Nowhere Else to Go

Chapter 16

Draco woke just minutes later in Harry's bed, alone. He looked around, but Harry was gone. He sat up and got out of bed, the bottoms of his feet touching the cool floor. He shivered slightly at that, but walked down the stairs and into the kitchen where he found a plate of food waiting for him. He furrowed his brow and sat down by the food, warily taking a bite. It was odd, really. Usually there was at least a trace of Harry somewhere, but he was just gone. Had he left just after Draco fell asleep that night? Maybe Harry really wanted nothing to do with him, or maybe Draco had just taken it too far with the whole sharing a bed thing.

He finished eating and let out a soft sigh, clearing his plate and washing it off. He didn't really know what to do with himself. He wandered around a bit, exploring the apartment for what it had to offer. It wasn't large by any means, but it was nice. It was more than enough. He made his way back up to his own room and went to his bed. It honestly didn't feel as comforting as Harry's. He still couldn't figure out why Harry had left him. Maybe he'd done something wrong.

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Harry returned about an hour after Draco's waking up. He opened the door and hung up his coat, noticing that Draco had eaten, which was good. He had two shopping bags full of clothes, and he walked them up to Draco's room. He saw him sitting on his bed looking lost and a little dazed. "Hey.... I got you some clothes. Seemed like it was time" he said, glancing at Draco once more before setting the bags at the foot of the bed.

Draco raised his head and glared at Harry. How the hell could he? How could he leave the warm bed, leave DRACO, for shopping?? Draco didn't need clothes, all he needed was Harry, and that's exactly what he didn't have this morning. "Fuck you" he spat, looking away with a soft huff. The poor boy had let his feelings of abandonment transition to anger and blame.

"Excuse me?" Harry looked back at him, raising an eyebrow.

"Fuck. You." Draco repeated, standing up. "You think that just because I need you for housing means I can't even buy my own clothes? What do you take me for? Just another charity case for golden boy Potter to come and save?" He held a steady glare, tears brimming at his eyes. He refused to cry. Not in front of Harry. Not again, and not over this.

Harry scoffed "you can't be serious. I was doing something nice for you. So you wouldn't freeze your arse to death this winter. So you wouldn't have to keep wearing my damn clothes" he said, fighting to maintain his composure.

Draco was a bit stung. Why didn't Harry want him wearing his clothes? He didn't understand. He did in fact, get more heated. He pulled off the shirt he was wearing and threw it into Harry's chest, fighting back his tears. "Fine! Take your fucking clothes back if you're so pressed. I don't fucking need them." He stood in front of Draco shaken and cold, and above all, scared.

He was fear stricken, and not simply because of his deep seated trauma regarding arguments, but because he would have nothing if it weren't for Harry and it pained him to admit that. He relied on Harry Potter more than anyone.

Harry stood, looking back at him. "You're bloody insane Malf-"

Draco shoved Harry against the wall, his forearm pressing against Harry's chest. "Don't FUCKING call me that." He seethed, unable to make steady eye contact. He felt a tear slip down his cheek, his gut tightened and his hold on Harry weakened. Harry glanced down at the boy in front of him and paused, wondering what the hell had gotten into him. He hesitantly wrapped an arm around Draco's waist, pulling Draco a little closer. He had known Draco for more than enough years to understand that this little fight couldn't just be about clothes.

He felt Draco melt into his touch, laying his head on Harry's shoulder. He listened to Draco's nearly silent sobs, and he let out a soft sigh. "Draco" he corrected softly, feeling the way Draco's chest rose and fell with is soft cries. He wrapped his other arm around Draco and stood with him, letting his tears fall. He ran his hand through Draco's blond locks, pressing a soft kiss to his head as well.

"I'm sorry for leaving you this morning" he apologized, wondering if that's what this was about. He had no idea Draco was so dependent on him. He should have, considering he was Draco's only support system. He felt stupid to not realize that.

He noticed Draco's tears had stopped. He was still combing through Draco's hair with his hand. He looked down at him and made a mental note never to call him by his last name again. "You can still wear my clothes if you want" he assured, realizing that may be part of what spurred Draco's breakdown. He didn't want to see Draco get hurt any more than he already had. He did know Draco was likely cold, especially without a shirt on. He picked him up and carried him into Harry's bedroom, sitting him on the bed. He turned and picked out a warm grey hoodie of his and handed it to Draco to put on.

"I'm sorry, Draco" he said sincerely. Draco gave a slight nod. He looked like he was on the verge of crying again. Harry changed into sweatpants and a black hoodie. He walked over to the bed, laid down, and almost immediately Draco crawled back into his arms.