Let's Pretend

Disclaimer: I solemnly swear that I do not own Harry Potter and/or any other characters used in this fic. They are all property of J.K. Rowling.

Add't Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to teh song Pretend to be Nice by Josie and the Pussycats.


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Harry stood in front of the mirror, staring hard at his reflection, trying to flatten his always messy hair. He bit his lower lip as he ran his hand through his hair and it merely sprung back into its original position.

He sighed as he backed up from the mirror, now examining his outfit. He was wearing a pair of black slacks along with a dark red sweater. He smoothed it down unnecessarily, wondering if it was right. He frowned at his reflection, wishing he looked better.

He grabbed a bottle of cologne and put on just a tiny bit. He turned back to his reflection, not really liking what he saw. He took off his glasses and set them on the counter. He reached over and took out the Muggle contact lenses he had gotten after leaving school.

He put them in his eyes carefully then stood back to look at the effect. He had to admit he did look a bit better without them. Harry wondered if he would like it. He sighed again and frowned at the reflection once more.

He jumped slightly when he heard the front door open and snap shut. He told himself to calm down and walked out to the living room.

Draco was there, putting his jacket away in the closet. Harry stood in the doorway to the bathroom, waiting for him to turn around.


Well, he looks at me with those innocent eyes.


Draco turned around, his piercing silver eyes immediately coming to rest on Harry. Harry gave him a smile and Draco didn't react. He walked over to Harry, his eyes taking in his appearance.


And says it looks like you're wearing some kind of disguise.


"Is that what you're wearing tonight?" he drawled.

Harry looked down at his clothes, cursing to himself. He'd known it was wrong. "Yes," he replied quietly.

Draco rolled his eyes. He reached up a hand and ran it through Harry's messy hair, looking thoughtful. "Harry, we've lived together long enough. You should know how to dress yourself by now."


Because your hair sticks up; your shoes are untied,
And I hope you got that shirt at half-price.


Harry looked down at himself and sighed again. He looked up at Draco, who gave him a knowing smirk before breezing past him and into the kitchen.

Harry turned to the direction he had gone. He and Draco had been together ever since the war had ended last year. After school had finished, they had gotten a house together. Harry had thought it was good. Draco had seemed to care about him but he never showed it anymore.

Tonight was a Ministry party, some kind of charity event that he was, of course, required to go to. Every time, he tried to look his best but Draco never seemed to notice, or he would just pick at his choice.

He followed Draco into the kitchen where he found him using his wand to boil water. Harry came up behind him and slipped his arms around his waist. He rested his chin on Draco's shoulder. "Draco?" he asked.

"Yeah?" he responded.

"Is what I'm wearing really that bad?"

Draco turned around and looked at Harry, a skeptical expression on his face. "Harry," he said with a raised eyebrow and a laugh. "You don't even need to ask that question."

Harry frowned again. He wished he could figure out what the hell Draco wanted from him. Harry stood there, trying to figure it out.

Draco laughed slightly and moved forward. He put a hand around Harry's neck and pulled him towards him. "Baby, you're just a bad dresser," he said simply. He kissed Harry softly. Harry wanted to push him away but couldn't stop himself from welcoming the attention.

Draco's other hand slid around Harry's waist, pulling him closer. He deepened the kiss by sliding his tongue into Harry's mouth. Harry moaned softly, his hands traveling up to Draco's sides.

Draco maneuvered them around so Harry was pushed back against the counter. Draco's hands came up and stripped off Harry's shirt easily. He tossed it to the side where it landed in a heap on the tiled floor.

Harry made a noise of slight discomfort as the counter jutted into his back. Draco paid no notice, kissing him fervidly. Harry's arms wrapped around Draco's back, pulling him closer.

Draco moved from Harry's swollen lips, kissing a trail down his jaw and to his neck. He sucked on the tanned flesh, nipping it slightly, enjoying Harry's whimper.

He could tell that Harry was extremely hard already. He moved his hands down and deftly undid the buttons on his slacks. He pushed them off and to the floor.

Harry was panting hard and gave a loud moan when he felt Draco's tongue on the tip of his throbbing erection. Draco grinned wickedly up at him, knowing he can't resist him.

He teased Harry mercilessly, swirling his tongue over the rock hard member.

"Fuck," Harry ground out. His eyes were closed and he gave a yelp as Draco took him in his mouth. He worked steadily, bobbing back and forth over Harry's swollen cock.

