"Are you surprised?" Astoria asked, eyebrows slightly upturned in worry.
"That it's you or that you finally dropped Theo?" He was smiling triumphantly as he said this and leaned in to place yet another kiss on her neck.
"The former..." She stalled before adding, "And I didn't exactly drop Theo...yet..." She lowered her arms from their embrace and had begun wringing her hands between them, her eyes locked on his despite the sudden distress.
Confused, Draco also lowered his arms and cocked his head to the side. "You're still with him?" he asked slowly, processing his emotions.
"Yes...technically." She watched Draco shift from one foot to the other and immediately understood that she would need to do some explaining to get him back into good spirits, so she quickly added. "Listen, I just woke up today and knew-"
"What did you know?" he said as coolly as he could muster, interrupting her because he felt foolish for not inquiring about this sooner.
"Draco, I knew I wanted to give us a chance. I wanted to-to try this." She gestured between them, wanting desperately to take his hands and hold them, yet afraid of rejection.
"Try me? Like I'm some kind of experiment?" he said with a look of distaste. "Tell me, Astoria: how did I fare? Good enough to leave Teddy or not at all what you hoped? Since you never actually broke up with him, you could easily go back after being disappointed with me, right? Is that what you planned?"
Astoria was perplexed as to how to respond. The truth was, for the first time in her life, she hadn't planned this at all. For once, she thought she would listen to what her heart wanted her to do. For some reason, this attraction to Draco felt right. He made her feel like the woman she truly was: bold and strong and sexy. With Theo, she was the girl living in her sister's shadow-timid and sweet and secretly intelligent. She often felt she was performing when he was around, but Draco allowed her to be herself, and better yet, he actually liked her for it.
"Draco," she stated. "I'm not someone who goes for things without much thought. There are layers of doubt and inaction before I ever make a decision. So, please, believe me when I tell you, this was not planned."
Draco narrowed his eyes at her as if he were a human lie detector capable of reading her every gesture and secret thought. "And your little hair scheme?" he inquired, gesturing haphazardly at her.
Astoria exhaled slowly. "I charmed it just before seeing you tonight," she revealed so he understood just how last minute her decision was.
It was Draco's turn to sigh. He pushed her hair behind her ears, and whispered against them: "Do you have any idea what it was I wanted to do to you right now?" he asked, his hands finding their way to her waist again, indiscretions forgiven. He held her firmly against him, and Astoria could indeed guess how fervent his desire was.
"If it's anything like what I wanted to do to you," she said with a smirk, "I absolutely can." She pressed her chest into his, her bountiful bust puffing attractively from the deep V of her gown. Draco groaned before diving in to kiss and nip at her neck and chest again. A moan of approval slipped through Astoria's lips, which sounded too erotic for him to ignore. He wanted to get her to make more sounds, preferably in bed with him tonight. But his conscious seeped in, and suddenly, he ripped away from her and muttered, "Fuck! When are you going to break it off with him?" Because if Theo weren't an obstacle, he'd have her now against the grass, under the stars.
"When he comes back from his work trip, it's absolutely the first thing I'll do," she said, taking a small step back. "I wanted to tell him in person."
Draco nodded his understanding, immediately missing the warmth of her body against his. He reached out to caress her mouth with his thumb before cupping her face and stroking along her pronounced cheek bones. She reached up to cup his hand with her own and brought in down between them so that she held his hand for the first time romantically. His hold was firm and warmer than expected. She was secretly pleased at the intimacy, though Draco appeared unaware of what had transpired.
"Before we go back to being proper," said Astoria after a moment, "Could you kiss me again?" She had to admit that he was a phenomenal kisser. Everything she hoped and more in fact. He set her skin ablaze with just a look, but his kisses melted her to goo.
Draco's response was closing the space between them and holding her head and neck in his hands. For long minutes, they nipped and sucked and tasted and sighed and grunted their pleasure until myriad pops of witches and wizards disapparating sounded in the distance.
"We should go," he stated protectively, shielding her in his cloak.
Astoria shook her head in the affirmative and took his hand, trusting him to apparate them someplace private.
"Where are we?" she asked, feeling instantly warm and cozy upon gazing into the roaring fireplace in what appeared to be someone's living room.
"It's my home," stated Draco, looking proudly about. He removed his cloak and hung it on a nearby rack.
