Train Boy Who Lived-Chp Finale

EPILOGUE: AFTER TRAIN BOY

Twincest: Hey, guys. It’s been a week since the Train Boy’s success. It’s like, you know, all that fire power in me is finally extinguished and nothing excites me anymore. How’re you guys hanging?
Moony: Will power all gone…Lethargy taking over…
HerbologyFreak: I just lost 5 kg from all this hype…
ParkinsonDisease: I just asked for another extended leave to recuperate from the lack of excitement. I hope I don’t lose my job over this…
Padfoot: Not me! I’ve changed! I vowed to take in Train Boy’s example and have a total makeover! In fact I just bought a branded T-shirt just like what he wore.
Wormtail: I’ve got a new job! I think the lady boss has a thing for me!
Chinatown: Don’t kid yourself! You’re just a masochist!
Know-It-All: My boyfriend and I did a “Train Boy Roleplay”, but unfortunately, instead of getting steak, I’m getting beef noodles for meals. Meh~!
RedHeadFreckles: Can’t help it if I’m broke!
Headmaster: Ah, youngsters…

Hey, guys. Long time no see. Got something to report.

Twincest: Ah~! Train Boy?!
ParkinsonDisease: Oh?
GrumpyCaretaker: Good show, Train Boy!
QuibblerGirl: You sound energetic!
PotionsMaster: What’s to report?
Moony: Eh??

Yesterday, I showed Dragon Guy the forum chatroom.

Chinatown: Ah?
HerbologyFreak: O_O
Lil’Photog: Huh?
FrenchLady: Huh?
GentleGiant: Wha…?

How do I put this…Well, coz he wanted to see it, and I believe he would understand me better this way.

Padfoot: Y-Y-You let him see~?!
Ablaze: Everything way down to the history thread?!
ParkinsonDisease: You fool!
GrumpyCaretaker: H…How did it go?

He said he was surprised to know there are such nice people around.

Moony: Re…Really?!
Twincest: N-N-Nice people…Nice people…Dragon Guy really said that about us…?!
FrenchLady: And then? And then?
Lil’Photog: Ooh~! Dragon Guy~!
HerbologyFreak: Nice to meet you, Dragon Guy~!
Wormtail: Give us more details, man!

Well…I went to his home yesterday afternoon…

“Remember the friends I told you about?” I asked as I sat beside him, petting Salazar.

“Yeah?” Dragon Guy aka Draco replied as he waited for the forum chatroom to load and scrolled down to find the thread I told him about.

“You’ll see them there. They’re right there.”

“Wow. You’ve got really a lot.”

He read through the chats and had different facial expressions for it, but when he got to the part about me asking about Hogwarts, he really rolled on the floor and laughed. I felt a little silly when he did that, but I guess me being the butt end of the joke was getting a little old for a while that I was used to it by now.

“You’re really going all out, aren’t you?” Draco giggled as he regained composure.

“More like desperate, if you ask me,” I lamented.

“To know your thoughts and…to know you trust me with seeing this, I’m really flattered. Thanks for telling me, love.”

I chuckled a little awkwardly. It felt nice hearing him calling me ‘love’. It felt good.

“To be honest,” Dragon Guy said while reading the rest of the posts, “after the incident, I never thought I would fall for you. The cups I got were really very cheap at an employee discount price, seriously, and I just thought genuinely that it’d suit for you as a thank you gift. When you asked me out for dinner, I never really gave it much thought, only that it’s basically a genuine thank you dinner and never thought to continue on from there.”

I felt like crying at this.

“But when we had our dinner, the first thought that came to my mind was the chance to talk again, but don’t get me wrong! I wasn’t exactly falling for you! I just thought that you’re someone nice to talk to and someone good to spill my guts out to.”

Way to crush my high hopes, love.

“So when I talked about you to Aaron, I suppose he was the one to let me see the light, more or less, and to try to awaken my sorta inner feelings for you, I guess. He was right, I was a little on the naïve side when it comes to relationship, and during our 2nd dinner, Aaron helped me to see that.

“Since then, I guess you became more and more important to me. It felt hard to part during our 3rd date, and I kept on wanting to see you for the next day and the next, so I invited you over to my house. Although you never got any of the hints and chances I threw at you, and when you left, I really felt like screaming at you for being so slow in the head!”

“Sorry…” I whimpered apologetically as Draco teased my nose.

“But, it’s all good,” Draco said as he laid his hands on my shoulders.

“It is…?” I looked up at him.

“Because…Because with this group of people, you had the courage for us to be together. So…it’s all good…”

“Yeah, it’s all good now…”

We shared a kiss so passionate, I felt as if God had stopped whatever He was doing for a moment to watch us.

That’s more or less that.

Padfoot: Aw~! Lovers! You guys are real lovers now~!

And right now, I’m off for my date!

Twincest: Go ahead, soldier!
Wormtail: Don’t worry, Train Boy. To know you’re doing fine, I can die happy now.
FrenchLady: You seem so happy now, Train Boy.
Moony: Agreed, agreed!
RedHeadFreckles: Go! Train Boy!
Know-It-All: Be happy!

