"Are you interested in going shopping this afternoon?" Daphne asked, looking up from her book.

"I don't know, Daph. I'm busy," I shrugged with a crooked smile.

"Ah, you've been saying that for a week straight. I've been needing a good shopping spree."

"I know, but I've got to help Draco. Bring me something back if you want."

Daphne rolled her eyes, tossing the book across the bed. "You've been 'helping Draco' for... how many days now? Far too many, y/n."

"What's that supposed to insinuate?"

She smirked. "You two finally have a proper relationship. I'm guessing you're doing a lot more than just getting his assignments and meals, right?"

I looked down at my lap and blushed to myself. She was right.

Of course, I told her that we kissed that day after the quidditch game. Not just kissed, but seriously kissed. It was a culmination of all the emotions we'd both been seemingly feeling so strongly. Every time I closed my eyes I could still feel his skin against me and how it felt to have his lips caress mine.

I caught him off guard, but he wasn't disappointed. We parted for just a moment, to look each other in the eyes, as if to silently agree that we both wanted whatever was happening between us. It wasn't a spur of the moment decision; the kiss, yes it was unplanned, but the feelings we had been long overdue a confession.

Once he got the confirmation from my gaze that I was interested, he kissed me again. It started softly, pressing his lips to mine and gently moving in sync. It was like we were getting to know each other all over again. It couldn't be rushed, or something would go wrong. We knew between the two of us that something always seemed to go wrong; this would not be one of those times. It needed to be done slowly at first, soak in as much of the feeling as we could before it would advance.

And advance, it did.

As much as I enjoyed the soft, loving kisses that clearly were trying to make a good impression and express care, we both wanted more. It had to be done; we ached for it. Draco's hands, although bruised and sore, moved their way around my waist and I (trying to avoid his injuries as best I could) wrapped mine around his neck. The kisses became hungrier, exploring the insides of each other's mouths to the fullest extent.

It wasn't sloppy; if anything, the opposite. It was just passionate, conveying as much desire as possible while maintaining some composure. His hands roamed up and down, paying my hips particular attention as he seemed to grab them as best as he could. His long, cold fingers dug into my skin and left it hot for once, rather than chilled. My hands seemed to find a comfortable place in his blonde locks, slightly tugging on them and eliciting soft hums of approval from him in return.

Every so often we'd pull away for a moment, just to look at each other again. It was glorious: the sight of him with reddened plumped lips and messy hair was something to behold. It made me flutter with a sensual happiness that I was the one that made him look like that. The grin on his face, not malicious or troublesome, but out of breathlessness made it all the more enjoyable.

If it weren't for Theo and Blaise coming back, we could've stayed there for Merlin knows how long. Speaking of which, only Merlin knows how many times I've replayed the memory of us back over again.

In terms of the week after, it had been a similar, but less intense experience. We stole many kisses (some more passionate than others) over the course of a few days, but it never escalated into anything unhinged or too wild for any reason. I told myself it was probably because Theo or Blaise could walk in at any moment, but I couldn't be sure.

Most days while Draco was still recovering, I'd pop into his room with a basket of food and we'd spend time together. Usually he'd lie down between my legs on the bed and end up falling asleep, or I'd do the same on his chest. I found out this week that he had a particular attachment to chocolate covered strawberries. More specifically, being fed chocolate covered strawberries.

Our conversations lacked substance, usually. Sometimes we'd discuss books or our friends, maybe a little gossip here and there. But it wasn't serious chat, if anything we just basked in each other's presence. Most of it was silent, even. It was comfortable.

He had finally gotten better, though, and the excuse that he was resting wouldn't cut it anymore. The teachers would expect him back in class fully functioning again and I couldn't skip out with my friends to "take care" of him anymore. Anyone who saw him knew that apart from some fading bruises or cuts, the boy was fine again. He was even planning on going back to quidditch practices.

Part of me was worried that we wouldn't get to spend as much time together anymore. I loved just being with him, physically but also on a similar emotional page. We hadn't necessarily talked about what we were or how we felt about each other; Draco preferred physical means of conveying his emotions. It was nice and the touch or kisses sent away my doubtful thoughts, but never for long. I wanted to hear from his lips how he felt, but it never came to fruition.

