Draco excused himself for a bit, leaving Hermione alone in the balcony. She giggled with delight with how well their

date was going so far. She couldn't wait to see how he'd react to her other plans. "Pardon me, miss," the vendor girl said, having returned with a bottle of chilled champagne and two glasses.

Hermione moved her purse from the table next to her seat so the girl could set the

glasses down. "Thank you so much."

"Not a problem, miss," she said as she poured.She finished and ducked away just before Draco returned. The girl crossed paths with Draco on his way back and she gave him a seductive wink and smile before disappearing from view down the hallway.

He asked about Shakespeare's other works and Hermione responded, "oh no, he has quite the range of works. Back in his time, plays we're divided into comedies, stories with a happy tone and ending, and tragedies, those with a more sad conclusion. He also wrote historical plays about England's muggle royalty. His tragedies are not all like this one, and some of his comedies are down right raunchy, but still very clever." She would have gotten more in depth about her explanation, but the lights dimmed again, signaling the beginning of the second half

of the play.

The lights dimmed and their conversation came to a close despite there silence charm around the balcony. Draco and Hermione both turned their focus back onto the stage. It was refreshing that they were comfortable within each others presence to the degree that they didn't need to worry about prolonging chatter or interaction when both were content to focus on the theatrical performance.

The final act arrived and Draco was alert in his seat as he watched the play unfold. The tragic end came. In the play's final scene, Romeo finds Juliet's "dead" body and, rather than face life without her, swallows a vial of poison moments before Juliet wakes up. When Juliet realizes her husband is dead, she tries to kill herself by kissing Romeo. Since there's not enough poison left on his lips, she stabs herself with Romeo's dagger.

It was not an ending Draco had expected. He could understand and feel for Romeo and Juliet's drastic measures though. If his parents had perished during his 6th year of school he would have contemplated taking his life. Their well being was what kept him from doing such an action during that tumult of a year of expectations.

When the curtain closed and the ending overture song played while cast came out and bowed. The silence spell was lifted and the sound of hundreds of clapping echoed against the walls. Draco stood in applause, paying further respects to the performing troupe. Only when the entire cast filled the stage, simultaneously bowed and the curtain fell a final time did Draco turn to look at Hermione. "What a brilliant tale! The ending was fantastic. I do appreciate this Shakespeare fellow taste in writing."

Hermione was just barely able to hold back the tears that began forming in the last act of the play. She doubted she'd ever be able to do something like Romeo and Juliet in their last moments, however romantically tragic or foolishly brave it might be. She'd much prefer seeing an end to the rivalries so as something like that wouldn't happen again. But perhaps they both thought of that and figured it a

fruitless endeavor? She pondered on that question in the last few moments of the play. She also pondered on the slight chance, in another world where certain circumstances were different, perhaps she and Draco could have been a Romeo and Juliet. Gryffindor and Slytherin were rival houses. If maybe he'd have been less

of a brute, or maybe if she'd have shown more kindness in turn... But those thoughts were quickly swept away by Juliet's final moment and the uproarious applause.

She stood with Draco, clapping and sobbing softly. "As many times as l've read this story, this is the first time I've seen it performed." She said in response to Draco's statement. "They did wonderfully!" She took a small handkerchief from her purse and dried her eyes, taking care not to smudge her makeup.

Draco couldn't help but notice the handkerchief in her hand as they did their

final applause. The noise of clapping hands came to a close as the director made final statements and the curtain fell concealing the crew from view. Lights brightened giving more illumination as the crowd below their private booth began to exit the theater. Draco already standing from the ovation of respect and applause, turned to look at Hermione. "Is that a bit of moisture I detect in your eyes Hermione?I never took you for sappy type. Resilient and sentimental you are." He stated with one eyebrow arched in amusement as he assisted her with putting on her peacoat.

This Valentine's Day date had been a delight. Excellent companionship to enjoy traveling with, share a meal, and seen a remarkable performance. He estimated the hour to be early evening. Did Hermione plan for a dinner after the performance? Would they return to her flat for some wine and a few kisses. He recalled her stating right before they left her flat that she said there would bed more time for physical interactions later. He chose to not directly ask but inadvertently said, "Do I dare ask what else you have planned for today. If anything? You certainly have earned my positive impressions on this date you chose to plan of your own accord."