Harry's breathing became shallow as Draco brought him closer and closer to completion. He screamed when he came, hard, in Draco's mouth. Draco licked him clean before moving back up his body.

He kissed Harry one last time before moving away. He went to the door to the kitchen and turned around, a smirk on his face. "Now go get changed and we'll go to the party." Draco disappeared and left Harry standing against the counter. He pushed himself off and sighed again and left the kitchen to change his clothes.

***

Harry and Draco walked into the large room filled with important witches and wizards. Harry wondered if he was wearing the right thing now. He had changed into a black jacket with black slacks and a light blue shirt underneath.

When they stepped into the room, Harry was immediately swept away by his many admirers. Draco stood back, talking to other people. Harry watched from afar as Draco was surrounded by just as many admirers.

He was talking to them all, joking and laughing. Harry detached himself from the group and went over to where Draco stood.

"Draco, you're so smart," one of the young witches said, batting her eyelashes at him. Harry eyed her in disgust. Draco just smiled easily, absorbing the compliment.

Harry frowned as Draco smiled at everyone, encouraging their fawning. He didn't understand what Draco saw in all the attention. Harry certainly hated it, and he hated it more when it was Draco receiving it from admiring witches, desperate to get in his pants.


And every word I say falls flat on the floor.
I try to tell a joke; he's heard it before.


Harry saw another witch about to ask Draco a question but he interrupted her first.

"Draco, did I tell you about the new plans for the Quidditch stadium? They're gonna--"

"Yeah, Harry," he interrupted him, bored already. Harry closed his mouth, looking slightly hurt. No one noticed, though, as they all went back to worshipping Draco.

Harry sighed and turned from the group, walking out the door and to the street beyond.

It was dark outside, the only light coming from a flickering streetlamp at the end of the alley. Harry sat down on the curb, his chin in his hands. He honestly didn't know why he stayed with Draco sometimes.

Sure he charming, gorgeous, smart, beautiful... Harry got lost for a second in thoughts of all that Draco was. Then he pulled himself out of it and shook his head sharply.

He stood up from the dirty street, looking behind him to see if maybe Draco had come out to find him. He hadn't though. Harry shook his head sadly and Apparated home.


And I don't think that I can take it no more,
'Cause he's driving me right out my front door.


Harry walked into the house, slamming the door behind him. He sat down huffily on the couch, crossing his arms angrily. He glared at the empty fire grate.

Sometimes Draco enraged him, like tonight. He ignored him when they were around people. It wasn't like he should be ashamed. If anyone should be ashamed, it should be Draco. He was an ex-Death Eater after all.

Harry grumbled to himself, wishing he knew why he stayed. But he knew why. He couldn't help loving that spoiled son-of-a-bitch. There was just something about him that made it impossible for Harry to hate him.

Harry looked up as he heard the front door open. Minutes later, Draco appeared. He walked behind the couch and put something away. Harry didn't look up to see what it was. He stared straight ahead. He knew he couldn't stay mad at Draco forever, though he would at least try.

He heard him moving around behind him but refused to look up. He felt the couch depress next to him and knew that Draco had sat down beside him.

"You left early," Draco commented as though it was no big deal.

"I just didn't feel like being there," Harry replied coldly, determined to stay angry at the blond.

"Well, you could have at least been considerate and told someone you were leaving," Draco said calmly.

"Oh, like you were considerate to me?" Harry asked maliciously.

Draco didn't show any sign of outward response. "It's who I am, Harry. You already know that."


Why do you do what you do to me, baby?
Shakin' my confidence, driving me crazy.


Harry turned and glared at Draco, who was sitting and idly examining his nails. "Well, that doesn't mean you have to be like that all the time!" he exclaimed, throwing up his hands.

Draco gave him a withering look. "Harry, I'm not going to change," he said simply.

"I don't want you to change, I want you to think!"

"I don't think I'm the one who needs to be thinking," he said with a significant glance at Harry.

Harry's eyes widened in shock and outrage. "I am too smart!" Harry yelled, getting up off the couch.

"I'm just saying, Harry. You could benefit from listening to Granger once in a while."

"Why you little--! I try, Draco, I do. But you make it so hard!"

"I don't make it hard, you do. It's all in your head, Harry."

"I am not crazy!"

"Didn't say you were."

