Cicatrices- Marks That Remain

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Happy Sunday, wonderful readers!

I have decided to attempt... Attempt to publish a new chapter every week. We are so very close to the end. I haven't written it all, but I am hoping very much that I can finish writing and sending out chapters before the end of March. I have other ideas pushing at my brain as well, so maybe I can begin publishing a new story before this year is out, or maybe by Halloween. One can hope. I will keep you all updated both on this story and on news for my next as I figure out more.

Well, let me know what you all think! And, as always...

Enjoy!

Harry was glad to have transitioned to his own flat. Aside from the fact that it was significantly warmer than Draco's, there was something about being here with him that made the flat feel a bit more like a place worth being in. Waking up in his own bed with Draco beside him made something in him soften. The idea of their mutual existence in his space brought a deep sense of peace to Harry's heart.

He took stock of their food items and formulated a meal plan as Draco showered. Eventually, Draco joined him in the kitchen as Harry tossed some kielbasa sausage with peppers and onions in a pan. With the calm of doing something he had done a million times before (which he hadn't), Draco was suddenly resting his chin on Harry's shoulder and wrapping his arms around Harry's torso, mid-stir of the pan.

Harry gave a small jolt of surprise. Draco did not usually show affection so freely or unexpectedly. But, Harry found himself relaxing into the feeling just as quickly, partially not to startle Draco into stopping, if Harry was being honest with himself. Really, though, the contact was nice. Harry took it as a sign that maybe Draco was opening up more, showing more of his feelings toward Harry that he was always so careful to hide.

Harry smiled slowly as he felt the weight of Draco unclenching something deep in his muscles, akin to that of his blanket - warm, soft, and calming. Harry pushed the pan from the heat and turned around to face Draco, wrapping his own arms around Draco's waist. Draco rested their foreheads together with a sigh.

"How was your shower?"

"Very warm," Draco said with a chuckle. "I missed being warm. I hadn't even realised..."

"Well, now you can stay warm," Harry said, unable to help his smile widening. Harry thought back to their lonely week in Draco's flat after everything. Harry was startled to realise that he barely remembered any of it. The week had been a blur of cold, and dark, and a numbness so consuming that it lingered even now in this soft, warm bubble in Harry's flat. Harry's smile became a frown.

The large, black mass that took up space in his chest and weighed him down was still far from gone, despite feeling alright after his nap today. Harry could not pretend that it was, no matter how much he wanted to. It was like Draco's overworked fingers that he hadn't healed before Harry saw them. He owed Draco that much respect in return, at least. Harry closed his eyes against the darkness, willing it not to rear up and swallow him whole again.

"...What's wrong?" Draco asked softly. "Would you like me to finish the food?" Harry opened his eyes, Draco's grey ones staring intently from under furrowed brows. His concern was gentle, yet insistent. Harry's heart skipped a beat as a zing of lightning comprehension coursed down his spine. Ginny, Ron, and Hermione were right. People want to help... Harry just needed to let them.

"Nothing, just... Thank you. For being yourself, for being here. I love you." As with every other time Harry had said it, Draco tensed, as though he hadn't expected it. Harry added quickly, "You don't need to answer, I just wanted to let you know."