So here's another chapter for you guys. Be warned, it's mature content

Chapter 24 : Explanations

Hermione kissed Ron gently and stroked his hair tenderly. She carefully laid her forehead against Rons and her nose touched his. "Try to get some sleep. I'll be back in the morning and take you to our home." Ron smiled at the thought that Hermione still regarded Shell Cottage as their shared home and nodded slightly. Hermione put her hand on his chest and let her fingers slide gently over it. She couldn't believe how lucky he'd been to survive such a mission with just a few bruises and a broken arm.

Although she was incredibly relieved that Ron would put down his Auror robe forever, her relief was clouded by Ron's jealousy of Viktor and especially his lack of trust in her. Hermione was torn between forgiving him and showing him her desire for him here and now, or hitting him right in the face for thinking she would prefer Viktor.

She kissed him again and spoke gently against his lips. "Ron, I love you. More than you can imagine and you can't believe how happy it makes me that you won't be working as an Auror anymore… but we have to talk. What happened... I can't and won't just ignore it."

"Hermione...I know... I was such an idiot."

Hermione just shook her head and put her index finger on his lips to silence him. "Ron, not now. That will have to wait. You're hurt and you need to recover. You may be an idiot, but you're my idiot. And when I come to get you in the morning, I want to see you healthy and rested."

She put her hand on his unshaven cheek and ran her thumb over his beard."I'm sorry. I haven't had a chance to shave.", he said sheepishly.

"You doesn't have to. I kind of like it."

Ron leaned forward and both met in another, almost desperate kiss. After a while Hermione broke away from their kiss. Both breathed heavily and looked deep into each other's eyes.

"Don't think that this changes anything." Hermione said.

Ron just nodded and Hermione kissed him again before she said goodbye to him and left his room. A little later a healer came into Ron's room and gave him a sleeping potion. A few moments later, Ron closed his eyes and when he awoke, he saw Hermione who held his hand in hers. "Good morning. How are you?"

"Morning. I've been worse. A few scratches won't kill me." Ron yawned. Hermione pulled a face at the thought that something could have happened to Ron, that she could have lost him forever. Tears filled her eyes.

"Please don't talk about something killing you."

"Hermione, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that."

Hermione nodded and let go of his hand.

"Ok... Now that you're awake, I'm going to get the healer so we can get out of here. I've seen you lying in this bed way too many times for my liking."

Ron smiled at Hermione and watched her leave the room and sighed softly. He was happy that Hermione had not left him, but knew very well that their talk about what happened would be anything but easy. He had crossed a line and he didn't know how to make up for his mistake. He had hurt Hermione more than he ever thought possible. The door opened and Ron was suddenly ripped out of his thoughts. Both Hermione and his healer made serious faces.

"Mr. Weasley, how are you feeling this morning?" the healer asked him.

Ron looked over at Hermione, who smiled softly at him. "Um... actually, pretty good. A little weak and slightly bruiser, but I've felt worse."

"That's good.. Yes… hmm…" the healer mumbled lost in thought.

"Is everything okay?" Ron asked slightly irritated.

Hermione took a deep breath and was about to answer Ron when the healer spoke. "Mr. Weasley, when you were brought here yesterday, you were in a bad condition and I was convinced that we would lose you. Two of your Auror colleagues were slightly injured and did not survive the night."

Ron looked over at Hermione again and saw a lonely tear running down her cheek. "Mr. Weasley, actually you shouldn't be alive right now and we have no idea what the reason is that you are as healthy as you are right now."

Hermione collapsed completely at these words and fell into Ron's arms, sobbing. Ron pressed her firmly against him and stroked her back gently and reassuringly." Hey... hey, Hermione. All is well. Nothing happened to me."

"Nothing happened? You wouldn't normally be able to hold me and you say nothing's happened?" Hermione cried.

"Ms. Granger is right, Mr. Weasley. You were incredibly lucky. While you were asleep, my colleagues and I have run various tests on you and we could not find anything alarming. Apart from the broken arm and various bruises and scratches, you are completely healthy."

Ron did not really know what to say and what the whole thing meant. The only thing he knew was that he wanted to get out of this room to finally talk to Hermione. Their argument lay like a stone on his chest and prevented him from breathing. He wanted to finally get this thing out of the way, although he did not yet know how to do this at all. While Ron thought about how he was going to repair the cracks in his relationship, Hermione continued to cry in his arms. Ron kissed Hermione's hair and whispered encouraging words in her ear.

