Harry paced the hallway, retracing his steps from the front door to the kitchen numerous times. He tried to ignore the concerned faces of his boys each time he passed the parlor, their attention swinging between him and the cartoon on the telly with nearly each pass.
He'd tried to keep things normal today but they both noticed Draco's absence and he had no other explanation he was able to offer other than 'at work'. Of course, both easily saw Harry's distress and silently hoped papa/pop would be home soon to snap him out of it.
Draco wasn't home yet. Not since last night. And Harry was practically chewing a hole through his cheek and wearing a groove in the floor. They'd had a tiff last night and Draco had left—muttering something that vaguely sounded like 'engagement' under his breath before disappearing into the floo. He hadn't seemed that upset or made any indication that he was mad at Harry so, he hadn't worried... until Draco didn't come home.
Harry had stopped waiting up sometime after midnight only because the boys would be up early. Not that he slept much. When he woke up after a fitful sleep, there was no indication that Draco had ever been home. A heavy feeling of dread had weighed him down but he managed to get out of bed and get on with his day.
His overactive imagination was going full tilt. Each pass brought on a new, horrible thought: Draco wasn't coming back. Draco left again. Draco hated him. Draco resented him. His hand went to his stomach; Draco resented/hated the baby.
He was no doubt overreacting but he didn't know what to think. This was the first time, in a long time, he truly felt lost and unsure. He'd long ago gotten used to the stiff feeling of tears on his cheeks so he didn't bothering wiping off the fresh ones that leaked out, just kept his head tilted so the boys wouldn't notice.
He froze when he felt the wards subtly twang and stood still in the hallway. Was Draco coming for his things? Was he here for a polite good-bye? He wrung his hands together and worried his bottom lip, waiting. He waved the boys back when he felt them approach and they silently went back to the sofa, sharing identical looks of scared confusion before glancing back at the telly.
~*O*~
Draco cursed softly when he realized the time. Harry was going to kill him. He gathered random files and haphazardly put them away, not that he got much completed. All of his personal things—his still poorly wrote notes, the engagement ring and some Muggle advertisements. He shrunk them and put the lot in his pocket.
He stood and stretched, sighing with bliss when his back cracked with a satisfying popping noise. His couch was comfortable, but sleeping on it was something he vowed to never do again as he rolled the stiffness from his neck. He nodded to Pansy on his way out, rolling his eyes when she tittered and waggled her fingers at him in a cheeky wave.
He doubled back to Pansy. "Thanks for last night," he said, trying not to blush. He nodded when Pansy just smiled with a saucy wink and hurried to the apparation point.
Draco fiddled with his key, cursing the Muggle thing, and just aimed his want at the door. He was too cranky to deal with keys and the like at the moment. He paused when he saw Harry standing in the hallway, looking like a deer in headlights. He raised an eyebrow and stepped closer, blinking when Harry stepped back and he finally noticed Harry looked... terrible. His eyes were red and puffy with dark circles under them, his hair was a bigger mess than usual and he looked exhausted.
"Harry?" he asked quietly.
"Draco," Harry murmured, his voice nearly cracking with combined relief and apprehension. He was scared to ask Draco why he was back. He didn't want to hear anything that might lead to Draco leaving. He fidgeted where he stood, growing uneasy with each silent second that passed and Draco's pinched eyebrows as he looked him over.
Draco stepped closer, scowling darkly when Harry backed up again. "What..." he trailed off and noticed the boys were watching with openly apprehensive expressions on their little faces.
He slowly turned back to Harry, his heart rate picking up. "What did I miss?" he asked, completely baffled. He had no idea why Harry and the boys were acting like that and he didn't want to know, honestly. It had to be bad. Did someone die? He forced his mind away from various names and the gut clenching thoughts of the baby.
"You... you came home," Harry finally whispered, striving to keep his voice even. He watched intently as pale eyebrows scrunched together and genuine surprised and concern filled Draco's face. "Why?" he asked, inching closer.
Draco stared blankly for a moment and when his brain finally caught up, he wanted to smack himself. He'd left after a small fight with Harry—something about how often Harry needed to see a healer, if he remembered correctly—and he'd been reminded, in a completely roundabout way he'd left his notes at work. He didn't think he left in a snit or even angry. He'd even said a pleasant, but quick, good bye to Harry and the boys, complete with kisses, before he left.
He hadn't planned on staying so late, poring uselessly over his notes. He certainly hadn't planned on falling asleep there, hunched uncomfortably over his desk. Pansy, in a rare act of compassion, had gently prodded him to his sofa and wrote some of her own notes on the bottom of his paper. Helpful notes. Damn, nosy witch. He could only imagine what sort of things had popped into Harry's head.
"I live here," Draco answered, smiling a bit. He stepped closer and pulled Harry to him, just past the view of the boys and held him tightly. "What the fuck were you thinking?" He didn't mean to sound so harsh but by the look of him, Harry had been needlessly worrying himself.
"Nothing," Harry immediately denied, feeling a bit ashamed and so relieved he had lost his breath for a moment.
Draco sighed softly and ran a hand through Harry's hair, trying to smooth it a bit but mostly just for the contact. "What's going on, Harry?" he asked quietly. A choked sob and fists tightening in his shirt was the only answer. "You're freaking me out," he admitted quietly.
"I'm sorry. I... I thought you'd left," Harry whispered. He felt how stiff Draco was and started berating himself for that, too. He didn't want Draco to think he was too much to handle or that he didn't trust him. He did. He really did, but he was prone to irrational thoughts at the best of times.
Draco nearly chuckled, thinking Harry was messing around but he realized Harry was quite serious. "No, no, I didn't. Fuck," he muttered and gently pulled Harry away, looking at him intently. "I did leave, I had notes I left at work. I lost track of time and fell asleep at my office. I promise you, it was merely a lack of consideration and communication on my part."
"What notes?" Harry asked, trying not to sniffle wetly.
Draco did chuckle that time and rolled his eyes affectionately. "It's meant to be a big secret plan but I can't exactly do that successfully now, can I? I've been trying to sort out my—how did you put it?—Malfoy worthy engagement." He smirked when Harry looked up at him with wide, wet eyes but it fell quickly. "I'm so sorry I didn't let you know what was going on," he murmured, wiping a stray tear away with his thumb. He hadn't thought to send word and felt absolutely wretched he caused Harry so much stress. He'd like to kick both of their arses for the misunderstanding but he just sighed.
"I'm getting you a cell phone," Harry said firmly after a moment of silence.
Draco opened his mouth to argue but snapped it closed when Harry's face pinched with irritation. "Alright," he conceded. It would be handy. He had seen first hand how quickly they sent messages and he could've easily sent a message or called Harry in seconds had he owned one. "I want the nicest one, of course. Something shiny, with lots of buttons."
"They don't have buttons anymore, Draco," Harry said chuckling. He sighed and wrapped his arms around Draco with near panicky tightness. "I feel so stupid. All the things I was thinking... Merlin, I'm an arse."
"No, you panicked but... you aren't the only arse, love," Draco soothed and pulled away again. He laughed when Harry gave him an irritated look, mostly likely for not pointing out he wasn't an arse. He didn't let go, though, and herded Harry into the parlor and sat on the sofa with the boys. Immediately his lap was filled with both little boys and he hugged them both, indulging himself and giving them kisses on each of their foreheads. "Did I miss dinner?" he asked, ruffling both dark heads of hair.
Gabe shook his head quickly, smiling now that daddy wasn't upset anymore. "No! The timer didn't go off yet!"
"Good!" Draco enthused and held Harry close again, an arm firmly wrapped about his waist. "We're going to go wash up, be right back. Stay out of trouble," he said getting up, easily pulling Harry with him, and looking between both boys. He rolled his eyes when both nodded, their attention back on the telly. "C'mon," he said softly and pulled Harry from the room.
They were both quiet as they headed upstairs until their door shut. "Care to share what had you looking so... distraught?"
Harry shook his head once, firmly. "No." He looked away from Draco, trying not to be persuaded by his imperiously raised eyebrow or the quirk of his lips. "I already said it was stupid."
"It's not stupid," Draco insisted, pulling Harry down to sit next to him on the bed. "I thought someone had died!"
