Draco wasn't one to laze about in bed normally. But he was making an exception today. Partially because he wasn't in his own bed, and he didn't have anything planned for a few hours. But it was mainly because of the wizard still deeply asleep and cuddled into his side, trapping his entire right side. He wasn't surprised to realize Harry was a cuddler; not when he woke up in the middle of the night and immediately clamped arms and legs around Draco and snuggled in like it was completely normal to treat another grown person like a teddy bear.
Of course, he wasn't as confident Harry would be so calm once fully awake and confronted with Draco's presence in the bright light of morning. So, for now, he was going to lay there and just enjoy the warm press of Harry's body along his and the comfortable silence. He was awake even before Teddy, apparently, which was quite the feat most mornings.
He stopped breathing when Harry shifted, yawning and scrubbing absently at his hair with his free hand. He risked a look down and met sleepy, but content and decidedly un-freaked out, green eyes. "Morning," he whispered.
"Morning," Harry said through a sigh. He stretched a little but returned to his cuddle position, shifting his leg a bit higher up on Draco's as he snuggled himself back against Draco. Merlin, he was so warm and comfortable! "So, I didn't imagine you sneaking into my room and sleep-cuddling me?"
Draco snorted softly. He wasn't going to correct the 'sleep-cuddling' to a more accurate 'sleep-fondling'. "No, you were not. I am sorry about that," he said softly, running a hesitant hand through Harry's hair. He slowly released a pent up breath when Harry sighed almost inaudibly, which he felt rather than heard, and arched ever-so-slightly into his hand like a kneazle. He smiled to himself and let himself enjoy the moment.
"S'okay," Harry murmured. "It's really not a big deal," he said, noticing that Draco was still a bit tense. "Right? I mean, we're past the courting and into the bonding stuff..." he trailed off, sounding a little uncertain. He didn't move, of course, but that was mainly because he was comfortable. Even if they were in a sort of a... compromising position.
Draco chuckled softly, moving his hand up and watching Harry's hair flop down for only a moment before it sprung back up in wild disarray. 'Bonding stuff' covered a lot of area, but he knew what Harry meant. He knew the wizard had numerous books on the subject, as well. But apparently not the right books so he made a mental note to pass a few books along to Harry (and Hermione) about the 'bonding stuff'—a lot of it was important for him to know and he refused to assume Harry knew and have there be an issue later.
"Yes, but even the bonding has steps and a few guidelines." Draco absently fingered the cuff around Harry's forearm, humming in contentment at the warm, comforting weight of it. The slightly textured surface was warm with Harry's body heat and magic. It was probably the second best thing he's ever felt in his life. He cleared his throat, only slightly surprised at the lump of emotion there; something that happened frequently when he thought of his mate.
"Were you listening when my mother explained a few things?"
He was pretty sure Harry had zoned out, pretty quickly after his mother had started speaking. He knew it wasn't a lack of manners; Harry had been preoccupied with staring at his newly acquired bonding cuff and the distracting buzz of the forming bond. He certainly had been. And it didn't help his mother had chosen the most mundane aspects to cover first. So, really, the fault was really with his mother; she did know better.
Draco chuckled softly and squeezed Harry gently when the wizard remained quiet and only made a small, nervous sound. He absently stroked a comforting hand down Harry's back, hoping to calm and sooth the wizard's anxiety and momentary embarrassment. He smiled a little when he felt Harry relax against him once again.
"It's alright, I was barely able to pay attention myself. I was focused on watching you staring at your bonding cuff," he admitted easily, humming when he felt the cheek pressed against his chest warm. "Mother simply went over some of the basic bonding rites and..." he trailed off, worrying his bottom lip. He didn't know how Harry would feel about having to buy, infuse his magic into and offer his own bonding cuff.
It was final. Permanent. If there was ever a time for Harry to change his mind, before they consummated, it would be then. Part of him knew Harry wouldn't do that, but other parts... were terrified. Of rejection. Terrified this was all too good to be true and everything would overwhelm their mate and he'd leave.
