Ioan could see many of the things running through Anthony's mind as the other boy cupped his chin. He tried to keep his face straight, but couldn't stop his lower lip trembling despite all his effort. Instead of fighting it longer, he wrapped himself around his friend and took a deep, shuddering breath.
"I missed you too. You have no idea. And I love you, Ant. You're family, and I don't know what I'd do..."
So this was it. This was the shock setting in. This was the pain of losing nearly everything he loved because of stupid traditions. Daphne Greengrass could say all she wanted about the way things were in pureblood society, but for the majority, they had it wrong. He hadn't cried, not since the moment the Death Eaters walked through his parents' front door in Cardiff. In fact, he hadn't cried in years. He wasn't that type. His feelings came out in his music, whether the lyrics were his or someone else's.
"I'm sorry," he sniffed, his voice thick. He pulled back a few inches. "I said I wouldn't do this. I feel guilty every time I start to think about it. There's no lasting damage, you know? Whereas other people...I just, there's no helping it. But thank you, too. For being here. For finding me."
Ioan quickly wiped his eyes and cracked a half-smile. He had to change the subject or he'd end up with swollen eyes and a sore throat the next morning. Sitting back further, he straightened a little, but left his hands touching Anthony's knees.
"We'll talk more about it later. I want to know everything that happened last year, with everyone. Just so I don't look like a complete idiot if someone tries to talk to me on the train," he said. "But I need good news. Is there any?"