy explained Jacob turns into a wolf, I listened when Bella explained her boyfriend and his family are Vampires, whatever it is I will listen," Charlie said softly, squeezing his arms around Harry.

"Can…can we stay like this while I explain?" Harry asked, feeling ridiculous, but Charlie tightened his arms.

"Of course," Charlie settled them both a little more comfortably on the floor and listened concerned as Harry sucked in a deep breath.

"I…I found out when I was eleven that I was a Wizard, I can do magic, I did little things before then but I didn't really know what I was doing or how. It is why my relatives didn't like me, they hated anything 'freakish' like that. My mum and dad were both magical, a witch and a wizard, but my mum was what is called a muggleborn, someone who is born magical into a none magical family. My dad was from a whole line of magical people. Teddy's mum and dad were magical as well, Remus was a werewolf though as well, he got bitten when he was really young," Harry started.

"And Hogwarts?" Charlie asked his brain spinning at what felt like a hundred miles an hour, or as fast as a Vampire could run, but he made sure not to loosen his grip on Harry and give him the impression that he was rejecting him in any way. He had heard loud and clear what he did and didn't say about his relatives.

"A school that teaches magic," Harry nodded.

"And what kind of magic can you do?" Charlie asked. "I admit, I am just picturing you pulling a rabbit out of a hat,"

"I can change a hat into a rabbit or vice versa," Harry managed to laugh a little.

"Cool," Charlie nodded.

"I can do charms, like household charms, keep things tidy and clean, wash dishes, help me cook, I can do offensive and defensive magic, I can transfigure things, I can make potions, though that isn't my strongest point," Harry listened nervously.

"Broomsticks?" Charlie asked.

"Yeah, I fly one, I have it in my bedroom, we have a sport that is played on it," Harry nodded.

"And Teddy is magical as well?" Charlie asked.

"Yes, his hair colour, I don't dye it. He is what is called a metamorphmagus, Tonks was one too. He can change his features at will, we agreed that he could change his hair colour semi-regularly when we chose to move to the muggle world," Harry nodded.

"Ok," Charlie dropped his face into Harry's shoulder and hugged him close as he tried to get his mind around everything that he was being told.

"Charlie, if you want time away from me to…"

"No!" Charlie said firmly and tightened his arms enough that Harry let out a huff of surprised air. "Is who you are different?" he asked.

"No, I have always been myself with you," Harry promised.

"Then what you are I can learn, the who is all that matters to me," Charlie suddenly twisted them so that Harry was facing him and he cupped his too pale cheeks and stared into his wide, scared green eyes. "What you are, doesn't really matter, I have gotten scarily used to dealing with finding out that the what is different to what I thought, and I have learned that the who is what is important,"

"Charlie," Harry's eyes filled up.

"You're still the man who cooks way too much food for me because you care, you're still the man who looks at me in a way I don't think anyone else ever has, you're still the man that I feel as though I can't get enough time with," Charlie smiled stroking his thumbs over Harry's cheeks.

"I had no clue how I was going to tell you, or when, or how you would take it. And you have come to mean so much to me already, I was so scared that you wouldn't be able to understand. I should have known better," Harry shook his head, getting onto his knees and wrapping his arms around Charlie's shoulders.

"I will fully admit I screamed like a 13 year old girl the first time I saw Jacob changing into a pony sized wolf, so maybe a good thing that that way was paved for me," Charlie smiled a little.

"Any questions you have, I will answer them," Harry promised.

"I think I will have a million and one of them, and will probably annoy you with them, but for right now…" Charlie gripped Harry's waist and tilted back so they were lying on the floor, Harry resting on top of his chest and hugging him close.

"Thank you," Harry breathed out.

"Is everything ok?" Teddy asked concerned twenty minutes later when he walked into the living room and found Harry and Charlie on the sofa.

"Yeah Teddy Bug, your daddy explained everything to me," Charlie smiled warmly as he squeezed his arm that was wrapped around Harry's shoulders, aware of the green eyes that were watching him. Harry had been looking at him like he couldn't believe how lucky he was to have him.

