Draco was able to ride off the high from HP's generous compliments for a few days until his father caught wind of his cheerful mood. He was "too happy" for a Malfoy, so he had spent the day shadowing his father in meetings. This was the last time Draco would be overtly happy in the workplace. His poor assistant probably thought he was bipolar.

Because of his father he now had to stay late at his job to prepare for a "very important" meeting in the morning. He highly doubted the importance of the meeting and knew he was facing the scorn of his father once again. Sighing, he started to write.

"Do you ever feel like your life isn't yours? That you're just doing the same mundane things over and over without a purpose?"

As soon as Draco hit send he immediately regretted it and started looking for a way to recall the fax.

"God, can things get any worse?", Draco spoke aloud in the empty room.

"Are you okay DM? Do you need me to call someone? Do you want to call me? Here."

Draco choked on his own spit. Had he really just gotten this guy's number? He couldn't use it, could he? He didn't know how old he was or if he even was a he or-

Stopping his train of thought, he went to the bathroom and splashed water on his face. Leaning on the sink, he took a few deep breaths.

"You're fine, everything is fine."

When he finally went back to his office, there was another fax waiting for him.

"I hope you're okay DM. I know we don't know each other very well but it's been around 2 months and I really enjoy talking to you. You mean something to me and I hope you're not thinking of doing something foolish. I've been there.

If you think no one cares, know that I do and you're important to me okay? You matter. Can I do something for you? Please call me if you need me. Not even just tonight, any time, anywhere okay?

Promise me DM."

Draco felt like a jerk that he hadn't responded first, and he quickly typed in the number.

DM: HP?

HP: oh thank GOD DM, I was worried

DM: I'm sorry. I was spiralling and had to splash some water on my face to ground myself

HP: hey, it happens. I was worried because I care. Talk to me

Draco didn't even know where to start.

DM: I just feel trapped. As I mentioned a while ago, my father is very overbearing. I work under him at the company I'm employed at and I feel like he has these impossible high expectations that I'll never reach.

Since you got me to pick up a paint brush again I've been so happy you know? He noticed and now I'm behind on my work because he dragged me into all of these meetings with him and I have to stay late at the office today.

My whole life he hasn't accepted any aspect of me unless it aligns with who HE thinks I should be. I don't even know who I am as a person HP. I'm in my twenties and I feel like a hopeless teenager who will never have anything figured out.

Any friend that I've had he's driven away. I'm not allowed to have friends, only business associates. If it wasn't for my mother, I'd be completely alone. I'm sorry for dumping all of this on you, it's just nice to know that someone is there listening. I don't have that elsewhere.

Immediately after sending that Draco pinched the bridge of his nose and hastily added another message.

DM: Not that I'm forcing you to stay! I know I come with a lot of baggage and that's too much for some people to handle. I understand

HP: I'm staying

Draco blinked, expecting the reply to take minutes, and not seconds.

HP: I wanted to reassure you of that first, bear with me

Draco decided to put his phone down and organize his work while he anxiously awaited a reply.

HP: I lost my parents at a young age. I ended up with an aunt, uncle, and cousin who wanted nothing to do with me. They weren't very kind, and it took a big incident for my godfather to be able to take me in and adopt me.

My current parents are absolutely wonderful. They sacrificed a lot for me, but I feel like I'm letting everyone down if I don't excel with my art.

Honestly, I have lots of people around me all the time, but I think people get on with me so well because I put up a front of sorts. After being hated for so many years I have an inherent need to be liked and not take up much space.

I know where you've been, and I know that eventually it will get better DM. I'm just a text message away now okay? Even if it's 3am, there's a good chance inspiration hit and I'm up sketching or something. I don't sleep very well some nights, you're not a bother.

I don't know what the situation is like with your father obviously, but if anything ever happens my apartment is always welcome to you. I know how situations like these can change in the blink of an eye, and I need you to be safe okay? I assume we're pretty close to each other since the fax numbers are only a few digits off.

My clumsiness brought me something good, so take care yeah?

HP: P.S. you're still allowed to be hopelessly lost in your twenties. Sincerely, another bloke currently in his twenties.

HP's message had him on the verge of tears. Draco had never received such an emotionally charged message before.

DM: Excuse me if I can't quite convey my emotions properly HP. I'm not used to all of... this. Mattering to someone else. I'm so sorry about your parents. My most sincere condolences HP, truly.

Thank you for caring. Thank you for being my friend and reaching out. I feel better now. The feelings are mutual. Honestly you're like a breath of fresh air.

HP: I can keep you company while you work? I'm working on a painting at the moment so we can call, I can use voice text and hope that what I'm saying makes sense, or we can video chat and you can watch me paint?

You don't have to talk or show your face if you don't feel comfortable, mine won't be on camera, just the canvas. Just in case you want some company. Up to you my friend :)

God HP was adorable. Company could be nice, Draco decided.

DM: I would like to watch you paint, if you don't mind?

HP: perfect, let me get set up for you :)

Draco couldn't help but text a smiley face of his own back.