A/N: I am really sorry I have taken ages to update. I have been preparing for my wedding on Saturday! Yikes, I'm getting married this Saturday. Anyway, enjoy the chapter.
Chapter Three
Draco spent his Sunday off thinking over his plan. He was going to return to England as himself, casually bump into Harry and be pleasant and nice – hopefully taking Harry by surprise. He was also going to find out what Harry liked when he was disguised as Cooper, and use that to his advantage when he was being himself.
Monday he went to Harry's early, so he could work on their friendship. However, he was not going to flirt, or be responsive romantically to Harry. He wanted Harry to fancy himself not Cooper. So as Cooper he would back off, fulfil the conditions of his contract but not put any extra into it. Hopefully being friendly would be enough for him to discover things about Harry that he could use to his advantage.
Harry answered the door in jeans and a white t-shirt he had on inside out and back to front.
"Cooper. You're early, sorry I wasn't expecting you. I've just got out of the shower." Harry explained.
Draco chuckled, "That would explain the t-shirt," and he indicated to Harry's top.
Harry looked down and noticed what he had done. He grinned, "I grabbed it and slung it on when I heard the door. Ops."
Harry showed Draco to the kitchen and set the kettle to boil. He pulled off his t-shirt without a second thought and turned it into the right way and put it back on correctly.
Draco's eyes fixated on Harry's body as he was concentrating on sorting his t-shirt out. Draco pressed his lips together and took in as much as he could before Harry covered himself back up. Harry had sculptured and defined muscles, with a slender physique. Draco could not see any fat on him, it was pure-toned muscle.
"What do you do as a job? I never asked." Draco wondered if he often used his body when working.
Harry poured the hot water into the cups and replied without looking at him, "Auror for the British Ministry. I'm on holiday, go back next week."
He turned and handed Draco the hot drink.
That explains the athletic body. "You must take it seriously. You look as if you work out." He casually replied.
Harry rubbed the back of his neck, he always struggled with talking about himself regards to looks and his body, "I need to take it seriously otherwise, I put my life, my partner's life and any victims life in danger. I wouldn't want to be chasing a criminal and have to stop as I cannot keep up. I work out regularly and watch what I eat. I don't diet that's a load of shite – just have balanced and healthy meals. I have a gym in the basement."
Draco was surprised, but if you wanted a good body you had to work for it.
"I don't do it for the body I get out of it, although that's a bonus. I do it so I am physically fit, build up my stamina and push myself to my body's limits so I can do a good job." Harry was still self-conscious of his body – he'd never had much confidence.
Draco's mind went off on a tangent, imagining Harry and how he could test his stamina and push his body to its limits. Draco had lovers before that were unable to keep up, they were unfit and would get out of breath or need a break. Draco could go for hours and he would love to see how long Harry could go for.
"I don't work out, but I guess I eat healthily and have regular exercise. Just not an exercise routine or strict plan." Draco thought he'd better change the subject so Harry doesn't start thinking Cooper fancied him.
Then Draco had another brilliant idea, I am a genius he thought.
"My girlfriends seemed happy enough with what I had to offer. Although I am single at the moment. I guess it will stay that way until this job is done. I cannot imagine any women being happy with me acting as someone else's boyfriend." He was careful to make sure he used the correct tone of voice and that he was casual.
Draco watched as Harry's raised his eyebrows, "You're straight." he sounded surprised. "Primrose said that you were happy kissing a bloke – I assumed you were gay." He sounded taken aback.
Draco shrugged one shoulder as he moved to lean against the counter, "No, I'm definitely straight. But I'm an actor, therefore I am happy to act gay. I hope that won't be an issue? I assure you I can act as your boyfriend and be convincing."
That should do it. Even if Harry is attracted to Cooper, he would never make a move when Cooper had clearly stated he was straight.
Harry frowned slightly, "No, it won't be a problem. You're clearly a competent actor. I don't think I could kiss a woman now and make it believable. Even if I was being paid."
Draco snickered, "So when you say 'now' you mean you did before?"
Harry and Draco got comfy on the sofa they had a few hours before they had to get changed and go to the Ministry function.
"Yes. Well no. I didn't figure out I was gay right away, but I only kissed two girls – no three. My first kiss was wet," he screwed up his nose.
Draco looked at Harry in confusion, "Wet? Did you kiss in the rain or something?"
