Paint You Wings ✔️

Chapter 21

Draco was ecstatic that Harry was giving him free range to decorate as he saw fit. He had never been "allowed" to do so and this was a fresh start for him. It didn't matter that this flat was much smaller than his own. What did matter was the way that he felt when he walked inside. Money couldn't buy the feeling of love and safety he felt whenever he walked through the door.

The first thing that he did was plan a few surprises for Harry. After that, all he really did was sort through all of his clothes. It felt wrong not to have Harry there when he wanted to decorate, even though he had permission to do so on his own. After hanging the painting together, Draco craved more intimate moments like that, no matter how small.

By the time Draco had everything set up, it was time to pick up Harry. He drove with a smile on his face, ready for this next chapter of his life to finally begin.

Getting out of the car, he knocked on the studio door, and found it unlocked. Pushing it open, he stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Following the sound of laughter, he stepped into an open studio and found Harry on a couch with a camera slung around his neck, and a man sitting next to him.

"Draco! Is it 5 already?"

"Do you need more time Harry? I can come back-"

"No, not at all love! Come meet my good mate Neville!"

"Neville Longbottom."

"Draco Malfoy", he replied, returning the firm handshake.

"Is this one of your odd jobs then?"

"Ahh, this is one of the best! I have some photography certifications from uni and Nev lets me put them to good use."

"What can't you do Harry, honestly?"

"I'm not very good at sewing, knitting, or all sports in general."

Draco laughed, shaking his head.

"Such the comedian you are."

"Are we alright to leave Nev?"

"All good mate. Have fun with your love", he teased. "Nice to meet you Draco."

"Likewise Neville."

"I bet you photograph really well", Neville remarked as Harry was packing up his things.

"I don't", Draco said at the exact time that Harry said, "he does."

"Harry's one of my best, I have to take his word for it."

"Harry thinks his flattery will get him somewhere."

"It already has love, but I'm being entirely truthful."

"You should come back one of these days and we can try some things out."

"Yeah, maybe."

"We'll talk mate, have a great night."

"You too!"

"You really love to lay it on thick", Draco remarked once they had gotten back to the car.

"I'm being honest. You really are so stunning, but I suppose I'm biased because everytime I look at you my heart swells and I just grin like an idiot."

"You're not always like that?"

"To a point. You never know when you'll see someone last, so I try to make each experience nice. It might be a bit silly, but that's just how I am."

"I think it's sweet."

"I think you're sweet", Harry teased.

"You didn't even try with that one", Draco replied with a snort.