Harry looked away again and worried his bottom lip. He hadn't given a thought to how terrible he must look and now he just wanted to hide when he realized the image he must have presented. He covered his face for a moment. "I'm sorry," he said quietly, feeling even worse for making Draco think something so horrible. "I'm going to wash up," he mumbled but didn't get far when Draco's arm clamped about his waist and held him still. "Please, I don't want to think about it. I was wrong and I'd like to just let it go."
"No, Harry," Draco said quietly, but firmly. He pulled Harry's face around and kissed him softly. "I want to know. Did you honestly think I had just buggered off?" Harry's expression was answer enough; bottom lip being worried by his teeth and an averted gaze. He wanted to curse himself again. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I don't know how to fix this. I don't know how to make it so you don't keep thinking..." he trailed off and groaned softly.
Harry shook his head. "It's not that, Draco. Honestly, it isn't."
"You just said—"
"I know! I wasn't thinking rationally, alright? I'd have thought that regardless of our past. I get the craziest ideas in my head and it doesn't mean they're rational or based in truth." Though, knowing that Draco didn't leave, and likely never would, was very soothing and he did believe it. All he really had to do was look at Draco and it was obvious. He wished he knew why old insecurities reared up occasionally and bit him in the arse. "Look, I don't want it to sound like some cop-out or lame excuse but, I blame a large part on the stupid hormones. Even without that added delight, I've always been rather... pessimistic."
Draco stared, unsure whether or not to believe Harry. It didn't excuse anything, though, in his opinion. As far as he was concerned, Harry still harbored a secret fear of him leaving. "Really," he said flatly.
"Really," Harry said and nodded. He rolled his eyes at Draco's continuing disbelieving expression and crawled onto his lap. "Don't... don't torture yourself, too, yeah? I overreacted and that's all there is to it." He smiled when Draco's hands settled around his hips, a bit annoyed Draco didn't do anything else. He was probably unwilling to distract either of them from the conversation.
"So, if I had called or tested you, you wouldn't have panicked and gone all—" He waved a hand about for a moment, trying to find the right word, "angsty?"
Harry chuckled and nuzzled his nose into Draco's neck. "Texted," he gently corrected. "And it would have been less panic and angst. Probably. I'd still have worried you were uncomfortable or... I dunno. I definitely missed you suffocating me, though," he said and gave a cheeky smile, referring to Draco's habit of clinging to him tightly as they slept. He really didn't mind it. Hopefully the effect wasn't ruined by his smudgy face and tired eyes.
"Alright, fine. I'll drop it. Thank you for telling me, though. I'm really, really glad we can be adults about these things now." Draco laughed when Harry pouted at him, as if annoyed at the thought of being mature.
Harry slapped at Draco chest lightly. "Prat," he muttered and carefully climbed off of Draco's lap. He was again stopped, a hand wrapping loosely around his wrist. "Honestly, love," he said again when he saw the concern back on Draco's face. He bent down and kissed Draco softly, free hand cupping Draco's jaw. "We're fine." He gently pried his hand free and hurried into the bathroom, sighing dejectedly when he saw his reflection. Bugger, but he looked terrible.
"Fine," Draco muttered to the closed door before flopping back onto the bed and covering his eyes with a bent arm. He knew Harry was being sincere but he couldn't help feeling like a complete failure for causing him worry. His chest ached with it.
He grumbled when Harry straddled his hips and raised his arm enough to peek at Harry, reflexively smiling when he saw the cheeky grin on Harry's face. "Yes, dear?"
Harry pulled gently on Draco's shirt, chuckling when the blonde sat up with a grunt. "C'mon, don't do this. I'll get you a phone and we'll never have this happen again, alright?" he said, cupping Draco's neck lightly. "I don't know how many times I can say I overreacted and it's not some secret, deep down fear of you leaving."
"Yes, well..." Draco trailed off, looking away. He sighed with resignation, he couldn't not trust Harry at his word. He was annoyed with himself mostly because he couldn't be sure if 'hormones' was a legitimate excuse or not. He had no experience and it reminded him too much of the time he missed with Harry. He shook his head, trying to banish the thoughts. "Fine," he said, feigning a put upon expression. "I shall just have to bond you to me permanently so this never comes up again."
Harry stared for a long moment before a brilliant smile broke across his face, he couldn't wipe it off as much as he tried even when his cheeks started to ache. "If you must," he said, unable to get the excitement from his voice. He wrapped himself tightly around Draco and buried his face in his neck, trying to will away a fresh burst of tears. "I love you."
"I love you, too," Draco said, his own voice a bit choked, as he rubbed soothing circles on Harry's back with one hand and cupped the back of his neck with the other. He wasn't as alarmed when he knew the tears were from happiness but he was still glad he couldn't see them coursing down Harry's face; it always made him feel helpless to see them.
Harry cleared his throat and hastily wiped his face. "Right, we need to head down. If that timer goes off, I don't know how long the heathens can resist 'helping' me." It was definitely a Pavlovian worthy moment when the timer beeped and the boys, and well as Angus, all rushed into the kitchen convinced dinner was ready.
"Oh shit!" Draco said, mental images of one—or both—of the boys reaching into the oven flashing through his mind and hurriedly stood with Harry still wrapped around him. He chuckled and gently lowered Harry to his feet, pecking his lips quickly.
As he followed Harry from their room, he added to his mental notes. One; change the plans from a simple marriage to a more permanent bonding ceremony. He'd change the damn laws if he had to get it done. Two; hurry the fuck up. He no longer felt he had all the time in the world.
~*O*~
"I don't get this thing!" Draco huffed and nearly threw the slim muggle device on the floor. He had been fiddling with the cursed mobile for nearly 10 minutes and hadn't figured out how to even get the damn thing to make a message. Speaking to it didn't help, unfortunately. And even if it did, he had felt utterly ridiculous speaking into the thing as it laid passively on his palm. It was a bit unsettling to feel the thing wiggle and beep with every touch as well.
Gabe giggled and hopped up onto papa's lap, gently taking the mobile. "Like this, papa," he said as his little fingers tapped and glided across the smooth screen. He'd played with daddy and aunt Hermione's mobiles enough to know how to use them.
He looked up and giggled again when papa gaped at him, his mouth hanging open in a funny way. "It's easy, see?" he said, moving the mobile closer so papa could see it better.
"It is not easy!" Draco huffed, chagrined to see his 3-year-old son easily manipulate the mobile. "Alright," he conceded, swallowing his pride. "How do I get it to call daddy?" he asked, leaning down and watching every move Gabe made. "Slow down," he chuckled when Gabe's fingers tapped quickly with practiced ease.
His gaze followed each touch, watching which pictures were touched. "That's... easy," he said after Gabe had successfully pulled up the proper screen. Just as quickly it was changed and a small board with jumbled letters popped up. He didn't even want to know why the letters were all over the place, in no real logical order that he could see.
Gabe nodded, smiling happily. "It is! See?" he said, holding up the mobile. "I wrote 'daddy'!" he said, tapping the 'send' button. His message was a bit garbled, the spelling rather bad, but he liked putting little faces and pictures on it. He liked that it was mostly pictures, sending daddy every smiley face he found.
"Oh no," Draco said, watching as the message was sent. Harry was going to think him a fool! He glared playfully at Gabe, gently taking the mobile back. "Thank you, love, now daddy thinks I'm no smarter than you," he said, chuckling as he poked Gabe's nose.
He laughed when Harry's responding message was 'I hope Gabe wrote that'. Draco nodded, then nearly blushed when he remembered it couldn't be seen.
"So, that's a text, eh?" Draco asked. Gabe nodded. "How do I call? So I can hear him?"
Gabe took the mobile back and slowly clicked around, showing papa what he was pushing. "See? Daddy has his picture next to his number, so just touch the picture, then the little green thing... yes!" he praised, earning him an amused look from papa. "And you can call aunt Hermione, uncle Arnold..." he paused, unsure who else papa would call. "Does aunt Pansy have a mobile?"