The healer cleared his throat and said: "Mr. Weasley, Ms. Granger, I don't want to disturb you any further, but there are a few things to be cleared up."

Hermione released herself from Ron's embrace and wiped the tears from her face. "Of course. Please, continue."

"Mr. Weasley You have to take different potions and it is important that you follow the order and timing. Ms. Granger, the way I see it, you and Mr. Weasley are pretty close. I'm sure you take good care of him. I'll leave you with the patient now. Oh, and… Mr. Weasley has to wear the sling for at least a week, as it is a very complicated break. We were barely able to heal it with magic. It is possible that you may not be able to move your arm without restrictions. But I won't be able to say anything more precise for a few weeks. Mr. Weasley, I expect you for a check-up next week. I wish you a fast recovery."

With a nod the healer said goodbye to Ron and Hermione and disappeared through the door. Hermione held her hand in front of her mouth and her body began to tremble slightly.

"Hermione, please stop crying. I know I should never have asked for this mission, but now it's…"

"Don't you dare and say it's all right now. Don't you dare!"

Ron was about to say something, but Hermione didn't seem to be even close to finished.

"You almost died and not even the healers know why you're still alive and you have nothing better to say than 'it's all right now' ?" Hermione's voice became louder and shriller, so Ron was afraid that the little bottles next to his bed would burst.

Hermione noticed her outburst and tried to calm down. "Hermione, I…" "Ron, this is not the time or place to talk about this. I've already packed your things. Please just let us go home." Hermione said quietly.

Ron nodded and got out of bed. Hand in hand they went to the fireplaces and went to Shell Cottage. Once there Ron let himself fall onto the couch and breathed heavily. Hermione immediately ran to his side, worried.

"Ron, are you all right? Are you suddenly feeling worse?"

"No. It's just a little exhausting. My ribs are a little sore, but I already know that feeling." He smiled shyly at Hermione and did not want to say anything again that might upset her.

"Good. That's good. How about I run you a bath and help you get clean first. Afterwards we can have some food, Molly has prepared something for us. And, and… well… we could… talk." Hermione looked into Ron's eyes and both smiled at each other slightly embarrassed.

"Sounds good to me." Ron got up slowly and with Hermione's help he managed to climb the stairs to the bathroom. While Hermione filled the tub with water, Ron tried to take off his shirt. With only one hand and his arm in the sling he tried to win the fight against his shirt. Somehow he had managed to pull the shirt halfway over his head, but then it wouldn't move any further. Ron became increasingly impatient and started cursing. "Merlin's beard, bloody buggering hell!"

Hermione turned around and had to laugh at the sight of Ron. Ron, who visibly relaxed at the sound of her voice, now also started giggling.

"Wait, I'll help you. You should have let me help you right away." Hermione carefully but skilfully freed Ron from his shirt and took care of his injured arm. As she looked at Ron's body, she held her breath. He was covered with scratches, bruises and wounds. "Oh, God, Ron. What happened to you?"

She took a step towards him, embraced him gently and pressed her cheek against his chest. She had to hear his heartbeat, make sure he was still alive, that he was with her and had not left her. Slowly she turned her face and began to kiss lightly over his wounds. Ron moaned softly and let his head fall to the neck. He gently whispered her name, burying his long fingers in the endless waves of her hair as Hermione's lips continued to glide over Ron's tortured body. Her tongue gently caressed his nipples and Ron lost himself completely in the lust and love he felt for this woman.

Just as he was about to pull Hermione to him to kiss her, Hermione tore loose. "Oh no, the water! I forgot to turn it off." Ron shook his head in amusement. "Oi, Stop laughing. You better help me. Everything's spilling over, what are we gonna do now…?" Hermione was about to freak out when Ron silenced her. "Hermione? Why don't you just use your wand? These things can be pretty useful sometimes."

Hermione hit Ron thoughtlessly against his arm and it was only when he winced that she realised what she had done. "Oh, Ron. I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking." She took a step towards him and stroked his arm tenderly.

"It's okay. It's already broken. Not much can happen now." Ron joked.

"The last thing I want to do is cause you pain."

"I know and I hope you know that I don't want to cause you any pain either. Hermione, I'm so sorry."

Hermione sighed. "I know. Now take off your pants and get in the tub."

"Aye, aye, Healer Granger."

Both started to giggle and but stopped when Ron made hissing sounds.