I will be happy. I will.

Thanks to you guys.

You can count on it!

Train Boy aka Harry James Potter over and out!

THE END

Train Boy Who Lived-Chp 26

CHAPTER 26: THANK YOU

“You know…”

My heart skipped a beat. I thought eternity just went past before I finally heard Dragon Guy’s voice.
“Once I said ‘I love you’, I seem to love you even more.”

I chuckled nervously; my body trembled like there was a Level 6 earthquake.

“I…I…I…” I was stuttering again. “I…c…can’t…b…believe…it…This…Th-Th-This ain’t a…d-d-dream, r-r-right?”

Dragon Guy smiled sweetly and placed his hands on my cheek before he suddenly pulled at my cheek without warning. Still chuckling with his fingers still stretching my facial muscles, he asked, “So? Not a dream, right?”

“Well…It doesn’t hurt, really…” I tried talking with my lips stretched apart like Play-doh, “but I’m convinced. It ain’t a dream.”

We laughed as Dragon Guy let go of my face. We laughed for quite a while, ignoring the stares of passers-by, letting our hearts ease up from all this fiasco. Finally, after we released each other’s tension, he took my hands again and looked up at me.

“You know, we’ve been together for a while, but we never really called each other by our real names.”

“You’re right, we haven’t,” I admitted.

“Draco Malfoy,” Dragon Guy introduced himself all over again. “You can call me Drake if you like.”

“Harry,” I finally introduced myself for real. “Harry James Potter. You can call me anything you want.”

We stared at each other for a while. We knew what we wanted to do, what we needed to do. Instinct was guiding us now, and I knew it was finally happening.

I just never knew, for that 2, 3 seconds, I would taste something so soft, so tender and so warm in this whole wide world…

And that’s about it, guys…

Moony: Celebrate good times, come on!
Padfoot: Yahoo~! Yahoo~!
RedHeadFreckles: You’ve really proven me wrong about love life, mate!
Knw-It-All: Yayy~! (clap clap) TT_TT
Lil’Photog: There really is a god! Those who look out for people who stand up on their own two feet like Train Boy!
Chinatown: Yippee~!
PotionsMaster: God is someone like the drunkard geezer and the people knowing the brand of the teacups, and also those who encouraged Train Boy to make the call.
Headmaster: From a chance encounter that looked almost insignificant in nature to most, plus a whole lot of courage and a little bit of nosy people, along with Train Boy’s effort and growing up, a miracle was created today.
HerbologyFreak: I want my own Dragon Guy too~! Or in my case, a Dragon Girl~!
GentleGiant: A compassionate and innocent heart that would never falter and give up hope, and a forward and courageous attitude…Ah, young man, you have let me see things I’ve long since forgotten.
Wormtail: Yeah, baby, yeah~!!
FrenchLady: Congrats, Train Boy. This is wonderful!
Twincest: Good work, Train Boy!

Thanks, guys. I feel so happy right now. I love you, guys.

PotionsMaster: Oh, Train Boy…
Chinatown: Train Boy…
Moony: Great work, Train Boy!
Padfoot: I love you too, Train Boy!
HerbologyFreak: Me too.
ParkinsonDisease: Me too… TT_TT
Know-It-All: Congrats, Train Boy!
Lil’Photog: Hurrah~!
FrenchLady: Train Boy…
Twincest: What a reunion, eh, Train Boy?
Ablaze: Train Boy, you’re graduating now, brother!
S&D: Boot camp’s over, boys. Thanks to everyone! Great work!
Wood-stock: To all our chat friends and to those great guys and gals who gone through great lengths for Train Boy, it’s an honour to know you in this forum chatroom.
GrumpyCaretaker: Train Boy and Dragon Guy, you gotta be good now!
GhostintheToilet: We wish you good luck, Train Boy!
RedHeadFreckles: Don’t say goodbye, mate! We’ll meet again, Train Boy and to all my battle friends!
GentleGiant: You guys are wonderful! I’m so touched, I couldn’t stop my tears!
NearlyHeadless: Be happy now, Train Boy. Thank you one and all.
BloodBar: Hey, hey, Train Boy? You won’t forget us, will you?
QuibblerGirl: I wish you the best of luck…
Slugger: Great work!!
MadEyes: Be happy forever, boy!
Reporter: Goodbye, my friend.
TurbanGuy: Train Boy~! Thank you, thank you~! So long, young man~!
Centaur: Thank you for giving me a dream, Train Boy!
IndianTwins: Thank you, Train Boy, and everybody involved! Let’s meet up somewhere some time!
2Fatties: Take care, Train Boy. One day, we will try our best to get to where you are…hopefully…

I never know.

I never know there is so much people…

So much people supporting me…

Watching over me…

I never know…

I never…

I…

Tears are coming down my cheeks.

Tears of joy.

Tears of relief.

Tears of happiness.

Tears of completeness.

Tears that tell me I was never alone.

Thank you, guys! Good will to all single men!

