Chapter 54

Sighing Draco parked his car in the garage at his building. The day had been intense and his arm was by now a constant humming pain in the background. It wouldn't disturb him too much, but he would have to manage his responses as he wouldn't want to lash out at Hermione. He didn't want to snap at her without a thought. She deserved so much better. Especially as she had volunteered to cook with him. Something he'd been looking forward to for a while. Sure, he'd imagined a slightly different scenario. Like her making breakfast after staying over, but that was currently still a way's off he believed. They were both trying to do right by each other and what was developing between them. Including the many differences between them. He was willing to bend and try new things for her, however at some points he would stand his ground. Like when she'd tried to get him to wear those 'jeans'. He'd taken one look at them and refused. They looked uncomfortable and…common. He hated that it sounded so snobbish, but his entire life he'd worn tailored clothing, including trousers. The coarse fabric held no interest to him. He was sure that they had their uses, but not for him. Thinking on it, he might wear them at some point. If she insisted on it. But only for her and within an enclosed space like her apartment or his. Something to ponder.

Checking his cell phone, he took the elevator to his penthouse apartment, checking online on tattoo treatments. What he found was nothing Titus hadn't already told him. He felt well prepared for the next few days. Putting away his cell phone in his jacket as the elevator dinged to announce arrival at his floor, he looked up and hefted his little bag with medical supplies. Retrieving his keys, a little spring entered his step in view of how his evening would go. Just Hermione and him and an intimate dinner. Nothing could make this evening better.

"Hermione? Darling, are you in already?" He called upon entering his apartment. He saw that her coat was already hanging on the rack, however he received no response from inside the apartment. Curious. Arranging the contents of his pockets on the armoire, he hung up his own coat next to it.

"Darling?" He called again. Soft footsteps behind him alerted him to her presence, but nothing could have prepared him for the view greeting him upon turning around. Slack-jawed he could do nothing more than stare.

"Welcome home…sir." Hermione all but purred and he had to swallow hard. Where in all the hells had she gotten a maid outfit?! Not that he was especially curious. It was more of a distant curiosity compared to the veritable feast before his eyes.

"H…Hermione?" He managed to get out, his voice much higher than usual. The look in her eyes and the playful smile on her lips were inviting him in, but he was rooted to the spot. What was a man to do?! Here was the woman of his dreams in a naughty maid's outfit! That it was the proper Hermione Granger made it just more…enticing. What other ideas did she have? What other fantasies did she want to explore? All those thoughts zipped through his stunned mind, while Hermione sauntered up to him, swinging her hips. Her hands landed on his chest, softly rubbing. Immediately a groan made his way through his chest.

"You seem tense, sir." She let her hands slide along his chest as she stepped around him, landing on his shoulders. A satisfied grin was now on her face. His expression had been priceless. Wide-eyed and eager and disbelieving at the same time. Biting her lower lip, she massaged his shoulder's slightly, appreciating the firm muscle she felt beneath his shirt. So far she'd not seen, only felt. Something she wanted to remedy tonight.

Before her massage could get far, he caught one of her hands in his, kissing her knuckles. Chuckling she pressed into his back.

"That seems hardly appropriate, sir." She giggled. Grinning he leaned his head to hers.

"Maybe not, but as the lord of the household, I make the rules, I believe." He countered, pulling her around to his front. Softly swaying to a beat uniquely theirs, he manoeuvred them towards the kitchen.