Harry grimaced, "No. The girl I kissed was upset and she started crying. It wasn't a reaction to my kissing might I just add. She lost – no not lost he hadn't gone missing. Her previous boyfriend had died the year before and I think she felt conflicted and felt guilty for liking me." Harry explained.
Draco ran a few people through his head, he assumed Harry had only kissed the ginger bint.
"Oh, poor girl." Draco absently replied as he continued running the list of girls through his head.
"Yeah, Cho was a nice girl. Just a bit messed up after… well, I don't like to think about it." He was about to mention Cedric but Cooper wouldn't know who that was and then he would ask awkward questions about how he died. Harry didn't want to go into all of that.
"I won't pry don't worry. What about the other two girls? Just as disastrous?" Draco was intrigued and when he wanted to know something he wouldn't let it drop.
Harry sighed, "In some ways they were disastrous. Ginny, she was my first real girlfriend, my first well – my first time. But the war got in the way and we took a break and then things didn't seem to work when we finally got back together. We soon broke up for good. I had started to suspect I was at least bi. I dated another witch, from the Ministry – fellow Auror."
He shifted in his seat and sipped his drink, "We were in the training programme then. Things were okay with her I guess, but I never felt …"
He was silent a moment, "Passion, I guess is the missing word. I had sex, it was nice, and I would enjoy it. But it wasn't anything extraordinary. I assumed that was how it was meant to be. But once Gemma and I split up, I wondered if it was my choice in a partner that was making it bland."
Draco could understand what Harry was trying to say. He had partners of both genders in the past and he always found the male partners stimulated him and turned him on far better than the female ones.
"Crazy how I decided to try it with a man. I never even admitted this to Ron, but I guess it doesn't seem so bad admitting it to you."
Draco sat forwards in his seat, eager to hear what Harry had to say.
"I just happened to be watching muggle TV and fell asleep. When I woke up in the early hours of the morning, the TV was still on and a gay porn film was playing. Well, let's just say I didn't switch the TV off and I discovered just how much I could get off at seeing a naked man. That weekend I went to a muggle gay club and experimented. Haven't looked back since."
Draco stared at Harry wondering how someone could change so much since school. He was confident admitting he watched porn and to an apparently straight guy.
"Sorry, I grossed you out didn't I? I won't talk about my sexuality again. But I'm afraid you'll have to continue pretending to be my boyfriend, for a little while at least." Harry felt bad that Cooper had to do this, but then again he took the job knowing he had to kiss a man.
"I'm not grossed out. Just shocked at your honesty." And that was the truth.
"I must not tell lies." Harry laughed a cold lifeless sounding laugh.
Draco frowned. That was said with so many different emotions, Harry was just an enigma that Draco had to figure out.
"Anyway enough about my sex life or lack thereof. Did you see The Prophet this morning?" Draco could sense Harry didn't want to talk about his history anymore.
"No. I don't get a delivery and I haven't seen one. Do you have one?" Draco could imagine the headlines well enough.
Harry stood and leisurely strode over to the sideboard and pulled out the paper from a draw. He handed it to Draco.
"I'll just go get dressed for this function, be back in a bit," Harry smiled at him and left.
Draco unfolded the paper and it was no surprise that Harry's sexuality was front page news. The main photo was of Cooper and Harry holding hands as they left the restaurant. The other photos, of them kissing and Cooper caressing Harry's chest as he whispered in his ear were inside. The paper wouldn't want to receive complaints from parents that they had two men kissing on the front page where children could see. Some people just liked complaining. Draco thought.
The article itself was predictable and had quotes from the other diners at the restaurant and a few people who apparently knew Harry and suspected he was gay. They speculated who Cooper was, no one actually recognising his face, Cooper was quoted as the mystery man.
As it was the first article, there was no backlash- just an exclusive. Draco suspected once the wizarding world digested the information they would put in their opinions, and they will be divided between supporters and haters.
Harry returned wearing smart black trousers and a midnight blue shirt. It was tucked in and he wore a smart belt. At School he had always looked scruffy, his shirt hung out untucked, buttons undone and tie loose. He suited the smart attire - when he tucked in his shirt Draco could admire his peachy bum better.
"Do you want to go to a pub and get a drink before the most boring night of your life? It will give the reporters something to do too." Harry grabbed his wallet, keys and wand.
Draco stood and looked down at his own attire, he thought he would go get changed before the function.
Harry was watching him, "You look perfectly acceptable Cooper. It will be a bunch of old farts discussing politics and other uninteresting things."
