He must have eventually fallen asleep, having no idea how long until Draco had blown out his candles and slept as well. Likely turned on his side also, turned away.
Harry awoke to a dim room. Sunlight was creeping around the thick curtains, but it felt early still. The inn was still and quiet. No one walking in the hallways, whispering to each other. No distant sounds from the kitchen.
He was lying on his back, pyjamas twisted around his body evidence that he had been restless in the night. He had gotten used to sleeping in just his underwear, living alone for the past few months.
Draco was on his side, facing towards Harry, still sleeping. His hair was messy, lying against his blue pillowcase in all directions. Harry was sure his own hair was just as bad. What struck him most was Draco's face. Relaxed in sleep, he looked younger, reminding Harry of how he was at school. Before things had gotten so intense in their sixth year, and they could still act like school rivals to each other.
Draco must have sensed he was being watched, as he shifted a little, and his eyes slowly opened. His sleepy gaze widened when he saw Harry lying so close, and met his gaze.
Harry felt a surge of emotions for this man, seeing him waking like that. He shifted closer, moving in to give Draco a light kiss. Pulling back a little, wondering if he had gone too far. If he was taking advantage of the situation.
But Draco's eyes warmed, a smile curving the corner of his mouth before he leaned into Harry, kissing him back hard. Harry gathered him in his arms, holding him tight, kissing, lost in the feel of him. Of this.
Draco shifted to being on his back, his hands keeping Harry near, rolling on top on him, taking his weight and liking it. His legs spread, letting Harry settle between them, and even through all the material between them, they were rocking together. Kissing the whole time.
Harry wasn't holding back, loving how responsive Draco was being. Sometimes he shied away from Harry being on top. But all the signals were that he was just as into this. His hands were even pushing up Harry's top, running over his bare back.
Even though he was aroused, Harry didn't push for more. He was loving this, kissing along Draco's neck, his face. His lips. Harry kissed him again and again. All the ways he had been wanting to for weeks, but had held back.
"Harry," Draco gasped, tilting his head back as he sucked a faint pink mark into the fair skin on his neck.
Hearing his name now, like this, was almost too much. Harry moaned, shifting off to the side with his lower body, turning his head to rest it against Draco's chest. Trying to catch his breath, to keep his head from spinning. Too much. Feeling too much at once.
Draco's hands went into his hair, combing through it with his fingers. Occasionally getting a bit caught on a tangle and undoing it. It was a wonderful feeling, having Draco almost petting him. He had dug his hands into his hair before, even pulled on it sometimes, but never stroked through it.
Harry made a pleased hum, relaxing even more. Draco must have noticed, as he kept doing it, his hand running through all his hair, until it was untangled and easier to card through. He kept up the strokes, seeming to enjoy the feel of his hair.
Draco shifted away, and Harry was surprised to feel him straddle his legs. He was still on his stomach, and Draco pushed his top upwards. His hands ran along the bared skin of his back, and Harry moaned at how good it felt. He kept doing it, varying the strokes. Sometimes firmer pressure with just the heel of his hands, next, just the light trace of his fingertips down his spine.
Harry could only sigh and moan in pleasure, the stiffness in his back fading under his touch. How much of that tension was from his work, from sleeping on a different bed, and how much from this situation with Draco? Feeling so unsure how things stood between them.
Draco shifted off him, lying on the bed beside him, and Harry turned his face that direction. He felt wonderfully relaxed. "Thanks for the massage," he said, and leaned in to give him a light kiss.
"You're welcome," he said, his eyes flicking down to Harry's lips and then meeting his. There was a good amount of heat in them, and Harry felt an answering pang of arousal. He was always horny in the mornings, and waking up beside Draco made it even more intense.
But then Draco pulled back the covers on his side. "Well, we better get our showers done fast. Mrs. Owens only serves breakfast for another hour or so, and I booked us on a walking tour afterwards." With that, he was out of bed, and closing the bathroom door behind him.
