"People are idiots. I know better. I spoke at your pre-trial, did you know?"
                              
Draco shook his head. He had been in a holding cell after the war ended until the Ministry barrister came. He got a plea deal: probation instead of ten years. He took it. He didn't think he'd handle a cell, dementors or not. "Thank you."
                              
"It was the least I could do. Thank you... for risking that and for what he did to you."
                              
"I'm fine," Draco growled, but his shaking increased. "I'm fine." Those were the words he repeatedly said over the last year. Make it through the week, make it through the day, make it through the hour. "I'm f-fine." Tears started coming out, again. Fucking bloody emotions.
                              
Potter eased up on his legs and slowly pulled him into a hug. Surprisingly, he didn't resist him. He tucked his head into Potter's wide chest, crying into it. Damn, he was ripped. He filled out, but he probably shouldn't be thinking about that. But he couldn't help but think how safe he felt. Safe for the first time in months, years... hell his whole life. His fingers clenched Potter's T-shirt.
                              
"I got you, Draco. I'm right here," he whispered into his ear.
                              
He let out a little sob. He wasn't sure why Potter kept calling him Draco, but he was starting to like it. But why was he a fucking hormonal girl that he keeps on crying? Come on, Draco! Pull yourself together, you whiny bitch! he thought disparagingly. His father always beat in him that crying was wrong.
                              
"It's okay to cry, Draco," Potter told him, as though reading his mind, again.
                              
"No, it's not," he sniffled.
                              
"That's what society likes to think, but I've had rough patches, too. I cried a lot. Drinking until I pass out, had an addiction to Dreamless Sleep for a bit. Had to see a mind healer to stay in the Aurors. I still get nightmares... still wake up screaming," Ha-Potter said.
                              
Draco stopped crying and Potter let go. He leaned back to stare at him, inches away from his face. Draco could read people decently well after a year hunting for scraps and handouts. Potter wasn't lying.
                              
"You alright, now?"
                              
Draco blushed as he just realized that he let another man, Potter, nonetheless, hug him. He nodded. Potter stood up, standing over him.
                              
"Don't be embarrassed. You had a rough night. You can blame it on that, if you what."
                              
"Yeah..."
                              
"Why don't you have a shower? Relax. The water gets nice and hot. There's a bathtub, too."
                              
"Is that your subtle hint that I smell?" he sneered.
                              
Potter chuckled. "Yes... if that makes you happy to hear."
                              
Draco glared at him. He hadn't done more than sink-wash in weeks.
                              
"No... it wasn't. But really... it'll feel good. The hot water will help you calm down. Okay?"
                              
He nodded.
                              
"I brought you... stuff – towels, soap, brush... and other things. Feel free to use it, okay?"
                              
"T-Thanks. Do... you want any money? I got some in my...."
                              
"No, Draco. I don't want any money. I just Conjured the brush and toothbrush, and I had the soap and shampoo already. Don't worry about anything, please," Potter said, and he walked toward the door, his krups following him. "If you need anything, I'm next door or yell for Kreacher. He'll love to do anything for you. I'm sure. Even pick flowers out of my garden! Little bastard," Potter miffed.
                              
"You have a garden?" Draco asked. Potter didn't seem like the gardening-type.
                              
"Yeah. Kinda did it a lot growing up, and now that I have one, I can plant what I like."