The day had brought with it a marvelous beginning. Waking up beside Mackenzie always brought a smile to George's face, and a skip to the beat of his heart. He could spend the rest of his life opening his eyes each morning to the sight of her tranquil sleeping form, or feel her body pressed to his, her arms wraaped around his waist. And the best part of this feeling was that for the remainder of his life, he would get to do those things.

Mackenzie had opened her sleepy eyes to the sight of her husband smiling at her, his fingers tracing along the edge of her face. He looked so happy this morning. And she did not feel the need to feel anything but happiness with him. Her heart always soared when he kissed her. Today was no different as he leaned down, pressing his lips to her forehead, her nose, her eyes, her cheeks, and the side of her neck. Both were perfectly content to lay beside one another for hours, simply looking into each other's eyes.

No part of their day went untouched by their love, no part of it saw reason to think of anything but their future together. After showering, the two somehow managed to make their way out of the bedroom, only half dressed as George had wrapped a sheet to his waist, and Mackenzie had thrown one of his shirts over herself temporarily. They found the kitchen with the intention of eating, but only made it as far as the kitchen table where Mackenzie attacked her more than willing to submit husband.

After informing Fred that he would be taking a "personal day" with his wife, George remembered very last minute that although he had his day off, Fred would likely have the urge to pay the couple an extemporized visit. Unfortunately for the newlyweds, and more unfortunate for Fred, the red head had the fated misfortune of consistently catching George and Mackenzie in rather private moments of their couple often joked that they would soon traumatize their brother if they weren't careful. George locked their floo contact the night before just for the sake of anyone in the misfortunate position of a visit.

By the end of their day together, the couple had gone through every room of their house. They were exhausted. Mackenzie was able to leave to meet Draco without much argument from George. A groan and whine of complaint was heard when she left his arms and their bed to put actual clothing on. She kissed her husband and promised to return to his waiting arms immediately after dinner.

After her exit, George quickly got bored being alone at his house. It was too quiet, still too bright outside to turn on any lights, and too lonely for his liking. He turned their floo back on and after throwing on clothes he went to his shop. Explaining to Fred that he didn't want to be home alone knowing where his wife had gone, the two spent a few hours collectively running through new products, the days reciepts, and potentially new investors after closing their store. His mind wandered. Right now Malfoy and Mackenzie were probably sitting down to a quiet semi-romantic dinner somewhere. He knew perfectly well that his wife adored him, but knowing that Draco Malfoy was taking up her time was beginning to take its toll. George took solace in the fact that her time with Malfoy was short-lived at this point. Even with mounds of work in front of him, it was still much too quiet and lonely for George. He changed his mind and went home.

****************************************************

When she arrived at the doorstep of Malfoy Manor, Mackenzie was still perturbed by the fact that she had to leave the man she saw herself spending forever with for a man she was destined to hurt. She hated to see the look of hope in Draco's eyes when they were together and she faked herself through the days they spent together. She felt so guilty for knowing deep down there was no desire for her to ever feel for him.

She knocked on the large door and waited for an answer. Three minutes later, she knocked again, still waiting. Having to be here in the first place was doing nothing good for her mood, but having to wait for someone or something to answer the door was not making things better. It'd been Draco's idea for them to have could have just as easily spent her time in bed with her husband. She was prepared to turn and walk away when she heard the locks coming undone from inside of the house. She plastered her best fake smile on her face and waited for the door to open. When it did, no one was standing to greet her. But the door had opened. Cautiously, Mackenzie walked inside. The bright light from a very large and probably expensive chandelier lit the foyer around her. Large white lillies sat in vases, spaced around the same room. Mixed into the vases were also very beautiful fragrant yellow roses and what smelled like night blooming jasmine.

"Draco?" She called out, walking in further. There were two long hallways showing multiple rooms off to her right as well as nher left. She was ready to turn off down the left hallway when she heard the familiar loud poop she now recognized as "house-elves" preparing to scare the hell out of her as the practically jumped out from behind furniture. She braced herself for its appearance and was pleasantly surprised when it only appeared to her right, a few feet away.

"Ms. Mackenzie, master Malfoys waits for you out back. You follow me." The little elf stated.

Mackenzie did not argue. She was still upset that Draco himself had not met to greet her when she'd arrived. She followed the elf to the back of the manor and watched as he pushed open the doors to a large granite terrace.

Outside on the terrace, the same décor of flowersdecked out across the sides of the enclosure. Along with the sweet decoration was a small table, five candles lit on tip.

"Draco." Mackenzie called out again. She walked out to the table, taking off the white sweater she had worn. The cool air of the evening hit her as she stood, watching the sky beginning to change colors.

"You look beautiful Kenny." Draco whispered from behind her. He kissed her cheek before she could turn around to face him.

He was dressed of course in a very elegant fashion, black trousers and a dark grey dress shirt. She looked down at the dark blue skirt and light grey shirt she wore.

"Thank you." She said as the man brought agroup of yellow roses from behind his back. He handed them to her, purposely grazing her hands with his when she took them.

"An offer of friendship." Draco said.

Mackenzie smiled as he did, and god she was feeling guilty.

"Sit." The blond offered, moving to the table. He pulled out her chair, placing a hand to her shoulder as she did. The two sat quietly as Draco poured both glasses of wine.

"To friendship." He handed her a glass.

Again she smiled. "To friendship."

After another five minutes of general how was your day conversation, both were served dinner and again given their privacy.

"I was thinking, you…or rather we should stop and see Weasley tomorrow morning." Draco mentioned after a bit of silence had passed.

Mackenzie gave a wary troubled look, surprised, and still suspicious of his motives.

"Anxious to see me feel so much pain again?" She questioned him.

"Not at all." His voice softened. "I only want you to be happy."

"I'd have been happy not to be tied in marriage to someone." She mumbled.

Draco heard her comment and looked out to the wide spread of the estate. "I don't wish to fight Kenny. I was hoping to make tonight at least a small turning point in our becoming friends."

Mackenzie looked down at the table, twirling her fingers in her lap. Sure, that wasn't the sort of comment that could make her feel even more guilty, she sarcastically thought to herself. She was married to George with no intention of ever marrying Draco, but she had resolved to become his friend. It certainly couldn't hurt for the two to be friends. It at the very lease could help to soften the blow when her deepest secret from him was revealed.

"I apologize Draco. I do very much want to be your friend, and perhaps seeing George tomorrow morning is a good idea. I'll ask Harry to make sure George is willing to meet me…or us in a neutral setting tomorrow."

"Great." Draco half smiled, accepting her apology.