AN: Happy Saturday, everyone! Thanks for sticking with me and the ridiculous situations I tend to put these boys in. Hope you're all still enjoying it.

And now…on with the drama.

*.*.*.*

Chapter Ten

- June 2nd -

"Don't be ridiculous!" Draco shouted as he stormed out of the bedroom, pulling a pale blue shirt over his head and messing up his hair in the process. It really said something about his mood that he didn't even bother to fix it.

"Think about it, Dray," Cedric said calmly as he followed his boyfriend into the living room. "Ron and Hermione will be in Australia for another two weeks, Pansy and Blaise have family staying with them, Luna and Neville live in a one bedroom flat and Seamus and Lavender share a house with another couple. No one has any idea where his Godfather is or how to track down any of his family. We are the only option that makes sense."

"He's not living here!" Draco was sure that he was on the verge of passing out, his blood pressure was so high. I can't believe he wants him here! Is he doing this to punish me?

"What is the matter with you?" Cedric folded his arms over his chest and stared at the blond in confusion. "Isn't this argument a bit backwards? Shouldn't you be the one fighting to have him here instead of me?"

Draco shot him a dirty look. "Oh, I see…I was wondering how long it would be before you started throwing that in my face. You think I'm so eager to have my 'lover' here under my own roof. Easy access and all."

Cedric sighed in frustration and scratched his head. "I didn't say that, did I?" He cautiously approached the irate blond and took his arm, forcing him to turn around. "Why are you acting like this?"

"Why are you acting like this?" he snapped.

Cedric couldn't help but roll his eyes.

Draco's jaw dropped. "Don't you dare roll your eyes at me!"

"Then stop acting like a petulant child. I'm actually waiting for you to stomp your foot and threaten to tell your father on me."

Grey eyes narrowed into angry slits as Draco tried to shake off the hand that was holding his wrist. "This is my flat, Cedric, and if I say I don't want him here, then he's not staying."

"This is our flat and I think you should reconsider."

"No!"

"You're being a bastard, you know that?"

Draco shoved Cedric away and grabbed his keys. "I'm going to see him, but I'm not extending your invitation."

Cedric sighed and flopped back onto the couch. "He has nowhere to go, Dray. And I really think he needs to be with friends after what happened."

"Friends? We aren't his 'friends', Cedric."

"You are, in an untraditional sort of way." Cedric leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and sighed heavily. "Look…I don't like the idea of him being here everyday, but it's only for a few weeks. Until he can get around by himself. We can't just abandon him, Draco. We're both better than that."

Draco stood with his hand on the doorknob, his shoulders slumping forward as the urge to fight finally left him. "You don't worry about me being around him everyday? You don't worry about leaving us alone together while you're at work?"

"Do you?"

Draco sighed and turned to face him. "Yes."

Cedric stood and slowly walked over to him. "Is that why you haven't been to see him?"

Draco gave a jerky nod. "I'm afraid that he'll try to tear us apart." He swallowed heavily. "I'm even more afraid that I'll let him."

Cedric attempted a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Well…we'll just have to cross that bridge when it comes."

Draco looked up at him. "No. And that's my final answer. I'll pay for him to stay somewhere else, but he's not stepping foot in our flat." He grabbed his keys and stormed out the door, slamming it shut behind him.

*.*.*.*

Draco stood in the doorway, unobserved, watching his best friend and his ex-lover as they spoke softly to each other. He smiled when he heard a soft snort from Harry, then his smile grew wider when he heard another snort, this time from Pansy.

"If you ever tell anyone that I made that sound," she laughed.

Harry lay back on his pillow, winded from laughter, but the smile never left his face. "I won't," he promised.

"I, on the other hand, can and will make no such promises," Draco said as he walked in.

Harry's smile faltered as he looked up at the blond. "Malfoy," he said softly, then turned back to Pansy.

Draco flinched. Wow…that was surprisingly painful. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine, thanks."

"I'm going to go get some coffee." Pansy stood and was out the door before Harry had a chance to protest.

"What do you want?" Harry asked.

Draco's brow furrowed. What the hell? He shook off his confusion and forced a smiled onto his face. He was pleased to see that Harry's left eye had healed enough that he could open it again. "Your face looks better."

"Still hurts like a bitch though." Harry picked up the television remote and flipped it on. "Thanks for stopping by."

"Harry…what's wrong?" Draco sat down in the chair next to the bed and tried to take his hand, but Harry pulled away.

"You know…I've been here for four days and I've seen Cedric more than I've seen you," Harry finally said.

Draco let his head fall and he sighed. "I know. I'm sorry."

Harry forced a laugh. "Whatever." He turned the television off and started adjusting the blankets that covered his legs. "If you don't mind, I should sleep."

"Harry…I…" Draco couldn't find the words he wanted to say, so he fell silent.

Harry stared at him for a moment, waiting for him to finish. "Where the hell have you been, Draco?" he finally said when the silence continued. His voice was small and filled with pain.

Draco shrugged and picked at a loose thread on his pants.

"Cedric kept trying to reassure me. He told me you were busy…that you had work to do. He kept promising you'd show up and you didn't." He laughed a soft, bitter laugh. "I never thought I'd see the day that your boyfriend would be reassuring me about you."

"I was…thinking."

"About what? You told me you would be here when I got out of surgery. Why would you lie?"

Draco's head snapped up. "What…I was here when you got out of surgery. You and I talked." His heart leapt into his throat when he realized the truth. "You don't remember." You don't remember telling me that you love me.

Harry gave him a disbelieving look. "Clearly not."

Draco looked away. "I told you I would be here. I gave you my word."

"I must have been pretty drugged up to not remember."