Harry hated these function, but he had avoided going to the last few. However, this time, he had agreed because he wanted to see the look on the old codgers faces as he showed up with his boyfriend.
"Okay, I'll take your word for it." He nonchalantly replied.
As Cooper, he could let it go. If he was here as himself he would have refused to go until he had changed and checked his hair. But he didn't want to make Harry wait around for him, so they left to go to a pub that was around the corner from the Ministry.
They ordered drinks and made themselves comfortable in a booth, facing one another.
"So Harry you've never been in love I take it?" Draco hoped that Harry was comfortable enough with Cooper to talk about such things.
As it happened he was.
Harry snorted, "No. Never – maybe in lust or strong attraction, but never love. You?" Harry replied as he accepted his drink from the barmaid.
"Yes. With a witch from school – high school sweethearts and all that." Draco was trying to spin a tale that would be different to his situation and one that fitted Cooper.
"We loved one another, but I was foolish and told her I wanted to travel the world and see what else was available. We broke up and I've been travelling since. I think after this job is finished, I will use the money to return to America and go get my girl." He made sure he had the appropriate expression on his face.
Harry shifted in his seat, "Don't worry I won't stretch this job out. You'll be home before you know it." He smiled sweetly at Draco.
"Thanks, Harry. I appreciate that. I didn't think I'd get so homesick and this is my first case for Athena's, but I think it will be my last." He sighed and shrugged.
"Anyway, I don't want to get in a funk. So I take it from what you said earlier this er…Jenny was it? This Jenny was your version of a high school sweetheart." Draco knew full well it was, Ginny Weasley, who monopolised Harry's attention and time at school.
Harry took a long swig of his drink, "I guess. Ginny…"
"Oh sorry," he casually apologised.
Harry waved off his apology, "It's fine. Ginny, she…..well it was a messed up relationship that should never have happened. It was only in hindsight that I realised she was completely wrong for me."
Draco listened, as Cooper, he acted unaffected and seemed to just be making casual conversation. As Draco, he was extremely pleased to note the strained voice and harshness as Harry spoke of the ginger harlot.
Draco smiled slyly, "So from what you and your friends were saying the other night you had a typical school life, in ways. Like the high school sweetheart, the loyal friends and even the school rival."
Harry grunted, "Yes normal in some ways, but definitely not boring."
Draco felt frustrated he mentioned a school rival hoping to gain an insight as to what Harry thought of him.
"This um what was his name, something strange?" He laughed and indicated for Harry to enlighten him.
Harry took the bait, "Draco. Yes, it is a strange name, probably stranger to an American. I like it, though – it's…..I don't know how to say it. His name is incredibly Draco and just suits him." Harry grinned and seemed to be thinking something.
Draco felt a warmth spread through him, Harry hadn't laughed at his name and he hadn't launched into a speech filled with hatred and bitterness at the mention of his name.
"What do you mean?" he prodded.
Harry gestured with his hands to show he was struggling to explain, "It's hard to explain when you have never met him. When someone says the name Draco you know immediately who they are referring to. It is unique, the name intrigues you and is exotic – kinda like the man himself I think." Harry shrugged one shoulder.
"Dunno really." He finished.
Draco struggled to keep the surprised look from his face. Cooper wouldn't know what Harry was talking about, as he didn't know Draco. But he was surprised, Harry spoke of him like he liked him, admired him and maybe even fancied him. That was a welcome and shocking revelation. He thought he would have to charm Harry when he returned, but maybe he wouldn't have to work too hard.
"Well from what your friends were saying he sounds like he has issues." He didn't want to seem like he was encouraging Harry, if he started praising Draco as Cooper, Harry might get suspicious.
Harry furrowed his brows, "No. Well maybe as I don't actually know him, but I'd like to think that he has the peace and answers that he needed when he moved away." Harry couldn't help the sadness in his voice, the thought of Draco moving away still hurt.
Harry still couldn't explain it, he didn't know why he was so affected by Draco leaving and his continued absence. Harry sipped his drink to try and soothe the lump in his throat.
"Sorry if I seem to be overstepping my place. But you seem a bit upset. Every time someone mentions this Draco guy moving away your whole countenance changes." He knew he was pushing his luck but he wanted to know – so badly.
Draco added, "Look I don't know this Draco fella, I won't ever meet him. I don't know your history and I will be moving back to America after this job. So what I am saying is talk to me, it's not like I can go running to him and tell him. A problem shared is a problem halved." He encouraged.
