Chapter Eight
Cruel Kindness...
Draco could not contain the churning rage that boiled inside of him... How dare she converse with Potter behind his back, after he explicitly told her she could not? Her trembling form within his grasp stirred something exquisite deep within him, seeing her frightened blue eyes try desperately to regain some level of calmness. He relished in her fear, wanted to see her tremble beneath him.
But he wanted more than that from her.
"Tell me, Usagi," he said abruptly, loosening his grasp upon her wrist, placing his hands instead upon her slender waist and pulling her against him almost gently. "Tell me again the rules I believed we had established."
Usagi gulped slightly, keeping the quivering in her voice to a minimum. "Y-your rules, your w-way," she murmured hesitantly. "Whatever you want.."
A hummed sigh of mock contentment sounded from Draco's pursed lips, the slight incline of his head causing her to stop speaking. "Yes, dearest Gryffindor.. I see at least that your memory has not completey dessipated along with your obedience. Truly, quite a skilled liar you are.. Here I thought you were being the perfect little subservient slave...Surely, things would have gotten undeniably better between us. I see that you wish only to ruin this, putting on this little guise of patient obeying."
Usagi didn't know what to say. It was true to a degree, wasn't it? She'd never 'willingly' obey Draco as far as she was concerned; was that what he was implying she should do? She would not put it passed him, with his total view of Slytherin dominance over all other houses. "I...I wanted to be friends," she replied weakly, not even sure what level of truth that statement itself held.
Malfoy snickered softly, hardly believing her. "Oh, really."
Usagi nodded slowly, trying hard to rationalize her words. "Yes...Please, Malfoy..M-Master Draco," she tried to reimburse lamely as a means of atonement. "I really didn't mean to slip up so badly and go against your wishes. I'll do whatever you want to make it up to you and promise to behave obediently the remainder of the time.." She knew she was clutching feebly upon withering straws, trying hard to grasp some sort of way to calm his evident anger.
Draco pressed his index finger idely to her lips, stopping the quivering pink flesh from moving. "You realize the trouble you submerge yourself in with such statements, Usagi?" he asked in a deceptively quiet tone. " 'Whatever you want'... there are many things I want, you must come to realize. Many things that you're seemingly not minding to let me have. Is this what I understand? I could do whatever I wished to you? Watever I want... Is that what you're really conceding to?" He paused, running his finger just lightly against her lower lip, seeing her eyes widen slightly as he brushed the finger back and forth. "Tell me.. Does Crabbe mean that much to you? Do you love him?"
The question surprised Usagi a little, but she hid it well, knowing any wrong word could easily set him off. Carefully, she attempted to word out her response with full honesty. "I do love him," she said softly. "I love all of my friends, and I'd do anything at all to keep any one of my friends safe."
Draco kept his face expresionless, idely tracing his finger along her jawline and containing a smirk as she shivered. "And do you thnk they would do the same for you? Such selfless devotion.. Such a rare, pure thing. Purity and innocence.. You hold far too much of both." He encircled her waist again, crushing her fully against his hard frame, causing her to take a sharp intake of breath. "Say I wanted those things from you, dearest Usagi," he all but whispered, his warm breath tingling against her face. "What if it was your innocence I wanted." Although it was a question, his tone remained flat and unwavering.
Usagi could not respond, not fully sure what the extent of that question implied.. she had a fairly good grasp, and it frightened her more than she would ever let on. "I...I...It's not right," she whispered, shaking slightly in his arms.
"No, it's not," he agreed almost gently. He pressed his lips against hers, sighing softly as she responded... a sigh of relief. He felt a good deal of his anger drain away as she allowed the kiss to deepen, letting him taste and explore, and reciprocating to the gentle ministrations. He opened his eyes which had unknowlingly drifted shut from the eased comfort, and gazed upon her features.. her eyes were shut quite tightly, fear still etched clearly upon her face. He knew... she was only responding and allowing the kiss due to these circumstances. For the fact that she vowed subservience and obedience...
He pulled away abruptly, licking his lips to savor the sweet feeling. Why... Why now did rational confusion have to cloud his feelings? Petty emotions.. getting in the way of his conquest. Usagi's eyes opened in a daze, looking at him with a curious wondering. "I'm sorry for the letter," she mumbled, not sure what his current mindset toward her was.