"Cool!" Teddy enthused before in front of Charlie's eyes formed into a mixed version of himself and Harry.

"Teddy," Harry blushed a little.

"But Charlie knows, right?" Teddy blinked confused.

"Of all the forms to pick first," Harry groaned as Charlie blinked at Teddy who looked like a perfect version of what a child of Harry and Charlie would look like.

"Erm Harry?" Charlie asked as something occurred to him.

"Yes?" Harry tilted his head back.

"If you have magic…is it possible for children, for two men…" Charlie stammered.

"Erm…yes it is…actually…I am on potions…" Harry stammered.

"Oh," Charlie nodded rapidly.

"Charlie?" Harry asked nervously.

"I am…" Charlie's cheeks went bright red as he looked at Harry but his eyes were burning and Harry turned bright red as well realising what Charlie was thinking.

"You guys smell funny, are we going back to Billy and Jake?" Teddy asked.

"Oh crap, Billy and Jake!" Harry and Charlie jumped to their feet. They had gotten so wrapped up in the revelation and then Harry trying to explain and answer Charlie's questions that they had completely forgotten the two of them over in Charlie's house.

Teddy giggled as he was thrown over Charlie's shoulder and the two adults shut up Harry's house and raced across the lawn to Charlie's.

"Harry is an amazing cook!" Billy said brightly as they burst in and found the Black guys had pulled the leftovers from the fridge and tucked in.

"The chicken wings!" Teddy yelped, wiggling out of Charlie's grasp.

"Did…did you swap kids on the way back here?" Billy blinked at Teddy's voice coming from a different child.

"He smells the same," Jacob sniffed.

"Don't be invasive," Harry waggled his finger at Jacob.

"You need to keep your nose to yourself sometimes!" Teddy nodded sternly before snagging the bowl of chicken wings from Jacob and racing to hide behind Charlie's legs with them.

"Erm…"

"Teddy is what is called a metamorphmagus, he can change his appearance at will," Harry explained.

"Mostly will, when I get sick it goes weird," Teddy added.

"We were stuck with a pig's nose for a week when he had a cold," Harry explained seeing Charlie's questioning look.

"That is cool!" Jacob grinned.

"It is!" Teddy nodded before scrunching his face and becoming a perfect younger version of Jacob.

"That is brilliant!" Billy clapped his leg, grinning at the expression on his friend's face when Teddy turned back into the mix of Harry and Charlie.

"So as we established Teddy is a werewolf, Charlie explained a bit about you guys, Teddy isn't like that, his is from the infection type that you read about, though he was born with it, from his dad," Harry explained nervously sitting down.

"And you?" Billy asked kindly as Charlie dropped down beside Harry and took his hand.

"I am a wizard," Harry said, and then launched into the explanation again.

"How do you have so many questions?" Harry whined dropping his head back onto the sofa. "I am from this world and haven't asked half these questions!"

"Sorry Love," Charlie laughed, kissing his cheek and then his lips when Harry turned his head.

"Oh, that's so gross!" Jacob said cheerfully, making Harry laugh against Charlie's mouth. He really liked the teen.

"Onto other things, you don't mind coming down and helping the kids with their control?" Billy asked as Charlie smacked a noisy and pointed kiss to Harry's lips.

"Of course not, honestly it sounds a hell of a lot like concentrating on using magic, a little tweaking and we should be there," Harry smiled.

"We really appreciate it, Harry," Billy nodded.

"I get to see other wolves, it will be cool!" Teddy enthused.

"You haven't met Sam yet," Jacob snorted and then pulled a grumpy expression. "He's all miserable and serious all the time," Teddy fell into peels of giggles at the expression Jacob was pulling.

"When I teased you for going to a posh school, I didn't realise how unique it was," Charlie snorted and then blinked when Harry looked at him with eyes twinkling enough to have Billy sitting straight eagerly.

"Well, I am Lord of the Most Noble and Ancient Houses of Potter and Black," Harry said thoughtfully tapping his chin.