"So, why didn't you just ask Cedric or Blaise or Pansy if I had been here instead of just assuming that I don't keep my promises?"

"I'm…I'm sorry. I'm not really comfortable talking to them about you…especially Cedric." He blushed lightly and looked down at his hands. "I just didn't want them to know how much it bothered me that you didn't care enough to come see me."

Draco huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. "You think I don't care?" he yelled.

Harry flinched and looked away.

Draco's breath caught when he saw a brief flash of fear in the other man's eyes. "Jesus…I'm sorry, Harry. I didn't mean to yell at you."

Harry nodded, but wouldn't look at him. He just swallowed heavily and stared at the wall, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Draco sighed again and rubbed his hands over his face. He looked back to see the smaller man had turned his face away from him and his whole body was shaking with silent sobs.

"Hey," Draco said softly as he moved over to the bed and touched Harry's arm.

Harry flinched violently and let out a short, anguished cry.

Cursing quietly under his breath, Draco kicked off his shoes and slid the blankets back. He climbed into bed with him and gently brought him against his chest, pulling the blanket up around him and holding him so tightly that he was surprised he didn't do more damage. He pressed his cheek to the top of Harry's head and rocked him.

"What…am I…going…to do?" Harry finally choked out between sobs.

"Shh…just breathe, love, you have to breathe."

"I have nothing," he continued, ignoring Draco's pleas for him to calm down. "How do I…I can't pay and…and I don't have a job or a car or a house…" He turned and pressed his face into Draco's neck. "What am I supposed to do? I'm alone again…and…he doesn't love me." He squeezed his eyes shut tightly and let out another choked sob. "For fucking years I believed him…I believed that he loved me. But he doesn't. He hates me…he told me he hates me…and he wishes I were dead. He's never gotten so mad before…I was so…scared…"

Draco rubbed his hands up Harry's back and arms, desperate to stop the violent trembling that felt like it was shaking the entire bed. "Breathe, Harry…for me baby, please…just breathe." Draco could feel his own tears threatening to fall, but he ignored them.

Reluctantly, Harry let Draco help him sit up and forced a deep, stuttering breath.

Draco grabbed a tissue from the night stand and dried Harry's face of tears. "Good…again."

Harry took another deep breath and coughed as he exhaled, his tears still falling.

Draco rubbed his back and brought his hand to rest on the back of Harry's neck; his fingertips gently stroking his burning skin.

Harry shut his eyes tight and took another unsteady breath, but it came easier this time.

"You're not alone," Draco whispered as he leaned forward and gently kissed his temple. "I will never leave you all alone. Not when you need me."

"I do," Harry said, his eyes still closed, but his breathing was steadier. "I need you, Draco."

Draco wrapped his arms around him, careful to avoid his casted arm, and guided him back until they were lying against the pillows. "Now, you just concentrate on breathing and listen to me."

Harry nodded.

"I know you're stubborn and don't like to ask for help, but you're going to swallow your pride and let me help you, right?"

Harry hesitated briefly then nodded.

"Good." Draco kissed his head. "You're going to be discharged in a couple hours and you're going to come stay with me and Cedric. I work nights and he works days, so between our schedules, there will always be someone there in case you need us."

Harry was silent for a moment before he nodded. "Thank you," he whispered.

"I already asked the nurse to forward your bills to me. I will pay them in full so you won't have to worry about that."

Harry sat up and turned to him, eyes wide. "Oh no, Draco…I don't think you realize how expensive they'll be. I can't let you do that."

"I know how much it is." Draco gently stroked Harry's cheek. "I have the money, Harry…what else am I going to spend it on?"

"It's too much," he protested.

"Just…let me, alright? I want to do this for you."

Harry gazed into Draco's eyes and seemed to find something there that eased his mind. He nodded and leaned back into the blond's arms. "What would I do without you?" he mumbled softly.

Draco smiled and rested his chin on the top of Harry's head. "Just rest."

Harry closed his tired eyes and was asleep in an instant.

Draco was right behind him.

*.*.*.*

"Dray? Dray, wake up."

Draco groaned softly and pressed his face into a mop of soft hair, shielding his sleep sensitive eyes from the harsh glare of florescent lights.

"Come on, Dray…we have to get Harry ready to go."

Draco sighed. "I'm so warm."

"Draco, wake up!"

His eyes popped open and he turned his head to look up into the smirking face of Blaise Zabini.

"Do you really want your boyfriend walking in on you like this?" Pansy asked from beside her husband.

Draco realized that he had at some point turned onto his side and his body was pressed tightly up against Harry, who was lying flat on his back. Harry's left arm was still in its sling and held firmly against his chest, but his good arm had somehow slid underneath Draco and his hand was under the blond's shirt, his fingers resting gently on the small of his back.

"Cedric is on his way," Blaise told him. "You should probably get up."

Draco shifted slightly.

"No," Harry groaned, sliding his hand to Draco's waist and holding him tighter. "Hm…you're so soft."

"I am not soft," he argued, his cheeks flushing a dark pink.

Pansy laughed and turned away when Draco glared at her.

"Harry…let go of me. It's time to wake up."

"I'm tired," the dark hair man whined.

Draco kissed his head. "I know you are, love, but we have to get you home and then you can sleep all day if you want to."

Harry opened his eyes and sighed as he let go of the blond. "You're like the perfect pillow," he said as he sat up.

Pansy snickered again, but this time she knew better than to look at her friend.

Draco's face felt like it was on fire. He was already embarrassed that his friends had caught them curled up in bed together, and Harry's waking comments were doing nothing to help. "Yes, I'm sure Cedric would agree with you."

Harry gave him a funny look. "What's wrong?"