Draco leant back and casually sipped his drink whilst Harry thought about it.
"I would be nice to tell someone. I can't tell Ron or even Hermione they wouldn't understand not at first. Someone unconnected to my Hogwarts school days and the war like you, I think it would help." Harry fiddled with the salt shaker on the table, casting his eyes down.
"Go ahead I'm all ears." He coolly said.
Harry lifted his head, "I don't even know what it is myself. I can't explain it or even understand it. But when Draco left it hurt. He didn't even give me a second thought – I know we weren't friends or anything and why should he think of me. But it still hurt regardless."
Draco felt a stab of guilt, he had thought of Harry when he left. That was why he left – he couldn't face looking into those eyes that were shadowed by the war and look at him knowing he was on the opposite side of the war. The side that caused Harry to look like he had seen too much pain, sorrow and death.
"Did you ask him not to leave?" he was proud that Cooper's casual voice showed no infliction of the torment he currently felt.
From the way Harry spoke he wanted to be with Draco, he may not know it or understand it fully. Draco kicked himself for running away like a coward. They could have talked and then who knows, they could have had a relationship five years ago. However he stopped those thoughts, yes he ran away and maybe ruined his chance to be with Harry, but back then he was broken, damaged and not ready to commit to someone.
The war, his life, everything was all up in the air and he needed to leave England. He would never regret his time in America, he eased his suffering and got the closure he needed. Having no reminders of the pain, suffering and anything war related helped his recovery. Now five years later, he truly felt like himself for the first time in his life. He was ready to return to England and ready to face whatever this was with Harry.
Harry looked guilty too, "No I didn't ask him not to leave. I thought he would go anyway and the open rejection would hurt more. Ignorance is bliss. At least if I didn't ask I could fantasise that if I did he would have stayed and stayed for me."
Harry stared at his nails, he knew he must sound like a weirdly obsessed person who fancied themselves in love with Draco and expected Draco's world to revolve around him. He didn't, he wasn't in love, but he knew he could be if only Draco were here.
"Maybe I've created a different version of Draco in my head and he won't be like that really. Then I can get over this…this…..whatever this is." Harry put his elbow on the table and rested his head on his hand. He looked thoroughly lost.
Draco panicked, he didn't want Harry questioning his feelings for him and changing his mind.
"It sounds like the two of you had always been drawn to each other, even if it was only united in spite and hatred." He offered his opinion.
Harry laughed, "Yes, I guess we have. Draco Malfoy has and always will be a part of my life. Since we were eleven he has been there, I guess that's why I felt hurt when he left. He left and he suddenly wasn't a part of my life anymore and I missed him. Strange, like why would I miss a pain in my arse? – But I do. You know he was the only person that could get under my skin, cause such reactions from me. A love hate relationship I think – I loved to hate him."
Draco's heart was beating too fast and his palms were wet – not sweaty Malfoys didn't sweat. Harry was pouring out his fears, his feeling and he longed to reach out to kiss him and reassure him. But he was disguised as Cooper and that would make things worse.
"You have no idea if he felt the same then?" Being Cooper he needed to ask casual questions, be a friend and not react.
"I doubt it. Well no he felt the same hate and spite for me, but any pleasant feelings – no I very much doubt it. Besides, even if I confessed my fucked up feelings for him, he would laugh. I don't know him and I don't know how he has changed, but the Draco from School would call me inferior say as a half-blood I wasn't good enough for him. That he wouldn't touch me for fear of being sick or something. Maybe he would insult my parents, my clothes, my glasses and call me Scarhead for good measure." Harry chuckled.
Draco frowned. Maybe the teenager Draco would have, but not now. No one goes through a war and come out as they were before. War changes people and it changed him for the better.
"Scarhead? Are you sure you miss him? I think you are well shot of him." He joked.
Harry seemed a bit distant, "Maybe I am well shot of him. But I don't think so. I am certain of one thing and that is I miss him. I miss his pretentious drawling voice and the way he says Potter, his imaginative and spectacular insults – he was very good at them. I haven't a clue really if he returned I would probably panic and avoid him. But it would be nice just to see him again, to know he's okay - that he is happy and maybe I miss his pointy face and expressive eyes."