"Yes, you--Argh!" Harry paused, trying to gather his thoughts. Draco still sat calmly on the couch. He didn't seem perturbed at all by Harry's little outburst. "Draco," he said, trying to be calm. "I love you, but you need to give me something, anything."

"You know what I have to give," Draco said. "If it's not enough then you know what to do."

Harry growled to himself then stalked away and into the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind him. Draco shrugged his shoulders, knowing Harry couldn't hold a grudge and sat back to relax on the couch.


You know if I could, I'd do anything for you.
Please don't ignore me 'cause you know I adore you.


Draco didn't go after Harry. He let him stew away in their room for several hours before finally deciding that he needed to sleep.

The room was dark and Draco walked quietly to the other side. He knew Harry wasn't asleep but was quiet anyway. He changed into his sleep boxers and slid under the covers.

Harry lay in the dark, thinking about earlier. He wished Draco would realize just how much he cared about him. He didn't understand what was so hard about being polite to your boyfriend!

He scowled as he lay there. He felt Draco get in the bed. He felt him scoot closer and slide a hand around his waist. He stiffened slightly at the contact, still angry at him.

He heard Draco sigh as he moved closer. Draco kissed his neck softly, burrowing into his hair. Harry frowned, wishing he would be like this all the time.


Can't you just pretend to be nice?
Can you at least pretend to be nice?


He relaxed as he felt Draco's breathing even out, signaling that he had fallen to sleep. He stared into the darkness of the room, thinking.

The man lying next to him was someone he would always love, even when he hated him. He hadn't realized it when they had been in school, but all the fighting was really just a way of suppressing their real feelings.

When they had first gotten together, it had been difficult. Not everyone had really approved of their relationship, but Harry maintained that Draco was a good guy. He couldn't help it, but he loved him no matter how stupid or egotistical he was.


If you could just pretend to be nice,
Well, everything in my life would be alright.


Harry sighed quietly into the quiet of the bedroom. Next to him, Draco was breathing deeply, sleeping peacefully. He just wanted Draco to show a little emotion towards him rather than pretend he didn't exist at times.

Harry glanced over at the clock and saw that it was nearly 2 AM. He burrowed deeper in the covers, wondering if Draco would ever change.

***

As time went on, nothing changed. Draco would leave for work in the mornings and come back late at night. Harry watched him go each morning, wondering if anything would be new.

It never was. Draco would come back in the afternoon and sit down on the couch. Harry attempted to make conversation, but he was usually pretty tight-lipped. "Draco, are you okay?" he asked one afternoon.

Draco was relaxing on the couch with his eyes closed. He opened them when Harry spoke. "Of course, I'm fine," he said as if the question was stupid.

Harry sighed in annoyance. "You don't really act like it," he said hotly.

Draco rolled his eyes, knowing Harry was about to blow it out of proportion. "Trust me, Harry. There's nothing going on," he said calmly.

"Well, how am I supposed to know that?" Harry asked. "It's not like you tell me anything."

"Harry, you don't need to know everything," Draco responded, raising an eyebrow at him.

Harry huffed again. "No, but, you know, it would be nice to know what the hell you're thinking about!"

"It doesn't matter," Draco said simply.

"Maybe it does!" Harry exclaimed.

"I think I would know if it did," Draco said, his voice growing more dangerous. Harry rolled his eyes and didn't ask anymore.


And I try so hard just to figure him out,
But he won't tell me what he's been thinking about.


Harry stood up from the couch and walked away into the kitchen. He made himself a sandwich while trying to rationalize the situation.

Draco wouldn't tell him anything about what he did, or what he was thinking. It made Harry angry to think that he wouldn't divulge such simple information to his boyfriend.

He ate the sandwich and put the dishes away with a little more force than was necessary. He accidentally broke one of the plates in the process. He whipped out his wand and waved it haphazardly, repairing it in a second.

He grumbled to himself as he pushed the rest of the dishes in cupboards. He just wanted to know what was going on! Draco wouldn't talk to him, opting to remain silent and let him figure it out for himself.

Harry finished cleaning up and walked back out to the living room.


And then he falls asleep on the living room couch
With his sunglasses on and his tongue hanging out.


He sighed as he caught sight of Draco. He was splayed out on the couch, sleeping soundly. Harry moved over to him, feeling slightly bad.

Draco must be really tired to actually be sleeping on couches. He stood above him, looking down at his sleeping form. He reached over and grabbed a blanket off the back of the couch and laid it over him.

