Hey, I'm updating relatively soon (for me, at least.) The next couple chapters should be out soon. (Keep your fingers crossed, folks.)
The kiss was nice. Yes, it was nice. But there were no fireworks, no stars, and no whistles going off in the back round. In short, it was just an okay kiss, not an Oh-my-I'm-snogging-the-man-of-my-dreams kiss. But that's okay. she told herself. I know I'm in love with Ron. That's enough for me.
She pulled away slowly, not wanting to have to explain herself to the man standing in front of her. Her eyes fluttered open. Dear Merlin, how am I going to explain this to him…? "Merlin, 'Mione. You just kissed me." He said, beating her to the punch.
She laughed. "Very astute, Ron."
"But… why?" He asked.
"Because…" she said, looking at the floor for a minute before gathering her courage and continuing, "Because I'm in love with you, Ron."
He stared at her in wonder. "Really? But I thought…" he stopped.
Her brows furrowed. "You thought what, Ron?"
He sighed; then said in a small voice, "I thought you were in love with Malf – Draco."
She stared at him. "Merlin, where do you people come up with these ideas?" She demanded. "Don't you think I know who I'm in love with?"
"I don't doubt you Hermione, it just surprised me." He said.
Suddenly, she was nervous. "Ron?" She said quietly.
"Yeah?"
"…Are you in love with me?" She asked. It hadn't escaped her notice that he hadn't said he loved her in return, and his strange reaction to her declaration of love made her doubt Draco's words from earlier in the evening.
He sighed. She stared up at him, waiting for his answer. "Honestly, 'Mione, I'm not sure. I mean, when you went away, I was positive I had just lost the love of my life. But now… well, I can't say that I'm not attracted to you, because I am. But you've changed – hell, I've changed too. A year of self-discovery is great, but that's still a year apart. My head tells me that I need to get to know you again before telling you I'm in love with you, and my heart isn't arguing with it."
She took a step back in shock. "Ron…"
"Hush, Hermione, let me finish this." He commanded. "You didn't even tell me you were René Mighero, 'Mione. I had to find out from someone else."
Her eyes widened. "Merlin, I promised to let Ginny be there when you learned about it…" she muttered.
He laughed, a brisk sound, nothing like his normal laugh. "Never fear, she was." His eyes sought hers out. "'Mione, hon, I'm not saying that I wouldn't love to go out with you – to date you. I'm just saying that I can't tell you I'm in love with you when I don't even know everything that you've discovered about yourself this last year."
She sank into a conveniently placed chair, eyes closing. She sat there, silent for a minute. He was wrong… Draco was wrong… Part of her heart was breaking, but another part seemed strangely happy. She felt a hand cupping her face, and opened her eyes to see Ron kneeling before her.
"Hermione, I would love to go out on a date with you, to rediscover the girl who is my best friend, and who could, quite easily be my soul mate. I'm sorry that I can't tell you that I'm in love you right now, but I'm trying to be honest with you."
A smile (albeit a sad one, it was a smile) slowly covered her face. "You really have grown up some this year, haven't you, Ron? A year ago, you never would have admitted something like that." She covered his hand with her own, pulling it down from her face and intertwining their fingers as it came to rest on her lap.
"I just want you to have the best, Hermione. And I want to be sure before doing something stupid to break your heart." He said seriously. They sat in silence for another minute – comfortable silence. "Hermione Granger, would you go out on a date with me?" He said, finally.
She gave a half-smile, knowing that he was trying. "Sounds nice, Ron." Suddenly, she was very tired. She stood, turning to look at Ron, who was still kneeling on the floor. "I'm going to head back to Draco's for the night. Pick me up tomorrow evening there?"
He stood as well. "Where's his flat?" He asked.
She smiled softly. "Richmond-upon-the-Thames."
He stared at her. "Isn't that where your home with your parents was?"
She nodded. "It's actually the same house. So, you'll have no trouble finding it, will you?" She teased lightly, still unsure where the boundaries lay between the two of them.
He shook his head slightly before saying. "Seven fine with you?" He asked.
"Sounds fine." She said.
He walked over to her, and kissed her on the cheek. "Until tomorrow night, then." He said softly.
"Right." Not knowing what else to say, she said nothing else, simply apparating back to Draco's flat, where she escaped a surprised Draco by fleeing to her bedroom, tears silently falling down her face.
A/N: Wow, that didn't turn out anything like I expected it to. But it's the way Ron wanted it to be, so… Please tell me what you think.
Me: I'm glad you like my Draco. I like him too. I have always felt that J.K.'s Draco is a little flat, if you know what I mean. But I suppose her Hermione is also a little flat. Can't get rid of Ron – they have been friends for forever, and such. grin Let me know what you think of this chapter.
Sharkbait: blushes severely Wow. Your compliments really inspired me to sit down and continue to try and work this chapter out. It's been a problem, I've written and rewritten it about a million times, with different scenarios. Thanks for bookmarking it on your computer. I consider that a HIGH honor. I'm picky on who I bookmark as well. smile Do you write fanfics as well? If so, I'd love to read your stories.
totally_2bular_girl: I'd agree, chasing after fictional characters when you could have a real person (even if said fictional character is very handsome) would be quite silly. Has either of the two guys made a move yet, or are they still stalling?
superdork1: I'm sorry that you've been anxious. I've had difficultly writing this chapter. And the story's taken so many turns because, well, I've found that life usually takes many twists and turns before you realize where you're supposed to be. Thus the reasoning for the name of the story (Life can be Confusing…) grin Tell me if you like.
Tracey Claybon: I've added you to my updates list – hope you got my message smile I'm glad I've changed your mind about Draco. I have a feeling J.K. isn't going to leave him as flat a character as he is now – maybe she'll take a few points from my Draco. What do you think? grin