With one last sniffle, Hermione playfully stuck her tongue out at Draco remark. "Like I said it's one of my favorite tales and the actors did a phenomenal job, especially the one who played Juliet." As they were ready to go and filling out to the lobby, Draco asked about dinner plans. Hermione smiled "of course I have something in mind. Have you ever had sushi before?" She revealed a pair of chopsticks from her coat pocket that a portkey charm on it on them that would send them to their next destination.

"Shall we?" She asked, holding out the portkey on to him to take hold of also.

Japan was not a country Draco had the opportunity to visit. Mostly because it held no interest for either of his parents. As such sushi was not a dish he had authentically had before. "I can't say that I have." He stated, taking a step to join

her side and touching the portkey. With that familiar pull of being stretched yet being shrunk they arrived to their next location with a gentle landing.

For a moment Draco was unsure where they had landed, until they walked around the corner and he saw they were in London. She had transported them to a Japanese-Brazilian- Peruvian sushi restaurant called Sushi Samba London.

It was on the 38th-floor of Heron Tower. The restaurant was elegantly designed, clad in red and soft lighting for the romantic aspect, it had an amazing evening landscape of London.

They were promptly seated at a table by a window with a gorgeous view of London. Lights from buildings, businesses and cars ever moving had an almost hypnotic effect. When Hermione got settled in her seat and looked into she could see Draco's eyes, those lights reflected, making them look like sparkling silver. She hoped that her eyes had the same effect.

The waiter asked them what they'd like to drink. "Just water for me, thank you." Hermione replied.

They were seated in a window seat. The lights of London sparkling through every window. As they got seated, sitting across from each other, the lights above their head made Hermione's hair shimmer in a way he hadn't noticed before. "A glass of water for me as well, no ice, and a fresh lemon wedge." Draco instructed to

the waiter. The waiter nodded, took their drink orders, briefed them on the menu he gave each of them, then departed. "I had no idea sushi had variety. Which kind is your preference?" He asked of her as he browsed the menu reading the description of each.

As she browsed through the menu, Hermione looked a little perplexed "I love anything with eel, but I enjoy trying new kinds every once in a while. Though honestly, I've never been here before, so this is new to me as well. Everything upon the menu seems outside my usual. I guess that just means a new experience for us both." She gave a wink and a smile.

"How about this:" she said, holding up the menu again, "why don't we each get something completely different and we share a bit with each other?"

"An excellent suggestion Hermione." He agreed, as his eyes wandered the menu, "I am going to order the Tokyo Sky Tree sushi roll. It has a blend of spicy tuna, tempura crunch, lotus roots, aji panca, and spicy mayo. Sounds like a brilliant blend of flavors with a bit of heat for the tongue to enjoy." He placed his menu, down now able to admire her while, she chose her own.

Those intellegent eyes calculating and just as miraculously as they did in everything else in life. Yes, the lighting in the room made them practically sparkle so well.

It didn't take long for Draco to make his decision on what to eat, but Hermione had quite the predicament trying to decide. Not only did she have to decide what might compliment his decision, but she had to do so while being stared at by quite possibly the most distractingly handsome face staring at her. "You know, it's rather difficult to decide what to order when you're staring at me like that," she said. She really didn't have any problem with him looking at her the way he was.

"You know it is rather difficult to not stare at you. After all we are sitting across from one another. You look ever so stunning. And the best part is I can see others staring at you as they walk by and give them the satisfactory grin that your are mine." Draco replied, that signature smirk on his lips asbhe took a sip of his lemon water.

Hermione raised an eyebrow and smirked right back at him. "Oh, I'm yours all of a sudden?" Underneath the table, she slipped one foot out of her high heel and gently caressed Draco's leg. "I'm fairly certain it is I who am in control of this evening at least, so don't get too cocky."

She did her best to concentrate on the menu again, but she could feel herself blushing, so she randomly picked something and hoped it was a good combination with Draco's order.

Pleasant chills ran up Draco's leg at the contact of her foot against the his leg. Oh how this woman could tease him and he found it pleasurable. Nothing more was said on the topic. No words were needed really. They were both distracted to a degree that the looks on their faces spoke much.

