Title: Breathe Again
Rating: K+
Warnings: Could possibly make you misty-eyed
Summary: Hold my breath and count to ten; been waiting for the chance to let you in.
Pairing: Hermione/Ron
Word Count: 200
Spoilers: This could easily be a "missing scene" from Deathly Hallows.

Breathe Again

I lay by Ron's side in the darkness, the silent tension palpable between us as we stare into each other's eyes. I hold my breath but make no move to stop him when Ron tentatively reaches his hand out to gently run his fingers through my hair.

"Hermione?" he asks softly, his voice trembling with emotion.

I'm strong, but I break at the sound of his voice. All the pent up anguish that I had hidden so desperately from Harry comes rushing to the surface. Treacherous tears begin to stream down my cheeks and Ron's hand moves lower, cupping my face as he tenderly wipes the tears away. My eyes flutter shut as I revel in Ron's touch; my heart finally feeling whole again.

"I'm so sorry, Hermione."

The moment the words leave his lips the last of my anger melts away. I was so lost when Ron left, but I never let myself feel the sheer depth of that loss. Now that he's back I feel like I can finally breathe again. Opening my eyes, I smile at him through my tears as I reach up to cover his hand with my own.

"I know." I whisper, "I know."