You and me

We used to be together

Everyday together always

I really feel

That I'm losing my best friend

I can't believe

This could be the end

It looks as though you're letting go

And if it's real

Well I don't want to know

Don't Speak ~ No Doubt

Morning was now Narcissa's least favorite time of the day. Gone were the days of morning sex. Gone were the days of any sex. She hardly had the energy to tackle the overwhelming number of stairs in the manor let alone make love to her husband. Just another way she was letting Lucius down. Tears filled her eyes at the thought, but she quickly wiped them away.

She walked past Draco's room, seeing the door firmly shut. There was little chance of seeing him for a few more hours. She paused outside the door. Draco was worrying her. Over the past few weeks, he seemed to be drinking less, but was acting secretive and nervous. He was hiding something and she was terrified it was something that would hurt him in the long run.

Brushing her fingers along the door frame, she grimaced, knowing that was as close to her son as she could get for the time being - possibly as close to his secret as she'd ever get. She continued towards the stairs, planning to search the main floor for Lucius. Whatever Draco was hiding would eventually develop into something. If she couldn't be there to help him through it, she'd make sure Lucius was.

Halfway down the stairs, she stopped, leaning against the banister as she tried to catch her breath. This was ridiculous. Soon she'd be as feeble as a newborn, depending on Lucius and Draco for everything. The thought made her ill. She didn't want them to see her like that. She didn't want to be a burden to the ones she loved.

Before her bleak thoughts could consume her mind, she started forward again, moving at the speed of a woman fifty years her senior. As she drew near the bottom of the steps, the scent of bacon and eggs reached her nostrils. Her stomach rumbled. At least, she still had an appetite.

The fact that Lucius was cooking was hardly surprising. Since losing their house-elf many years earlier, the job of meal preparation fell to him. She and Draco both attempted cooking, but had the same dreadful aptitude for it. After several horrible meals and one minor fire, Lucius took over the kitchen with little complaint. Although he may have done it simply to avoid food poisoning.

When she entered the kitchen, Lucius greeted her with a smile. He looked tired, thinner than he was before her diagnosis. She was causing him so much pain and she hated it.

"You're up," he said. "I was going to bring you breakfast in bed."

Standing on her tip-toes, she kissed his cheek. "Well, aren't you sweet?"

"It happens from time to time." He shrugged. "Just don't tell anyone."

"All your secrets are safe with me."

He pulled her into his arms, kissing her forehead. Despite the fact that she could no longer be with him sexually, he was as affectionate and attentive as ever. Even with his many schemes, she was lucky to have him.

"Everything's ready," he told her. "You want to head into the dining room?"

Glancing towards the small table in the corner of the room, she shook her head. "Let's stay here. It's cozy."

Craning his neck back so he could look at her, he raised his eyebrows. "And since when do you chose cozy over elegant?"

"Since I just want to be close my gorgeous, loving husband. Do you mind?"

"Of course not," he replied, letting go of her so he could tend the food. "Whatever you like, Narcissa. Go sit then. I'll bring you a plate."

She seated herself at the table, realizing it was the first time she'd ever used it. Why was it even there? Must've been something her father-in-law had for his servants.

Lucius placed a large plate of food and a cup of tea in front of her and then sat beside her with the same portion for himself. He was close enough that their legs touched and she loved even the small amount of contact.

"Thanks," she said, taking a forkful of scrambled eggs. Delicious as always. "You know, traditionally, it's the wife's job to cook. Don't you ever feel cheated?"

He smirked. "Actually, my dear, in our families, it was tradition for the house-elf to cook. Since I lost ours, it's only fair that I should take on the responsibility. And I have never felt cheated when it comes to you, Narcissa."

Not wanting the conversation to turn serious over breakfast, she replied, "I believe Harry Potter had something to do with Dobby's great escape, too."

"Bloody Potter," Lucius muttered between bites. "I honestly don't know if I'm supposed to hate that kid or be grateful to him."

"I suspect he feels the same way about us. He has a rather complicated history with our family. I wonder if it affects his relationship with Andromeda."

Lucius dropped his fork, allowing it clatter on his plate. He glared at her, genuine anger in his eyes.

"Don't say that bitch's name," he growled.

"Lucius, she's still my sister."

"Not according to her," he replied, calming enough to return to his meal. "And not according to me. No one would treat their sister the way she's treated you. If you won't allow me to change her mind by force, at least, do me the courtesy of not taunting me with her existence. She should've been the one to get sick. You share the same bloodline."

"I'd have helped her," Narcissa said quietly.

"I know," Lucius replied, squeezing her leg.

They continued eating in silence. Narcissa's stomach was tight with knots, but she kept eating anyway. So much for keeping the breakfast conversation light. Now Lucius was going to be cranky when she brought up Draco. Wonderful.

When the plates were cleared, Lucius waved his wand and they disappeared, cleaned and back in the cupboard where they belonged. If she was going to talk to him, she had to do it now, before he wandered off to read the bloody prophet.

"We need to talk about Draco," she said, folding her hands and turning to face him.

"Why?" he sighed. "What's he done now?"

"Why do you always assume the worst of him?" she snapped. "He's your son, Lucius. You're supposed to love and support him."

"I do love him." He looked hurt that she'd suggest otherwise. "You know that."

"I do, but sometimes I wonder if Draco does. You're so hard on him and I can see that it hurts him. You're his father, Lucius. He needs to know that he'll always have your support."

"Of course, he has my support," he said, eying her closely. "Narcissa, what's this about? Is Draco in some kind of trouble?"

"Not that I know of," she assured him. "I'm just concerned about after I'm gone. Draco's used to having two parents to rely on. Without me, he's going to need you even more. I just want to die knowing you two have the best possible relationship. He needs you so much, Lucius."

"Don't talk like that." His voice was cold - angry. "Draco is my son and I'll always be there for him. So will you. You're not going to die, Narcissa. There has to be another way. We just haven't found it yet. Your hateful sister can't be our only option. She can't. And you can't give-up. You have to stay strong until we can figure this out."

"Lucius-"

"No," he cut her off sharply, "don't start quoting Healers at me. I know what they said. I don't care." His voice broke right along with her heart. "I won't lose you - I can't."

"I don't want to die," she said, taking his hand across the tiny table. "I love you so much, but love can't keep me alive. We have to face the inevitable. You have to think about a future without me."

"No." He pulled away from her, getting to his feet. "You can't give-up. I won't let you."

He started out of the room.

"Lucius."

He didn't even look back.