Summary: A fight between Ron and Malfoy leads Ron to a startling discovery. Harrys reaction however is... less that expected.

Warnings: Taboo language, delicate themes.

Disclaimer: I do not own, nor make any money from my writings.

Authors Note: This is my first Harry/Ron fic, and is a bit of an experiment for me. I'd just like to say that I do not hold the views Harry briefly does in this story, and that I mean no offence to anyone. I hope its ok, please R&R!

Pouf

"Aargh! What the hell is your problem Malfoy!"

The blonde boy sneered, looking Ron up and down. "You are my problem Weasel. I mean really, have you seen the rags you're wearing?"

Disbelief filled the young Weasleys face. "You've got a problem with me because of my clothes?! What are you a Malfoy, a bloody pouf?"

"A pouf? Ha-ha! Your one to talk Weasel! I've seen the way you look at Potter. I can't say I really blame you though, he really has grown up this year" Malfoy sneered into Rons gobsmacked face. "You have no idea do you? Hmm... Well in that case, I might give him a go. Later Weasley, thanks for the tip".

Watching the Slytherin prince swagger off, Ron battled with his confusion. Malfoy thought he fancied Harry? What the hell? Walking into the great hall and sitting with Hermione and Harry, Ron pondered on what had been said. Sure he liked Harry, he was his best friend. That's all there was to it... wasn't it?

Harry glanced at his best friend, concerned. He hadn't been able to back Ron up against Malfoy, Hermione had dragged him off before he'd had the chance. He didn't know what the little git had said, but whatever it was had obviously shaken him.

"Ron, are you alright?"

Startled, Ron looked up at the brunette Gryffindor. This was just Harry, so why did he feel so... twisty inside? Giving the boy a bewildered look, he returned to his breakfast, and his thoughts.

Slightly worried, Harry tried to ignore his friends strange behaviour. Ron and Malfoy never did get on, so maybe the git had just pissed him off. Yeh that was it, he was probably just trying to think of a way to get back at him. Understandable really.

---

As the day progressed, Ron didn't cheer up, instead his oddly quiet mood continued. Harry would catch the boy looking at him at random moments, all the while with a confused look upon his face.

Eventually Transfiguration rolled around, only to have Harry reluctantly partnered with Malfoy. Ron looked livid, which confused Harry even more. Surely Ron should be happy? At least he wasn't partnered with Malfoy, and Dean was hardly a bad guy. Shrugging it off yet again, Harry concentrated on turning his quill into a rat. Malfoy had already managed it, of course, and was sitting rather close to Harry, offering to... help. Blushing as the young Malfoy heir showed him how to properly 'hold his wand', Harry didn't see Ron steadily turning more red, nor him snapping at Dean to 'shut the hell up'. By the time the lesson was over, Harry was beet red, and Ron was so angry that he left without waiting for his friends, only to disappear.

Yet again confused, Harry became even more concerned when he realised Ron hadn't been at dinner. Something must be seriously wrong for the boy to miss a meal. Worried, he made his was up to the dorm, hoping to find Ron there. Thankfully, the red head was seated cross legged on his bed, fiddling with his blanket.

"Ron, what's wrong? Why have you been so weird today?"

Instead of answering, Ron shifted his gaze to glare at the wall. He couldn't talk to Harry about this, he wouldn't.

Harry watched his best friend and clenched his jaw. Why was he being like this!? He was so stubborn!

"Ron! For fucks sake man, what the hell is wrong with you!?" stomping over to his bed, Harry threw himself down beside his friend, and grabbed his shoulder. "Ron what's-"

Harry gasped. Ron was crying. Not loudly or messily or anything, but small quiet tears falling down over his cheeks. Harry was shocked; he'd never seen Ron cry before, ever. In fact, he hadn't heard of it happening either. It was like- Ron didn't cry. Ever.

Harry was obviously very, very wrong.

Wrapping an arm around Ron's broad shoulders, he gave him a soft squeeze.

"Ron I don't, I don't know what's wrong, or what's upset you, but whatever it is, you know, you can always tell me, ok? I'm your best friend and, that's what in here for, right?"

Embarrassed, Ron tried to shrug the arm off, failing miserably as the boy who lived tightened his hold. Blushing red, Ron mumbled out that it was nothing and stupid.

"Don't be silly Ron whatever it is has obviously pissed you off, so come on mate, just tell me yeh? It can't be that bad you know"

Looking at Harry as if he were mad, Ron sighed.

"I, you know that fight I had with Malfoy, this morning?" at Harrys encouraging nod, Ron gulped and continued. "Well, he- he said that, well he thinks I err, I fancy you. Which I said was stupid! Obviously. But then he was going on about how he might, you know, want you. He's such a slime ball! And the way he was with you in transfiguration, it, and it just made me so bloody mad! And you were all red, and I just- Harry I, I don't know why, really! But I think, I think I might, well, you know, like you. Like that. You're my best mate! And I don't, I mean, I understand if you're freaked out, or, or whatever, but Harry I just..."

Trailing off, Rons tears started a fresh as Harry pulled away. The boy looked shocked, eyes wide and face white. He didn't know what to think really, it was just, too much. Dashing out of the dorm and down the stairs, Harry cringed at the sound of his friends sobs.