A/N: I know, this is horribly overdue! January has been completely mangled for me. Just as I neared the end of this chapter, I came down with a cold or flu….or something or other. But it gave me headaches, dry throat and general exhaustion. Not to mention a bad case of the sniffles. I didn't get out of bed at all. Just slept, ate and slept some more. Then I ended up changing the end to this chapter. I had it on paper, but it refused to work when typed. It all seemed awkward and I was going for something of a delicate moment. But I'm all better now, the end's been fixed and all's back on track!
Shinigami Liliz Black: Actually, I kinda kept the first letter of their names and came up with some new names off the top of my head, hence Lucien and Heath. And I love the pic! Way better than anything I could draw. As soon as I find a decent scanner, I'll send ya the chibis, cuz some are coloured with pencil crayon…which reminds me, I need new ones.
Prongs: Thank you. I think I'm actually writing Lucius with a wry sense of wit. The actual comedy doesn't hit me until I went back and read it. I guess that's what happens when you're in the zone. ^.^
linny: Liar, liar, pants on fire! lol Thank you. Chapter 12 should be done in a week and half if nothing else happens. Here's hoping *crosses fingers*
Bammers: *blushes like mad* Thank you. Hope you like this chapter. Skinny dipping in this one! Hehehe ^.^
Cadeyrn: *blushes* Thank you.
Plastraa: lol Here's chapter 11. 12 should be done in a week and a half's time if nothing else decides to spring up on me at once like in this month.
HPIceAngel: Oh yes he is….hehehe. Read on. 'Tis the morning after. Muahahaha! I love this! ^.^
TigerBlak: Oh, it happened; trust me. *huge grin* I wish I could just post the smut here, but they have that annoying 'No NC-17' rule…and I have been suspended once already. I'm not aiming for a second time.
Ann: *blinks at sheer volume of reviews* Well, I'm glad I could help somehow during exams. ^.^ I've been there before…only I had to suffer physics…*shudder* Hm, yeah, I did start out with a somewhat innocent Harry…he just kinda evolved from there. Chalk it up to Lucius' influence. ^__^ Harry and Lucius have been in Spain for about two months now. And apparently, that is more than enough time to pick up a language when you're immersed in a country and its culture. I pestered - a.k.a, bother them every five seconds with some silly little question about this fact - my friends, one who did a foreign exchange in France for a year. She said that after about a month and half, she was ticking people off because she wouldn't shut up. And my other friend - he went to Italy - same thing in about the same time frame.
blackunicorn: Thank you! *flushes* People seem to be saying that a lot.
Saavik13: lol Likewise. Things would be simpler if I just posted it all, but it gets kinda crazy when I have to edit out chunks to post in two places.
Tyrana: Thank you! *flushes*
Janai: Thank you! Finally updated!
frizzy: *tries to not get flustered but fails miserably* Thank you. I'm rather sick to death of stories that have Harry and Lucius suddenly just hopping in the sack. And the author doesn't even mention if there's an establish relationship [of which I find to be highly doubtful]. Well, you're going to get your wish…partially. A bit more does come out. Hogwarts…erm…ah… *falls silent for a moment* I should mention that I read "Magnetic Attraction" in one night and am completely hooked.
xikum: Stopped?! o0 Oh no, no, no! I've just had an unbelievably crappy January. I had a pile of assignments to do and then I got sick for a week, so I didn't type anything up - well couldn't since I was extremely exhausted for most of the time and just slept. I have mounds of paper to type up, since I wrote for the times when I was awake and nothing was spinning around or my head wasn't pounding from a headache.
Chapter 11
The alarm went off with a shrill ring. It echoed around the room, causing grunts to come from the pile of blankets and limbs on the bed. Harry's voice mumbled a hoarse 'Damn it' and moved. A few seconds later the alarm blissfully went silent. Lucius opened one eye to slit to see the sunlight pouring in. He quickly closed it, content to simply lie in the bundle of warmth. Harry snuggled in, making Lucius tighten his arms.
"Did the clock break?" Lucius asked in a gravelly voice.
"No, I turned it off." Harry gave a sleepy chuckle that sounded rough. "We should get up now."
Lucius made a disapproving noise, burying his nose in Harry's hair and pressing a kiss against his head.
"We have to get up if we want breakfast, you know." Harry mused.
Damn; food was definitely a good option now. Only it meant leaving the bed. Lucius gave an indecisive snort as he opened his eyes, blinking as they adjusted to the sunlight. "Oh yes," Lucius murmured. "Today is the last day we have to suffer Mr. Rapsodia's presence."
"Oh yeah, I forgot all about that," Harry paused, looking up at Lucius with an impish smirk. "He looked about ready to have a heart attack."
