Just Breathe

Chapter Fourteen

He pulled a comb through his hair two more times before placing it on the counter. Draco's stomach was in knots but not so bad he couldn't handle this date. He was looking forward to it. Ever since he woke up that morning, all he could think about was the way Harry had smiled when he told him it had been a mistake pulling his hand back.

His reflection smiled back at him when he stood in front of the mirror. Draco tried to wipe the smile from his face, but it wasn't going anywhere, and for that, he was glad. He needed this. He wanted this. And he felt that Harry did too.

He straightened his sweater once more, hoping he didn't look too casual. But it was just a casual dinner and since he had to wear a tie to work every day, he wasn't in the mood to wear one now. He slipped on his shoes and grabbed a book and went to wait in the living room. He looked at his watch, five-forty-five. Harry was set to arrive any minute. He lifted his hand to run it through his hair but stopped himself. He went to the door and looked out the peephole. To his surprise, Harry was already out there. He was pacing back and forth and it looked like he was talking to himself. Draco swallowed a chuckle; he was cute when he was nervous.

He watched him for a second longer before Harry abruptly turned and knocked on the door. Draco jumped back and grabbed his chest, startled. He took a deep breath and counted to five so it wouldn't seem like he had been waiting right by the door. He pulled it open and Harry was standing there, his hands in his pockets and a smile on his face.

"Hello, Harry."

"Hi. I hope I'm not late."

"You're right on time," he smiled at him, hoping to ease his nerves. Harry blushed around his collar. "You look nice." And he did. He was wearing a light blue sweater under a dark jacket with a navy scarf. Draco could feel the heat crawling up his neck and he turned to grab his own jacket before he got caught staring.

"So, where are we going for dinner?" Harry asked.

"If the weather holds out, there's a place a few blocks from here I've passed while I fly at night. It's a rooftop restaurant, open air you know? Looks neat and it always smells fantastic." Harry chuckled and shook his head.

"Trying to give people dinner and a show?"

"Ha-ha. I'm fast enough no one ever sees me." Harry grinned at him and Draco laughed. He closed the door behind him and Harry led the way back down the steps. Mrs. Green was standing at the bottom watering her plants and she turned and smiled up at them.

"Out for the evening, Draco?"

"Yes ma'am. This is Harry."

"Hello, Harry. Are you the boy who brought him food while he was sick?" she asked, and Harry nodded, a crooked grin on his face. "Such a sweet thing to do. You boys have a good evening."

"You too, Mrs. Green." She waved them off and Draco and Harry walked along the path.

"She knows about that dinner?"

"She takes care of me," he shrugged. "She brought dinner up later after you left and was a little disappointed you had beat her to it."

"Well, I was glad to do it."

"I was glad too," he said, and he gently nudged Harry's arm with his elbow. Harry laughed and the sound was like music to his ears.

"So, Harry, have you had a good day?"

"Honestly? No. Ron and I were cooped up in our apartment all day trying to make connections on our case for work. We've made a chart of sorts for this big meeting on Monday. Trying to get a head start on it."