"Is the water too hot?" Hermione asked worried.

"No, but the scratches burn."

She gently stroked his shoulder and took a washcloth. She moistened it and began to wash Ron's body.

Ron closed his eyes and tried to relax despite the pain.

"Are you all right?" Hermione asked and Ron bit his lip and nodded. After a few minutes Hermione was ready and helped Ron out of the tub. She handed him a towel and tried not to stare at him. She knew that they still had a lot to clear up and knew that she could no longer control herself at the sight of Ron's wet body. Ron put on a shirt and sweatpants and they both went down to the kitchen. After a quick meal, both could no longer put off the long overdue discussion.

Ron took the opportunity to speak first. "Hermione, what happened last week, the way I behaved. I'm so very sorry."

"You don't trust me, Ron!"

"No, that's not it. I mean… well... I... "

"What else would you call it? How many times do I have to tell you that I love you?"

"When I saw you with Krum… this git touching you… I got so angry...and wasn't able to think straight."

"Ron, you told me to go with him. And you know what, for a moment I imagined what it would have been like with him."

Ron looked at Hermione stunned and lowered his head to the floor. He was right. Hermione did have feelings for Krum. He could hardly believe it and did not even hear that Hermione continued to speak.

"Yes, Ron. For a moment I imagined what it would be like if he would kiss me like you do, if he would touch me like you do, if he would love me like you do."

Ron got up now.

"Thank you. I've heard enough. I'll pack my things. You can stay as long as you like and…"

"Merlin, Ron. Let me finish. When I imagined how it would be, I realized one thing. Ron, I love you. You and only you. I will never be able to love another man. No matter how stupid and immature you can be sometimes, there will always be only one for me!"

"Is that true?"

"Of course it is! It would have been so easy for me to find comfort in Viktors arms, to live a life with him… but Ron, I would be lying to myself. I don't love him. Not him or anyone else. I never had those feelings for Viktor and you know it. You're the only one I want. That I will ever want!"

Ron walked up to Hermione, who was leaning against the worktop. He stopped in front of her and put his left hand on Hermione's hip. He was about to press his body against hers when Hermione pushed him away from her.

"Do you think it's that easy? Ron, I'm not your property! Just because I love you doesn't mean you can treat me this way or anyone I'm friends with. You gonna go off on every man who even looks at me?"

"Of course not! Hermione, I don't see you as my property. Don't you understand? I'm afraid of losing you. I'm afraid you'll wake up one day and regret you chose me. Hermione, you're a gift and I don't take you for granted! You're the best thing that's ever happened to me and I don't want to lose you. How could I go on living without you?" Ron tried to explain himself desperately.

Hermione looked at Ron, tears streaming down her face. "Oh, Ron. You'll never lose me!"

She pulled Ron to her and their lips met in a passionate kiss. "I missed you so much… waking up next to you, falling asleep next to you and…"

Ron kissed her cheek and his lips went down her neck. "And?" he whispered while kissing her neck.

"This… Us! I love you so much!"

With one quick movement Ron lifted Hermione with his uninjured Arm from the floor and she immediately wrapped her legs around him. Ron's hand positioned itself under Hermione's bum, which caused Hermione to whisper slightly out of breath: "Ron… put me down. You're too weak, you mustn't exert yourself."

"It's alright, love... I want you!"

Hermione couldn't help it, she put her arms around Ron's neck and kissed him. Her tongue ran across Ron's lower lip and demanded to be let in. Ron opened his mouth willingly and Hermione moaned softly. His beard tickled her a little and she wondered what it would feel like on her skin. When his arm began to tremble slightly, Hermione noticed that Ron's strength was waning. She was about to release herself from his grip as he made his way to the bedroom. He let Hermione down and she carefully started to take off his shirt. Both smiled at each other and the urgency that was reflected in their touching and kissing before had vanished. Hermione took her time as she let her hands slide over Ron's body, exploring him as if it were the first time.

She kissed Ron gently and stroked his upper arms, running her fingernails over his forearms in an almost painfully slow manner. She noticed Ron's heavy breathing and the goose bumps that were breaking out all over his body. His hand now went under her shirt and stroked her back first, then her hip. Their kisses became more and more passionate and Ron tried to take off Hermione's shirt completely, but had the same problem as before when he tried to get rid of his own shirt. Hermione just smiled at him and took off her shirt in one quick movement, then took Ron by the hand and led him into her bed. After Ron had positioned himself, Hermione sat on him and kissed Ron gently at the point behind his ear where she knew it drove him crazy.

