So, what do you do when you can't decide between updating "Mine", finishing the epilogue for "50 First Dates", or working on one of your other pieces you've started and have yet to post?
You start an entirely new fic that you've been daydreaming about! Of course...
Full disclosure...I have no idea how long or short this one will be. I'm totally and completely winging it. No notes, no beta, just me and my daydreams! Hope you enjoy :D
The hotel's bar was dimly lit and quiet...soothing, just how I liked it. I took a sip from my glass of red wine and smiled at the content moment. One glass was all I needed tonight...one glass to unwind and relax.
If you told me just a few years ago that I would love evenings like this - dining alone in a restaurant with a huge queen size bed all for me in a quiet hotel room waiting just upstairs - I would have laughed at you. Admittedly, I always loved my solitude, but I never let it go further than my childhood home. Well, maybe the park down the street on occassion. But Hermione Jean Granger would never dream of dining alone, or going to a movie alone, or seeking out the bliss of the beach on a warm Sunday morning alone...what would others think of me?
And yet, shortly after becoming a mother, I taught myself to cherish these moments so much more.
Now, don't get me wrong...I love my Rosie something awful. From the moment I first held her in my arms, I knew she would be my partner in crime in all things. Ten years later and that's never been more true. She is a miniature version of me - though admittedly a more fun version - and is my best friend.
Your child isn't supposed to be your best friend.
Yes, yes I've heard it a billion times. Well...I don't care. She is. She has to be for us to spend 96% of our time together - and only some of the time want to strangle each other.
See, she's been home-schooled since the very beginning (I've always been weary of the American public school system and as actually home-schooled myself) and I run my proofreading and editing business from home. So we spend our days working side by side in the office that I set up for us.
When we're not working and 'schooling' as she calls it, we're cooking, having movie nights, reading together, exploring museums, zoos, aquariums and the like, or travelling together. Most nights she even climbs into my bed - which I'll admit I've never minded one bit - so yes, she is literally at my side almost all of the time. And I love it.
That's why I have to make myself look forward to these moments of solitude. I have to force myself to look forward to her time with her father.
She doesn't get to physically see him often, he's a professional athlete and thus is on the road most of the year. They video chat a few times a week while he's in season, and she makes it a point to watch each and every one of his games. During his off season we set up visits so they can spend time together.
The first few times I hated it. I was a miserable blubbering mess without her and sank into a pit of despair, a tub of ice cream, and sob-worthy movies on Netflix. I even slept on the couch because my bed felt too big and lonely without her warm little body curled up beside mine for comfort.
Finally, during one of her visits, I decided I wanted to get out of the house...maybe see a movie. My couple of friends were not available though, and I almost chickened out.
"Go alone," one of my closest friends from college Lavender Brown told me.
"Alone?"
She chuckled at the shock and dismay in my voice. "Hermione, I promise you...it is not a devastating blow to your social status."
"I have no social status, Lav. You know that."
"Be that as it may, there is something...I don't know...blissful about going to see a movie alone. Just...go during a matinee time or a random Tuesday evening. Not a Friday or Saturday night...being alone in a movie theater surrounded by couples on date night will depress you. You're not ready for that just yet."
I thought about it for a bit, then threw caution to the wind and took Lavender's advice.
And I felt freed.
Freed from the social rules and regulations that said you couldn't do these things by yourself. I started to plan my mini solo adventures just like I planned the adventures for Rose and I. This really helped me to somewhat look forward to rather than dread my time without her.
I still dreaded the exchange though.
Taking Rose to her father's family home wasn't too bad if it was the rare visit during the season - I would make sure she sees his family for a bit in the summer, even if he would not be in attendance.
The issue was whenever he was home.
"Hermione," he leaned against the door frame and smiled sweetly...too sweetly.
"Viktor." I handed him Rose's bag - she had already said her goodbyes to me, hugged her father in greeting and barreled into the house in search of her Grammy and Gramps, and to see if any cousins would be visiting. "I hope you are well?"
He eyed me up and down in his usual way. "I am well. And you? You certainly look well."
I rolled my eyes at his usual attempt to seduce me. Ten years and he still made passes at me as if we were still the reckless college students we once were. Well...that he once was. Me? I was the studious quiet one who got caught up in the romance...the appeal of maybe once day being the wife of a Minor League Baseball player who had scouts from the Major Leagues fighting over him...the thrill of this strapping man with the brooding foreign accent swooning over me.
It was all good and well until I learned that he was also swooning over quite a few young women...but of course by then, Rose was on her way.
We got along well enough - we were, after all, once pretty good friends. But I quickly learned that I needed to keep things strictly cordial with him or he would take the inch I give him and run a mile with it. I'll admit...that's landed me right back in his bed during a couple of weak moments over the years. After the last time I vowed that I would not allow that to happen again. And I am proud to say that it had been three years since my last indiscretion.