"No matter," he said smoothly. "Don't let it happen again."
To say Usagi was shocked would have been a severe understatement. But... why had he stopped the kiss? Was this dispapointment she felt? She regretted to admit, despite his cruelties and coldness, he was her first kiss and most regrettably perhaps...her first crush. He was right in what he had said earlier; he was everything she was not. Cruel, malicious, and in need of lessons of love that perhaps only she could provide. A light blush tinted her cheeks as she thought there was most possibly some things he could teach her adequately as well.
He raised an eyebrow upon seeing her blush, the small smile that tinged her face. Usagi raised on her tip-toes slightly, pressing her lips to his once again, wanting for sure to appease any anger he may have felt towards her. Draco was stunned for a moment, merely standing there and reveling in the feel of her lips against his. He pulled away slowly rather than reciprocating, placing his hand upon the side of her neck. "You do not know the trouble you get yourself into sometimes," he repeated in a murmur, brushing his fingers lightly against the soft skin. A tingling sensation dizzyingly tingled through Usagi as she looked into his clouded eyes, unsure as to what exactly it was she was feeling at the moment. But when she felt his lips close upon hers once more, those things didn't really matter.
She felt his hands fall idely to her waist, his fingers running over the thin material of her shirt as if contemplating its purpose upon her body. Taking a small breath of courage, she placed her hand against the nape of his neck, brushing her fingers lightly against the smooth, short blond hairs that fell. She mistook the shivers that ran through his body as further calmed comfort, hardly realizing in her innocence it was having quite a sexual, tensioned effect upon him.
Had he been uncertain of wanting or desiring her previously, these thoughts were clearly put to crystallized light. He growled softly as she pulled away from him, looking into his eyes with a shy sort of fondness. "Are...are you still mad at me?" she murmured.
A small laugh huffed from his mouth, licking his lips slightly as he gazed at her thoughtfully. "That depends," he replied calmly.
Usagi tilted her head slightly. "What does it depend on?"
Draco couldn't help a bemused expression from settling upon his face, seeing her look so worried about him of all people being mad at her. "I will let this go, this one and only time, as a warning. Should another incident of disobedience such as this occur, I promise you most fervently you'll wish dearly none of this had ever happened...moreso than you wish for that now, that is. Secondly, you've been rather compliant in your role as my slave...Rest assured, I've been rather easy on you. Bare in mind, dearest Gryffindor, we have quite a bit of time left together. I'm determined to have you kneeling at my feet at the snap of my fingers by the time our time is up," he finished in a whisper, his lips pressing to hers to seal this 'deal' of sorts.
Usagi replied vaguely to the kiss, making a silent vow to herself. 'And I'm determined to show you the meaning of love, Draco...'
"Oh Dobby is most sorry!" the little house elf wailed, tears tumbling in large, splashing droplets from his wide eyes. "Dobby should have been more careful.. Oh if only Dobby could read," he moaned pitifully.
Usagi chuckled slightly, patting the head of her 'friend' affectionately. "It's okay, Dobby.. things turned out alright, I think. Perhaps a few steps back in the wrong direction, but I hadn't really allowed myself to fully believe the possibility of him wanting to be friends..." She trailed off slightly, shaking her head. "No worries, Dobby.. things will be okay," she repeated firmly.
Dobby looked at her with his large, round eyes, his mouth trembling. "M-Miss Usagi is not mad at Dobby?" he all but croaked.
Usagi gave a loud sigh of exasperation, kneeling in front of the little elf. "Of course not!" she exclaimed. "I asked you to send the letter, the results of that are not your fault and I'm truly grateful that you'd help me in such a way.." She hugged him loosely, using a towel to wipe away his tears. "We're friends," she said gently, "and I'm never gonna get mad at you for something like that."
"Dobby's best friend," he whimpered, throwing his grubby arms around her neck tightly. Usagi smiled sadly and hugged him back, wishing with a sardonic, bitter sort of dull humor that Draco could one day feel that way..
Already, he was growing weary of this.
How could people actually want to be burdened with petty emotions such as love and guilt and kindness? They completely obstructed the perceivable view of victory, success, and conquest. Draco paced slightly in his room, trying hard to decide what his next course of action should be. So dearly, he wanted to exert the full extent of his 'power' and see what possibilities he had with Usagi. Friendship, relationship, love... such petty, meaningless things. Lust, desire, and passion... now these things were quite tangible and easy to grasp. Things were getting rather complicated, as he tried to weigh out his current feelings.