Draco waved him off, but wouldn't look at him. "Nothing. I'm going to get your stuff together." He disappeared into the bathroom and started collecting Harry's things. Whose stupid idea was this anyway? Having him in our home…we might as well break up now. He took Harry's things into the main room and put them in the duffle bag that was lying open on a chair.

Cedric walked in with Harry's nurse, who was giving him a rundown of his antibiotics and painkillers. Once satisfied that Cedric understood her instructions, she sat down on the bed beside Harry to go over his discharge papers.

"I knew you'd give in," Cedric said with a slight smile. He tossed Harry's medication into the bag, then threw an arm around Draco's shoulders and kissed his cheek.

"Yeah, yeah…you know everything," Draco said, still blushing, even though he was no longer sure why he was blushing. He shrugged Cedric off and continued packing Harry's bag.

"I stopped by my parent's house. My grandmother's wheelchair was in the attic, so they let me borrow it and I brought it over to the flat to help him get around."

Draco gave him a surprised look. "You were that confident I would change my mind?"

Cedric just smiled and shrugged.

"Well, Mr. Potter," the nurse said with a smile as she stood. "You are free to go home now." She looked over at Pansy, Blaise, Cedric and Draco. "You four take good care of him." She gave Harry another soft smile and touched his hand before leaving the room.

Cedric flung Harry's bag over his shoulder. "Help him downstairs and I'll go get the car."

Blaise ducked out into the hallway and grabbed a wheelchair. He helped Harry get settled into it, then moved aside so Draco could take over.

"Grab his crutches," Draco said over his shoulder as he pushed Harry out the door.

"I won't be able to use them anyway," Harry said as he motioned to the sling that held his arm in place against his chest. He looked up at Draco. "How am I supposed to get around your flat?"

"Cedric brought his grandmothers old wheelchair over. The floors are all hardwood and we'll pull up all the rugs and move some furniture around to make it a bit easier. The entire place is pretty open and uncluttered already, so you should be fine." Draco kept his eyes straight ahead while he spoke.

"Thank you again," Harry said as he turned back around.

Blaise put Harry's crutches in the backseat then he and Pansy said their goodbyes to the very odd trio that were piling into Cedric's car and promised to visit them later that week.

Draco waved to his friends, then helped Harry into the passenger seat and climbed in back behind him. The three men were quiet as they headed home, the only sounds being Harry's deep breathing while he slept, his head pressed against the window pane.

"Think he's going to be alright?" Cedric asked after a long silence.

"The doctors say he will be," Draco said softly, his eyes never leaving the back of Harry's head.

"No, I don't mean physically."

Draco's eyes moved to the window, watching how Harry's breaths left little foggy patches on the glass. His black wire framed glasses were crooked and digging into his nose and his mouth hung slightly open. He looks like a kid like that.

"I can't imagine you so much as slapping me," Cedric continued. He glanced over at Harry with a small, sad smile. "What goes through your head in a situation like that? I mean, yeah, the physical pain of it has to be brutal, but emotionally…" He shook his head and turned his attention back to the road.

Draco swallowed heavily and finally pulled his eyes away from Harry. "He has nightmares." He could remember a few times before, when they had stayed together at night, when Harry had stirred restlessly and cried out in his sleep. If it had been bad before, he couldn't imagine what was to come.

"I'm sure he does. How could he not?"

Draco turned to look out the window.

As if he had heard them, Harry let out a soft whimper in his sleep, his breaths coming faster.

Before Cedric could react, Draco's hand shot out and was stroking the back of Harry's neck.

"Should I pull over?" Cedric asked, looking at Harry in concern.

"No. He'll be okay." Draco leaned forward so his face was resting between the headrest and window and his lips were pressed to Harry's hair. "Harry…you're okay. Wake up now. It's just me…it's Draco." He kissed his head softly.

Harry jerked and let out a deep groan as his face contorted in pain.

Cedric reached over and gently held down Harry's bad arm. "I think he hurt himself. I'm pulling over."

"Harry," Draco said, a little more forcefully. "Wake up."

"No!" Harry sat up, smacking the back of his head against Draco's face.

"Oh, fucking Christ!" Draco hissed as he grabbed his bleeding nose and fell back against his seat.

Cedric continued to hold Harry back as he finally managed to pull over into a parking lot.

Harry tried to push Cedric's hand away. "Stop it," he pleaded softly.

"Calm down and I'll let go of you."

Harry frowned and pushed harder against Cedric's hand. "Don't."

"Will you please just relax?" Cedric took his seatbelt off and leaned over Harry to grab some napkins from the glove box. "Here you go, love."

Draco took the napkins from Cedric and pressed them to his face. He tilted his head back and pinched his nose.

Harry turned to look back at him and his eyes grew wide in alarm. "What happened?"

"You head butted me." Huh…never thought those words would come out of my mouth.

His eyes grew wider. "Oh God…Draco…"

"It's alright," Cedric insisted, patting Harry's knee a bit awkwardly. "He just got a little too close while you were having a nightmare."

Harry blushed heavily and looked away. "I'm sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry for," Draco insisted. His nose stopped bleeding, so he sat forward and tried to smile, even though his face was pretty sore. He knew he'd have a bruise, but there was no way he was going to let Harry know that he was in pain.

Harry attempted a smile, but quickly gave up and turned around in his seat.

Cedric looked at Draco who gave him a silent signal to continue their way home.

Harry rested his head against the glass and stared blankly out the window in silence.

*.*.*.*

"Are you comfortable?" Draco asked as he sat down on the edge of the bed.

Harry nodded and smiled. His eyes were red and puffy and were starting to close, but he suddenly jerked and struggled to sit up.

Draco helped him, frowning at him all the while. "I don't understand why you're fighting it," he said as he tucked a fluffy pillow under his fractured ankle and readjusted the blankets. "You look exhausted."

