The Bay Area was known for many things.
Delicious foods and drinks—sourdough and Philz coffee.
Beautiful sights—Muir Woods and Golden Gate Park.
Famous politicians—Harvey Milk and Gavin Newsom.
America's favorite actor, Tom Hanks.
And also…
Traffic.
Fucking traffic.
Hermione grew up in the heart of Los Angeles, and the traffic there paled in comparison to the gridlock nightmare that was the 101 during rush hour.
Sure, she could have taken the 280, but at 6:30pm on a Monday, it would hardly save her any fucking time.
Well that, and she needed to go into the city, as opposed to around it. So, the 101 it was.
Under normal circumstances, the congestion would have bothered her, but now? Now it felt like torture. Especially with Theo in the seat beside her drumming his fingers on the center console.
The typical forty minute drive ended up closer to an hour and twenty by the time they made it into the heart of the Financial District, just blocks from the British Consulate General.
"What the bloody fuck?" Theo was peering out the window with wide eyes, scanning the street for an open spot or parking garage. Had Hermione not demanded he keep his seat belt buckled—a huge non-negotiable for her—she was fairly certain he would have been glued to the window like a toddler in an ice cream shop. "Did everyone decide to come to the city tonight?"
She could point out that it was Monday.
She could point out that it was still technically working hours.
She could point out that the Financial District was always a fucking shit show, but that would have been insensitive, and while she wanted to snark, she knew it wouldn't help the situation.
Instead, she tried to stay positive because it would do no one any good if they were both frantic messes, and she needed to stay calm enough to navigate through the maze that was San Francisco.
"We'll find something." Her grip on the wheel tightened, fingers digging into the raised stitching, wanting desperately to believe those words as they crept down the road.
The low murmur of Lady Gaga's You and I felt either eerily ominous or wildly inappropriate as it emanated from her speakers. If she could have afforded to pull her eyes off the road for one second, she might have muted the radio, but she didn't want to risk missing an open space.
Each rotation of her tires made her stomach twist tighter and tighter into knots. If they wanted to catch Draco before he did anything rash—like leave the fucking country—they needed to act fast. They simply couldn't afford to circle the block countless times until something opened.
Which is why, when her navigation broke through the chorus to announce their arrival, Hermione did something she knew she would probably regret.
She pulled over.
The curb was bright red, leaving little indication as to if it were legal, or not, but well… time was of the essence. She had enough to cover a towing fee and ticket if needed—though she prayed they might be able to hurry this along enough to avoid any legal or financial ramifications.
She cut the engine once parked, and before she could hit the hazards to try and buy them at least a few extra minutes, Theo was already unbuckling his seat belt and opening the door. The same nervous energy that had plagued her from the moment they got on the highway seemed to drive her forward by pushing logic and reason aside.
She scrambled after her boyfriend, keys curled in her first as she internally cursed herself for not changing into sneakers while she struggled to keep up with his long gait.
"Theo!" She double-stepped, reaching out to grab his wrist as they near the glass doors. "Slow down."
His eyes were wild, as if he were more beast than man in this moment, and for half a second, she expected him to skitter from her touch, but instead he paused. His lengthy strides stalled just long enough for her to fall into step beside him. He gave her a single nod.
"Right… sorry. I just—"
"You don't have to explain." Hermione's fingers trailed down his wrist until their digits laced and she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "I just don't think we'll get very far if we rush in there like we're robbing the place."
Theo nodded, auburn locks falling across his forehead. The corners of his lips lifted in what had to be the most pathetic excuse for a smile she'd ever seen.
"You're right." She could hear the uncertainty in his voice—the unspoken insecurities that were so sharp they'd left gaping wounds miles wide. Yet, through it all—the pain, the hurt, the fear—here he was, running to stop Draco from leaving.
Despite every logical reason he could have to let Draco go, Theo clearly couldn't let him.
Because love… Well, love was never logical.
Hermione took the lead, guiding them through the glass doors and into the lobby.
Gleaming tile sparkled under the harsh fluorescent lights, adding to the almost clinical ambience of the consulate. Polished. Crisp. Clean. It made a fucking dental office look warm and fuzzy in comparison.
Behind a large white marble desk, a security guard in a black cap greeted them as he rose from his desk. "Evening folks, how can I help you today?"
To his left, a small cluster of leather chairs were all taken by what Hermione could only assume, given the large cameras dangling from their necks, were reporters. To his right, she saw a glossy steel elevator bank.
