I want to say a massive thanks to ObsessedRHShipper for pointing out the answer to my editing problem (I couldn't get chapter three up due to an error page). If anyone else has a problem editing their fan fictions because of an error message appearing, change the word 'property' to the word 'content' in that error page URL.

Thanks again to my reviewers! I'm aware that Hermione is being rather daring in this fiction, but Ron's a bit insecure so one of them has to make the first move! Now on with the R/Hr! :D

Hermione couldn't believe her ears; had Ron really just said that? She knew he liked her but she couldn't believe he'd just uttered something as more or less a confirmation of that fact. Hermione was so thrown off course by the remark she let go of his hand.

The two teens just sat there, their cheeks aflame. Ron picked his drink up, sipped it and nearly choked. What was he thinking? Stupid git, he told himself, surely she's just trying to be friendly and you've got the wrong end of the stick as usual.

Hermione couldn't stand it any longer; she had to get out of this tent, she was feeling a bit claustrophobic and overcome with emotions.

'I'm going to take my drink outside and get some fresh air,' she ventured.

'Oh, right,' he mumbled and got up, following her out of the tent and inwardly cursing himself for being so presumptuous and outspoken.

They walked a little distance away. Ron propped himself back up against the fence with his elbows and Hermione sipped her drink, both enjoying the quiet and the night sounds. Ron was on the alert for more embarrassing scenarios though and he couldn't help but flush; she looked so lovely and he couldn't seem to focus on anything else.

'Ron?'

'Mm?'

'Are you alright?'

'Mm.' Ron stared at the mouth of the tent in the distance.

'You seem a bit, well... annoyed.'

'I'm not,' he answered quickly. 'I'm er... just thinking about stuff.'

'You be careful! You might do yourself some damage!' she joked, hoping to get another retort out of him.

He obviously wasn't listening to a word; he was looking at her with a wistful expression. She'd caught him doing it a few times over the years; it was a rare look. She knew he didn't know he was doing it or he would be embarrassed.

'Oh, Ron...' She sighed.

'Er... what?' He almost choked and moved away from the fence. The way she said his name! Almost as though... but no, he thought. That can't be for me.

Hermione sighed at him. Back to the "deer in the headlights" expression again. Ron was never going to be the one to make a proper move, even the statement he made in the tent just slipped out accidently. It would either be her, or no-one.

She held out her hand for him. Hesitantly he took it, blushing to the roots of his hair. Before he could even register this renewed hand contact, she was hugging him.

Ron froze. He daren't move as he was so worried that he'd put his hands in the wrong place or do something to offend her.

Hermione pulled away from him and looked up at his face fearfully. He hadn't unfrozen from the position where she'd just touched him.

'I'm sorry Ron, I just felt... well I just wanted... oh it's so stupid!' she cried, and put her hands over her face.

'Hermione,' Ron sighed, as he came back to life. 'Come here. You know you can come to me anytime.'

This time, Ron initiated the contact and his hands stayed respectfully on her upper back.

'Erm, sorry if my hands are a bit cold...'

'Cold hands, warm heart,' Hermione quipped back.

Ron blushed; he wasn't really one for taking compliments. He had no idea how to respond to them.

Hermione's hand was suddenly on his cheek. Her thumb was actually brushing his face.

'Hermione, what are you doing?' He hadn't meant it to sound so breathless! He didn't want all this attention if she didn't feel that way about him, it was cruel. She was making him feel so good. He locked eyes with her. He was either going to collapse or kiss her; did she know what she was doing – how close he was to committing that act?

In her head, Hermione was willing Ron to do exactly that. He was so tentative; had such a low self esteem. Oh please just do it!

Ron was embarrassed beyond belief. He couldn't believe this was for him, and yet what other conclusion could he come to, the way she was touching him and staring. All he needed now was for Fred and George to turn up with some popcorn.

She continued to touch him softly, but then she looked at his lips, blushed and looked at the floor shyly. She hadn't meant to do that, but as it turned out, this was the action that made Ron certain she wanted the same thing he did.

'Hermione,' he whispered hoarsely as he moved slowly towards her. 'I can't... I'm gonna have to... don't slap me...'

She didn't lift her shy gaze from the ground as Ron bent down and kissed her mouth, softly.

After a few seconds he pulled away gently and Hermione made a small noise, her eyes closed.

He stared at her wonderingly for a few moments, and then slowly moved in to kiss her again.

After about ten seconds he lifted her up off the ground and against him so they were the same height. They both moaned at the contact and kissed more forcefully. Ron couldn't stop; his head was spinning, his actions releasing six years of unresolved tension between them. They broke free after a minute or so looking extremely breathless.

If Ron had been looking longingly at her before, he certainly was now.

'Wow,' he said eagerly as he let her slide back to the ground reluctantly. 'Now I know I should have done that years ago...'

'I wish you had too...' Hermione said in a small voice; she hadn't quite recovered from the kiss.

'Really?' asked Ron, astounded. 'I didn't think...'

'No.' Hermione smiled at him. 'That's your problem!'

'Oi! It's a good job I...'

'What?'

He bent down to whisper something to her.

Hermione positively beamed at him.

'I love you too Ron.'

The End

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