She lay peacefully, her dark curls fanned out across the pillow, contrasting with the crisp whiteness of the bed. It was early. The soft rays stole into the room, and bathed her with light. The sheets were kicked to the bottom of the bed, discarded. She didn't need them anyway, the foetal position in which she slept was all the protection she'd ever need. It preserved her, and yet made her look ever so vulnerable. His eyes roamed her, devoured her, owned her. She was his. Her chest rose and fell in time with his, their hearts living in perfect synchronicity. He was drawn to her, couldn't imagine anything more beautiful than the sight that was here in front of him. His eyes wandered down her slender arm to where her hand rested at her hip.
"You're doing it again."
He hadn't seen her speak. He scanned her face, eyes remained shut tight, stray curls framing her still face.
"Doing what?" he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You're watching me sleep." One eyelid squinted open a fraction and he caught a glimpse of those beautiful eyes - those deep, dark, enticing eyes - before they wrinkled shut, her nose crinkled in indignation. "You know I can't sleep if you watch me."
He smiled. "Sorry."
He tried to leave her alone, but his hand seemed to creep towards her before his brain acknowledged what was happening. He softly brushed her hair away from her face, and traced a soft line with his finger down her neck, across her shoulder, and down her arm until his hand found itself with hers, in place on her hip.
"Ron, it's early, let me sleep!" she groaned.
"Ok, ok. I'm sorry," he laughed, withdrawing his hand from hers.
But he couldn't help it.
With one swift movement, he bundled her up into his arms and pulled her towards him. He held her close as she gasped in shock, and tried to kick herself away. He laughed as she blew hair out of her face and scowled at him. He didn't let go, not even when she kicked him in the shin.
Eyes met eyes, and he watched as her smile betrayed her, her mouth curling up at the corners. Sighs escaped as she rested her head against his chest. His fingers drew circles down her back, tracing her skin like feathers as she squirmed under his touch.
"Why won't you just let me rest?" she laughed. "Look what you do to me!"
She sat her chin upon his chest and looked up into his face to show him her smile.
"Look! If I get crows feet due to lack of sleep or too much of this", she said, pointing to her smile, "I'm blaming you entirely!"
He laughed at her and watched as she pulled her face this way and that, smoothing the skin around her eyes, before he took her hand in his.
"Believe me, I'm only too happy taking the blame for that," he said, pressing his lips to her hand.
He dove into her face, he fed upon her expression, he lost himself in those eyes. Those eyes, with the power to conjure up storms, with the ability to light a fire deep in his soul, that so easily made him feel complete.
She settled herself back on his chest, and let the gentle rhythm of his heart flow through her. His arms wrapped around her as he whispered "I love you."
She sighed, let the sound of those three magical words play over and over again in her head, and closed her eyes contentedly.
"I love you too."