Three long years. Three long lonely years of just me and my...well...batteries are not included. Good thing I always keep our battery supply well stocked.
"Thank you," I said shortly. "You know the drill, she has everything she needs in her bag - I'm sure she's outgrown the clothes she had here over the summer. There's medicine in her bag that needs to be refrigerated immediately so don't forget! She's getting over a bit of something but her doctor wants her to finish the medicine completely even though the symptoms are gone now. It should be done tomorrow, her alarm will go off on her phone to remind her to take it. She's all caught up with her work - ahead actually - so she's excited to have the week off so she can be at your full disposal and not have to worry about that - though she has a couple of books with her for downtime. You both have my number - make sure she charges her phone you know how she never keeps up with that. And she knows where I'll be staying if she needs me. But as she'll be with you, I'm sure she'll be fine."
"Oh...are you staying nearby?"
I nodded. "I figured I would take advantage of the week and take some downtime for myself, enjoy being close to the city."
"Where are you staying? Maybe I can join you for a late supper if you get lonely."
"Viktor," I sighed, "Did you hear anything else I said?"
"Yes, Hermione, I've got it - she's had a growth spurt, medicine to the fridge, no work needs to be done but she's still a bookworm... You know Rose will be well taken care of."
"I know Viktor I-"
"I want to be sure that you are well taken care of as well." He reached out and tucked a curl behind my ear. For the briefest moment his touch sent a chill down the middle of my spine. Oh, he's too good at this.
Hermione Granger you stop that right now.
I took a step back and smiled as pleasantly as I could. "You know as well as I do, that I take care of myself. Good night Viktor."
I sat at the bar and smiled at myself. I was proud. Three years now I've successfully avoided or turned down his advances. I really don't understand this hold he seems - seemed - to have over me...it's strictly physical after all. I know without a doubt that we would never work. I certainly do not love him. If we were to "try again" as he so puts it, I would be dragged into a miserable existence - his loyal housewife at home while he spends nine to ten months of the year on the road screwing any groupie that throws herself at him. No...we would never work. I know that logically.
The problem is the attention he shows me. Lonely, plain, old me.
"You need a distraction," Lavender once told me on our many girl's nights out - or in as it usually was. We were all mom's and tended to just rotate houses, let the kids wear themselves out and then break out the wine once they all fell asleep. Once in a blue moon we would hire a sitter for the whole crew and actually get out...but we were also tired moms. That took a lot more effort than most of us cared for a majority of the time. This worked well for us.
Angelina and Katie, the little traitors, nodded in agreement. "And by a distraction I mean a dick-traction."
"Lavender that's disgusting!" I cried as the other girls howled in laughter.
"Disgusting?" Katie laughed, "or dick-gusting?"
"Oh you are all just..ugh!" I threw a pillow at them both but laughed.
Maybe I did need a dicktraction...distraction I mean. Oh I will never forgive her.
I was never really one for dating, honestly. Viktor was my only somewhat real relationship. I went on a handful of dates here and there, but nothing substantial. And I never allowed myself the indulgence of a one night stand. I'm in my thirties now...aren't I too old for that?
Besides, with Rose with me, that left little time for a dating life. I was also very weary about the idea of having men around her...if I were to date, how would I possibly navigate keeping them separate for the time being, but splitting my time between them?
It all just seemed like so much work. And did I mention I'm tired?
And yet...I had to admit, as I leaned on my hand and shut my eyes for a moment, that I did long to feel a man's arms around me. To be lost in the gaze of someone who only has eyes for me. To wake up in a bed that was surrounded by the strong, musky, earthy smell of a man...the intoxicating smell that was suddenly filling my senses at that very moment. Oh my good God that smell is amazing.
I opened my eyes to find the seat beside me suddenly occupied. The man - the very handsome, very well-dressed, very tall and amazingly scented man - glanced over at me and smiled. It was a small smile - just one corner of his mouth turned up - but it was adorable.
I smiled back then drank more wine to give myself something to do besides stare at him.
"Hey there Mr. Weasley," Dave, the bartender set a napkin and menu in front of the man. "Usual tonight?"
"Yeah, that'll be brilliant Dave, thanks." My breath caught at the sound of his voice. It was deep and sensual, but even more that was the very obvious British accent.
I must have a thing for foreigners.
Maybe that's my problem with dating...Maybe American men just don't...do it for me.
Maybe it was because I never truly felt as if I belonged here. My mom parents were from the U.K. and my dad's parents from France, but both of my parents were born in America...maybe things would have been different if I was born in Europe.
I was just about to imagine myself as a posh Brit walking the streets of London when...
"Your salad, Ms. Granger," Dave said setting the bowl in front of me.
"Thank you, this looks lovely."