"That's an actual thing isn't it?" Charlie gawped.

"Yup!" Harry smirked.

"And you're with a…muggle Police Chief from Forks," Charlie snorted.

"Sirius, my godfather, would have loved it, and you," Harry wrapped his arm over Charlie's waist and rested against him.

"Good," Charlie grinned a little doppily, going by the amused expression on Billy's face, but then Teddy was climbing into his lap and cuddling the two of them as well.

Charlie stared intently at the suspect in front of him, raising a judgemental eyebrow at them, allowing his features to settle into a softly disappointed but still strict expression that he knew was wearing his suspect down, he could see it by the eyes glancing to the side or down before snapping back to him, determined not to show guilt, he could see it in the hands that started twitching.

"Sorry, Charlie!" Teddy blurted out.

"And?" Charlie pressed.

"Sorry Mrs Fredrick," Teddy pouted at his teacher who was fighting not to look amused.

"And?" Charlie pressed.

"I won't take my clothes off when in school again unless I am changing for P.E," Teddy recited dutifully.

"And definitely not in the yard at break time, right?" Charlie asked and Teddy shot him a betrayed look.

"Yes," He huffed.

"Thank you, Teddy, I appreciate that. Thank you for coming in Chief Swan," Mrs Fredrick smiled at them.

"Are you going to tell Daddy?" Teddy pouted a little as Charlie picked him up and carried him from the school.

"I am fairly sure that Mrs Fredrick left him a voicemail message telling him exactly what happened," Charlie snorted as he opened the door to his cruiser and settled Teddy inside. He allowed himself to laugh as he rounded the car at the groan Teddy let out.

"He's going to ban my favourite cookies!" Teddy whined as Charlie started driving.

"Which is punishment for me too Teddy Bug, they're my favourites as well, I am feeling betrayed here," Charlie pouted.

"I am sorry," Teddy said a little too sorrowfully for Charlie's liking, he reached over and ruffled Teddy's emerald green hair.

"We know you feel a little constrained in your clothes, and that running naked is more comfortable for you, but unfortunately until you're old enough to move to a nudist colony, you're going to have to keep your pants on in public," Charlie smiled at him.

"Will daddy be angry?" Teddy asked, looking at his lap.

"He will be a little disappointed, but not angry," Charlie assured him.

"Are you angry with me?" Teddy asked softer.

"I am not angry with you Teddy," Charlie said, concerned, glancing down at him.

"But you had to come get me right after work," Teddy played with his seatbelt.

"It was a pretty interesting call to get right as I was clocking off," Charlie admitted before pulling the car to the side of the road. He grinned when Teddy squeaked when he undid the boy's seatbelt and tugged him into his lap for a tight hug. "Are you worried about something else, something connected to this?" he asked.

"I don't want you to get upset at me and go away," Teddy whispered, pressing his face into Charlie's neck. "People argued with Daddy about me, about him raising me, and they went away,"

"I am not going to go away because I am upset or angry with you Teddy, never, and I know how much your Daddy loves you, I knew that when he and I started seeing each other, and that you were part of the deal. And can I tell you something?" Charlie whispered the last bit and smiled when Teddy looked up, his eyes turning into a matching shade of brown to Charlie's.

"What?" Teddy asked.

"I think it is a pretty good deal getting you both. I like your Daddy a lot, but I like you a lot too, and getting to spend time with you, getting to look after you, even getting to come to pick you up from school because you streaked around the playground, I like that, I like being involved in your life," Charlie smiled rubbing the little boy's back soothingly.

"Really?" Teddy blinked, and he turned into that version of Harry and Charlie that was a perfect mix and did ridiculous things to Charlie's heart.

"Really. I can't say what will happen with mine and your Daddy's relationship, because sometimes things don't work out," Charlie said carefully.

"Like you and Bella's mummy?" Teddy asked.

"Just like that. But I really like your Daddy, and I want us to be together for a long long long long time, and I really want to be in your life for a long long long long time as well," Charlie hugged him.

