Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any related characters.

Prompt: "I don't know if I want to yell at you or kiss you." Considered an epilogue to Lost in Translation.

Written for the lovely accio-broom.

Yell or Kiss

Ron's feet plant themselves onto the earth, just seconds after apparating to the coastal line of Kent. His mouth falls open in awe of the massive white cliffs that rise out of the water, bombarded by the waves of the English Channel. There are weathered limestone rocks that protrude vertically along the formation of the cliff.

At the height of its elevation, Ron can just barely make out three figures circling each other at the very top of the high mountain surrounded only by water.

A disconcerting scream echoes through the crisp air, and Ron's heart thumps nearly as loud as his steps as he sprints towards the commotion. In one fluid movement, he swings his legs over the broom he clutches in his right hand, propelling his feet off the ground, establishing the momentum he needs to fly up to the green hilltop.

His broom clatters to the ground, and he's charging towards the source of the distress, ducking as a beam of light streaks past him.

"Expelliarmus!" he shouts towards the enemy, a wave of relief flooding his body as he spots the one person he was most anxious to see.

She's okay.

Hermione doesn't acknowledge Ron's presence, instead focusing her efforts on casually sweeping her wand left to right, and then in circles, calling out spell after spell towards the two Death Eaters remaining in battle. She jumps back with eased fluidity as a curse ricochets off the hilltop and disintegrates in mid-air.

This isn't her first high-stakes combat situation, and Ron can tell that the extra training with the Auror department has paid off as Hermione develops her stance honed for battle, preparing for the next attack.

From the past few years of watching her in the field, Ron knows that she is fully capable of handling violent situations, but also struggles to see reason before galavanting off on a mission without giving proper notice to her team. He swallows the emotional hurdle that racks his nerves, well aware that Hermione does not take kindly to his overprotective nature. Although she is often determined to handle violent combat by herself, it's a difficult task even for the most seasoned of Aurors. There is no way, without assistance, that she will be able to emerge from the fight completely unscathed.

So, bloody fucking hell, he will always show up as her designated overprotective prat and she will have to get over it.

When Ron leaps towards Hermione, her eyes finally flicker his way, and she's motioning for him to step back. She throws another spell that hits the Death Eater squarely in the chest, sending him flying into the air before landing on a clutter of rocks.

A burst of pride washes over Ron. He tries to stay focused on Hermione, but his peripheral vision catches movement, and he steps out of range of a spell launched in his direction.

Another shot of red light moves through the air at blisteringly fast speed, this time sending a distracted Hermione stumbling back, dangerously close to the edge of the cliff. She trips over her two feet, collapsing into the hard ground with a horrific thud.

Ron's insides are screaming and he springs into action, knowing they are now fighting against time. A snarl claws its way up his throat as he circles the remaining enemy, wand at the ready, prepared to duel it out to the finish.

He spots Hermione scrambling to her feet next to him. Before he can cast any spell, she shouts, "Reducto", effectively exploding a large boulder situated near the death eater and knocking the cloaked enemy out.

Smoke funnels up into the clouds, signaling the end of the combat. Ron is too astonished to move at first, unable to verbally communicate his thoughts even if he wanted to.

Ron spots the bloody gash on Hermione's cheek as she limps towards him, forcing anger to swell through his veins.

He senses that their fight isn't entirely over yet.

"I don't know if I want to yell at you or kiss you," he growls as she draws closer, his jaw twitching.

A flash of irritation shines through her eyes. "I had it handled, Ron."

He scoffs. "Really?"

She takes on her defensive stance and stern tone of voice that is just so very Hermione. She holds her head up high. "Yes, actually. They weren't going to give up their location without some reassurance first. Luckily, they played right into my trap by insisting that I come with them."

"Yeah. Luckily."

"Oh, stop being a giant mope!" Hermione snaps at him. "It's about time that I earned a solo mission."

"There are no solo missions, Hermione," he shouts, the force of his words reverberating off the sharp cliff. "As Aurors, we work as a team. Need I remind you that you are on a trial basis with us, and you still have your other responsibilities in the Law Enforcement office."

She jabs a finger in his face. "And you can't separate work and our personal life!"

"Can you blame me? You think I want to see the woman I love get taken prisoner?" Ron's limbs are flailing about, trying to convey just exactly how frustrated he is by this aggravating witch standing in front of him right now. "To end up bloody knows where, panicking because I don't know how to find you?"

Hermione's features soften, and she reaches out a shaky hand only for him to roughly pull away his elbow before she can reach him. "Ron-"

"It's not just about your career when you go out into the field, Hermione. It's our life."

"And how do you think I feel every time you go out on a mission and I haven't a clue where you are?" she fires back.

Ron's shoulders slump, realizing that he can't argue with her there.

His voice is quieter as he reaches out to intertwine their fingers together. "I just want us to have this life together until we're old and wrinkly, so if you could really try harder not to throw yourself into mortal danger, that would be great."

A magnificent grin forms on Hermione's face. "Ron."

"What?"

"Kiss me."

He wastes no time cupping her face with his hands before crashing his lips to hers, pouring every ounce of love he has for her into the kiss. For a moment it's peaceful between them with the best view of the rolling green hilltops and the sea below.

Ron's debate of kiss her or yell at her ends with the recognition that he manages to do both. It's who they are, and they will continue to yell and kiss and yell and kiss for the rest of their lives.