Harry slowly propped himself up on an elbow, looking down at Draco curiously when the blonde remained quiet without finishing. "What?" He really had no real recollection of what Draco's mum had spoken about. His head had felt fuzzy, in a pleasant way like he'd had just the right amount of champagne, and it had been difficult to hear anything past Draco's voice. What did he miss that would have Draco looking nervous and a little scared? He slowly brought a hand up, cupping Draco's cheek. "What?" he asked again.
Draco's fingers absently stroked down Harry's back as he collected his thoughts. He knew he was nuzzling against Harry's palm, but Harry didn't say anything sappy about that—he just smiled and enjoyed the contact. "Well, the first thing you need to do is... present me with a similar item," he said, brushing his fingers along Harry's cuff and meeting green eyes for a moment. "It symbolizes your consent and intent. That you accept the bond... and me."
"Oh!" Harry's eyes widened a little and he shifted, resting his chin on Draco's chest. Thank Merlin. He was expecting something horrible or... borderline Dark magic. He smiled, excited for the chance to do something for Draco in return; everything had been so one-sided so far. "OK," he nodded. "Where do I get one?"
Draco chuckled, unable to help himself. He felt relief flash through him in a dizzying wave and he felt like smothering Harry with kisses. He cleared his throat. "Mother will take you."
"Oh," Harry said again, trying not to show the disappointment he felt; he had hoped Draco would go with him. He was sure he'd have to be the one to actually pick it and such, but still. Or the panic.
He hadn't spent any time with Draco's mum on his own... He almost felt nauseous with the thought. He'd embarrass himself or Draco within the first 5 minutes, he just knew it. Narcissa wasn't exactly hard to please, but she did have high standards and very set ideas on what proper manners were. Plus, he didn't know how much input she'd (subtly, of course) insist upon for the bonding cuff. He slowly relaxed, feeling Draco's fingertips flutter across his shoulders.
"OK," he said with a short nod. He could do that. He will go with Narcissa Malfoy. Shopping. He would do that; for Draco. He felt like pointing out that the git should be proud of his bravery, but he was fairly certain Draco wouldn't see shopping with his mum as an act of bravery.
"It's really not all that horrible, Harry," Draco said, smiling a little. "Mother adores you." He raised an eyebrow when Harry huffed incredulously. "She does," he insisted, lightly smacking the back of Harry's head. "She's not one to coo and hug, but she's very fond of you. And no," he said, anticipating Harry's next words when he saw him take a breath and open his mouth to speak, "It's not just because you're my mate. It is a large part, I won't lie, but she genuinely likes you."
Harry hummed softly and shifted to lay back down again, his cheek pressed against Draco's chest. "Fine," he finally said, agreeing. It wasn't like he had much choice. He chewed the inside of his cheek nervously before finally blurting out "Will she help me pick something out?" He felt like a complete git for asking; mostly because he wanted her help as much as he didn't want it. Merlin, Narcissa was going to hex him and abandon him in the shops of France or something.
"No," Draco murmured. "She will not. She's going along as my mother, a familial representative. And as translator."
Harry sighed, partly in exasperation but also in relief he wouldn't be floundering and looking like a bigger idiot when he wouldn't know what to say or what was being said. "What else did she say?" he asked, flopping down and laying against Draco.
"Well," Draco paused, gently pushing Harry into a better, less tempting, position. "We should discuss living arrangements."
Harry merely hummed, agreeing but leaving the issue for later. He had enough on his mind at the moment, what with choosing a cuff befitting his Veela and shopping for said item with Draco's mum.
.|.
Harry was nervous but Narcissa just gave him a small, but warm, smile, patting his hand gently. "Sorry," he muttered. He averted his eyes, focusing on the tray of artfully arranged finger sandwiches. Brunch at the Manor with his soon-to-be Mother-in-law had been nice, actually fun, until the witch mentioned the bonding cuff for Draco. He hadn't the first clue...
"Don't be," Narcissa said softly. She crossed her legs at the ankle and smoothed her robes over her lap. "Now, what did you have in mind?"
Harry shrugged one shoulder before he could stop the habitual movement. Narcissa, thankfully, didn't scold him or make that subtle frowny face she did when Draco did unacceptable things. "I really don't know where to even start."
