Chapter Four: Jealousy
Ron had lunch with them again on Tuesday and Thursday, but Wednesday, he told Harry that he needed a break from Draco. He still wasn't entirely convinced that the blonde was worthy of their friendship.
Ron and Draco began to converse and Harry felt a bit upset that he and Draco weren't able to talk the entire time. He wondered why he felt so jealous when Ron had Draco's attention. It was disconcerting and he wondered if he should tell someone about it.
Harry considered asking Draco to come hang out with him after work sometime, so that they could spend some time completely alone. He didn't ask, though, because he worried what might happen if they found themselves unaccompanied.
Sometimes, he caught Draco looking at him strangely and Harry worried that the blonde knew what he was thinking. But other times the look seemed to say something else. Ron, as always, was oblivious, which, for once, Harry was glad for.
Wednesday, when they had lunch together alone, it felt strange. Without Ron to buffer the feelings Harry had toward Draco these days, he felt very vulnerable, sitting across from the man. He swallowed and nibbled at some of his fruit.
"Are you alright?"
"What? Oh," Harry frowned, "I'm used to you talking with Ron, so I sort of forgot I was supposed to give you all my attention today."
Draco laughed, "you make me sound like a woman." He frowned, just the slightest bit, after he said that and Harry couldn't fathom why. Before he could comment on it, though, Draco straightened out his expression. "You aren't jealous that I speak with Ron, are you?" Harry couldn't be sure, but he thought Draco might be teasing him.
It was his turn to frown. "Of course not. I'm glad you two are starting to become friends."
Draco laughed again and Harry's stomach flipped. "I wouldn't say that."
Friday again. Harry and Draco met at the elevators and went to lunch again, sans Ron, who never went out to lunch on Fridays anymore, since he always had so much to finish before the weekend. "You know," Draco said as they walked into the café. "If we're not careful, this will become routine too and we'll be bored again."
"Let's hope not. Besides, there's nothing boring about you." Harry had to hide his blush, but Draco didn't seem to notice as he chuckled and went to get in line.
Lunch went on like it usually did. They talked for longer than they should and realized the time a bit too late.
As they were throwing their trash away, Harry offered, "Why don't you come back to my house tonight? We'll have some drinks together and really talk."
"We do seem to run out of time rather quickly here, don't we?" Draco smiled, really smiled, and his eyes sparkled. It was obvious he was glad for Harry's idea. "I'll let Astoria know I won't be home until late."