"Oh," said Astoria scanning the room.
"I didn't bring you here to shag you," he exclaimed, hoping to make that clear to her at the start. Although it she let him, he wouldn't necessarily object either.
"No, that's not what I-"
"It was," said Draco, holding a hand up to silence her. "And that's okay, because...if you let me..." he moved towards her again, and pressed his mouth into her neck. "...I'd have you now, and I wouldn't know how to stop wanting you."
Astoria felt incredibly tense with desire. She imagined herself in those novels Daphne used to read where the characters were impulsive and acted on every lustful whim because of a single look or an eloquently crafted declaration of love. She was inspired to act the same, but thought better to tread lightly.
"It's not you, Draco," she said, lightly pushing him off of her. "I know I would want...I'd-never mind."
"No, no," urged Draco, smiling. "Say it. What would you want?" He was always daring her to speak her mind, to be bold. So she said it.
"It's just that, it'd be difficult for me to say no if you tried something I mean." There it was, uttered rapidly but succinctly nonetheless.
Draco couldn't help but stir at her words. He closed the space between them again. "Maybe you shouldn't have said that." Astoria allowed him to hold her close.
"I know. It'll make this much harder, but...I'm just being honest," she answered softly, her face angling upwards, waiting breathlessly for another onslaught of kisses.
"I'm happy you said it. Now I know I'm not alone in feeling how I do." He held her chin between his thumb and forefinger, and lowered his lips to hers. They kissed tenderly, lips parting briefly to twist tongues or bite lips. When Draco's hand crept upwards to cup her breast through her dress, Astoria stepped away.
"I have to be honest again," she said as a preface.
Draco motioned for her to go ahead.
"I'm a little worried that this thing between us is purely sexual," she said.
"I understand that." And he did, but he wasn't quite ready to admit he liked her for so much more than her body or the idea of sleeping with her. Unconsciously, he had fallen for her. Sure, he'd always known he was attracted to her body, but her personality had crept up on him, and he was so endeared to her. He couldn't think of anyone he liked being around this much. Not even Pansy or Blaise could compare to the delight she brought him. Instead of saying all this, he asked, "What do you want to do about it?"
Astoria shrugged. "Take it slow? Develop a friendship? Do couple things before you and I have sex."
Draco nodded as he listened. "Or-"
"Or?" She was already smirking at his audaciousness.
He continued, "To be able to make an informed decision-hear me out-maybe we do need to have sex."
"Oh my god!" she said with a laugh.
"No, really!" He was smiling now too, but she could tell he was one hundred percent serious. "If you want to know if there is anything more to us than just sex we should get it over with. This way, we won't risk messing anything up with our families, or you with Nott." He made a face, saying Theo's name.
Astoria hadn't thought about how a possible relationship might affect their families in many weeks. Frankly, she hadn't thought at all, having spent much of her time suppressing her feelings for another man. And she hated to admit it, but his idea had some credence to it. The impact this could have on their families could be disastrous.
"I...don't know what to say," she said, shaking her head softly.
"I'm not saying you'll regret it or that you won't fall in love me after we have sex, but if there's a possibility that sex with each other is this need we want fulfilled to get over each other, then why not just do it?"
At this, Astoria raised an eyebrow. "You're that confident I'll fall for you?"
Draco winked and said, "Oh yeah, you'll definitely love me. I'm a great boyfriend, contrary to popular belief."
She was smiling at him. He was so charming, it was hard not to be mesmerized. "I'll think about it," was all she said.
"Okay. Shall we retire to bed?" he asked, already unbuckling his pants. Astoria wondered where his house elves were. He seemed to manage all tasks, regardless how small on his own, which surprised her, because she'd always thought he was a typical, spoiled aristocrat. He pulled his pants down and slung them over his taut shoulder.
"Draco!"
"I mean it, I'm exhausted!" He stalked away from her and had begun unbuttoning his shirt.
"You want us to sleep in the same bed? But I haven't even made my decision yet." She watched him remove his undershirt, so he stood before her in only boxer briefs, an impressive bulge clearly prominent and unabashed by her presence.
"That's fine," he said. "As we will actually sleep. No sex. Promise." He took her pinky finger and intertwined it with his own. Then he disappeared into one of the other rooms. When he returned with an over sized shirt for her to change into, she remained rooted to her spot.