Lying on his back in the centre of the bed, Harry stared at the ceiling in disbelief. All that kissing and touching, alone together in this big, comfortable bed, and that's it? He was still hard, almost aching from being aroused so long, and considered finishing himself off. Just for the release. But the idea of doing that was too depressing. Within a minute or two, his erection faded.
He sighed in frustration. What the hell was going on?
He heard the shower turning off. Draco would be out in a minute, likely pushing Harry to get ready. Sighing, Harry crawled out of the bed and got clean clothes out of his weekend case.
...
"You don't like it as much as treacle tarts, do you?" Draco said, taking the last bite of the warm sticky toffee pudding.
Harry sipped his tea. "It's tasty, and not that much different, but...," he said, shrugging a shoulder.
"You like what you like," Draco replied with a warm look. He picked up his own cup, taking a sip. "What do you want to do now?"
It was mid-afternoon and a mild fall day. They had just finished a foodie walking tour of Borough Market, sampling British classics like fish and chips, sausage rolls and creamy cheeses, all paired with alcoholic drinks like beer, cider and mead. Their guide had been knowledgeable, and the half dozen other participants had debated over which foods were the best. Harry had got caught up in it, mentioning a few markets he had gone to in the past.
"Well, no need to get lunch," Harry said, standing up from the table. Between this foodie tour and the big breakfast at their lodging, Harry was stuffed. Delicious food, but he needed to move around a bit.
He strolled out of the busy market, Draco at his side, and spotted a sign. "How about that?"
Draco turned his head, reading the large red sign. He looked a bit confused.
Chuckling at his expression, Harry grabbed his arm and tugged him into the shop.
...
A half hour later, the helpful staff had them in helmets and sitting on bikes they had adjusted to the right seat height. Harry felt a thrill, sitting on his, memories of doing it as a child coming back. He'd never owned his own bike, but he'd occasionally been able to borrow one for a few quick minutes from a schoolmate or two, enough to get the rudimentary skills.
But Draco looked completely uncomfortable. His legs were splayed out on each side of the bicycle, bearing most of his weight, instead of sitting fully on the bike seat. His arms were straight, leaning back so his hands barely touched the handle bars. A guy from the store was patiently trying to explain how the bicycle worked to him. Harry had told him that Draco had never learned how to ride one.
It was obvious that Draco wasn't following the explanations. They were too muggle-centric. "Hey, just watch me. You move your feet in circles on the pedals to move forward, and steer with your hands."
He pushed off, wobbling a fair bit until he got his balance, pedalling and trying not to run into anything. Luckily, it was pretty empty of people where they were. After a minute or two, he was slowly biking back and forth near Draco, letting him learn by watching. From all the things they had tried at the castle, Harry had found that was how Draco learned best.
Never one to back down from a challenge, Draco clenched his jaw, shifted his arms and legs into position and bravely pushed off and started pedalling.
Harry was stopped nearby, one foot on the ground to keep upright. He tried not to laugh at Draco's unsteady progress, but was glad that everyone was distracted, watching Draco and trying to keep him from falling over. He slipped his wand down from his sleeve slightly, and did a quick wave with a soft spell. It straightened Draco up, helping him balance better, and Harry could immediately see him grasping how to pedal and steer.
A few minutes more about how to brake, and general safety, and the staff stepped back. Draco was already setting off along the wide pedestrian pathway, and Harry pedalled fast to catch up.
Harry kept him at a slow pace, not wanting him to get hurt and ending up in a muggle hospital. But as they travelling away into less crowded areas, they were able to pick up speed. Harry loved the expression of wonder on Draco's face the first time he coasted down a small dip in the path.
"It almost feels like being on a broomstick," Draco said with a laugh.
...
It was late afternoon by the time they got back to their room. Harry went into the washroom, using the facilities and then splashing his face with water and drying it off.
It had been fun, cycling along the path by the river, just being outside together. He felt pleasantly tired from the exercise.
Coming out of the bathroom, he chuckled. Draco had obviously kicked off his shoes and taken off his jacket, and laid right down in the bed. He was napping, his mouth slightly open, looking very relaxed.
