"Shut it Pansy. I'm not doing that. You're crazy." Draco was furious. How dare she doing such a thing? It was his love life and not hers. Only because it was practically nonexistent didn't mean she could meddle with it how she pleased. He walked restlessly around his living room. It didn't help that he could practically hear her rolling her eyes through the phone. He also knew that she was inspecting her nails and applying new nail charms. She was the queen of manicure and pedicure charms. She could not only do them wordless but also wandless. This didn't help his current situation though. "Well Draco cutie, unfortunately it's already decided. My editor liked the idea so much that he asked your boss immediately. And well, he's in love with it. He said that you're a great guy and you deserve to find love and it's going to be a great chance to show what your work as a potions brewer is all about and that you're not all some weirdos. He really is into it. I'm sorry I thought that you'd have the chance think it over but he didn't sound like you could say no. But you'll like it, I promise." Draco lifted one eyebrow. "Yeah? I'll like it? Like all those dates you sent me to? You got me a date with a Weasley." "And? I know by chance that it led to the best sex you ever had. Something about the lines how he really knows how to tame a dragon. I had you gush about stuff I never wanted to know. And I know for a fact that Charlie liked it very much too. Also, if I wouldn't get you some dates you'll never find someone. You'll end up alone and screwy and weird like all those other potion people. Besides, you don't have to marry someone. You just have to date around 10 guys and each week one gets kicked out and in the end you'll have to choose between the last three and then you should just date the winner for a few weeks. Nothing obligatory. You'll just have a bit of fun, maybe find someone you'll love and give me one or two interviews. Nothing you can't manage." Pansy acted like Draco was a stupid kid. He sighed and pinched his nose. He was getting a headache. "Pansy. I've got to date 10 guys at once. 10. And while it may seem like a dream to you to have 10 guys doing what you pleases I'm not you. It's already a nightmare to coordinate your life if you only date one and you'll also have to deal with all this jealousy and bitch fighting. And if that's not enough you're going to watch every move of me like a hawk waiting for me to mess up and to feed me to your readers. This is going to be awful." He hoped he made his point clear. "Well, I'm glad that you're doing it. I'll see you tomorrow at 7pm. I'll bring my team and we'll talk through what'll happen. Bye." And with that, Pansy hung up and Draco realized -like so many times before -that when Pansy wanted something she'll get it. She always got what she wanted.

It was an absolute disaster. He thought that he had at least a bit to decide about it but apparently not. Pansy's stylist decided that Draco looked good in a green suit so he had to wear it. They didn't find his flat fancy enough so they got him an elaborate loft with exclusive views over the Thames were he would be interviewed, photographed and held some dates and all the decisions. He also wasn't allowed to decide alone who he wanted to keep and who not. If Pansy's team would like a candidate he had to keep them. He was glad that he could make the final decision for himself though.
"Draco? Are you here?" Pansy asked tentatively, coming to stand next to him. For the next few minutes neither said a word. It was a welcome silence, standing next to each other, elbows touching while leaning on the balcony fence and watching the busy London live. Draco had to admit that this loft was really great. He sighed and faced Pansy. He knew she needed him inside now. "OK, what do I have to do know? Giving a first interview? Meeting the poor guys? Let's get this over with as soon as possible." Pansy laughed. She was concerned if Draco could handle the pressure but he was doing fine so far. "We've got to do the photoshoot and you're meeting the guys only at the first get together and not before. It's going to be a surprise. Come on, we need to get your good side." Draco smirked. "Pansy. You know I only have good sides. See this? There's nothing but gorgeousness." Draco winked and went inside. He was still laughing when he suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Potter? What the hell are you doing here?" As soon as the words left his mouth, the raven haired man turned around and smiled kindly. "Hey Draco, nice to meet you too. I'm your photographer not only for tonight but for the whole show. Shall we start Pansy?"

It had been some weird weeks for Draco. He still was cross with Pansy for doing this to him but since she was his best friend he wasn't able to avoid her. It was also damn hard given that he had to work with her now.
