AN: Okay, two in one day should make up for the shortness of the chapters…at least I hope so. So, here we go…

*.*.*.*

- September 19th -

"You know what you're doing, yeah?" Draco looked over at the tall, sandy haired man that stood in front of him. Blaise has pretty good taste, I must admit.

Cedric Diggory smiled as he straightened Draco's tie. "I've got it under control, I promise. No one will suspect a thing."

Draco took a deep breath. "I really appreciate you doing this."

Cedric laughed softly. "It's really not much of a stretch to pretend that I'm completely smitten." He smoothed down Draco's shirt and stepped back. "You are stunning, Draco. Being your date is definitely my pleasure."

Draco blushed lightly and smiled. He had been a bit wary when Blaise had told him of Cedric, who worked with Pansy at the museum downtown. He had expected a boring, antisocial geek to show up at his door, but was pleasantly surprised by the attractive man with the heart stopping smile and shining hazel eyes who had appeared instead. Cedric had easily agreed to Draco's plan of feigning a two month relationship. And Draco couldn't help but think there was some promise there. He did not, however, feel the need to tell him about Harry and their past.

"Shall we get going?" Cedric asked as he headed for the door.

Draco grabbed Hermione's gifts and started to follow.

Cedric stopped with his hand on the doorknob and turned back to Draco. "You know, I've been thinking," he said softly as he took Draco's arm. "We should probably kiss in front of people if we want them to believe that we've been dating for awhile."

Draco tried to hold back the smile that threatened to overtake his face. "You think so?"

Cedric nodded and stepped closer to Draco. He put his hands on the blond's waist. "We've spent pretty much all day together, getting to know one another and perfecting our stories, but we haven't perfected the most important part. And I don't know about you, but I don't really fancy having our first kiss in a room full of your friends."

"That could be awkward."

"So, we might as well get the first one out of the way. Don't you agree?"

"I see no flaws in your argument."

"Good." Cedric leaned in and placed a soft kiss on Draco's lips.

Draco's breath caught momentarily. He sighed softly and tilted his head to deepen the kiss. This is good. This is very, very good.

Cedric eventually pulled back and gazed down at the shorter man. "That was nice." He licked his lips and smiled. "Think there will be opportunity for more of that in the future?"

Draco smirked and led Cedric out the door. "I think we can probably work something out."

*.*.*.*

Draco pulled the car into the lot and put it in park. He glanced at the clock on the dash. 7:40 pm. Ten minutes late wasn't late enough to be rude, but he didn't want to be any later than necessary. He grabbed the gifts from Cedric's lap and jumped out, slamming the door behind him. "Come on, we're late."

Cedric caught up to him in front of the restaurant and grabbed his wrist, forcing him to stop. "Calm down," he said with a soft smile. "Don't you want to make an impression when you walk in?" He smoothed out Draco's disheveled clothes and tucked the stray blond locks behind his ears.

"I always make an impression," Draco said with raised eyebrows.

"I'm sure you do." Cedric leaned in and kissed him gently. "Now…why so nervous?"

Draco swallowed hard. He couldn't tell Cedric that he was nervous about seeing Harry. This was the first social event that both he and Harry had been invited to. It was the first time he was given advanced warning about Harry being somewhere that he would also be. I think I like being surprised better.

Cedric took Draco's hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "Relax. Tonight will be perfect, I promise." He kissed the pale hand that was gripping his, then guided him into the building.

Hermione's birthday dinner was being held in a small private room at the back of the restaurant, so they bypassed the hostess and made their own way there.

Draco hung back in the doorway for a moment in order to observe his friends – and enemies – and prepare himself for anything that may come.

Even though it was a small dinner party of only twelve people, Hermione had made little name tags and set them out at each seat. Every seat at the long table was taken, except two, which Draco knew were for him and Cedric.

Hermione and Ron sat next to each other at the middle of one side. At Hermione's left sat Harry and then Oliver. To Ron's right were a couple that Draco had never officially met, but had seen a few pictures of at Hermione and Ron's house. Luna Lovegood was next to Ron and Neville Longbottom sat at the end. Ugh… what unfortunate names.

Pansy was sitting across from Hermione and Blaise across from Ron. Next to Blaise was Seamus Finnigan, who Draco knew through his father. Seamus was the manager of one of the many high class restaurants owned by Lucius Malfoy. Next to Seamus was his girlfriend, Lavender Brown. Draco recognized her from her picture in the paper. She was the city's most popular gossip columnist.

