Disclaimer: I own nada.
Draco thought that they could literally hear a pin drop (as the Muggles said) in the restaurant after Weasley exploded at the waiter. He couldn't quite blame him but that was no reason to go off at the bloke. Still… when he saw Hermione stand up, he could almost feel the drool drip off his chin.
Then again...
"Excuse me," he muttered suddenly to Astoria, who looked slightly taken aback.
She nodded, fluttering her long lashes in confusion. He gave her the smallest of smiles and rose as elegantly as he could, striding as fast as possible towards the back, where he knew the restrooms were located.
Draco went into the men's out of pure vanity, knowing he still looked impeccable. As always, he'd dressed in black. He just felt so much more handsome and loved the contrast it created with his hair. Speaking of which…
Blast you, little hair strand! Why won't you do my bidding and lie down?! This may have been the reason I slicked my hair back. Of course, it wasn't very flattering… but then again, it was me.
He smoothed down the front of his shirt and vest, fixing his silver tie last. He smiled and winked at his reflection before sashaying out. He leaned against the dark marble wall in the foyer, hoping that Hermione hadn't slipped out while he was admiring himself. Every time a woman walked out of the restroom, he felt his heart speed up only to find that it wasn't her. He was about to give up, tucking his hands into the pockets of his trousers and slumped his shoulders slightly when out she came, looking deep in thought.
He was thankful for his long legs (but wasn't he always?) but at the rate Hermione was going, she wasn't going to notice them in time and would doubtlessly end up toppling over them. So he straightened his posture and cleared his throat, causing her to jump in surprise.
"Malfoy!" she gasped, clutching at her pale throat. "What are you doing here?"
"Why, good evening Granger. It's so nice to see you too," he drawled, smirking at her.
She huffed and gave him a look that floundered between amusement and no-nonsense.
"Just came out of the loo, of course," he lied with an indolent shrug of his shoulder.
"But… why did you seem to be standing there?" she asked, frowning slightly as she turned to peer behind her for a moment.
"Who are you looking for?" he chuckled, choosing to ignore her question.
"Your date? Surely that's why you're lurking outside the loo," she deduced, eyes zeroing on the hair that didn't lie flat.
He brushed it down nervously before crossing his arms tightly across his chest.
"No, she's at the table. Undoubtedly wondering what the hell came over her date that he had to get up so abruptly," Draco said, feasting his eyes upon her face.
Merlin, she's absolutely stunning. Such beauty and brains is wasted on the poor excuse of a man she's engaged to. I suspected she had a nice body, but I didn't know to what degree. Rawr, baby, rawr. I wonder what lies underneath her dress…
"How's it going so far?" she asked him, eyes flashing down toward his tie.
"Wouldn't doubt if she was half in love with me already," he sighed dramatically.
Hermione rolled her eyes but gave him a grudging smile all the same.
"If only all men could dress as well as you," she mumbled, staring at his tie.
It flattered the hell out of him but he found it so out of nowhere that he didn't know how to respond, so he didn't.
"You obviously have nothing against ties," she said, this time more clearly.
He chuckled and cocked his head.
"Are you kidding me? I love ties! You should see my collection."
She raised her eyebrow skeptically, narrowing her eyes slightly at him.
"Is that what you tell women so you can take them back to your place?"
He stared at her for a moment before bursting out in laughter. She watched him, amazed, as he doubled over and slapped his thigh.
"No, but thanks for the suggestion. Who knew Granger had it in her to give me advice on how to get some," he mused, straightening his posture once more.
Her cheeks burned bright but he just smiled cheekily at her.
I just love riling her up, nothing gets me more excited than seeing her cheeks burn and that twinkle in her eye. Of course, there are more ways she could get me excited…
Draco shook his head abruptly and cleared his throat.
"Well, it appears as if you have recovered from that ghastly incident. I'll be well on my way, then," he said, although he wasn't so keen to watch her leave her just yet.
Her face went blank for a moment before looking up at him, grabbing his left arm suddenly. Draco nearly jumped out of his skin at her touch and it didn't help her fingers were curled around the very spot where he'd been branded with the Dark Mark. He swallowed nervously, her hand feeling uncomfortably hot through the fabric of his shirt; unthinkingly, he ripped his arm from her grasp, causing her to drop her mouth in shock.