The waiter returned with their meals in mere minutes. It was almost a shame, but the pleasant aroma and the elegant appearance of each meal made his stomach appreciate the sustenance. The waiter prepared soy sauce dipping dishes for each of them and gave a brief instruction on the use of fresh ginger as a palate refresher. Draco carefully used the provided porcelain chop sticks and lifted one of his off his plate and offered it to Hermione. "Ladies first."

Hermione was pleasantly surprised to see Draco properly use a pair of chopsticks. She blushed and looked around. Being fed something in public was a little more embarrassing than in a private setting. A quick scan of the restaurant revealed that feeding ones partner wasn't uncommon.

Ladies popping sushi into their date's mouth and vice versa. As long as she wasn't the only one doing it, Hermione went along with the gesture. She leaned forward, opened her mouth and accepted the perfectly bite-sized morsel. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the flavor. She almost couldn't believe her mouth, it was so delicious. Not too spicy, but just enough of a kick for flavor, the fish was excellent and the rice was the best she'd ever had. Any more of this, and she might spoil any other kind of sushi for her. "My word, that is fantastic!" She said after finishing.

Her gaze met his and she lost her train of thought for a second but regained it and took out her own chopsticks and offered him a piece. "Your turn, handsome."

For a moment Draco almost forgot they were in muggle London. He wasn't used to dining in muggle restaurants. He almost used non verbal magic to bring the sushi she offered to his mouth, so he didn't have to lean so far over. Luckily no such thing occurred and he leaned over far enough to take the bite of themorsel she gestured to him. It had a creamy texture to it. The taste of fresh smoked salmon with just the right amount of cucumber and...cream cheese! "That is refreshing. Opposite, yet complementary to the one I chose. A slice of ginger or a dab of wasabi would do well with it to bring out the smoked salmon flavor."

Since they were sharing after all, he took a few of each and arranged them on the plate before him. Complete with meticulous attention to which one he ate with ginger, wasabi, or soy sauce. And those he desired to eat with no additional flavor enhancements. When his roll was nearly finished he complimented, "The quality is quite good here and a satisfying amount. I am no novice to quality over quantity, mind you. This has a well balance indeed." He stated, pausing to take a sip of his lemon water.

Taking a bite of the ginger, Hermione sniffled a bit from the cool spiciness as it cleansed her pallet. She was also very glad Draco seemed to enjoy his first sushi meal. She nodded in agreement with Draco's statement about the restaurant. "Yes, it's the perfect amount. Wouldn't want to overfill ourselves before our next destination."

She gave a knowing grin. She had every confidence that Draco would enjoy what she had planned next.

The hour was getting later in the evening, he had no idea what else she could have planned. For all intents and purposes, they had done everything expected for such an iconic day for a date. Except that of a steamy farewell kiss he was anticipating.

He felt a prang of resentment in his gut as he watched the waiter take away Hermione's muggle card that served to pay for their meal. He had a basic knowledge about muggle currency, from Hermione's previous explanations. Even though such practice to let a woman pay for the meal on a date was acceptable in this day and age, he felt it improper. But had no muggle currency means to counter her actions. When the waiter returned and gave her card back Draco knew that meant it was time to go.

He stood and approached her chair, sliding it out for her to stand up comfortably and assist her with her shoulder shawl. "Where is our next destination, Hermione? I must saynyou have me quite intrigued." He inquired, as they exited the restaurant arm in arm.

The hour was getting later into the evening. The sun was just beginning to set on the horizon. For a moment, Hermione pondered on whether she wanted to continue to the next destination or skip right to the finale. After a moment's thought, she decided she probably wouldn't be able to do what she wanted in the end without a little liquid courage, so down the street they walked. "You'll just have to see for yourself." She teased.

The breeze was picking up outside, causing Hermione to shiver. Luckily they could apparate back to her home.They approached a large crowd of people dressed in black or red or white outfits. It was evident that those dressed in black were paired up. Inside the building they huddled outside of, loud booming music could be heard from inside.

