I hope everyone is enjoying the Olympics as much as I am. Two words–Men's Skating. Hoo boy!

hidden shades- Ron may be a pain in the ass, but all he really cares about is Harry's happiness

Thanks to Enigmus and yukino76 for also reviewing!

The sun on Harry's face was arm and bright. He was reluctant to open his eyes, for fear of blinding. So he lay a while before getting out of bed.

As he became more aware of his surroundings, he realized he wasn't in his own room. The sheets were much softer than his own. The soft ticking of a clock, and even the scent in the air were foreign to him.

He must have been in Draco's bed. The cold feet resting against his own were a dead giveaway. Harry opened his eyes, shielding them immediately. It was definitely Draco's flat. He could see the star chart hanging on the wall.

Movement behind him caught his attention. Draco yawned. The sheets shifted and an arm snaked around Harry's chest.

"Morning," Draco mumbled.

Harry's body stiffened. He'd never been in a position to wake up in another man's bed. The few times he had intercourse with Ginny, he didn't linger overnight. He was always left feeling . . . wrong.

At the moment, despite the awkwardness of his inexperience, Harry felt right.

"Morning," he said nervously. "I didn't mean to stay. I hope that's all right."

Draco chuckled. "I've got you right where I want you. Why wouldn't I be okay with it?"

He spooned Harry closely, pressing his morning wood into Harry's back.

"I don't know. Is it too soon?"

"Do you have some sort of timetable I'm not aware of?" Draco asked. "I thought we were doing what came naturally." He kissed the back of Harry's neck, then threw off the sheet.

Harry was confused when Draco got out of bed. He thought for certain Draco was going to press for sex. Harry grew hard just thinking about it.

"I've got to piss," Draco said, walking to the loo. "Do you have plans? We could spend the day." He shut the door behind him leaving Harry to contemplate the offer.

Spend the day doing what? It didn't sound as though he had sex in mind. It sounded more domestic than that. This was getting serious.

Draco emerged, nude but no longer hard. "Are you planning on staying in bed all day?"

"What? Oh, sorry." Harry sat up.

"I'm only kidding. I think staying in bed all day is a brilliant idea." Draco winked.

"All day?"

Laughing, Draco asked, "What's wrong, Potter? You act like you've never had a boyfriend before."

"Boyfriend? Well, I was with Ginny for a long time. And I've dated a few men. Or rather, I've gone on dates. We'd go out, then fool around a bit. But I wouldn't have called any of them boyfriend."

"Oh."

"Have you?"

"A few," Draco confessed. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have assumed. I thought when you said . . ."

"I should probably get going," Harry said. "Ron is expecting me at ten. I need to shower and eat."

"Of course."

Draco looked like he had more to say. But Harry really did have to meet Ron. Even though they'd been engaged less than two weeks, Hermione was pushing Ron to look at wedding clothes. And Harry had promised her he wouldn't let Ron go alone.

hdhdhdhd

"What do you think of this one?" Ron asked.

"I think it looks exactly like the previous five you pointed out."

"Right, then it's not just me?" Ron yawned.

"Am I boring you or is shopping that exhausting for you?" Harry chuckled.

"We were up late again last night. I'm telling you Harry, there's something about an engagement ring that makes a woman randy. She's so excited about planning a wedding and finding a flat together. But she won't move in with me until we're married, so we're trying to make it happen this summer. Mum wants it at the Burrows, like Bill and Fleur."

"So, Hermione doesn't ever stay at your flat?"

"Sure, she does. She just won't move in with me."

"Oh. When did she start doing that?" Harry asked.

Ron shrugged. "I don't know. Why?"

"No reason."

They continued rifling through black suit after black suit, neither of them seeing anything particularly distinguishing about them.

"How long was it before she called you her boyfriend?" Harry attempted to be nonchalant.

"I don't remember," Ron answered. "But I think I called her my girlfriend after that first kiss. Why do you want to know all this?"

Harry shrugged. "I, um, took your advice."

"What advice was that?"

"I went out with Draco last night."

"Oh? Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I wasn't sure how you'd feel."

"I already told you, mate. It's about how you feel." Ron paused. "So, I take it things went well if you're talking about boyfriends and staying over."

"He sort of referred to himself as my boyfriend this morning."

Ron raised an eyebrow. "This morning?"

"Oh, yeah, I kind of accidentally stayed over his flat." Harry blushed.

Ron snickered. "You're a grown man. You don't have to be embarrassed about that. Of course, Mum doesn't see it that way. One time Hermione and I fell asleep together in the sitting room and Mum had a fit."

Harry absently pushed a few more suits along the rack.

"What did you say when he called himself your boyfriend?" Ron asked.

"Nothing. I left so I could get ready to meet you."

Ron palmed his face. "Harry."

"I didn't know what to say. We've only had one real date."

"Do you want to see other men?"

"No."

"Do you want him to see other men?"