"I'm sorry, that was terribly rude of me. That's where the Dark Mark was…" he trailed off, looking down at the floor.
He heard her gasp softly but didn't say anything and so they stood standing together in awkward silence.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to— it was thoughtless… you shouldn't keep your date waiting. She's very pretty, from what I saw," she told him softly before walking away.
He let out the softest of groans as he watched her walk away from him.
Merlin's saggy trousers, what an arse. That lucky, undeserving bastard…
He felt his face turn red and shook his head once more.
I should go back to Astoria. I've spent enough time away from her.
He let out a deep sigh, straightened his back and slipped one hand out of his pocket, giving him a very suave look. As he strutted back into the dining room, he could feel the women turn to stare at him.
If only I could read minds. Or maybe not… I'm not so sure I'd like to hear what Granger truly thinks of me.
Still, he knew there was only one pair of (chocolate brown) eyes that he wanted on him.
He spotted Astoria's mane of chocolate hair and sat back down quickly, giving her a small apologetic smile.
"Long line?" she asked wryly.
He chuckled softly and took a sip of his elf-made wine.
"You don't even know."
"The man who exploded at the waiter… is that Harry Potter seated at his table?" she whispered curiously.
Truthfully, Draco hadn't noticed. He'd been too busy thinking of Hermione, so he glanced over at the table for a moment and nodded.
"Sure is. Along with his wife and best friends, who happen to be engaged; one of who happens to be my boss," Draco said, marveling inwardly at the tragedy of it all.
"Which one is your boss?" she asked, turning to look at their table with interest.
"The woman in red, Hermione Granger," he answered shortly.
Astoria turned back around, eyebrows elevated with shock.
"The Mudblood's your boss?" she whispered, leaning closer to him.
Draco felt as if the blood in his veins had been replaced with Pepper-Up.
"Don't call her that," he snapped, unable to keep his cool.
She arched her eyebrow dubiously and watched him compose himself.
"Seems like I've struck a nerve. But I apologize nonetheless. I didn't do it out of condescension; it's just a term that I was raised with. Well, you should be more than familiar with that," she smiled sardonically.
He nodded curtly, not bothering to look back at her.
Is this what Weasley felt when I called Granger that? Is this what she felt every time I called her that? Merlin, I truly was a monster.
"You like her," she suddenly said in an aghast tone.
"I do not. She's my boss and I respect her. She's truly a brilliant witch," he answered far too quickly for his liking.
She smirked, something that annoyed the hell out of him.
I'm liking her less and less every moment. She may be extremely easy on the eyes, but I find that I can't stand her and that just won't do. But maybe… maybe I just haven't given her a proper chance. I've been so focused on Granger that I haven't quite paid attention to what she's told me. Tut tut, what kind of gentleman have I become?
"I, too, would like to apologize. I didn't mean to come off sounding sensitive. I truly admire her and don't particularly enjoy listening to someone who barely knows her make snap judgments," he offered, shrugging a shoulder.
Astoria watched him for a moment until her lips finally spread in a smile.
"I'm sorry too. Really. I suppose I'm just nervous. I haven't gone out on a date in a while and I really like you," she admitted, letting out a soft laugh.
He couldn't help but smile at her, watching her face light up when she smiled.
She truly is beautiful.
His eyes couldn't help but glance where Hermione was seated.
Can't forget about how single she is.
Draco snapped his eyes back to her face and saw that she was watching him curiously.
"So what made you visit my mother?" he asked her as the waiter arrived with their food.
"Well, honestly, I'd been thinking about you for a while. I knew I was going to be in town for a while so I went to visit your mother to see if I should give wooing you a go," she said, cutting into her duck.
He chuckled as he cut a piece of his filet mignon and chewed, the spices filling his mouth in symphony.
"I must be honest with you, I was never one to have relationships," Draco confessed, shrugging a shoulder.
"Oh, I know. I remember that very well. Except for Pansy, maybe."
He raised his brows with a begrudging appreciation.
"You remember that?"
"I remember everything about you," she admitted shyly, looking down at her plate.
He felt something strange in his chest and idly wondered if it would be worth checking out with a doctor. Still, he couldn't help how his lips formed a genuine smile.