Train Boy Who Lived-Chp 25

CHAPTER 25: TRAIN BOY'S TEARS

“I…have something…important to tell you.”

Dragon Guy didn’t reply. He looked up at me expectantly, waiting for my move. Again, I could feel the pressure of time trying to unfreeze itself before I could make my move. I had to get moving.

“I…I…I…uh…I…”

The words just wouldn’t come out. My heart was ready. It told me it was ready. My body was tingling with the sensation of letting out everything that was bottling up in my heart. But my mouth just wouldn’t obey.

“I…I’m…I’m…”

Come on, mouth! Come on, work!

“I’m…”

I could feel the aura of my fellow char friends surrounding me, as if they were just right there, watching me. It felt like they were urging me to carry on, to be strong, to say what I need to say. Some were panicking, some were tense, some were nervous, some were excited as hell, some felt as if the person himself was sweating bullets and some were cheering me on. I could even feel the snarky PotionsMaster, who had always been skeptical about my progress, ushering me on. I could feel them giving me the push on my back, helping me out.

But I just couldn’t.

My mouth just wouldn’t move.

“I…I’m…I…I’m…”

I felt my hands being taken into gentle, silky ones. I looked up to see sparkling grey eyes looking up at me. I saw a smile creased on the pink lips across his fair skin framed within silver-blonde locks. I heard a beautiful voice coming out of those lips, lighting the fire courage within me.

“Give it all you got.”

Memories of us ever since we first met flooded my mind. The incident in the train, the address exchange, the forum chatroom, the English teacups gift, the phone call, the makeover, the dates and friends I made and the life I changed for myself…All came crashing down on me. In a good way, that is.

That was all I need.

“I…love you. I love you, Dragon Guy…I love you…”

It felt like forever before I felt Dragon Guy’s hands clutching mine tight.

“I…love you too, Train Boy,” Dragon Guy whispered just enough for my ears to hear, “ so, shall we be together for always?”

ALRIGHT~!!!
Twincest: Alright, Train Boy!!!
Padfoot: Success! Success at last!! Success~!!
ParkinsonDisease: Congrats, Train Boy~!!
FrenchLady: Thank God…Thank God for Train Boy… (sob)
RedHeadFreckles: He confessed~! He confessed~! Boohoohoo~!!
Know-It-All: He confessed~!!
Moony: Thank you so much, Dragon Guy…You’re the best!
PotionsMaster: Congratulations, boy. Be sure to make Dragon Guy happy now…
Wormtail: Boohoohoo~! My tears~ My tears won’t stop falling~!

My body trembled in shock and almost in disbelief. He…He loved me too…? I…I saw signs, possible signs, but I never knew it could be true. No, it’s too good to be true…!

“Let’s be together. Always and forever. OK?”

My heart just swelled three times inside my chest and threatened to burst out into a million pieces. In fact, I felt pieces of my warm heart trickling out of my eyes as I let out a strangled cry after another, burying my face onto Dragon Guy’s hand, sobbing for all its worth, not in pain, but in joy. A joy that I could not contain.

Unexpectedly, I felt Dragon Guy’s arms around me, holding me close. His hand reached to my back to stroke it, calming me down some. My arms instinctively wrapped around him, sobbing on his shoulders.

“It’s OK, Train Boy,” he whispered. “It’s OK. Please don’t cry. People are watching, you know.”

“S…Sorry…Sorry…” I replied. “It’s just that…no one, not even a guy, treated me this nice before…so…so I…”

I almost lost my breath when I saw Dragon Guy looked up at me with a tearful smile. He was crying. Dragon Guy was crying! Was he crying…for me?

“Ah ha ha…” Dragon Guy chuckled awkwardly, wiping his tears away. “I…seem to have a case of sympathy pains…Ha ha…”

Sympathy pains…for me…?

I…made you…?

“Oh God, I love you so much, Dragon Guy!” I cried as I hugged him tight. “I love you so much!”

“I love you too,” Dragon Guy whispered.

We held each other in our arms for quite a while before I heard Dragon Guy made a small squeak for me to let him go. He looked up and stared at me for almost a long time. His face looked like he wanted to say something. I waited patiently.

I wonder what he was going to say…

Train Boy Who Lived-Chp 24

CHAPTER 24: DON'T FORGET, TRAIN BOY

Hey, guys. I’m back. Now, back to our story…

“Hungry?” Dragon Guy asked me as we drove out of the car park.

“Yeah, about time.”

So, as promised, we went down to the restaurant where we’d have our chowtime. We’ve been shopping all day and sorta skipped out on lunch, so by the time we reached the destination, we’re pretty starved.

Twincest: Yay! Continue! Continue!
Know-It-All: Ah! You’re back!
ParkinsonDisease: Did you guys eat in a privately booked room or something?
PotionsMaster: So you must’ve confessed there.
Wormtail: Yaah! Cheers, Train Boy!

Again, our dinner spot was his idea. It’s almost like a little restaurant/resthouse where we could eat and relax at the same time. And, if you’re asking, yeah, we were eating in a privately booked room. We had Italian food, and it made me a little nervous being in another posh-looking restaurant with its expensive ambience and rich atmosphere.