Grabbing a pink throw from a plush armchair, Harry draped it over Draco. Feeling a little tired himself, he crawled into the bed, spooning him gently from behind. It had been a busy day, and neither of them had slept that well last night. Harry found it didn't take long until he drifted off himself.
...
"Oh fuck!"
Harry felt the bed move as Draco jumped out of it, rushing over to his case and yanking out clothes. He propped himself up in one elbow. "What's going on?" he asked sleepily.
Draco gave him an exasperated glance. "We have dinner reservations. Quick, get your clothes ready while I jump in the shower. We can't be late!" He rushed off, slamming the door behind him.
Yawning and stretching, Harry got up. The clothes Draco had set out were very nice. So, they were going somewhere fancy. Draco had certainly planned everything this weekend. Harry was half excited, half dreading, whatever would happen next.
He barely had his clothes out, running over them with a spell to de-wrinkle them, when Draco rushed out, a towel wrapped around his waist.
"Shower! Now!" Draco almost shouted, looking stressed.
Harry had a quick shower, styling his hair and shaving in record time. He pulled on his underwear and hung up the towels.
It was strangely intimate, getting ready for their date in the same room. Harry turned away as he pulled on some black trousers and an indigo dress shirt. Should he wear a tie?
Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Draco pulling on a suit jacket, and knew he'd need to step it up a little. He pulled out a paisley printed tie, and fumbled with it in the mirror. Swearing softly to himself as the knot came out lumpy.
"Here, let me," Draco said, standing right behind him. His arms came around Harry, working on the tie with deft fingers. Harry could only stare at his attractive reflection in the mirror, feel the warmth of his body pressed against him, take in the spicy scent of his cologne. A wave of feelings for this man almost making him dizzy.
"You look great. Let's go," Draco said, stepping back and grabbing Harry's hand, rushing him out of the room and down the stairs. Mrs. Owens waved to them as they passed her in the main floor. Harry could see her 'Awww, aren't they a cute couple' expression, and felt a stab of unease.
Draco had them in a black cab within minutes, zipping through the London traffic, his leg bouncing with tension.
Harry barely had a chance to get their bearings when they got out of the cab, Draco taking his hand and almost running through the people milling about. He was yanking tickets out of the inner pocket of his suit jacket, and passing them to a man in a uniform.
Harry could feel Draco relax then. "We made it. That was close," he said, giving Harry a genuine smile and guiding him forward.
It was only then that Harry noticed he was stepping onto a metal ramp of sorts, bridging between solid land and a large boat nearby. Smiling staff greeted them, passing them a glass of white wine.
"What is this?" Harry whispered to Draco, who was sipping his wine.
Draco grinned, pulling him to the far edge of the boat, leaning against the railing. "A sunset cruise along the Thames. With a four course meal and live entertainment."
"Oh," Harry said, not sure how to reply. This was totally out of his experience. Nervously, he sipped his wine, looking around.
They must have been the last guests to arrive, as the metal ramp was soon retracted and the boat moving down the river. Harry could understand why Draco was in such a rush now. They had to be here before the boat launched.
The boat was fairly large and steady, as it moved quickly along, waves lapping against the hull. This time of year, it got dark quite early, and Harry could see the sky changing into rich golds and red, reflecting against the water. The tall buildings along the shore were silhouettes, with some starting to glow with lights inside.
"Let's go inside now," Draco said, taking Harry's empty glass and setting it on a table. He guided him through a doorway, and staff led them to a table near a large window, elegantly set up with a white tablecloth, fine china and silverware. Candles flickered on all the tables. The room was able three quarters full. Harry thought it was likely packed in the summer months, when more tourists were in London.
Attentive waitstaff soon served them smoked salmon appetizers, followed by soup. A piano player was playing softly, helping with the romantic ambience.
Draco reached across the table, taking Harry's hand in his. "Do you like this?"
"Um, it's very nice," Harry said, trying to relax into it. "So, where did you hear about this? And the B&B? Everything?"
