A/N: So, sorry for the mean cliff-hanger, but I hope this makes up for it. Surprise!
The light filtered in, blinding her through her eyelids. She became painfully aware of the stiff position she was lying in, straight as a plank of wood on her back. Her senses came back one at a time, excruciatingly slowly. At first, she became aware of the medicinal taste in her mouth, followed by a faint sweet cinnamon smell, quiet levelled breathing, and the soft weight clasped around her left hand. She pried her eyes open, squinting from the light that shone through the glass windows and in her eyes, before they adjusted. Finally, she was able to see clearly, which led her to the red haired boy on her left side. Both of his hands were clutching her left hand, with his head resting on them, as he sat on the chair, leaning into the bed at a bent angle.
Sight was a marvellous thing, she realised that now as she stared down at the sleeping boy. Even in his sleep, there was a crease of worry lining his forehead through the peaceful mask. Without thinking, she reached her right hand out and touched his hair, only to find it lightly damp with a faint smell of salt water. She twirled a tuggy strand of it between her fingers, playing with it as she smiled at the sight of her best friend. She was glad he was okay, but as she ran her thumb along the crease on his forehead, she frowned in concern.
Fred's eyes fluttered open, a tickling sensation passing over his forehead, as a finger brushed along it with a featherlike touch. His head whipped up inhumanely fast to look into the blonde eyes of the beautiful girl before him. More importantly, the awake girl before him. His eyes widened, feeling an a million and one emotions wash over him as he took in the sight of her, as if he wouldn't see her awake ever again. He committed each and every detail of her to memory, from the colour of her hair, to the length of her eyelashes.
"Cassie," He breathed, as if he couldn't quite believe the sight before him.
"Freddie," She smiled, squeezing his hand.
He stilled, as if paralysed in place as he stared at her, before moving to sit on the bed. He reached his hands out and gingerly placed them on either side of her face. He brushed his thumbs against her cheeks, in a light motion, sending shivers down her spine.
"This is real right?" He said, her heart breaking at the desperate tone in his voice.
"Yes," She said. She reached forward, brushing the falling tears from his cheeks. "I'm okay, Freddie. This is very much real."
"Oh Merlin," He breathed, his voice breaking, as he held her cheeks. She raised her own to cover his softly, spreading warmth through his body. "I thought you were gone, that I was too late. I thought I had failed you, Cass. I didn't know if I would ever see you smile again, or get to call your name, or - Damn, Cassie, I thought I had lost you forever. I've never been so terrified in my life."
"Hey, hey, look at me." She said, guiding his eyes to her own determined ones. "You could never fail me, Freddie. See? I'm okay. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. I promise you."
His shoulders sagged, as a sob racked his body, out of heartache and relief. His head dropped onto her shoulder, as his relished in the warmth she emitted and the soft feeling of her skin against his own - each a reminder that she was indeed here with him in that moment. It was true what he had told her, every word. He had never felt so much fear in all of his life, a heart ripping and gut retching pain, searing his entire body. He pulled back, holding her shoulders as he stared intently into her pools of deep sapphire. He had learned from this entire ordeal that he couldn't hold back, for he might never know when his last chance would be.
"I can't keep pretending anymore." He said, suddenly.
"What are yo-?" She started, his brows furrowed in confusion at his sudden confession.
He cut her off, pressing his lips against hers in a soft manner, as if hesitant until she reacted. She responded by moving her own lips against his, equally timid and gentle, as his hands raised to brush the hair from her face. It was like a burst of fire, returning the life she thought was once lost. Their tears mixed, their cheeks brushing, before the light kiss ended as he pulled back, his lips still close enough to be brushing hers.
"I've wanted to do that for so long." He murmured, against her lips.
"Then do it again." She whispered, closing the small distance small distance between them.
"Merlin, I don't want to ever lose you, Cass." Fred said, pulling back to rest his forehead against her own. "I can't."
"And you won't." She said, softly, holding his wrists that were by her face and closing her eyes.
He didn't say anything, only placing a short and sweet kiss upon her lips.
"My father can't hear about this."