"I want you to too, you have made everything better, you make Daddy happy, and me happy," Teddy smiled shyly snuggling into him.

"You both make me so happy too," Charlie admitted.

"Charlie?!" Harry burst through the door looking concerned.

"Everything is fine, we had supper and he is in bed," Charlie smiled standing from Harry's sofa and walking over to him. He wrapped his arms around Harry's waist and tugged him close, pressing whiskery kisses that he had realised Harry loved over his face, before pressing their lips together.

"I am sorry you had to go to the school," Harry said as they parted.

"It was no problem, the hardest part was trying not to laugh, especially every time Mary met my eyes and she was trying not to laugh," Charlie snorted, stroking his thumb over Harry's cheek. "Hey, I like that you trusted me to deal with it, that you asked me to, and Teddy and I had a little heart to heart after too,"

"Oh?" Harry asked, concerned even as he relaxed finally and wrapped his arms around Charlie's shoulders.

"Mm, he was worried that him doing something wrong would make me leave you. He said that others in the past had left because of him," Charlie didn't say it as a question, but it was clearly there.

"Come on," Harry sighed, suddenly sounding exhausted, worrying Charlie massively as he led the older man over to the sofa. "Charlie?" Harry asked confusedly when Charlie tugged him to stop him from sitting down.

He watched bemused as Charlie sat on the coffee table and tugged Harry's boots off, Harry needing to rest his hands on Charlie's shoulders to keep his balance as he watched a little bemused as Charlie set his shoes to the side before sliding over to sit on the sofa instead, and then stretched out on it.

"Come here," Charlie held his hand out again, and a little baffled Harry took it before laughing when Charlie tugged him so that he fell down on top of him.

They wiggled around a little bit until Harry was lying comfortably on top of Charlie's warm, solid body, one of his legs slipped between Charlie's, the older man's strong arms were wrapped around his waist and he squeezed gently when Harry rested his hand onto his chest.

"Tell me?" Charlie asked softly.

"Hermione and I have been friends since we were eleven, we met going to Hogwarts, but we had a third friend, Ron, he was pretty much the first friend that I had, and I would say for the first few years even though we were all close friends, I was probably closer to Ron than her. I spent a lot of time with Ron's family, and I really liked them, I loved them. They made me feel at home with him, they made me feel part of their family," Harry slipped his arms down a little so they rested on either side of Charlie's chest and held tightly onto his shirt.

"You don't need to tell me anything that you don't want to," Charlie said softly.

"I want to. We went through a lot together, there…there was a war in our world, the attacks that happened in Britain? The terrorist attacks?"

"I remember, that was magic?" Charlie blinked.

"Yes, there was a war before I was born, a Dark Wizard and his followers wanted to take over Wizarding Britain and get rid of Muggleborns, they thought that they were ruining magical blood and that they were polluting the magical world. I don't think Voldemort, the Dark Wizard really believed in that, especially not considering he was a halfblood, I think he just wanted to create pain, and control as much as he could. Just before I was born a Prophecy was read, it basically said that a baby was due to be born that could defeat Voldemort 'neither can live while the other survives,'"

"You?" Charlie breathed.

"Yeah, it could have been me or my friend Neville, he chose me," Harry pressed his face into Charlie's chest.

"That's how you lost your parents?" Charlie guessed, holding Harry tightly with one arm, the other rubbing his back.

"Yes, he killed them that night, and he tried to kill me,"

"How old were you?"

"18 months. Dumbledore, my old headmaster and leader of the opposing side to Voldemort took me to my mum's sister, her husband and my cousin. But they hated magic,"

"Harry," There was a wealth of emotion in those words.

"I don't want to really talk about that right now, another time maybe, but…but I lived with them till I was eleven and that was when I found out that I was a Wizard and I went into Hogwarts. Voldemort's spell had backfired on him when he tried to kill me and he became a wraith. He started trying to come back pretty much from the moment I entered the Wizarding world again. Every year, I somehow ended up going up against him except in my third year. Through it all Ron and his family were there with me, supporting me, Ron was at my side for all of my 'adventures' along with Hermione.

