So, I started this fic based on some Christmas Challenge prompts on LJ. I'm not sure where it's going. I usually write stories out completely before posting so ongoing stories are new for me. Still, it's kind of growing on me, and I hope you like it too. Happy holidays, all!
So this is it. The Walk of Shame I've heard so much about.
Draco kept his expression blank and his eyes firmly trained on the nondescript phone booth, not ten feet away. It was snowing again and the brisk chill made him quicken his pace. He did his best not look too out of sorts— not that the Muggles milling about paid him any mind. They just went about their business, oblivious to him and the portal to the magical world located smack bang in their busy street.
He had to jiggle the door a bit, but it finally gave way. Draco stepped inside the booth with a sigh of relief, taking a much needed moment to sort himself out.
Why?
The question had been gnawing at him all morning, ever since he discovered that he'd woken up in a flat and— far more importantly— a bed, which was definitely not his own with a tanned arm slung carelessly around his middle.
When he realised just who he was sharing a bed with, Draco experienced a rush of mortification so disorienting, it was a wonder he'd managed to grab his clothes and flee the scene without rousing the man. The fleeting memories from last night— memories of lips and tongues and teasing fingers— certainly did not help. Draco blushed again and adjusted his scarf. He could still feel every bruise and bite and kiss from last night. It made him shiver with shame, and the slightest touch of want.
Just a one off, he reminded himself. The product of too much alcohol and a bout of loneliness. It will never happen again.
The thought firmed his resolve. Yes, surely this was for the best. All he had to do now was punch in the numbers, make the short and painful trek through the corridor and flee for the safety of the Ministry Archives, where he would spend the rest of this blighted season.
Never again, he told himself again. With a resolute nod, he schooled his expression into a blank mask and firmly punched in the code: 62422.
Nothing happened.
Draco frowned and punched in the code again, with more force than necessary. The blighted entrance refused to open.
He growled in frustration and tried, yet again.
6.
2.
4.
2.
2.
Nothing! Was he in the wrong booth? Maybe that was it. He hardly ever used the phone booth entrance to get to the Ministry. His fireplace had a direct connection with the Archives, and he had little reason to use the Ministry's only Muggle access point.
In fact, the only reason he was here at all was because Potter's place was in Muggle London and since that's where he woke up today…
Salazar damn it all!
Draco slammed his fist against the wall in a bout of frustration.
Shockingly, it didn't help.
He rubbed his temples and inhaled sharply. Okay. Right. No more acting like a crazy person. He needed to get a hold of himself. Potter was not going to get to him like this.
One more time.
6.
2.
4.
2…
"Actually," a voice broke in.
Draco reared back in alarm as a warm hand slipped over his own. His back connected with a toned chest and he turned around at once.
Potter smirked at him, his green eyes bright with mirth and a grin pulling at his lips. Draco could only gape at him.
"It's 62442," Potter explained, with an easy almost-smile. "Here, let me…"
He moved Draco to one side with a gentle push, reaching his arm out to dial the number. Draco bit back on a hiss as Potter's arm brushed his chest. For a moment, the only noise in the narrow booth was the beeping of the phone.
Then the booth shifted and the wall gave way, revealing a narrow staircase.
"After you," Potter offered graciously, but there was no mistaking the way those green eyes tracked the length of Draco's body with avid interest.
Draco ducked his head and made his way downstairs without another word. He was keenly aware of Potter following, not two steps from him.
Just a little more. Don't look back. Don't let him know, don't let him see…
"Malfoy."
Draco stopped in his tracks. He felt Potter's breath against his nape and it made him shiver.
"Just so you know, I intend to have you back in my bed again very soon."
Draco's eyes widened. Potter chuckled against his neck.
"And next time, you will say goodbye before you take off."
Potter brushed past him and headed towards the elevator, leaving Draco gaping after him in dumbstruck silence.