In a rhythmic movement she wiggled her hips and made Ron squirm under her. In a practiced movement she took off her bra and looked deep into Ron's eyes. His eyes slid over her body and stopped at her breasts. As if in slow motion, Ron placed his hand on her hip and stroked her skin with his index finger. Hermione's breathing became faster and she couldn't wait to feel Ron's hand on her breasts.

"Ron… Please…!"

"Show me what you want, how you want it, love!"

Hermione took his hand, kissed it tenderly and placed it on her breast. Ron massaged her gently, let his thumb slide over her nipple before sitting up and taking it in his mouth. Hermione moaned and pressed her upper body towards him. Ron sucked lightly and played around with his tongue until he moved to her other breast to gave her the same attention. Hermione's movements became more and more frantic during this time and showed almost a desperate desire. She freed herself from his embrace and got rid of both Ron and her trousers and sat in nothing but her panties in front of Ron.

"You're so beautiful, Hermione. It almost hurts to look at you."

"Oh, Ron…" She bent over him to kiss him, but decided against it at the last moment. Her lips covered Ron's upper body with kisses and her mouth moved further and further south. Ron's breathing became faster and faster now and Hermione saw how much Ron was pining for her. She slowly took off his boxers and released his erection, letting her fingers wander over his manhood before her hand gripped him and moved rhythmically up and down. Ron closed his eyes and bit his lower lip, his hand reaching for the bedsheet.

"Oh, sweet Merlin. Hermione... oh... bloody… hell.."

"Good?"

"Too good!"

"Should I stop?" Hermione asmed and Ron just nodded, but his eyes remained closed.

Hermione lay down beside him and gently stroked his abdomen. Ron opened his eyes and turned to Hermione. "You're wonderful."

He leaned over to her and gave her a light kiss. Now it was Hermione who closed her eyes as Ron kissed her neck, collarbone, breasts and stomach. His tongue briefly disappeared in her navel and slowly worked its way to her panties. Hermione whimpered with anticipation. He kissed the inside of her thighs and enjoyed the feeling of his tongue on her skin. Ron's nose gently touched her panties and Ron inhaled her scent deeply.

"Hmmm... Hermione, you smell so good."

He let his tongue gently slide over her most intimate part and Hermione moaned loudly. Her hands reached for his hair and held him in position at the same time. "And you taste even better." Ron raised his head and slowly pulled Hermione's panties off. His head moved between her legs again and he immediately started his caresses.

"Oh, God. Mhh... Ron...my God, your beard."

Ron stopped slightly alarmed. "Is that uncomfortable for you?Does it hurt you?"

"W-what? No. It's just a little unfamiliar."

Ron smiled and let his tongue slide over Hermione in a practiced manner and Hermione moved her hips as if during a dance whose step sequence she blindly knew. As Hermione's breathing quickened and her thighs began to shake, she buried her hands in Ron's hair and pressed his face closer to her until her orgasm sloshed over her.

She breathed hard and fast and when her heartbeat normalized she kissed Ron.

"My God, that was so incredibly intense. I've never felt so… aroused… I…" Ron kissed her again. He positioned himself between her legs and looked deep into her eyes. Hermione nodded and Ron slowly entered her. Ron leaned on his elbow and Hermione stroked his shoulders. They kissed and they parted from time to time just to catch their breath. It was almost as if they could not exist without each movements were also slow and gentle, meeting in a rhythm of desire and love until they reached their climax together.

Both lay awake for a long time that evening. Hermione lay in Ron's arms and stroked gently over his stomach.

"Can't sleep?" Ron asked silently.

"Not really."

"What's on your mind?"

"I'm afraid to fall asleep."

"Why is that?" Ron asked confused.

"I'm afraid to fall asleep because I'm afraid it might all be just a dream. That the next morning you're not lying next to me, but you're on some suicide mission and you're never coming back to me."

"Hermione, I meant what I said. I have been an Auror for the longest time. I don't want to take that risk anymore!" Ron said in a serious tone.

"Good, because I would kill you if you ever let me go through this life alone!"

"Good to know, Ms. Granger." Ron laughed. "Now close your eyes. I promise I'll still be with you in the morning."

Hermione sighed contentedly and hugged Ron a little closer to herself. "Good night, Ron."

"Good night, love. Sweet dreams…"