"We… uh…" She looked around the lobby, reassessing how loud she was, when she felt eyes turn to them and she cleared her throat. Edging to the desk, she smiled up at the guard.
She could do this.
She worked with difficult people for a living.
She could absolutely do this.
"We're actually here for Draco."
"Prince Draco," Theo corrected.
"Yes… Prince Draco."
The guard nodded, eyes flicking between the pair. "And do you have a meeting with his Grace?"
Fuck.
Shit.
"Technically? No, but—"
The security guard shook his head, dark eyes rolling unapologetically. Hermione was certain he'd heard any and every excuse a thousand times over, especially today based on the busy lobby, so she couldn't really fault him.
"No appointment, no elevator pass."
"Yeah but if you just—"
"No appointment. No pass."
She could feel her own tension tick up, and the calm, cool, collected Hermione was beginning to fade, replaced by a more manic version of herself. She forced her smile wider, and curled her fingers at her sides. "I completely understand, Sir and normally I wouldn't dream of—"
"Draco!"
Hermione's voice vanished under the loud boom of Theo's baritone beside her. She jumped, startled by the sudden shout, then spun around, watching as Theo hurried across the lobby toward the blond.
Draco was on the phone, though she doubted he was actually paying attention to whomever he was talking to based on his look of surprise. He froze just a few feet from the elevator bank, brow furrowing as he watched Theo approach.
"Thanks!" Hermione squeaked to the security guard who looked equally as perplexed. She and Theo hurried across the lobby as quickly as her flats would allow.
Theo pulled the phone from Draco's hand and ended the call before doing something completely and utterly idiotic in a room already buzzing with reporters.
He kissed him.
Lights flashed and shutters clicked as Theo kissed Draco breathless.
With two hands on his cheeks, Theo went in for a full liplock like this was some shitty romantic comedy instead of real life.
Even though she'd seen them in far more intimate positions than this simple kiss, there was something about the way Draco went from wide eyed and stunned to pliant under the guidance of Theo's hands—something about the way his fingers curled into Theo's button down, holding his boyfriend as close as physically possible.
Despite herself, an impossibly girlish coo worked its way up her throat. Hermione pressed her fingers to her lips. The unsettling feeling that had plagued her since Draco walked out of Theo's townhome was pushed away, replaced by a newfound warmth.
Long ago she struggled to understand how Theo could be polyamorus. She simply didn't understand how he could find happiness with his partner being with someone other than himself.
But this?
This she understood.
The utter love and devotion her two men shared was breathtaking.
Were they perfect? Hardly.
Did they have many things to work on? Abso-fucking-lutely.
But even with the numerous flaws and million reasons not to be together, it was so plain to see that they belonged with one another.
And, in turn, they also belonged with her.
She belonged with them.
"I'm sorry… I'm sorry for being so rash," Theo whispered between peppered kisses, his thumbs stroking the sharp high of Draco's cheek. "I know this isn't easy… your family and the crown."
Draco nodded, seemingly helpless to Theo's affection, gray eyes hidden behind closed lids.
"I can't let you leave… not yet. Not when we need to figure this out." Theo's nose nudged against Draco's as his fingers trailed down his jaw.
Behind them, shutters snapped as fast as crickets chirped, insistent chatter that echoed off the lobby walls as the security team struggled to keep the reporters back from the Duke. It wasn't until a report shouted some rude sentiment about being gay that Draco seemed to snap from his kiss drunk stupor.
He slowly uncurled his fists from Theo's shirt and took a half step back, brow furrowing.
Draco's head cocked to the side just a smidge as he glanced between Theo and Hermione."I-I'm sorry. Did you say leave?"
"Yeah. We.. uh.. Well, Ginny saw you on Instagram—"
"I think it might have been Twitter, actually," Theo interjected.
"Whatever, Some social media platform said you were coming to arrange travel home." Hermione edged closer so her voice didn't carry over to the rabid reporters. "We came to stop you."
Draco looked between the two with an unreadable expression, one that Hermione could only assume was crafted over years of careful training. Apathetic, yet curious. Mild interest tinted with a posh aloofness that left her rather impressed with his ability to disengage from the chaos erupting behind them.
"Well, as appreciated as this little romantic gesture was..." Draco spoke slowly, fingers pushing the buttons on his sports coat open so he could tuck the tails of his coat under his forearms as he slipped his hands into his pants pockets. "I regret to inform you both that your rush has been all for naught seeing as I had no intention of leaving."