"Well," Narcissa said, dabbing at her mouth with a napkin before folding her hands primly in front of her. "There are many metals to choose from for starters. Most aren't significant, ceremony or magic wise, but it is important to make sure you get something... complimentary."
Harry nodded. "Draco prefers platinum. It looks good on him too," he added, feeling himself warm at the thought of Draco. The color of platinum, or silver, was one the Veela wore often. It really brought out his pale hair and silvery eyes. He cleared his throat when he noticed Narcissa smiling knowingly at him, one pale eyebrow raised. She nodded her agreement, pleased to know Harry had given this some thought. "Does it have to be... jeweled?"
"No," Narcissa said slowly, considering her answer. "It's not required, but some stones do have meaning. Magical properties that would speak of a deep, loving bond. Or a wish for one," she added with a small smile. Harry merely nodded enthusiastically and her smile widened a little. She hadn't been sure her son would get that sort of bond (or a truly worthy mate) until she watched the couple as that Bonding cuff slid on Harry's arm.
She cleared her throat, patting at her chest a little to ease the warm, clutching feeling there. "Well, in that case, we'll want something like emerald, or moonstone. Ruby or rhodonite would also be lovely, if the color doesn't put you, or Draco, off. Sapphire would work, as well. Diamonds, of course."
"Of course," Harry murmured, unashamedly making notes on a scrap of paper he'd had in his pocket. Narcissa didn't comment, only adding things whenever he stopped scribbling away. "Is there..." he trailed off, staring at the list. Cost wasn't an issue but he had a feeling getting a cuff that was too ornate would take forever to make. He really didn't want to wait that long...
Narcissa leaned over the table and patted Harry's hand again, curious and a little concerned when he didn't continue. "What, darling?"
"Is there any way to get something like this made quickly?" Harry asked, fighting a blush. Both at the eagerness he was clearly showing and at Narcissa's almost-motherly affection. He hadn't been called 'darling' before (at least not ironically or in a biting, condescending tone). He relaxed a little when Narcissa chuckled softly, her eyes crinkling a little with humor and warmth.
"Of course, Harry." Narcissa slowly pulled Harry's scrap of paper across the table. There was a sketch of a bonding cuff on the bottom of the page. It was beautiful, even if it was only roughly sketched and haphazardly doodled. She wondered if Harry even realized he'd drawn it... "Magic helps, but it will take some time to make, even so. The exquisite craftsmanship doesn't mean immediately, however. All bonding cuffs are custom, of a sort."
Harry nodded again, feeling anxious but excited too. He couldn't wait. "Alright."
"Are you ready to go?" Narcissa asked, pushing away from the table. Harry was practically vibrating with excited, nervous energy and she hadn't the heart to make him wait any longer. She stood and Harry was politely taking her arm a moment later, waiting for the side-along apparation.
Harry stared as they entered the shop. The walls were lined with all sorts of jewelry and the few display cases sporadically set about the small area were practically glittering with every possible kind of gemstone. He kept to Narcissa's side as they made their way to the back of the shop. It wasn't until Narcissa had murmured something in French that he saw the Goblin behind the tall display case.
"Ah, Missus Malfoy."
Narcissa smiled and inclined her head, offering a greeting in return. Harry couldn't keep up with the rapid, but softly spoken French, so he didn't bother. He merely watched the Goblin pull his sketch closer, inspecting it intently, and tried not to fidget. Especially when dark, beady little eyes flicked up to him and the Goblin sneered.
Of course, that was probably Goblin for a welcoming smile.
"Oui. Vous pouvez l'avoir fait plus tôt?*" Narcissa asked, knowing she wasn't asking for the impossible. Goblin's were renowned for their craftsmanship and she knew they could work quickly with the right incentive.
The Goblin's attention went back to the witch and he glowered. "Bien sûr. Il sera impeccable, il peut être fait rapidement. Vous revenez ici dans trois semaines pour récupérer."**
"Merci," Narcissa said, relieved. A few weeks was more then she had expected, quite honestly. She took out her purse and eyed Bloodthorn (where do they come up with such names?), waiting patiently for a price to be quoted. She didn't want to ask outright and insult him, though. After a few more moments with the sketch, and making sure the details were done, the Goblin glanced up at her with a shrewd expression and quoted a price. Without a word, she handed her coin purse over.