Draco smiled and then excused himself to use the restroom. He couldn't believe Harry feels this way – it was an eye-opener for sure. He knew one thing when he saw Harry again as Draco, he would have to be careful not to ruin his one chance. He took a few moments to absorb all of Harry's words, then he filed them away for later. Pulling Cooper's personality forwards marching back out to act like someone who wasn't affected by their conversation.
Draco sat back down, "Anyway enough of this mysterious Draco. Tell me what type of people will be at the Ministry function."
Harry seemed relieved at the change of topic, but Draco noticed Harry was very withdrawn and most likely still thought about it at least. They discussed the boring different people who would be in attendance and then headed to the Ministry to meet them.
Harry was right, the night was boring and dragged on. But he was with Harry and he even managed to get some info on the Malfoy name and what it meant to people now.
His mother and father still corresponded with him, but it was interesting to see what the prominent figures of wizarding society really thought about them. He was surprised that many people seemed to have moved on, yes they still commented and made the odd scathing remark. But they didn't form a lynch mob and start a riot declaring all Malfoys as fair game.
After the function, Harry bode goodbye to Cooper and they both apparated to their own homes. Harry had felt unsettled all day. Cooper had been a nice distraction, at one point he thought he was starting to get attracted to him. But then Cooper's confession that he was straight had put a stop to that. Then he had the stress of coming out and the article in the paper.
Admittedly the initial article wasn't too bad, it really focused on who Cooper was and how he had snagged Harry. Then Cooper had offered to be Harry's listening ear as he ranted about Draco and rambled through his mixed up feelings. It felt good to tell someone what he felt, that he missed him and maybe even liked him. But Cooper was a stranger and couldn't provide any true advice or comfort. He needed someone who knew Draco too, to be objective and help him. Harry knew he couldn't tell his friends, they wouldn't understand.
He didn't even understand. He was attracted to Draco, missed him dearly and even felt strong feelings for him – but he couldn't explain why. He just did and Hermione would say that he was attracted to the Draco, Harry had created in his head and Ron would take him to St Mungos to be tested.
He knew it was absurd to like Draco so much when they had barely talked or had anything nice to say to one another in years. How can he feel this way about someone who wasn't even here? However he may be unsure what the feelings meant, but he knew that they were true feelings.
Draco wanted to appear in Harry's life as himself immediately but he knew Harry would suspect. He talks to Cooper and suddenly Draco shows up – a bit suspicious.
So he waited, he spent another two weeks as Cooper. Being Harry's friend in private and his boyfriend in public. They had been photographed on many dates and the backlash of Harry coming out was dying down, and Draco knew that he would soon be 'breaking up' with Harry.
So two weeks after their conversation where he discovered Harry's true feelings. He drank the counter potion and felt his disguise as Cooper burn out of his system. He transformed back into himself, it felt fantastic to be back.
He had spent far too long walking, talking and dressing like someone who just wasn't him. He felt comfortable as Cooper, as Cooper had his true personality, but as himself, he felt comfortable as he has his body and his mannerisms that made him who he was too.
He ran a bath and relaxed, he had missed his own skin and body – he was home again.
He carefully dressed in clothes that Cooper would never wear and floo'ed to the Ministry. He sauntered through the corridors, head held high and chin raised. Oh, how he had missed his Malfoy swagger. He thought as he strutted to the lifts and smirked, upon hearing the gasps and whispers of. 'Oh, that's Draco Malfoy' and 'Wonder what he's doing back?'
Draco had set up a meeting with the Minister and head of the potions division. They treated him with respect and even listened to his proposition.
At the end of the meeting he had secured a job in the Ministry's potions division and he even hinted that he was on the brink of developing a potion that would benefit the Ministry immensely. They were impressed with his qualifications and hired him without any issues. Really Draco was over qualified for the job, but considering there wasn't a job available, he would take what he could get.
After his meeting he set about his second goal of the day, accidently bumping into Potter.
He didn't have to wait long, in fact, he timed it perfectly. Harry was obviously coming back from his lunch break and was walking down the corridor just as Draco rounded the corner.
Draco almost laughed, Harry glanced at him. Looked away and then snapped his head back up, blinked a few times – his eyes went impossibly wide and his mouth dropped open.
Draco sauntered towards him and stopped just in front of him.
"Potter," he drawled. Again almost laughing as Harry had confessed he liked the way Draco drawled his name.
Harry stared for a moment and then answered with, "Malfoy. W-what are you doing here?"
"That is a good question, Potter. I have just successfully secured a job at the Ministry." He smiled, to show he was happy to be taking with Harry.