Draco laughed. "Why are you so skeptical of me?"
Astoria remained in the same spot they'd apparated to. She dared not move. "It's a bad habit of mine, listening to stories of your reputation."
"Oh?" said Draco, lifting an eyebrow. He was pleased that she cared enough to listen to information about him.
"But I know they aren't all true." She let out a small yawn and covered her mouth.
"Of course not. But why don't you tell me more about them in bed."
Astoria narrowed her eyes at him. "You see! Right there! Saying stuff like that sounds so suggestive!"
Draco laughed and bit his lip before speaking his next thought: "Maybe you just have a dirty mind."
Astoria chuckled. "Maybe I do..."
"And I love that about you, but really. I'm about to pass out. Why don't you change into this. I'll be in that room." He pointed down a long hall, then handed her the shirt, and sauntered away.
Astoria quickly changed out of her gown, which she laid carefully against a velvet chaise. She then pulled Draco's shirt over her head, and checked her reflection in the hallway mirror before padding towards Draco Malfoy's bedroom. When she entered, he was already curled beneath a heavy comforter, facing the door.
"Come," he bade. " I want to hug you."
And the truth was that despite this being the worst thing she'd even done, betray another man, she couldn't wait to be held against Draco. So she lifted the cover and sidled in next to him. And even through all the excitement of sleeping so intimately close with each other, they managed to fall asleep quickly.
When Astoria awoke the next morning and saw Draco stirring beside her, she instinctively sought out his lips to give him a kiss. She kissed him delicately until she'd coaxed his eyes open, but was surprised when Draco pushed her away.
"No," he yawned. "No more of this until you're a free woman. My woman."
Astoria kicked the cover away. "What?"
"Wasn't it your idea to 'take it slow'?," he explained. "'Develop a friendship,' etc, etc?"
"Yes," she answered with a pout. He was right. Damn. "So we can't even kiss?"
Draco attempted to rub the sleep from his eyes. "Do friends kiss?" he asked groggily.
"No," she muttered.
"Then, no. Yesterday was a one time thing." Astoria stared at him as if wanting to say more.
"What are you looking at me for? Shouldn't you be getting ready to see your father?" Draco snapped his fingers, and with a pop, an elf appeared.
Astoria shielded her body as though she were naked, when in reality, she was still wearing Draco's loose fitting T-shirt, which showed no part of her body but her legs. "What?"
"It's past noon," he answered before turning his attention to the elf. "Bring Ms. Greengrass something suitable to wear from her home, and be discreet."
The elf bowed and was gone again.
"Bugger." Astoria had forgotten all about her meeting with her father after her Draco revelation last night.
"Don't worry," said Draco, sitting up and checking the clock on his nightstand again. "You have time for a shower, and your clothes should be here by the time you're done."
"Okay, show me," she answered anxiously. Draco moved languidly from the bed to his adjourning bathroom. He turned the water on for her, handed her a fresh towel from a nearby cabinet, and lingered by the door.
In her haste, Astoria didn't notice that he was still in the room with her. She pulled the massive shirt over her head, and began to shimmy out of her underwear. She made to close the glass door shut when she saw Draco staring.
"What are you doing?" she said, nearly shrieking in surprise, shielding her body once again as she had done in front of the house elf.
Draco smirked from the door frame. "I said I wouldn't touch you, but it doesn't mean I won't look."
Astoria was slightly annoyed he was making their temporary platonic situation difficult. "Well, I'm still with Theo, so you shouldn't be doing either," she said instead.
Draco bristled at the comment, though he displayed no emotion. A few seconds passed before he came up with his next quip: "Guess we're even now."
He turned to leave, images of Astoria's ample bosom, smooth round stomach and hairless privates playing on a loop in his mind. Meanwhile, Astoria was left to decipher what "Guess we're even now" meant. She couldn't help delving into thoughts of the magnificent sexual tension between them. In fact, she allowed herself to become swept up in fantasies of him joining her for a bath. Feeling his hands grope easily from her calves to her breasts as he lathered her with soap. She was tempted to relieve herself there in his shower, but sighed and continued bathing instead.
Soon, she heard a small popping sound from the next room, indicating that Draco's house elf had returned with her things. She turned off the water, wrapped the towel around her body, and returned to the room, very aware of the fact that it was only a towel which separated her naked body from she and Draco.