"I don't think so," Draco said absently, looking at the picture of Harry with fond amusement. Harry had hammed a goofy face when Gabe aimed his new mobile at him and he was stuck with the—admittedly rather adorable but odd—picture of a cross eyed Harry sticking out his tongue. He idly wondered if he could get Harry to let him take a much better picture. Hopefully with less clothes on. "I might be able to talk her into one, though. Pansy adores the 'newest thing', so she'll easily cave and get one."
Gabe hummed, watching papa stumble through another text to daddy. It was funny to see his smart papa with his brow scrunched in concentration as he worked through a simple message, poking the glowing screen with a finger in irritated little jabs. "Don't forget the faces!" he said as papa's finger went to the send. "Here," he said, worming his way between papa's chest and the mobile, easily sneaking his finger in and adding in a happy face. "There! Now you can send it."
"And the purpose of that?" Draco asked, watching as the little message bubble popped up. He rolled his eyes as he saw the cartoon pig face, grinning rather insanely, at the end of his carefully typed message.
Gabe tried not to roll his eyes. "So daddy knows you're happy," he said, his tone clearly saying 'Duh'. "I like the happy piggy," he said with a giggle.
"Yes, well... until I master just a full sentence, I'll save the added steps of a happy face for when it's really required, hmm?"
Gabe harrumphed but nodded. "I guesso," he muttered. How hard was it to add a happy piggy? Sheesh. "Papa, tell daddy to bring home pizza!"
"I'll ask if he wants to," Draco gently corrected, tapping the message in. He didn't exactly feel like making dinner himself and he never had to worry about the boys not eating enough when pizza was on the menu, not that they were particularly picky.
He sighed with relief when Harry quickly answered with 'Sure.' He wondered briefly what Hermione's reaction would be, the witch generally requesting such odd toppings lately he'd started to wonder if she was pregnant. His nose wrinkled at the reminder of anchovy, pepperoni and pineapple combination she'd requested last time. She'd had an entire pizza to herself that night, not even Harry willing to try the odd combination. 'How's Hermione?' he tapped out. He grinned, texting was quite fun. He kind of missed hearing Harry's voice but it was good practice.
Gabe watched papa have a lengthy text conversation with daddy, waiting as patiently as he could. "So?" he asked, fidgeting.
"Hmm?" Draco hummed, reluctantly looking up from the most recent message. He grinned smugly; Harry shared his suspicions and was trying to get Hermione to confess. "Oh! Yes, he's bringing home pizza. Lots of them, apparently," he added, noticing Harry had invited all of their friends, including Pansy and Jessica, over for dinner. "Aunt Pansy and Miss Jessica are coming, too."
Gabe punched a fist into the air. "Yay!" He scrambled off of papa's lap, running up to his room. Aunt Pansy always brought her friend Miss Jessica so he needed to grab Tony and change. He wore a button down shirt once and Miss Jessica said he was 'very handsome' so he liked to make sure he looked handsome all the time now. Miss Jessica was pretty and really nice and he couldn't wait to show her the new trick he had taught Angus, too.
"Odd little man," Draco hummed to himself as he watched Gabe run from the room and make his way loudly up the stairs and focused back on his mobile. It vibrated noisily in his palm and made a loud chirping sound. "AH!" he gasped and nearly dropped the damn thing.
'Hermione' flashed on the screen and he stared at the red and green bars, wondering how to answer the call. "GABE!" he called, poking things at random with no results.
Gabe ran to the top of the steps, giggling that papa had yelled. Papa always rolled his eyes when daddy yelled. "Yes?" he hollered back, already running down the stairs with Tony firmly planted under an armpit.
"How do I answer this?" Draco blurted in a rush, waving the still chirping mobile at his son. He didn't know how long it would go off and he didn't want to miss something important.
Gabe climbed back onto papa's lap and took the mobile. "Like this," he instructed, tapping the green bar and sliding his finger over. "Hello!" he answered with a giggle.
"Hi, Gabe?" Hermione's voice filtered through the mobile. She laughed, thoroughly enjoying the knowledge that Gabe was helping Draco. "Is papa there?"
Draco took the mobile, smiled appreciatively at Gabe and held it gingerly to his ear. It sounded loud. "Hello, Hermione."
"Draco!" Hermione chirped, giggling. "I only wanted to test the new mobile."
Draco chuckled, amused despite himself. "Yes, well, as you can see it works. I've learned how to text, call Harry and now how to answer it. Huzzah," he deadpanned. "My life is complete."
"Oh, Draco," Hermione sighed with mock exasperation. "It really is. Now you've joined the modern world. Anyway," she said before he could comment further, "we've got pizza and we're headed back now. And no, for your nosy information, I am not pregnant." She waited while Draco sputtered for a moment. "I just was going through an adventurous streak. Trying new things, you see."
Admittedly, the last experiment was a dismal failure but it was rather fun to watch the expressions of everyone as she valiantly ate through her experimentally loaded pizza.
Draco laughed after having nothing to say to defend himself, too amused to be annoyed at Harry for, apparently, just asking outright. The man knew nothing of subtly. "Well, then, congratulations," he said dryly, chuckling when she made an agreeing humming sound. She had sounded rather pleased with a negative response, but he thought she'd make a wonderful mother and he wondered if she even wanted children. "Right, see you when you get here."
"Bye, Draco. Bye Gabe!" Hermione added before ending the call.
Draco held his mobile up and turned it around as he looked at it with a slightly confused expression. "How... how does all of that fit in here?" he asked, glancing at Gabe. He was merely thinking aloud and Gabe only shrugged.
By the time the doorbell rang, Draco felt he'd 'mastered' his mobile enough he didn't need to ask Gabe any other questions on it. He could consult the information packet that came with it, but he didn't know how a shiny disk would help and the booklet was pathetically small.
He answered the door, a genuine smile on his face as he greeted Neville and Steven. "Evening! Harry and Hermione should be back with dinner any moment," he said, standing aside so they could enter.
"Alright," Neville said, making his way into the parlor. He really didn't mind being entertained by Draco. He grinned. "How're things?" he asked Draco as he sat down. It was a rather vague and general question, he knew, but it popped out by habit.
Draco shrugged, unsure how much detail to get into. He didn't mind talking candidly with Neville, or Steven, but it sounded more of a polite thing to ask so he didn't think spewing mountains of personal angst was going to be appreciated. "Fine, I imagine."
"Harry driving you mental yet?"
Draco pursed his lips for a moment, eyeing Steven for a moment to gauge how he meant the question. He saw a grin and chuckled. "Absolutely," he said with a playful smirk. He chuckled again when Neville nodded knowingly, a laugh escaping. "It's not that bad, though. I'm mostly still adjusting to the mood swings."
It was anyone's guess anymore how Harry would react to things. Tears were his least favorite but he could handle them a bit better now. Thankfully, anger went swiftly and usually lead straight into a horny Harry. All in all, he couldn't really complain.
"Yeah, Hermione had to start yoga."
Draco hummed and sat down, his mind torn between asking for more information or just laughing along. "How was he... the first time?" he asked, leaning forward. He'd talked a little bit about it with Hermione, but he got the feeling she held back a lot to save his feelings. It was odd but he appreciated it as much as it annoyed him. He wanted to know, he'd deal with the guilt and other unpleasant feelings later if needs must.
"It was... shocking." Neville regarded Draco for a long moment, feeling a bit bad Draco had to ask. Of course, it was a good thing too, in his opinion, that Draco wanted to know. "Harry had been quite surprised by it all. I don't think he even knew until he'd gained weight and Hermione made him cry twice in an hour. It's different for wizards, you know."
Draco nodded; he could only imagine. There were no natural 'happenings' that halted to alert a wizard he was expecting. He could really only imagine how shocking that had been for Harry, who'd been practically a Muggleborn.
"He handled it well..." he said, but his voice went up slightly making it almost a question.
"Not really," Neville admitted. "He had to see a few healers before it sunk in. Hermione, of course, had been the voice of reason for him. She helped him with the magic aspect of it, too."
Draco nodded again, already aware of how much he owed Hermione. He didn't know when he'd come to think of her as a sister, like Harry did, but he wasn't surprised. She'd been there for Harry, and Gabe, when she was needed most and she had welcomed him with open arms and an open mind. "Yes," he said softly, very aware of what that meant.
