Draco Malfoy, Broken

Chapter 51 - Talk

51 – Talk

Published: 7/9/2019

***TRIGGER WARNING*** for offensive terminology and sexual assault references

Draco woke up in the middle of the night when Harry started sobbing and thrashing.

"Harry?" Draco whispered, worriedly, and shook him gently. "Come on, love. Wake up."

Harry's eyes opened and he looked around in the dark in a panic. He knew Harry liked the light on.

"I am right here, Harry," Draco said, softly, trying not to sound anxious. He was very concerned, though. Harry was quite distraught and it was difficult to remain calm.

"Draco? Oh, Draco, I thought I lost you," he whispered, anguish in his voice. He was covered in sweat.

Harry turned his head to look at him and brought his shaking hands up. He made to touch his chest, but stopped. Even in the dark, Draco could see tears were coming out. Harry always remembered to be careful, even when he was in pain, even when he needed comfort. Draco grabbed his hands and pulled them into his body. Harry put his head on his chest. Draco squeezed
him tightly.

"Thank you," Harry whispered. He was still shaking.

"I'm always here for you," he whispered back and just held him for several minutes while Harry calmed down. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Harry shook his head.

"Are you sure?" he whispered.

"I just want to go back to sleep. I'm sorry I woke you," Harry responded, his voice strained.

"I don't care, but Harry...."

"Let's just sleep... please," Harry pleaded.

"Okay, I got you...."

Harry snuggled into his chest and Draco wrapped his arms around him. He could feel Harry's heart thumping faster. It wasn't slowing down. His breathing was short, but controlled. He was hiding how hurt and scared he was. Salazar, how could he have said the other day that Harry wasn't afraid of anything? He knew better. He knew Harry's dreams haunted him, apparently more than they did to Draco. He hadn't been pulled into the pit in a long time, ever since Harry started sleeping with him.

"I'm right here, Harry," he said, trying to reassure his boyfriend.

He didn't want to push him, right now. He felt Harry's fingers clench his chest and, in the moonlight, he could see tears glistening as they fell down his cheek. Draco rubbed his back gently and a few of tears his own came out. Why hadn't he been paying attention? Harry was obviously distressed last night and he had been other nights, too. How much does Harry hide from him? That morning several days ago where Blaise saw Harry was in pain and he hadn't. What was wrong with him? Harry took care of him, but he wasn't doing the same. They were supposed to be partners.

They had to talk, communicate better, but that would mean... he would have to open up, too. He didn't think he was ready for that. They were so screwed. They couldn't talk openly and honestly. As much as Draco wanted, he couldn't think about the past. He couldn't talk about it, but he had to try and, at least, listen to Harry.

"I'm here," Draco said, again. He would always be there for him.

Harry finally relaxed and closed his eyes. He slowly slipped into unconsciousness, but Draco didn't go back to sleep. He wanted to make sure that Harry didn't fall back into his nightmare. He couldn't help but feel guilty about everything. He pressed Harry into him. His arms were sore from the effort, but he didn't want to let go.