But, then again, I’m nervous everywhere.

“Cheers,” Dragon Guy said as we clinked glasses of wine together.

“Cheers.”

“Great place, isn’t it? Nice and quiet and all. Very peaceful.”

“I agree.”

After chowing down some, he took out the souvenirs he bought for me. They were all Hogwarts products, and I felt so small seeing all these pricey gifts.

“Wow,” I breathed as I picked up a necklace. “Another high quality, high priced product…”

“Don’t fret, Train Boy,” Dragon Guy said as he took the necklace from my and undid the clasp. “They’re all very cheap, really.”

When he put on the necklace for me and had his chest right at my face while he did the clasp, I was in pure heaven.

“Oh, that looks so good on you, Train Boy!” Dragon Guy complimented as I checked the necklace.

“T…Thanks…” I chuckled, scratching my chin awkwardly.

Twincest: Looks good! Looks good!
Padfoot: Looks too good!
Wormtail: Mrowr~!
“It’s a pain too, you know,” Dragon Guy said as he revealed his own necklace hidden behind his shirt.
You have no idea how happy I was.
Twincest: Happy-happy joy-joy!
Padfoot: Uber happy~!
Wormtail: All fired up, baby~!

After we’ve eaten, we left the restaurant (after going Dutch, that is) discussing about the quality of the food. All of a sudden, Dragon Guy let out a cry and lit up.

“Let’s go take a sticker photo!”

A sticker what? My face must’ve looked rather confused because he giggled and leaned near my face.
“Stick-er pho-to,” Dragon Guy repeated syllable by syllable. Suddenly the thought of having commercialized mugshots teenagers enjoy taking and sticking them on their personal belongings did not really appeal to me.

“Um…Maybe not…I think I’ll pass…”

“Oh, come on, spoilsport!” Dragon Guy guffawed as he dragged me to Honeydukes. It’s been a while since I’ve been to this place, and it almost felt like home. But when he dragged me into a sticker photo shop, which I had been avoiding since grade school, I felt anything but home.

Not because I don’t like taking pictures, but I knew for a fact ever since I understood the story behind my scar, I did not do well with pictures. I’d look like an utter fool who just came out of a convict centre.

“Time to take the picture now!” Dragon Guy said after slotting in the tokens and pressing the buttons for the sticker background settings. He hugged my arm to bring me closer and smiled at me, saying, “Make a good expression now.”

“Um…OK…”

If only the expression I’m gonna make would ever be good.

“Alright! Snap time!”

We got the sticker picture after 3 minutes of processing. Dragon Guy was gorgeous, as he’s always been, but I…well, Dragon Guy said I looked cute, but I dunno…

I think we were OK with me in it.

Twincest: Wohoo~! Photo-taking~!!
Padfoot: Dragon Guy’s the best!!
HerbologyFreak: Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
Know-It-All: Yahoo~!
S&D: It has to be perfect! No doubt about it!
Wormtail: I can even imagine it myself! Weehoo~!
GrumpyCaretaker: Argh~! It’s almost unbearably sweet! I’m dying of cavities~!!
Moony: Memories~! Beautiful memories~!!
Lil’Photog: Far-out!
QuibblerGirl: Such a lovely couple!
GentleGiant: Hip hip hurrah~!!

Anywho, after photo-taking and a bit of window-shopping, we finally drove down to the “battle station”, under my directions, of course. I had a feeling that Dragon Guy knew what I was up to, and I could feel both of us being rather nervous, though we both try to hide it.

RedHeadFreckles: Looks like we’re almost there now.
Chinatown: Yup, looks like it.
Ablaze: I’m getting nervous too…
FrenchLady: We’re counting on you, Train Boy…

It was nicely lit around the area when we got there. The sea was shimmering with wonderful glimmer of light from the buildings across, and the lights from the ship that sailed pass occasionally illuminated it even more, as if the stars from the sky had descended to lit up the earth. It was, as you guessed it, The Forbidden Forest Park & Bay.

Though I dunno what’s so forbidden about it.

“Wow~! This really is a great place!” Dragon Guy sounded impressed.

“I’ve checked this place out beforehand. Pretty good, huh?” I asked, swelling with mild pride.
“Just like you, Train Boy, to do things ahead of time.”

“I take that as a compliment.”

We sat together side by side on the park bench to enjoy the view. There were a few random couples around the area but everyone was minding their own businesses. We were totally private, in a way.
I could feel my heart pounding as it prepared itself. I could feel it getting ready. Instincts told me that everything was alright, that everything that needed to be said would come out naturally if I were to be prepared to open my mouth to say it. I turned to him a few times and once he responded to it, but I shrank away.

God, I was such a coward.

No, I must not give in to fear!

I must be brave and stand on my own two feet, just as I did that fateful day when we first met.

I must! I must!

I clenched my fists and took a deep breath. Dragon Guy must’ve heard me because he leaned a little towards me.

“Train…Boy…?”