Harry needed a balance to his growing, splitting, magic. Harry practically rubbed up against him like cat when he needed affection; usually a hug would suffice, other times he wasn't soothed until laying sweaty and sated under Draco. He briefly wondered just how intimate the 'sharing' got with Hermione and just as quickly banished the thought; neither would have been comfortable with anything more intimate than a lingering hug or massaging of achy limbs.
"I do wonder though," Draco said, and looked up, "about unusual cravings?" He didn't have personal experience but he'd heard things. He nearly winced at the very idea of not having something Harry wanted; it would either be met with tears or a tantrum.
"Oh, in the next month or so, if he's like he was with Gabe," Neville answered, trying not to grimace in memory. "For the most part, he took Muggle pre-natal vitamins and didn't seem to have any weird cravings like you'd expect. Then, out of nowhere, he'd be happily chowing down on pickled eggs with hot sauce on them."
Draco grimaced. "Oh." He valiantly hoped Harry wouldn't subject him to such things but he'd go through it. He didn't need to share such vile things, after all, and he could always leave the room. Hopefully. "Thank you," he said sincerely.
"No problem," Neville said, smiling. "I'm just a bit surprised you both didn't wait until things were a bit more... solid between you two." He realized he might've spoken a bit too freely but he mentally shrugged. Harry was his best friend and he didn't exactly hate Draco anymore. But if Draco couldn't take a bit of frank discussion, he wasn't the wizard he thought him to be.
Draco felt his cheeks warm and glared playfully when Neville and Steven both chuckled at him. He finally just huffed out a breath and laughed. "It wasn't... planned. I don't know how but we both seemed to have forgotten what could happen..." he mused aloud, sheepish once again at the reminder of how addle-brained they both became around the other both forgot contraceptive charms habitually.
"I don't at all regret it," he added when both men seemed to stiffen a bit. "I'm thrilled, really." He stared off, smiling warmly. He didn't care about continuing his family name or any of that rubbish, he was just thrilled to be adding to the family he'd started with Harry and being there. Not for the first time, he found himself imagining an adorable little girl with bright blonde hair and bright green eyes. He blinked, banishing the daydream when he remembered he wasn't alone. "Things are solid. Permanent."
"Good," Neville said, nodding once. He was aware of how Harry felt and he been more than relieved, and rather thrilled, to see Draco returning his friend's feelings. It relieved him more than he wanted to admit that Harry wasn't going to be left out. He'd seen the longing looks Harry tried to hide when they'd all gathered. Harry didn't try very hard to get over Draco, not bothering to date much. It was sappy but so Harry he stopped pestering the man to 'move on' or just have fun. "You're getting married then?"
Draco nodded, enjoying the stunned expression on Neville and Steven's faces. Why the surprise?; he did ask, after all. "Oh yes. I'm only putting it off another few days so I can plan appropriately. I haven't looked into it yet but do you know if the marriage ceremony can be changed to a bonding one?"
"Yes," Neville said, blinking furiously. He hadn't expected Draco to be that serious... "You want to bond with him." He wound his fingers through Steven's. They had bonded as well, even though the odious little officiant tried to say it wouldn't work with two men. Neither of them resisted the urge to kiss deeply and show off their bonding tattoos before leaving the stuffy little office, each of them throwing a smug smirk over their shoulder to the bewildered little man.
Draco nodded, his face serious. "I do. Is that possible?" he asked, chewing on the inner corner of his mouth. He really really hoped it was, he didn't like the thought of changing his plans or anything less than a permanent bond with Harry.
"Yeah, yeah, it is. We're bonded," Neville said, waving a hand between himself and Steven, the move bringing brief attention to the bonding tattoo on his left ring finger. "They tried to say it wouldn't work but it did. Something about how if our magic wasn't compatible it wouldn't take." He shared a smile with Steven, it was a bit smug as well as warm. They'd already known how compatible their magics were. "And of course, if you aren't in love."
Draco snorted, waving a hand dismissively at the very notion. "Pssh," he said, raising his chin and settled back in his chair with a smug expression. "No concerns then." He didn't want to say aloud that they loved each other; he was still getting used to admitting such things aloud to anyone other than Harry, even if everyone already knew.
And it was obvious they had compatible magic; Gabe was living proof.
"Well then, give us a time and day and we'll be there," Steven said.
Draco smiled, "I'm planning a barbecue for Harry's birthday, luckily it's on a Saturday, so—"
"A barbecue?" Steven blurted out, gaping. "You... you know what that is? You don't mind doing that?"
Draco tried not to be offended; it was a very Muggle thing and quite... unsophisticated. Two things he was still adjusting to.
"Yes and no. Pansy gave me the idea," he admitted sheepishly. "I know that Harry hasn't ever really been to one but he'd like to. So, I'm going to give him one." And really, he'd give Harry whatever he wanted. An outdoor feast seemed like a very reasonable thing, after all. He already planned to get a few Muggle fireworks as well as some from the Weasley twins. He wasn't sure how else to make it a very memorable day. "Summer really is the key time for one..." he trailed off, fidgeting slightly under their stares, starting to panic. He'd made a huge mistake.
"Aw, that's so sweet!" Steven cooed, laughing when Draco sent him an irritated look. "Honestly, it'll be fun. Muggles do them for a reason, you know. And with a few cooling charms in the garden, we won't melt."
Neville snorted, looking away from Steven's pout when Draco scowled at him.
Thankfully, a quick series of knocks on the front door halted conversation and Draco hurried to answer it. He smiled, opening the door to Pansy and Jessica. Gabe's yell of 'aunt Pansy?' made all three grin and chuckle freely. "Yes, Gabe," Draco answered up the steps. A loud whoop and thundering feet answered and they all watched with open amusement when a Gabe-shaped blur tackled into the pair of witches. "Easy there," Draco soothed, easing Gabe away from Jessica's legs.
"Sorry," Gabe said sheepishly but was still smiling gleefully, bouncing on his toes. "I was excited," he explained.
Pansy lowered herself to Gabe's level and opened her arms, smiling when she was immediately hugged by an enthusiastic Gabe. "Hello, Handsome!" She ruffled his dark hair affectionately, pausing after a moment to stare at her hand in near horrified wonder. When on earth did she become so... bubbly? With a child? Ugh. A look at Gabe had her rolling her eyes at herself; one look at the devious little thing and anyone would be. Honestly. She wasn't to blame. She resisted the urge to flip off her ever-so-wonderful girlfriend when she heard a feminine snort, knowing Jessica was practically reading her mind.
"Hi!" Gabe chirped. He shuffled back and looked at Miss Jessica expectantly, doing a short happy dance when the other witch lowered herself and accepted a hug as well. He beamed happily up at papa, not so subtly worming himself further into Miss Jessica's comfortable chest. He loved his daddy and papa but he really liked how comfy Miss Jessica and aunt Pansy were, not that he'd make the mistake of trying to 'fluff' them again. The first, and only, time he'd gotten a mean look from aunt Pansy was when he tried to make Miss Jessica's boobs more comfortable.
"Where's daddy?"
Draco shook his head fondly. "He's still out with aunt Hermione, they'll be home shortly."
"With pizza?"
Draco nodded, chuckling. "Yes, with pizza," he said, rolling his eyes slightly when Gabe whooped and did another happy dance, Tony raised over his head triumphantly. He could understand his son's obsession with pizza but it was rather adorable nonetheless. One would think they rarely had it by how excitable he got over it. "Did you get into a Pepper Up?" he asked with barely suppressed amusement, watching as his son practically vibrated.
"Nope," Gabe said, not pausing in his happy dance. He didn't take potions unless an adult gave it to him. Daddy told him it was dangerous. He nearly rolled his eyes; papa knew that. "I'm just excited!" he repeated, pausing in his dancing long enough to look at papa. "Where is daddy?"
Draco squatted down, looking at Gabe. "Shopping. Aunt Hermione insisted on taking him out for baby things."
"Why didn't you go?" Gabe asked, cocking his head slightly in confusion. Papa should pick out baby things to, he thought with a furrowed brow.
"I was working. I'll take daddy shopping, don't you fret," Draco said, noticing Gabe's expression.