When I was 14 he kidnapped me and managed to bring himself back with a dark ritual, the next couple of years he gathered his magic and people. When I was 17 he came back with a bang and it was war. I ended up on the run with Hermione and Ron when Voldemort took over our Ministry,"

"There is a Ministry…you know what never mind sorry, not a priority in this conversation," Charlie shook his head but he smiled when Harry managed to laugh.

"Yeah, there is a Ministry. We went through a lot that year but we managed to defeat him. Afterwards, there was a lot of recovery. In the last Battle, we lost a lot of people. Remus and Tonks died fighting together in that battle, Teddy was only a few weeks old, but they had felt that they had to be there, to try and make sure that he had a future. After a hell of a lot of back and forth, it was agreed that I would adopt Teddy and look after him. Andromeda, his Grandmother is still part of his life, but…she lost everything in that year, and she admits that she can't look at him and not see Tonks and what she lost, she tried to make him look like Tonks did when she was a little girl when he was about 3, I caught her doing it, and we agreed that Teddy would live with me fully, not staying every weekend with her the way he had been," Harry was rubbing Charlie's side, and the older man wasn't even sure that he was aware that he was doing it.

"A tough choice, but it sounds like the right one. Teddy needs to grow up to be himself, not a shadow of who Andromeda wants him to be. I am sure she loves him, your tone says she does, but her grief is just stronger," Charlie comforted after a moment.

"That actually sums it up pretty well. Ron and his family hadn't really been happy when I was partly splitting custody of Teddy, Mrs Weasley kept trying to take over when we were with her, kept trying to get me to leave Teddy with her, saying to leave him with her for days. When they found out that I was going to have him full time they went nuts. They said that I was meant to marry Ron's only sister, that we were meant to be together, that we were meant to have our own family and that Teddy wasn't part of that, that he was interfering in it," Harry shook his head.

"Erm…I know we haven't really fully talked about it, but I am bi, and pretty much figured that you're…"

"Gay, 100% gay. Which they knew. They said something about me being…confused…or wanting to…I don't know give Ginny time to finish school. It really didn't make a lot of sense, and I will admit I just stood there blinking at them and not really hearing a lot of what they were saying after they said that I was going to marry Ginny for like the 12th time. Then Hermione went off on them,"

"And Teddy thinks that they left because of him?" Charlie sighed.

"I tried to explain to him that it was because of them, and them having unfair expectations of me, but he's a little boy, he heard them saying he was in the way of me and Ginny being together, and then I refused to have anything to do with them. The older he gets the more I explain to him, what he can understand, but it is a lot for him to understand," Harry said sadly.

"We can work on that together," Charlie said gently.

Bright green eyes turned up to him and Harry reached up to stroke gentle fingers over his stubbly cheek, along his strong jaw. There was a calm and warm expression on his face that replaced the pain and anguish that had been there before, and Charlie felt him relaxing against him. Leaning down as Harry leant up their lips met in soft brushing kisses before Charlie cupped the back of Harry's head, burying his fingers into Harry's wild, dark hair and kissing him harder.

"It is why you are so amazing," Harry said kissing Charlie softly before losing himself in drenching kisses again.

"I told Teddy I am gaining two amazing guys in very different ways, I love him, I love spending time with him, I love looking after him, I love that you trusted me to go get him, that I get to be part of his life," Charlie said and he groaned at the kiss that Harry sank to his lips, lifting himself a little higher so that he was straddling Charlie's hips.

"Thank you," Harry relaxed against him, who knew how long later, dropping down to rest on Charlie again.

"You don't need to thank me," Charlie laughed, shaking his head when Harry looked at him. "Getting to be part of his life, getting to have this with you, having this chance with you, I feel like I should be thanking you,"

"We're definitely going to have to agree to disagree," Harry hummed. "Will you stay the night?" he asked before biting his lip like he couldn't believe he had managed to ask.