Uncomfortable was an understatement for how he was feeling, having to date publicly and making a fool of himself. He should have never ever let Pansy watch this damn muggle show. And of course her readers were all more than hooked with the concept of it. He heard rumours that the hardcore fans planed to get a TV and watch the muggle show together. Idiotic show. The Bachelor. Which brainless idiot thought this to be a good idea? And why did people watch it? They loved gossiping way too much for Draco's liking.
He wished tonight was already over. It was decisions day meaning the left 6 guys came all together and he had to throw out one. It was the worst night of the week for Draco. It always meant drama, bitch fighting and tears. He could handle some lame, uncomfortable and mortifying dates. But that was too much. His only silver lining was Harry. He never thought he'd say that, but Harry had saved many nights. It started after the first night when he got to know the guys and had to talk to them and already throw out the first one. It had been a disaster. From the first moment on he couldn't stand the annoying idiot and he hadn't had the feeling he would like him either but then he started yelling and throwing a tantrum. Pansy had loved it of course. Draco had just been glad it had been over. The idiot did even start trowing stuff and wrecking havoc. And of course there had been no one responsible for cleaning up. Draco had to do it by himself, but surprisingly Harry stayed and helped him. After that it had been just polite to invite him over for a drink. They talked about the evening and Draco complained how he hadn't had a chance to say no and they laughed like Draco hadn't in a while. So they next time they had to film they did it again and again and again. It soon became Draco's favorite part of the week and he suddenly didn't feel that resentful of having a date every second day anymore.
Harry told him that he resented Auror training and quit after only 7 months and that it had been coincidence that Pansy found him photographing flowers and asked him to become her photographer. It had been a nice change and was mostly fun. He refused to go paparazzi and shoot without people's permission though.
Harry wondered what this evening held for them in store. The dates always went well, but the decisions were evil. They were the only times the guys came together and that always brought pressure with them since they lived they're normal lives otherwise and were able to read about everything going on and who was the readers favorite. It was extra vile since Pansy released a survey of who should go and who should win according to her readers every decision day morning. It had caused not only many discussions but also a fair few fights involving fists. The first time one of the guys even got out their wand and wanted to hex his rival. Luckily Harry's reflexes were still on time and he disarmed him before any harm was done. Since then only the crew was allowed to carry their wands while filming.
Harry hoped this time was not as eventful as normal, he already had a bit of a headache. He knew he could just ask to get the day off, but this would mean he wouldn't be able to see Draco. He never thought he'd be getting along with him so well, but he'd never talked with anyone so freely like he did with Draco. He loved Ron and Hermione but they were acting more and more like parents than friends. He was lucky that Pansy was on his side and reminded them whenever it got too worse. Although she did love seeing him getting grilled so he couldn't count on her help too much. Like yesterday when Hermione and Ron got in full Mrs Weasley mode because he was feeling a bit sick and didn't eat as much as normal. So he was really glad he got to see Draco again and could complain. He also wanted to know how Draco's day went, he remembered how he told him that he had a very important meeting with his boss. Unfortunately they couldn't talk before the show started.
It had been awful as usual. The dumped contestant got really aggressive and hit Draco. It did end well though because the other guys tackled him and removed him from Draco. After checking that Draco was okay Pansy celebrated. More drama meant more reads and better sales. The show was so good that it wasn't just a column of the daily prophet anymore but it's own newspaper called the Bachelor's prophet.
For now, Harry and Draco were seated on the balcony of Draco's flat. It wasn't the fancy one used for filming but his very own. It wasn't in London like the other one but in Edinburgh. Harry liked it there very much. It wasn't as hectic as London and the scenery was lovely. He thought of moving there himself but he didn't want to seem like some stalking creepster. Which he wasn't. So he stayed in his London flat and just visited Draco as often as possible. Again trying not to look like a creepster. The advantage of visiting Draco was the excellent wine he always had.
