A/N:
NOTE THIS IS THE FULL CHAPTER
THE OTHER CH. 14 WAS JUST A COOKIE. THIS IS THE FULL VERSION.
I HAVE DELETED THE COOKIE AND THE AUTHOR'S NOTE, SO NOW THIS IS CH. 14
Now onto the chapter!
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER, NOR DO I MAKE PROFIT FROM HARRY POTTER OR AFFILIATED MATERIALS. I OWN THE PLOT, THAT'S ALL!
HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM HPDM
Chapter 14
"I just move on"
Draco
Everything went well after that incident on the streets. Harry and I went back to my appartment and we put on the white fluffy bath robes and watched re-runs of will & grace while ordering take out. Oh I know that we sound like a bunch of geeks right now, but it doesn't matter. All that mattered was that I was with him. All that mattered is that we were together.
We fell asleep by the flashing glow of the television, and the warmth of each other's bodies. At one point during the night I woke up to something sharp poking me in the back. No you pervs, that's not what it was. I was annoyed at first, but then I glanced behind me to see that Harry still had his glasses on, and he was snuggling into my back.
"Harry..." yawn. "Harry we have to get up. We're late for work...again."
"Can't we just say we're sick again?" Harry mumbled into my neck.
"That excuse won't hold forever." I reply back sharply.
I'm not really a morning person.
"Someone's in a catty mood this morning." Harry yawned and stretched out onto the bed fully, as I got up to get into the shower.
"Not just this morning...you may not have noticed, but I'm not a morning person. I just usually am nice cause you make my mornings better."
"Aww...So why aren't my charms working this morning?"
I knew I couldn't lie to Harry...but that didn't mean I had to tell him everything. "Just thinking..." I tried.
"About?"
"Well...what happens when...Nevermind."
"No come on," Harry pouted, much like a seven year old. "What were you going to say?"
"It's just...Harry...what's going to happen when we sell out? I mean, I know there's nothing wrong with you being my boss...but it just wouldn't feel right. I mean people might think I'm using and abusing my privelages as the boss' lover to get ahead in the workplace."
"Draco...how many times have you been promoted...and in how many years?"
"Well...I've been promoted about four times in the span of two years...why?"
"That shows that you don't have to use me to get ahead in your work and that you were doing fine way before I ever showed up."
"I know Harry it's just..."
"Look, if it makes you that uncomfortable, I'll transfer you somewhere else."
"Harry...it's more than that..."
Truthfully, I was still a little freaked out about that guy we saw on the street yesterday, but I wasn't about to let him know that. I'd sound so stupid and immature if I told him I was still worrying over that. Something about the way the guy said it, struck me as odd. Harry'd made some remark about christian nut-cases, but somehow things about that situation seemed odd...who was that man anyway?
"What? What is it?"
I quickly thought of something else to say. "I just don't want to give Star Shine up. I mean..for the past four years it's been my home. I just can't let you take it like that."
Harry pushes me up against the wall. "Wanna fight for it? Just so you know ahead of time, I do like it rough."
I moan as Harry bites my neck, and then licks over the marking. "You do, huh?" I ask, and then I push him so that he flips over the backboard of the bed. "How's that for rough?" I ask with a laugh and then walk into the bathroom and quickly lock the door before a very ruffled Harry charges after me.
I wish I could be 100 honest with Harry about everything, but right now, we're not at that level yet. So as I turn on the water, and make it the right temperature (a little bit more on the hot side of course) I think to myself...
'God I hope I don't lose him. I can't just move on.'
Really, there are some things I would never admit to myself but I knew that the fact I thought that exact thought, scared me to death.
Harry
Draco seemed in a right mood this morning. While we did have that random moment of hot passion, I can't help but be a little bit concerned about him. He seems to be hiding something from me and I can't quite tell what it is.
I suppose I'll have to put that behind me right now, as I'm getting ready for work. I'm wondering what it is we should do on our next date and where that should be...I've let him learn something about me the other day, and now it's his turn.
I lean on the side of the closet door and listen to the sound of running water and focus on that for a minute. Draco's worried about Star Shine being taken away from him, and even though I could tell that wasn't all that was wrong, it was something that had been bothering him. It had to be bothering him, because it could mean some very interesting changes in his life, some for the better some not. And that's when we're being honest with ourselves. Hell even I'm nervous about the whole thing. I'm supposed to be wrapping this deal up in a few weeks. That's not much time for us to get to know eachother, or to close this deal on the business.