"No," Harry said, with more conviction. "You must think I'm a fucking idiot. Even Draco, a former Death Eater, is less socially awkward than me."

Laughing, Ron said, "You're not that socially awkward. But why are you still hesitating? I thought you wanted what Hermione and I have."

"I do. But, you think I can have that with Draco? We hated each other."

"You think there weren't times Hermione hated me? You and Malfoy don't hate each other now."

"True. But he can still be a prat. Quimby's still calling me The Boy Who Lubed because of all the shit Draco sent me."

Ron burst out laughing. "You have to admit, that was a brilliant prank. No one else would have had the bollocks to do it to you. Except for me, of course. You're always saying you don't want someone who idolizes you. You've met your match there."

Harry frowned. "You're encouraging me to go out with Draco?"

"Hermione and I want you to be happy. Whatever makes you happy. Or whoever."

"Sorry about that crack," Harry said.

"So, why are you having doubts now? You've been staring a hole in him all week."

"It's moving too quickly. He wanted to spend the day together."

"Harry, why didn't you tell me? We didn't have to do this today." Ron shook his head. "Merlin, you really are pants at relationships."

Harry bit his lip, wondering if he'd already cocked up his chances for a happy ending with Draco before it even began.

"I panicked," he said. "Draco said something last night that I wasn't prepared to hear. He was falling asleep so I'm not even certain he meant it."

Ron frowned. "What did he say?"

"We were having a lovely conversation, trying to talk about things we don't know about each other."

"What did he say?" Ron was getting impatient.

"That . . . he thought he was . . . falling in love with me." Harry blushed again.

"Oh." Ron pressed his lips together. "And you thought it was a good idea to run out on 'im." He smacked the back of Harry's head. "What the fuck is the matter with you?"

Harry rubbed his head, then pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes.

"I told you I'm pants at this stuff. What should I do?"

"Leave, immediately, and go talk to him."

"What do I say?"

Rolling his eyes, Ron told him, "You ask him what he wants out of your relationship. And you tell him what you want."

"Is that what you did with Hermione?"

"Well, you know, I didn't have to. She sort of took the lead. You know girls communicate better than blokes."

Harry chuckled. "Yeah. Draco doesn't seem to have difficulty communicating though. Fuck me, he probably thinks I just didn't want to spend time with him. I've got to go."

He left Ron shaking his head and disapparated as soon as he left the shop. Walking up the stairs to Draco's flat, Harry tried to figure out what he was going to say. What was Ron's advice? Ask Draco what he wants out of the relationship. He could do that. The difficulty would be telling Draco what he wants.

He took a breath in then let it out slowly, and knocked on the door.

He knocked again.

One more time.

"Fuck."

hdhdhdhd

Harry sent no fewer than three owls to Draco's residence. Each note included Harry's address or a suggestion for a meeting place. By half-eight that evening, Harry had convinced himself that Draco was on the pull in some sordid pub. He grabbed his coat and was about to foolishly search Diagon Alley for him when he heard a knock on his door.

Finding Draco standing there, Harry stared for a moment, then practically leapt into his arms, kissing him hard.

"Where have you been?"

"You said you had plans with Weasley, so I rung up Blaise."

"You weren't out getting sloshed with some fit bloke."

The corner of Draco's mouth lifted. "Actually, Blaise is quite fit. But we weren't getting sloshed. We were–"

"I'm sorry I left," Harry interrupted. "I was afraid things were moving more quickly than I expected."

"Really? I thought we were on relatively even footing. But, I understand if you've changed your mind in the cold light of day."

"Changed my mind about what?"

They stood on either side of the threshold, both realizing they weren't sure where the other one stood figuratively.

"Why don't you come in?" Harry moved aside.

His mind raced. What did he say the night before, and what made Draco think he'd changed his mind? As uncomfortable as Harry felt about discussing his feelings, it needed to be done.

"I'll make us some tea," Harry offered.

While walking toward the kitchen, he directed Draco to the sitting room of the former House of Black. It had been renovated extensively, save for Sirius' old bedroom. Harry went through that personally and preserved as much of it as possible, whilst still neatening it up. The family tree was still on the sitting room wall, but Harry had covered it up with a new wall hanging.

Carrying a tray of tea and accompaniments into the room, Harry noticed that, unlike himself, Draco appeared at ease and confident. He placed the tray on the ottoman in front of the sofa, and sat down on the opposite end.

Harry poured out and waited for his guest to prepare his tea to his liking.

"Thank you," Draco said before sipping.

Scratching his head, Harry asked again, "What do you think I changed my mind about?"

"Me, of course."

"You?" Harry scoffed. "Maybe you missed the part where I kissed you when you showed up on my doorstep."

Draco put his tea down. "You do send mixed signals."

"I'm sorry."

"May I offer my perspective of the situation?"

Harry nodded.