He sat at the edge of the bed perusing the items his house elf had brought with him. He still wore no shirt, so Astoria tried hard not to stare at his body, rippling pectorals and prominent muscles on display. Quidditch had made his lanky boyish frame transform to that of a man's. She was nearly ready to pounce.
"No, this one with the navy shoes," he was saying while the elf rearranged her clothes before them.
"Am I to wear this?" she asked, looking to Draco startlingly beautiful in nothing but a towel.
"What do you think?" he asked, waiting on her approval.
Astoria nodded, "I like it. This is my favorite dress." She reached a hand out to touch the color-blocked fabric.
"Thank you," said Draco to the elf, who took this as indication that they were done, and he was no longer needed.
"He brought with him so many of my things," said Astoria, ignoring the hungry way Draco was staring at her.
"Perhaps you can stay again tonight," he tried.
Astoria said nothing. She wanted nothing more than to stay with him in bed, but she knew she would feel awful if she didn't end things with Theo first. She'd begun removing the dress from the hanger, and turned to dress privately, but Draco had caught her wrist and yanked her softly towards him.
He kissed inside her wrist and palm before meeting her eyes. "I'm so excited you're here," he said. "I've never been happier to share my space with anyone."
He'd said it almost as a whisper, vulnerably and delicately, as if he were handing her his very heart. Astoria could feel her pulse. Breathing became difficult. It was everything she wanted to hear.
With all sincerity, she replied, "I am too. I'm happy I'm here, with you. I'm happy we were able to get here. Finally," she said, meeting him at his eye level by sitting next to him on the bed.
She watched as he licked his lips. "Can I kiss you?" he asked.
Astoria smiled. "Do friends kiss?" she countered, although she wasn't exactly sure how she mustered the restraint to not kiss him then and there.
Draco laughed, "No, they don't."
Astoria lifted her brows matter-of-factly before pushing off the bed and exclaiming, "I'll get ready now."
She knew without a doubt that if she lingered any longer, she'd have a different answer to Draco's kiss question. So she dressed quickly, pecked him on the cheek goodbye (noting how wonderfully clean he smelled after his shower), and apparated outside of his house to Diagon Alley.
Astoria had deliberately arrived a few minutes later than the meeting time to avoid the anxiety of waiting for the inevitably awkward exchange, yet her father was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps, he'd had the same idea, she thought, as she ordered a drink. An even scarier notion popped into her head: what if he'd stood her up? What if he changed his mind and never planned on seeing her?
Astoria felt dejected all over again. She wondered just how often she was meant to feel this way? As if she weren't good enough. She wondered what type of father wouldn't love his daughters enough to stay for them? Enough to show up again and apologize? She was growing furious all over again.
"Tori?"
Astoria turned around, feeling relieved. "Dad," she said, rising to meet his embrace. "I thought you wouldn't show."
Mr. Greengrass looked hurt by the confession, but replied, "I wouldn't do that to you, sweetheart." He raked his fingers through his auburn colored beard. He'd never let his facial hair grow ever. Actually, she'd only ever seen him clean shaven, with smooth skin. This new look was interesting.
"I don't know that," answered Astoria moodily as they motioned to the waiter that they were ready for a booth. "What's with the beard by the way? Are you still hiding from your Slytherin pals? They must know you're back in town, no? I'm surprised it isn't in the Daily Prophet to be honest."
Mr. Greengrass exhaled. "Well, I suppose that's fair."
"Of course it is. You left." She took a sip of the drink she'd been cradling. Then she downed the rest of it and ordered another.
She didn't expect to get right into it, but the truth was that as soon as she saw him again, all of the rejected and angry feelings came rushing back. She could already feel her cheeks heating up and was pretty sure her neck looked splotchy. Her father had said nothing, so she continued.
"You left us. Two teenage girls in the middle of that stupid war...without their father to protect them. And mom? What's she ever learned but how to be a wife? She had no idea what to do when you disappeared. So, yes, it's plenty fair, and I don't know what else you expected to hear from me."
They were quiet for a moment, and then her father began to speak: "I grew my beard, because your mother had always liked it this way. But my job required that I always look professional, not like that hippy headmaster of yours."