They got in a line to the side and waited to enter. The queue was moving fairly quickly so they didn't have to wait long. It was nearly a wall to wall sea of swaying and bobbing bodies, nary a space between them. People moved to the pounding bass as they made their way through the crowd. Tables lined the sidelines and several were completely occupied by patrons and their drinks. The bar was swarming with people demanding one of the many bartender's attention. More people were chatting on a balcony opposite the bar, and the DJ in the corner was mixing music.

Currently he was playing Apex Twin's Satisfaction mixed with something undiscernable. Everywhere were posters saying "Valentine's Extravaganza: red white and black." Under the word red was the word "looking", under white, "available", and under Black, "taken". Hermione took Draco's hand and headed towards the bar. It didn't take long for them to be served. Since she figured Draco didn't know many

muggle cocktails, she simply ordered two mojitos. They then made their way to a small standing table that just opened up. "So what do you think?" She had to shout over the noise.

Draco contemplated offering his jacket to her as they walked briskly down the street. He knew not where they were headed and she was quite a verbal tease at giving him any hints. He was about to offer it when they slowed to a stop and joined a line in front of a peculiar building. There were people, muggles, dressed in all black, white, or red. Even standing outside awaiting to be allowed in he could hear the comotion from the inside.

The line moved rather quickly and soon they were inside. It was a sea of people jumping or bouncing to the fast beat of the loudest music he had ever been in close proximity too. The Quidditch world cup he once attended annually had been loud as the team made their grand entrances before the game began. This was different. He could feel the beat vibrating as if in attempt to change his cardiac rhythm.

There were a few couples from all color categories that he could see moving in close proximity to each other. He wouldn't call the movement dancing. The closest definition he would use would be bouncing, bumping, swaying, or grinding. This was a place to discover body chemistry without the need to remove clothing. By following a beat that was impossible to not hear with plenty of drops and breaks in the wordless bass music to keep going or find a new partner.

The banners explained her reason for wearing all black. She ordered them drinks and they found a table to stand at and talk. Well sort of. One had to shout to be heard at what would be an audible level. "What is the difference between looking and available? I know perfectly well what taken is." He asked as he took a heavy swallow of his drink.

Draco's question intrigued Hermione, so she looked about her surroundings. Tak-

ing a first sip of her drink she said, "I'm not completely sure, but if I had to guess, 'looking' means actively seeking a partner for the evening and "available" means you're just out for a good time, but open to hooking up." She took a sip of her drink and pointed at a table across the way occupied by several men in red. "See how they're looking rather hungrily at those girls on the dance floor?" She gestured to the ladies dancing together in groups of white and red outfits. The ones in red seemed to also be on the prowl, but the ones in white were just dancing and laughing together.

She savored the mint flavor of her cocktail and swayed her hips to the music, occasionally playfully bumping into Draco.

"After we finish our drinks, why don't we make our way to the floor?" A moment later she added ,"The different statuses is a muggle thing...I guess?"

"I see ...I wouldn't call it a muggle thing. There are those in 'our' community who behave in a 'looking' manner. They are simply discreet about it. So when the time comes that their family desires for them to marry they can appear 'available' with the hope of becoming 'taken' with minimal gossip on their previous lifestyle

choices." Draco explained, finishing off the last of his mint flavored cocktail, keeping in time the drinking pace of her own so as to not make her feel rushed.

After there drinks were done he pushed aside his reluctance and grasped her hand, leading her to the dance floor. Snaking their way through the crowd to be in the crowd, but the deep middle, front, or the very edge. The last time he heard music this loud or saw this many

bodies jumping to a rhythm was the end of the Yule Ball when someone convinced

the band to play rock music instead of the classical they had been dancing too.

Following the example of those around him he lead Hermione to stand in front of

him, her back to his chest. His hand let go of her own and fell onto her hips, his body

moving with the heavy base and feeling her body move as it desired, 'listening' for cues.

At his mention of 'their kind' being descreet when 'looking', thoughts of days back at Hogwarts where frequently she walked in on students locking lips came back to Hermione. One of Ron and Lavender Brown stuck out especially so. It wasn't until the war that she began to assert her feelings for Ron, but before that, she didn't even make herself "available", her studies were more important. She quickly pushed it from

her mind and took a long draw from her mojito. "I suppose so," she shrugged,

"human nature and all that."