As Dave walked away to tend to his other customers, I heard a chuckle from beside me. I looked over to find the man - Mr. Weasley was it? - hiding a smile behind his recently acquired drink from Dave.
"Something funny?" I asked him.
He cleared his throat and attempted to compose himself. "No...no," he started. "S'just...I never quite understood the appeal of a salad as a full course."
I scoffed...how rude! "Well, how do you even know this is my full course? This could be a side or an appetizer?"
He eyed the large bowl in front of me and smiled. "That is surely not a side salad. Or an appetizer. That's the full-sized Garden Salad entree."
"And you're an expert on salads are you?" He was really starting to grate on my nerves.
He laughed...LAUGHED! "No, not an expert on salads...just...know the menu well."
I scoffed again. "I don't see how, since you have a 'usual'. You probably get the same thing each night and don't even look at the menu."
Just then, Dave set a plate in front of him. "I just really like the Chicken Parmigiana," he grinned.
I rolled my eyes and turned back to my salad as he dug in. I took a bite of my own but couldn't help but take in the sight of him from the corner of my eye.
He was what my Lavender's mom would refer to as a 'tall glass of water'. He was at least 6 foot 4 or 5 - although I was never really a good judge of height. He had fierce red hair that was smoothly combed over, but I could see bits and pieces beginning to break out now that it was the end of the day. His hair looked so soft too. His skin was pale but littered with freckles all over. I had to admit, they were pretty cute and suited him. Even with his ginger stubble, the freckles gave him a fun, boyish appeal. Though I figured he was most likely about my age.
He wore a light blue button down shirt and navy blue slacks, both tailored to fit him well...very well. I could definitely make out a well-toned chest, shoulders and arms under his shirt, and made a mental note to take a peek at his ass when he stood up.
What?! A girl can look and appreciate.
His hands were large and yet moved gracefully as he spoke to Dave who had just come to check on him. They looked strong and calloused. I could tell he did a lot with his hands, but didn't seem to actually work with them. Maybe just led an active lifestyle? Hobbies? Despite being annoyed at him, I realized I really wanted to know...
I nibbled my salad carefully but he seemed to be stuffing the food in his mouth now that Dave had walked away. He didn't quite eat like an animal or anything, but he was definitely lacking in the table manners.
I must have accidentally scoffed out loud again. I always do that...
He looked over at me and I could tell he was about to respond but he stopped and took a moment to swallow - thankfully. "Problem?"
Not wanting to reprimand him as if I was his mother - I could hear Lavender getting on me now - I thought quick on my feet. "No...I was just thinking you seem more like your 'usual' would be a steak."
He laughed and turned a bit towards me. "I enjoy a good steak now and again, and other beefy meals...but I have a deep, deep love for chicken." He dropped his voice towards the end and leaned towards me just a tad before turning back to his meal.
How in the world could someone make chicken sound so sensual? I mean...it's chicken!
I'm in trouble.
He seemed to finish his meal and pushed his plate away, wiping his mouth with his napkin and turning back towards me. "Ron Weasley by the way."
I nodded and took a sip of my wine to clear my mouth and throat. "Hermione. Hermione Granger."
"Nice to meet you Hermione. Winter's Tale right?"
My eyebrows shut up. I was so used to comments about my name being unique or different - or even strange - but not a lot of people knew where it was actually from.
"Y-yes. My mom has always loved Shakespeare. The Winter's Tale is one of her favorite works." I couldn't help but be impressed and was sure my expression showed that - I've never been good at keeping my thoughts and feelings from showing on my face. "You read a lot of Shakespeare?"
"I took two semesters of Shakespearean Literature in college back home...really as a filler course but I surprisingly enjoyed it. I chose The Winter's Tale as my final term paper...so I had to know it very well."
"Well, you and my mother would have a lot to talk about then," I teased.
"I'll be sure to tell her when I meet her." He winked at me as he took a sip from his drink. I blushed and rolled my eyes playfully. He was flirting with me! At least...I thought he was.
I sipped my wine and eyed him, noticing that my own body had shifted to face him more as well.
"You've been staying here for a while," I mused. He looked at me questioningly. "You have a 'usual' with the bartender."
Ron smiled and nodded. "Yes, I've been here for a couple of weeks now."
"Business?"
"Yes," he supplied simply. I was going to ask what he does but just then Dave returned to collect our plates.
"Anything else I can get you Mr. Weasley?"
"Another scotch would be great Dave. And uh...another glass of what ever it is Ms. Granger is having."
"Oh, you don't have to-" but Ron shushed me.
"Sure thing, Mr. Weasley." Dave stepped away to dispose of our empty plates and get our drinks.
"You really shouldn't have," I said. "I was going to head up to my room soon anyway." I already felt the desired effects of my one glass of wine...I really didn't think another was the best idea. I have always been a light weight.
