My Magzillasaurus is still my beta angel.
Still Eighteen
*Hermione*
After the hilarious lunch, Hermione returned to her room with a massive grin on her face. The conclusion was: those older women were crazy bats but funny ones, between them there was no filter possible, blurting out the first thing they thought. She and Jamie often covered their faces in embarrassment, with the turns the conversation took.
How Margaret's husband fell asleep, while she summoned every ounce of chi she could muster to pull the seductive body in the bathroom. I had to wake him and his willy up!
Helen confessed to grinding up some aphrodisiac pills into Donald's food, to have more fun in bed than the boring humping of usual, a woman has needs! Dear, I'll write down the brand, my head isn't what it used to be anymore … for when your stallion hits his sixties…
Louise gave her some tips on how to seduce her boy, the little things which make a man crazy you know… In her younger years, she took her share of shags and learned more than a thing or two… like a certain thing, you can do with your tongue…
Even now, a few hours later, Hermione smirked with a blush, crazy bats, alright. The general opinion was, let Draco stew a little in his own sorrow and enjoy the grovel he was going to employ. Hopefully, he'll dote on you with the chocolate, flowers and some jewellery.
When Hermione objected that she wasn't one for the baubles, nearly all the women including Jamie tsk'ed at such a stance. Women never ever deny jewellery! Let him bring the bling, spend some pounds on you, otherwise, he'll never gift you those in the moments that really matter.
When she asked, "Which moments are those?" she received a condescending answer, "My dear, when you give birth to his baby, whether the first or the fifth. Or, when you celebrate your anniversary, Valentine…"
Pulling her bikini under the strapless dress she wore this morning, she headed to the outside pool and joined her group of women, as they admired the male beauty around the premises, "Love, we're not body-shaming nor cheating on our husbands. We simply are enjoying the view, as our men have lost the battle against gravity. The abs have become beer bellies, much to our sorrow."
What surprised her the most, was the amount of gossip she learned in that afternoon. Who was fucking who behind the back of his wife. About the two women that took a new man every night to their room; Helen even entrusted her telling how Draco had been one of their very first victims, rest assured, since we spotted you with him, he has been faithful to you and has ignored the various advances of those two slags and of other women, too.
Something Hermione suspected already, as he kept around her instead of wandering by himself as at the beginning of the cruise.
The amount of chatter was of such size that Hermione wondered if these women actually did anything else all day. Her face must have been a giveaway, as Louise uttered, What else can we do? Playing bridge all day is dreary, my dear.
The Gryffindor couldn't remember when she had last laughed so hard, after such a hilarious afternoon between women. Or girls. This was something she had to repeat with Ginny and Susan, perhaps even invite Luna…
-oOo-
The nightfall was replacing the sunny day at a lazy pace. The ladies had forced her to join their evening table at the Meridian restaurant, and somehow, she didn't mind ending the day as it almost started.
Margaret had ensured her that her husband Henry would bring Draco along, let him grovel with us as a witness. No one-on-one, tonight must be a dry one, so he learns his lesson. You'll show him what he's missing if he continues with his behaviour…
With this intention on her mind, she chose a blousing halterneck top, and tight-fitting white pants, finishing it off with comfortable high heels with a strap. Her fingers fumbled with the earrings as she heard a light knocking on her door. Three times guess who it is.
"In a minute!" She gave it up taking the damn earring back in her palm so the other could open the door. Hermione stared at a blond tuft of hair between a huge bouquet of flowers and the largest teddy bear the shop must have to sell. She broke in a burst of laughter, "The bear is so tiny, couldn't you bring me something bigger?"
His face was a picture, "Isn't it big enough?"
She took it in her arms, hiding her face in the soft fur, "This isn't excusing you from your behaviour this morning."
"But is it helping?" He offered her the flowers, knowing he might have overdone it a little.
It forced Hermione to put away her jewellery and enlarge the vase in her room to accommodate the large bouquet. "I haven't decided yet."
"I should have gone for the chocolate, but when I saw the bear… I'm such a Hufflepuff at times." His murmurings were so endearing.
"Since when do you use chocolate as a peace offering?"
"Since this afternoon, those grandpa's gave the hi-" He held his mouth further, blushing from being caught spilling the beans.
"The flowers, the bear and the chocolate are all their doing?" She inclined her head, pursing her lips.