They continued to chat amiably until it was finally time to go. Draco stood and gently rested his hand against her lower back as they made their way to the exit. He also tried not to look at Hermione, afraid of what he'd see should he let his eyes wander.
"Dinner was delicious, thank you very much," Astoria smiled as they walked out.
She took hold of his right arm, causing him to stiffen for a moment before realizing it was meant to be a friendly gesture.
"Jumpy, aren't you?" she grinned.
"Twitchy little ferret, aren't you Malfoy?"
He chuckled weakly, wanting to push any memory of her away.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like dessert?" he asked yet again.
"No, I'm sure. But thanks for offering."
I could turn you into dessert, dear.
"Doesn't hurt to ask," he shrugged, squinting down at her.
A slight breeze passed, one that toyed with Astoria's dark mane. She had been watching him intently as he looked back at her with mild interest, one that grew by the second. He could hear voices in the near distance and Astoria let out a soft laugh before grabbing him by the lapels of his coat, pulling him in for a kiss.
He froze for the briefest of seconds before kissing her back, pressing his body closer to hers. Her lips were soft and adept, something he found pleasing. They struggled with each other for control for a moment and Draco had the sudden urge to laugh out loud.
The voices got closer and Draco could feel the people to whom they belonged to staring, but he just couldn't quite bring himself to care at the moment.
"Hermione, aren't you coming as well?"
Draco stilled at the sound of her name and knew right then and there that his secret had finally been uncovered by Astoria. Worse still, Hermione had more than likely witnessed him snogging the stuffing out of her.
Why it bothers me, I won't even begin to fathom at the moment...
"N-no, I'm fine, Ronald. Think I'll just head home for a bubble bath," he heard her respond quietly after the sound of her heels scraped to a sudden stop.
He groaned softly and pulled away from Astoria as her eyes watched him intently, face blank. He looked back at her, feeling thankful for the darkness that surrounded him because he could feel his face burn.
"Are you su— bloody hell, she just left like that!" he heard the Weasel complain.
"No kidding, Ron! After all the stunts you pulled on her tonight, do you really expect her to go back home with you and fellate you all night?" he heard female Weasley ask her clueless older brother.
Draco felt the sudden urge to laugh but reined it in, otherwise they'd know that he was eavesdropping on them.
"Oi, Ginny. I never, ever want to hear you talking about that again, you hear me?" Ron snapped at her.
"Oh, Harry, please cover ickle Ronnie's virgin baby ears. They're much too sensitive to hear the truth," she said in a mock whisper.
"Ginny…" Weasel threatened.
"Seriously, Ron. How thick can you get? Either you better get her really nice flowers, chocolates or some jewelry. Know what, why not make it all three? Because the clusterfuck that you caused tonight will not be forgotten by Hermione anytime soon and you know it. Let's go, Harry. Now's here's a man who deserves things," she said, ending with a purr.
With a pop they, too, were gone.
The Weasel remained alone, grumbling under his breath and Draco found himself urging him to Apparate before he lost control of his temper once more. After what sounded like a rock being kicked, he finally did and Draco sighed with relief.
"Well, that was an interesting conversation," Astoria commented lightly.
"Oh! Yes," he said, feeling abashed at forgetting that she was there. "Who knew the female Weasley was so droll? I approve of her being Granger's best friend."
He suddenly noticed Astoria's eyes become shiny with tears.
Uh-oh… I'm not particularly good with female emotions that include tears.
"You don't have to say, Draco. I know. But you should know that she's engaged," she whispered, staring intently at him.
"For Merlin's sake, I know! Okay? I know," he growled, feeling both exasperated and miserable.
"Why don't we give this a try?" she suggested, taking a tentative hold of his hand.
"For all you know, this is going nowhere," he retorted, having half a mind to snatch his hand back.
"I don't care, Draco. At least we'd have tried, right?"
Draco stared at her, once again finding her ridiculously beautiful. But there was more than just beauty to Astoria as well; she was smart and incredibly lady-like.
"Fine," he grumbled. "Just don't blame me if—"
"Shut up, Draco," she whispered, pulling him in for another kiss.
Well, that's certainly an easy way to silence me.
Thanks for reading as always! Have a wonderful weekend, ya'll. :)