Part of him had expected Basil to move away from the contact, yet every part of him was relieved that he hadn’t, relishing in the comfort it brought to him. After his brother had belittled him during his unexpected visit a few weeks back, he expected Basil to avoid him altogether - he knew how Atticus Foxwood felt about him and wasn’t a stranger to hiding it. Gus wasn’t entirely sure what Basil’s brother had told him, he hadn’t outlined it in the letter that he hadn’t responded to yet, but he knew it hadn’t been anything good. It was a miracle in itself that he still had a positive opinion of Gus, and after the initial panic of having to hide from Atticus, his heart had fluttered happily when he’d first brought up the idea of staying with him.

This was the life he so desperately wanted with Basil but was always out of reach. He had to let it go. He knew that, but it still hurt.

Gus leaned forward to push the fire whiskey onto a table nestled next to the bed as Basil began to speak of the season; it was disgusting and his stomach curled in on itself every time he tried to take a sip of it. If he had to drink anymore of that he might get sick. He settled back next to him in the same position before he hummed quietly. “That’s exciting, although I’m sure the house gets lonely.” Gus looked at him from the corner of his eye, not sure what he meant by it, if anything. But then he was speaking of Hogwarts and the redhead dipped his head against his shoulder to hide his embarrassment. He managed to mumble a “thank you” although didn’t speak anymore on the matter. He had his doubts. Basil knew of them for the most part and did his best to squash them, but it was a demon that only Gus would truly expel. He just needed to be sure of himself and if his choice had been the correct one.

A benefit to Hogwarts was being so close to Basil again. Turning to look at him, he couldn’t help but allow his eyes to linger on him. His smile, as always, was breathtaking, and he wanted nothing more than to press his lips against his. But that would be rude so instead he took to just looking at him. His stomach fluttered with butterflies as Foxwood’s fingers twisted into his robe. Gus placed his hand on top of his and shifted to rest his head against his shoulder. “Thank you for allowing me to stay,” He hummed in response. “And I’m sorry for not answering your letters. This summer has been…” Sighing, Gus lifted his head as the other shifted to take a sip. Once he was done, he nestled his head back against his shoulder and tightened his grip on Basil’s hand.

“Terrible.” Gus finished his sentence after another beat of silence. “But it’s been more than just your brother -” He winced, hoping that wasn’t something they were never going to reference again. “Some days picking up a quill is more effort than I’m willing to put in, and I spend the day staring at my ceiling.” Normally his summers were filled with adventures - he was sick and tired of these feelings of constant doubt. He was tired of looking over his shoulder and waiting for the other shoe to drop. He was tired of being afraid. He just wanted to be happy again, like he was here, right in this moment. “I’ll try to be better at that. I don’t mean to make you worry. I won’t… you know, disappear again. I promise.” He swallowed. That was going to be a hard one to keep.

---

---