Draco mumbled something in his sleep and turned over, the sunglasses he had previously been wearing falling to the floor. Harry sighed again and picked them up, folding them and putting them on the table next to the couch.

He ran a hand through Draco's soft silver-blond hair, admiring his beauty when he was sleeping. He shook his head as he watched him sleep.

He turned then and left him alone in the living room. He went into the bedroom and sat down on the bed, staring out the window at the large green lawn. He wondered what Draco could be doing that would make him that tired.

Obviously, it was no use to talk to him. He just wouldn't respond. Harry didn't know what to do. He sighed and lay down on his back on the bed, staring at the blank ceiling. The white paint danced before his eyes as he wished he knew what to do.

***

When Harry got up the next morning, Draco was nowhere to be seen. His sunglasses were gone from the table. There was no note, no nothing.

Harry assumed he must have just gone off to work like usual. He went about his day as usual, not really thinking about where Draco was.

By the time night arrived, Draco still hadn't returned. Harry kept looking out the window, wondering where he could be. Finally, he gave up and went to bed.

The next morning, Harry woke up to an empty house once more. He had no idea where Draco could have disappeared off to. Harry walked into the living room and over to the fireplace.

He plucked out a handful of green powder and threw it into the grate. A swirling figure appeared, stepping out while dusting off his clothes.

Blaise Zabini stepped out, giving Harry a questioning look. "What the hell do you want, Potter?" he asked scornfully.

Harry rolled his eyes at his tone. "Have you seen Draco?" he asked.

"No, lost him, have you?"

"I haven't lost him," Harry replied scathingly. Blaise had never exactly liked him, but he usually wasn't this mean.

"Well, you obviously don't know where he is," Blaise drawled.

"That's why I'm asking you!" Harry exclaimed, unable to believe how difficult he was being.

"Sorry, Potter, but I haven't seen your little love-bug," Blaise said disdainfully.

"Then just go," Harry said angrily. Blaise gave him a sarcastic wave and a smile before stepping back into the flames.

Harry turned from the fire, pissed about the lack of information he was receiving. No one knew where Draco was and if they did, no one was talking. Harry sat down angrily on the couch, stewing in thoughts.

He just wanted to know what was going on. Draco didn't talk to him anymore, he ignored him, and he disappeared without a word! Harry rolled his eyes to the empty room, wishing things would go back to the way they used to be.


Then he disappears for a week at a time,
And then he shows up, just like everything's fine.


Exactly a week later, Harry was sitting at the dining room table sipping a cup of hot tea when the front door swung open. He immediately jumped to his feet and practically ran to the door.

There was Draco, taking off his coat and putting it in the closet just like always. Harry's mouth dropped open as Draco turned to him.

"Hey, Harry," he greeted him. He walked past him and sat down on the couch with a sigh.

Harry stared at him as he acted as if nothing had changed. "Draco!" he said.

"What?" he asked, looking back at him.

"What are you--where did you go?!" Harry exclaimed.

Draco turned around and shrugged. "Nowhere," he said simply.

Harry just stared at the back of his head. "Nowhere! You were gone for an entire week!"

Draco just shrugged again. Harry tried to say something but just ended up spluttering like a fish out of water.


And I don't get what goes on in his mind,
But I'm tired of hearing the same stupid lines.


"Harry, just sit down and relax," Draco said, patting the seat next to him.

Harry continued to stare at him in outrage. "You can't tell me to relax!" he yelled.

"Baby, just let it go. You need to learn how to relax."

Harry let out a yell of anger. It was no use! Draco always said the same things and nothing ever changed! Instead of sitting down, he turned and went back to the dining room.

Harry sat down and picked up his now-cold tea. He set it back down and sighed loudly. He was getting sick of all this. He just wanted to feel like Draco cared because it sure didn't seem like it.

He heard movement and looked up to see Draco leaning casually against the door frame. Harry raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Draco swaggered into the room, smirking at Harry. He sat down in the chair next to him and gave him a sly smile. Harry turned away from him, still mad.

Draco scooted closer, wrapping his arms around Harry' waist. Harry sighed, annoyed. Draco leaned into Harry's neck, smelling him.

"Harry," he murmured. Harry made an indistinguishable noise to show he was listening, but only just. He felt Draco kissing his neck softly.

Draco moved closer, and Harry allowed himself to be pulled into Draco's arms, despite his better judgments. Draco kissed up his neck, nuzzling him sweetly. Harry wondered vaguely why he couldn't be like this all the time.

