Chapter Two
Happiness
The sunset through the bathroom window is casting shadows on the bathroom floor. I watch the shadows, as I turn off the tap, dipping my hand in the water, the temperature perfect. I take my hand from the water, shaking the water off and wiping my hand down the side of my pants. I get undressed, my body aching for a warm bath. We spent the day working outside, finding ways to keep ourselves busy. I wasn't sure how Draco would go having to feed chickens, goats, and tending the vegetable garden. He surprised me, and we had so much fun. I love seeing Draco so relaxed, the fears and worries from a few weeks ago a distant memory. We both know that this might not last, but for now we are making the most of it. I take off the makeshift ring Draco put on my left ring finger, holding it between my thumb and index finger. Draco found a couple of flexible twigs while out in the garden, and presented me with the intertwined twigs, looking rather pleased with himself. "It's not the ring you deserve," he had said, slipping it on my finger. "It's perfect," I told him filled with happiness and contentment. I place the ring on the vanity, turn and get into the tub, lowering myself into the water. My body instantly relaxes as I sink into the water.
I lie back, submerging myself in the water, the muscles in my body coming undone one by one. I sigh, closing my eyes, enjoying the feeling. The last week or so, I let myself relax. It also allowed me time to grief and come to terms with the loss that I suffered. Draco's been amazing, comforting me when wanted, and giving me space when he sensed I needed it. The door creaks open, Draco stepping into the room. "Space for one more?" he asks, closing the door behind him. "Always," I smile, meeting his grey gaze. Draco smile that handsome smile of his, getting undressed, his eyes never leaving mine. "I love looking at you," he whispers in my ear, as he sits down behind me. "I love you looking at me," I lean back, settling between his legs, my back resting against his chest. Draco kisses my hair, wrapping his arms around my shoulders. "I think we should stay here forever," he murmurs, his head resting against mine. "Amongst all the muggles?" I wonder out loud, placing my hands on his knees.
Draco chuckles in my ear, the vibration tickling. "I don't care where we live, as long as we're together," Draco notes, seriously, his arms tightening around my shoulders, drawing me closer. He presses his face against my hair, inhaling deeply, savouring this moment. Nothing is certain anymore, nothing but our love for each other. "I'll walk away from my family and their fortune, to be with you," he whispers, nuzzling his face in the hollow of my neck. Where his breath touches my skin, goosebumps erupt, travelling from my neck down my body. "You make me happy," I breathe, as Draco unwraps his arms from around my shoulders, running his fingers down the length of my arms. "You are my world, Emily" Draco confesses, reaching over to grab the soap. "I'd move heaven and earth to keep you safe," he rubs the soap between his palms, lathering his hands, running his soapy hands from my shoulders to my wrists. I lean forward, enjoying the feel of Draco's hands as they travel down my back, around my hips, over my abdomen, and towards my breasts. "If you have to choose to safe me or safe yourself, please don't die for me," I say, turning my shoulders and head, meeting Draco's intense grey gaze. His eyes in this light the colour of charcoal.
"I can't live in a world without you." I reach my hand up, placing my palm against his cheek. He hasn't shaved, his stumble prickly against my palm, the facial hair making him look older. "I refuse to live in a world without you," he stresses, leaning into my hand, his hands resting on my hips. I turn around, water sloshing in the tub, making a mess on the floor. I readjust myself, so I'm straddling Draco, wrapping my arms around his neck, pressing my naked body against his. "Your love saved me," he whispers, his arms wrapped around my torso, holding onto me tightly. "I won't survive if anything happens to you." I run my fingers through his hair, resting my forehead against his. I let out a soft sigh. "I can't wait to be your wife," I say between kisses, my lips moving across Draco's jaw, his stumble rough against the soft flesh. "Even if it means being a Malfoy?" he asks, grazing his fingers up and down my back. "Yes," I murmur, my lips finding his. Tangling my fingers in his platinum hair, I kiss him, pouring all that I'm feeling into the kiss. Fear…lust…love. So much love, I feel myself drown in it, welcoming the feeling. I wake up, the room dark and cold, the day murky outside. I roll onto my back, staring at the ceiling, listening to wind howling outside. The windows rattle, and rain slosh against the glass, highlighting the stormy conditions. We've had some great days over the last couple of weeks, but like most things, the weather too is uncertain.
I'm alone in bed, Draco's side cold. Usually it's me that's up first, but the last couple of days, I've been too emotionally drained. Grief comes and goes, some days worse than others. Today is a bad day, my heart aching, my mood gloomy like the weather. I cover my eyes with my arm, taking a couple of deep breaths, trying to clear my head. I tossed and turned last night; my sleep disturbed by dreams of Caleb dying. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to stop the tears that threaten to spill down my cheeks. They come so easily these days, little things managing to make me cry. I feel Draco's strength growing inside me, his presence soothing. Our connection's the strongest it's ever been. The soul we share at its most powerful. Draco and I don't need words, both of us just knowing what the other needs. Draco would sense my sorrowful mood, and feed me his strength to help me overcome it. "I love you," Draco's voice fills my mind, the love he has for me, enveloping me in its warmness. My mood improves, love stronger than any sorrow I'm feeling. I might have lost my best friend, and missing my parents, but I have Draco, and for that I am grateful. I roll out of bed, pulling on some jeans and a jumper, tying my hair back. I head downstairs, hungry. Draco's sitting by the table, with toast and a tea, turning to look at me.