"Ms. Norbury. This is Mr. Potter, owner of International Magazine. I am just calling to confirm that Drac- er Mr. Malfoy will be a little bit late today, as we were having an early lunch date concerning the selling of Star Shine."
"Oh well, I wasn't aware that Draco was still handling things on that front. I had thought we'd agreed to keep business meetings of this sort at Star Shine headquarters."
"Yes, I understand, but Mr. Malfoy came to me with concerns yesterday about his employment, and we were working out the finer details of his future with either your company or ours."
"I see." "Well I suppose I can excuse that, but Mr. Potter be forewarned. I do not like it when my employees get involved in suspicious situations...it's bad for business. You'll take it in the kindest way, I hope, when I ask you to please keep all business concerning Mr. Malfoy at the offices of Star Shine magazine. Good Day."
Not in my life had I ever been hung up on. But more importantly she was rather rude. I sigh in exasperation as I turn around and come face to face with a very not-so-pleased looking Draco. Oops.
"I see you're out of the shower. Was it a good one?"
"Don't fucking avoid this, What the hell was that?"
"What are you talking about, Draco." I bit out. Trying not to lose my temper.
"Oh come off it Potter, you were talking to my boss weren't you?"
"So what if I was?"
"What if you were? That's all you have to say for yourself? Harry it's one thing to assure me that I'll be alright whether I have this job with her, or another with you, but you can't go making excuses for me! What if they found out? What if they fired me?"
"Well it's not exactly a big secret."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
Uh oh...not looking happy...
"Well you're not one of the more obvious people I know, but let's just say I wouldn't put it past a blind person to know that you were gay."
"Oh fuck you Potter. FUCK YOU."
"Well I would but I would be too afraid to catch something."
Shit...SHIT...temper...I stare in horror as I look across at him. I feel the fear swell in my chest as I see his face closing me out. He's no longer letting me in.
"Draco...shit, Draco I'm sorry, you gotta understan-"
"Get out."
"What? Draco you can't -"
"Get OUT! NOW! GO, LEAVE YOU PRICK! GET THE FUCK OUT."
He's not kidding. He's got his wand out.
"I'll give you to the count of three, and if I ever see your sorry ass in here again, I'll kill you. Got it?"
"Is that really necessary?"
"Leave."
I see nothing. My vision blurs as I apparate back to my hotel. I stand there in a daze for what must be...hours...days even could've gone by and I'm sure I might not even have noticed.
I may not know much about Draco...but I know one thing is for sure.
I fucked up.
HDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHD
Draco
Just to avoid a teary cab ride to my office, which would be all I need right now, I apparate into the alley nearest my building. I cast a disillusion charm over me, and a silencing spell and I slide down the wall. I'm crying...no I'm not even crying I'm bawling. It's weird because i feel like someone should be looking at me, or that someone would hear me and come to me, except...no one does...I'm alone.
This whole thing is stupid you know? It started because I was stupid. I was worried over something small and insignificant, and it got in the way of things. I was angry and agitated, and maybe all that is true...but when Harry...when he said...what he did, I thought you could hear the sound as the knife just came crashing into my heart. Ok, maybe I am being a little overdramatic, but it hurt.
I got up after a minute more alone with myself and I stayed determined to stick today out. I am NOT the fuck up everyone thinks of me to be, I am NOT the bad person most people see me to be, and I am NOT the mindless whore that no one doubts me to be. I am Draco Malfoy, and I am a professional.
"Mr. Malfoy. Can I see you in my office please?"
"Yes Darla."
"Ms. Norbury."
"Right, sorry."
As soon as I stepped into her office her face softened, but not by much.
"Mr. Malfoy, I don't make it a habit of mine to get into my employees personal business, and for good reason. But...you seem upset today. Is everything ok?"
"Jeez," I attempted a lame smile, "I haven't even been here five minutes and you're already trying to assess my mood."
"Yes well, it's kind of hard not to, when I can see the puffy redness of your eyes."
"Yeah." I chuckled a little bit. "I'm sorry about-"
"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter called this morning, as I'm sure you may know, to tell me of your meeting. Now I may be an older gal, but that doesn't mean I've yet lost my sight. Mr. Malfoy, if I may ask...is something going on betwe--"
"No." I firmly replied...almost on instinct. I felt foolish, ashamed even.
"Mr. Malfoy--
"For fucks sake Darla, just call me Draco."
She let herself smile a little bit. "Draco, If there is something going on, please I beg of you. Either keep it slow and steady until your business and personal lives are not intertwined, or end it."
"Well. There's nothing you have to worry about Darla." I swallowed a lump of pain and regret. "I know what I'm doing. I'm a professional."