I closed my eyes. I remembered all the advice, all the encouragement and all the well-wishes from all my chat friends. I heard them like I could hear my chat friends right next to my ear, like they were right there encouraging me with their voices, like they were watching my back now.

I couldn’t let them down.

I couldn’t let myself down.

I stood up and faced him. Our eyes locked for the very first time since we were together and time seemed to stand still between us.

I was ready.

I knew in my heart that I was ready.

It’s now or never.

“I…have something…important to tell you.”

Train Boy Who Lived-Chp 23

CHAPTER 23: I'M HOME

6:45pm
Moony: I hope you guys haven’t started without me.

7:09pm
Wormtail: Food all set and ready! OK, people! You can come back anytime, Train Boy!

8:13pm
HerbologyFreak: Alrighty! Fully awake and fully charged!

9:25pm
RedHeadFreckles: Is it time yet? Is he back yet?
Know-It-All: STFU!

11:58pm
QuibblerGirl: Not back yet? I’m getting drunk here.
Lil’Photog: Well, I’m getting sleepy…

0:25am
Twincest: We’re having curry rice at the moment. I wish I could eat with you guys.
Padfoot: Agh! Now I’m having a craving for curry!
S&D: Well, we’re having curry instant noodles here, lol!

1:12am
PotionsMaster: Don’t you think it’s a little too late?
Chinatown: Yeah, you’re right…

1:19am
GentleGiant: What’s happening?
ParkinsonDisease: What’s going on here?

1:59am
Wormtail: D-D-D-Do you think m-m-m-maybe he’s not coming home? P-P-P-Possibly he’s…f-f-found a place to stay out?
Padfoot: Aiiee~!!! Staying out! Staying out! Staying out!
HerbologyFreak: Or maybe he’s being rejected and having a little nervous breakdown…
Ablaze: Train Boy is not that weak!!

2:48am
Headmaster: Don’t worry, Train Boy will surely return.
GentleGiant: I believe him too. I’ll be waiting.
Lil’Photog: I’ll…be waiting…as well…(yawn)

3:51am
FrenchLady: At least let me hear you say “I’m home”, dear Train Boy.

4:33am
RedHeadFreckles: But…it’s kinda…late…(groan)
Know-It-All: Hey! Stay awake there!!
QuibblerGirl: I can’t hold out much longer…
Twincest: Ugh~! I’m so~ sleepy…but I feel if we fall asleep, Train Boy would suddenly show up~!

Hey, guys. I’m home. You guys waited long? Sorry.

Twincest: Yahoo~!!!
Wormtail: Welcome home, Train Boy~!
Moony: Waaaaiiii~~!! ldkghdgfiaphepfhenpeejunsionfkhejhdhkh (total ramble)
Ablaze: I didn’t fall asleep! Alright~!
Know-It-All: We waited for 14 hours! Our team wins!
Padfoot: I win too~!

I know all of you have been waiting for me. Should I just tell you the results?

Padfoot: Please! Please tell us the results!!
HerbologyFreak: Wha? Direct blast?!
Twincest: Wait, wait! Put the best to the last!
ParkinsonDisease: Yeah, yeah! Results at the end!
RedHeadFreckles: Bloody hell! Say whichever end you want! Just give us the bloody report!
FrenchLady: I think it’s better if Train Boy says it in his own chronology.
Wormtail: No, no, please! I beg you! Tell us slowly! Without the build-up suspense, we won’t be satisfied!

Alright. I’m really sleepy actually, but I guess I can write alright. So, anywho, when I was waiting outside his house, I continuously memorized what I wanted to confess ever since I left the subway. Even after I rang the doorbell, my hands still shook with nervousness. He made my blood tingle within me just watching him lock the doors and said “Hi” to me before getting the car out. He’s always wearing something different whenever I meet him. Makes me wonder how many clothes does he have? Although…I guess whatever he wears suits him…

We drove in his Nimbus 300 car, the latest brand these days. It suited him very well with its jet black mixed with silver, and a tint of dark green here and there. We decided on buying the PC first, so he said he would have to rely on my to show him the way.

He drove the car, since I didn’t have the license yet, and I couldn’t help feeling that he looked rather cute facing sideways.

He noticed me staring at him and tilted his head at me.

“Something wrong?”

I broke out of my silly lovesick trance and laughed it away nervously.

“N-N-Nothing! Ha ha! Carry on!”

Gah! The way he tilted his head made me so excited!

HerbologyFreak: Tilted…
Lil’Photog: His…
Padfoot: Head…??
Wormtail: Like that?! I feel as if I’ve known Dragon Guy all my life and the love he gives out exhilarates me! So that’s how lovers feel, huh?! I never had this sorta experience before~!
Slugger: Now he makes ME feel excited!
Twincest: Gah~! I can feel the curry I just ate coming out of my pores~!
Know-It-All: Stop interrupting Train Boy! Carry on!

We parked at the basement of a shopping mall to avoid the upcoming horrors of traffic that might hinder our exit, and I was amazed at Dragon Guy’s expert parking skills. Even I couldn’t park my bike for nuts.

“You’re really good at this!” I complimented as we got out of the car.