"You don't?" Theo's brow fell and his lips puckered as he pulled back.
Draco hummed with a slow nod, pressing his lips together in a feeble attempt at suppressing a smile.
"But you arrived with… with bags and your passport." Hermione shifted her weight between the balls of her feet.
"Yes. I was sending some personal effects back home, and extending my visa for another five months—pending a meeting with the Queen to request a leave of absence… which I was in the middle of arranging when you ended my call." Draco's eyes flickered over her shoulder to the media, and he lifted a hand in a small wave. His trillion-watt smile lit up the room for a split second before he looked back to her and Theo. "Can we just maybe have this—"
"A leave of absence?" Theo's voice cracked, cutting over the noisy lobby, eyes wide.
"Shh!" Draco pressed a single finger to his lips before lowering it in the universal symbol to quiet the fuck down—one Hermione was all to familar with. "Yes. I am going to request to be taken off the public tours. Indefinitely."
"Indefinitely?!"
Draco sucked in a deep breath. "Look, I'm not sure when this game of parroting everything I say started, but I'd prefer if we just stopped before one of those lovely journalists overhears and announces it before the crown does."
Hermione let loose a small slip of laughter as she watched Theo's cheek crimson. "I think he's just… shocked is all. After last week, I don't think either of us expected… that."
"I admit I handled things rather poorly. As Theodore presumably explained, I have a personal history of avoiding conflict by all means necessary." Draco's eyes dropped to the floor as a breathy laugh accompanied the slight upturn of his lips. "Which also happens to include running away from my problems."
The admission wasn't easy, Hermione could see that by the tension in his shoulders and the way he shuffled on his feet, but he was trying. He was putting forth some sort of effort to come clean, so to speak, and be upfront about what might be perceived as character flaws.
Theo's eyes softened, and Hermione could make out the way his fingers twitched with a suppressed need to reach for their boyfriend. "Draco, I didn't mean—"
"No, no. You were right, Theodore." Draco looked up, gray eyes tinted with a humility she had never seen there before. "I do run from my problems. I project my own insecurities in our relationship and while the excuse of my title might have worked when we were younger, it certainly loses its power in adulthood. I am stepping away from that work because… Well, because I want to be with you—both of you." Draco gesticulated between the two of them, his wristwatch tinkling with each flick of his wrist. "That is, if you'll still have me."
That dastardly lump returned to her throat as she felt tears collect on lower lids. She didn't know when it happened, nor how, but somehow reaching thirty meant she seemed to burst into tears at any emotional moment.
Sad news article about polar bears dying due to melting ice caps? Tears.
Videos of dogs seeing their military service member parents returning home? Tears.
Beer commercial with a big ol' horse running after its trainer? Fucking tears.
Now was clearly no exception to this rule, despite how fucking unnecessary the moisture was. Hermione let out a watery laugh and trembling fingers wiped away the hot rush of tears that leaked from the corner of her eyes. "Of course we will, you fucking idiot."
Draco laughed, that genuine, butterfly birthing, giddy inducing laugh, and before she could so much as stop him, he was pulling her into his orbit by her waist and his lips were against hers.
Distantly, she could hear the camera shutters flashing and the security guard's answering yell. Distantly, she knew they probably shouldn't be doing this—especially in front of the media—but she found it really fucking hard to care when she felt an extra hand at her waist, followed by the hot press of a hard, familiar body behind her.
She leaned back against Theo, relishing the way his arms encased her waist as Draco's hand smoothed over her curves. She pulled back from the kiss to admire the beautiful gray she'd missed over the past week.
"I hate to interrupt this moment, your Grace…" A crisp, feminie voice cut through their reverie, and Hermione craned her head toward the source of the noise. A woman stood just out of their orbit, sharply dressed in a dark pantsuit. "But it appears your… acquaintances—"
"Partners, Ms. Chang," Draco corrected with a firm clearing of his throat. "As I explained upstairs, I am in a committed relationship with Mr. Nott and Miss Granger."
The woman gave him a tight smile, her painted fingers curling around the leather folio pressed against her chest. "My apologies. Your partner's Audi is about to be towed."
"Shit!" Hermione's body lurched out of the small cage that her boyfriend's arms created and she began toward the door, flats slapping loudly against the tiled floor. While the security guard was mildly annoyed at the beginning of this little reunion tour, she was thankful for his presence now as he held the reporters at bay.