They finished their drinks, giving her a nice, warm buzzing sensation, and she

let Draco lead her to dance. Everything seemed almost perfect right then and there. The music was booming, what she assumed was Draco's first time dancing like this was going well and she doubted anything could go wrong. At least she hoped. She decided to dip down and rise back up by rubbing her backside against Draco. She looked back at him to see his

reaction. It was a bit improper, something that the director of the department of Magical creatures shouldn't be doing,

but she wasn't the director just then. She was Hermione Granger out having a good

time with her boyfriend.

A realization came to Draco as he and Hermione were surrounded by muggle strangers. Everyone in the wizarding

world knew his name, knew Hermione's name. Knew their faces. Knew their history. Not a single soul in here

knew any of that. They, for intents and purposes, were just a couple looking to have some fun. While he still felt muggles were inferior to wizard folk. Being in the

muggle world on ocassion did have some benefits that the wizarding world did not.

That notion was liberating. But not as liberating as when Hermione pressed her backside against his pelvic region. It

was one of those cues he had been 'listening' for in her body language of permissions. When she looked over her

shoulder at him, a smirk peeked out of the corner of his lips and his left eyebrow

arched in amusement. His hands left her hips, snaking their way across her

stomach as he pulled her against him in sway with the music as his hips took lead,

moving their bodies in accentuated circles.

On slower tempos his hands retreated

from her stomach to caress her hip and down the exterior of her thigh. Making their way back to her hip and stomach

when tempo quickened.

'Draco is doing very well!' Hermione thought. Her plan was going flawlessly so far. She was going to suggest that perhaps they take a break and get another drink after dancing for so many songs

when a blonde girl wearing red, who looked just a bit younger than they approached. "Oh my god, love your dress!" She shouted, dancing right next to them, "Where did you get it?"

Hermione was a bit surprised. She hadn't expected anyone else to really take notice

of her outfit. She couldn't outright say exactly how she got the dress, so she said,

"Actually I did it up myself." which technically wasn't a lie.

"Wow! Sexy and talented!" She turned to Draco, "You got yourself quite the catch." She moved in closer to the two.

"I'm Rae by the way. You two from around here?"

Hermione for one was quite a bit flustered. She'd never been called sexy by a stranger before. She looked to Draco with a look on

her face as if to say, 'I'm not

sure what to do.'

"As I told you earlier at dinner, my eyes are not the only ones appreciating you and

that dress." Draco yelled to Hermione so she could hear him when a blone haired

woman, dressed in red, complimented her attire. The woman became even more estatic when Hermione told her she had done it herself. Well as far as a muggle was comprehending that is what Hermione meant when she said 'did it up

myself'. Giving Hermione further compliment by addressing Draco that he had 'quite a catch' then introduced

herself, asking about there area of residence.

Hermione was clearly flustered. Draco didn't need to see her face to know it. Such a thing normally thrilled him.

However, his nervousness set in at remaining anonymous. The name Draco and Hermione weren't exactly

common. They were probably the only people in muggle or wizard world named such. It was time to go with an alternative, which technically wasn't a lie. He leaned his head to the right so he could see Rae clearly over Hermione's shoulder and wrapped his arms around Hermione's waist. It was more a primal possessive gesture then that of his previous 'dancing'

movements. "I couldn't agree

more. My name is Lucius.

This is my girlfriend, Jean.

We are visiting London for the holiday. Rae, was it? I see you are wearing red. Any luck finding that special someone you are 'looking' for?" He asked, turning the

conversation off of the topic of them and onto her.

Rae smiled and scooted in close to the side of Hermione that wasn't occupied by Draco. "That all depends on what you're into, darling's." She bit her lip and looked the two up and down, her gaze lingering on Hermione just a bit more. Suddenly it clicked in Hermione's mind. She was

offering to join them in their evening. "Oh," she chuckled nervously, "oh um, I don't think that's..." She look at Draco, "something we're into." She made an attempt to back away a bit, but the crowded dance floor prevented such a retreat. "We appreciate the compliment,

but um..."