"Let me message Bella to let her know where I am, and we can head up," Charlie fished his phone from his pocket.

"She is with Edward?" Harry frowned.

"Yeah," Charlie sighed a little as he text.

"But…that type of Vampire can't sleep," Harry frowned deeper.

"Yeah, I don't want to think about how fucking creepy it is that a hundred of year old vampire watches her sleep," Charlie shook his head.

Harry grimaced and nodded. Charlie shoved his phone back into his pocket and then drew Harry down for more drugging kisses that Harry happily lost himself in.

It was nearly an hour later when they made their way upstairs and slipped into Harry's room after checking on Teddy who was curled up fast asleep in his bed.

"I don't think any of my pyjamas will fit you," Harry bit his lip to try and fight from laughing as he looked down at himself and then Charlie and back to himself.

"Mind if I sleep in my boxers?" Charlie chuckled.

"Not at all. Want to see my favourite pyjamas?" Harry grinned.

"I definitely do now seeing that expression," Charlie nodded. Harry went to his chest of draws and pulled out a pair of pants as Charlie stripped off his own trousers, holding them behind his back until he was in front of Charlie and then unfurled them.

Charlie had to stifle his laughter to stop it from being too loud and waking Teddy. The pyjamas were black with little cartoon werewolves all over them.

"We need to show them to Billy," Charlie said through his stifled laughter.

"Teddy found them for my Father's day a couple of years ago," Harry grinned.

"I love them," Charlie chuckled, wrapping his arm around Harry's waist and tugging him in for a kiss.

"I love kissing you," Harry sighed into his mouth, leaning his weight a little more against him.

"I love kissing you too," Charlie grinned a little.

"I have no clue how you manage to make me feel so aroused and excited and yet relaxed at the same time," Harry hummed as he cupped Charlie's face and kissed him again, and then again.

Charlie groaned when they fell onto Harry's bed, shuffling around until Charlie was on top of Harry, the Wizard's legs wrapped around him, and the two of them groaned when Charlie slotted between Harry's legs perfectly and their erections rubbed together.

"Is this ok?" Charlie whispered as Harry cupped his face and looked up at him with burning green eyes.

"More than," Harry nodded.

Charlie kissed him deeply, his tongue slicing into his mouth and tasting him hungrily, thinking that he would never get enough of this, of the taste of Harry. The younger man groaned into his mouth as he moved to wrap his arms around Charlie's shoulders when the older man started thrusting his hips, rolling them together.

The two of them moved against each other, finding a rhythm that had the pleasure building quickly between them, heat building between them as they moved together, desperate kisses being exchanged, panting words of pleasure to each other as their hips rolled and pressed together. Harry groaned into Charlie's mouth as he felt the other's thick erection rubbing against his own through the thin material of Charlie's boxers and Harry's trousers.

Charlie panted as he picked up the pace, unable to take his eyes from Harry's face as he watched the arousal building, watching as those green eyes sparkled with heat and fire, watching as they drank in the same from his own face, he was unable to believe that Harry looked at him with so much desire and passion.

Harry threw his head back as he came between them, and Charlie bit down on his shoulder as he followed over the edge a few thrusts later before dropping onto Harry, who instead of complaining just wrapped his arms around Charlie's shoulders.

"Next time we're doing that without clothes on," Harry panted.

"Don't say that," Charlie groaned loudly, "It will hurt if I get hard again!"

He watched happily as Harry fell into laughter, his beautiful face brightening with it.

"I love you," Harry said softly as he calmed down, and Charlie's eyes snapped back onto his face to find a warm, gentle…loving expression on his face.

"I love you too," Charlie breathed out before a massive grin spread over his face and he leant up to kiss Harry. "I love you,"

"I love you too," Harry laughed happily before sinking back into another kiss with the man who had come into his life and brightened every corner of it.

Harry was aware of the warm body pressed against his back, he was aware of the large arm over his waist holding him tightly, he was aware of the soft breaths puffing against the back of his neck.

