Cedric walked into the living room just in time to see Cho storm into their home. She didn't say anything to him, but threw her satchel on the floor and flopped face first on the couch.

His face scrunched up in concern; she was more wound up than usual. Cedric could only assume it was from her studies. A big exam was coming up for her, and she hadn't said anything else other than, 'I have to focus.'

Cedric wanted to comfort her, but he knew his words would come up short in the encouraging department. To see that her stress was still evident, Cedric would have to work fast in helping her in another way.

Looking to make sure Cho was still face down, Cedric disappeared down the corridor to the utility closet. He grabbed a spare blanket and a towel, using his arm as a towel rack as he closed the closet door and headed back to the living room.

Cedric looked mildly amused that Cho had stayed in the same position since her arrival, but that could only be deduced from the stress and tiredness from her studies. Quickly moving out of his thoughts, Cedric laid the blanket on the lower half of Cho's back.

From her lack of response, and the drooping of her eyes, Cedric noted that she was falling asleep. The least he could do was comfort her into a deeper, more peaceful slumber.

Cedric rolled the towel up that he had gathered and gently placed it under Cho's head for more comfort on her pillow. The soft sigh that escaped Cho showed Cedric that he was doing good so far, and he hadn't started his task yet.

Once she was situated like he wanted, Cedric moved to a manageable position next to Cho, and pressed his hands on her back that wasn't covered by the blanket. She was still wearing her grey sweater, but he would make do with the circumstances; it was for her after all.

He began kneading at the more tense spots that he found on her back. Cedric took his time, wanting her to feel the knots unwind as he worked his magic; a small sound of satisfaction came from his girlfriend that pushed him to continue.

He moved up gradually on her back, getting to the middle section and continuing his ministrations of his small massage. Her soft responses were what he was looking for as he spilled the words he'd say to her through his hands.

Cedric was telling her that everything was okay through his thumb presses. He was reminding her that he was there for her through his kneading. He was showing her that she was beautiful through the repetition of his hand motions.

While he took his time, Cedric had come to realize that Cho had fallen into the deep sleep he had anticipated. He smiled as he stopped, brushing a piece of her dark hair away from her face. Cedric leaned forward and kissed her cheek softly, whispering soothing words in her ear before he stood up.

Before he left for the kitchen, Cedric knew she had gotten his nonverbal message, and he hoped that she would believe it when she woke.

A/N: Written for HSWW (Challenges and Assignments)

Assignment #2 Wizarding Languages Task 3: write about a different way of communicating

Insane House Challenge: Plot Point - kissing sleeping boyfriend/girlfriend on the cheek

365 Prompts Challenge: 247. Restriction: No Dialogue

Scavenger Hunt: write a ship you've never written

Word Count: 546

Other notes: Yes, Cedric is alive in this Modern/Muggle!AU!