“Well,” Dragon Guy scratched his chin bashfully, “I seem to have more control over this car than others. The rest of the cars at home just hate me. In fact, the last I drove my dad’s car, I scratched it 3 times.”

“Ah. That bad, huh?”

We walked out of the shopping mall and headed to our first PC shop I planned to recommend. As we crossed the road while I directed him to the destination, I felt him grip the end of my sleeve. I turned to look and he gave me a cheeky smile. Imitating him as he did to me, I took his hand off my sleeve and took it in mine.

“It’s more natural that way,” I smiled.

“Yeah, you’re right,” he smiled back. “It does feel natural.”

And surprisingly, he took my hand and clasped it tight. It was beyond my expectations. I had never expected that.

My other hand couldn’t help secretly drawing circles in the air all over the place.

Wormtail: Wow~! He clutched your hand back?!
Padfoot: Aiee~! How touching~!!
GrumpyCaretaker: Very good, Dragon Guy!
Twincest: Argh~! We can’t stand it either~!

We browsed through quite a number of shopes that I recommended would be a good place to get the PC he wanted. I recommended a few when he asked which PC he should take, and almost immediately he decided to get the ones I suggested. He never even thought about comparing or thinking twice about getting a better one. If I let him carry on, he might just end up buying the whole store.

“Alright, maybe I’ll take this one then,” he said it for the umpteenth time and almost called for a sales assistant to wrap it up before I stopped him.

“Are you sure you don’t wanna think about it and survey other specs? I mean, you’ve been saying OK for almost all the PCs I’ve recommended.”

“Well, as long as it’s by your recommendation, I put my trust in it,” he just replied briefly in his matter-of-fact way, giving me that usual cheerful smile of his.

Aww…Dragon Guy…

Well, we finally decided on a laptop instead of a PC since Dragon Guy’s job took him all over the place. I was pretty impressed that he bought the laptop and its accessories (plus a laptop skin cover and bag that slightly matched his daily planner in terms of colour and style) all in one go and didn’t mind whipping our his credit card to pay for all of them. Not once did he let me pay for some of the things he bought, saying that he should bear the expenses of his own personal things, but of course, I offered to carry his shopping.

Though I must admit, it’s bloody heavy.

“Sorry,” Dragon Guy said as we left the shop with our stuff. “Let me carry half of it.”

“No, no, it’s OK,” I replied. “They’re very heavy…”

Before I could protest, he snatched away the stuff I had on my left hand and carried them in his own while his right hand reached over to grab my now empty left hand before I could wrestle with him for the stuff. With another cheeky smile and red-tinted cheeks, he looked up at me, hoping that I would get the message.

I did.

Padfoot: Gah~! He takes your stuff and held your free hand~! Agh~! sqishtigunerFfujiko (ramble, hand bang wall)!!!
Twincest: Aah~!!! (happy sobs)
Wormtail: He went as far as that just to hold your hand~!! (flinging food)

We put the stuff in the trunk as soon as we got to his car. Shockingly, instead of entering the driver’s seat, he went straight to me first to inspect the chafes I had on my palms.

“Sorry for letting you carry my stuff,” he said. “Must be really heavy.”

“Naw…It’s OK, really…”

The best part was him massaging my palms to ease the chafes.

WAHOO~! YEAH~! DRAGON GUY IS THE BEST~!!

Alright. Break time. I’m just gonna take a breather for a while. Don’t worry, I’m not going to bed yet.

Padfoot: Agh~! How can this be?!
Wormtail: You’re bailing out on us now?!
Twincest: That’s abandonment! Abandonment, I tell ya!!
Lil’Photog: Nuuuuuuuuuuuuu~~~~~~!!!!!!!!!! I can’t stand it~!!! I can’t wait anymore~!!!
Moony: I’m dying of suspense too~!!

Train Boy Who Lived-Chp 22

CHAPTER 22: AUGUST 2ND

Rise and shine, everybody~!

Twincest: Good morning to you too.
Chinatown: Sleep well?
Wormtail: Almost time now.
PotionsMaster: How’re you feeling?

How should I put this? Um…well, I’m still more or less nervous than I should.

HerbologyFreak: You think it’s OK for Dragon Guy to stay out tonight?
Padfoot: Any thought on researching nearby hotels? LOL

H…Ho…Hotel…??

H…Hotel…? Um…Well, even if he’s OK, he’s…About the hotel, err…We’ve already got a car, and we’re not pressing for time, so we can stay out as late as we like…About the hotel thing…Well, the hotel…um…

Lil’Photog: Oh, come on, Train Boy. It would be even stranger not to go to such places. I mean, I wouldn’t say anything about high schoolers, but you two ARE adults…
GentleGiant: Well said, young man!
GrumpyCaretaker: Hear that, Train Boy? Spoken like a true experienced man!

W…Well, it’s not impossible…Argh…I suddenly feel kinda depressed…

Twincest: Hey, hey! Who’s the one saying that “I think he does like me, love me even”?!
Know-It-All: Keep your wits up, Train Boy!