I couldn't really blame him, though. I never said anything to him either. It was just a myriad of being pressed up against each other, cuddling till it was too hot and we had to get rid of the blankets, and clinging onto each other like we were afraid the other would let go.

"You two are going to have to become public sooner or later. Everyone already knows it, y/n."

"Who's 'everyone'? I doubt that."

"Draco doesn't just spend time with anyone, let alone defend or obsess over them the way he does with you. Trust me, that boy even after getting knocked off his broomstick, has 'lovesick puppy' written all over his face."

"You're just saying that since you know what's been going on."

"Maybe. But even if I'm wrong, wouldn't you want people knowing that you're together?"

"I suppose I would, but it's not definite yet. I don't know how he feels... we haven't really had that conversation."

"You haven't?"

"Is it something we should've discussed?"

She rolled her eyes, almost looking offended. "All you did for months was talk. Now you finally are together, more or less, and your relationship is the one thing you haven't talked about?"

I furrowed my eyebrows. She was right, actually. It took me a moment to consider what she meant, but she was correct regardless. For so long all we did was talk, tease, sort of torture each other in whatever limbo relationship we had. Oddly enough the one thing we didn't discuss, at least not presently, was this.

"No, we haven't. I mean... I'm sure we will eventually. I don't want to push him."

She scoffed. "That boy has been waiting ages for you to give him the time of day. If you think this is pushing him, I would hate to see you playing hard to get."

———

"Feeling alright?" I asked, walking into Draco's dorm. He was lying down on his bed, but promptly rolled up when he saw me. His eyes lit up and he seemed to become animated rather quickly.

He walked over with a smirk and softly kissed me. "Never better," he hummed against my lips.

He wrapped his arms around my waist, briefly deepening the kiss. I felt him smirk against me, the telltale signs of his happiness that I'd grown familiar with this past week. His thumbs rubbed little circles on the exposed part of my skin where he had slightly slipped under my shirt an inch or so.

"Don't worry, Theo's not here. Quidditch practice," he leaned in for another kiss, but I turned my head away.

"For real," I continued once he pulled back. He had a dreamy look in his eyes, kind of like he was entranced. The goofy grin he wore said it all. "You're doing alright enough to come back to classes?"

"I don't want to, this past week has been... nicer than I imagined," he smirked, making me blush. "But I've gotta do what I've gotta do."

"You're starting tomorrow?" I raised a brow.

He shook his head. "Classes tomorrow; quidditch today."

"You're sure about training again? You could always take another week off—"

"Don't stress, y/n. It's cute you're concerned, though," he smiled to himself.

"I didn't say I was concerned," I lightly laughed, teasing him. "Maybe I was just trying to keep you away from our group longer. It's much more peaceful."

"Is that so? I happen to know you find it much more interesting when I'm there and make you flustered—"

"Point taken," I laughed, causing him to do the same.

"For real, though. I haven't left this room in a week and I've got cabin fever. If I don't start doing something again, I might go crazy."

"I thought you liked this past week?" I smirked.

"The company? Yes," he smirked back, "but I could do with a change of atmosphere."

I reached for his hand to intertwine our fingers but he let ours slip away from each other. I didn't want to show my disappointment, but I felt a little rejected.

"I'm actually off to the quidditch pitch right now, if you'd want to come along. Don't have to, but if you'd want to study or something..."

My worries left my mind. Thank God, he was just busy and wasn't wanting affection at the moment. He was so mixed about that sort of thing.

"Sure," I nodded. "I have some parchments to finish anyway. Plus, I've got to make sure you don't get into anymore trouble."

He grinned again, that sly smirk on his lips again. "I was hoping you'd say that. I think I try a little harder when I know you're watching."

"Just don't throw a bludger at anyone this time."

"Don't be crazy," he rolled his eyes. "I only do that to people from other houses."

———

I didn't care how many times I watched Draco play quidditch, it was the most attractive thing to me. Apart from the fact I was slightly on edge after his accident, it was so enjoyable watching him play. During the week he talked quite a bit about how he missed playing and I could tell based on how he acted during practice. It was hungrier, almost, or like he had something to prove. Maybe to his team that he wasn't a screwup, despite losing them the game.