Astoria hadn't known her mother preferred a bearded man, but she wasn't about to give in just because of some irrelevant fact. "Mom is seeing someone," she said, knowing it would hurt. "So I guess you can shave again. She won't want to see you."
"I love you, Tori, but you're wrong. Your mother is as in love with me today and she was when we married as sweethearts."
Astoria scoffed. "That's a pretty confident statement. I hope you can back it up, because your competition is Lucius Malfoy."
Her father chuckled, "I already knew that. Two Greengrass women in love with two Malfoy men."
Astoria froze for a moment. "What?"
Her father licked his lips and laughed again. "I've heard who you've been hanging around with." He said it, and it sounded like a scolding.
Astoria was baffled. "He's my soon to be half-brother. What else am I to do?" she answered curtly, knowing fully well that she had no intention of being Draco's sister.
"Darling, your mother will never marry Lucius. But if you really say Draco's only a brother to you, sure."
Astoria knew she was making no use of her schooling with all of her defensive replies and shocked expressions. She knew better than to give away her power and relinquish control of the situation, but the truth was, she was surprised. She didn't really know how to behave at this moment. "How are you still keeping tabs on us?" she asked quietly.
Mr. Greengrass smiled. "Who says I ever stopped?"
Astoria sighed. If he knew everything already, then there was nothing to hide. "I do like Draco," she said softly. "Very much."
"I can't say I could blame you," said Mr. Greengrass. "He's always been a formidable young man, even if he is Lucius' son."
Astoria's expression had softened. "And I don't want mom to marry Mr. Malfoy," she confessed.
Her father rubbed his hands together. "She won't," he stated.
"I don't know dad. He makes her happy. I don't know how to help you get her back."
"I just need to see her. If you could set something up, dupe her if you need to-I know I can get her back."
"You're really sure she still loves you?"
"Absolutely. Ours was a love marriage. No arrangement necessary."
Astoria smiled. "I remember." It was their favorite story to tell she and Daphne. "Okay, I'll help."
When Astoria left her father, she knew she didn't want to return to Draco's home immediately for three reasons: one, she didn't want to appear eager, two, she doubted he was even home anyway, and three, she was positive she would rip his clothes away on sight if he were. Instead, Astoria made her way back to her flat, where she'd begun unrolling the many elaborate scrolls wishing her congratulations and thanks for such a successful ball. There were even a few requests for her to organize events for some of the wizarding world's most prominent families. She was quite proud of herself all of a sudden and had begun thinking on all she had yet to accomplish.
As she sat to pen her replies, the burden of devising a plan on how to reconnect her parents kept surfacing. She, indeed, wanted them to meet again, but she hated the idea of placing her mother in a life-changing decision-making predicament. She knew how difficult it would be to choose between two men, and she could easily imagine the hardship and toil of having to choose between an old and new lover. Although, selfishly, she thought, if Mr. Malfoy were out of the picture, she would never have to call Draco brother, and that comfort alone set her mind to action.
Astoria heard a pop from outside her flat and snapped out of her ruminations. The door opened, and there stood Theo Nott, looking like his kind and handsome self, with his thick dark hair swept away from his violet eyes for once.
"Theo," she said breathlessly, not exactly prepared for a conversation, but rehearsed enough to know exactly what she wanted to say.
"Hey," he said with smiling eyes and open arms. He leaned in to angle his mouth over hers, and he kissed her hungrily, her absence clearly noted.
His kisses weren't the same as Draco's, but they weren't bad either. In fact, Theo was a very attentive lover and often gained pleasure in her pleasure. Perhaps it was a Slytherin control or reputation matter. They always wanted to be ahead or on top of everyone else, even with sex.
He'd begun unzipping her dress from behind and pushing the straps off her shoulders to kiss along her shoulders, neck, and clavicle. Astoria had got so caught up in the motions, in the pleasure he was bringing her, in his violet eyes, that she allowed him to hike her dress up over her thighs and bury his face between her legs. She thought about Draco briefly, about how her pent up sexual frustration for him could temporarily be sated by Theo's attentions, but even she knew all her arguments to have sex with Theo when she was falling for Draco were weak. Yet, she didn't stop Theo when he made her come with his tongue, and she didn't stop him when entered her over and over again until he was grunting his release, his beautiful face contorted in complete satisfaction.
