AN- IM SO SORRY! i am currently failing math, which SOME people dont take too kindly to. in other words, there was no computer for me. im working on the other two stories, im almost done with the chapters, like, swear swear. this chapter is short, yes, but its better than nothing. right?

Draco hummed happily to himself as he walked through the front door of the manor. Hands in his pockets, he ambled through the foyer when he was stopped by his father's voice.

"How was the meeting, Draco?"

Draco paused, then walked into the dining room. "Fine. I missed France, we should go back."

"Perhaps this summer." Lucius mused.

"Why are you in the dining room, not your study?"

"It is my house. In any case, where did you eat? Did you drop in on Gregory and Amalie?"

Draco briefly felt badly for skipping out on their family friends, Gregory, a fellow Englishman and Amalie, his wife. They were good friends and owned a small restaurant. "No, I didn't, I forgot completely."

"Oh, well. At least they do not know you were in the area. Where did you go instead?"

Draco was reluctant to share his adventures just yet. He eyed his father, who was sitting in his usual spot at the table. "Um, just a little place nearby the meeting, small, café, you know."

"And how was that?"

"Very good." Draco fought to ignore his double entendre.

"Maybe if we return at some time in the near future you can go back."

"I recommend the pasta."

"Lovely…did they let you out early?"

"Yes. The meeting was all I had today, and it ended quickly."

"Ah. And what will you do to consume your afternoon?"

"Oh…paperwork, most likely."

"I believe I will move back to the study."

"Why were you in the dining room again? Admiring yourself in the long mirrors?"

"Be quiet, Draco." They were now walking calmly towards their respective rooms, which were near each other. Lucius' study was kitty corner across the hall and Draco's room was a ways down the wall from Lucius'. Draco did his work there, usually. "I wanted a change of scene, I believe it is called. Please, if I wanted to admire myself I could just go to my room."

Draco snorted. "Whatever, father." He quickly had to stop himself from calling his father a narcissist. An unspoken Malfoy rule- painful memories of Narcissa still lingered with both men.

They separated, going to their respective destinations. Draco walked over to his desk, to the stack of parchment sitting there. He had some paperwork to do, but it wasn't really necessary.

No harm in getting ahead.

After filling in half of the second form, Draco sat back.

This didn't need to be filed for another two months.

He stared at the form for awhile. Almost subconsciously, he reached for a blank parchment. Putting quill to paper, he realized what he was doing and grinned.

"What are you doing?"

A few seconds later, neat, flowery cursive flowed across the page.

"Haven't had enough of me yet, stalker?"

"Never." Grinning, Draco wrote on the page. Gabrielle made him curious.

"We agreed to have dinner on Friday, you would think you could wait that long."

"I don't think so."

"It takes away all the mystery."

"Are you trying to get rid of me?"

Draco could almost hear the smile in her next words. "Not really. Just making sure you aren't just talking to me out of boredom."

"Really? Actually, I'll have you know I could be getting ahead in paperwork"

"Oh, for heaven's sakes, then go do your paperwork! I'd much rather you be productive than talk to me."

"This is productive!" Draco protested.

"If this was a productive conversation, you'd be here with me."

Draco's eyes widened. Well! "I beg your pardon, minx, but if you continue like this I may just pop over there and we'll see how productive it gets."

"Hah! I'd like to see you try."

"Oh would you?" How Draco wished he could have said that aloud to her. Her reaction, to his thinking, would have been much more enjoyable.

"We'll see. Maybe if you're good, another date could be a possibility."

"Maybe! Hah! I think it's already a guarantee."

"What is that charming phrase? Oh, yes, famous last words!"

Draco laughed to himself. "I beg to differ."

"You are dreadfully modest, aren't you? Oh, and while we're on the topic, what am I supposed to wear?"

"Preferably something small and black."

"You waste no time."

"Here's another cute phrase for you. Slow and steady wins the race. I don't mind."

"Maybe I'll let you get away with a blue dress."

"Sounds lovely."

"I have to go, I'll talk to you Friday, unless you bombard me with notes until then."

"I'll only write if I'm lonely!"

"Poor baby. Goodbye!"

"Au revoir, Gabrielle."

Suddenly, a sharp rap sounded on the door. "Draco?"

"Yes Father?"

"I thought I would collect you on my way down to dinner."

"Coming!" Draco tucked the notes into a drawer and then opened the door to join his father. "Oh, Father, I forgot to tell you Friday I have a business meeting, I won't be home for dinner."

"Alright." They continued in silence. "Does this business meeting have a name?"

"Father, don't be silly! Business meetings don't have names!"

"Very obtuse, Draco, very obtuse."

AN- once more, sorry it took so long. and yes, Gabrielle was a bit forward indeed, but she IS. Gabrielle is very mischevous and flirty. so there. please review, i will be uploading much sooner, even if i have to write it on my arm instead of Word, i will write it on my arm. for you. can you tell i havent written an AN in forever?