"Morning," he greets, getting to his feet. "Hey," I say meeting his grey gaze. Draco takes my hand in his, drawing me closer, giving me a soft kiss on the forehead. "Sit down, I'll get you some tea and toast," he leads me to the table, pulling out a chair for me. Draco, forever the gentleman. I sit down, giving him an earnest smile. We've been living in bliss the last seven weeks, the outside world fading away. We have no idea what is happening, and if truth be told, I don't want to know. This war has already taken too much from me. Right now, all I can focus on is keeping myself and Draco safe. My parents would want that. They'd want us to disappear until the war is over. I can't risk going out there trying to free my father from Azkaban, or look for my mother. I'm better off just focusing on keeping me and Draco alive. Draco places a couple of pieces of toast in front of me, and a cup of hot tea. "I'm getting better at this muggle lifestyle," Draco states, looking proud of himself.
"I might make a muggle out of you yet," I chuckle, reaching for my cup of tea. Draco laughs and sits down opposite me, reaching for his own cup of tea. "I'm going to go to the local market to grab a few things," Draco takes a sip of his tea, and swallows. "Did you want to come with me?" I meet his grey gaze, happiness slowly replacing the grief I woke up with. I smile, "I'd love to." Draco nods and takes a bite of his toast, his eyes never leaving mine. "It'll be good for us to get out," Draco say, taking another sip of his tea. We finish breakfast in silence, holding hands, the physical connection nice. When I was younger, I never thought of what it'll be like to settle down with someone, and start a family, believing that I was too young. I also never thought I'd love someone as unconditionally as I do Draco. With Draco I can picture a future, of settling down and having a family. When he asked me to marry him, I didn't hesitate. He's the love of my life, and I want to share my future with him. With him I do believe in forever. "What?" Draco smiles, looking at me. "Nothing," I say, finishing my tea.
"You're giving me your goofy smile," Draco squeezes my hand, a twinkle in his eye. "I'm just thinking of how happy you make me," I smile. "And how happy I am to be your wife one day." Draco's smile turns into a grin, the happiness and love he feels radiating from him like a heat wave. "You have no idea how happy you make me," Draco says softly, interlacing his fingers with mine. He brings my hand to his mouth, feathering kisses across my knuckles. The walk to the market is nice. The air is cool, the wind cold, the rain letting up. Hand in hand Draco and I set off, the fresh air just what my soul needed. At the market we split up, as to not draw too much attention to ourselves. We did our best to disguise ourselves, not trusting anyone. I went to get some bread, milk, tea, butter, a couple of spreads and some meat to go with the vegies we have. We didn't have a lot of money, not wanting to risk accessing our family money. We are too scared that Death Eaters would lie in wait for us. Instead, we are using the money my mother stashed at the farm house the last time we were there. She had said that it would be good to be prepared in case of another emergency. My mother always the sensible one. The longing from this morning back tenfold. I miss my parents so much, thinking of them painful.
On cue, I could sense Draco trying to take away some of the sadness I'm feeling. The sadness eases, my mood improving. I go to pay for grocery items, taking the packed bag when it's handed to me by a lovely old lady. "Have a nice day, dear," she greets, her smile warm. "Thank you," I smile, leaving. I head back to where Draco and I agreed to meet after running our errands. Draco is leaning against a fence post, his arms crossed over his chest. He pushes himself away from the fence post, following me back home. "Here," he says taking the bag of groceries from me. "It was nice to be out of the house," I tell him, taking his free hand in mine. "I love you, but it was nice to see some other people," Draco shares, turning to look at me. I smile and nod, agreeing with him. As much as I love Draco, I miss seeing and talking to other people. We're quite isolated on the farm, and being on the run means that we'll be isolated for a while. "Did they have everything you wanted?" Draco asks, as we follow the dirt path back home. "Yes," I answer, moving closer to Draco, the wind chill against my exposed skin. We make it home as the skies open, the rain heavy. Draco places the paper bag in front of the door, out of the rain, and turns to me. He has a mischievous smile and twinkle in his eye.
"Oh no you don't," I warn taking a step back. Draco lurches at me, trying to grab a hold of me. I set of running, Draco chasing me. He catches up to me, and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me towards him. I squeal, as he tickles me. "Draco," I plead, trying to pull away. Draco stops tickling me, spinning me around, our eyes locking as we stand face to face. He leans down and kiss me, the moment perfect. I bury my fingers in his hair, deepening the kiss. Draco grips my hips, holding me tightly against him, our hearts beating as one. When we both need air, Draco takes a step back, and gets down on one knee. "What are you doing?" I giggle, rubbing my hands over my arms, feeling cold. "Emily-Anne Ashe, would you do me the incredible honour of becoming my wife?" Draco asks, pulling a simple gold band from his pocket. I meet his grey gaze, smiling like a complete idiot. "Yes!" I agree, again, the same contentment from when he first asked me present in every fibre of my being. Draco slips the ring on my finger, kissing the palm of my hand. He gets up, snakes his arms around my waist, lifts me up and spins me around.
"I'm the luckiest man alive," he states, putting me down, cupping my face. He leans down and kisses me again, this time the kiss passionate. We pull apart, and Draco takes my hand in his, leading me back to the house. We're both soaked, both exuberantly happy. Draco picks up the groceries from in front of the door, and we head inside. "Bath time," I say, heading for the stairs. Draco meets my gaze, smiling, heading to the fireplace. After we've both taken a bath and we both got dressed in dry, warm clothes, we get comfortable in front of the fireplace. It's my happy place. We're sitting on the floor in front of the fire, each with a cup of tea. I'm sitting between Draco's legs, leaning back against his chest, one hand holding his and the other my warm cup of tea. We're already acting like a married couple, our banter effortless, moments together like this, perfect.