"Woman, I'm out of ideas. The only thing I keep doing is pushing your buttons and setting you up against me." He threw his arms in the air, "I like driving you starkers when you're bantering with me. Antagonising you isn't on my to-do list anymore."
Forgetting to work on her attire, Hermione picked up the plastic bag from the corner she threw it at, yesterday. It hadn't changed places since. "Here, I bought this for you." She gave him the shirt. "It's made of cotton, hand sewn, woven on a huge loom. It couldn't be more authentic."
He held it before him, in silence. All of a sudden, he shook off his blazer and pulled his shirt over the head to try the newest quickly before her mirror.
"It fits as I hope it would. The son of the store owner was roughly built like you, and I guessed your size a little." Hermione stood behind him, smiling softly.
Draco stroke over the planes of his chest, feeling the fabric, voice hesitant, "Thank you."
"I'm not done, Draco. When I saw this little green and blue dragon, I thought of you." The little sculpture exchanged from hands, Hermione stood now before him, "The locals called them the Alebrijes, a piece of folk art, handmade." He barely had the time to marvel at the adorable creature, or he got another gift pushed into his hands, "And this black bracelet stole my heart, I could see it on your wrist when I laid my eyes upon it."
She rubbed the beads, "It's made from black clay, the carvings on the leaves are done by hand, and I thought you might like it to cover the mark on your arm… and as you're so fond of the colour black… I bought a similar one for me."
The waterfall of words got muted by a pair of lips, "I love it all, and I don't deserve any of it." The thumb rubbed her cheek incessantly, "Not after the way I reacted yesterday and today. Or the danger I put you in while I fought a stupid battle of the biggest ego." He kissed her again, deeply. Hands cradling her face gently, after dropping their content to the side. Sucking her bottom lip before releasing her mouth from his lips. "You wanted to be alone and ended thinking of me at every corner." He possessed her mouth once more, intenser. Consumed by an emotion, he didn't want to label.
Foreheads touched as the kiss ended, "Can you forgive me again?"
"Is this going to become a daily thing?"
"Am I allowed to lie? I don't do it on purpose, 'Mia. It happens before I know it."
"Goofy prat."
He claimed her lips once more, longing whispering through him, "I don't want to leave."
"I'm looking forward to a night of fun, those women are beyond crazy." She wasn't letting him coerce her into forgiveness through a shag between the sheets. His long sigh made her almost change her mind. Pecking him quickly on the lips, she went to her commode, picking up the annoying earring and inched closer to the mirror to pierce it through her earlobe.
In the meantime, Draco changed into his silken shirt, adjusting the tie again, not for once taking his eyes away from her. His lips curled at her frustration, the damn closure wasn't cooperating. She turned at last.
He extended his left arm, "Can you help me with the bracelet?" The cuff was rolled up, exposing his dark mark now grey of tones. Hermione nodded while fastening the ties.
"Is it too tight? Should I lose it up?" Her finger dove behind the cord to test the space between.
"No, it's perfect." The cuff was tightened back, and he shrugged his blazer back on, flipping his wrist to admire the bracelet, "It's perfect, Mia." A hand snaked around her head and pulled her back into a heated kiss. Words couldn't express what he felt.
Before desire clouded her judgement, she pushed him off. "It's time for fun with the crazy group. Let's go." Lacing her fingers through his, Hermione walked away decidedly. The advice of Louise fresh in her memory, one dry day to ensure his loyalty in the future.
-oOo-
The loud welcoming of the women almost made Draco return with Hermione in tow. What the hell was that? If he went by Hermione's smile, it seemed normal behaviour.
"I'm officially jealous of your body's curves." Margaret left her filter in her room, apparently, "You look like a goddess."
Helen agreed, "We looked like that in our early years. Perky breasts, an arse that doesn't need corrective underwear to look firm."
Terry added, "A belly that feels more pillowy than in the past." Louise shot him an angry look, which didn't promise much good later.
"Young man, another lesson, son. You are allowed to think all you want, but-" Henry suggested to him wisely.
Donald finished the thought, "But it's wise not to say it all. Talking is silver, silence is-"
Terry tried to mend his deed, "Gold, son. Shutting up is often the wisest choice." It didn't do much good. "Damned, another dry night."
Hermione followed the conversation, someone has been taught the hard way…
The women kept giving her hints on how to be the boss in the relationship, Draco listened liking the company every moment a little less. Hermione heard and waited.
