The Space Between Them

It had been there so many times before, that small space in between them, that one-step from having his body pressed against Harry's. Whenever they got into an argument, it was there; whenever they were wrestling, it was there; whenever they walked next to each other, it was there; whenever they talked, it was there. It seemed that no matter what he did with Harry, there'd always be that space in between them, that one-step that he would never take.

"…. But I wish I would…" He whispered out into the dark, turning to face away from Harry's bed in the night.

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"Hey Ron? " It was Harry. They'd been at the Burrow together, and every since he'd shown up Ron had felt so... afraid. Afraid of rejection, afraid of losing the only good thing in his life- his best friend, his secret love.

"Yeah Harry?" It was dark and raining outside; everyone was asleep.

"What's a matter Ron?"

"What do you mean…" I was hesitant. I knew exactly what he meant. I was afraid to get to close to him, I was afraid I'd touch him, grab him; I was afraid I'd never let go.

Harry turned over in his bed to look at Ron. "Are you upset with me? Did I do something wrong?"

Harry sounded so hurt- so desperate- it broke Ron's heart. Slowly, unsure, he got out of bed and slipped into bed with Harry.

"Why do you think that Harry?"

"You've been avoiding me Ron, I'm not stupid. I've known you for years now, you're my best friend. I wish you'd just tell me if I had done anything." He looked so vulnerable…

"Harry I…" My voice failed me.

"You what Ron?" A tear fell from each of his beautiful green eyes. I stared into those eyes, and I just knew. I knew that no matter what- whether he felt the same or not- Harry would always be there for me.

"I love you, Harry." And the space between us was gone.