~*~ A Party of Four ~*~
We kept on through successive songs as one melded into another, my own hair now almost as wild as that of my companion. Slowly though, slowly, I was becoming aware that the continued melding of our bodies was causing an ache that was almost more than I could bear, and my arousal was becoming painfully obvious. So I began to back off slightly from Grey, no longer letting my hands roam at will, and stifling the exuberance of my body's motions.
I could tell that Grey had noticed the change, that he also backed off in response to my own retreat. I, a Malfoy, in retreat? Merlin's beard! But it must be done, mustn't it? As the music drew to a close Grey threw an arm around my shoulder companionably and laughed softly in my ear. I turned my head, gazing into those sparkling green eyes, fighting to keep my expression clear.
"All right, Draco? You look a bit tired." Grey lifted his free hand toward me. I couldn't help but close my eyes for a brief moment as I felt strong fingers comb my disheveled hair back into a hasty semblance of order. "Let's go sit down, talk a bit, eh? Have a rest."
I nodded, once again not trusting myself to speak, and let myself be guided away, though not to either of our usual tables. I looked into the amused eyes of Grey's two best friends as we drew closer and wondered what this was all about. As we stepped next to the booth, Grey reached out and shook Ron's hand heartily, then leaned over and bussed Hermione on the cheek with a laugh, sliding in next to her and patting the seat beside him.
I paused, again wondering what exactly was going on. Suspicion had been so long a part of my life that it would be unexpected indeed if I had blindly accepted this turn of events. Granted, I had long since turned to the side of Light, but that hardly meant I had to do more than tolerate people I'd never liked in the first place. Still, having done so, the Order had in turn tolerated me, and included me in their trust. They expected I would not betray them, and I had not, despite the personal cost.
Thought followed thought in my mind, like a slowly wheel turning, or the mighty ouroborus. It had been a chance meeting with Hermione at Diagon Alley that had started this particular turning of the wheel, determinedly lighthearted conversation about nothing in particular, and brought mention of this particular club that she frequented as a method of relaxation. Having had nothing better to do one evening, I had followed up on the idea, only to see him on the floor, dancing with utter abandon. I hadn't known at first who I was looking at, only that I was drawn back again and again, until it dawned on me just exactly who I'd been watching all this time.
How it was possible I could not say and I wasn't sure I wanted to understand -- when was it that I'd decided that this was Harry? I did know that now that I had found the place, and him, I couldn't prevent this unspoken addiction. The clink of glass brought me back into focus, and I slid into the seat next to Grey, immediately feeling an arm draped around my shoulders. I would just have to set aside my inner confusion for another time, and rejoin my companions in more than just the physical.
~*~
I watched as Draco simply stood there lost in thought, sparing a moment to flash a lopsided grin at Hermione and Ron. Though I wasn't sure, I suspected that Draco had no idea he'd been standing there for minutes, staring with unfocused eyes at nothing in particular. I was glad, however, when Draco slid into the seat next to me, and allowed myself to once again casually rest my arm around the man's shoulders.
Flashing a quick smile at Draco, I turned to the others, leaning to the side to give 'mione another kiss on the cheek, letting my fingertips slide over to Draco's neck as I shifted position. I and Hermione both laughed as Ron growled and threatened, "Watch it there, Grey. I'll hex you into next week if you keep snogging my lady wife!" It was a scene that had been played out many times before, one that all three of us were comfortable playing at.
I thought I felt Draco shiver in a whisper of movement, and this pleased me to no end. Leaning back, I returned my arm to its original position, then flicked my fingers in a faint signal. In the next heartbeat a waitress was there with a tray, placing new glasses on the table for the four of us, then gone after giving the table a slight nod.
As we conversed about inconsequential things, nothing deeply serious, I let my mind wander back to the dance floor. I knew why Draco had started to pull back, had felt the effects of our mutual actions. I would try to play this her way, and try to see if Draco was willing to become more than just an acquaintance to us all. Desperate though I might feel, now that I was more than reasonably sure that Draco had no ill intent, I must not push or force things.
Regardless of the changes I had forced upon myself, there were some things I simply could not do, despite the intensity of the urgency my body and heart might demand. So I laughed and smiled easily, chatting with the others, presenting the quintessential picture of the man known as Grey. I flirted with all the innocence of a child with all three of them, treating Draco no differently from my long-standing friends and as though he'd always been part of the group.
Finally, Hermione and Ron made noises about getting home, back to their twins, and we exited the booth. Hugs were passed around indiscriminately and then the couple left with waves of farewell. I turned to Draco and watched something flitting through his silvery eyes, then clapped him on the back. "Did you want to come upstairs, or are you done in for the night?" I asked, smiling lazily.
Draco flicked his eyes to me, silent for a moment, then replied, "Ah...I believe I have some things to think about for now. I should be going, though I will say I have enjoyed myself this evening more than I'd expected. I will see you...soon." Turning, he made his way into the crowd and disappeared.