The only free seats at the table were directly across from Harry and Oliver.

Draco sighed softly to himself as he finally looked at the two people he least wanted to see. He tried to keep the look of surprise from his face as he watched them interact, unaware of his observations.

The two dark haired men were turned slightly towards each other and Oliver was holding one of Harry's hands in both of his. Harry had a huge smile on his face as he talked low, so only Oliver could hear what he was saying. Oliver started laughing and leaned forward, pressing his face into Harry's neck. He whispered something and Harry started laughing with him, which sent a jolt of electricity up Draco's spine. The blond let go of Cedric's hand and adjusted his jacket before looking back at the seemingly loving couple.

Oliver lifted his head and his eyes were sparkling as he looked at Harry. He smiled softly as he lifted his hand and stroked Harry's cheek. "I love you," he mouthed, then leaned forward to give him a long, slow kiss.

Draco suddenly felt nauseous and quickly looked away.

"Draco!" Hermione squealed as she jumped up from her seat.

Draco's face colored and he glanced quickly at Harry, who was now sitting back in his chair, his back rigid as he stared down at his and Oliver's entwined hands.

Draco composed himself and held his arms out to the small brunette who was bounding towards him. He let out a soft grunt as she threw herself into his waiting arms. "Happy birthday," he laughed, then kissed her head.

She stepped back and smiled up at the blond before turning to his date. "You must be Cedric," she said as she extended her hand to him.

Cedric smiled as he took her hand and brought it to his mouth. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Hermione. Pansy has told me all about you."

She squeezed his hand and let go. "And aren't you two quite the lovely couple?" She winked at Draco.

Draco blushed and glanced at Harry and Oliver again.

Oliver had turned and was talking to Seamus who was crouched down beside him.

But Harry was sitting, his arms folded tightly over his chest and a deadly glare was being directed at Cedric. The brunet saw Draco looking at him and gave him a long, hard stare before finally looking away, his cheeks flushed pink.

Draco's breath caught at the obvious jealousy that was radiating from Harry and he almost regretted his plan to bring Cedric along. Almost.

"Come sit," Hermione said as she led them to the end of the table. There were quick introductions given to those that didn't know the two of them.

"Potter," Draco said with a sharp nod.

"Malfoy," Harry said with a nod of his own.

Draco finally let his eyes settle on Oliver. He fought against every instinct he had and tried to keep in mind the scene he had witnessed just moments earlier. In that one moment, he had seen a small glimpse of what Harry must see in him; not that that excused any of Oliver's past behaviors. Draco plastered a fake smile onto his face and extended his hand, eager to be the bigger man in this situation. "We never officially met. Draco Malfoy."

Oliver managed a smile of his own and stood. "Oliver Wood," he said as he took Draco's hand. "I apologize for any prior…misunderstandings."

Draco had to hold back a bitter laugh. "Forgiven," he said as the let go of each other's hands. He turned to Cedric and took his hand. "Potter…Oliver…this is Cedric Diggory."

Harry raised an eyebrow and stood, though he didn't seem happy about it. "Nice to meet you."

Cedric gave Harry a huge smile as they shook. He then shook Oliver's extended hand. "You two make a lovely couple."

Draco bit down hard on his tongue and managed to disguise his cringe as a cough.

They all sat down, Draco across from Harry and Cedric across from Oliver.

Pansy leaned into Draco and lightly kissed his cheek. "Are you alright, darling? You look pale."

Draco nodded and turned his head so his lips were close to her ear. "Why'd she sit us by them?"

She gave him a sympathetic smile. "I told her what was going on and she decided to keep you close to Harry. She's rooting for the two of you harder than anyone else, I think." She laughed softly at the look on his face and took his hand in hers. "She just wants you two to spend some time together."

"But with Oliver?" He glanced across the table just in time to see Harry kiss Oliver's cheek and lean his head on his shoulder. His stomach flip flopped and he looked back at Pansy.

"Her theory is that they are due for another breakup very soon. If you're there to pick up the pieces and the both of you manage to stay put and don't run out on the other, then maybe you can have your happily ever after."

Draco snorted. "This is not a fairy tale, Pans…and maybe I don't want to be there to pick up the pieces. Maybe I just want to see what happens with Cedric."

She gave him a look of surprise. "Really?"

He nodded, though he didn't really believe it himself. "He's a nice guy…attractive…good kisser."

Her eyebrows shot up and she gasped. "You already kissed him?"

He smiled and nodded.