"Just keep yourself focused Draco. We need you at your best. Critics are looking at the magazine more and more, now that international magazine is looking to buy us out. If we can't keep them interested, it means that we won't keep readers interested, and that would be a major deciding factor in selling the company. You of all people, as one of my closest co-workers, should know that I've put--"
"Your blood, sweat, tears, and passion into this company. Your soul. I understand Darla. I can do this."
I get up and start to leave, and I reach the door.
"Draco."
I close my eyes and bite back tears. I just want to get to my cubicle. I take a deep breath before answering.
"Yes Darla?"
"I'm counting on you."
"Yes Darla."
I all but run to my office, and close the door and lock it...both the muggle and wizard way, and then I put a silence spell over my office and then...well you know.
HDHDHDHDHDHDHD
Harry
It's around 3 p.m. I believe. I don't really know. All I know is that I've been sitting in the exact same position since I left Draco's appartment. I've been laying down on my bed staring at the ceiling and wondering how the hell I could have said that to him. I don't know if he'll ever forgive me. And part of me doesn't even think I should try...but that would be unfair to him...to us. After all that we've been through to get here, I don't want to quit now.
I wait impatiently for my computer to boot up as it makes it's peculiar noises that it does everytime I turn it on. I go online, I connect to the internet and...my breath catches in my chest until I've signed onto aol.
DragonTail23 is online.
DesktopWorker69: Draco I
DragonTail23 is offline.
FUCK.
I throw my computer against the wall and then stare as it falls to the floor in big broken chunks. I point my wand and: reparo. If only life was that easy. I could 'reparo' my relationship with Draco.
Next...next I try the telephone.
"Star Shine Magazine, How may I be of service today?"
"Yes I'm calling for Mr. Malfoy, is he in?"
"May I ask who is Enquiring?"
"Harry Potter, Owner of International Magazine."
"Oh, I am sorry, but it appears that Mr. Malfoy is out of the office at the moment, may I take a message?"
Click.
Fuck that..he's there...he's just avoiding my calls.
"Star Shine Magazine, How may I be of service today?"
"Er...Yes. May I please be re-directed to Mr. Malfoy's Office?"
"May I ask who is Enquiring?"
"Um...I'm Mr. Malfoy's...interior designer...and I need to discuss something with him."
"I'm sorry but Mr. Malfoy asked that all his calls be held and not to be disturbed. Can I take a message?"
Click.
So maybe he's avoiding, the world.
Shit...I really really REALLY fucked up.
HDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHD
Draco
Dear Draco,
I've recently gotten into a fight with my boyfriend and we've broken up. I want to apologize, because in the fight, i said some pretty rude things, but I don't know how. Can you help me?
signed,
Sincerely Apologetic
Dear Sincerely,
First of all, you don't deserve anything more than to be crushed by a huge rock. Second of all, I hope you do get crushed by a huge rock. Whatever it was you said, I'm sure your ex didn't deserve for it to be said. In fact I'm positive your ex did nothing to provoke you. Maybe your ex had been a little worried or stressed and you just had to push some buttons didn't you? Maybe they were feeling insecure and you tottally ruined them. Did you ever stop to consider what you were saying before you said it? Did you ever consider that maybe, just maybe, the other person involved has feelings, you arrogant arsehole? I bet you didn't. I also bet you thought you could probably just say you're sorry and that everything would be ok. Well guess what? If I were you, I'd probably go to the nearest stove and intoxicate yourself until you die!
Hope I've helped,
Draco.
Dear Draco,
I'm in a relationship right now, and I don't want to be. I've met someone else and I've fallen in love. For the past two years me and my 'lover' have been together, but it's like we're the living dead. We might as well be separated but everytime I try to make a step towards breaking up, my 'lover' keeps clinging onto me even tighter. What's worse is I feel guilty about already being in love with someone else, so I just let my 'lover' keep holding onto the idea that we're still in love. What should I do?
Signed,
Guilty and Confused
Dear G&C,
Well at least I'll sleep soundly tonight knowing that there are still idiots in the world. After all, without idiots in the world, who would we laugh at? We being the smart ones of course. So let me, a smart one, help you, an idiot, out. Break up with fucker! Tell them that it's over! Tell them to get the hell out, and that you've found someone new! Hell better yet, just find a hole, and crawl into it. Because I'm sure you'd be doing both persons a favor. What the hell kind of a letter is this anyway? A blind, deaf and dumb person would even know what to do in this situation. Break it off, and make sure that's clear to your 'lover' and then hook up with the whore you've fallen in 'love' with. But if you want some more help from me, I suggest you don't come down to the offices of Star Shine because it's likely that both people involved in this sickly stupid twisted love triangle, would never, ever EVER see you again.