He had wanted to go, but it seemed like a bad excuse to miss work. He asked that they didn't buy anything major yet, since he really wanted to pick those with Harry. He was looking forward to such an experience, probably more than he should, and he really really hoped Harry and Hermione were able to help themselves.
Draco looked up when the wards twanged subtly, the front door opening to reveal a beaming Harry and a disgruntled Hermione and several pizza boxes floating behind the pair. He stood and pulled Harry close, uncaring of the others in the vicinity. "Hey," he said and gently kissed Harry's still smiling mouth.
Harry sagged into the embrace, practically melting into the affectionate, yet heated, kiss. "Hi," he whispered back, blushing lightly. He wasn't used to Draco kissing him around so many people. He looked down and caught Gabe's thrilled expression and laughed softly. "Yes, we brought pizza," he said.
"Yay!" Gabe said again and danced around in a circle wiggling his bum, waving Tony about. "Pizza, pizza, pizza," he chanted. "Teddy!" he hollered up the steps. He didn't even have to say anything else, his brother already aware what was for dinner. A few moments later, Teddy appeared with a bright shock of neon green hair and hurried down the steps. "Help aunt Hermione!" he instructed, getting only a nod from Teddy instead of an indignant cry of outrage that he didn't have to listen to Gabe.
Harry rolled his eyes affectionately, watching as the foyer cleared out until he was left alone with Draco. "Hi," he said again and squeezed the arms he had around Draco's waist. "You look a bit traumatized," he said and snickered.
"I do not," Draco defended automatically. "How was shopping?" he asked, hoping to distract Harry. Thankfully, it worked. He listened with a small smile as Harry gave him a brief summary of his shopping trip with Hermione. "You spent three hours shopping for bedding and a few outfits?"
Harry shrugged and nodded. "Yeah. I wanted to wait for all of the important things and I didn't know what else to get just yet." He rested a hand on his belly and grinned. "I'd like to wait to see what colors we'll need."
"Ah," Draco said, nodding as well. "When can we find out?" he asked, rubbing a hand over the one Harry had on his stomach. There was a slight swell and he spent a few moments feeling the area with an awed expression on his face. He didn't think he'd ever have this opportunity and he had to fight a rather sudden, breath stealing wave of emotion. He swallowed thickly and couldn't help staring at Harry for a long moment.
Harry looked back, feeling a bit confused and had to suppress an urge to fidget at Draco's continuing intense look. "What?" he asked, trying not to sound worried.
"Nothing," Draco said, sincerely meaning it. He smiled warmly. "It's all so... perfect."
Harry blinked, leaning back enough to stare at Draco. "Alright," he said slowly, realization dawning, and smiled. "And to answer your question, the healer should be able to tell next month."
"Excellent," Draco said after clearing his throat. "C'mon," he said and gently lead Harry into the room filled with friends and food.
He didn't have to lead long, Harry humming with pleasure when he caught a whiff of the pizza and eagerly made the rest of the way himself. He laughed at the way Harry was following his nose and squawked when he was elbowed in his ribs. He wasn't making fun at all and could only kiss the top of Harry's head before he let go so Harry could say hello to everyone and eat.
Draco turned when a soft knock sounded and he was opening the door to a pleasantly smiling Arnold. "Hello!" he greeted, a smiling suddenly lighting his face.
Arnold nodded, stepping in. "Hello," he greeted back, smiling hesitantly in return. He got on well enough with Draco but it was still a bit odd to see the blonde smiling so openly at him. "What's up?" he blurted out, shrugging his shoulders in apology when he sounded rather suspicious.
"I need some help," Draco said, chuckling to himself. He idly wondered what happened to his Slytherin ways; he'd never have been called out so soon (if at all!) before. When Arnold nodded expectantly, he took a deep breath. "Are you familiar with barbecues?" When Arnold nodded again, "Excellent!" he clapped him on the back and lead the man into the kitchen.
He tried not to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information he got from Arnold over a few beers. He'd come to like the bitter Muggle beverage. "Alright, so, this is all possible in a week?" he asked after a long pause, draining half of his beer in one go.
Arnold nodded. "Sure, even without the added benefit of magic. Honestly, it's just down to a good grill and lots of food."
"A grill?" Draco asked, trying not to pinch his face in utter confusion or revulsion. What sort of device was he going to be dealing with? "I've never used such a thing." He didn't even cook on a contained flame in the kitchen, so the idea of an open one, outdoors, was rather daunting. Scary, really, if he had to be completely honest with himself.
Raging open fires made him... nervous.
Arnold chuckled. "I have. Piece of cake," he said and took a long swallow of beer. "I wouldn't worry. The innate ability to grill is practically embedded in the Y chromosome." He grinned, looking at the empty bottle and wondering when it had gotten that way. He nodded a thanks when Draco passed him a fresh one.
"Erm, right. Good."
Arnold chuckled again, wiping a stray drop of beer from his upper lip. "I wouldn't sweat it," he said, shaking his head. It was almost amusing to see the man so worked up over Muggle things. He'd feel smug if he didn't feel so damn confused about all the magic things he'd learned about from Hermione and the others. "So, why a barbecue if I may ask?" he asked after a brief moment of silence.
"I figured it was something Harry would enjoy," Draco said with a light shrug.
He couldn't imagine Harry's relatives being the sort of Muggles to have a barbecue, no doubt ones to turn their noses up to eating outdoors, but he also knew they wouldn't have included Harry if they had. A bright flair of anger worked through him at that but he quickly let it go; Harry hated reminders of the bastards and he refused to let it anger him right now. Harry seemed to have a sixth sense for his anger and he didn't want to upset his pregnant fiancé.
"Right?" Draco asked, realizing he might be wrong. Arnold knew Harry well enough, he didn't feel as awkward asking him for a second opinion.
Arnold nodded, smiling. "He certainly would. Is that when you're going to pop the question?"
"Yes," Draco said, rolling his eyes playfully and not even bothering to ask how the man knew. It seemed everyone knew and he realized it was a calming thought. He didn't have to worry about their reactions now, since they all seemed quite alright with it. Some of them even gently pushing for it. "And he's not allowed to refuse." He carefully left the 'this time' out but seemed to be implied anyway.
Arnold doubled over slightly with laughter, nearly spilling his beer. "Of course not," he agreed, used to Draco's attitude. He did know there was a first attempt but Hermione made it quite clear he wasn't to let it be known he knew about it. It really would only embarrass both men since he'd also been given a rather clear idea why the first request was refused. "He won't," he said confidently.
"Damn right," Draco agreed, grinning smugly. "Well," he said, finishing his beer and clapping Arnold on the shoulder. "Thank you for all the help. I probably would have failed miserably relying solely on Pansy."
Arnold smiled and inclined his head. "You're welcome. And Pansy is quite knowledgeable about Muggle things, especially for someone who learned so recently." He was truly impressed with the witch's grasp on Muggle ways. Hermione grew up that way but he knew Pansy didn't and respected the dark haired witch that much more for it. It didn't hurt that she seemed to genuinely enjoy Muggle things, as well.
They made their way into the parlor, joining their respective partners and enjoyed pizza amongst loud laughter and conversation.
~*O*~
Draco puttered around the back garden, nervously going over everything with a narrowed, critical gaze. He was sure he had everything but something felt amiss and he couldn't figure out what. He jumped when Gabe and Angus burst out of the door, both bounding over towards him with happy faces. "Oi! Watch out for those decorations!" he warned when Angus and Gabe were both running precariously close to a large pile of brightly colored decorations.
"What are these for, papa?" Gabe asked, holding up something that looked like a small fish bowl. He turned it around carefully, wondering what it was for.
Draco carefully took the bowl and placed it on the table. He didn't think his son would understand the idea of 'fun cocktails' and didn't bother explaining. "It's for daddy's party. Remember?"
"Yeah!" Gabe said nodding. He looked around, his eyes going wide at all the new things scattered around the garden. There were bamboo looking sticks with little caps on them, cheery streamers along the fence, brightly colored chairs, balloons and ice filled bins scattered everywhere with drinks cooling. It made him giggle; papa made everything look so fun!
"What's that?" he asked, pointing at a large metal contraption that was giving off heat, he could see the air around it shimmer like magic.
Draco nodded proudly, crossing his arms. "That, my dear son, is a grill."