"Wow…well then…good for you!"

Draco laughed and kissed her hand before turning back to face Cedric. "How are you doing?"

Cedric took his hand. "I'm fine. You?"

Draco nodded. "I'm fine as well."

Cedric smiled and leaned in to place a soft, chaste kiss on his lips. "Good to hear."

Draco couldn't help but smile back at him.

"So, how long have you two been together?" Oliver suddenly asked.

Draco looked up at Harry's boyfriend and cleared his throat. "Well, it's been about two months now." He didn't look directly at Harry, but from his peripheral vision, he could see the look of shock on his face.

Draco had chosen two months because he knew that Harry would quickly come to the conclusion that they had been dating when he had run into Hermione and Ron while out with Theo. He wanted Harry to think he had been easily replaced and by multiple men. It was a childish and ridiculously immature plan, but it was already doing wonders for his battered ego.

"How did you two meet?" Oliver leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

"I work at the museum with Pansy," Cedric told them. "She brought Draco in one day to see some of the restorative work she was doing and I was immediately smitten." He gave Draco an adoring look and kissed his cheek.

Draco saw Harry's face turn pale as he looked away.

"What about you, Draco?" Oliver asked. "Were you immediately smitten as well?"

Draco's eyes were still on Harry, who turned to look at him, waiting for his answer.

He nodded as he stared into bright green eyes. "I was," he said softly. "It was his eyes."

A small smile tugged at Harry's lips and he blushed and looked down at his hands.

Draco turned and smiled at Cedric, hoping that no one had caught on to the moment he had just shared with Harry.

Cedric squeezed his hand and gently bumped Draco's shoulder with his.

Oliver, who had clearly started drinking already if the glassiness of his eyes was any indication, leaned back in his chair and put his arm around Harry's shoulder, pulling him close.

Harry allowed himself to be pulled closer, but he couldn't stop glancing at Draco.

They ordered their food and drinks and Ron gave a toast to his fiancé. They dug into their meals and went through many bottles of wine.

By the time dessert came, Oliver was pretty tipsy, if not completely wasted, and he had dragged Cedric to the other end of the table to talk to Neville and Seamus about something that Draco had absolutely no interest in.

The blond sat back in his chair and watched his friends. Pansy and Hermione were heavily in conversation, as usual. Ron and Blaise were sitting at the table talking to Luna about her most recent art show. And Lavender had cornered Harry and was drilling him about his knowledge of old films.

Draco stood and made his way out of the private room and down a dim hallway to the bathroom. He relieved himself, washed his hands, checked his appearance in the mirror, then opened the door to leave.

Harry put his hands on Draco's chest and pushed him back into the room. He locked the door behind him and shoved Draco into the wall, attacking his lips with his own and sliding his tongue into the other's willing mouth.

Draco moaned into the kiss and wrapped his arms around the brunet, pulling him as close as possible.

"I hate when he kisses you," Harry hissed at him as he brushed his lips over pale skin.

Draco groaned and slid his hands to Harry's arse, pulling his hips tighter against him. "So, now you know how it feels."

Harry pulled back the collar of Draco's shirt and licked at his collar bone before biting down, hard.

Draco let out a soft cry as he buried his hands in Harry's thick hair and pulled him up into a deep, rough kiss. He sucked on the brunet's lower lip as he walked him backward until he was pressed against the sink. He let go and forcefully turned Harry around so his back was to his chest. He pinned him against the counter and began to kiss his neck, looking up into the mirror to watch the other man's facial expressions as he moaned and ground back against him.

"I want you," Harry mumbled. "God Draco…I need you…now."

Draco turned Harry around and started undoing the man's pants. "We have to make it fast," he said as he leaned in to press their lips together in a sloppy, desperate kiss.

Harry nodded his agreement and frantically tugged at Draco's belt, pulling it from the belt loops and tossing it on the floor. "I've been waiting for almost two months to have you inside of me again, believe me, it's going to be fast." He attached his lips to Draco's neck, though he was careful not to leave any incriminating marks above the neckline, and pushed the blond's pants down over his hips. He shoved Draco away and hurriedly pulled his own pants down. Turning back towards the sink, he leaned forward on his elbows and looked back over his shoulder. "Do it."

"I don't have any lube." Draco ran his hand over the small of Harry's back and the slight curve of his hip. "I don't want to hurt you."

"You're not going to hurt me. Just do it!"

Draco pressed himself against Harry's back and brought his hand up to the brunet's mouth, holding up three fingers. "Suck."