"I believe you do, sir. However, fraternizing with the help is frowned upon, is it not?" She asked cheekily, pressing up closer to him. Looking down he breathed deep, grappling with his baser urges. Clearing his throat and his eyes snapping up to hers at her laughter, he smirked. Two could play that game. Letting his hands roam, he feathered kisses over her neck and shoulder. Gradually increasing contact. Surely enough, her giggles soon turned into sighs of appreciation. Feeling adventurous himself, he lowered his hand, taking a firm grip of her behind, pushing her closer. Her sigh turned into a slight moan he couldn't resist. Nipping her full lower lip, he teased her with small caresses and kisses. Her hands slid into his hair, eliciting a groan from him. A slight pull was all she needed and their lips met. The moment they did, all his good intentions went. Wedging himself between her thighs, he pressed her close. Turning blindly, he caught her against the nearest wall, lifting her closer. Her leg slung around him, grinding them closer. Eagerly she swallowed his groan, as their mouths fused together. The silky slide of their tongues mimicking what their bodies were crying out for. Each of her sighs and greedy tug on his hair had him feel ten feet tall. He was giving her this pleasure. He was providing her this experience. To be able to feed her need was intoxicating. Settling into a soft rhythm, he wanted to taste. Trailing soft kisses from her lips over her cheek and down her throat, he gloried in her soft sighs and moans.

"You will have to be quiet. My father would not approve." He rasped into her ear, nibbling on the lobe. Her giggle ended on a moan, as he ground harder into her.

Their ardour was stopped cold when he wanted to lift her completely, slinging his left arm under her thigh, putting pressure on his fresh tattoo. A pained hiss escaped him despite his best efforts.

"What?" Hermione asked, breathless. Shaking his head, he shook his head and shook out his arm a bit.

"Nothing." He breathed, wanting to close in for another kiss. She turned from him though, looking down at his arm.

"Oh, sweetheart. Your arm!" She wiggled, not making his situation easier. He let her down as she reached for his arm to cradle it against her. "I'm sorry. I completely forgot." Chagrin was on her face. Smiling he kissed her temple.

"Don't worry about it. I forgot myself." Chuckling he took her in. "What man wouldn't?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. Blushing prettily, she pulled him over to the sink and closer to the overhead light.

"Did I make it worse?" She asked full of concern. She had no tattoos of her own, so she had no idea what was happening. She could only surmise that his arm had to be sore. Looping his arm around her, he pulled her close.

"No. It's a bit sore, but nothing bad. I promise." He murmured, just holding her close. Sighing they looked at each other. The moment gone.

"Let's cook." She offered. Chuckling he shook his head.

"Not before you change." He countered. Laughing she nodded, moving away.

"The greens are on the counter. Could you start cleaning them?" She called over her shoulder, as she made her way upstairs. Frowning he looked from her to the counter and back. Why would she go upstairs?

"Ah…Sure. Of course." Confused he started to unpack the peppers and tomatoes. Holding them under the tap and rubbing absently, he threw glances again and again towards the stairs. Before long Hermione came back and he sucked in a breath. Looking down herself, she looked back to him.

"What?" Spreading her arms, she again looked down at herself. His mouth hung open. How? Why was it that her in his clothes was so…attractive? It was…intimate.

"I…nothing…" He shook his head, a soft smile spreading on his face. Who knew that his old quidditch jersey and a pair of his cotton track pants could be so enticing? Smiling she closed the distance snuggling up to him and started to work on their dinner. He stood behind her, loosely looping his arms around her and leaning his head against hers. Her soft humming made it perfect.

She felt his hold on her tighten and knew that for him this moment was special. As it was to her. She didn't comment on him holding her so close or how he almost buried his face in the crook of her neck. She went on cooking and humming. It seemed to satisfy a deep need in him and she was more than happy to serve that need. It calmed something inside her as well.

After their dinner, they relaxed with the rest of their wine on the sofa, just snuggling. He breathed deep, feeling more relaxed than ever. This was better than anything he could remember. He half-opened his eye as Hermione sat up, softly touching his shoulder. A slight frown on her face had him sit up.

"What is it?" He asked a little drowsy. The good food, wine and excellent company had him sleepy. Not to mention the intense day he'd had. Looking at him, she nibbled on her lip. With a smile he caressed her face, running his thumb over her lip.

"You're so tense." She finally said. He shrugged.

"It happens." Closing his eyes, he leaned back into the couch. Shaking her head, she scooted closer to him.

"It's not healthy. Come on." She rose, pulling at his arm. Opening his eyes, he looked up at her. Tugging on his arm, she tilted her head at the stairs. In a second he was wide awake.