He came to Harry's face and turned him around. Harry sighed as he looked into Draco's silver-blue eyes. Draco gave him a sly smile and kissed him softly.

Harry felt himself giving in. Draco ran his tongue over Harry's lower lip, begging entrance. Harry opened his mouth slowly, allowing Draco's silky tongue into the warm caverns of his mouth.

Harry moaned softly as Draco nibbled his bottom lip. The kiss was slow and sweet. In the back of Harry's mind, he knew he shouldn't be giving in to Draco, but he just couldn't help it.


Why do you do what you do to me, baby?
Shakin' my confidence, driving me crazy.


Draco pulled out of the kiss and smiled at Harry. With a last kiss, he stood up and walked from the room. Harry stared after him, completely confused with what had just happened.

Suddenly, the anger came rushing back. How could Draco be so blank one minute and the next act like a loving boyfriend?!

Harry was confused beyond belief. None of it made any sense. And yet, he couldn't stop the feeling that he really loved that ass-hole. He shook his head, wishing it would all go away, but knowing it never would.


You know if I could, I'd do anything for you.


The next day Harry got up early. Since it was Saturday, he went into the kitchen and made himself breakfast. Draco joined him soon after. He sat down at the dining room table, not saying anything.

They ate in silence. The sun rose and came in through the window and shined on the table, illuminating the room a bright white-yellow color. Harry glanced up at Draco but no one said anything.

After they ate, Draco got up and left. Harry watched as he walked out the front door. He didn't know what was going on. He just shook his head and sighed, deciding he really didn't want to know anymore.

He cleaned up the table and did the dishes all by himself. When that was done, he sat down on the couch.


Can't you just pretend to be nice?


He sat restlessly there, wanting to do something, but not knowing what. Finally, he got up, deciding he needed to get out of the house.

He put on his jacket and left, walking down the country lane that led to the town nearby. The crisp autumn air whipped the golden and orange leaves in front of him as he walked.

He walked past the town and to the other side where there was a little park. He made for the park, going towards the middle where there was a small pond surrounded by trees turning colors in the fall air.


Can you at least pretend to be nice?


He kicked at the leaves that had gathered on the path in front of him. He stared at the ground, feeling a little dejected. He just wanted to know what was going on. He felt as though Draco didn't love him anymore, like he didn't care.

Harry sighed sadly as he kept moving towards the pond. As he neared it, he noticed that someone was already there. He squinted to see who it was.


If you could just pretend to be nice,


It was Draco. He stood looking at the pond with his hands behind his back. He looked up when he heard Harry approaching. He smiled at him and waited for him to come closer.

Harry moved cautiously forward. He approached Draco carefully, not know what was going on. Draco turned to him and Harry stopped, unsure.

"Harry," he said. "There's something I've been wanting to talk to you about."

Harry was even more taken aback. He didn't know what he was talking about. "Uh... what?" he asked.

Draco took a breath and moved closer to Harry. "I know I've been an ass lately, and I want you to know that there is a reason."

"A reason?" Harry asked cautiously. He wondered what no earth could explain all this.

"Yes, I know I don't always tell you everything, and I probably should. But I do love you, Harry." Harry just stared at him as he continued. "Lately, some things have happened that have made me think." Draco paused here and took Harry's hand. Harry looked at him confusedly. "Harry, you are probably the best person that I am ever going to meet. I want you to know that."

"Are--Are you breaking up with me?" Harry asked.

To his surprise, Draco laughed. "No, you idiot. I'm proposing to you."

"You-You're what?" Harry asked, completely caught off-guard.

Draco smiled a true smile as Harry tried to wrap his mind around it. "I love you, Harry. I want to marry you," he said, reaching into his pocket and taking out a silver ring.

"You do?" he asked incredulously.

Draco scoffed. "Of course! What did you think I did when I went away for a week? And Blaise told me you asked him. He's a good friend, completely turned you off the path." Draco grinned at his genius.

"You really do?" Harry asked again, clearly not believing this was true.

"Yes! Are you saying yes?" Draco watched him apprehensively as Harry paused.

"I--" Harry couldn't even believe what was happening. "Yes!"

Draco grabbed him and kissed him hard. They broke apart and Harry hugged him tightly.

"Yes, I love you."

"I love you too, you idiot."


Everything in my life would be alright.


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A/N: Please Review!