"How much?" Harry whispered, watching the Goblin take the entire sack and secret it away somewhere. It was a full bag and neither one of them had counted anything out! Without a goodbye, the Goblin disappeared into the back of the shop and he realized they were done.
Narcissa patted Harry's hand and just smiled. "Not important, darling."
"No," Harry agreed, nodding. It wasn't important at all. He'd pay any amount, really. He was merely curious. He checked the time and felt a flush of excitement go through him. They were meeting Draco and Teddy for lunch. Not that he had much of an appetite; between his still settling nerves and the little bit he had at brunch, he probably wouldn't eat much.
But he couldn't wait to see Draco. And Teddy.
Narcissa lead them down the street, passing a few shops and cafés until they reached where they were to meet her son and young Teddy. They were both already there; Draco sitting causally, but still somehow looking respectable and Teddy looking around the café with wide eyes. She wasn't sure if she should feel amused or annoyed when her son's attention was immediately, and fully, on the wizard at her side the moment he saw them.
At least Teddy greeted her first and she gave the little boy a kiss on the cheek that was happily returned with a quiet giggle.
She was going to go with 'amused and slightly smitten' when she felt Harry straining at her arm, trying to close the distance faster as they rounded the table. At least he was able to curb his urges enough not to drag her about...
"Harry," Draco greeted, standing as they neared, a small smile lifting his lips. He blinked when there was a soft, distinctly feminine, sound of a throat being cleared. "Mother," he said, leaning over and kissing her cheek. He should probably feel bad he hadn't even noticed his mother, but he knew she'd understand. His gaze slid back to Harry and he found himself relaxing a little to see him again, even if he was anxious to know how everything went.
Harry and Draco sat after Narcissa gathered her robes gracefully and took her seat. She patted both of their hands once they settled and picked up a menu.
"Draco," Harry finally said softly, smiling warmly. "Teddy," he added when the little boy looked up from his menu and waved with a cheeky grin. Was he allowed to tell Draco about the cuff he'd designed? Probably. But he realized he'd rather keep it a surprise. He picked up his own menu and made an effort to read it. It was in French, though, and he didn't know any translating charms. He quickly looked up when the words shifted in English and Draco sent him a sly wink.
Harry spent a good portion of the lunch (and, later, the afternoon spent window shopping with Teddy and the Malfoys) watching Draco. It was interesting.
His perception of the Veela had changed a little; but he realized Draco hadn't changed, he just saw more. Draco still sat at the café like he owned the place. He still held his head up in a manner that could be considered cocky or arrogant (though, he found it a little adorable anymore) when he wasn't looking at him, his mother or Teddy. He strolled along the pavement with purpose, even the times he was holding Teddy's hand and allowing the little boy to direct which shops they went to.
It was odd to realize he actually liked seeing a bit of the old Malfoy that he remembered. He blinked when he realized both Malfoys were looking at him with expectant, but still patient, expressions. Oops.
"Huh?"
Draco chuckled softly and had to take a moment, the urge to touch Harry was strong for a moment. It didn't go away, especially not when Harry cocked his head a little and blinked up at him with those green eyes. He didn't care if Malfoys didn't fondle their partners in public; Veela do. He reached over and wrapped a hand around Harry's forearm, right below his cuff. His thumb moved in a lazy circle and he relaxed a little.
"Mother asked after Hermione."
Harry startled, now distracted by Draco's hand on him instead of mooning at him like a smitten fifth year. "Oh! She's fine. Doing great, really. She and Teddy have been keeping busy. Mostly cleaning," he admitted. He grinned when Teddy nodded and gave Draco a happy smile.
"Cleaning?" Draco asked, blinking a few times in confusion. Both at the statement and the odd expression Harry was giving him. Did he realize he was being a coy little flirt when he did that thing with his lashes? Probably not, the adorably daft git. Of course, realizing it's was all very unintentional did not lessen his reaction to it.
Harry nodded and took a sip of his water, suddenly feeling very thirsty. Merlin, why did Draco have look at him like that? It felt like he was going to be eaten. In a good way. "Yes, cleaning. Since he heard about... everything, he's looking forward to more sleep-overs."
