Smear

Chapter Three

Three days after their conversation, Ginny found herself staring into Draco's face again, as he took her hand and led her outside, away from the Burrow. Tonight was their first date, and Ginny had never felt so nervous in her entire life.

Draco had asked her to wear something nice, but when he was welcomed in, he took one look at her, and all the blood in his body rushed south. He coughed, hoping it would distract him from the rather short, low cut black dress she wore.

"You don't like it, do you?" she asked as they Apparated from the yard.

"Like what?" Draco asked as they appeared in front of the restaurant. He used his wand to fix his hair, and then looked at her.

"My dress," she said, biting her lip. "You haven't said anything."

"My silence is good, I assure you," he said, trying to sound convincing. If he told her he wanted to have his way with her in the bathroom of this place, she'd probably be very offended. "Shall we go inside?"

Ginny nodded as he opened the door. Several people, mostly the men, stared at her as she entered. Some whistled at her as she passed, and Draco shot them a glare.

"This place looks really expensive," said Ginny as they were seated in the back. "Are you sure it's-"

"Weasley," he growled, and then he cursed. He'd almost forgotten about the bet from last night. "Alright, pick a day for our next date."

"Tomorrow night?"

"You certainly have a lot of free time on your hands," Draco observed. "Is Potter too busy for you?"

"Don't start," she said, rolling her eyes. "I'm here with you, aren't I?"

"Yes," Draco said as he nodded. "That's because I forced you into it. I shouldn't have made any sort of bet with you."

"Are you saying you'd never have asked me out otherwise?" Ginny asked, twirling a piece of red hair in between her fingers. She smiled softly.

"The wine selection looks nice."

"You weren't going to ask me out unless you had something to gain from it, were you?" Ginny said, frowning. She reached over and yanked the menu from his hands.

"I wanted to when I came to your house that first day. You didn't look anything like I thought you would - you looked better, actually, so I was nervous."

"There's nothing to be n-nervous about," she said as her eyes flickered suddenly. "That's not fair," she hissed through clenched teeth.

"So," he said softly, "that's what does it for you. I was wondering about that."

He withdrew his hand from under the table, and away from her leg. "My legs are just sensitive, that's all."

He straightened himself and smirked. "But your legs look very good."

"Even better wrapped around your waist?" she finished for him. "I've heard that one before. It really does nothing for me."

"Really?" he looked mildly surprised. "Don't worry, I wasn't going to try anything. I just wanted to see what you'd say."

"You're very charming," said Ginny, grinning. "I wonder what your parents would say if they knew the way you talked."

Draco smirked and leaned forward slightly. "If you haven't noticed, my parents aren't exactly around right now."

Ginny smiled as the waitress came back with their plates of food. She stared at Draco's face and said, "What's the matter?"

"What is that?" he asked, pointing.

"Chicken Florentine," she mumbled as she put a piece in her mouth. "It's good. Hermione's parents have it a lot."

That's right, he thought, nodding, Granger's parents are Muggles.

Ginny seemed to read his mind as she said, "You forgot, didn't you? Hermione's raved about this dish so much that I just had to try it when I saw it on the menu. What did you get?"

Before he could answer, Ginny peered at his food, and then giggled.

"What's so funny?"

"That's a sandwich," said Ginny, shaking her head. "We're in a nice restaurant and you get a turkey sandwich."

With his mouth full of turkey, Draco said, "Good."

"You mean 'it's good', right?" Ginny asked. "I suppose something that plain would be good."

"Plain is good," Draco said, giving her a small smile. "So, what do you think about going for a walk after this?"

She smirked. "I had something else in mind."

His eyes widened slightly. "Don't you think it's a little soon?"

"Your mind must be a wonderful place, Draco Malfoy - thinking every girl you meet wants you in their bed after one date."

Ginny was still laughing when Draco bit into his sandwich again.

"What are you so hysterical about?" He was becoming irritated that he didn't understand what she found so funny. "Weasley!"

"Three," Ginny said calmly. She had sobered up and was staring at him with a lopsided grin.

"You tricked me," he said, blinking at her. He brushed a hand through his hair and nodded. "If you wanted another date, all you had to do was ask, you know."

"You're having fun?" Ginny asked, raising an eyebrow.

He smiled. "I haven't had this much fun on a date in awhile, so I think I should thank you."

As they both finished their dinner, Ginny said, "I could say the same. I don't go on many dates, so this was nice."

"You?" he said as they stood. "How could any man refuse a date with you?"

As they walked out of the restaurant, Ginny stared at him but didn't say a word. She had wondered about that herself lately.

"I just haven't found the right one yet," she said, frowning. "Besides, I never really had any feelings for any of them."

"Not even Potter?" Draco asked as he stopped walking. He heard her stop a few feet behind him.

"Childish crushes don't count," said Ginny firmly. "I'm older now, and I want something serious, with someone who is serious about me."

Draco smirked, turned around and was standing in front of her before she could even blink. One of his hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer, the other touched her cheek as he bent his head slightly.

Ginny closed her eyes, only half prepared for what was about to happen. His lips were soft against hers and not at all what she had expected from him. When he pulled back she frowned.

"Why did you stop?" she asked, her eyes fluttering open.

"That wasn't even really a kiss," he said, shrugging. "I had a good time, and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated it."

"Light kisses aren't real?"

He smirked at her, but kept his hand around her waist. "I think we should get you back home, it's late."

As they vanished, she slid one of her hands behind his neck and gently pulled his head toward her.