Arranged marriage

He used to tell me about his dream husband. Who would treat him the best? He would love him without any condition, cuddle him every night, and wake him up by kissing all over his face.

"He lied to his best friend about me. He said I'm like his dream husband... To save me from my embarrassment. To save my ass he also requested Ron to keep it a secret. " Draco monologued while driving his car back home. "I'm selfish. Why I'm so selfish? ...And self-centered. I should say sorry to him about yesterday. About everything I have done. He deserves it. "

"He deserves much more than a simple sorry you shit " the voice in his head slapped the back of his head. "You think a sorry will erase all the pain you caused him?"

"You are right" Draco felt ashamed. "He deserves much more than just a sorry"

"But how should I apologize?" The blond asked himself as he stopped the car in a signal. "Should I take him to a fancy dinner?"

"Fancy dinner? Is he your business partner? " Draco could practically see the voice roll his eyes at him. "Sorry, I hurt you. But I ordered food for you. Enjoy." He mocked Draco. "Do something sincere. From your heart. He is your husband not some business partner!!"

"I know !" Draco snapped. "That's why I'm asking you! I have never done this!"

"Everything has a first time. Also, you know, that, I'm you and you are me, right? We are the same thing? So you use your brain idiot." The voice sounded bored. "My job is to remind you, that you are an idiot, not to help you. So byeee"

"FUCK YOU" Draco shouted. "YOU ARE NO HELP." Thankfully the sound of the car could not go outside, or else other people driving beside him would think he was an idiot or some insane.

Draco drove around, his eyes scanning the streets for a specific type of store. And then, he saw it - a jewelry shop that looked familiar. He pulled over and stepped inside, where a friendly sales associate greeted him with a warm smile.

"Hi there! Welcome to our store. What can I help you find today?" she invited.

Draco hesitated, feeling a bit awkward. "I'm not sure," he admitted, his face flushing slightly. He had been to this store many times with his mother, who always seemed to find the perfect piece here. He also came here hoping he could find something special for his husband in this jewelry store.

The sales associate beamed again, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Is this for Lady Malfoy?" she questioned.

Draco shook his head, looking at her with a hint of amazement. "No, it's for... my husband,"

The woman's face lit up with excitement. "Aww, that's so sweet! I'd be happy to help you find something special. Is it his birthday?" Draco shook his head. "It's for..." He trailed off as his eyes caught something.

Draco's lips curved into a subtle smile as he nodded, a sense of clarity washing over him. "I think I know what I want to get for him. Can you show me some bracelets?"

Draco Parked his car in his house. After getting down he re-checked his pocket to make sure the bracelet is safe in his pocket.

Thankfully the voice in his head did not come back this time. That means this is not ridiculous.

He entered the family living room expecting to find Harry there. But unfortunately, he was not there.

"Are you looking for Harry, Mr Malfoy? " One house helper asked as he took Draco's office bag from him.

Draco frowned at that man. "Who gave you permission to call him by his name?"

The man looked down. "He asked all of us to call him by his name"

Draco was taken aback at the response. "Where- where's he?"

"In the garden, sir"

＼⁠(ﾟ⁠ｰﾟ⁠＼⁠)(⁠ノ⁠^⁠_⁠^⁠)⁠ノ＼⁠(ﾟ⁠ｰﾟ⁠＼⁠)(⁠ノ⁠^⁠_⁠^⁠)⁠ノ

Harry woke up that day with a weird feeling. Events of last night were still painted in his mind. So, opening his eyes in the morning first thing that came to his mind was Draco pushing him to the wall, his Angry face while he demanded Harry to kiss him.

No doubt Draco looked scary at that time. But at the same time, he was so hot.

Harry blushed red.

Calm down Harry

Harry remembered that Draco had planned to spend the day with him, he wondered what activities Draco had in mind. Although he was a little disappointed for missing his meeting with Ron, Harry couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation about his day with Draco.

But the whole day passed, and Draco did not come. From the house helper, he learned Draco did not even spend the night in the manor yesterday. And he was not back home all morning.

A tiny part of Harry's brain supplied is he back with his boyfriend? What was his name again... Theo....Theodore??

The thoughts made his chest feel heavy. He also got a little annoyed. Why did Draco ask him to reschedule his day only to ghost him?

Harry was torn between his urge to leave the house and meet up with Ron, and his apprehension about facing Draco's wrath if he didn't stick to their plans. In the end, his fear won the battle and, he decided to stay home.

There was no call or text from Draco, all morning.

What did I expect? It was my fault I was so excited for the day.

After having lunch Harry decided to spend some time in the garden. It was well-maintained and beautiful. After his marriage, the garden was the only place he felt free and happy. Till now this was his favourite place.

Lost in thought, Harry didn't notice Draco's approach until he heard the soft footsteps behind him. Turning around, he was met with an unfamiliar sight - Draco's face etched with guilt, a very different emotion from his usual anger.

"Hi," Draco said, his voice laced with hesitation.

Harry remained silent, waiting for Draco to break the silence. The blond man sighed heavily, his eyes cast downward. "I'm sorry, Harry. I'm sorry. I know I asked you to spend the day with me, but then... I got distracted."