"Fuck, I missed you," he said in shallow breaths, nipping at whichever parts of her breasts he could reach.
His once perfect hair was matted to his forehead now, and he smiled that smile where Astoria reveled at the fullness of his lips. He was gorgeous and kind and good for her, she thought. What was she doing, and did this make her a terrible person? More than ever, Astoria was confused.
"I missed you too," she said anyway, knowing full well how detrimental those words could be. Kissing Draco was unplanned. Having sex with Theo when she was supposed to be ending it with him was definitely unplanned. Suddenly, Astoria supposed she wasn't as rehearsed she'd thought. She was getting...soft. Weak even. And that needed to change. She just didn't know how.
Fortunately, that change came sooner than later. It happened quickly. Unplanned again, as was Astoria's way of action lately.
After showering, Astoria dressed quickly and made an excuse to leave, though Theo tried his best to keep her home and in bed. She had compromised and said she would work in the library. She was on a mission after all.
Refusing to sort through the confusing mess with Theo and Draco, she'd decided she would begin planning the rendezvous between her parents. She'd spent her afternoon writing invitations to the best gourmands and classical musicians to prepare a special evening of food and music for her parents' reunion. She wanted to set the proper tone, knowing very well that proper ambience could stir up the right emotions and nostalgia. There was a reason she'd excelled in the event planning business. No detail was left unexplored.
Sooner or later, Theo had come to check in on her. He mentioned he was very proud of her, and the sight of her working so assiduously led him to involving her in yet another a passionate kiss which left Astoria very confused again.
"What's all this for anyway?" Theo asked, ruffling through the papers outlining her plan. "Are you throwing a party here?"
"Sort of, but it's quite exclusive. I'm not even invited," she explained anxiously with a faux chuckle.
Theo's brows crinkled curiously, so she continued. "It's for my parents," she said quietly. "My dad is back."
"So you're throwing him a welcome home party then?" he discerned, perusing her forms and plans.
"Um, sort of, but not exactly," started Astoria, anxious at how it was all beginning to sound. "It's a bit more intimate. Just for him and my mum."
"I'm confused; isn't she with Lucius? What's this going to mean?"
"Yes, she is," said Astoria. "And I don't know yet. I suppose it's up to them." She sighed and found his eyes, ready for the judgment.
"Tor, how could you involve yourself in such a deception?" he inquired, working the details out in no time. It was the first time she felt she had disappointed him. It was as if he were seeing her for the first time, and part of her hated that she was no longer perfect to him.
Astoria scoffed, "It's hardly a deception, Theo. He is my father-her husband. Technically, the deception is an engagement to Lucius when they are still married by law."
It was Theo's turn to scoff. He stepped away, and wiped at the corners of his mouth, before speaking again. "Is this about Draco?" he asked suddenly, shocking Astoria into momentary speechlessness. She didn't know why she'd underestimated him. Anyone with sense could figure out she benefited from her mother and Lucius separating. Anyone with eyes could see she and Draco were attracted to one another. Their chemistry was palpable.
"What? No- Theo. I told you I don't want him."
He rolled his eyes. "I know you don't want to want him. The bloke is still a child for Merlin's sake. But you do want him, don't you? That's what this is all about."
Astoria massaged her forehead. She stood and said, "I'm sorry you feel that way. This is about my parents. But you're right. I haven't been feeling you and I lately. I've been more into him, and I'm sorry for betraying you by denying it before."
Now it was Theo's turn for speechlessness. It took him some time, but eventually, his mind settled on one word. "Betraying?" he inquired.
Astoria crossed her arms. "I confessed my feelings to him. We kissed. A lot."
Theo sputtered for a bit. "I don't even have the words," he said. Where had his sweet Astoria gone? Who was this cold woman with her indifferent stare and callousness? He was too upset to stay much longer. He'd stormed out, gathered his belongings she guessed, and apparated away from outside her flat again.
It was done. She felt like shit, but it was done. It didn't fix any of her problems actually, but at least she was free to find Draco and explain herself for her indiscretions. If he didn't want her after what she revealed about she and Theo, she would understand. She just really hoped he would forgive her. He wasn't necessarily known for his mercy, but he was also the most unpredictable man she'd ever met, so she had a chance.
~o~
H.E.R.- Wait For It
Review please.