In celebration of Hobbitcuddles 28th birthday I give you a Ron/Harry story.

This is a continuation of my Ron/Harry story "Responsibility and Expectations." You don't have to have read it to understand (I don't think so anyway) but you won't have the complete experience unless you do.

Protection and Vulnerability.

His eyelids flutter as he stirs awake. I get up from the chair across the room, my nightly vigil over. He calls my name just before his eyes open completely. I feel the first of the sun's rays warm my back as I reach the bed and lean over him. He grins weakly as I pull the orange blanket back and press my body to his.

The smell of warmth and sleep envelopes me when I wrap my arms around him and plant small kisses on his exposed cheek. I think to myself "I need to be stronger than this," as he responds with a soft groan.

I move slowly down his face seeking the kiss of his lips. I close my eyes and tighten my grip on him. His arms snake up and down my sides fully aware that the touch drives me wild.

I want to pull away from his touch.

I want to push far into his heart.

I need to be stronger than this.

I walk quick and sure in front him down the halls and through the corridors, telling myself not to look back to him. For doing so would surely break my resolve. I'll fall into his gaze and be unable to save him from my flaws.

I boost about my frequent exploits hoping to save him from seeing how weak I am without his touch. My eyes burn when he smiles at each passionate detail. I am only vaguely aware how easy it is to picture him instead of my nameless conquest as I continue my tales. I don't even have to close my eyes anymore.

I sit my chair across the room, maybe for the last time, and watch him sleep. His kiss still upon my lips. I press them together in my feeble attempt to retain his warmth.

I have to leave him soon.

I have to come to my senses.

I need to be stronger than this.

I stop myself from running into his arms when he suggests going back upstairs. "No, I don't want to inconvenience you any longer." I say feeling my throat tighten around the words.

Before he can tempt me further I turn away from him and head out into the early morning terrain.

The falling snow crunches underneath each footfall. The cold white that lands on my face melts clear and warm. I let it roll down my eyes, past my cheeks and onto my jacket. Each flake feeling more and more like the tears I can't shed.

I need to be stronger than this.