"Oh!" Draco said and laughed outright. He really wasn't surprised; Teddy managed to do the most embarrassingly sweet things. Especially for him. He realized his mother was giving them a patient look, waiting for an explanation. "I slept at Harry's, in the guest room, and I suppose young Teddy is hoping for a repeat."
"Yeah," Teddy added, bouncing in his seat a little. He blushed and ducked his head shyly when everyone looked at him.
Narcissa smiled, touched. "Oh, I see." She didn't comment on the sleep-over issue. They were both adults, intent on Bonding, so she really didn't have much to say. Although... "Did you plan on making living arrangements more permanent?"
"Yes," Draco said immediately. He looked at Harry and offered a small, slightly apologetic smile. They hadn't discussed it yet, not in any real detail, but it was his wish. Harry nodded his agreement and he nearly sagged with relief. "We'll discuss the details in private, though."
Narcissa nodded.
Harry fidgeted. He was glad they wouldn't have to talk about it with Draco's mum, but he didn't know exactly what Draco wanted. He did like the idea but he was comfortable and settled in his little house. He looked at Draco, the Veela discussing something with his mother and unaware of his focus. He didn't think the blonde would want to squeeze into his house, though. Teddy wasn't in school yet, so it wasn't like they couldn't find another place... And he looked positively ecstatic as he ate the rest of his lunch, his feet swinging a little.
"Mother," Draco murmured in gentle warning, shaking his head slightly. He was not discussing that now. With her. Thankfully, Harry had zoned out again and didn't appear to have heard what his mother said. It was generous of her to offer one of the many Malfoy estates as a Bonding gift, but he didn't know what Harry would think about it. Hopefully, he wouldn't refuse such a gift and would accept it gracefully. But he was also quite sure Harry wouldn't want to move any time soon.
And he liked Harry's little Muggle house. It was cozy and had enough magic in it to feel warm and welcoming.
Narcissa changed tactics. "Harry, dear, you'd like Italy, yes?"
"Uh," Harry said, trying not to gape. "I don't speak Italian."
Narcissa smiled and waved a hand. "You can learn."
"Uh." Harry felt like a broken record, but he was confused. He glanced at Draco and saw the blonde glaring, politely, at his mother. "I hadn't really counted on moving that far out."
Narcissa patted Harry's hand and made a soft sound. "That's quite alright, darling. We've places all over, I'm sure we'll find something suitable."
"Mother."
"And most are already fully staffed with house-elves and-"
"Mother."
Narcissa huffed softly and finally looked at Draco. "Yes, Draco?"
"Please, I wished to speak to Harry about this in private. Later."
Narcissa inclined her head. "As you wish, darling."
Draco's eyes narrowed, not at all buying his mother's easy surrender. And a moment later, he was so close to groaning and resting his face in his palm when a stack of photographs (Muggle and Wizarding) came out of nowhere and she pushed them into Harry's hands. He clenched his teeth and let his mother point at each picture, telling Harry where each house (well, Manor—Malfoys didn't own mere houses) were and describing the various estates they held. Harry looked positively panicked and he felt the urge to rescue him.
"Mother," he said, leaning across the table and taking the pictures from Harry's unresisting hands. "We'll look through these. Later." He was growing exasperated with his mother's insistent behavior. She gave him a sour look and he repressed the urge to scowl. Or shrink back under the look like a cowed little boy. Damn her; able to affect him, a grown arsed man, the same she could when he was seven and tracking mud through the marble foyer.
Draco tucked the photos into his inner pocket. "We will," he insisted. It wasn't like he was avoiding the issue all together, he just didn't want to do it in public. Harry was bound to pace, wave his hands about and think rude things out loud as thy discussed it. He'd rather keep that away from prying eyes and reporters, thankyouverymuch.
"Yeah," Harry said, giving Narcissa grateful smile. "I get a little worked up when I'm not thinking, so... But we'll be talking about it," he said reassuringly.
Narcissa nodded once and dropped the issue, content and focused on sipping at her Jasmine tea and talking with Teddy about his newest passion for a Muggle toy he could build anything with.