Harry fidgeted under Draco's friendly smile – it made him feel uneasy. Draco doesn't smile at him like that – well okay maybe he has grown up.
"Job. Here?" he asked shocked.
"Yes here. In the potions department, I have to start at the bottom. But I am ambitious and I think I can work my way to the top quickly. I just needed a job and being a potions master this was ideal." He kept his tone light and casual.
"Oh well, congratulations then - I guess." Harry looked Draco over quickly and then went to step away.
"Potter?"
Harry stopped and looked back at him, "Yeah."
"How about a celebratory drink? To toast my new job and my return to England." Again he tried to make it sound as if he was being friendly and offering a chance at friendship.
Harry looked startled and scared.
"Um…I …"
Draco cut in, "I want to return to England and start anew. I want to rectify my past mistakes and maybe build friendships. I would appreciate your cooperation and I think a face I recognise would be good too. I feel as if this place has changed in the five years I have been gone and it would be comforting to have a familiar face around." He was being open and honest and hoped that Harry appreciated it. Before he left he would never have admitted any of that. He wouldn't even have had the confidence to ask Harry out for a drink.
Harry gaped at him, shocked at the honesty Draco was showing him. Maybe he has changed.
"Potter, an answer before the turn of the century would be nice." He snapped. He wanted Harry to see he was still essentially Draco, the Draco that Harry said he liked. Insulting and temperamental.
Harry smiled. Draco thought it was a look of contentment – his expression practically screamed, 'Ah I missed this' and Draco knew he hadn't misjudged Harry's feelings for him.
"I have work until 5pm. Give me an hour or so to shower and change, then I can meet you at the Dog in the Pond? That's a pub a few buildings down from here." He suggested.
Draco nodded, "Very well. See you at 6pm Potter." With that, he gracefully sauntered passed Harry and out of the ministry.
Harry returned to his office and sat at his desk for ages, staring at the wall. Did that just happen?
Draco Malfoy looking as gorgeous as ever. If anything he had gotten better looking, no longer looking gaunt due to stress over the war. He looked healthy and happy. He had filled out a bit. He was still the same old Draco in terms of impeccable clothing that fitted perfectly and hard on inducing features and hair.
Harry sighed. Well seeing him again had answered one question. I Harry Potter fancy the fuck out Draco Malfoy.
Harry struggled to concentrate for the rest of the day. Luckily he had an afternoon of paperwork and organising his office. He didn't think he could cope with doing field work or starting a new case. That required all of his attention and well his attention was elsewhere.
Harry returned home later than expected but he rushed to shower and change. He didn't think Malfoy would appreciate him being late. Harry was thankful that he and Cooper had a night off, he was supposed to be pretending to be his boyfriend after all.
Maybe Draco's return would act as a convenient excuse for his and Coopers break up.
Harry apparated outside the pub and noted he was only ten minutes late. He took a calming breath and pushed open the door. He spotted Malfoy immediately and headed for him. He slipped into the bench opposite Draco thankful that Draco had picked a secluded and private booth.
"Sorry, I'm late Malfoy. Last minute hiccup at work and had to rush to get here." Harry hoped Draco wouldn't be angry at him, he wanted to start off on a good foot.
"No worries, Harry. I know the world doesn't revolve around me. I spent the ten minutes studying the drinks menu – quite the expert now." He sent Harry a charming smile.
Harry stared and gaped.
"It is okay if I call you Harry?" Draco leant forwards and met Harry's gaze.
Harry gulped, "Y-yes." Was all he could get his dry throat and mouth to say.
"Excellent. I recommend the Blue Lagoon cocktail – sounds delicious." He continued on ignoring Harry's obvious shock at Draco saying his first name.
Harry nodded, "Sure. The Blue thingy sounds good." He answered.
Draco chuckled and gracefully stood. He went to the bar and casually leant over it to talk to the barmaid – knowing full well his ass was facing Harry and on display in his tight fitting trousers.
Harry followed the sway of Malfoy – no Draco, of Draco's hips. He even took a moment to admire his delectable looking ass in his tight trousers as he leant over the bar. Then he snapped his head back to the table. The public thought he has a boyfriend, he couldn't be caught ogling Draco's ass and he didn't want Draco catching him staring either.
Draco returned with two blue drinks and handed one to Harry. From the look of the faint blush on Harry's face, he had taken the opportunity to admire the view.
Harry sipped at the cocktail, "Oh I actually like this. Appears your studying of the drinks menu paid off." He complimented.