"I'm fine," Harry insisted, though he refused to make eye contact. He looked around the room instead. "You have a really nice place." The room he was staying in was decorated in soft colors. The linens were white and pale blue with curtains on the window to match. There was an old roll top desk by the window and a chair in the corner by the bookshelves, which lined an entire wall. This room had always made Draco feel peaceful and he was hoping it would have the same effect on Harry. "I like it here," Harry said in approval.

"Thank you." Draco tried to look him in the eye, but quickly realized that it was useless. "You need to sleep, Harry. You're not going to heal if you don't rest."

Harry nodded and swallowed.

Draco reached out and took Harry's hand. "If you don't talk to us, how will we be able to help you?"

"You can't help," Harry said softly, though there was a faint trace of anger there. He took a deep breath and finally looked at his companion. "I'm afraid to fall asleep."

"I'll stay here with you until you do."

Harry smiled a sad smile. "And then you'll go sleep in Cedric's arms, safe and warm and loved…" He gently pulled his hand from Draco's and stared out the window.

"Harry…"

"It's fine." Harry tried to force a smile onto his bruised and swollen face. "You deserve to be loved and Cedric's a good man. A better man than me, for sure. I'm glad you have someone like him."

Draco nodded. "You deserve to be loved too."

Harry swallowed thickly and blinked his eyes a few times. "I should go to sleep now."

Draco moved over to the chair and settled in. "I'll be right here," he said with a reassuring smile.

Harry turned his back to the blond and lay down, pressing his face into soft pillows that smelled like Draco. He inhaled deeply, then sighed as his eyes finally fell shut.

Draco leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. This is going to be a long couple of weeks.

"He's asleep?" Cedric whispered. He walked up behind his boyfriend and gently rubbed his shoulders.

Draco shrugged. "I think so."

"I ran you a bath." Cedric leaned over and gently brushed his lips over Draco's neck. "And I opened a bottle of that wine you like." He kissed his lovers jaw. "Why don't you go get in and I'll bring you a glass. You can relax in there while I make us some dinner."

Draco turned his head and captured Cedric's lips in a gentle kiss. "Have I said today how much I love you?"

Cedric grinned at him. "Nope…that's the first I've heard of it."

Draco smiled as he stood and quickly kissed him. Then he turned back to Harry and adjusted his blankets, tucking him in tight. "Good night," he whispered then he kissed his head before leading Cedric from the room and shutting the door behind him.

*.*.*.*

- June 3rd -

Draco stretched his arms over his head and moaned as the muscles and bones in his back popped and cracked. He smiled to himself as he rolled over toward Cedric, only to find empty space. He glanced at the clock which read 10:07 am. Cedric was long gone for work.

He dragged himself out of bed and grabbed a pair of pajama bottoms from the floor, pulling them up over his hips as he stumbled to the bathroom that attached to their bedroom. He yawned and scratched at his hair which was sticking up in all directions and frowned at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.

"I think it's cute."

Draco turned to see Harry sitting in his wheelchair, giggling softly. "Look who's talking," he said as he motioned to the brunet's untamable hair. He grabbed his toothbrush and began brushing his teeth. He rinsed, flossed and gargled then turned to see Harry still watching him from the bathroom door. "What?"

Harry just smiled and shrugged.

Draco rolled his eyes at him and grabbed his brush.

"No, please leave it like that," Harry begged as he very slowly and awkwardly pulled himself forward with his right foot.

Draco snorted. "No way. I'm not letting anyone see me like this."

"But I'm the only one here and I've already seen it." Harry stuck out his lower lip. "Please, Draco?"

Draco rolled his eyes again. "Fine." He threw the brush down on the counter and stared down at Harry. "What are you so happy about anyway?"

Harry shrugged for the second time that morning. "Cedric gave me my pain killers about an hour ago, so that might have something to do with it. I've just been wandering around my room mostly. And I found this in the desk." He held up a neatly folded, but obviously worn piece of paper.

Draco's eyes grew wide. "That's mine."

"Well…technically, since I wrote it…"

Draco tried to grab it from him.

"Ah, ah, ah," Harry protested, tucking the letter into his shirt. "What are you willing to do for it?"

Draco glared down at him, his heart pounding. "Fine. It's just a stupid letter anyway." He pushed passed Harry and stormed down the hall to the kitchen.

By the time Harry had caught up to him, Draco was sitting at the table with the kettle well on its way to boiling while he sat at the kitchen table and waited.

Harry was breathing heavily as he finally managed to pull himself through the door.

Draco looked over at him and his face softened when he noticed the sweat on his forehead and the paleness of his face. God I'm a git. "You're going to hurt yourself." He stood and wheeled Harry to the table.

"Thanks," Harry said softly.

Draco prepared two cups of tea and brought them to the table. He set Harry's down in front of him, then froze when he saw his letter sitting on his placemat. He sat down and ran his fingers over the piece of paper he knew like the back of his hand. "Thanks for giving it back."

"I didn't know it meant that much to you." Harry had the good sense to look ashamed.

Draco blushed and shrugged. "No one's ever written me anything like this before." He looked up at Harry and smiled. "You were the first person to ever tell me that I'm beautiful."

Harry's brow furrowed. "I find that very hard to believe."

Draco laughed softly and shook his head. "It's true. I've never really been seen as boyfriend material before so kind words were few and far between back then. Or any words at all for that matter."

"That's ridiculous." Harry rolled his chair closer and took Draco's hand. "You really don't know how amazing you are, do you?"

Draco forced a laugh to cover his unease.

