“Finally, it’s done,” I sigh in relief, carefully tidying up my materials. I slip the drawing into a folder and place it neatly in my drawer. As I begin to clean my desk, a soft knock interrupts the quiet.
I walk to the door, cracking it open to find Draco standing there. “Oh, hi, love,” I greet him with a gentle smile, but something feels off. His expression is clouded, his shoulders slumped. Concern immediately floods me. “Are you alright, Draco?” I ask, reaching up to cup his cheek.
He leans into my touch, his hand covering mine as he shakes his head. His gaze lifts, and I notice his eyes—red-rimmed, puffy, glistening with unshed tears. “Go sit down on the bed, hmm?” I say softly. He nods without a word and moves toward the bed. I close the door behind him and follow.
“What happened?” I ask gently, sitting beside him. Before I can say more, he pulls me into a fierce hug, his body trembling against mine. Fresh tears begin to fall, and I hold him closer, letting him bury himself in my arms. Gradually, we shift until he’s lying against my chest, clinging to me like a lifeline.
“My love, I’m not going anywhere,” I murmur, a soft chuckle escaping as I press a kiss to his forehead. My fingers thread through his hair, soothing him. “Now, can you tell me what’s wrong? I’m here for you.”
He shakes his head, signaling he doesn’t want to speak. “Alright, my love, would you like to stay like this for a while?” I ask, gently caressing his arms. He nods, and we settle into a quiet moment, the room filled only with the sound of our breaths.
“Bad dream...” he mumbles softly. Relief washes over me; it wasn’t something worse. I’m about to ask more when he continues, his voice trembling. “There was a fight here... and you sacrificed yourself for me.”
“Oh, love,” I murmur, my hand moving to rub soothing circles on his back. His words are laced with fear, and I feel his vulnerability in every syllable.
“You can’t ever do that,” he says firmly, looking up at me with a stern expression.
I chuckle lightly, trying to ease the tension. “Whatever you say,” I tease, leaning down to place a tender kiss on his head.
“I’m not kidding,” he insists, his tone sharp with annoyance.
“I won’t,” I promise, my smile softening. “I swear.”
We fall into silence again, but it feels warmer now, his grip on me still tight.
“I love you so much, Y/N,” he begins, his voice quieter but filled with conviction. “There aren’t words to describe how much you’ve changed my life. You’ve made me braver, more open-minded. You’ve taught me to appreciate the small things and to think responsibly.” He pauses, his gaze distant for a moment before refocusing on me.
“Not like my father,” he continues, a hint of bitterness creeping in. “He taught me to be someone I’m not. But you…” He takes my hands in his, his fingers gently tracing patterns along my skin. “You taught me to be Draco Malfoy. To just be me. You showed me how to be a normal person, how to see the world differently. You made me who I am today.”
His words strike deep, and a warm smile spreads across my lips. I pull him into a tight embrace, holding him close. “Though you’ve never been one to express your love in words, what you just said means more to me than anything,” I whisper softly, my heart full.
He hums softly, the silence stretching between us. Then, in a quiet voice, he asks, “Can I sleep here, please?”
“Of course,” I reply warmly, a gentle smile spreading across my lips.
“I love you,” he murmurs, nuzzling his head into the crook of my neck, his voice carrying the weight of affection and exhaustion.
“I love you too, Dray,” I whisper, wrapping my arms around him as a soft smile lingers on my face.
Moments pass, and I notice his breathing growing slower, steadier. His head becomes heavier against me, a clear sign he’s slipping into sleep. Watching him so peaceful, my heart swells with love and contentment. I press a tender kiss to his forehead, the gesture a silent promise.
As the world around us fades into the quiet of the night, I close my eyes, letting sleep take me too, with him safely in my arms.