Daddy issues

CHAPTER FORTY THREE: "I care about you, okay?"

*Annabella's POV*

I had not yet spoken to Draco about the run-in with my father that morning, nor did I ever think I would. Before, I thought that my father was a fairly simple man... That all the while he hated Potter and co, he was still gentle (at least some part of him could care for me-his only child). But now, now I see that I was mistaken. He cannot care... he is utterly incapable of love and it will forever remain that way, the bruises are just proof of that. I thought things were finally panning out the way I wanted. That I would finally have my dad back in my life! He just wasn't what I expected... He was cruel, and I realised that shortly after I exited the room and was lying in a bundle under Draco's covers.

The sounds of cars, sirens, chatter, footsteps and beeping horns filled my ears. We had learned all about he sounds of London in Muggle Studies but every time I go to the strange city it still overwhelms me. I tried to focus as I held Draco's hand in mine, walking down the streets until we reached somewhere slightly more secluded. Another dodgey back alley...

"What happened with you and my father? That is all I can hear your thoughts he s going on about?!" I inquired, giving him a warning glare so as he were to answer truthfully. I watched as his gaze shifted to our hands and he let go of me, instead beginning to play with the rings on his fingers.

He continued to fidget as he was trying to find the words to say. It was starting to piss me off.

"Oh, for fucks sake Draco! Spit it out will you? And will you desist?!" I implored, resting a hand on top of his and raising an eyebrow. He stopped with the fidgeting and ring playing and stood up a little straighter, taking a deep breath.

"I lost my nerve... That's what happened" he snarled, gaining an attitude.

Furrowing my brows, I gave an inquisitorial look. "You 'lost your nerve'?"

"Yes." He bluntly stated, again with the attitude.

"So, what does that mean exactly? Care to translate from Draco language into English?" I joked, trying to lighten up his somehow sour mood.

"What do you think?..."

"Merlin! Enough with the attitude! What's got your wand in a knot?!" I yelled out through an exasperated sigh, shaking my head at his behaviour. He was acting like a child!

"I punched him, okay! Happy now?" I was left speechless. I knew he had been gaining a dangerous temper as of recent weeks but I didn't think he would lose his head over it.

Surely he was aware of the consequences that could have on his family...

How could he be so stupid? All for what?

"All because I care about you, okay? All because you don't deserve to be treated like that by your own father. All because, I love you." He blurted out, having clearly been reading my thoughts.

"Okay..." I whispered as I knew of nothing else to say.

"Okay? Okay what? Okay, good? Okay, bad?" He questioned as a trail of small tears began to drop from his eyes.

"You know what he will do, don't you?" I said barely above a whisper, staring intently into those grey irises that I loved so much.

"Yes." Draco hushed back, his head sinking onto my shoulder as I ran a hand through his hair. Momentarily, I rested my head atop his, while we both stay enveloped in each other's embrace, neither of us wanting to let go. We both knew what was to come over the course of the summer and it would not be pleasant.