"No…really, Draco." Harry reached out and tucked a few unruly strands of hair behind the blond's ear. "You truly are the most beautiful man I have ever met in my entire life." He brushed his fingers over Draco's cheek, chin and lips. "Inside and out."

Draco blushed and ducked his head.

Harry frowned as he took the blond's chin in his hand and forced him to look up again. "I would think that with Cedric, you would believe these things. Doesn't he tell you how incredible you are?"

"Well, yes, but…I don't know." He shrugged. "Maybe I'm just used to his compliments."

"Or maybe he's just not saying it right."

Draco frowned. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Harry laughed. "I didn't mean anything bad," he said. "I just…maybe he can't put it into words. I know I always had trouble with it." He gave Draco a sad smile. "He loves you so much."

Draco squeezed his hand. "And I love him."

Harry just stared into his eyes for a long moment before nodding and letting go of his hand. "Yes…I certainly mucked that up for myself, didn't I?"

Draco's heart began to race and he cleared his throat heavily. "Well…things usually turn out the way they should."

Harry gave a bitter laugh and made a vague hand movement, motioning to his broken body. "Really?"

"That isn't what I meant." He took the brunet's hand in his. "No one deserves what that bastard did to you."

Harry nodded and looked down at their joined hands.

"Why did he do it? What set him off?"

Harry seemed surprised at the question. He pursed his lips together and pulled his hands free from Draco's grip, then took a long sip of his tea. "Well…he came home really drunk and…he wanted me to tell him that I loved him. I refused to say it, so he beat the hell out of me."

Draco sat next to him in astonishment. "Why…why didn't you just tell him what he wanted to hear?"

Harry wiped his tearing eyes. "'I love you' isn't something I'm willing to say if I don't mean it. And I didn't love him…I don't love him…so I refused."

Draco stopped breathing, his heart clenching painfully in his chest. "So…you've never said it to anyone?"

"Just my Godfather, Ron and Hermione."

And me.

Draco sat back in his chair and looked Harry over. From what Draco had learned of him, Harry had never been the most confident person in the world, and what little confidence he had had seemed to be long gone now. His shoulders were hunched forward and his back curved as he slouched in his seat. His eyes didn't shine like they had that first night they had spent together and he seemed to have a problem with holding eye contact. Draco's chest hurt as he looked at his broken ex-lover. He wanted to fix him.

Harry quickly wiped his eyes and looked up, forcing a smile. "I'm tired of crying all the time. I'm tired of being afraid."

Draco took Harry's hand in both of his and softly ran his fingertips over the lines of his palm.

"You know…he didn't hit me for months. He had stopped drinking and was seeing a therapist and he was kind and attentive and fun. Things were really, really good between us."

"What changed?"

Harry shrugged. "We came home from Germany. I don't know if it's his friends here or the culture or his family…I don't know. The day after we got back, he started drinking again. Then the day after that… well…" He motioned to himself. "It was like those three months of peace built up until one day he just…exploded. It had never been like that. It was never that bad."

Draco squeezed his hand, silently encouraging him to continue.

"I had never really thought that he would kill me before. But that night, I really believed that I was going to die. And all I could think about was you…and how your letter was right to tell me to stay away from him and how I would never get to see you smile again and that you…you would never do that to me."

"Hey," Draco moved his chair closer and took the nearly crying boy into his arms.

Harry wrapped his one good arm around Draco and held tightly. "I thought…fuck, Draco…I thought I'd never get the chance to see you again," he cried.

Draco kissed his head and squeezed his eyes shut, trying not to think about what would have happened if Harry hadn't survived. "I would have died," he whispered before kissing his head again.

Harry sniffled softly then he turned his head and pressed his lips lightly against Draco's.

Draco kissed him slowly. He cradled Harry's face in his hands and stroked his cheeks with his thumbs, then gently pulled away and rested their foreheads together.

Harry sighed softly and took Draco's hand. "I need to bathe," he laughed. He blushed and looked away. "Do you think you can help me?"

"Of course." Draco ran his fingers through Harry's messy tangle of black hair, then leaned in and kissed him quickly. "Let's go." He pushed the wheelchair down the hall, passed the guest bathroom and to the one that attached to the master bedroom. He parked Harry next to the large bathtub.

"What do we do about my casts?"

Draco hurried to the kitchen then back with a huge smile on his face. He held up a couple of black trash bags and a roll of duct tape.

Harry laughed.

Draco knelt before him and began fiddling with the air cast that held Harry's left foot immobile. "The doc said you could remove this one for bathing, but you have to keep it on otherwise or it won't heal right." He took a few minutes to remove the soft cast and unwrap Harry's swollen ankle before gently placing it back on one of the footrests. "Feel okay?"

Harry nodded. "Just sore."

Draco eyed the hard plaster cast that covered Harry's left arm up to his elbow. "We'll have to get you undressed before we wrap this one." Draco set the supplies down and gently lifted the sling over his head. He tossed it aside and reached down to pull the t-shirt off.

"Wait," Harry pleaded, his hand grabbing Draco's.

Draco raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"

Harry blushed. "Can we…turn the lights down or something? I…I'm ugly."

Draco stared in shock. "How can you possibly believe that? You are not ugly, Harry. Besides…I've seen you naked many times." He gently took the hem of the t-shirt and pulled it up over Harry's head, being sure not to jerk his arm around. When he finally saw the brunet's chest, he cringed.

Harry used his good arm to cover himself. "I told you," he said softly.

Draco swallowed heavily and had to silently count to ten to keep from exploding in anger. If I ever see that fucking bastard again, he's a dead man!

"Maybe I'll just wait until tomorrow." Harry tried to reach for the shirt that Draco was still holding.