But there really wasn't much to contemplate, he rationilized with a quick bitterness. He was an almighty Slytherin, and she was a lowly Gryffindor, nothing more.. he repeated this mantra, but it had long lost its domineering effect. He desired something unexplainable from Usagi, something he wasn't quite sure if she could even give him...
What this was, he wasn't quite sure of.
It was still early afternoon. That left plenty of time for this day to not go to total waste. But the question that settled bitterly in his mind, is what should he do with his little 'slave'? So much power he had over her, due to her unyielding loyalty to...Crabbe. All of this for Crabbe. That blundering idiot who would jump off of the Hogwarts Tower if Draco commanded it of him. Or at least, that's how it had always been... That night when he made the deal with Usagi in front of the Great Hall.. Crabbe spoke against him. It is probable to say even, had Draco not acted quickly, he may have even attempted to fight him.
And why, was the most demanding question. Why would years of blind loyalty suddenly be lead astray? For Usagi... What was so special about her that made Crabbe desire her?
What was so special about her that was making Draco desire her..?
Damned if he knew, but most adamantly he was determined to find out.
Usagi had busied herself with cleaning the kitchen thuroughly, an uncessary but successfully distracting task. It had been at least a good hour since she had last seen Draco...perhaps he was truly still upset with her. Good and well, she'd rather him take out his anger towards her by not seeing her than by acting upon it...the viscious cruelty she saw in his eyes when he held her close upon finding out about the letter was a look she would not be quick to forget. It frightened her to no end, to know he was capable of such a dark malice. She truly wish Harry had obided to her wishes and not replied to the letter; things had certainly seemed to be taking a turn for the better. Currently, she was not quite sure what status she stood at with Draco.
She sighed softly as she realized she had completely cleaned every possible nook of the kitchen. It was not quite late, but there truly wasn't much to do unless Draco desired her company or gave her a task to complete.
As she was about to leave the kitchen, she felt familiar, cold fingers grasp her slender wrist. She truly had not even seen him enter the room. Turning slowly to face him, she looked uncertaintly at his emotionless expression. "Draco," she began hestiantly.
"Shh," he hushed softly, pressing a finger to his lips and closing his eyes briefly. "I have merely come to tell you tomorrow we will be having company again." Feeling her tense slightly, he smiled softly and let his eyes drift back open. He gazed at her wary features, humming slightly with contentment. "Ah, yes.. I had a rather bit of fun yesterday watching you I must attest. I think tomorrow will be most fun once again... Let everyone see my obedient little slave... We're going to play a game I think you're rather fond of."
Usagi did not like the sound of this. Still, she needed to ask. "What game?"
His smile deepened languidly. "Truth or Dare. I do believe you said something about it not being all too fun with just two people, no? Well, I let you see the enjoyable side of two people playing, so we'll do a little comparison of your statement and see which one proved more enjoyable. Sound good?"
Usagi's eyes widened slightly. Truth or Dare.. with Draco's friends... With Slytherins.. No longer would it be personal little confessions and professed truths, but in front of them... And the dares...
"Oh no," Usagi moaned, thinking of the possible dares that could be issued.
"Oh yes," Draco murmured approvingly at her reaction, placing an almost affectionate kiss upon her forehead.
"Draco, please," she began desperately. To be humiliated or scorned by him she was learning to deal with.. the prospect of having to endure it in front of the members of Slytherin that she'd have to see once again upon returning to school was an unbarable though. "Please... I'm... I'm sure there's more fun things just you and I could do," she tried hesitantly.
Draco raised his eyebrow, his eyes glittering with interest. "Oh, do tell.."
Usagi blushed slightly, averting her eyes. She hadn't really thought of any suggestions... just anything seemed better than being humiliated in front of all of his companions.
"Hmm? I'm waiting, dearest Gryffindor."
Usagi looked at him again slowly. "I...well...I don't know," she confessed softly. "Just please, don't make me go through being seen having to act like this in front of them again." She grasped his hands and brought them to her lips, an act of subservience. He watched her with a hidden fascination as she tried to keep back any tears, her lips trembling against his palm.