Harry's voice was soft, yet probing. "Where were you?"

Draco struggled to find the right words. "I-I saw Pansy's message about my friend returning, and I went to meet her. Everything else slipped my mind."

"Of course, his best friend would be important to him. Why are you sad Harry?" Harry told himself.

"You could have informed me. My best friend is also back today. I wanted to meet him too." Harry said softly.

Draco's voice was full of regret. "I know. I met your best friend Ron too."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "What? How do you know Ron?"

Draco explained. "He's Hermione's boyfriend... my best friend's boyfriend."

Harry's response was barely above a whisper. "Oh."

What if Ron said something to him? What if-

"Harry" Draco called him. The small man looked back up to his husband.

"You-"

"What?"

"You said my name."

"It's your name, isn't it? " The blond took some steps closer to Harry. "Anyway. I have something for you." He took the bracelet out of his pocket. "Er... I bought it for you."

"What? Why?"

There was a beautiful bracelet in Draco's hand. It was made out of platinum. Of course, it was very expensive.

Why did Draco buy this for me?

"As an apology. It's a gift for you. I did not know what to do." The blond was embarrassed. "I asked you to spend the day with me. And I ditched you. I- I know what did is beyond forgiveness. But still-"

"I forgive you about this morning. You didn't have to buy -" Harry interrupted Draco.

"Then please wear this for me. Please accept it." Draco pleaded. He looked like he was ready to be on his knees to beg Harry's forgiveness. Harry gave him a reassuring smile.

He took his husband's hand in his. Harry's hands were so soft and looked small in Draco's large palm. "Can I ?"

"I promise I will make this up for you. " Draco said sincerely while putting the bracelet on Harry's hand. "Can I take you out on a lunch? Tomorrow?"

"I want to meet Ron tomorrow " Harry replied. "I haven't seen him in five years"

"Oh yeah... yeah" It was odd for Draco to show so many emotions. To be so open and venerable "Then, then dinner? I can reserve wherever you want to--"

"No. I don't want to go."

The look on Draco's face made Harry guilty. He looked so devastated at Harry's answer, Harry felt like a criminal. It was also new for him. Draco shows so many emotions aside from anger.

"I mean. I don't want to go to a restaurant. We can have dinner at home." Harry offered.

The blond sighed in relief. "That- I can do that. "

I'll do anything to make up for everything I did... I am not a bad husband. I will prove you and Mom. I won't disappoint her.

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The next morning, Harry left early to meet with his best friend, Ron. He was awake early and had breakfast. Draco could feel joy radiating from his husband. He looked so eager to meet with his best friend after so many years.

Last night Draco notified his assistant that he would be taking the day off from work. He had a mission - to prepare the perfect dinner and redeem himself in Harry's eyes. Draco was determined to prove that he wasn't a bad person, despite his past mistakes.

However, Draco's culinary skills were lacking, despite his mother's efforts to teach him. His dishes were never quite palatable. So, as much as he wanted to cook the dinner himself, he knew better. Instead, Draco decided to ask for help.

Their chef was quite enthusiastic to help him. Though Draco was not aware of his husband's favorite dish the chef was. So excitedly cooked for Harry.

"Mr Malfoy, sir, I think the garden would be the best place for the dinner," One young house helper - dobby - advised him. "Mr Harry likes the garden"

"Thank you for your suggestions Dobby "

Draco got busy decorating the garden, for their dinner. He was nervous. He needed to make it perfect.

With the help of another house helper Draco was able to make a perfect dinner set up for him and Harry.

<⁠(⁠￣⁠︶⁠￣⁠)⁠↗<⁠(⁠￣⁠︶⁠￣⁠)⁠↗<⁠(⁠￣⁠︶⁠￣⁠)⁠↗

Harry was a little nervous since he was going to meet Ron after a long time. Five years...! He was also excited. Ron was the first person in his childhood who made him feel safe, wanted, and loved. He was a big brother to Harry, he was his only family.

Ron and his family were the only people that made him feel at home. Harry loved them.

Harry was walking down the familiar path while looking around. He was going to meet Ron in a park. It was the place he used to come to with his best friend, in his childhood.

As a kid, no one was there to take Harry to the park. Well, you know why? The Dursleys of course. So, Ron took him there after class every day. And on the weekends he made sure all his brothers and sister were there too, to play with Harry. All the younger Weasleys loved to play with little Harry.

Harry felt nostalgic after he entered the park. The familiar sight of kids playing, and having fun made him feel sad. The park has so many good memories - which he would like to cherish forever.

He remembered running around the park with Ron, Ginny, Fred, and George. He remembered the swings. He remembered all the fun he had there.

He looked around, hoping to see the redhead sitting on a park bench or something. But was attacked by a back hug.

"Ron! " Harry gasped excitedly. "You scared me! "

Ron grinned and let go of Harry, who turned around to face him.

Ron pulled him this time in a real hug. " I missed you. A lot. " His voice was a mixture of sadness and excitement.

"I missed you too Ron... Very very very much. " Harry said returning the hug. They pulled away after some time and grinned ear to ear.