Some of those bits of advice slashed through the principle of equality. With Ron, she had to steer their relationship as he couldn't take much initiative. He was a fantastic guy, but he preferred to sit back and let her do the decision making.
She hadn't yet been that long with Draco, but she knew that with him, it would be about compromising, so both had their pleasure. He wouldn't let her walk all over him, in return neither would he cut away her room for manoeuvring.
Her thoughts flew to the huge brown teddy bear on her bed. His peace offering instead of a shiny bauble. It smelled of the aftershave he applied, even if he skipped the shaving. The light stubble gave him a masculine look she appreciated. Hermione conceded that if the wrong buttons were pushed, his competitive Slytherin side came to rise instinctively.
-oOo-
Overall, the night was enjoyable. Not all suggestions were useful, some even totally wrong, its outcome guaranteeing the ruining of the relationship by removing any agency from your partner. Suppose something grew between them, this wasn't the way she would let their bond become.
Draco walked her back to the room, expecting to be ditched at his door. Yet, her dreamy side and the retelling of all she learned with the three ladies made his walk to his dreaded destiny, bearable.
She turned the key and pushed the door open, "It was a fun day if we forget that little event in the morning."
"Yes, don't remind me please." He kissed her knuckles and wanted to release her hand turning away from her. Yet, her fingers didn't let him go, they kept his hand linked. "Listen, Hermione. I'm done with the no-strings-attached. I can't handle the thought of you with another man, this morning's idiotic affair was the proverbial straw. I want more." His free hand raked through the hair, "I want more, Mia."
He toyed with a brown curl before pressing his lips on her mouth, "You know where to find me." It was his turn to pivot and use the key to open his own door.
A weight settled on her heart, he voiced a longing she felt grow stealthily. He complimented her in a way not one wizard could until now. Draco pushed her limits, made her laugh, gave her passion and brought calmness to her life. He wasn't a saint, pretty much the opposite, however, nothing she thought irreconcilable. But to turn their friendship with benefits into a promising relationship, brought her fear of ending up alone back to life.
Absentmindedly, she entered her room and closed the door, leaning against it. Her eyes fell on the giant teddy bear sitting on her bed. Walking towards it, she nestled between the fluffy arms, wishing they were larger to envelop her inside a comforting cocoon. Its scent was familiar, the mix between his aftershave and something male, uniquely his.
It threw her deeper into the pit.
What did she want?
The prospect of a single life, fluttering from one to another man to kill the needs but never settling down and having the family life she deeply dreamed of?
Or, jump into the dark, take the leap of faith and try to see if she could build a future with a man that despite their past, was surely becoming a partner she enjoyed having around? A man she often felt proud to have at her side? Not only because of how he looked - which was breathtaking; no, preferably the way Draco stood in life. Steady, with confidence. He knew what he wanted, knew how to get it and acted upon it. He didn't wait for others to do it for him. He took control.
Yet, Draco never forgot she was with him. As those old bats noticed, he opened the door for her, always gestured to go first, pushed her chair, served her was it another cuppa or a glass of wine. He noticed the details, and now the blood prejudice clearly had been erased, Draco forfeited the arrogant venom and replaced it with endearing charm and passion.
Deep in thought, she fumbled with the paw of her bear. Shoes were kicked off her feet, pulling her legs higher up into a foetal position.
What did she want?
*Draco*
On the other side of the wall, the blond undressed to his trunks and fell on the bed with a bounce, arm flexed under his head, the hand of the other drawing circles on his abdomen.
He put the decision about the future of their relationship in her hands. More than that, Draco was convinced that continuing the way they were was impossible for him. The line of emotions was fading in his heart. Friends with benefits don't get jealous.
Friends with benefits don't attack possible opponents, don't protect the territory.
Friends with benefits don't buy each other gifts, with the intention to make the other party genuinely happy, seeking the perfect piece or thinking of the other half immediately when the eyes fell on a particular item.
He was going to buy her chocolates, queueing behind two people at the candy store. The waiting made him check out the other store windows, while he tried to figure out how much was too much, when his eyes fell on the brown cuddle with its red bowtie and an adorable looking face. The bear made him smile on the spot. It charmed him so that he was drawn and ended buying the damn teddy.
Draco never drew so much attention as while he marched towards Hermione's room. Seldom was the moment a passenger didn't smile at the sight, the bear almost covering the man who carried it. For once, the glances were appreciative instead of judging.