She knew they had so much to work through: hurt feelings, communicating, literal thousands of miles and the confusion of timezones.
She knew this was going to be an uphill battle, that much was certain, but as she ran to Theo's car—hoping to sweet talk her way out of a ticket, with her boyfriends hot on her heels—Hermione couldn't help but feel like this was going to be a challenge they were ready to face.
Epilogue
Thirteen months later…
It was hard to believe Hermione had been dating Theo and Draco for a little over a year.
Well, actually, what was hard to believe was that two incredibly handsome British men were still interested in her and they'd managed to make the whole long distance thing work.
There were days when she woke up and it still felt like a dream—especially after caving to his persistent requests two months ago and moving into Theo's townhome. Giving up that last bit of freedom had been a hard test. But Theo's place was technically closer to her work, and she spent so much time over there anyway.
So much had happened since she'd bought her place. She'd found not just her best friend, but also a new family. She'd landed an amazing job and, of course, found happiness with her two men. But moving in felt right. Eli was going to start Kinder soon, and the chosen school was right by PaidPal, so it just made sense.
She could help with Eli, spend more time with one of her boyfriends, and save money—because of course Theo would absolutely not let her help pay his mortgage.
This particular morning, though, felt more like a dream than the rest.
It could have been the melatonin she'd taken.
Or perhaps the soft light from the cloud-covered sky filtering in through the curtain.
Or maybe, the fact that Draco had finally made good on his word and brought her to London.
This morning's dreamy quality, though, was likely due to the fact that she was waking up for the second week in a row nestled between her two boyfriends in what was probably the swankiest apartment she'd ever even seen—short of the whole washing machine in the kitchen, that was just weird.
Incorrect appliance placement aside, Hermione was absolutely smitten with being around both of her men again, and if the past three nights were any indication of how utterly fucking happy she was—well, it was safe to assume this month-long sabbatical was going to leave her with little opportunity for rest and relaxation.
Draco was curled behind her, acting as the big spoon to her little. His body molded to hers in a way that she was beginning to suspect was bespoke.
This trip wasn't just an excuse to see their blond boyfriend though—no, it was the beginning of a whole new chapter in their relationship.
When they finally returned home, Draco would be coming with them—permanently.
He'd successfully secured his work permit, and found a job at some tech startup. He was scheduled to start in a little over six weeks. In the meantime, he was using the little time before his continent relocation to show Hermione the wonders of the land of tea and crumpets.
And to meet Draco's parents.
Which, to her surprise, she wasn't exactly dreading.
When Draco had come out to them as not only bisexual, but polyamorus as well, they were shocked, which wasn't a surprise. But rather than hateful, bigoted rhetoric, they were… supportive. Sure, his dad was more than a little miffed that Draco was stepping away from 'his duty,' but Draco's mother was ecstatic for his newfound happiness.
Narcissa made no qualms in regards to voicing her confusion about their unconventional lifestyle, but she was more than thrilled with the prospect of having a grandchild to dote upon. Though the Malfoy matriarch made certain to mention (on several occasions) that she would like at least two more—following a lavish wedding, of course.
Unfortunately, Theo's father had not been as… understanding.
No, Mr. Nott had not only removed Theo from his will, but he had also had his barrister contact Ella-Mae to offer her a rather large sum of money to seek full-custody of Elijah. Thankfully E.M., with all her southern charm, put the old bastard in his place.
She made it known that she supported Theo and his choice of lifestyle and partners, and would not seek to take Eli away from such a supportive, loving parental network. She also added that if he wanted to continue any sort of relationship with his grandson, he needed to get his act together.
Theo took it in stride, though Hermione knew at the time it had hurt him more than he cared to admit.
Yet, despite the small stumbles, it appeared that her life was on track for the first time in a very, very long time That was an understatement, and though she didn't want to jinx it, as she lay in the early morning light, listening to the melody of heavy breaths from both of her men, she couldn't help but wonder if this was what paradise felt like.
Her hand slid across Theo's skin, fingers brushing through the soft smattering of hair that coated his chest, and she slowly began to disentangle from the human knot she and her boyfriends had managed to twist themselves into the night before.
She pushed up on her elbow, careful not to jostle the bed too much as she began to maneuver over Theo's prone form so she could slip free from the bed. But just as she hoisted her leg over his waist, firm hands found her sides and locked her in place.