Harry took Draco's fingers into his mouth and began to suck and lick at them, liberally coating them with saliva.

Draco kissed the back of Harry's neck, soothing away the small whimpers and groans as he prepared him. He looked up into the mirror to see Harry's eyes were shut tight, his mouth open as he panted and pressed himself harder against Draco's fingers. "Harry…look at me."

Harry opened his eyes and held eye contact as Draco spit into his hand and coated himself before pushing into the smaller man's body. They both moaned loudly.

"Harry," Draco gasped.

Harry pushed back against him and grunted as he slapped a hand against the mirror, bracing himself. He never took his eyes from Draco's. He whimpered, then moaned again as Draco slid all the way inside him. "Oh, fuck," he cried, his shaking hands moving to clutch at the edges of the counter. He let out a long, deep moan.

Draco clamped a hand over Harry's mouth to quiet his moans as he began thrusting slowly in and out of him. So perfect. "My God, you always feel so…fucking…good," he moaned as he picked up the pace.

Harry reached up and behind him, resting a hand on the back of Draco's neck. He turned his head and kissed him hard, groaning and gasping into his mouth.

Draco pulled back, desperate for breath and began pushing faster, in and out. He looked into the mirror and into wide, green eyes and felt his orgasm coming faster than he had expected. "Shit," he gasped as he buried his face in Harry's neck.

"Harder," Harry begged him.

He returned his hand to Harry's mouth and thrust faster and harder while sliding his free hand down to grip Harry's cock. He tried to time his strokes to match his thrusts, but he was quickly losing control.

Harry suddenly stilled, then his body jerked and trembled beneath him. He cried out loudly into Draco's hand as he came. He mumbled Draco's name and leaned his head back against the blond's shoulder, turning his head and kissing his neck.

Draco squeezed his eyes shut as he felt Harry's muscles spasm and clench around him. He turned and pressed his lips against Harry's and cried out into his mouth as he came harder than he had ever come in his life. He stilled, but his grip on the smaller man didn't lessen. "Harry," he breathed softly.

Harry buried his face in Draco's neck and took a deep breath. "That was incredible," he said as he pulled Draco's arms tighter around him.

Draco kissed Harry's neck again and again, not wanting to let go. He sighed softly. "I guess we better get back." He reluctantly let go.

"I need to clean up first." Harry continued to lean on the counter for a moment before finally forcing himself to stand up straight. He made his way into a stall on shaky legs and shut the door.

Draco cleaned up quickly and straightened his clothes. He heard Harry hiss softly from the stall. "Are you alright? Was I too rough?"

Harry opened the door a moment later and smiled at his blond lover. "No, you were perfect. I just may have some trouble sitting for the next couple days." He laughed softly. "It's…it's been awhile."

Draco gave him an odd look. "Do you and Oliver not have sex?"

Harry blushed and went to the sink to wash his hands.

Draco walked up behind him and slid his arms around his waist. He rested his chin on his shoulder and smiled at his reflection. "It's okay if you don't. I've heard of gay couples that never have sex. They survive off of hand jobs and blow jobs. I know it sounds mental, but it has been known to happen."

"I don't bottom for him," Harry said softly as he looked up at him in the mirror.

Draco stepped back in shock. "You mean…never?"

"Until you…no." Harry dried his hands and turned back to face him.

"Why didn't you tell me? That first night I was…a bit rough." He tucked Harry's hair behind his ear.

Harry shrugged. "I like the way you do it."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure I didn't hurt you?"

Harry wrapped his arms around his neck. "Positive." He kissed him. It was a long, sweet kiss that almost made them both forget where they were.

They jumped apart when a knock came at the door.

"Oh, fuck," Draco said softly.

Harry looked nervous, but he went to the door and unlocked it. He opened it and sighed in relief as Ron came inside.

"Jesus…it smells like sex in here," Ron said with a frown. He followed Harry's eyes and saw Draco standing there. "Oh, hey, Malfoy." His face turned bright red as he realized what had happened only moments before his arrival.

Draco laughed and slapped Ron on the back.

"Oliver is looking for you," Ron told Harry.

"Is he angry?" Harry asked, looking slightly nervous.

"No, he just wants to tell you about the invite that Cedric gave him."

"For what?" Draco asked in dread.

Ron laughed at the look on Draco's face. "No worries, mate. It's for all of us, actually. He wants to go to some club. Says he knows people there. Oliver is all about it and surprisingly, so is 'Mione."