Draco sipped his drink, "Mmm yes I think you're right. Maybe we can work our way through them and we can discover which cocktail is the best." He half-joked but was serious too.
Harry chastised himself, Draco saying cocktail and his heart rate had jumped. Just because Draco had said cock.
"Maybe only a few, though. I have work tomorrow." He sensibly warned Draco.
"Deal. Here is to my new job, a new life and hopefully new friendships." He raised his glass and toasted.
Harry raised his own glass and clinked it against Draco's, "To second chances." He declared.
Draco grinned and busied himself with his drink. Harry had said to Ron and Hermione when he was being Cooper that Draco deserved a second chance.
Harry chose the next cocktail, a Brass Monkey. Harry didn't like it much – he didn't like rum really. The conversation flowed and Harry found he was relaxed and comfortable in Draco's company. They obviously avoided any issues that would ruin the atmosphere, but they still had plenty to talk about.
As they consumed more alcohol the cocktail choices got more ludicrous. Harry had seen the ruder named ones but avoided them. Now he was too tipsy to even care. Harry had just ordered them a cocktail called, between the sheets.
Harry laughed and handed it to Draco, "Here," he almost spilt it in his lap but Draco gripped the glass and saved himself from a wet lap.
Draco sipped it and then seductively said, "I think I enjoyed my time between the sheets."
Harry's drunken muddled mind instantly picked up on the meaning.
"I enjoy being between the sheets too. However, I preferred sex on the beach." He joked.
Draco laughed, "Yes that was nice. I like sex on the beach – bit sandy." He informed Harry.
"What you actually had real sex on a beach?" Harry blurted.
Draco nodded, "Yes. Bloody annoying really. Need a big blanket so you don't touch the sand. Sand sticks to lube – makes it gritty." He scrunched up his nose.
Harry choked on his drink, trying but failing to deal with the images of Draco naked on a beach.
"Why, Potter, I'd say you are blushing. Not a prude are you?" he teased.
"No. Just not had the opportunity to move my sexual activities to the outdoors. Having only just come out, I haven't been able to be public about my sex life." He defended.
Draco grinned, "Maybe it is about time you experienced outdoor sex. So do you have a partner?" Draco questioned, knowing full well what the answer was.
Harry played with the cocktail stirrer in his drink, "Um yes I guess." He answered.
Draco frowned, playing the innocent card, "What do you mean you guess?"
Harry sighed, "I have a boyfriend...Cooper. But things aren't going well and I think he wants to return to America. I won't go with him, so that kind of puts a stop to it." He explained, He hated lying to Draco, but the public thought he was with Cooper and they had photos to prove it.
"Why not try a long distance thing? We're wizards you can visit a different country easily enough." Draco pushed.
Harry glared at him, "Oh like you did? You buggered off to another country. If it was so easy to visit why didn't you?" he snapped. His frustration at Draco for staying away for five years seeping through. His filter had been removed by the copious amount of alcohol.
Draco raised his eyebrows, shocked by Harry's outburst.
"I didn't think I'd be missed or welcomed back for that matter." He firmly replied. He wasn't excusing his behaviour. He did honestly think that.
Harry looked into Draco face, "Well you were." He softly said.
Being inebriated didn't help Draco, his usually quick mind was idled.
"I was what?" he confusingly asked an embarrassed Harry.
"Missed." He blurted, continuing he said, "You were missed, Draco. I missed you. I missed you every day for the last five years." He admitted in a rush.
Draco was struck dumb, he couldn't form words. He hadn't come here tonight to get Harry to confess anything. It seems Harry spilt all his secrets when pissed.
"You did? Every day?" He queried wanting clarification. Surely Harry doesn't feel this strongly about him.
"I did. Every day I would wonder if I asked you to stay for me, would you have. I wonder what you were doing and who you were with. I worried that something might have happened and I would never know. I know it's crazy – I'm sorry. I've got to go. Nice seeing you again Draco." Harry was mortified that he had just said all that.
Harry was out of the pub before Draco could register he had left. He stumbled out and just caught the sight of Harry apparating drunkenly home. He wanted to go after him, but Draco shouldn't know where he lived. Cooper did but not Draco.
Draco was scolding Harry for apparating whilst drunk, then the next moment he did the same. He didn't see the flaw in his argument – he was drunk after all. He fell onto his sofa and passed out, Harry's confession forgotten for the time being.