I didn't think they thought that. If anything, they might've even been proud of him. I disapproved of their cheating tactics during the games, but to their merit, they certainly had a fraternity about them. Their brotherhood made them thick as thieves, which in many ways, they already were. I don't think that they minded one bit he lost to Cho, apart from some initial annoyance. They were just happy their captain was back to playing. They probably would've ended up losing anyway; might as well go out with a bang.

The practice was long. I did some homework, then hung out with Draco, Theo, and Blaise during their breaks. Some of the other boys came and went, or stayed for a moment then went on their way to continue whatever they were doing.

The only issue I had was that Draco was seemingly... distant.

In his defense, it was the first time we'd all been together as a group since he got had his accident and since we've been more intimate, but when the rest of the group was together he didn't pay much attention to me. In fact, he hardly paid me any attention.

He sat far away from me and hardly looked in my direction. The only time we really made eye contact was when he was talking to the group as a whole. The passing of his eyes would linger on me for a moment before turning his attention back to whoever else he was chatting with or entertaining the group with a story.

I liked seeing him so happy and carefree with his friends, but it was odd he paid me even less attention than he did before. I tried not to take it personally, but why bother inviting me to watch him play if he didn't bother to speak to me?

"Whatcha reading there?" Theo peered over my shoulder, looking down at the book in my lap.

"Researching for this new charm," I shrugged. "Nothing interesting."

"Damn, forgot about that. Isn't it supposed to be mastered by the end of the week?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "It's meant for defensive purposes but can be used offensively in certain scenarios."

He grimaced. "Looks like I know how I'll be spending my afternoon. Care to tutor me?"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Not going to be too tired? We know what happened last time—"

"I can tutor you, Theo," Draco cut me off, somewhat to my annoyance. "Y/n's probably got better things to do."

"No, it's fine," I assured, looking between the two of them. "I'll be over later anyway."

Draco and I had planned for dinner later in the night, so it really wouldn't be any problem.

Theo looked at me with his eyebrows raised. "You will be? I don't remember us planning anything."

"Oh," I looked up at Draco, slightly pointing. "We were just—"

"I said I can help you, Theo. You've been such a help this past week anyway, I should return the favor," Draco insisted.

I furrowed my eyebrows, really feeling confused now. There was no reason for Draco to act coy, especially around Theo. If it weren't for him, Draco and I wouldn't even be "together" now, or whatever we are. In fact, he's been our number one supporter, or perhaps only second to Daphne.

"Oh," Theo sighed, "that might not be such a bad idea. I deserve some payment after bringing you your morning tea for five days straight."

"Precisely," Draco warily smiled, awkward and unsure. "Maybe we should get back to practice?"

This trend of Draco's odd behavior continued for the rest of the day. It was strange; I couldn't put my finger on it.

When in group settings, he hardly looked at me, or even just with his closer friends he still almost outright ignored me. However, when we had even a second alone together, his demeanor changed entirely.

All of a sudden when the boys had left for the locker room and it was us just outside the door, he pressed me up against the building and stole repeated kisses, like he had been waiting all practice for his fill. I gladly obliged him, but I couldn't deny that the feeling he left me with afterward made me uneasy.

Once he came back out of the locker room with his friends, it was back to hardly noticing me. It was Theo who had to even offer to walk me back to my dorm since Draco headed off with Blaise and Adrian.

"I'm not blind, you know," Theo smirked, as he escorted me down to my room.

"Blind?" I huffed. I must have looked annoyed, and I was. Draco's hot and cold behavior was not something I was willing to tolerate.

"He's been acting up," he explained. "I don't know why he won't admit it, but there's obviously finally something with you and Draco."

"How could you tell? He hasn't told you, though?"

"Hasn't said a thing. But he's been too happy lately, and that can only mean you're involved."

———

A/N: Hey y'all! So this book isn't over yet, there are still a couple things to cover. But now that they've finally shown that they want each other the book has *mostly* finished it's main hurdle. I've still got a few tricks up my sleeve but it'll be some chapters away.

After this book is finished, does anyone have any requests for another one?

It can be a story or I'm open to doing one-shots. I'm leaning towards a Theo Nott story (y'ardy know I'm obsessed with him...) but I could do another Draco as well. Maybe a mix?