Rae giggled, "It's alright, I understand." She pulled out a business card from her

tiny clutch purse and handed one to Hermione. It only had a printed name, Rae Starr, and a phone number. "The night is still young, so if you change your minds, give me a ring." With that, she gave blew them a kiss and disappeared into the crowd.

Hermione wrapped her arms around Draco's neck after tucking the card into her own purse and chuckled nervously, "Well that was weird. Fancy another drink?"

Draco's face displayed a moment of

confusion when Rae did not answer his question to her instantly, but rather moved

so she could be on Hermione's vacant side. Then proceeded to answer with a quib he hadn't expected. He turn his head to place his hardened gaze on Rae. Rae's eyes were giving them both a once over,

lingering longer in Hermione. A primal, jealous emotion filled his stomach, despite the alcohol in his system. "I don't share." He answered, his wand hand flinching in

urge to grasp something to defend what was his. Hermione chuckled nervously but otherwise did well in responding in a much more positive manner than

he had, kindly rejecting the woman's offer.

He kept his grasp on Hermione as the

woman released them and gave Hermione a calling card. Muggles...at least the wizarding world didn't display

this type of thing openly. Hermione turned around in his arms to see him face to

face and he was grateful. The closeness cooled his flare up of jealousy. She asked about getting another drink and he nodded. "After that, yes another drink is needed." He dropped his arms from her waist to her hands and led them back to the bar. "Something stirred, not

shaken." He ordered when the bar keep

came to take their order. Draco looked to Hermione to state what she desired.

"Sure thing, mister Bond," the bartender said sarcastically, "you miss?"

"I'll have a Primm's cooler, please." Hermione requested politely. "On my tab,

Hermione Granger, if you would please."

"Coming right up." The gentleman went right to work on their drinks. Thinking about their odd encounter on the dance floor, Hermione couldn't help but

look into Draco's and eyes smile. It wasn't necessary for him to get so possessive,

but it was nice. Nice to know that he was protective of her, despite what sometimes felt like not long ago, the man standing before her bullied her and two best friends in school. Those memories did serve as

a good reminder that people do change, no matter how much they deny it.

When the bartender returned with their drinks, Draco figured his to be Bourbon on

ice that had been stirred as he requested. Hermione's was a sunset color with

a orange slice on top. He mentally noted this fruity drink alcohol preference she

had to research wizard drinks that were equivalence at a later time. "Well, may I say that was a most unusual experience.

To each their own, I suppose.Not my cup of tea, that is for sure." Draco commented toHermione as he took a drink from his glass.

Hermione giggled at Draco's statement. "Oh come on Mister l-don't-share, I don't

believe for one second that you wouldn't enjoy an evening with two beautiful girls at

least once. Wouldn't you?" The words escaped her mouth before she really thought about what she said. Blame it on the alcohol, but she hoped she hadn't said anything too bold.

"Quality over quantity. If you recall our years at Ho...school there was only one girl I was relatively...cozy with, shall we say. My family's status, wealth, and my dashing good looks brought more than a fair share of suitable offers. Call it old fashioned or traditional. Some would

blame my status as an only child for my unwillingness to share. No matter the reason, not sharing seems to please me quite well." He remarked, finding her statement humorous over anything else.

He finished his drink and turned so he look at her while she continued on her own.

"If there is...'alternative entertainment' you are privy to, best tell me now. I may just

make an exception and try anything once for your sake. IF you ask me nicely." He

teased her, with a small wink. The idea didn't automatically please him, but if she was truly interested in something like that he would keep his word and try anything once with proper preparation.

Hermione did in fact recall the insufferable brat, Pansy Parkinson, who clung to Draco every chance she got. She also agreed that him being an only child hadn't taught

him to share with others. She remembered when Draco was helping her learn to manipulate memories so she could return her parents to their old

selves. So if the tiny glimpse into Draco's memories as a child was any indication, there would likely be no menege

se trois in their future. Which she was completely fine with. Draco wasn't the only one without siblings. "That's perfectly fine with me," she said smiling.

She continued with her drink as Draco mentioned 'alternative entertainment'.