He let his hand slide to her warm cheek, cupping the wan flesh lightly and pulling her face to his. His lips touched lightly against hers, as gentle an act as the one she had did. He watched intently as her eyes drifted shut, her small sigh of relief tingling against his cheek. "When you wake up tomorrow," he murmured against her lips, "I'd like for you to wear a nice little skirt and look your prettiest, my dearest Gryffindor... 'lest I let my guests think I'm not taking adequate care of my slave." He applied the smallest bit of pressure before pushing her away slightly, leaving her stumbling and stunned.
"You're horrible," she whispered quietly, her eyes staying focused upon the floor.
He snickered softly, a low chuckling sound of mirthless humor. "Ahh, so the blonde Gryffindor can learn after a while. Surprised it took you this long to figure out something so simple," he admonished mockingly. "If you're good and on your best behavior tomorrow, perhaps I'll give you a little personal treat."
Usagi did not reply. She kept her eyes fixated upon the cleaned floor, breathing slowly to calm her anger and sadness. She'd make it through this... She had to, for Crabbe...
Crabbe.
Her head raised sharply, her eyes becoming slightly fearful. "Is...Crabbe...?"
Draco clapped briefly, grasping her warm, trembling hands within his own. So cold, his hands were. "Oh, you're learning quite well! I'm almost impressed. Of course Crabbe will be here tomorrow.. Why, that's half of the fun. Such a bitter irony, this entire situation, no?" Usagi started to pull her hands out of his grasp, but he moved quickly. His hands slid down to encircle her wrists, keeping her firmly in place. She struggled against him as a smirk spread across his lips, his grip tightening until she winced. "Let me go," she whispered, her head lowered, not wanting for him to see her cry.
"And where, dearest Gryffindor, would be the fun in that?" he replied coolly, drawing her struggling wrists against his chest. He felt her entire body trembling, her shoulders heaving slightly. She was crying, he knew. He felt such an empty feeling to think of this... and on the contrast, he felt such great pleasure from it. "Look at me," he said softly. When she did not comply, he jarred her wrists slightly against him. She whimpered slightly. "Look at me," he demanded.
Usagi raised her head slowly, gazing at him with the most exquisite look of anguished despair. Draco watched intently as a fresh tear trickled down her cheek, tumbling upon her lip before disappearing between the folds of flesh. Still tightly grasping her wrists, he pressed his mouth right below her eye on the trail of her tears, kissing and licking his way down the salty trail of wet skin till his lips rested against her own. He nudged her mouth open slightly, forcing the kiss to deepen slowly but gently. Usagi did not respond, trying instead to stop the flow of her tears, to stop feeling any sort of emotions at all for the moment. She squeezed her eyes shut, a few more tears escaping and sliding down to her mouth. He bit her lower lip gently, running his tongue against the soft flesh and tasting her sadness. He pulled away finally, gazing languidly upon her features. He released her wrists, raising his hand to her face to brush away the last traces of her tears with gentle strokes of his cold fingers. "It'll be alright, dearest Gryffindor," he murmured almost soothingly.
Usagi kept her eyes shut tightly, trying to ignore the little kisses he placed upon her brow, her cheek, her jawline. Such feathery soft kisses, trailing warmly down the side of her neck, a small kiss upon her earlobe. She shuddered slightly, a dizzying feeling beginning to tingle through her. "I don't understand you," she breathed out, barely audible.
His lips pressed lightly against her ear, he let his breath caress out the delicate words. "Give it time, and I'll allow you to." As if whispering a secret, he continued even softer. "I don't understand you either, Usagi," he murmured, using her name again finally. "I don't understand many things about you. But I'm eager to find them out..." He finished with one last, little kiss, pulling away from her completely. "Tomorrow," he concluded softly. "Get some rest, and be prepared."
He left the kitchen finally, and she did the same, adjourning numbly to her room. She lay slowly upon the bed, his words echoing softly in her mind. Give it time, and I'll allow you to...She drew the blanket up tightly around her, finding little warmth in its cacooning presense, still feeling the lingering of cold hands upon her skin.
She shivered as she thought of the events tomorrow might bring.. Clearing her head, she drifted off into a fitful sleep, dreaming of him and his cruel kindness..