So today, they were sitting in their usual chairs on the balcony and drinking some red wine Draco bought extra for Harry cause he knew how much he liked it. Though he'd never admit it. "So, interesting night, wasn't it?" "That's one way to formulate it. I still don't know why I said yes to it. I've been an idiot for doing that." "Well, you've always been one, so that's not surprising me." "Oh shut it Potter." Draco said and laughed. It felt freeing to have someone like Harry around. Sometimes he wished they'd been friends in school, but he guessed it would've been a bit problematic being best friends with him while Voldemort was living in their house. So all in all it was way better this way.
Harry contently sighed. This was what got him trough the day. Sitting here with Draco, drinking something good -though he'd drink anything Draco would give him -and talking about everything. He knew he was falling for Draco but he couldn't stop it. He also couldn't stay out of his way, though he knew he'd got his heart broken. Draco was dating some of the hottest guys ever and could freely choose which one he wanted.
Harry had to accept that he can't have Draco. This didn't mean that he wouldn't enjoy every minute with him.

It was the grand final in a few hours and life has never been more hectic. Draco's living room was constantly full of memos from Pansy and her crew, giving him instructions what he had to do when and what he should wear and who would attend. He thought it would be a private thing but since the show was so successful it had been decided that the final would be a great opportunity to host a ball. About hundred people were invited, even the minster of magic their self was amongst them, also every candidate who participated in it. Another hindered tickets had been sold to the public. Draco still didn't get how it could have been sold out after only 3 hours. They all were completely mad. But he was glad that he would be their source of entertainment for the last time. Even if that would mean that he had to choose one out of three guys. That shouldn't be so hard. Except that it was. They were good looking, but extremely annoying. It didn't help that every time he tried to picture himself with one of them Harry appeared in front of his eyes.
Harry. He had been avoiding Draco for the last few days, going home directly after they finished filming. Draco was hurt and confused. He missed Harry more than he could have ever imagined. He had hoped he could get a private moment with him this morning when he had the final meeting, but it turned out that Pansy had booked three other photographers for the event too.

This was it. Draco felt like dying. Worse than that. It was awful. He didn't get how anyone could enjoy themselves there. But he guessed they weren't the centre of attention. Everyone wanted to talk with him. The last candidates more or less begged him to choose them, the guests gave him oh so good and wanted tips and made oh so funny jokes and the rejected candidates glared at him and tries hurting him with words. None of that mattered though. All he cared about was that Harry didn't want to talk with him and that he seemed sad and hurt and all Draco wanted to do was hugging and comforting him. It suddenly hit him that he had been in love with Harry all along. Draco cursed. How could he been so blind? Why didn't he see? But it didn't matter now. He had to choose someone else. Anyway, even when not, there was no way Harry felt the same. Harry.
Suddenly, Draco walked against something and fell to the floor. He cursed again. He should stop walking and thinking at the same time. It never went well. He wanted to get up and saw that the something he walked against was a someone. And not just someone but of course it had to be Harry. He was standing over him and extending his hand. Draco took it and got up. He didn't notice everyone around them staring or how the chatter died down. All he noticed were Harry's eyes, the warmth of Harry's hand in his. Harry's warm smile. Harry himself. He swallowed hard. There was no way he could choose someone else tonight. It had been Harry all along and he was damned if he didn't at least try it. He already had lost Harry, hadn't talked to him in days. It couldn't get worse. He had to do it. Now. Slowly he leant in and whispered huskily in Harry's ear. "May I kiss you?" "I thought you'd never ask." And with that, both leaned in until their lips finally met. It was heaven. Draco never felt anything like that before. Kissing Harry was all his dreams come true. After what seemed like hours they broke their lips apart and rested their foreheads together. They opened their eyes and grinned like madly at each other. "This is wonderful Draco." "Yeah, it is. We should've done it earlier." "We should have. But better late than never."
Slowly, they began to get aware of their surrounding. Thunderous applause and wolf whistles greeted them. Draco sweared he could hear Pansy cheering. It was overwhelming. He grinned at Harry and asked "do you want go home with me?" "I'd love to." And with that, they aparated away.