Her opening line, a joke he didn't catch at first, reaffirmed he made the right choice. The bear was set on her bed, not dropped on the floor as a disposable item. No, Hermione carried it with care and placed it on her side of the bed.
Something he also admired within her. She didn't care about the price tag. At lunch, she didn't choose the most expensive meal. The bear had cost peanuts, compared to a few pieces of jewellery he bought for Astoria. The look of gratitude on the brunette's face stood heavily in contrast to the air of disdain from his ex-fiancee if the gift didn't look expensive enough.
It was the gesture that mattered to the Gryffindor. Not how deep the dent it caused in his vaults.
It was all or nothing. Go all-in for a relationship or go back to the polite friendship, ditching the sexual benefits. Something in between was impossible without sacrificing his heart. Rather be single.
He was nervous. Fingers fumbling around his stomach, his breath quickened. Was it wise to give a witch such power over him? Was she worth it?
*Hermione*
She whirled around in bed, still cradled within the fluffy arms of the cuddle, staring at the connecting wall.
Doubting.
If she said no, would he keep this agreement going, as if the question was never asked? Or would he end whatever this was and go back to being a stranger? As her neighbour on the other side of her room?
A lonely tear descended her cheek. Followed by a second.
The Slytherin had slithered inside her life, branded her with his presence and the annoying but oh so invaluable attitude. Hermione stood on the figurative crossroad not knowing what the right move was.
Where's my Gryffindor bravery? Leap of faith or crawl away in fear?
Clutching her wand firmly in her grip, she made her choice.
*Draco*
He took a sharp breath, startled by the sound of an apparition. Before him, stood his witch with her arms wrapped around herself, face carrying the traces of the tears she had shed.
"Don't fear us." In a whim, he crossed the distance and pulled her against his frame, whispering confidence, "I want you so badly, don't fear us." Hermione clung to him as a safety line, claiming his mouth heatedly.
Picking her up bridal style, he moved to the bed demanding his spot between her legs, after laying her down on the mattress. He caressed her bare skin under the top, until his fingers reached the outline of her breast, stroking the softness through the lace of her bra.
Her legs snaked around his waist, pressing his groin harder against her core, while the delicate fingers traced lines on his back desperate to feel him close to her. Every inch of her craved him, heat spreading through her body as his mouth worshipped her lips, her jawline down her neck to her collarbone.
Desire burned down his veins, and he released her long enough to undress her, eating her with his eyes until gazes crossed and drowned them with passion. Teeth clashed, hands didn't know what to caress first, the taut nipples, the full breast, or merely cradle her head to worship her beauty.
Her hand found his shaft, and guided him into her body, moaning as he stretched her quim. Draco delved into her with languid strokes, savouring every inch, absorbing her moans with his mouth, hand travelling over her whole body.
"Look at me, Hermione."
Melting brown met liquid mercury, want burning in his stare, "We are good together, we fit each other. You complete my life as the missing part of a puzzle." He sped up his thrusts, arousal escalating in his veins, "I want to make you happy," he kept talking, panting, "You and me, we're good." plundering her mouth, "You're mine, witch." His climax approached faster than desired, her smooth walls snuggling his cock with her scorching heat.
His thumb found her engorged clit and rubbed it with determined circles, pinching between brushings. Hermione cried, squeezing her legs together and pulling him deeper inside her cavern, "Draco, oh my god…"
"Hermione… fuck… your pussy is made for my cock." Something snapped, and he fucked her with abandon, supporting his weight on his arms to give his mouth access her peaks and suck hard on them, while his hips rutted into her. His pelvis hit her clit at every thrust and pushed her over the edge.
Nails creased half-moons on his back, her whole body tensed, as the fire burned over her entire being. He rode her waves of pleasure with more vigour, searching for his point of no return, letting a guttural growl escape as he felt his seed pulse into her channel.
Her hands grabbed his globes and pulled him tight into her body, biting his shoulder with need.
Sweat trickled down his nose, and a drop left a trail of wetness between the valley of her breasts.
Breaths mingled. The only sound in the room, even though both sets of eyes were fixed on one another. Words were superfluous. Draco sank into her, wrapping his arms around her and flipping them. His member softened, but he kept her wrapped around his body.
This time, his life started anew with a sense of peace. This time, he shared mind and body with a witch he could see himself grow old with. Even if it was too soon to speak of such. It was no burden. Not a life sentence.
If felt like the future he hoped to have but had stopped believing possible.
She belonged with him.