A/N: Hello everyone! This was inspired by one of my favorite artists, and of course my current favorite pairing. I hope you enjoy all the warmth!

Disclaimer: I don't profit from writing about these characters, I just sort of borrow them from JKR, and play with them without really giving them back... hehe.

When you say you love me

There was light. For the first time, Hermione woke to light streaming from her bedroom window. It fell over her, touching her like a caress. It was warm, subtly reminding her that she was not in the dungeons anymore. Now she had a home, not just quarters she happened to share with the Potions Master.

She smiled, turning slightly to watch him sleep. His chest rose and fell in rhythm, the air rushing out his large, but endearing, nose. Every now and then, a small hum would resonate in his chest. She could feel him through the arm that wrapped around her, holding her close, through the intimate touch of his body beside hers.

Hermione shifted, moving her head to rest on his chest, and nuzzling into the musculature there. While Severus Snape was not a big man, he was defined in a lean manner, which she couldn't deny was completely sexy. He was deceptive that way, appearing small but containing more power than imagined.

Trailing her fingers down his chest and over his stomach, Hermione watched the world outside the window. She could see the dew still coating each individual petal on the roses outside, each blade of grass. It leant a shimmer to the waking world. She watched the light breeze filter through the leaves. Somewhere a finch sang.

"Good morning, Mrs. Snape," Severus purred, stretching his arms over his head before pulling her close in a hug and pressing a kiss to her upturned mouth.

"Mmm, morning Mr. Snape," she replied, secretly loving how her new name rolled from his tongue with a lilting rhythm. She snuggled into him, humming her content.

"The darkness of my dungeon just doesn't compare, does it? The sun seems to paint the world with such magic. I should have moved you here sooner, you glow in the light."

Hermione smiled at her husband's words.

"If you keep talking like that, the honeymoon will never end," she whispered, pulling herself up so she was over him. Bending, she took his mouth into hers, demanding that he comply. He was more than willing, and shifted so he could match her domination. He smiled against her lips, running his hands over her bare back and letting them trail slightly lower, worshipping her.

She sighed into his mouth, murmuring her pleasure. "I love you."

He pulled away from her, trailing kisses down her throat and over her collarbone. "I love you," he returned between kisses.

Then there was no sun. No soft wind pulling the leaves into a dance. No dew coating flowers. No finch's song. There was only Hermione. Only Severus. Only the stillness of the moment.

And that was more alive than the world outside.

A/N: So, I hope you loved it, and tell me how much you did or did not by pressing that little button down there... Also, if you are new to my work, I encourage you to read my other writings. 'Tear You Apart' is my big project, but there are a couple of one-shots on the side too.

Thanks for reading (and reviewing if you're amazing that way)

-Arciere