"Let's sit together" Ron suggested and led them both to an oak tree, their favorite place. They sat side by side on the grass.

"Now tell me Harry, how are you?" Ron was looking at his face intensely.

"I'm very happy," Harry said cheerfully. "How about you? "

"I'm doing great too."

"And what about your girlfriend? Hermione? You could have brought her with you today!"

"I wanted to. But Hermione was against it. She said she'd meet you soon, some other day but today is about us."

They talked freely after that. There was no awkwardness between them, as Harry feared would be there. He was happy, to find Ron was still the same, happy, carefree, and full of jokes. Some things are still the same as they were. It made Harry feel relieved.

Harry was also happy for Hermione and Ron's relationship. Harry was glad for Ron, his best friend.

"Hey, Harry?" Ron asked.

Harry was busy with his fish and chips. After spending some time at the park they decided to have their lunch in a nearby place.

"Mmm?" Harry made an acknowledging sound since his mouth was filled with food.

"That's a very expensive bracelet you have" Ron's voice was teasing, as he said pointing at Harry's hand.

"I- " Harry stopped eating and looked up at Ron."I mean... Draco... Draco gave me it yesterday. "

"Oh really? " Ron gave him a suggestive smirk. "What's the occasion?"

Harry looked down awkwardly, avoiding Ron's gaze. "You know- just-..." He did not notice the slight frown on Ron's face.

"Just?" Ron's voice was still playful.

"Ugh, should there be any occasion for my husband to gift me something??"

"Okay okay. I get it" Ron laughed. Then his voice became sincere "I do hope he treats you well, as you said in the chats. I hope your relationship is good."

"Don't worry Ron! Draco's the best " Harry expressed. "Isn't this platinum bracelet the best proof?" Ron smiled at that.

"So Dursleys really did get you married to such a rich family?"

"Yeah. As I told you. I returned from my job. They called me. And boom I learnt I'm getting married."

"And which is not at all Dursley-like," Ron said taking a sip from their drink. "They getting you married to this family instead of Dudley."

"He's not gay," Harry replied easily.

"Well judging by how greedy they are I doubt Dudley would have any problem acting gay," Ron said rolling his eyes. He hated that bastard of a cousin of Harry. " But then what about the Malfoys? Do you know why they agreed to this? "

"I don't know... I never asked them. " Harry made sure he was not looking at Ron while answering this, busing himself with the food. Ron frowned again.

I don't want you to know, Dursleys agreed to this, for money.

"Ron, we're meeting after so long... " Harry said in an attempt to change the topic. "Can we not talk about this now? "

"Ok ok fine... " Ron agreed laughing. "What would you like for dessert?"

"Most expensive thing on the menu since you are paying" Harry declared.

Ron rolled his eyes playfully and ordered for both.

The day passed pleasantly, with Harry feeling a sense of comfort as he enjoyed Ron's company. For a few precious hours, he didn't have to think about his marriage, the Dursleys, or the financial burdens weighing on his mind. Instead, he allowed himself to relax and be present, savoring the simple joy of reconnecting with his best friend. The promise he had made to himself-to repay the Dursleys within a year-faded into the background, giving way to laughter, memories, and the comfort of old bonds.

0..0..0..0..0

The clock struck five, and with each passing minute, Draco's heart pounded faster. What if Harry hated everything? What if he thought all of Draco's efforts were in vain? Draco anxiously rechecked every detail. He had set up a cozy movie theater in the garden, complete with a beautifully arranged dining area. They would watch a movie together, then have dinner. If Harry still had energy afterward, they could watch another film.

"Mr. Malfoy, Harry's car has arrived," a house helper informed him.

Taking a deep breath, Draco walked to the family living room to greet Harry. The shorter man was beaming with happiness, his day with Ron a success. Draco's heart ached at the sight-Harry seemed so joyful, but it wasn't because of him.

"Don't be a hypocrite. You've only ever caused him pain," the voice in Draco's head sneered.

"Leave me alone. You're no help right now," Draco snapped back internally.

As soon as Harry spotted Draco, he grinned excitedly. "Hi, Draco!" he exclaimed, still riding the high of his day with Ron. Draco smiled at his husband and took his hands in him. The bracelet he gave Harry yesterday was still in his hand. he thumbed it for a few seconds and kissed Harry's hands.

"I hope you had a great time with Ron, Harry" Draco said in a smooth voice.

Harry was on the other hand too stunned to speak in Draco's sudden gesture, not to tell it was also unusual. A red blush crept up his face. He looked so pretty that way. "I- Yeah, Yeah we had a good time" Harry replied after some time.

"Go freshen up Harry. When can you meet me in the garden?" Draco requested him.

After Harry left, Draco went to the kitchen first, to make sure the dinner was ready, Then we went to the garden.

"Don't be so nervous. You were not this nervous with Theo. Then why now?" His brain supplied.

"Look at him thinking about his ex-boyfriend just before a date night with his husband" The voice mocked.

"sorry sorry" Draco apologized. "Wait, this is a date?"

"Then what do you think this is? A romantic dinner with our roommate?" the voice said in an irritated tone. "Why are you so stupid?"

Learning it was a date Draco got more nervous.