"You're attracted to me, which you find disturbing, considering our past relationship. You're conflicted, but in the heat of the moment, you gave in to the part of you that wants me. You got carried away, perhaps telling me what you thought I wanted to hear. However, now that your curiosity is satisfied, you're having second thoughts."

Harry frowned. "If I was having second thoughts, I wouldn't have tried so hard to see you today. I could have easily avoided you."

"Isn't that what you tried to do this morning?"

"No. I really did have to meet Ron." Harry sighed. "I was avoiding an uncomfortable conversation, though."

Draco laughed. "You only put it off. Unless you're suddenly eager to talk about your feelings."

"No. But I realize if I want to have a . . . a boyfriend, I'm going to need to."

Harry drank down his tea now that it had cooled off a bit, and looked to Draco who was waiting patiently. Draco was right about one thing. Harry was attracted to him; his face, his body, his eyes, and his dick. But it was more than that. He was attracted to Draco's confidence, his ease, and his ability to express himself so clearly.

"I was conflicted, to be honest," Harry began. "Not about your past. Well, indirectly, I suppose. Once I had spoken to Shacklebolt, I got over thinking of you and the others as Death Eaters. I meant it when I said I don't quite think of you as the same person I knew at Hogwarts. The problem was not knowing what other people would think of me dating a former Death Eater."

"You don't have to answer to anyone else. You can date whomever you please. I think everyone would agree you've earned that right."

"I think everyone has that right. Including you."

"All right, now that we've established that, what other misgivings do you have?"

Harry looked down at his fidgeting fingers.

"My inexperience," he said quietly.

Draco raised an eyebrow.

"I don't mean physically." Harry blushed. "I've got plenty of experience fucking. I just don't know what to do afterward."

"Fuck again?" Draco suggested, making Harry laugh.

"And then?"

"What's wrong with what we did last night?"

"You mean talking?" asked Harry. "I think I could try that. I liked the part when you lay next to me and we fell asleep, as well."

"Yes," Draco said, and Harry thought he saw a slight flush across his cheeks. "Are we not going to address the elephant in the room?"

Harry's heart sped up. He was hoping they wouldn't. If there was anything he learned about Draco, though, it was that he was straightforward. In contrast, Harry played things close to the vest.

He sighed. "All right. I suppose we should."

"I could say that a man shouldn't be held accountable for what he says in his sleep. But technically speaking, neither of us was asleep. I was relaxed enough, however, to speak my mind, or rather, my heart. I just wasn't expecting you to reciprocate."

"What?" Harry blinked.

"Was that not what you meant when you said me too?"

Harry could almost feel the blood drain from his face, then suddenly fill back up. His heart, which had finally begun to calm down, beat like wings of a hummingbird.

"I said that out loud?"

Draco chuckled. "Oh, so all this time you thought your secret was safe?"

Harry nodded.

"Well, I'm finished with secrets. I'd kept enough when I was younger to last me a lifetime. And I rather like knowing there's a chance you may fall for me as hard as I'm falling for you."

Harry sucked in a breath. Even though Draco had said nearly the same thing the night before, it was a far different experience to see in Draco's eyes the emotions he was confessing.

"I want to make love to you." As soon as the words left his mouth, Harry was certain Draco would take the opportunity to tease him in some way, or point out his gracelessness.

Draco shook his head. "Now isn't the time. Spend the day with me tomorrow first."

"Why not? What if I promise not to run away again?"

"That's not what I'm worried about."

"Then why?"

Reaching out, Draco gently took Harry's hand. "I know you want me. And you're open to the possibility of loving me. But I want you to like me. I want you to want to spend time with me even if there's no shagging involved. Otherwise, this will only last long enough for a couple of spectacular fucks." He paused, and let go of Harry's hand. "If that's all this turns out to be, I'd like to know that going in."

Harry opened his mouth to protest, but Draco's finger covered it.

"Don't. I don't want you to begin a habit of patronizing me. All I ask is for your honesty. I'll give the same in return. I want you, Harry. And I'll take you pretty much any way I can get you. Whatever you're willing to give. Only you get to decide how much that is."

"That sounds a bit too much like capitulation for my liking," Harry said. "If I'm not mistaken, there are two of us with a stake in this. And the two of us should decide together where it takes us."

Draco nodded. "Are you still willing to spend tomorrow with me?"

"Of course."

"Be ready at eight for breakfast. I'll tell you the rest of the itinerary tomorrow when I pick you up."

The corners of Harry's mouth raised. He wasn't ready to admit it to Draco, but he liked when the man took charge.

"I'll be ready." Harry said. "Oh, how should I dress?"

Draco stroked his chin. "The way you're dressed now will do. If I need to, I'll transfigure our clothing."

"Where–" Harry started to ask, but he knew Draco wouldn't tell him. He was sort of excited by the prospect of Draco surprising him, anyway.

"All I'll say is that I plan on showing you who I am tomorrow, for better or worse."