Honestly speaking, I have thought about whether or not I’ll die single, probably even die a virgin…I guess it might come to an end…

PotionsMaster: Well, there is no confirmation whether or not you’ll escape the virgin life, honestly.

He…He…
 
He may be right…

W…What am I to do…?!

S&D: Who the hell are you to say such depressing words?!
Know-It-All: Don’t worry, Train Boy! Not going to be any problem!
Ablaze: Yeah! You’ve improved a lot so far!
FrenchLady: You’re just one small step away!
Twincest: Dragon Guy likes you! No doubt about it!
Wormtail: I like you too!
Chinatown: Believe in yourself! Believe in Dragon Guy!

People to bring me the harsh reality and ground me, and people to lift me up and get me back on my feet. How odd is that? But it’s comforting to know that there are people who care. I feel honoured, really, to be loved by them.

It’s like a family I never had.

The thought of getting this far, it’s unbelievable even for me. Everything took such a big turn in events. Makes me wonder sometimes, what exactly have I been doing with my life in the past?

Padfoot: Look on the bright side. If it weren’t for the past, there wouldn’t be the present you!
ParkinsonDisease: You may be good now with your new you, but the best of you is back then when you found the courage to stand on your own two feet.
Lil’Photog: Have courage, Train Boy!
QuibblerGirl: And also thank goodness that you called him instead of writing to him.
Twincest: That was our idea! Thank us!
HerbologyFreak: No way! I’m the originator here!
RedHeadFreckles: Well, the person who put the idea in action is Train Boy.
Know-It-All: Hell yeah! Train Boy’s the hero here!

You guys…Thank you so much…

I really feel like being in a real family than I could ever imagine.

Oh! It’s a morning message from Dragon Guy!

Good morning~! Great weather we’re having! I’m looking forward to a great day with you~!

Ah ha ha! Now I’m all hyped and jazzed up! Nothing can stop me now!

Wait for me, guys! Wait for my return and I will promise you, I will bare our my soul to him!

Lil’Photog: Yeah! That’s the spirit!
FrenchLady: I’m sure right now, Dragon Guy must be anxious to see you.
ParkinsonDisease: Probably gussying himself up just for you.
Twincest: Ooh~! Our hearts are pounding…
Padfoot: So am I! My body is trembling all over the place!
RedHeadFreckles: Wish you luck!
Know-It-All: Ditto here!

I quickly put on my clothes that I’ve prepared beforehand. I take down my casual bag for all the upcoming souvenirs I’m going to get and I check and recheck myself to see if anything’s out of place.
I’m all set and ready to go!

But first…

Back then, my days were neither short nor long. Everyday is numbered and predictable. No surprises. Now, there is no telling of whether it is a dream or it is real. It’s an unbelievable feeling. Honestly speaking, anticipation and insecurity is going on par right now inside me. But like I said, a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. Today might be the day that changes the rest of my life. I will take in all your cheers into my spirit and step out of the darkness of my world. So it’s now or never. Train Boy over and out!

As I take the subway down to Dragon Guy’s place, and as soon as I reach his front gate and press the doorbell, seeing Dragon Guy coming out with his T-shirt, fashionable overalls, canvas jacket and sport shoes, and as we greet and compliment each other, I can almost feel and hear my chat friends cheering me on.

Padfoot: Train Boy! Train Boy! Get it on, Train Boy!
Slugger: I’m eating while supporting you!
Chinatown: Get it on, Train Boy!
GrumpyCaretaker: We’ll pray for ya, Train Boy! Go on!
ParkinsonDisease: Go! Train Boy! Let it all out!
FrenchLady: Make us proud, Train Boy!
Chinatown: Will there be a problem? Will he make it?
Wormtail: If it doesn’t work, I’ll never date again. I’ll swear asexuality!
ParkinsonDisease: That’s it! I’m taking the day off today!
Moony: I’ll make sure I don’t do overtime tonight.
HerbologyFreak: Well, I’m gonna prepare myself for tonight by taking a long nap.
Twincest: Well…even if Dragon Guy does reject you, I think you’re no longer the same ol’ Honeydukes geek boy now, Train Boy.
Know-It-All: We’ll all be proud of you no matter what!
Lil’Photog: There won’t be a problem! Go for it!
PotionsMaster: Keep your spirits up, Train Boy.
S&D: Ride on, Train Boy!
Padfoot: Remember, we’re right behind you!
QuibblerGirl: It’s the final battle! Get your freak on!
Ablaze: Hope you’ll have the most wonderful day of your life!

We drive off down the road to town now.

Wish me luck, guys!

Train Boy Who Lived-Chp 21

CHAPTER 21: IF IT WERE THERE...

I am at a computer shop browsing around trying to find the cheap, high-end computer money can buy. It’s about a day before our reunion date and I’m hoping to find some places where I can show Dragon Guy what he wants and help him decide on a good PC.

Although, come to think of it, I’ve surveyed numerous other PC shops and can’t seem to find something more or less reasonable. Their prices and specs are more or less the same, really. I just hope that Dragon Guy is OK with something slightly a little higher in price than what he bargained for.