.|.
Harry toed his shoes off and kicked them towards the hallway. He couldn't help laughing when Draco eased out of his own shoes and carefully levitated them down the hallway, where the soft sounds of the closet opening and closing could just barely be heard a few moments later.
"You're moving in with me?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. It's wasn't so much a request as... confirmation the Veela hadn't fried a few brain cells.
Draco stretched and pulled Harry onto the sofa, pleased when Harry sat close. "I think I can manage it. I am aware of your... habits," he said after a pause. Harry wasn't messy, per se, but he had a 'I'll get to it later' sort of opinion on many things. Like his shoes.
"Yeah?" Harry asked, grinning and leaning forward. He shifted closer so their legs were touching, almost overlapping. "All of them?"
Draco pursed his lips slightly in thought. "No," he admitted. There were plenty of things he didn't know about Harry yet. But, he had used the man's bathroom before; he knew the wizard wasn't completely hopeless. "Is there more?"
"Yup."
"Worse?"
Harry paused, his mouth bunching up on one side as he considered the answer. "That's entirely subjective," he decided. He knew Draco was particular, though, so it was really anyone's guess of what the Veela would find annoying. Of course, there wasn't much he could do about it; he'd have to lern how to deal with socks missing the hamper since they're to be Bonded and all.
"Right. Of course," Draco agreed, moving closer. It was odd; one moment he was looking down at Harry's smiling face and the next his hands were in Harry's hair and he was kissing the wizard's breath away. He made a pleased sound when Harry immediately kissed back, opening up to his advances without hesitation. He pressed closer and Harry went willingly, shifting into him with an easy grace. He felt one of Harry's hand rest lightly on his neck and the other fisted in the front of his shirt.
Harry sighed softly, moving without hesitation when Draco pressed forward. Kissing Draco was an experience. It had started soft and sweet, making him want to make embarrassing cooing noises and melt into a puddle when Draco's thumb gently stroked along his cheek. Now the Veela's hands were on either side of his jaw, shifting and angling his head and deepening the kiss.
Fantastic, really.
Draco pulled back and looked at Harry. While he liked the way Harry easily submitted, he didn't want him to just meekly go along, either. He really doubted his dynamic little mate would be boring but he realized they hadn't exactly talked about this aspect of their relationship. "Alright?" he murmured softly, his thumbs gently sweeping along Harry's jaw.
"Yeah," Harry sighed happily, leaning against Draco. "Why?" He thought things were going well... Did Draco not like his kissing? His brows furrowed a little when Draco merely looked at him for long moments. He wanted to fidget under the intense scrutiny.
"If you aren't ready—"
"I am," Harry muttered, interrupting the Veela. He resisted the urge to worry his bottom lip with his teeth and made himself meet Draco's eye. "Was it— Am I— Was it not good enough?" He didn't know what he could do if that were the case. He certainly wasn't going to practice on someone else...
Draco stared, gobsmacked. What in Merlin's name was Harry talking about? He noticed Harry's nervous posture and nearly face-palmed. "No, love, you're perfect. I was just... concerned you weren't as into this as I had hoped." He blinked with surprise when Harry gave a soft but throaty laugh and pressed closer. He groaned softly at the warm firmness being pressed against him. OK—that answered that question. He merely watched as Harry slowly slid his hands up his sides and around his font o caress his chest. He stared, mesmerized, at Harry's eyes; they were intense—heated, almost hungry.
He almost pinched himself, making sure he was actuallysitting in Harry's cozy sitting room being felt up. It was real, of course—his imagination wasn't this good. Or realistic. He leaned into the feel of Harry's warm, lightly calloused, fingertips dragging across the fabric of his shirt. He enjoyed the way Harry's eyes followed the path of his own hands, his tongue poking out of his mouth and just barely visible as it rested against his top lip. He waited, following Harry's movements only with his eyes when the wizard leaned up and nuzzled his neck.