"A grill?" Gabe asked, looking up and grinning, enjoying being called a 'dear son' but confused by the word.
"Yes," Draco said with another nod. "It's a Muggle thing. Cooks food with heat and smoke... or something along those lines," he said, waving a distracted hand. "You aren't to touch it," he said sternly, getting a nod. He knelt down and gave Gabe a searching look. "You're still alright with me marrying daddy?" he asked, trying not to worry his lip. He absently fingered the box in his pocket, quite sure he'd rather put up with a Gabe-tantrum than postpone his proposal.
Gabe vigorously nodded his head. "Yes! You have to!" he said adamantly. His eyes lit up and he clapped, bouncing on his toes. "Are you going to ask daddy today?"
"Yes," Draco said, slightly irritated it wasn't a surprise to even his son. "Does everyone know?"
Gabe giggled, covering his mouth with his hand and looking up at papa with sparkling silvery grey eyes. "I don't think daddy knows."
"True," Draco said and resisted the urge to roll his eyes, not really surprised Harry would be the only person unaware. He knew the man wasn't that oblivious or stupid but he had been quite distracted recently. Well, that was for the best really as he was looking forward to seeing his reaction... and Merlin help Harry if he even thought of saying 'no' again.
The grill was heating up nicely and Draco cast a ward around the grill so the boys, or Angus, wouldn't be able to get within 20 feet of the grill and went inside. He had snuck out during Harry's nap to set up and he was anxious to see Harry's reaction. He snuck up to their room and stood in the doorway for a long moment when he saw Harry was still asleep. He couldn't help just standing there, looking.
He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorjamb, his expression of apprehension softening as he watched Harry snuffle and shift slightly as he slept. Even laying on his back, head tilted towards him and his mouth slightly open, Harry was a sight to make his heart skip and his breath stop for a moment. Gorgeous. He snickered, amused at the sappy thoughts and slowly entered their room, wincing when he didn't remember to avoid a loudly creaking floorboard in time and saw Harry shift again. Normally, Harry slept like the dead but his naps were usually light and he woke easily. Especially if one of the boys were nearby.
Harry stirred, mumbling groggily. "Draco?" he asked, his voice fuzzy with sleep, rubbing his eyes with a sleepy motion. He blinked owlishly when he saw Draco standing just inside the doorway, just staring. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Draco said softly, shaking his head a bit and closed the door. He slowly approached the bed, eyeing Harry with a heated look. "Just looking."
Harry wrinkled his nose and looked himself over. He was only wearing shorts and a thin t-shirt; he didn't see what Draco could've been staring at. He patted a hand through sleep-messy hair, wiping at his face with the other hand, and wrinkled his nose again. "At what?" Merlin, but Draco was weird sometimes.
"You," Draco said softly, climbing onto the bed and hovering over Harry. He leaned down and kissed a line up a sleep-warm neck and hummed happily. "So sexy," he murmured against a thrumming pulse point, snickering when he felt Harry's pulse quickly pick up and a quiet moan left him. Harry might not agree but at least he no longer argued; Draco figured it was progress. "I wanted to show you something, but it can wait," he said, resuming his kissing up Harry's neck to his lips. He nibbled the parted mouth gently, dipping his tongue in briefly.
Harry moaned quietly and arched into Draco, his interest crested quickly and left him pleasantly breathless. "Draco," he whined, clutching at Draco's loose shirt. He pawed at buttons, undoing them by sheer force of will it seemed, and sighed happily when he was granted access and ran his hands over smooth skin. He pinched and flicked pink nipples, breath coming out in soft pants.
He didn't even care there was something waiting for him; he only wanted Draco. Right now. "Fuck," he grunted softly when the blonde lowered himself down enough to press their bodies together. He immediately arched up into Draco, groaning when their hard cocks brushed through layers of fabric.
"Not enough time," Draco said, grinning cheekily. He laughed into Harry's neck when he was swatted playfully and a mournful groan sounded. "I didn't say I would stop," he chastised gently, running a hand down Harry's side before slipping into his loose shorts. He smirked, nipping sharply at Harry's collarbone, when Harry twitched and squirmed. "What do you want?"
Harry squirmed, fully hard and unsure how he wanted it satisfied. He didn't really care. "I don't care, just touch me," he demanded as he panted softly. He groaned when Draco shimmied down his body, his shorts pulled down and tossed unceremoniously on the way. "Ohh," he breathed when his cock was immediately engulfed in wet warmth. He arched off the bed, moaning loudly as Draco swallowed him eagerly. His legs flopped open when fingers fluttered along his inner thighs.
He buried his hands in soft hair and tried not to yank or push, just enjoying the sensation of Draco's mouth and tongue working him with expert efficiency. He gasped and writhed unashamedly as pleasure sizzled through him. He looked down and heat coiled low in his belly when Draco glanced up at him through pale lashes, a heated gaze darkening his silvery grey eyes. He knew the look was meant to turn him on and dammit it did.
"Fuck," Harry groaned, twitching and arching with each swipe of tongue and bob of Draco's head. A single slick finger circled his arse and he groaned with anticipation, willing Draco to stop teasing and make him come. The single finger was joined by a second and he was swiftly filled with them. He grunted and grinded against the wiggling fingers, moaning unabashedly as Draco worked him.
Draco smirked, enjoying himself immensely. Sure, he was literally throbbing in his pants but it was worth it to see Harry enjoying himself so damn much. He was nearly taken by surprise when hands tightened almost roughly in his hair and he was nearly choked with a sudden mouthful of come and Harry roughly fucking his face as he came.
He sputtered for a brief moment, fighting a flush at being caught unaware, before pulling back enough to swallow properly and lick any leftover mess. He grinned, licking and smacking his lips obscenely. "Ready for a shower?" he asked, hoping to get more than his back washed.
"Oh yeah," Harry sighed, rolling from the bed in a lazy manner once he was no longer feeling utterly boneless. He pulled Draco up, kissing him firmly and humming with pleasure when agile fingers stripped him of his remaining clothing. He forgot all about any surprises waiting downstairs as he pulled Draco into the shower, the small space already full of steam.
He winked as he eased onto his knees, effectively silencing and protests Draco might have made. He could make it quick; regardless of how embarrassed it made Draco that he could get him arching and coming down his throat in less than 5 minutes. He knew it would only take about 2 minutes, since Draco was already hard and leaking.
If he had counted, it wouldn't have gotten past 85 when Draco grabbed the sides of his head and fucked his mouth through his orgasm. He groaned, chagrined to feel his cock twitching with interest again as Draco eased back and dragged him up into a hard, hot kiss, licking at his chin and the corner of his mouth.
By the time they made it downstairs, the house was full of people and Harry paused, blinking at the gathering. He looked to Draco and smiled. "What's all this?"
"Follow," is all Draco said, wrapping his hand around Harry's and gently pulling, leading Harry down the hallway, though the kitchen and into the back. He resisted the urge to spread his arms and shout 'ta-da!' and just looked expectantly at Harry, watching the other man look around the garden with a look of wonder and surprise on his face. His expression softened when Harry turned wet-shiny green eyes on him. "Like it?" he asked, quite aware of the answer. He ran his thumb over Harry's knuckles, hoping to sooth and comfort.
Harry nodded, swallowing thickly and blinking rapidly so the stupid tears wouldn't fall. "I do, thank you." He didn't know how he forgot his own damn birthday and felt overwhelmed by the cheerfully decorated area. He wanted to think it a bit juvenile but he loved it anyway. He gave Draco a watery smile and tried not to laugh aloud when he saw how Muggle everything was. But there was just so much that it was somehow still Malfoy, too...
"Happy birthday, love," Draco murmured, pulling Harry to him. He laughed softly when Harry sniffled and latched onto him tightly. He stumbled a bit when hit from behind and pulled back enough to glance down, smiling when he saw Gabe and Teddy wrapped around their legs as well making it a group hug. "Did you finish up?" he asked Teddy, ruffling pale blonde hair. It always pleased him when Teddy mimicked him for a bit.
Teddy and Gabe both nodded. "Yup!" they both said at the same time. "And everybody is here!" Gabe added, bouncing on his toes with excitement. "Daddy! Happy birthday!" he shouted, beaming happily up at a very pleased daddy.
