A/N: just a little idea i had after having a discussion with a friend of mine about men (particularly british men) and public displays of affection. there is absolutely no offence meant by this, some people, men and women, are more open about PDAs than others. anyway, enjoy! :)

--

Hold me.

I'll never say the words aloud though I long to.

I imagine if I could just muster the courage to ask that Harry would wrap his arms around me and pull me close, maybe even stroke my hair.

But I don't have that kind of courage because asking for it would mean admitting that I'm weak, that I need to be babied and petted like a child.

Or worse, that I need to be cuddled like a girl.

Girls cuddle and coo, men slap each other on the back and buy you a pint.

Men do not cuddle.

I have enough self-doubt, thank you very much, I don't need the added stress of having my masculinity called into question, especially by my brave and heroic best friend.

So I grin and punch him on the arm, and say, "Thanks, mate" when he hands me a fresh beer.

And I shiver just the tiniest bit when his fingers brush against mine as I take my refilled mug from his hand.

--

Hold me.

I'd give anything if I could actually give voice to my wishes.

I bet Ron would clutch me tight to his chest if I was ever brave enough to ask it of him, he might even stroke his hands up and down my spine.

But I don't have that kind of bravery because asking for it would show vulnerability and neediness, and make me look like a scared little boy.

Or worse, like a girl that needed to be reassured of her worth.

Girls hold hands and have heart to heart talks, men clap each other on the shoulder and pour you a cold one.

Men do not hold hands.

I have enough self-doubt, thank you very much, I don't need the added stress of having my masculinity called into question, especially by my stalwart and loyal best friend.

So I smirk and cuff him round the head, and say, "Here ya go, mate" when I hand him a fresh beer.

And I tremble just the slightest bit when my fingers brush against his as I pass him his refilled mug.