"Do I look alright?" Harry asked as he turned in a circle for them to examine the state of his clothing.

"Fine," Ron said with a shrug.

"Perfect," Draco said.

Harry stopped and smiled at Draco. He took a step toward him, but then stopped and looked at Ron.

"Don't stop on my account," Ron said. "I like you two together."

Harry grinned at his best friend, then leaned in to give Draco a short, but passionate kiss. He turned and hurried out of the bathroom.

"So…" Ron said with a smirk as he leaned against the sink. "You really dragged my best friend into a bathroom to have sex? At my fiancé's birthday dinner?"

Draco's face was burning with embarrassment. "I didn't drag him in here. He followed me."

"Think Cedric will be okay with it?"

"Didn't Hermione tell you that it's all fake? I just didn't want to show up alone since Harry was bringing Oliver. Cedric and I aren't really a couple."

"Could have fooled me. He's been talking about you all night. And that kiss earlier wasn't pretend, if you ask me."

Draco looked down at his hands, which were still shaking from his earlier pleasure. He frowned and shoved them in his pockets. "I thought you liked me and Harry together."

Ron smiled softly and patted Draco's shoulder. "I do…just be careful with people's feelings, Malfoy. You have way more of an affect on people than you think you do." He vanished into a stall.

Draco slowly made his way back to the private room, Ron's words playing repeatedly in his head. It reminded him so much of his owns words he had written to Harry and he found himself ashamed of his actions.

As soon as he walked in to the dining room, he felt two pairs of eyes on him, green and hazel. He ignored Harry, who was standing and talking to Oliver and looked at Cedric and smiled.

Cedric smiled and waved, then turned back to talk to Lavender and Seamus.

What the fuck are you doing, Malfoy? Harry will never let go of Oliver, but Cedric…say the word and he's yours. He felt a smile taking over his face as he took in Cedric's eyes and smile and the way he moved his hands when he talked. Gorgeous…and he won't disappear on you. He glanced over at Harry and felt that horrible sinking feeling in his stomach.

Oliver had Harry pressed against the wall and they were kissing, Harry's hands were bunched up in Oliver's shirt as he pulled him closer.

Draco felt sick. To think that only moments ago, they had needed each other so desperately. He shook his head and forced himself to forget about Harry. He went to Cedric and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "Are you ready to leave? I'm feeling a bit ill."

Cedric turned to him, concern written all over his face. "Are you alright?" He took Draco's hands.

Draco managed a weak smile and nodded. "I just don't feel well. Maybe I had too much wine."

"You do look a bit flushed," Hermione said as she reached out to touch his forehead. "Oh, Draco, you're warm." She looked at Cedric. "Why don't you take him home? We can all make plans for another day."

Cedric agreed and leaned in to kiss her cheek. "Happy birthday. And thank you so much for making room for me at the last minute."

"Anything to make Draco happy," she said softly. She smiled at the blond and hugged him tightly. "I'll kill him if he hurt you again," she whispered.

"No, no…it's fine, 'Mione. He didn't do anything wrong." He squeezed her and let go before taking a quick glance at Harry.

He and Oliver were still against the wall, but now Harry was holding him almost like they were dancing. His chin was resting on Oliver's shoulder and he gave Draco a questioning look.

Draco raised his hand in a slight wave. "Bye," he mouthed to him.

Harry's eyes grew wide and he went to pull away from Oliver, who was by now completely wasted, but Oliver refused to let go. Harry's face fell into a frown and he raised his hand to wave back.

Draco said a quick goodbye to the rest of the party, promised to call Pansy and Blaise, then he dragged Cedric quickly out of the restaurant.

*.*.*.*

"You don't have to leave," Draco told Cedric as they stood in the doorway of his flat.

Cedric smiled and stroked Draco's cheek lovingly. "Why didn't you tell me about you and Harry?"

Draco froze and averted his eyes.

Cedric laughed softly. "Come sit down. Let's talk."

Draco didn't really feel much like talking, especially not about this, but he followed him into the flat. They went into the kitchen and Draco sat down, watching as Cedric filled the tea pot and set it on the stove to heat.

"You can start wherever you would like," Cedric said kindly.

Draco stared at the wall, unable to face the other man. "I don't know where to begin."

Cedric sat down beside him and was silent for a long moment. "It's quite obvious that there is a heavy attraction between the two of you. I think it's obvious to everyone…well, except Oliver." He fell silent again, but only for a short time. "You were lovers?"

Draco nodded, but still didn't look at him.