"Why should that bother me?" Lucius chuckled. "Perhaps seeing the expression of lust on your face shocked some sensibility into the prude."
Harry snorted with hoarse laughter, burying his face into Lucius' shoulder. "On the plus side, we shouldn't be having anymore trouble from him anymore." He said in a slightly muffled voice.
"I should hope not," Lucius paused for a moment. "Once he is gone, we can pursue other things at our leisure."
"That sounds wonderful," Harry murmured as he leaned in for a kiss. "God, I wish I didn't have to get out of bed." He sighed when they broke off, resting his forehead against Lucius'.
"Breakfast." Lucius pointed out in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Mergh," Harry grunted as he sat up, running a hand through his hair and looking around. "I need pants."
Lucius simply lay in bed and watched as Harry rose and walked over to the chair slowly, obviously trying to not wince with every step. Harry grabbed his boxers from the floor, as well as two pairs of pants, one from the chair and one from desktop. Lucius couldn't stop the smirk from coming to his face, and when Harry turned the brunette scowled and tossed Lucius' clothes to land on his head.
"Thanks," Lucius said dryly as he plucked them from his head.
Harry's scowl morphed into a wry amused grin as he pulled on his boxers followed by his pants and a shirt and made his way out of the bedroom. Lucius got into his clothes quickly and followed after Harry. Once he stepped into the kitchen he blinked once more, the bright white tiles reflecting light everywhere.
// I was starting to wonder where you were. I was about to send up Mr. Rapsodia here to see if you had skipped out on us. \\ the amusement in Ernesto's voice was evident. // Ah, there's the other. See, they're both still here Mr. Rapsodia. \\
Lucius came into the kitchen and took a seat beside Harry at the kitchen table. Valencia was already pouring out coffee for them while Harry was piling his plate with food. Orelan looked a bit blanched and exhausted, as if he had hadn't gotten any sleep that night.
// You look rather pale Mr. Rapsodia. \\ Lucius asked in his roughened voice, looking at him. // Restless night? \\
Orelan glanced at him, shaking his head rapidly before looking away, finding his scrambled eggs interesting. Lucius looked away from, leaning over to whisper in Harry's ear with a slight smirk.
"Did I mention how wonderfully debauched you looked this morning?" Lucius drew back a little, seeing Harry's face turn a beet red.
Harry simply cleared his throat and started eating. Orelan looked at them a bit wildly before picking up his coffee cup in shaking hands.
// Goodness, you must be hungry! \\ Valencia exclaimed, watching Harry.
// I am. \\ Harry said simply. // Keeping myself out of trouble and busy last night. \\
// What on Earth did you do when we were out? Did you rope him into it as well? \\ Ernesto asked, jabbing a thumb at Lucius.
Harry, who had been chewing a piece of toast, paused before he nodded his head quickly, the corners of his mouth curling into a sardonic smile.
// You could have at least included Mr. Rapsodia here, \\ Valencia chided. // When we- \\
// That's all right, Mrs. Ortiz! \\ Orelan said hastily with a weak wave of his hand. // Honestly. I was busy last night with the paperwork. They simply would have been -\\
// Bothering you? \\ Lucius said coolly as he filled his own plate. Orelan nodded his head. // We certainly wouldn't want that, would we Mr. Rapsodia? \\
Orelan's face went a bit paler and he gave a weak but brusque nod of his head. Lucius regarded him for a moment before he started eating silently.
// So, did you get what you wanted from town? \\ Harry asked after swallowing a mouthful of toast and bacon, looking between Ernesto and Valencia.
// Yes, but we forgot the shears for the sheep. \\ Ernesto said. // I suppose we can just go back tonight. You three don't mind, do you? \\
Lucius repressed the highly amused smirk that wanted to plaster itself to his face when Orelan looked up wildly at that statement.
// I'm sure they don't. Besides, I'm sure these two, \\ Valencia gave Harry and Lucius hard looks. // Will be more than glad to keep Mr. Rapsodia entertained for the evening, would- \\
Harry let out a brief momentary chuckle before he got himself under control once more. Orelan had set his coffee cup down abruptly with a loud thunk.
// You know, I really don't have to stay any longer; I've collected enough proof. \\ Orelan said hurriedly.
