"Hermione, I think we need to talk." Ron said the following week. Hermione was just about ready to leave for the day when the red headed man stepped into her office.

"Ron I would love to, but I was just on my way out." She said wrapping her scarf around her neck.

"It's really important." He said trying to get in front of her.

"Couldn't we talk another night, we can do dinner." She said packing her things into her briefcase.

"Hermione…" Ron started.

"At that restaurant you like so much." She said with a smile on her face. She was having a fantastic week. She had started a series and was looking forward to getting the next installment, when Ron came in. She had completely ignored the fact that he looked rather torn, and was just about ready to close and shrink her briefcase then dash off, when Ron stepped in front of her.

"Hermione," He said with a commanding tone, and she was then forced to really look at him. "This really can't wait." He said. Hermione could feel her bubble starting to deflate.

"Alright Ron," She said moving towards her chair, "we can talk." Ron nodded and she sat down, he took a few steps towards her before he stopped himself.

"I just wanted you to know before word got out." He had begun; confusion was evident on her face. "Just recently I decided to start seeing someone." Hermione's breathing became labored and her eyes stated to tear up.

"Oh, but I thought that we…" Her voice trailed off, she did not trust herself to continue.

"It's been months Hermione, you hardly talk to me, and you made it evident that we were no longer a couple."

"It's only been a few weeks Ronald." Hermione said becoming frustrated. Was she not worth waiting for?

"Wasn't that what this entire separation was about? To explore our feelings and see where we end up."

"You don't see me going out with other men!" She said defensively.

"Maybe you should Hermione." Ron barked out, "I love you," he continued softly, "I always have, even when I was being a right git. But maybe that isn't enough."

"Ron…"

"There is someone, she asked me out for a cup of tea, and then I found myself inviting her to dinner. I know we never really talked about what is going on between us, but I knew I couldn't continue with this unless I told you about it, until I knew where we stood." He said. She looked at him for a moment and realized she had no idea who he was. They had spent less and less time together, and she knew he had every right to do what he wanted, yet here he was silently begging for permission to be let go. She took in a shaky breathe.

"You're right. We have been dancing around, whatever, this is for a while now. Thank you Ronald for coming to me first." He let out a heavy sigh.

"Will we still be…?" His voice trailed off.

"We will always be friends. Perhaps one day… Maybe even…" She couldn't continue and he knew what she meant. They loved each other enough to know that whatever was going on between them was deeper than they even knew, but at this moment they were still trying to fix themselves before they could fix what they had with each other. Ron debating on giving Hermione a kiss on the head, but thought against it; he left her office without another word. When Hermione heard her office door close she allowed herself to cry.

A/N: I don't really have much to say about this chapter. It was pretty easy for me to write. I will however post the next chapter shortly, a treat to y'all for being so awesome! But mostly because I like the next chapter. Hope you enjoy!

Happy Reading!