"What?! I mean…um…" He stuttered. Giggling she shook her head.

"Get your mind out of the gutter, Mr Malfoy. I was offering a massage. Come on." She tugged on his hand again and he rose to let her lead him upstairs. Anywhere really. "Lie down. Shirt off." She ordered, looking through her handbag. At her order, his shoulders tensed. Nonetheless he started to open buttons. Very slowly. When she turned back to him with a small bottle in hand, he wasn't even a third of the way done.

"Draco?" She asked softly. It took some time, but finally he met her gaze. "What's wrong?" She asked. Sighing he sat on the end of the bed.

"It's…I'm not…" With a groan he pulled his hand through his hair, loosening the tie it had been in. Sitting next to him, she gently caressed his back.

"Please talk to me." She asked.

"I have scars, Hermione." He confessed, looking up at her. Leaning her head to his she smiled sadly.

"It's OK. So do I." Her attempt to calm him didn't work though, as he shook his head and ground the balls of his hands into his eyes.

"Not like mine. It's…they're not pretty and…" Before he truly could get started, she'd already stopped him by placing her fingers over his lips.

"I don't mind. You're beautiful to me." She kissed his cheek, right at the corner of his lips. "All of you. You're as tense as a bowstring. Shirt off. I've felt all that muscle you are hiding, now I want to see." She winked to bring a bit of humour into the situation. He swallowed but a tentative smile lifted his lips.

"Very well. As my lady wishes." Placing a delicate kiss at the crook of her mouth, he rose and decided to just get it done quickly. Like ripping off a band-aid. Pulling off his shirt, he balled it in his hands. Breathing deep, he turned to her, anxious. Hermione on the other hand was speechless. Yes, she knew he was in good shape and yes, she'd felt the muscle he'd been hiding, but this…this was magnificent. The difference between feeling a thing and guessing it was there, to the actual reality of the thing. The beautiful, trim, sexy reality. Licking her lips, clearing her throat and giving her head a slight shake, she stood and indicated the bed behind her.

"Lie down, please." Her voice was a bit breathy, which elicited a cocky grin from Draco. Seems as if he was worried for nothing. In the circles he'd been used to, any physical imperfection was viewed as an absolute no-go. Something to hide, as it would severely decrease the chances of a good match. But to Hermione it didn't seem to matter. She'd barely given his scars a glance. Her gaze immediately drifting to other parts of him. Deciding to play a bit to his audience, he flexed his muscles as he lay down. Surreptitiously he caught a glance of her. Hiding his smile by lying down, he breathed deep. Some of his muscles relaxed. The mattress dipped as she climbed up next to him.

"Tell me if I am too heavy." She murmured, straddled his lower back and gently sat on his hips for better access. Crossing his arms and resting his chin on his folded hands he had to chuckle.

"Don't worry. I barely feel that you are there." Both had to chuckle and he heard her rubbing her hands. Then those hands were on his back. Coated in a slick substance he assumed to be oil. The massage hadn't even started, but he still felt himself sink more deeply into his mattress in relaxation. A light, floral scent teased his nostrils. He didn't care. He would jump in a vat of rose perfume if it meant that she would continue her ministrations. Her fingers dug in and while he winced at first, almost immediately he had to groan. With each of her moves she managed to find and loosen knots in his muscles he didn't even know where there. Getting more comfortable, he rested his brow on his cushion. As she moved along his back, working her muggle magic with her hands, he didn't even care that he was basically purring within a few minutes.

Sitting up, Hermione applied more oil to her hands. Sighing she took in his broad back. He hadn't lied. There were numerous scars running across his back. None of them deep or seemingly dire. Just deep enough to bleed badly and with just a hint of black magic to scar for life. She didn't care. Sighing she let her hands run up all that delicious muscle to his broad shoulders. She'd worked his lower shoulders and was now working on his upper shoulders and neck. The muscles were stone hard. A small smile tilted her lips. Oh, too bad. She would have to give him another massage to work out all the kinks and make sure that his muscles didn't cramp up again. What a terrible fate, she thought to herself with a grin. She continued to knead his shoulders until her hands hurt. She eased up on the pressure and switched from massage the simple enjoyment of touching him. Moving his hair aside, she pressed a kiss to his neck, eliciting a content rumble from him.