// Are you sure, Mr. Rapsodia? Beyond a doubt? \\ Lucius asked. // I would hate to find out that you left only to have to come back and stay for another duration. That would be quite an inconvenience. \\
// Truly, I do have enough to process the claims! \\ Orelan said with a lightly panicked note in his voice. // I certainly have enough Mr. St. Pécheuraud! In fact, if you could drive me to the train station Mr. Ortiz, I can get back to Madrid and start processing them immediately. \\
// Oh, that's very kind of you! \\ Valencia beamed. // Ernesto, you may well drive him now. That way you can pick up the shears and we see just how they work. \\
// They're giant scissors for shaving sheep, Valencia, \\ Ernesto said before wiping his mouth with his napkin. // It's not rocket science. \\
// Still, I'd like to make sure. Oh, make sure you take the sheep out today as well as the goats. \\ Valencia said regarding Lucius. // Let them stretch their legs and get accustomed to the hills. \\
Lucius nodded his head in silence before he looked at Orelan. // Are you quite sure you have enough, Mr. Rapsodia? \\
// Quite! \\ Orelan said a bit shrilly and rose from the table. // If you'll excuse, I think I'll go ensure I have everything. \\
Lucius watched as Orelan bolted from the kitchen, leaving the door swinging after him. Ernesto chuckled as he rose from the table as well.
// Well, I'm off. And- \\
// Mr. Ortiz, the sooner I'm gone, the sooner I can get this done! \\ Orelan called from the opposite side of the door.
// Sheesh, he's as bad as you Valencia. \\ Ernesto grumbled.
// Excuse me? \\ Valencia said in a low voice.
// Never mind, dear, \\ Ernesto said quickly. // I'll be back soon. Bye! \\
And with that Ernesto promptly made him scarce from the kitchen. Valencia rose with a huff.
// I'm done eating. I'm going to go feed the chickens. Just put the dishes in the sink when you're done and I'll wash them when I come back in. \\
Lucius watched as Valencia disappeared through the back door. When he glanced over at Harry, he found the younger boy doubled over, holding his sides as he shook with silent laughter.
"May I ask what is so funny?" Lucius said.
"God, you really twisted that knife in!" Harry snickered. "I swear it was poking out his back or something."
"I try," Lucius said with a satisfied smirk. "I highly doubt he will be giving us anymore trouble."
"If he does, then he's an idiot," Harry said a bit disdainfully.
"Better people have done stupider things." Lucius quipped.
Harry chuckled. "I think we'd better hurry up and eat before Valencia comes back in here. She feeds the chickens pretty quickly."
"I'm not in a rush," Lucius said, leaning in closer to Harry.
Harry went a bit red. "What do you want now?"
"A kiss." Lucius said simply.
Harry smiled and leaned in to oblige. Lucius slid his hand around Harry's head, deepening the kiss as he ran his tongue along Harry's lips. Harry gave a small moan, shifting slightly in his chair when the sound of the back door opening made them both turn to look. Valencia was standing there with a fairly surprised look on her face.
"Er…" Harry trailed off.
Valencia grinned at them. // You know, you should probably go watch the goats and sheep today. It's a lot of animals to keep track of in the hills for one person. I'll take care of things down here. \\
// Thanks, \\ Harry said with a sheepish grin. Lucius inclined his head in thanks with a slight smile.
// Oh, don't thank me. Just hurry and eat. I'll bet those goats are getting pretty hungry. And when they're hungry, they're always running off. \\
Harry paused a bit, looking around, the humid night air making his shirt stick to his skin a bit. He could have sworn they had been here already. This hill looked exactly the same. It looked like one they had passed about five minutes ago. "Lucius, do you know where you're going?"
Lucius, who had been leading, paused and looked back at Harry with an annoyed expression. "Again? How many times are you going to ask this question?"
"I swear by Merlin, we've passed this hill already!" Harry said pointing.
"No we haven't. And we're almost there, so it would be greatly appreciated if you ceased asking me that." Lucius said reaching for and grasping Harry's hand as he started walking once more.
Harry gave a sigh and fell in step beside Lucius. "I still think it's the same hill," he muttered, stomping on a clod of dirt.
Lucius simply gave him a momentary glance and continued walking. Harry shifted the bag on his shoulder with his free hand, remembering what the goal of this little excursion had been. It had taken one hastily silenced alarm, five minutes of searching for a bag to drag the towels in, and ten minutes of sneaking out of the house and roughly fifteen minutes of walking.
It was certainly needed after a day of chasing goats through the hills. The sheep, thankfully, were more than content to simply graze and not scamper around. Aside from thinking that Lucius just might have gotten them hopelessly lost, this wasn't that bad. The air was warm, there were a few clouds drifting overhead and everything was bathed in silver moonlight.
"Close your eyes." Lucius said suddenly, halting immediately.
Harry stopped, bumping into Lucius' back. "What?"
"Close your eyes." Lucius repeated, lip quirking up. "I'm not going to let you fall."