"Thank you, munchkin," Harry said and bent down enough to pick Gabe up and nearly crushed the poor kid to his chest. He snorted when Gabe squeaked and wiggled. "Sorry," he murmured and set Gabe down, pulling Teddy into a hug as well ruffling his hair fondly when he got a muttered 'happy birthday, dad'. "You little sneaks, you helped Draco surprise me."
Gabe and Teddy both nodded again, identical grins on their faces. "Yup!" they both said at the same time, again. Giggles erupted and both boys streaked off when Angus burst through the door, barking and chasing a fast moving streak of fur. "ANGUS! NO!" Gabe yelled, chasing after the happily barking dog. "Don't eat Mister Wiggins!"
"Mister Wiggins?" Harry asked, watching Gabe and Teddy try to round up a very fast Angus. They both gave up and instead started searching for Mr. Wiggins, hoping to get the small kneazle to safety. He didn't understand the dramatics; Angus didn't eat small animals. He'd been accosted quite a few times on their walks by random stray cats and smaller dogs and Angus seemed to forget he was a large, prey-driven dog. It would be amusing if it wasn't almost pathetic to see the big dog whimper and try to hide when faced with small animals of any sort.
Draco shrugged. "Haven't a clue, love," he said, watching the happenings with a smile. "Oh! I think Hermione mentioned something about a kneazle? I'm really not sure..." he trailed off, frowning slightly. "Gabe! What is a Mister Wiggins?" he called out. He ignored Harry's snort with a haughty sniff, knowing full well Harry was amused he had taken so easily to shouting about the house.
"Miss Jessica's kneazle!" Gabe called back, frantically searching through a bush. "She bringed him 'cause I wanted to see what one looked like!"
Harry snorted and shook his head. "We have picture books, he knows what one looks like."
"True, but he's adorably smitten with Jessica, so who knows why he asked her," Draco murmured, watching Gabe crawl under a bush and disappear. "Anyway," he said, turning back to Harry. "I hope you like barbecue food."
Harry shrugged but smiled. "I haven't a clue but I'm sure I will," he said, patting his belly. There was very little he didn't like these days. He was a bit unsettled to find himself actually eating whatever vegetables Draco would push onto his plate, as well. "When are we eating?" he asked when he heard his stomach gurgle. He glared playfully when Draco chuckled at the noise. "Oi, don't make fun. I'm not above kicking your arse. I am entitled to special privileges as the birthday boy, you know."
"Sorry, dear," Draco simpered and fluttered his eyelashes as he leaned in and peppered kisses along Harry's lips and cheeks. He snorted when Harry groaned and slapped at him. "I would estimate in about an hour? I don't really know how long most of the food will take," he said apologetically.
Harry tried not to gape and failed. "You're cooking?"
"Yes," Draco said stiffly and raised his chin, indignation clear on his face. "I have many hidden talents, I'll have you know, Potter."
Harry snickered and kissed Draco soundly in apology. "I'm sure you do," he said lowly, winking when Draco leered playfully at him. He leaned down a bit and smacked his arse. "Well, get crackin', man. I'm starving," he said cheekily, pushing Draco towards the grilling area.
"Oi!" Draco huffed with mock indignation but scooted away nonetheless. Really, it was rather undignified, but he was pleased to do Harry's bidding nonetheless. Even without the added bonus of being the 'birthday boy', he was wound around Harry's little finger. Not that he wanted Harry to know that and exploit it.
He warily approached the hot grill, lifting the lid and waving a hand in front of his face when he got a face full of smoke. "Ugh," he muttered and began throwing food onto the hot surface, glad he had cast cooling charms on the various meat items when he realized he had left it all piled next to the grill in the July sun. He pinched a particularly gross looking slab of steak between his thumb and forefinger, tossing it haphazardly onto the grill and jumping when it sizzled violently.
Harry snuck over and watched Draco 'cook', affection and amusement flushing through him warmly. It was very sweet that Draco was cooking; outside. On a Muggle appliance. For him. He sighed happily and pulled a chair over so he could watch.
He wasn't sitting alone long before everyone seemed to pour out into the garden and gather around him with noisy greetings. "Hi!" he said, taking in all the faces. He smiled his thanks when Hermione handed him a large, cold glass of lemonade. "So, surprise, yeah?"
"Surprise," Neville deadpanned, grinning when Harry rolled his eyes. He waved a hand when Harry made to stand and leaned over to give him a hug. "Happy birthday, mate," he said, clapping Harry on the shoulder. "Goodness, you're what—fifty now?"
Harry rolled his eyes. It probably amused him too much that Neville was the same age and still made jokes about his age. "Ha-ha. Twenty four, you git."
"Still, getting old," Steven added, chuckling. Harry was the youngest by mere days but it was quite fun to tease the man. "Happy birthday," he added, smiling.
Harry grinned and laughed with each greeting and hug he got, not-so-secretly happy to have been ordered to stay sitting by everyone. He was starting to get all swollen, everywhere, and it was nice to relax.
He stared up at Pansy, surprise clear on his face when the witch gave him a warm hug and stuck a glittery cardboard crown on his head. "Thanks for coming," he said sincerely.
"I wouldn't miss it, Harry," Pansy said, smirking slightly. She rather liked the man and she wouldn't give up the chance to see Draco set himself on fire. She laughed when Harry narrowed his eyes at her but didn't say anything more, even if his gaze nearly dragged it out of her like Veritaserum. "So, how did you get Mr. Proper to slave over a hot grill?" she asked, hooking a thumb in Draco's direction, settling into a lawn chair next to Harry. They all turned to watch as Draco poked and flipped random things on the grill, his moves smooth and fluid as if he'd been doing it for years.
Harry shrugged. "Haven't a clue. This was all his idea and a complete surprise." He had expected something for his birthday, but this was beyond anything he could have imagined and it was wonderful. Sure, it was a simple barbecue but it made his chest warm and flutter that Draco had done it simply because he thought he'd like it. And he did.
"Well, isn't that surprising," Pansy said, not sounding surprised at all. She felt rather smug that Draco had taken her idea of a barbecue to heart and actually did it. Looking at Harry's thrilled expression, she was glad she wasn't wrong and that Draco had actually done it. She hid a smug smile, mentally cataloging the various ways to have the blonde repay her for her brilliance. "I'm glad you like it."
Harry grinned and took a long sip of his lemonade. "I do, thank you." He smirked when Pansy blinked, finally looking surprised. Draco was brilliant but he was quite sure Pansy was the brains behind the idea, even if Draco was the one to actually take her advice and put the plan in motion. It was nice to see the two of them planning something he'd like, it was quite touching they both stepped out of their comfort zones for him.
"It's done!" Draco called out, smiling proudly as he held a plate of only slightly burnt food and set it on one of the tables. He constructed a towering cheeseburger and slid the loaded plate onto Harry's lap, a lingering kiss placed on his lips as he bent down. "If you need anything else, let me know, yeah?"
Harry nodded and inspected his burger. It looked delicious and he felt his stomach growl again. It was missing something... "Gabe," he called, getting his son's attention quickly. "Go and see if we have any mayo?" Gabe nodded and ran off, slamming into the kitchen a moment later. He caught Draco's eye and waved, smiling happily. Thankfully, Draco was too caught up in doling out food to come over, he didn't want him to think he didn't like the cheeseburger. He took the mayonnaise that Gabe held out and was immediately thankful it was a plastic squeeze bottle as he easily squeezed some onto his burger.
"Ew," Gabe commented, looking at the mess on daddy's plate with pinched brows. He giggled when daddy glared playfully at him. "Sorry," he said. "I know, I don't gotta eat it," he intoned, taking the mayonnaise back and putting it on the table in case anyone else wanted it.
By the time dusk hit, the bamboo torches were lit and giving off a cheery glow, keeping bugs at bay. Everyone was gathered around a small fire pit, enjoying the messy construction of S'mores. Gabe was mostly just eating the toasted marshmallows and trading off with Teddy who got to hold them over the fire, most often having them catch fire and making them both shriek with giddy laughter as they waved the flaming lumps of sugar about, trying to extinguish the flames so they could eat them.