"Are you still coherent?" She asked teasingly. Chuckling he moved his head a bit. Under no circumstances did he want her feel compelled to move.

"Barely." He hummed with a smile. And he wasn't lying. He couldn't remember when he'd felt as relaxed as he did now. What made it even better was her supple body lying so close to his. Her hands were moving along his arms, softly massaging the muscles there as well. In her effort to reach further along his arms, she pressed herself more firmly against him, now resting flush on his back. With a smile he turned his head.

"Feeling comfortable?" He asked in a low murmur. Smiling herself, she let her hands slide down his arms, lowering her head to his.

"Very." She whispered and kissed him. When they parted, he found that he couldn't truly be bothered to open his eyes all the way. He felt so relaxed and sleepy. Tenderly she brushed a strand of his hair back, caressing his cheek.

"Go shower, before you fall asleep." She instructed, getting up. Groaning he closed his eyes.

"Do I have to?" He complained, his tone not unlike that of a child. Nudging his hip with her hand she gave him an indulgent smile.

"Yes. We wouldn't want to ruin your expensive linens with the massage oil. Now go on."

Grumbling he got up, yawning and stretching on his way to the bathroom. Hermione laid back down, admiring the sight. The door closing robbed her of the sight of his admirable physique. Flexing her hands, she got up. Just as he had to wash his back, she had to wash her hands. Going downstairs to use the bathroom there, she noticed the bag with supplies Draco had brought home. He'd probably need those. Washing her hands quickly, she took the bag and got back upstairs. Knocking at the bathroom door, she leaned her head in to listen. The shower was on, but he didn't respond to her knock.

"Draco?" She called out. An indistinct grumble was her only reply. Chuckling she shook her head and opened the door. Keeping her eyes averted from the shower, she placed the bag of supplies on the marble counter.

"I brought you the supplies you brought home with you. They are on the counter." She called to be heard over the rushing water. Again he only made an indistinct grumble as a reply. He really had to be tired if he was no longer capable of speech, she thought to herself, amused. As she left, she couldn't help herself. It wasn't right, but she just had to sneak a peek. Biting her lip, she quickly left and closed the door behind her, before she did something utterly impulsive. Like stripping and joining him. He was gorgeous all over. At least from the back. She didn't doubt that the front was just as nice. Breathing deep, she put the reigns on her imagination. Time to implement the next stage of her plan.

Draco had been so sleepy that he had completely forgotten about the protective bandage Titus had placed on his arm. Only Hermione coming in to bring him the supplies reminded him. Pulling the bandage off, he took in his new tattoo. Titus hadn't been lying. The image wasn't very clear. Mostly due to the swelling and the skin oozing a bit of blood and ink. Taking one of the sterile wipes from the bag, he went back under the shower, softly cleaning the skin. It made the image clearer. For the first time in years he looked at his left arm with a smile. Slinging a towel around his hips, he took the cream and spread a thin coating on his arm, after having patted the skin dry. Lastly, he applied a new foil. Turning his arm, he took in his work. Looked good to him. Drying off, he slipped on his pyjama pants and his robe. He was sure that Hermione was eager to get back home and they always made it a point to say goodbye. Another yawn worked its way through him. Finger-combing his hair, he performed a quick teeth cleaning charm and opened the door to his bedroom. And he stopped cold on the threshold. Hermione wasn't in her own clothes waiting to say goodbye. She was snuggled in his bed, close to the right side so that the lamp there could illuminate the book she was reading. She'd even turned down the main lights. Unsure he took a step forward, closing the door behind him. The lights inside turned itself off, sensing no one being present.

"Darling?" His voice broke a bit. She turned to him, snuggling deeper under the covers.