Harry gave a cross huff but closed his eyes anyways. He certainly couldn't see what the big deal was. It wasn't as if he hadn't seen a river before; he had seen the one that fed into the lake by Hogwarts. But he started taking slow hesitant steps now, even though Lucius was guiding him. He could feel the ground sloping beneath his feet, and he still distinctly remembered the last slope he and Lucius had encountered, how Lucius had fallen, scrambled up, his face red and belligerent, as if daring Harry to mock him. He couldn't stop the smile from coming to his face.
"What's funny this time? Lucius murmured.
"Remember when we first got here? And you…gracefully came down from that plateau?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Lucius said in a tone that indicated he didn't find it as funny as Harry did. "What about it?"
"I was just thinking how cute you looked."
"Cute?" Lucius sounded as if he was gagging slightly. "I do not do 'cute'."
Harry could just see the sneer on Lucius' face. "All right, how about adorable; is that better?"
Lucius gave a disgruntled snort. "No, it's not."
"Cute, adorable," Harry gave a light shrug. "Either way, you looked…good. Can I open my eyes now?"
"No, in a moment. This way," Lucius said, shifting Harry.
Harry could definitely feel a cool breeze on his face now. The ground was still sloping upwards, a bit more steeply this time, and he grasped Lucius' forearm to steady himself. When he finally felt it levelling out, Lucius had come to a stop. Harry stopped as well, taking the bag off his shoulder.
"Can I look now?" Harry asked.
"Yes." Lucius said simply.
Harry opened his eyes to find them standing on the top of a hill, looking down at a stretching ribbon of water. The surface gleamed silver, blue and black in the moonlight, nestled in between two hills. He gaped back at Lucius, who had a complacent expression on his face, and then looked back out at the scene before him. So maybe Lucius hadn't gotten them lost.
"This is the reason why you came back late that night, isn't it?" Harry asked.
Lucius gave a slight smile and started down, tugging on Harry's hand. Harry hurried down after him. After suffering the heat and muggy nights, this was definitely looked forward to. He let go of Lucius' hand once the ground levelled out and walked up to the riverbank, skirting the large rocks to look into the water. It was a light blue-green colour, the bottom lined in sand and fine pebbles. He dunked his hand in and the water swirled around it cool and inviting.
"I gather you like it?"
Harry turned to look at Lucius. "This is great! It's the perfect way to wind down after a very long day."
"I couldn't agree more."
Harry smiled as he walked over to a large rock and left the bag beside it before he took off his shirt, draping it over the rock. Kicking his shoes off, he slid out of his pants and boxers before he faced the river for a few moments before glancing back at Lucius. The blond was giving Harry a rather intent look, his grey eyes darkened. An involuntary stab of fear gripped Harry before he forcefully pushed it aside and looked away, stepping into the water.
The water was definitely a welcome relief, cool and soothing against his skin, the sand fine against his feet. It was just as Lucius had described it to be. He gave a little hum of contented relief and sank in up to his shoulder. He didn't know why he was being so silly now. This was Lucius, not Vernon. But then again, it seemed that the things Vernon did would always haunt him in some manner.
"Is there a problem?"
Harry jumped slightly hearing Lucius' voice directly behind him. "Geez, don't do that!" he remained a bit stiff as Lucius snaked an arm around his waist. "No, it's just…there's no problem."
"Don't lie Harry," Lucius replied. "You're horrible at it."
"No, I'm not," Harry said in a slightly miffed tone. "I can lie perfectly well if I want to."
"I see," Lucius gave a slight cough. "Then what's the problem?"
"It's nothing," Harry said after a few moments. "It's just…just the way you were looking at me a moment ago."
"I don't see anything wrong," Lucius murmured, sliding a hand over Harry's shoulder. "You have a beautiful body."
Harry felt his face redden a bit before he spoke in a quiet voice. "Vernon used to give me the same look before he beat me." He didn't say anything for a moment, hearing Lucius swear under his breath. "I'm still accustomed to having a belt follow that look almost immediately. I'm pretty scarred." He added on a bit bitterly as an afterthought.
Lucius made a thoroughly displeased sound in his throat. "Harry-"
"Besides, we came here to enjoy ourselves, didn't we?" he asked in a light voice; he was not going to deal with this at the moment.
"We did," Lucius said finally, brushing his lips against Harry's neck. "A…celebration," He slid his hands along Harry's waist. "Of a hedonistic sort, perhaps?"
Harry gave a light chuckle that morphed into a purr as Lucius started nipping at his skin. He moved his hips a bit against Lucius', revelling in the feel of skin gliding against skin. "I think I would have to agree with you on both points, Mr. Malfoy."
