The certainty with which Draco said that Harry adored him sent a wave of vertigo through Harry, feeling like the floor had disappeared beneath him. No matter how lovely and reassuring the sentiment should have felt, it had made Harry’s heart jump, a stuttered vulnerability that, above all, made him feel flushed and embarrassed.<br/>It undoubtedly dissolved his intention to leave the embrace enough for Draco to pull him back close, and Harry was mercifully spared having to admit to any of it.<br/>It took Harry a moment to reciprocate the kiss, a smile reaching his lips before anything else struck him. The relief of finally getting to kiss Draco settled deep in Harry’s bones along with the realization that Draco was absolutely right, no matter how pitiful it felt to admit to it. Harry<span style="font-style: italic">adored</span>Draco, if that even began to cover it, and his kiss felt like a breath of fresh air after a day of playing pretend.<br/>With no apprehensions, Harry once again leaned into the embrace, wrapping his arms around Draco’s neck.