Draco realized that his lack of response was only reinforcing Harry's belief that he was unattractive, so he tossed the shirt aside and crouched in front of him. He looked him in the eye for a moment, trying to non-verbally reassure him before letting his eyes move down to examine the rest of his injuries. "He burned you?" He gently took Harry's arm and pulled it away from his chest so he could see the half-dozen or so small, round burns that were just beginning to heal.

Harry managed a small nod, never looking away from Draco's face. "Remember when I said that he didn't like me smoking?"

Draco looked up into sad green eyes and tried to smile. He leaned forward and gently brushed his lips over Harry's wounds. "You're still beautiful," he whispered, his lips caressing skin that was paler than usual.

Harry's body went rigid at the feel of Draco's lips, but he didn't try to push him away.

The blond moved his mouth lower to a horrible purple bruise that was running along Harry's ribs. He gently ran his tongue over the tender skin and smiled when he felt Harry shiver against him. "Still beautiful," he whispered again.

Harry wiped at his tearing eyes, but managed a small smile.

Draco's lips traveled up Harry's side and back to his chest. He licked lightly at a nipple, then sucked it gently before moving up towards what appeared to be a vicious bite mark on his shoulder. It was bruised and the wound had been stitched closed and Draco was sick at the thought of it. He kissed and licked and sucked lightly at the healthy skin around the wounds. "Absolutely beautiful," he whispered.

Harry stopped trying to fight his tears and brought a hand up to rest at the back of Draco's neck.

Draco's fingers brushed over Harry's skin as they moved down to the tie on his pajama bottoms. He pulled the string and sat back. "Lift," he said softly.

Harry hesitated for a moment, then lifted himself enough for Draco to pull them off.

"You haven't been eating enough," Draco commented with a frown. He traced his fingers down the muscles in Harry's stomach and over to finger shaped bruises on his hips. His eyes grew wide and his breath caught. "Harry…did he…did he force you?"

Harry looked away. "Well…not…not really. I just…I thought if I let him, then maybe he would stop hitting me." He shuddered and closed his eyes. "I was too tired and sore to fight anymore."

"Harry…that's still rape," Draco said softly. He took Harry's chin in his hand and tilted his head up. "Did you tell the doctors?"

Harry shook his head. "He didn't really leave me with much dignity…I wanted to hold on to what little was left."

Draco sat back on his heels and sighed. He grabbed a plastic bag and the roll of duct tape and spent a few minutes covering his left arm.

Once satisfied that Harry's injured limb would stay dry, he turned the water on and tested the temperature then slipped off his own pajama bottoms. He turned to Harry and gently lifted him into his arms.

Harry blushed and smiled at him.

Draco brushed a kiss over his forehead and then stepped into the large tub. He lowered Harry and helped him arrange himself so that he was comfortable, then he situated himself behind him, pulling Harry with him to rest against his chest. "Make sure you're not putting too much pressure on that foot. Try to keep it as relaxed as possible."

Harry did as he said.

Draco let the tub fill just passed their waists, then he used his foot to shut off the tap. He grabbed the washcloth and soap that had been sitting on the ledge and began to gently wash Harry's body.

"Hmm…that feels nice," Harry moaned softly.

Draco pressed his face into Harry's neck and gently kissed him. He slowly slid the cloth lower and lower down his chest and stomach, then paused when his hand touched water. He waited for Harry to give him some direction.

Harry put a trembling hand over Draco's and gently pushed it below the surface. He sighed and tilted his head back when Draco's long, smooth fingers finally touched him.

Draco dropped the washcloth and wrapped his hand around Harry's growing erection. He slowly started stroking, his soapy hand sliding over him with ease. "Are you sure about this?" he asked. He let his hand move down further and gently fondled his balls.

Harry's breath caught and he nodded. "Yes…please…I just, I don't want to think about him anymore."

Once assured, Draco brought his hand back up and began to stroke harder and faster. His lips moved from Harry's neck to his ear. "You are so very beautiful," he reassured him once again. His hand moved faster as the other hand slid up his chest to pinch and stroke at his nipple.

Harry grunted and moaned. Draco knew if it hadn't been for the wire that held his broken jaw together, Harry would be gasping and panting and making even more noise than he already was. He missed those sounds.

"The way you move…the way you taste…" Draco slowly ran his tongue from Harry's shoulder, up his neck and to his ear. "The noises you make when I touch you…the smell of your skin…" He buried his face in Harry's neck and breathed deeply. "It's all beautiful. More beautiful than you will ever know." He nibbled gently on Harry's earlobe as he squeezed a little tighter.

"Draco," Harry whispered, his hips rocking gently, trying to force Draco to quicken the pace.

Draco sucked on Harry's neck, though he was careful not to mark him. "I love how you feel against me."

Harry whimpered, his hand clutching at Draco's knee. His eyes fluttered shut and he breathed deeply from his nose as he pushed himself back even harder against Draco's chest.

"And your eyes," Draco whispered, his breathe blowing hot in the brunet's ear. "Just looking into your eyes is enough to make me want you." His left hand slid to join his right, both hands moving over Harry's hardness, making him cry out in ecstasy. "God, Harry…you are so fucking sexy."

Harry arched his back and let out a long, drawn out cry as he came all over Draco's hands and his own chest. His body shook uncontrollably and tears filled his eyes as the blond continued to stroke him gently, milking him dry.

Draco nuzzled Harry's neck and finally released him from his grip, letting his hands slowly move up to lightly caress his stomach.

Harry shifted until his upper body was lying sideways against Draco's chest. He pressed his face into his neck and closed his eyes. "Thank you," he whispered.

Draco kissed his head. "It was my pleasure, love."

Harry shifted again, but stopped moving when he felt Draco's erection press into his hip. He looked up at the blond. "What about you?" He yawned and pressed his face back into Draco's neck.

