Seeing him was one thing; being hugged so tight was another entirely. Draco swallowed thickly as Charles' arms went around him, pulling him in close, and it took everything he had not to just break down then and there. He'd missed him so much - he thought he knew the extent of it, but truly, he didn't. He had no idea, not until just now, when they stood there together.

He was back, and it felt almost as though he'd never left, for the familiarity that rushed in. Tears pricked grey eyes as Draco clung right back, holding Charles tight, as though he could keep him from disappearing again with sheer force of will. And he'd certainly try, that was for damn sure.

Draco pressed his face against his husband's shoulder, burying his nose against his neck to inhale him deeply. Memories that never really left flooded his mind, and a tiny hopeful thought sprang up: we could make more now.

Only when Charles pulled back to look at him did his words really register, and Draco's mouth twisted as he tried harder not to cry. It probably wouldn't work, but he had to give it a proper go. Pride and all that. He shook his head; he swallowed thickly again; he gripped Charles' arms tightly, still refusing to let him go.

"You don't have to be sorry."