Shrugging a shoulder, Draco took a bite from his buttered roll. "From Olivia, and people I know from work."
Harry gave him a look of curiosity. Draco hadn't talked about his job much during their time together.
"We go out for lunch with clients sometimes," Draco explained. "Drinks after work with other potion makers. Friends of theirs. You know, on all those nights when you work late."
It was a bit of a barb. Harry had used the excuse of working nights to avoid seeing Draco too much, obviously. "Well, I'm glad you have settled into the job. Made some friends."
Draco gave a small smile in return. "I like it more than I thought I would, frankly. Olivia is a no-nonsense, direct sort of boss. She tells me when I fuck up, when a potion isn't up to her standards. Makes me redo it until I get it right. I've learned a lot with her."
Harry smiled back, liking seeing this side of Draco. He was a very intelligent man, and it was good seeing him maturing away from his spoiled, whiny teenage ways. He was realizing what it took to be a successful wizard based on his own skills and hard work, not relying on his family connections. It gave him a confidence that he hadn't had before. A very attractive trait.
"My manager is like that too. He gives zero fucks that I'm Harry Potter. Just sends me on tough assignments like any other new auror," Harry said, taking another sip of wine. It was going down very easily.
"Not too tough, I hope," Draco said, squeezing his hand lightly.
Harry looked across the table at Draco, and felt a bit stunned. The sun had just gone down, and the twilight seemed to make his fair hair and skin glow. He looked elegant in his light grey suit, tailored perfectly to his slim body. But what mesmerized Harry most were his eyes, intent and steady on his own.
The server came by just then with their main course, and Draco released his hand, leaning back to give her room to set down the hot plates. Harry dug in eagerly, savouring the tender chicken, mushrooms cooked in red wine and herbs, and creamy potatoes. A rich chocolate cake with raspberry sauce finished off the meal.
They went outside afterwards, the sky fully dark and the lights of the city reflecting on the water. The fresh air helped clear his head, a bit fuzzy from several glasses of wine.
"Cold?" Draco said, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and pulling him against his side.
Harry wasn't, but used the excuse to move in closer, tucking his face against Draco's neck. He smelled so good, felt so good, entangled together.
"Let's go inside," Draco said, pulling back.
"No, no, it's not that cold," Harry resisted, not wanting to be apart.
But Draco was taking his hand, leading him back in. The servers had been busy, clearing away a few tables to make some space. A singer had joined the pianist, crooning out some old tunes Harry vaguely remembered from his childhood.
Instead of going back to their table, Draco took him to the dance floor. There were already a few couples there, swaying to the music, and they got no funny looks when joining them.
They were even closer than they had been outside, Harry's face tucked against Draco's shoulder, their chests brushing as they moved. He couldn't resist moving closer, planting a soft kiss against the skin above Draco's collar. It was satisfying, hearing Draco gasp and his breathing getting faster.
"I want you, right now," Harry whispered in his ear.
Draco gave a bit a strangled chuckle. "We don't dock for an hour."
Harry was undeterred. "Surely we can find a quiet corner, or something."
"Says the man who was fighting with me only a few days ago. Saying no more kinky stuff," Draco whispered back. He took a half-step away from Harry, still dancing, but not pressed up together.
Harry groaned in frustration.
Draco chuckled. "Calm down. It will be worth the wait, Harry."
He had used that name several times during this trip, but this was the first time it had seemed natural. It hit Harry hard, and he moved closer.
Seeming to sense this, Draco shifted, dancing close. Allowing it. Swaying together.
They were first off when the boat docked, thanking the staff before rushing away. The cab seemed to take forever, driving back to their inn. Harry was tempted to apparate them back, right to their room, but held back. But it wasn't a good idea in muggle areas.
Harry's heart was thumping by the time the door locked behind them. Shut in their own private room. He kissed Draco, just needing him. Draco returned the kiss, just as eagerly. They stripped, helping each other, working their own clothes off, between heated kisses.