Well friggin Wishes,
Draco.
Knock Knock
"Draco."
"Oh hello Ms. Norbury." I say cheerfully.
She smiles. "Glad to see you are in a much better mood. What are you doing?"
"I'm just finishing up my daily quota for letters Ms. Norbury. I've been busy."
"Oh, it looks like it!" She says cheerily. "May I have a look?"
"Uh yeah sure," I say absently. I do after all, have letters to answer.
Moments of silence pass where I'm reading and thinking of my answers and just as I'm about to write another response for this month's ''Ask Draco'' column, I feel a sharp sting. Ouch. Darla has slapped me in the face with the letters.
"Are you INSANE? Draco! HONESTLY!"
"What?" I ask furiously, standing up and slamming my palms down on my desk.
She closes and locks the door.
"You PROMISED you wouldn't let your personal life interfere with your work."
"I haven't. But maybe I've taken a different view on things. You should try it Darla, it's called reality."
"Well how is this for reality? You write another fucking response like this, and your ass is fired. Understand?"
I glare in response.
"For this, I expect a copy of twelve full letters and responses on my desk by 7 tonight. That's closing Draco. That's an hour before I leave. Have the copy to me by then or your fired."
"Fine." I grit out through my teeth. "You'd better let me to it then Ms. Norbury, otherwise I can't get any work done."
"By seven then. Ta."
7 P.M.
I walk slowly towards Darla's office. It's 6:58, about to be 6:59, and I'm headed that way. Except apart of me wants to see what would happen if I didn't turn in this copy of my column. I could start fresh...I could move to France, or Even Alaska...somewhere...else. A new place, a clean slate, a new boss, better friends, and most importantly no Harry.
The more I think about it...the more I like the idea. I start making my way away from the office and head towards the elevator, about to toss my copy into a nearby co-workers trash bin. But, just as I'm about to release my hold...I hear a voice in my head.
You're a fool Draco. A coward. You never were able to face anything up. To finish what you started. You're nothing but a child. A small helpless, stupid, immature child. Who's grown up in body wise, but has not in intelligence. You use your body like a whore, and you use your brains for nothing, until you haven't got any. You're worthless, you--
"FUCK OFF" I yell into the quiet nothing that the ''after hours'' is of business.
The voice has stopped, but it's echo never does. I turn abruptly on my heel, and with each step back to Darla's, the voice slowly fades in volume and intensity until it is nothing to me.
"Ms. Norbury...I have the copy for my column."
She looks up briefly, from the editing she's already doing. She peers at me in a quiet moment of consideration over the tops of her half-spectacles. She looks back down and finds her place on the paper again and begins to mark. "Thank you, you may go."
I lay the paper down in front of her and wait.
"Was there something else, Mr. Malfoy?"
"I just...wanted to say that I'm sorry for my earlier behavior. It was irrational, and stupid of me. I want to also take this opportunity to thank you for keeping me in check."
She looks at me for another moment, and then allows a small smile to grace her lips. "I'm pleased to be of service."
HDHDHD
Harry
Fuck it's freezing. I'm outside of Draco's appartment complex right now, and because I couldn't wait long enough for a cab to come along, I had decided to apparate. Except the first time I tried, I found he'd warded his appartment. Whether to block dangerous characters, or just me, I don't know but I am glad that he's done it. I've waited in the flipping cold and nipping winds for about an hour, and there's no way I'm going to miss Draco coming home.
He is usually home from work by now. And I would know if he was home, because I'd at least see the lights go on or something. It's flippin 8 o clock, and he's not here.
After a few more seconds of jumping up and down to warm myself up, I decide to knock on his door. I walk up the stairs to his second story flat, and then wait outside. Just as I raise my fist to knock loudly, I hear noises. Someone is crying, and...someone is yelling. Oh fuck. Draco!
I get out my wand. "Alohamora!"
Nothing.
"BOMBARDA" I yell and the door is falling to the floor in pieces.
I stare in shock at the scene before me.
A/N:
HA, I'm back, and with a vengence people! Ok, so I'm an utter bitch for updating after telling you I wasn't going to, and then leaving you with a chapter like this.
But, the good news is, I've been re-inspired to get this biotch of a story back in to gear. Mind you this is only the draft, and later, (when there's time between my other fics) I'll have to re-edit, and re-post it. So yeah.
But I'm hoping you've enjoyed this. You my faithful readers, deserve it.
-Dark-