"Yes, Draco?" She asked, as if this was completely normal. Taking a few tentative steps toward her, he nervously rubbed his hands.

"Not to sound…impolite, but…what are you doing?" He had to clear his throat. A part of him wanted to hit himself over the head and simply go with it. Smiling she put down her book, turning fully toward him and supported her head with her hand.

"What does it look like? I am getting ready to sleep. Now get in. You're almost asleep standing up." To emphasize her point, she patted the mattress next to her. Swallowing, he nodded in a jerky manner.

"Yes, of course. Ah…Do you mind…turning around?"

Chuckling she made a show of covering her eyes and turning away. Feeling nervous and eager at the same time, he took off his silk robe and got into bed. All the time throwing glances her way to make sure that she wasn't watching. He had to admit he was a little disappointed that she wasn't even trying to sneak a peek. Careful to keep a space he deemed appropriate between them, he laid down under the blanket and folded his hands tightly on his stomach. Looking to her, he saw that she'd turned back around and was peeking at him from between a gap she'd made in her fingers.

"Can I look now?" She asked cheekily. Grumbling, he couldn't help the smile tugging at his lips.

"If you wish." He murmured, looking at the blanket on his chest and picking at non-existent threads. He heard rustling next to him and when her soft hand landed on his shoulder he looked up. Concern was shining in her eyes.

"If you are uncomfortable with this, I can leave. I just…I thought…" Looking away, she bit her lip. Her hand moved from him and he immediately missed its warmth. Reaching out with his own hand, he caught hers before she could withdraw it completely. For a time, both said nothing. Simply holding hands. Taking a deep breath, he decided to take the plunge.

"I am not exactly…uncomfortable. This is simply new to me. It would be…frowned upon. You know how different my upbringing has been. That is not to say I do not want you here! Or that I wasn't tempted from the beginning. I am sure that, considering us having been dating for a few months now, this…staying over and sharing the same bed-space is normal in modern relationships and…" Her fingers on his lips stopped him. Looking up, he met her amused gaze.

"You were starting to ramble. Let's make this easy. Do you want me to stay? Forget about traditions or proper courting stuff or what others might think." Caressing his face, she brushed back his hair and leaned on her elbow next to him. "What do you want?" She asked in a soft whisper.

"I want you to stay." It just burst out of him. It wasn't even conscious and he immediately blushed. Snuggling back down, she continued to stroke his hair. It felt nice to do it.

"Good. Then I'll stay. And if anyone bothers to ask, you can tell them we simply huddled up for warmth." At his surprised look, she gave him a wink and a conspiratorial smile.

"Huddled for warmth?!" He asked confused. Her smile turning a bit evil, she reached out with her foot, touching his naked leg, as his pants had ridden up a bit.

"Gah!" Surprised he twitched away from her ice-cold foot. Laughing she fell onto her back. Chuckling himself, he shook his head. Grinning he leaned over, held her down with his weight and started tickling her in revenge.

"No! That's not fair!" She squealed, slapping ineffectively at his arms, weakly pushing at his chest. Knowing how deadly she could be in a fight, it drove it home to Draco that this was simple, light-hearted play. Mock wrestling, they rolled over the bed. He had to laugh as well. It was silly and just plain fun.

"Surrender, wench!" He crowed. Gasping for breath she shook her head.

"Never!" She managed to call out between snorts of laughter. Capturing her hands above her head, he suddenly realised how he was positioned above her. His hips cradled between her legs. Swallowing he looked down at her. Smiling softly, she looked back, one of her feet softly rubbing his leg. He rolled to his back, readjusting his grip to roll her with him. Breathing deeply, he held her close. She snuggled close to him, inserting her leg between his and slinging her arm across his chest. Pressing a soft kiss to his pectoral, she sighed in contentment.

"Good night, Draco." She murmured and kissed his chin, before lying down on his chest. Hesitant he pulled her closer. When she only sighed and tried to get closer, he breathed easier and relaxed. This day had been intense but amazing.