Harry was enjoying the graham crackers covered in melted chocolate, happily ignoring Hermione's annoyed instructions he was constructing his wrong. He jumped when the sky suddenly lit up with a loud bang and his head jerked up, mouth dropping open in wonder as fireworks went off over their yard. At first, they were simple Muggle fireworks, loud flashes of color and simple designs.
He felt Draco sidle up next to him and squeeze his hand. "Wow," he said, watching the sky light up. He gaped stupidly when he realized the fireworks were slowly starting to form letters. He couldn't pull his gaze away to question Draco.
"Just wait," Draco whispered in Harry's ear, settling himself down on one knee and fishing in his pocket. He watched closely as Harry made sense of the words, feeling rather proud he had been able to get the damn things to go off properly. It wasn't in his nature to trust a Weasley product but one quick peek made him quite happy he did when he saw 'Harry, will you marry me?' in sparkling green and silver letters. He waited patiently.
Harry blinked a few more times, the familiar prickling in his eyes not going away. He slowly turned and took in Draco on his knee and a black velvet box clutched tightly in his hand. He choked out a wet laugh, wiping absently at his face. "That's more like it," he whispered and turned in his chair to give the kneeling blonde his full attention.
"Harry," Draco said, leaning in close. He was aware of several eyes on him but he kept his focus only on Harry. All he could see was happiness radiating from the smile he loved and watery green eyes he adored. Smooth words and practiced speeches fled out of his mind and he was left floundering for a moment, his eyes widening briefly in panic.
He took a deep breath, finally just going with short and to the point; "Will you marry me?" he asked softly, opening the ring box slowly. He heard several gasps and smirked smugly as he pulled the ring out, holding it expectantly. Thankfully, he didn't drop it. He was so fucking nervous! He refused to let himself think Harry would say 'no' again and just kept still, patient as he could possibly be, watching Harry's throat work as he tried to get himself under control.
Harry nodded, his throat too constricted to say anything just yet. "Yes," he whispered, amazed Draco could hear him over the loud bangs from the fireworks still going off, now back to the simple Muggle ones.
He stared mutely as cool metal was slid onto his finger and just looked at the simple but gorgeous band circling his finger. It was probably platinum and a very thin line of small green emeralds circled the band, diamonds breaking up the green band every so often. It was beautiful and simply perfect.
He leaned forward enough to throw himself into Draco's open arms, choking out a wet laugh when he was eagerly caught. "Showy git," he whispered, smiling. Really, he knew if Draco wanted to be fully obnoxious, he'd have a huge thick band overloaded with precious stones that would no doubt weigh his hand down. He hoped to find a similar ring he could give Draco.
"You know it," Draco said, voice soft and tight with too many emotions. Relief and utter happiness were the major ones. He squeezed Harry tightly and reluctantly let him go as their friends gathered around to offer congratulations. Gabe and Teddy worming their way through and piling on Harry and Draco into a group hug. He beamed happily when Gabe gasped and jerked Harry's hand closer to look at the sparkling band and hugged Harry tightly.
He nodded, still feeling too overwhelmed to speak, when he got many congratulatory pats on the back from all of the men and squealing hugs from the women. He pulled Pansy's hair lightly, thanking her subtly for the brilliant idea. Honestly, he might've come up with something as perfect but he couldn't deny her brilliance.
"I'll buy you a mobile," Draco said lowly before she could even open her mouth and demand some sort of recompense.
"Deal, but I hope you understand that means the best one, yeah?" Pansy said quietly, a dark eyebrow arched and a smirk playing about her lips.
Draco nodded, fully aware, and hugged the witch again. He stuck his tongue out playfully when Jessica mock-glared and settled herself on Harry's lap with a giggle and an overly boisterous cheek kiss. He rolled his eyes and focused back on Pansy. "Right, Pans, because I'd do anything less."
"Well..." Pansy said, trailing off and smirking at Draco's disgruntled expression. "I know, dear," she soothed, rolling her eyes. Ugh, he was such a priss at times. "So, did you really panic there, expecting a 'no'?" she asked, grinning cheekily.
Draco huffed, crossed his arms and sniffed. "No, of course not." He hadn't, not after he saw the expression on Harry's face.
"You looked a bit worried..."
Draco huffed again, glaring at Pansy now. "I felt a twinge in my knee. From kneeling so long."
"Ah," Pansy said, nodding, not buying it for a minute. "Like he'd say no to you," she said softly, placing a hand on his arm. She was quite happy for her best friend. "I realize the others will say this, or already have, but you better be good to him." She raised her eyebrow when Draco made to snark at her, probably for her sudden protective attitude of Harry, and nodded once when he just snapped his mouth closed and nodded. "And those boys," she added, finding Teddy and Gabe twirling glow sticks in dizzying circles, her gaze softening with affection.
Draco just nodded again, feeling rather overwhelmed again. He hadn't expected Pansy so be so welcoming and it honestly was a relief. He didn't know what he'd do if his best friend turned out to hate his family. He smiled warmly and pulled the witch into another hug.
He pulled away, not having to say anything else and gently pulled Harry out of his chair, glad he was no longer sharing his seat with Jessica. He wasn't jealous but he felt an irrational fear of the witch's big bum harming their baby. "Hi."
"Hi," Harry said, smiling widely. His cheeks were starting to hurt, but he couldn't seem to stop it. "So, this was great. I think we should do this every year."
Draco nodded, he had been thinking the same thing. "Maybe not for your birthday, but definitely. This was fun," he admitted. "And in case I didn't mention it earlier, thank you for not saying 'no' again," he joked, pulling Harry close and gently kissing him, running a hand through his hair and resting his hand on the back of Harry's neck.
"Oh, like I could say no to all this?" Harry joked, waving his hand around and laughing softly at Draco's affronted expression. "I do want to marry you, so I would have eventually said yes."
Draco blinked, unsure how to take that and just shook his head. "I was hoping we could do a step beyond marriage."
"Such as?"
Draco cleared his throat, suddenly feeling nervous. What if Harry didn't want to bond? What if he wasn't that sure? "Bonding."
"Bonding? Like... wait, what's bonding?" Harry asked. He had an idea, but he really didn't want it to be some Pure-blood thing that meant something completely different than what he thought. Or some sex kink. He felt his heart-rate pick up, hoping it was what he thought. The idea of bonding with Draco made everything flush with warmth and clench with want. His words from a few days ago sounded in his head and he nearly blushed at his surprise. Draco had said he wanted to bond them together permanently... It was a bit difficult to misunderstand his intentions but he wanted to be sure.
Draco cleared his throat again, his eyes darting to Neville quickly before returning to Harry. "Well, it's like marriage but more... permanent. Our magic is bonded, so to speak. Mind, body, magic and soul," he ended softly, cupping Harry's face, his thumbs tracing gently over his cheekbones. He could probably handle it if Harry refused, it was a big step and he wouldn't—
"Yes," Harry said, his eyes fluttering closed briefly to enjoy the gentle touch. "Of course I want that with you. Merlin, that sounds perfect," he said, his voice a near whisper, as he nuzzled his face into Draco's touch.
Draco blinked, annoyed to feel his eyes prickling and scowled when Harry noticed and snorted. "Oh, shut it!" he said, laughing a moment later. Leave it to Harry bloody Potter to annoy him right in the middle of a soul-wrenching discussion. "And good. I'm— Fuck, I'm so damn happy!" he blurted out honestly. He laughed softly and kissed Harry, deepening the kiss long enough to make Harry pant and moan into his mouth.
"When?" he asked, pulling away only enough to speak, their lips brushing together softly.
"Don't care," Harry mumbled. "Tomorrow, next month, after the baby..." he trailed off. "Whenever you want."
Draco nodded blankly, truly unsure. Did he want to rush it in their excitement or give them plenty of time to plan something? It wouldn't be a large ceremony, they had a rather small group of friends and it wouldn't take long to make most of the arrangements. His eyes drifted down to Harry's belly and his brows pinched. He didn't know if they could bond while he was pregnant. It was a magically charged ceremony and he refused to do anything that would threaten the health and well-being of their child.
"I'll let you know," he finally settled on, chuckling softly when Harry nodded absently and pulled him into another kiss.