As I leave that shop to go to another, I receive a message from Dragon Guy.

What are you doing?

I’m preparing for our reunion.

He replies lightning fast as usual, but what he sends me is something I would’ve never expected.

(^3^)

Needless to say, I tell this to my chat friends.

Wohoo~! I feel like in 7th Heaven right now! Everything is ready, and all I have to do is wait for the battle day!

Twincest: Muah muah!
Lil’Photog: Smoochies~!
Padfoot: Wohoo~! Go, Train Boy, go!
Wormtail: Kiss, kiss, fall in love!
GrumpyCaretaker: Kissy, kissy~!

As I laugh at my chat friends’ teases, another message comes in and as usual, it’s Dragon Guy.

Check out my company trip piccies!

I click on the picture link and am shocked to see a picture of Muggle-born and Dragon in their see-through singlets and very short pants smiling at the camera in their hotel room. I almost fall off the chair seeing it.

Oh my God~! My God~! He’s…He’s like in his nighties~!

Oh, and just to let you know, I’m lying down on bed in my nighties right now.

Agh~! For real?! Lemme see! Lemme see! Lemme see!! I literally text that in my reply. Unfortunately his answer is:

No way~! ;p

I know it’s too good to be true, a wishful thinking. But anyone can dream.

Come to think of it…

I think he does like me, love me even…

Twincest: A little early to lose control, are we?
Wormtail: Don’t forget who is the “World’s Only Virgin Boy”!
PotionsMaster: Aren’t you all high and mighty? What’s your reason about this?
Well…C’mon, guys, I mean you wouldn’t say to someone you don’t like things like “I look forward to meet you” or “I really wanna hear your voice”, stuff like that. I can’t be wrong!
Twincest: That’s it, lover boy! We’re ignoring you now!
Wormtail: Zzzz…
PotionsMaster: I’m getting something to eat…

I turn to the calendar to look at the date. Ever since the summer hols started and Dragon Guy went for his company trip, I often count the days to our reunion date. Now that I look at it, it really is a day left before the date.

……

Oi vey…

You know, I’m suddenly getting cold sweat here…I think maybe it’s because of it being close to D-Day…

Wormtail: There goes the high spirits…
Padfoot: Muahaha! Torture! Torture!
Twincest: He’s starting again. You OK there, Train Boy?

I’ve never really been OK since I met him. I mean, he’s always been my focus in life, to the point where I get both happy and sad…

My phone rings as I finish my last words. It’s Dragon Guy! I pick it up and answer it.

“Hello! Good afternoon!”

“G-G-Good afternoon!” I’m stuttering as usual.

“What are you doing?” Dragon Guy asks. I can hear Salazar in the background. The mutt must know he’s talking to me.

“I’m online…uh…checking on some things. Ah ha ha…”

“Checking…on our reunion date, maybe?”

“Yeah, some places with good bargains for a PC.”

“Well, there’s gonna be a bit of carrying going on, so how’s about using my car?”

“I’m counting on you!”

“Oh, I got us a great restaurant for chow-time.”

“It’s all yours.”

“You seem to answer very quickly,” Dragon Guy sounds annoyed. “You think I’m being troublesome?”

“No, no,” I laugh, trying to calm him down. “I just thought that you are more familiar with things than me, ha ha…”

Dragon Guy sounds cute even when he’s annoyed. He makes my heart tingle.

Tingle…

“Um, you know…” I hesitate a little before continuing, “You know…about the message last time?”

“Oh…” Dragon Guy sounds a little hesitant too. “Yeah?”

“I, uh, I found some place with great scenery…and it’s, well, pretty peaceful and quiet…”

“Ah, OK, I get it,” Dragon Guy sounds like he’s smiling, “yeah, I guess if it were there, we might be able to have a long chat. So…I’m counting you on that.”

“Sure. No prob.”

“Alright. Don’t let the bed bugs bite.”

“Same to you. Goodnight.”

I hang up the phone, trying to get my bearings before returning to my chat friends.

OK! Operation Location Lure is a success!

Ablaze: Alright!
Headmaster: That’s wonderful!
Moony: Far-out!
Twincest: You mean…lure as in…?
GentleGiant: Figure it out, genius.

We’ve discussed about our reunion date. As soon as we get a PC, we are going to the battle station.

QuibblerGirl: Great work!
Chinatown: Awesome!
Know-It-All: See? Once you’ve made up your mind, you can do it!
ParkinsonDisease: You did great!
FrenchLady: Far-out!

What’s left now is to do what I should’ve done, though I worry about the outcome…

Wormtail: Don’t talk about it like it’s our problem!
PotionsMaster: Yeah! The whole point is on your efforts, boy!
Chinatown: No problem! No problem! You must have confidence!
GrumpyCaretaker: You can do this, boy!

Yeah, I guess you’re right. A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.

Know-It-All: Ride on, Train Boy!
HerbologyFreak: Pull yourself together!
Lil’Photog: Move it up!

He’s asleep now, so I’m gonna turn in too! Thanks again, all of you.

I look forward to the day of the battle.