"I'm very into this. Into you," Harry murmured, pressing closer and letting Draco feel how true that was. They'd only been kissing and he was already half hard. "I just... like to go with the flow," he whispered. He would elaborate if needed, but he was sure Draco got his meaning. He didn't just go completely limp but he really liked when his partner lead. He really hoped it wouldn't bother Draco—
Draco growled softly and wrapped his hands around Harry's hips. "Good." He tightened his grip, reveling in the sound Harry made as he drew him closer. How lucky was he to get a sexy—willingly submissive— Harry Potter for his very own? His blood felt heated and that heat pooled low, making him want to growl, croon and fucking fly all at the same time. He cleared his throat, needing to ask one more thing before they could stop talking and get back to more important, fun, things. "Always?"
Harry shrugged a little, feeling heat in his cheeks. He really hoped Draco didn't notice because he was far from embarrassed... "Probably," he admitted. He smiled, slowly, when Draco made a low noise and his entire body seemed to vibrate. "You like that idea, hmm?" he asked softly, even though the answer was obvious.
"Yes, Harry, I do," Draco murmured, bringing Harry closer and sticking his nose into that sensitive dip right behind Harry's ear. He inhaled deeply, noting the way his wizard shuddered lightly and made a soft sound of enjoyment. "Merlin, do I. I'm so close to losing it..." he trailed off hoarsely. Fuck; he needed to calm down...
"Lose it?" Harry repeated, sounding worried. He smoothed his hands across Draco's chest, trying to calm him and not aware he was making the problem worse. He stepped closer, unsure why Draco was trembling slightly. He could feel Draco's heart beating like mad under his palm and he unconsciously pressed closer, his hands splaying over the firm muscles of Draco's chest. He knew he was half-fondling and half-trying to sooth, but he figured he was allowed certain liberties at this point.
Draco didn't exactly seem to mind. Until a pale, strong hand wrapped around Harry's wrist and forced his hand still. Harry looked up, concerned.
"Y-yes," Draco choked out, taking a deep breath in an effort to calm down. But it only filled his head with Harry's warm scent and he nearly whimpered. "Lose control. That indeed pleases me—a lot—and if I don't calm down, I'll display," he admitted, leaning down and tucking his face in Harry's neck to avoid seeing his reaction. Plus, Harry smelled really really good. He groaned lowly when he felt Harry press closer. He could feel the biting twinge in his fingertips from his claws trying to come out and he fisted his hands.
He nearly growled in warning when he realized Harry was doing it deliberately, stroking him and shifting impossibly closer—the wizard was trying to get him to react. To display. Did Harry want to actually see that?
"Yes," Harry whispered, cupping Draco's face and kissing him softly. He deepened the kiss almost immediately, hoping to incite the Veela into changing. He needed to see Draco... He'd been wanting to since Draco told him it could happen. He was sure Draco was stunning... "Please," he whispered against Draco's lips. It might have been a teensy bit unfair... but he wasn't going to back down.
Draco slowly nodded and stopped trying to suppress the urge to display—it went against everything in him to refuse his mate. He sighed softly as his body relaxed and the slightly cramped feeling eased like a wave across his body. He gave Harry a searching look and couldn't help smirking at the look of naked want and curiosity on his face. He didn't need to be manipulated; not since Harry made it clear he wanted to see. He couldn't deny his mate anything, after all.
"Kiss me" he demanded. Harry, like the wonderful mate he was, immediately complied. It was just as thrilling to have Harry taking control, but he did like it the other way a little bit more. Not that it mattered at all when it came to his instincts. Harry made a soft sound in the back of his throat and he pressed forward for a moment.
All over his body, things tingled, tightened and heated. He pulled away from Harry with a slick sound and took a deep breath through his nose. "You might want to step back," he murmured, gently pushing Harry across the sofa cushions until he was at arms length. He wouldn't lash out but he did need a bit of room—his bloody wings were just this side of ridiculously sized. Of course, he was proud of them; bigger was always better.
"Why?" Harry didn't think Draco would hurt him... He didn't understand—
His thoughts ground to a halt when Draco slowly stood and wings appeared behind the Veela with a soft ruffling sound. Oh. His eyes widened as he took in the sight before him: Wings. Feathers. Claws. Merlin, Draco was stunning. He didn't notice Draco's stiff shoulders, the Veela waiting tensely for his reaction—he was too busy looking at everything else.