"Come," he said when they'd both run out of words at the end. "I think we both need a break from that."
Too right, she thought, but was much too excited to do anything but nod. He'd practically just floated along with whatever she said. Of course, he'd dropped a few rules, but far less than she expected.
She'd have her own research lab. Some people to oversee, sure, that would be the biggest challenge... but her own lab! Her own time, her own rules!
She was so immersed in the possibilities, her mind was completely distant when Malfoy tapped her shoulder.
That her mind had left this plane was clear. She used to do it to her parents, whenever an idea was fixed in her mind, but to do it to Malfoy, under the circumstances...
"Sorry, I kinda got..."
"In a land far, far away." There was no judgement in the tone apart from amusement.
"Yes." The admission was embarrassing.
The night and the stars – when had it grown so dark? – were enchanting. The balcony was a dream in white and green, dusted grey from the darkness.
It was absolutely beautiful. Far from the cities and the lamplights, the stars glittered mischievously above. She couldn't remember them being so clear before. Perhaps as a child she'd seen the sky so bright.
The blue-black darkness had a comforting quality. It stretched as far as the eye could see, though there were the little lights of windows gleaming in the far distance.
"The Malfoy grounds stretch five miles in any direction around the main house."
"Spoilsport."
She'd only whispered it. He was such a practical person, sometimes.
"What?"
"I don't need to know that the grounds are extensive. I don't care if they belong to you or your father or a conglomerate of thieves. I just want to look."
And that, it seemed, he could understand. Despite being brought up to believe in the superiority of his family, Draco Malfoy was human.
The unexpected eyes that scanned the smaller Malfoy dining room weren't too surprised to see it full and left. More surprised, perhaps, to see the puddings left untouched to go cold.
Either Draco had been unusually impatient, or whatever girl he entertained was exceptionally beautiful.
He was a right glutton of some things, that one.
It was less luck and more plan that he never let the entertainment end on the table. The man was shifty as spring weather. Rarely sticking to the plans he made, but the last insane idea always worked better than the previous one would have.
Slight noise from the balcony.
So. Romantic stargazing. How common.
Not that she hadn't once let herself be swept away by his Manor, his riches and his persuasiveness, but that was long ago.
Now, she raised her voice to carry out there.
"Draco, dear. Sorry for interrupting your evening."
She made sure the balcony was out of her vision as she nostalgically studied an old artifact on the mantelpiece. No need to scar her mind with pictures of Draco's girls, after all. They were just toys.
He hadn't undressed, if the speed and state at which he joined her were to be believed.
"Looking dashing today, Drake."
"'Evening, Pansy. Any news from Blaise?"
Her husband-to-be had little to spare for Draco, but they were business partners and social friends. Pansy herself had once loved the blonde, but it had been childish infatuation with his manners and money. Blaise was the better choice. He would not always be distracted by work.
"Of course. We'd like you to come dine with us tomorrow evening, Draco." She rested a light hand on his arm. "Whatever you and Blaisie decided on last time, he wants to know how you've managed"
Draco raised that eyebrow he'd always try to stare people down with.
"Oh he does?"
"He sounded a bit smug to me, so I do hope you're doing well."
"You can tell him not to worry. Unfortunately, I'm a bit busy tomorrow. My new Head of the research section will be settling in."
"Lovely." Why would Draco ever bring something so boring up in conversation? He knew she had no interest in his or her fiancée's business deals. She wasn't wedding Blaise to take over his empire. As long as the income from it kept her living comfortably, he could hire whoever he wanted. Draco much more so.
"I'll come over in a day or two, Pansy."
It was definitive and no one shed any tears that it wouldn't be sooner.
"All right then, Drakie dear. See you then."
They kissed goodbye and separated, but despite being bored Pansy wasn't stupid. He'd wanted to say something with that comment. She just had to figure out what.