Chapter 40

“This is the most wonderful Christmas,” Charles said around a mouthful of cake. He held his hand to his mouth as he chewed and then smiled. “Snowed in with a magnificent cake and a beautiful man.”

Harry laughed and leaned against him. “Snowed in with a magnificent cake and a beautiful angel.” He settled his head against Charles shoulder and put his hand on his chest. Charles covered the hand with his own and lay his cheek against Harry’s soft hair. They stayed like that for a while, just staring into the firelight, each lost in their own thoughts until Harry shivered.

“You’re cold,” Charles murmured, lifting Harry’s hand to his lips.

“No, just someone walking over my grave.”

“You can tell me, you know.”

Harry fidgeted. “Tell you what?”

Charles looked down at him, laid so trustingly against him, naked and vulnerable. He smiled and kissed the top of his head. “You can tell me what troubles you, what had you running in the snow, what brought you to me.”