"Do you love him?"

Draco stopped breathing. It was a question that he had never really allowed himself to dwell on, because the answer terrified him. "I might," he finally said, then took a deep, stuttering breath. "I don't know."

Cedric reached over and took Draco's trembling hand. "Where did you go today when you disappeared?"

Draco tried to pull away, but Cedric held tightly to his hand. He moved his chair closer to Draco and held his hand in both of his. He lightly stroked the blond's palm with his fingertips, trying to calm him. "Relax, Draco," he said with a smile. "I'm not going to judge you." He squeezed Draco's hand. "I can just tell that you need someone to talk to. You can tell me anything."

Draco finally looked up into Cedric's eyes and he felt his own eyes welling up. "We…he followed me to the bathroom." He shifted nervously and cleared his throat. "I didn't mean for it to happen, but… but he was suddenly kissing me and I couldn't…" He looked down at their joined hands. "Fuck…I'm sorry."

Cedric laughed softly and leaned over to pull Draco into a hug. "You have nothing to be sorry for. I knew my part tonight and granted, I may have wanted more once I met you, but you didn't owe me anything, certainly not any sort of fidelity." He pulled back and stroked Draco's cheek. "What happened that got you so upset that you had to leave?"

Draco felt a tight knot developing in his throat and he swallowed hard, trying to clear it. "Every time we're together, I start to think 'this is the time that things will work out for us'." A tear slid down his cheek and he quickly brushed it away with the back of his hand. "When we came back to the room, he immediately went to Oliver and when I looked at them…they were kissing, and…" He hung his head as his tears came faster and took a deep, shaky breath. "It's like…it's like he was trying to erase what had happened." He let out a soft sob, no longer trying to hold it back. "And I started wondering if that's why he always goes back to Oliver after we've been together." He looked up at Cedric and sniffled. "He regrets being with me."

Cedric pulled the crying blond tightly to his chest. "No…Draco, I'm sure that's not true."

"What else should I think?" he mumbled into Cedric's shoulder. "He's ashamed of being with me. He is only ever with me in private and…he…he will never love me." He pulled away and covered his face with his hands as he tried desperately to hold back from sobbing. The pain in his chest was becoming unbearable. This is so much worse than Blaise.

Draco let Cedric pull him to his feet and into his arms. Part of him hated this almost stranger for making him say out loud what he had refused to even think about for so long. But the other part of him was just thankful for the comfort.

"He'd be a fool not to love you," Cedric said as he stroked Draco's hair and back and held him even tighter. "I wasn't lying when I told Oliver that I was immediately smitten." He pulled away just enough to look down into red rimmed grey eyes. "I think you're the most beautiful man I've ever met and if Harry bloody Potter can't see that, then what good is he anyway?"

Draco gave a small smile at Cedric's outburst. "You're cute when you're angry," he laughed softly.

Cedric kissed Draco's forehead and led him over to the couch. "Sit with me." He sat down on the plush, overstuffed sofa and patted the spot next to him.

"Actually…I think I'm going to go to bed."

Cedric's face fell a bit as he stood. He forced a smile back onto his face and nodded. "Right then…I should probably get going anyway."

Draco stepped closer to him and took his face in his hands. He kissed him gently then rested his forehead against his. "Thank you," he whispered.

Cedric rested his hands lightly on Draco's waist and smiled. "For what?"

Draco pulled his face back. "For everything you've done and said today. You went along with my stupid plan even though you didn't know me." He smiled a soft, sad smile. "You made getting hurt a little less painful. I can't imagine if I had to be alone while feeling what I'm feeling."

Cedric blushed and nodded. "You're welcome."

"Will you stay here with me tonight?" Draco suddenly asked.

Cedric gave him a look of surprise. "Um…sure…but, I'm not ready-"

Draco laughed and held up a hand. "Me neither," he admitted. "I realized today that I haven't been with anyone but Harry since the first time we were together. That's the closest thing I've ever had to a long term relationship." And God…isn't that fucking depressing?

Cedric smiled. "Are you sure you want me to stay?"

Draco's face became serious again. "I would just like someone to hold me for one night without the fear that they will be gone in the morning." He blushed lightly and his eyes filled with tears again. "I am so, so tired of being lonely."

Cedric nodded and kissed his cheek. "Let's go to bed then." He led Draco to the bedroom where he held him the entire night and into the morning.

*.*.*.*

TBC…

AN: So, I'm super nervous about this chapter…be honest and let me know what you think!