"Honestly, it's my pleasure. Besides, I was really hoping to enjoy your company for just a bit more." His blue eyes gazed at me and I swear even though we weren't touching, it was like a caress. They were so clear and bright yet deep and...
Damn those eyes. Bet anything there isn't a woman alive who can say no to Ron Weasley.
"I'd love to. Just...one more drink." Dave set my wine and his scotch down in front of us and he lifted his to toast, so I followed suit.
"One more drink," he said.
Well...one more drink turned into two, which turned into three and the next thing I knew we were closing the bar. And pretty damn drunk. How did I get here?!
"M'lady?" Ron bowed theatrically when the elevator doors opened. I giggled way too hard.
"Thank you kind sir," I said in my best British accent. He roared with laughter as we stumbled into the elevator.
"That was actually quite good!"
"Well, my grandparents are from London...heard their accents more than enough times to be able to imitate a decent one myself. Oh, I'm on 6."
Ron hit 6 only, I noticed. "Ever been?"
"No, actually, never been to Europe at all, but want to go. Told my daughter Rose we would go soon."
"You would both love it," he said softly.
He was leaning into me a bit and I caught myself leaning into him until I pulled myself back, suddenly coming to my senses slightly through the fog that was my drunken state.
I was alone, and drunk in an elevator with an equally drunk man I barely knew. I realized that I really should feel more...on my guard...scared...threatened even? I mean, I don't know anything about this man. He could be a rapist or a murderer for all I knew and yet here I was, drunk and staring into his eyes. And somehow, I realized that I have never felt safer than I should with this man I'd known for all of four hours. There was just something...something about him.
"A-are you also on 6?"
"No, I'm on 8," he answered with a slight slur. "But I figured I would see you to your door, if that's alright with you? Make sure you get there safely in your inebriated state."
"If I'm inebriated and need help to my room," I laughed, "then who is going to help you to yours?"
He shrugged. "I'll find my way."
The elevator doors opened and he held out his arm to me. I giggled again - what in the world was wrong with me?! - and wrapped my arm around his, allowing him to escort me to my room.
"So," he started...I noticed we were both walking down the hall pretty slow. I wasn't sure if it was our state of inebriation or that we were stalling... "So, I reckon that this somehow turned into a first date of sorts..."
"And how did you come to this conclusion?"
"Well...okay so let's look at the fats...the fac-fac-t-s...Blimey that's a hard word to say!" I threw my head back laughing and almost stumbled. Luckily for me, even in his 'inebriated' state, his reflexes were still quick and on point. His strong arms were around my waist steadying me in no time.
I stared up at him as his arms were still wrapped around me, our faces a mere couple of inches apart. "Th-this is my room," I sputtered. He nodded, but neither of us moved. "You were...saying?"
His eyes, my goodness I was so lost in his eyes. I almost didn't notice that he had moved one of his arms and was tucking a curl behind my ear until I felt his finger trailing along my cheek and jaw. I felt my own eyes wanting to drift shut, but I also wanted to keep looking into his.
"Well, Ms. Granger," he said just above a whisper, "We met at a bar, we ate together and talked, I provided said meal and the subsequent drinks thereafter-"
"And I protested," I smirked.
"That you did - and quite adamantly, might I add. But I still prevailed." He smiled as I rolled my eyes. "And now that I've escorted you to your room, I believe there are only two things missing to complete our date."
I gulped and knew that he caught my eyes drop momentarily to his lips. They were so full and pink, and they glistened after his tongue darted out for just a second to lick them. I swear I almost groaned. "A-and what exactly are those two things?" My God, I was still in his arms!
"First, the promise of a second date. There's still so much more I want to know about you."
"I can do that," I nodded. "And the...second?"
"A kiss goodnight," he whispered as his face tilted down to mine. He paused and looked into my eyes, and it took me a moment to realize that he was looking for permission. So I pushed myself up on my toes to meet him the rest of the way. Thankfully his arm tightened around my waist because the moments our lips touched I knew I was done for. My legs felt so weak and a chill ran through my entire body.
His lips felt even softer than they looked. It was as if I was kissing two air-filled pillows. They slid expertly across mine and when his tongue caressed my own - which I didn't even realize was already seeking his - I moaned, right into his mouth.
He growled. I felt a warmth run through me that ended with a definite wetness under my dress. Goodness I loved that sound. It was so primal...animalistic. Like he really wanted me.
When we broke apart panting, he rested his forehead against mine. "I should let you get inside," he whispered.
"Perhaps...you should make sure I get in the door safely?" I had no idea where that suggestion came from, but I was definitely a fan of it. I held my breath for a moment until-
"Gladly," he whispered. It was quite a feat getting my room door unlocked with his lips attached to mine, but I did it somehow, and we basically fell into my room. Lucky for us, the bed broke our fall.