Drawing back the covers, Harry crawled into the bed. Draco was fumbling around for something in his case. "I don't need scented candles or anything. Just you, Draco."
Grinning, Draco showed him what was in his hand. A big jar of lube. He set it on the beside table and crawled towards Harry.
This felt so right, so natural. Kissing, touching. Being naked together in the large bed. Nothing held back. The lube came in handy rather quickly, sliding against each other in a way that quickly spiralled out of control. It had been too long since they'd been together to go slow.
Harry shivered at Draco cleaning them up, snuggling close, breathing him in. "This is the best part," he sighed, relaxed and practically boneless.
"Even better than what happened a couple minutes ago?" Draco chuckled, clearly not agreeing.
Kissing along his jaw, Harry laughed too, feeling happy. "That part is incredible too. But I think that part is easier to get with other people. This part is just with you."
"Are you having sex with other people, Potter?" Draco asked with a drawl.
Shaking his head, Harry looked at Draco, loving how messy his hair was from their earlier activities. "No. But we are young, relatively good looking men. We could be having sex with tons of people, and it would be good."
"Relatively good looking?"
"OK, OK, drop dead gorgeous, on your side at least," Harry amended, chuckling. "My point is that there aren't many people I'd want to snuggle with afterwards."
"Many people? How many?"
"OK, OK, there's just one," Harry said before giving Draco a long kiss. Pouring his feelings into it.
By the time it ended, Draco was looking a little dazed. "Fuck, Potter."
"No, no," Harry said, kissing along his shoulder. "Call me Harry."
"Harry," Draco said, drawing out the name, kissing down his chest. He took his time, teasing him, exploring everywhere.
By the time Draco settled between his legs, Harry was fully aroused again. He passed Draco the lube. "Prep me?"
"Are you sure?" Draco asked, a bit surprised.
Brushing a hand through Draco's hair, he nodded. "Completely."
Draco was thorough, kissing up the side of Harry's cock as his lubed fingers gently pushed in and twisted. Licking and sucking, as he found that really sensitive spot. Tapped and stroked it, until Harry was arching off the bed, begging for more.
Harry prepped him too, covering him with lube and stroking him slowly, guiding him into place. Holding each other's gaze as Draco pushed inside, both groaning. He took it slowly, only pushing deeper when Harry pulled at his hips. Fully inside, Harry wrapped his legs around Draco, hugging him tight, taking deep breaths.
They found a rhythm, slowly getting faster and faster. Harry rocked up into each thrust, finding the perfect angle, moaning out Draco's name. Feeling so connected, so good. At a certain point, Draco couldn't hold back, moving faster. Harry stroked his own cock, lube everywhere, just needed a bit more to get over the edge.
"Fuck, yes, Harry," Draco moaned, totally loving that.
There was a frantic minute or two more, full of panting, groans and swearing. Ending up in a sweaty heap of euphoric exhaustion.
A few minutes later and they were cleaned up and falling asleep.
...
-A/N: A better end of the day than the night before. ;) Only one chapter more.
-Foodie Tour: They take a 3 hour tour of London Bridge area and the Borough Market, with its "flourishing food scene, mixed with real London life, historic culture and charming ambiance. The area is packed with exciting little back streets, pubs and market stalls, all adding to its appeal as a unique gastronomic destination. The guides will entertain you with stories about the area," including Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind, the Shard, Southwark Cathedral, the world-famous London and Tower Bridges, and the Battleship HMS Belfast. (Secret Food Tours, London Bridge)
-Bike Rental: They go to 'On Your Bike' for bike rentals, "nestled in unique arches under London Bridge".
-Thames dinner cruise: "The best night in town is on the river! Wine, dine and dance on this great dinner cruise on the Thames, and enjoy show songs and top hits sung by a live performer. Stunning views are on the menu too, as the inky-dark night along great vistas of riverscape gives way to the spectacular lighting of Thames-side buildings and bridges." (Showboat Dinner Cruise on the River Thames, Citycruises).