Give Me A Break

~24~

Mattheo takes his arm from me, getting out of bed. "Where are you going?" I ask groggily.

"To take a shower," He explains, starting the water, "Wanna join?".

I nod, jumping up. I undress as he gets in. I get in as well. "You excited for your first day?" He asks.

"I don't know," I sigh, "I don't really want summer to end."

"Me either," He smirks, kissing my forehead as water rushes down our bodies.

"My mom loves you," I state.

"I love your mom," He jokes.

I crack a smile and wash my hair. He just watches. I've noticed him doing a lot of watching lately. Sometimes, he'll watch me sleep, he'll watch me eat. And it doesn't feel creepy. He says he doesn't watch me sleep, he watches my chest rise and fall, it means I'm still alive.

"I'll have to visit my father the first day back," He says.

"Ok," I agree, "can I come with?"

"I don't think that's a good idea," He sighs.

I trace his left arm, bare. I hope he never gets the dark mark. I meet his eyes. "Don't worry," He smiles.

I sigh, getting out of the shower and grabbing a towel. "Are you mad?" He asks, getting out as well, turning the water off.

"No, why?" I reply.

He walks up and kisses me, "just making sure."

He picks me up bridal style and throws me on the bed, spooning me, only towels separating our bodies.

"I love you so much," He reminds, kissing my neck briefly before getting dressed.

"I love you so much, too," I agree, clothing myself as well.

~~~

I keep hold of his hand as we seat ourselves. Draco walks in looking sickly and pale.

"Are you ok?" I ask.

He flinches as if he's scared of my voice. "No, I mean- yeah, I'm fine." Draco stammers.

I give Mattheo a worried look. "Here," Draco says, handing me my necklace I left at his house when I strangled Voldemort.

"Thank you," I smile, putting it around my neck.

He hums an affirmation. The ride is quiet and eery. Theodore and I are acting like nothing happened and Mattheo was gone as soon as we got to school. My trio is back. Me, Draco, and Theodore.

I've never been happier to have my friends. "How was your summer, Malfoy?" Theodore asks.

"Fine." Draco replies coldly.

"Taylor?" Theodore asks me.

"Mine was fine, Mattheo stayed at my house all summer." I explain.

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"Dismissed!" Dumbledore yells.

Alone, I walk to my dorm. When I open the door, it feels like I'm not alone. I grab my wand and ask, "who's in here?"

"Just me," Theo says, grabbing me from behind.

"Hey, baby," I smile, turning and kissing him.

"Hey Princess," He hums, closing the door.

"Are you ok?" I ask, pulling away smally.

"I'm ok," He says, I can tell he's lying.

"What happened?" I ask, lazily laying my hands behind his neck.

"Nothing," He smiles, kissing my cheek.

"Promise?" I ask.

"Nooooo," He smirks.

"What happened, Pretty Boy?" I plead.

He hums, closing his eyes.

"Do you have the mark?" I whisper.

He pulls up his sleeve to reveal his dark mark, "is this ok?"

"Did you want it?" I reply.

"I don't know," He shakes his head.

"I love you," I say, "no matter what. But I'm not gonna say I agree with that,"

"You don't need to, I understand." He nods.

"Draco?"

"Yeah, over the summer."