Draco laughed and rubbed his back. "I'm fine. I'll take care of it later." He tilted Harry's head up so he could kiss him. "Now let's finish getting you cleaned up and back to bed."

Harry sat forward and hugged his knees while Draco washed his hair and back for him. He was almost asleep when he felt a warm towel around his neck and heard the sounds of the water draining from the bathtub.

Draco lifted Harry from the tub and set him down to sit on the ledge. He held him up with one arm and quickly dried him off, knowing the now exhausted boy would fall over if he let go for even a moment.

When he had dried him off the best he could, he removed the bag from his arm and made quick work of recasting his leg. He lifted Harry's too light form into his arms, cradling him tightly against his chest as he carried him to the spare room. As carefully as possible, he lowered the fragile man to the bed and covered him, not bothering to dress him first.

He went back to the bathroom to clean up and dress, then he pushed Harry's wheelchair back to his bedside.

"You're still hard."

He looked over at Harry and smiled. "Go to sleep, love."

"Come lay with me," Harry begged, holding out his hand.

Draco pulled back the covers and climbed in. He propped himself on his elbow and gazed down into sleepy green eyes. He wasn't sure if it was his imagination or not, but they seemed to be just a tiny bit brighter than they had been earlier. He smiled at the thought.

"I hate this wire," Harry complained. "I want to kiss you so badly."

Draco leaned over and softly pressed their lips together. He ran his tongue over Harry's lips, then gently parted them, licking at his teeth, and understood the other man's frustration. He really wanted to feel Harry's tongue in his mouth.

Harry moaned softly as Draco nibbled at his lips, then sucked his lower lip into his mouth. He pulled away from the blond and moved his mouth to his neck. He kissed and brushed his lips over the sensitive skin below his ear. "Can I touch you?"

Draco moaned and took Harry's hand, guiding it into his pajamas. Harry pumped him slowly, though Draco immediately felt like he was going to explode.

Harry traced Draco's ear with his lips. "I wish I could taste you."

Draco panted and his hand joined Harry's, forcing him to move faster.

Harry breathed lightly in Draco's ear, occasionally kissing him. "How many times have you thought about me when you were doing this?"

Draco laughed breathlessly. "Too many to count." He felt himself getting closer, so his hand covered Harry's, slowing his strokes. He sighed when Harry's lips were suddenly at his throat, gently ghosting over his Adam's apple, his warm breath sending shivers up his spine.

"I thought about you every time I fucked Oliver," Harry breathed against Draco's shoulder. "Every time I slid into him, I would close my eyes and see your face, wishing it was you." He ducked his head and ran his slightly chapped lips over Draco's nipple. "I can't wait until I can suck you again."

Draco's eyes fell shut as he growled softly at Harry's words.

Harry removed his hand from Draco's cock. "Keep going," he whispered. He slid his hand under the covers to take himself in hand and pressed his forehead against Draco's temple, breathing in time with him as they both stroked themselves.

Draco turned on his side so they could look at each other. Their frantic breathing and quiet moans mingled together between them. Draco kissed him softly, then gently bit down on his lower lip.

Harry groaned. He pulled his hand free from the blankets and pushed Draco's hand aside, taking him in his fist and pulling fast and hard.

Draco tried to hold eye contact, but his eyes closed with the force of his orgasm. He threw his head back and cried out as stars of bright white decorated the insides of his eyelids. "Harry," he gasped. He opened his eyes and looked over at wide, emerald eyes filled with lust. Still trembling, Draco pushed himself up onto his knees and threw the blankets back.

"I love your face when you come," Harry said softly, smiling up at him.

Draco returned the smile, then leaned over and took Harry into his mouth.

The brunet gasped and bucked his hips, his right hand clenching into silky strands of white blond hair.

Draco sucked and licked and stroked faster and faster and he could tell that Harry wasn't going to last long. He gently cupped his balls, stroking them, then slid his hand down further.

Harry let his legs fall open, but whimpered in protest when Draco suddenly released his cock and turned his head away.

"Hold on," Draco whispered, then he licked his fingers quickly. He took Harry back into his mouth and sucked at the head. He brought his hand up and gently prodded at his tight opening before carefully slipping a finger in.

Harry let out a long, deep moan.

Draco ran the flat of his tongue up Harry's cock, then wrapped his lips around him, sucking hard and flicking his tongue. He pushed his finger in deep and on the first try, hit Harry's prostate.

Harry arched his back and let out a surprised shout as he came hard, without warning, into Draco's mouth. He lightly thrust his hips a few times, mumbling incoherently and trying desperately to voice his approval, but he was too blissfully tired to get much out other than a few satisfied grunts.

Draco smiled to himself as he licked him clean, then sat up and looked down at him with a soft laugh.

"Good aim," Harry said breathlessly. He chucked softly and closed his eyes.

Draco crawled up beside him and kissed him softly. "Sleep now. I'll wake you for dinner."

Harry was asleep before the blond finished speaking.

*.*.*.*

Draco was sitting on the couch in the dark, his elbows on his knees and his face in his hands as he waited for his boyfriend to get home.

He looked up at the sound of the front door opening.

Cedric flashed him a bright smile as he walked in, two bags of take out in his arms, and flicked on a light. "Hey love…how's our patient?"

Draco swallowed back the bile that threatened to choke him at Cedric's casual and almost fond mention of Harry. "He's been asleep pretty much all day. Woke for a little while around two, but he's been out since."

"I brought dinner." Cedric leaned over to kiss the top of Draco's head, then carried the bags into the kitchen. "Why are you sitting in the dark?" he asked over his shoulder.

"Just…thinking." Draco followed him into the kitchen. "I have a bit of headache."

