AN: Well this is my first attempt at a songfic so here it goes... Instead of putting a whole bunch of lines throughout the story, I'm only gonna put about 2 or 3 to make the story a little bit longer. This will be based on TBS lyrics for "Cute Without the E." Hope everyone enjoys! Please Review! (Updated 6/8/04)

"Your lipstick his collar... don't bother Angel I know exactly what goes on."

He stroked her hair gently back from her face, whispering softly into her ear. She laughed, he smiled, all the while Ron sat watching feeling sick to his stomach, faking a grin every time one of his best friends looked his way. He was supposed to be happy for them, but ever since Hermione and Harry had gotten together at the end of last year, he had felt this way- miserable, and it wasn't like he could hate his best friend for going out with the only girl he had liked since 1st year. Even if he hadn't been aware of his own feelings for Hermione until she had fallen for another guy.

When she had stared dating Krum, he thought his heart had been torn out of his chest, but that was nothing compare to the hurt he felt now. He couldn't just forget about it either. Whenever Harry wasn't talking about Quidditch, or worrying over Voldemort, he was talking about Hermione and their relationship- what they would talk about and all the things they would do together. Ron knew everything and he couldn't look at Hermione anymore without a sad smile. She had come so far from being the big toothed, bushy haired, little know it all. Sometimes he felt like he just didn't know her anymore. She had filled out over the past two years, no longer short and scrawny, Ron often found himself staring at her long slender legs and beautifully curved body. Her hair had lost most of its frizz and now hung loose and wavy across her shoulders. But most of all it had surprised him how much her attitude towards school had changed. True she still loved a good book, but they weren't her center of attention anymore, Harry was. In a way Ron almost longed for her to nag and bug him about his studies, but rarely was she even around long enough to help him with his homework anymore.

Instead she spent most of her time in empty classrooms having her fun with Harry. Everyone knew about the rumors circulating around the castle about them. Granger was Potter's slut, and unlike most people, Ron knew the rumors to be true. He remembered the first time he accidentally walked in on them, coincidently it was the same time he found out that his two friends were even romantically involved. All the late night studying had just been a lie to fool him. It had hurt the most because he had finally worked up the courage to ask Hermione to the dance that following weekend, but his world came crashing down that night, boy did he ever get such a slap in the face. He just wished he could shake the image of it from his memory. Harry's shirt and tie tossed on the floor, and more then half of Hermione's shirt undone to reveal bare flesh and a black, lacy bra. He would have rather died then walked in on two of his best friends going at it. His face burned red at the thought of it. He still remembered the embarrassed look on their faces as they saw him standing the doorway.

He quickly turned to leave, but felt a hand clasp around his shoulder. "We can explain." Ron turned around to face Hermione, and was relived to see she had buttoned up most of her shirt. Harry still stood a little ways off, shuffling his feet and gazing awkwardly at the floor.

Her brown eyes begged an apology, making his heart melt. "We where going to tell you- honest Ron. We just didn't know how you would take it- it was awkward..."

Looking away from her he asked, "So how long has this been going on?"

Hermione bit her lip. "About a month or so..."

Ron forced a weak laugh. "God, that long? But why'd you keep it from me?"

She didn't answer, and Ron didn't want to hear any excuses. "Don't even bother..." He said, walking away.

How could have not known? But that had been almost more then a year ago, and now the three of them were fine. At least on the outside. On the inside Ron was still in love with Hermione and becoming more and more envious of Harry as the year went by. Not only did he have Hermione, but he was Quidditch Captain for the house team- scouts were evening looking to recruit him to the pro leagues, not to mention he was everybody's favorite hero, with the exception of their Slytherin classmates. For once Ron wished he could be in the spotlight and not labeled as Ron Weasley, Harry Potter's sidekick. Sure, he was now Head Boy, but none of that seemed to matter. He remembered the disappointed look on Hermione face in5th year when she had learned that he had been chosen Prefect over Harry. Everything he wanted Harry had- god it made him feel so guilty sometimes... Harry was his best friend, and he had been through so much. But no, Ron couldn't be supportive like a good friend should be- well maybe he was- but he didn't mean it. Envy was tearing him up inside and if he didn't do something about it soon it was going to break him down.

Glumly, Ron pushed his hardly touched breakfast to the side.

Hermione looked at him with her soft, amber eyes. "Is everything okay?"

Ron forced another one of his fake smiles to his lips. He was really getting good at this, it was almost convincing. "Yeah, I guess I'm not all that hungry. Hey, I'll catch up with you guys later, I've got a paper that I've gotta get started on."

"Ronald Weasley writing a paper! All my nagging over the years has finally gone to your head!" Hermione joked.

Ron smiled- this time it was genuine. "Don't get too work up over it Hermione- it's due tomorrow and I'm just starting on it. Well I guess I'll see you guys later!"

Harry called after Ron. "Hey do you think you make a late practice tonight? We play Slytherin in less then a week and I want to fit in a few extra practices before the match."

"Again? Don't you think you're going a little overboard with all these 'extra practices'? Blimey mate, I haven't gotten a decent nights sleep in over a week!"

Harry was determined. "I know but I have a feeling Malfoy's scheming something, and we can't afford to risk anything. We need to be prepared!"

Ron sighed. "Malfoy is always scheming something, but if it makes you feel any better I'll be there."

Harry nodded approvingly. "I knew I could count on you."