He was also aware of the sound of his bedroom door creaking open and the familiar sound of little footsteps crossing over to his bed, but he was so comfortable, and so tired, that he struggled to open his eyes.

"Hey Teddy Bug, is everything ok?" Charlie's gruff voice came from behind him, and he could feel the bed moving as Charlie propped himself up on one arm.

"I…I had a bad dream," Teddy said softly.

"Do you want to get in with us? Or you can share with Daddy and I will get in your bed," Charlie suggested carefully.

"Can…both of you?" Teddy asked.

"Of course Teddy Bug, up we go!" Teddy giggled happily when Charlie suddenly reached over Harry and lifted him one armed onto the bed. Harry reached out and shifted a little, tugging Teddy so that he was lying snuggled into his chest the way that they had done a million times before it felt like.

The difference this time was that a muscled arm wrapped over Harry's as well and gently settled over the two of them.

"Are you ok Teddy Bear?" Harry asked concerned brushing Teddy's black hair from his eyes.

"I am now," Teddy sighed happily, snuggling his face into Harry's bare chest.

"Go to sleep Teddy Bug, and tomorrow if you and your daddy like, I will take you on a little hike to a beautiful clearing we have here," Charlie spread his large hand over Teddy's back and gently rubbed it.

"No fishing?" Harry narrowed his eyes suspiciously over his shoulder, triggering a rumbling laugh that seemed to go through both Harry and Teddy.

"No fishing I promise, just a nice long walk to burn off some energy and a beautiful place to have a stop before heading back," Charlie kissed his cheek.

"I can make a picnic," Harry smiled a little.

"That sounds so much fun," Teddy yawned.

"Well, you better get to sleep so that we can get to do it quicker," Charlie smiled.

"Ok, love you," Teddy muttered as he dropped off, and Charlie's arm tightened, he and Harry were both fairly sure that he meant the two of them.

Charlie smiled brightly as he woke up, everything from yesterday going through his mind. He was fairly sure that Harry had held back on a good part of the War and what he had been through, and he definitely at one point wanted to talk to Harry about how his relatives had treated him so that he could understand his partner better.

But on the whole, everything had been amazing, they had said that they loved each other, they had made love, he and Teddy had had a good talk and he felt that the little boy understood what he meant to him though…

He opened his eyes and found Harry gone, but in his place Teddy was sprawled over his chest and snoring away still, his little face still looking like Harry and Charlie in a way that made Charlie a little mad, looking utterly adorable.

Charlie checked the time and realised that they would need to get moving. Reaching up he rubbed his hand up and down Teddy's back.

"Teddy Bug, time to wake up,"

"Charlie," Teddy rubbed his face like a little kitten into Charlie's chest before opening bright green eyes and grinning brightly at the man. "Morning!"

"Morning Teddy Bug!" Charlie hugged him tightly before sitting up. "Ready for our hike?"

"Yes!" Teddy cheered.

"How about we shower and get ready, I think Daddy is downstairs getting things ready for us,"

"I can shower myself, but I need help with my clothes," Teddy said.

"I thought so, you go shower first, I will get clothes ready for you and then help, and you can go help Daddy while I shower," Charlie kissed his cheek, making sure to rub his moustache into Teddy's cheek when the little boy giggled happily at the tickle.

They worked quickly and Charlie was quickly helping Teddy pull his clothes on before resting his hand on his head as he crouched down to look at the little boy.

"I love you Teddy Bug," Charlie said honestly, and he watched as Teddy's eyes flicked back and forth between emerald green and chocolate brown as emotion that broke and filled Charlie's heart flowed through them and over his face.

"I love you too!" Teddy threw his arms around Charlie and hugged him.

"Go and help your Daddy and I will go shower so we can get going," Charlie kissed Teddy's cheek.

"I love you," Teddy beamed kissing his cheek again and raced off.

Harry was putting the finishing touches to their lunch and started finishing breakfast when Teddy raced into the room practically glowing. He had been worried after the conversation Teddy had had with Charlie yesterday that the little boy would be a bit subdued as he always was when the conversation he had overheard with the Weasleys came up.