Cedric pulled out some plates and silverware and began to set the table. "Did something happen?"

Draco froze. "What?"

Cedric looked up at his boyfriend's panic stricken face, but didn't seem to recognize the look for fear. "Did Harry have nightmares or something?" he clarified.

Draco breathed deeply, trying to control his racing heart. He managed a shrug. "No, I think he was okay as far as I could tell. Just…it was emotional."

"He talked about it?"

"A little."

Cedric gave a nod. "Well, do you want to go wake him for dinner? I picked up Italian and they had a pretty good soup selection, so I got a few different kinds. We can puree the ones that have veggies or noodles and whatever he doesn't eat today we can reheat later."

"Uh…sure. Sounds great." Draco turned and hurried out of the kitchen, hoping that the distance between them would ease his guilt and nausea.

He knocked softly on Harry's door, then went inside to find him lying on his back, snoring softly.

Draco sighed heavily and sat down beside him. "Harry." He pushed the boy's unruly hair back from his forehead. "Wake up. It's time for dinner."

Harry grunted and gently pushed at Draco's hand. "No."

Draco laughed. "Come on lazy. You've been sleeping all day."

Harry sighed and opened his eyes with a smile. "Hello."

Draco smiled back at him. "Cedric is home. He brought you some soup." He helped Harry sit up.

"Why does he have to be such a nice guy?" Harry asked with a scowl. "It makes it way harder to hate him."

Draco laughed again. "Come on. Let's go eat."

"I wish it was just me and you," Harry whispered as he buried his face in Draco's chest.

Draco sighed and lifted Harry into his wheelchair. "I know you do," he finally replied.

The mood at dinner was surprisingly light, at least for Harry and Cedric. They talked easily as if they were old friends and neither seemed to notice that Draco hardly said a word.

When they were finished, Draco cleared the table, leaving his boyfriend and his lover to continue their conversation. I guess it wouldn't be such a bad thing if they were friends. He washed the dishes and left the room, heading for his bedroom to get dressed for work. He and Blaise were getting together for drinks and possible negotiations with a couple of men who owned a fairly successful club on the other side of town. The men were looking to sell and Draco had jumped on the chance as soon as he had heard about it.

"Hey, gorgeous," Cedric said as he slid his arms around Draco's waist and rested his chin on his shoulder. He watched in the mirror as Draco effortlessly tied his tie. "How's your headache?"

"Better. Guess I just needed to eat." He managed a weak smile at Cedric's reflection, then gently pulled away.

"Are you sure you're alright, love?" Cedric sat on the edge of the bed and watched as Draco continued to dress.

"Just a bit nervous, I suppose."

"Well, you'll be great, I'm sure of it. Everything will go just fine." Cedric stood and gave him a long, lingering kiss. "I love you."

Draco forced himself to hold eye contact, no matter how badly he wanted to look away. "Love you too." He kissed him quickly, then grabbed his jacket and left the room.

*.*.*.*

Draco was exhausted when he finally made it home. It was two thirty in the morning and Cedric was right, the meeting had gone perfectly. In just a matter of months, he and Blaise would be the proud owners of another highly successful club.

He tried to be quiet as he let himself into the dark and silent flat. It had started raining, so he hung his wet jacket on the coat rack and kicked off his shoes at the front door. He debated making a quick bite to eat, but in the end, he just headed for bed.

He stood shocked in the doorway of his and Cedric's bedroom.

Cedric was lying propped up against a stack of pillows. His laptop was sitting, still running on his lap desk, which had been pushed down to the foot of the bed. His head had rolled back and he was breathing softly through his mouth.

But what shocked Draco, was Harry curled into Cedric's side, an arm slung over his chest and his good leg tucked around Cedric's leg. Harry's glasses were sitting on the lap desk with the computer.

Jealously like nothing he had ever felt before flared up in him so quickly and intensely that he almost crumpled to the floor under the pressure of it. Don't be absurd. They would never do that to you. You're being stupid, Malfoy. Not that that's a surprise. You've been nothing less than an idiot since the day you met that boy.

He eventually made his way to Cedric's side and sat down. "Hey." He shook him lightly.

Cedric snorted softly, then opened his eyes and looked up at Draco. "Hi." He smiled and lifted his head to kiss him. "How was the meeting?"

Draco looked down at Harry who had stirred slightly and whose head now rested on Cedric's stomach. "What's he doing in here?"

Cedric frowned at Draco in disapproval and softly stroked Harry's hair. "He had a pretty violent nightmare. He was screaming and sobbing and…" Cedric swallowed heavily. "It was really bad, Dray. I didn't know what else to do, so I just carried him in here and held him as he cried." He looked down at Harry with soft eyes.

Draco felt incredibly guilty as he finally noticed the dried tear tracks on Harry's cheeks and the still damp spots on Cedric's shirt. He noticed the almost desperate way that Harry had wound his body with Cedric's and his heart hurt for him. He glanced up Cedric. "Do you mind if we leave him here tonight? I'd hate to move him."

Cedric smiled. "Of course not. I was going to suggest the same thing."

Draco kissed Cedric lightly on the lips, then kissed Harry's head. He changed into his pajamas, then climbed into bed on the other side of Harry.

"Good night," Cedric said softly as he held out his hand to him.

Draco grabbed his hand and kissed it, then he moved himself closer to Harry, though not close enough to touch. He was still holding Cedric's hand as he finally got comfortable and settled in to sleep. As he started to drift off, he felt Cedric let go of his hand. He opened his eyes, just for a moment, and the last thing he saw before his eyes shut again was Cedric's hand rubbing soothing circles on Harry's back.

*.*.*.*

TBC…

AN: Please review! And thanks for reading!