Notes:

It's over. Thank you everyone for indulging me.


Chapter 25

"You're holding my hand in public," Malfoy said as they walked quietly for a few blocks. It was starting to be an okay day, given how embarrassed Harry had been when he'd woken up that day, and then the awkward breakfast date with Malfoy.

"Do you mind?" Harry asked, wondering if he should have released it. Maybe Malfoy's hand was getting tired.

"No. I mean, I don't-"

"Now who is confusing?" Harry asked, hoping he sounded casual and teasing and not nervous, which he most certainly was.

Malfoy scowled at him but didn't say anything for a while. "Is there a reason why we're heading back to your place?" he asked, changing the subject.

Harry shrugged. "What else do people do after a breakfast date? I've never been on one. If we were Muggles, we could go to the cinema..."

"No. I can't sit in another crowded place," Malfoy said.


Chapter 26

"So, any other suggestions?" Harry asked and Malfoy shrugged. Harry chuckled lightly and then shook his head. Malfoy either wanted to argue, or had nothing to offer. He supposed that he could have offered to go to a museum, or a park, or a marketplace, but Harry hated museums, and shopping and well, going to a park on your pseudo-first date seemed very bland. Maybe if Teddy came by one day, Harry could ask Malfoy to go to the park with them.

"Well, there isn't much else left to do," Malfoy said, pulling Harry's hand so they could stop walking.

"Really?" Harry asked, surprised. He figured if Malfoy wanted to come over, they could talk more, but then he remembered how Malfoy didn't want to pretend to like Harry, or his jokes.

"Perhaps we should try this again tomorrow. Breakfast and being sober."

"You're leaving?" Harry slightly panicked. The date couldn't be over so fast, could it?

"Pott-"

Whatever Malfoy was going to say didn't see the light of day, because then Harry kissed him; in broad daylight, in the middle of the street.

"I don't want you to go. Not just yet," Harry said, not letting go of Malfoy.


Chapter 27

Malfoy gave a huge grin and Harry's nerves settled. Then he realised..."You planned that, didn't you?"

Malfoy shrugged smugly. "You're always running away, so I figured I'd try that trick see where it leads me."

"You're too much for me, Malfoy."

"Hey, at least I'm a good kisser."

Harry supposed that much was true. "So, my place?" he asked and Malfoy raised an eyebrow. "I won't make any stupid jokes; you don't have to pretend to laugh at them. We won't have sex but there's always kissing. Unless you'd rather be somewhere else."

"No," Malfoy said quickly. "Kissing's good."


Chapter 28

Harry opened the front door to his place and allowed Malfoy to enter first. Malfoy looked around the sitting room and sat on the far end corner of a long sofa. Harry was just glad that he didn't opt for the single chair. Kissing would be kind of difficult if he'd sat on the chair made for one person. Except, he supposed that he could climb on top of Malfoy, settle himself on his lap...No Harry, now you're jumping far too ahead.

He shook his head trying to get that thought out.

"What are you waiting for?" Malfoy asked.


Chapter 29

Harry didn't need to be asked twice. Malfoy was in his house, sober, and willing. He quickly closed the distance between them, not too quickly though, he didn't want to seem desperate. He sat facing Malfoy and then removed his glasses, placing them on the coffee table.

"It feels like we've been doing this song and dance forever," he said, lacing their fingers together.

Malfoy gave him a tentative smile almost as if there was something just on the tip of his tongue and was resisting saying it. Harry leaned in, and then so did Malfoy. Everything else didn't matter.


Chapter 30

"Potter, I'm drunk."

Harry shook his head and wrapped his hand around his boyfriend's shoulder. They'd just finished another night out with Malfoy's friends, who weren't as insulting as last time, so Harry thought it was progress.

Of course, Malfoy drank too much as always. Now Harry knew it wasn't an act and that Malfoy was just a light weight.

"Come on, then," Harry said, pulling him close and waiting for the Knight Bus. "We have to get up early tomorrow."

"Take me home," Malfoy said.

Harry leaned in and kissed Malfoy's forehead. "That's the plan, love," he said, winking.

Malfoy gave a huge grin and settled into Harry's embrace.


Thank you so much!