But his son was glowing.

"Charlie said he loves me!" Teddy announced throwing himself into Harry's arms.

"Well of course he does, you have to be very stupid not to love you Teddy Bear," Harry said as his mind spun.

"Can I help?" Teddy peered down at the counter.

"Can you go and get the picnic basket for me please?" Harry asked.

"Yes!"

"I went and got some clothes for Charlie, I will take them up to him,"

"Ok!" Teddy nodded. "Do you want me to get the blanket too?"

"Good thinking!" Harry ran his fingers through Teddy's hair before grabbing the clothing that he had got for Charlie and headed upstairs.

His mind blanked out a little bit when Charlie walked into his bedroom with only a towel around his waist, his chest still dripping with water, his brown hair looking a little darker with being wet. Harry licked his lips a little as he followed a drop of water down Charlie's hairy chest.

"Harry?" Charlie blinked seeing him standing there.

"I…I got some clothes for you while I was up early, I hope you don't mind," Harry licked his lips a little.

"Ah, I didn't even think about the fact that I don't have clothing here, and I definitely wouldn't fit into your jeans," Charlie laughed. "Everything ok?" he asked concerned.

"You told Teddy you loved him?" Harry looked up at him.

"Yes…I…I hope that is ok…that I wasn't overstepping…I just didn't want him to doubt that what I said yesterday was true, and I thought that telling him how I felt for him as well would be…that it would help…I am sorry I should have…" Charlie's rambling, panicked words were cut off when Harry slammed into him, the smaller man wrapping his arms around his shoulders and wrapping his legs around his waist before pressing their lips together.

"I have no clue how I have gotten so lucky to have you in my life Charlie Swan, but I will never take you for granted," Harry promised pulling back from the kiss long before Charlie was really ready for it to finish.

"We're definitely going to have to agree to disagree on this because I really do think it is the other way around," Charlie shook his head. "It was ok then? It was a little spare of the moment, but I just thought about what you said he heard, and I didn't want him to doubt how I feel, that I love him as well as loving you,"

"You're amazing," Harry smiled kissing him sweetly. "I love you too,"

"Daddy! Charlie! Stop kissing and hurry up!" Teddy shouted from downstairs making Harry laugh and hop down.

As Harry lay back on the picnic blanket four hours later and watched Charlie chase Teddy around the clearing, the little boy shrieking in excitement and racing around naked as the day he was born while Charlie ran threateningly after him with his trousers, Harry smiled softly to himself.

He and Charlie had a whole future laid out at their feet, Bella's future was no doubt going to be of the Vampire kind, but with the improvement of hers and Charlie's relationship that was growing by the day, Harry was fairly sure that they would be able to cope with that.

He was helping the boys on the reservation control the anger and strong emotions that came with the sudden changes to their bodies, the sudden massive changes of instincts.

And he and Charlie…there were a number of changes and choices that they could make, there were a number of places that their future could take them, but whatever it was, Harry was fairly sure that that future would be them together, hand in hand, walking together step in step.

Coming here had been a random choice, and he couldn't help but feel that it was fate's way of giving him something after laughing at him for so long.

"Daddy!" Teddy shrieked racing over to him and dropped down onto the blanket.

"Are you two finally ready to eat?" Harry smiled as he sat up and Charlie dropped down behind him.

"Definitely after that," Charlie panted a little.

Harry rested back against Charlie's chest as he unpacked their picnic and listened to Charlie groaning happily at the food that was revealed, enthusing over feather light charms and preservation charms.

As Charlie brushed a whiskery kiss to his cheek and wrapped his arm around his waist, tugging him back so that the paper thin remaining space between Harry's back and Charlie's chest was closed, he sighed happily and tilted his head for a kiss.

"I love you," Harry breathed against his lips.

"I love you too, both of you," Charlie smiled at him and Teddy who beamed happily back.

Yes, their future could offer a lot of differences, especially considering Bella's involvement with Vampires, but Harry knew that he and Charlie had a long and happy future in front of them.

Together.