She would have spat her drink had she been less inebriated. However, Draco's promise to go along with whatever

request she had of him with proper warning was a bit of a turn on. Hermione sat down her glass after finishing her drink and wrapped one hand around

Draco's tie and placed the other on his chest. She pulled him close so she could whispet in his ear, or rather speak

loudly enough so he was the only one who could hear. "Well you already know about

the riding crop, but l'd prefer we explore more traditional methods before getting into anything more... You know." Her lips found themselves around Draco's earlobe,

tugging ever so gently.

This bold yet playful Hermione was certainly enticing to Draco. He quite liked this side of her personality presenting itself. Oh the sensations this witch could induce in Draco with just one sentence spoken in a seductive tone was

tantalizing. The moment her lips made

contact with his earlope and

tugged...If they hadn't been sitting in a loud, crowded, club the moan that surely

escaped his lips would have been audible beyond their ears. "Mmmm...Hmmm I

am in agreement with such preference." he stated as his neck tilted on its own accord to give her better access.

The feel of a tap on his shoulder pulled him from his momentary state of euphoria. He pulled away from her to

turn and see who was daft enough to interrupt. A brunet hair bloke and

his equally brunette haired companion, both wearing white attire. He used his hand to motion toward Draco and

Hermione's empty drinks and said loudly, "Fancy swapping seats mate? Since yer drinks be gone and we'd like to order

something for ourselves. There is some bench seating on the second floor if you

don't mind hearing karaoke in the background among a bit of sweet nothings, eh?" Despite Draco's initial irrita-

tion, the bloke did make a fair point. He stood and motioned with his hand toward his seat, indicting he could have it.

Then offered his hand out to Hermione to grasp as she too could stand up and make her seat available. "I think I've had enough to drink this evening." He told her, letting her decide to lead them wherever she

pleased.

While the stranger talked with Draco, Hermione glanced around. All night her attention had been on her handsome

date, and it wasn't until that moment she finally noticed several people dressed in red, and even one in white, looking in their direction like sharks in open water.

She didn't particularly like the look in their eyes. Apparently Rae wasn't the only one who didn't play by traditional rules.

When Draco stated his disinterest in continuing drinking, she decided that

was the best time to leave. "In that case, why don't I close out my tab and we can," she gave him a sultry smile, "take this party home, shall we?"

Draco nodded his head once, comfirming he heard her and readily agreed. While dancing with Hermione had been pleasurable, everything else about the place was starting to annoy him.

They walked to the end of the bar that had a register and Hermione did her

muggle transaction with the artender and a plastic card again. At completion he kept

a hold of her hand, as they made their way to the exit. That possessive feeling rising

again as his eyes scanned about, navigating through the crowded place.

Once outside he felt a wave of relief rush over him. Or perhaps that was just the brisk night air. He hadn't realized how warm it was inside until that moment. He led them down the sidewalk seeking

secluded place around a corner came into view out of sight of muggle eyes. His arm

wrapped around her lower back and he gently tugged on her hip bringing their sidesclose and apparated.

They arrived at the end of her driveway, back at her home. Draco's stomach twisting in anticipation. He expected this

to be the close of their date. The part where they say goodbye just inside her entryway with the door closed.

But take a beyond reasonable amount of time to do so, inbetween heated kisses and sultry whispers before he would eventually leave. Except this time after their eventual goodbye he wouldn't

have to be gone for another whole week before seeing her. He comtemplating showing up in surprise the following

morning, as it would be Sunday and neither of them working and he not traveling back to Egypt for work. It would be a great way to tell her about is job relocation here in country. The desire to feel that mouth of hers on his ear again,

or anywhere really, was absolutely wicked.

Or maybe that was the alcohol from

earlier raging through his system. No, he decided thatdesire definitely came from

her previous actions. He never thought himself as one to ask or beg. He came from status and wealth, he knew how to demand for something if he wanted more. Something in his subconscious mind notioned that Hermione was in control tonight as she had pointed out to him on more than one occasion. If he wanted something that she wasn't inclined to do naturally, surely she would make him

ask nicely. He was sure now she wouldn't be beneath making him beg. Oh, the things this witch could probably

make him very willingly do was brilliant and a bit scary.

He kept his arm around her as they made their walk to her front door. "Now if I heard

correctly, I recall something you said about exploring traditional ways of getting to know each other. Shall we venture inside and explore the possibilities?"