Quiet is the Night
Hermione has always marveled at Ron's ability to fall asleep literally anywhere in a manner of minutes. She's thankful that he doesn't snore, instead his breathing is a welcomed constant in their oh so chaotic lives.
She rolls over and buries herself deeper under the covers.
He's really quite handsome and even sleeping with his mouth hanging open and his hair all over the place, he still sends her heart racing.
Hermione wishes she knew what he was waiting for. She knows he feels it too. Nothing has changed since fourth year when she actually got up the courage to say something. He'd denied it then, standing at the bottom of the stairs in those ridiculous robes, but she's always known him. From the first moment they'd met, Hermione had known him and she will always know him. Maybe not understand because she's no mind reader and understanding any of the Weasley boys was something only their parents could manage.
She supposes that's why she's here being just this side of creepy, watching him sleep.
She wants desperately for him to touch her again, like he'd done in the cafe. She wants to feel her heart pounding through her chest again, wants to see that look in his eyes, wants to hear him whisper anything, anything at all.
Ron moves, reaching down to scratch his stomach and in the process reveals just the barest hint of skin. Hermione is both blushing and curious. She has to look away because she's not some horny teenager even if that's exactly what she feels like.
His other hand falls to his side and then off the couch as if he's reaching for her. She reaches out too.
Their fingers touch, as warm and familiar as she remembers. She curls her fingers around his and let's out a deep sigh. She wishes that this was okay, that this was their everyday.
Her eyes snap up when she feels his grip tighten and she's met with his confused gaze. He's still half asleep and he looks to their hands and then back to her.
Hermione isn't scared or embarrassed. She needs this.
"You alright?"
"Its been a long day, hasn't it?"
Ron rolls his eyes. Only she would try to make conversation at this hour.
"Moine?"
"Yes?"
"Go to sleep." He offers her a groggy smile. She tries to return it but it doesn't feel right on her face.
"I wish I could."
Ron doesnt think the whispered words were meant for him but he hears them just the same.
"Come on then."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Come on. I've been known to put a person or two to sleep with my calming abilities."
Hermione raises an eyebrow at him. "And how many other girls have you tried this on, Ronald Weasley?"
Even in the pale moonlight, she can see the blush rise to his cheeks.
"Only Ginny when she had a nightmare but I'm sure it'll work on nerves."
Hermione takes a minute to think it over, or at least she pretends to. It's the only thing she's been imagining since they'd come up with the sleeping arrangements.
She gathers her blankets around her. Ron scoots back to make room for her on the small couch. He holds his breath as she stretches out alongside him. To avoid the embarassment sure to come with having her backside nestled against him, he slings an arm around her waist and drags her closer. Her hands are trapped between them, her head tucked under his chin.
Hermione closes her eyes and takes a moment to savor just how wonderful it feels to be here. She feels tiny lying next to him, but so unimaginably safe. Protected.
"Comfortable?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Good. Time for bed."
"You sound like your mum." He lets out a disgusted groan.
"You're welcome to go back to your sleeping place."
"Hushing up now. Goodnight." Hermione feels butterflies dance in her stomach as he presses a kiss to her hair and tightens his arm around her.
"Night."