"Mmm… where do you think you're going?" The rumble of Theo's deep baritone tickled her chest. She lifted her eyes to see just the hint of that beautiful forest green peeking at her. He wasted no time rolling them over and pinning her beneath him, earning a small gasp by the sudden movement.
"I need to—oh!"
All thoughts of emptying her bladder slipped away when his lips moved to her neck, peppering her skin with small nibbles and kisses as he nuzzled against her skin. The mattress beneath them bounced, springs rocking her body against his, and though she'd tried to be gentle with her movements, it appeared Theo did not hold the same courtesy for letting their partner sleep in.
"Mmm… morning you two." Draco's sleepy greeting made Hermione turn her head to watch him rub the sleep from his eyes. "Didn't you get enough last night, Theodore?"
"Never." Theo's teeth scraped against her collarbone as he worked lower and lower. "You got to fill this beautiful cunt last night while I fucked you. Now it's my turn."
"Does that mean I get to bugger you?" Draco cocked a brow at Theo as his kisses traveled down her sternum.
"Mmm… tempting, but I'd much rather watch you fuck her throat."
"Fuuuuck." Hermione wanted nothing more than to let Theo's depraved wishes come true, and based on the sticky warmth that bloomed to life between her thighs, her body clearly didn't mind, but it was her bladder, in the end, that won out. That, and the knowledge that they needed to be at Heathrow by two o'clock to pick up E.M and Eli—the latter was going to spend the next two weeks with them as they finished up their trip. "Theo stop. I really need to—Ahh!"
His lips were at her nipple, teeth teasing the hardened bud as his tongue lapped at the sensitive skin. She had to literally wrestle her runaway labio into submission as she wiggled out from beneath him, body already mourning the loss of his warmth as she slipped from the covers.
"Airport."
The one word reminder did little to dampen Theo's need as he fell back on the bed, sheets clearly tented. "We have four hours, Granger. Plenty of time."
"I need to shower—we probably all do, and I was promised coffee and pastries. So no… I don't think we do." Hermione laughed as she began to walk backwards toward Draco's en suite.
Ever the negotiator, Draco was already on the move. She could practically see the gears in his mind churn as he pushed up onto his elbows, eyes dragging down her naked body. "What if we killed two birds with one stone and showered while shagging?"
"Oh! I like this compromise." Theo's eyes widened in time with his wolvish smile. "We might have to change positions a bit, but I think this set up would really benefit you, Granger."
Her mind drifted toward the numerous times she'd showered with Theo, specifically to the way he'd used toys on her while fucking her and she could practically feel her body demand she partake in this proposition.
Technically, they would be saving time—showering and fucking.
And they did have four hours...
Reaching up, she pushed her wild curls back with a small laugh. She might regret it the closer they got to their scheduled departure, but she'd have to deal with the consequences later. "Okay, but… let me go pee first and like… freshen up a bit."
"You've got exactly ten minutes before we force our way in there," Theo warned, scooting across the bed towards Draco. "And just so you know, we are going to start without you."
Hermione bit her lip, watching as Theo pulled Draco to him for a savage kiss. Her feet slowed to tiny steps so she could linger and watch for just a second longer. "You guys know that you'll be the death of me, right?"
"God, I hope not." Theo nibbled on Draco's lower lip as he pulled away. "We'd be bloody miserable with you."
"Yeah." Draco craned his neck toward her, gray eyes already dark with need. "We intend to keep you alive and well taken care of for a long time."
"Probably forever," Theo added with a well-timed wag of his brows.
Forever.
Once upon a time, that word would have scared her.
It would have made her turn around and run for the hills. But now, as that simple word rolled around in her mind, Hermione couldn't help but notice that, for the first time in her adult life, that word sounded… perfect.
Maybe forever with Draco and Theo wouldn't be so bad.
author's note:
la fin
I hope you guys enjoyed my little story! this plot bunny was literally the most organic insane process I had ever gotten into and I am so happy with the output. I dont think HAE had to end with babies, or marriage, or really anything beyond PEOPLE BEING HAPPY and I hope you all are content with how that was delivered.
huge, shouty, mega thanks to dreamsofdramione for being the worlds most amazing beta, and cheerleader.
many thanks to all of you for reading, commenting, recing and just being the amazing support community for this weird little romantic comedy of modern errors.
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