Disclaimer: Harry Potter and friends are not mine, boo hoo; now let's get on with the story.

Summary: your typical guy and girl best friend love story. Ron falls for Hermione, his best friend since grade school and in order to save their friendship he places her on blind dates with all the wrong men. So what happens when the one guy who's right for Hermione is the one pushing her away?

A/n: I would just like to say first off, thank you for even bothering to read my story.  And second, writer's block is a bitch. So sorry for the delay and if this chapter is utter crap! Oh another thing I forgot to mention in the beginning, this is a non-magic Harry Potter story, so sorry to all the die-hard magic fans out there!

Incognito Love

Two I.O.U

Ron stared at crinkled piece of paper in his hand, deep in thought. Three simple letters were written on the paper save for the ridiculous looking smiley face at the end that made Ron's heart ache.

I.O.U

Eyebrows furrowed in frustration, Ron ran a hand through his hair and grunted. The favor Hermione owed him was not something Ron wanted to see through, but it simply had to be done. Ron winced at the thought of Hermione's reaction but steeled his determination. She owed him and so she would have to go through with it, no matter how much it affected his already hurting heart. It would just have to hurt more, especially after what had happened today.

The song had long ago ended and changed to something more upbeat but that didn't seem to bother the two couple wrapped up in each other's embrace. Hermione rested her head on Ron's chest, confusion and another alien feeling bubbling up in her chest until she felt she could no longer hold in the feelings overwhelming her sense and thoughts. She slowly lifted up her head, wanting badly to rest it on his chest again, and met Ron's gaze. Before Hermione could even process the thought she blurted out breathlessly,

"What are we doing Ron?"

There was something there in Ron's eyes that Hermione had only seen once and it still sent shivers of apprehension up Hermione's spine. Suddenly his eyes cleared and he gave her a small smile tweaking her nose playfully.

"We're dancing 'Mione, that's what we're doing."

Hermione opened her mouth to argue further, she knew they were dancing dammit but there was something more; something deep she just couldn't understand and it was getting to her. Ron seemed to sense how she was feeling for before she could even utter a sound he placed a finger on her lips effectively shutting her completely. A look of desperation flashed in those blue eyes but it was gone as soon as it had appeared. Giving a quick glance to the clock Ron gave Hermione another small smile and murmured more to himself than to her,

"It's already six-thirty, you must be famished. Come and I'll make you some dinner, knowing how you cook it'd probably be better that way anyway."

Ron gave her an impish grin and Hermione could help it; she bit his finger. Hermione hadn't meant anything out of it, just a playful nip. But she instantly regretted the tiny action as she watched Ron's cobalt eyes grow wide and suddenly darken with…what? Desire? Suddenly Hermione was afraid to know the answer and quickly withdrew her hold on his finger. Silence pervaded for a few more minutes until Hermione over zealously jabbered,

"Well what are you waiting for? I'm starving so go and make dinner before I whip you."

It was another weak attempt at a joke to lighten the atmosphere, accompanied with a naughty grin until the word's second meaning caught up to Hermione. The naughty grin vanished in an instance and in its place a wretched blush spread across Hermione's features faster than a forest fire. Ron gave a pathetic attempt at chuckling then before Hermione could squeak a apology he had disappeared into the kitchen, pots banging noisily. Hermione made a groan of despair, she was acting like a complete idiot and Ron wasn't helping. Not to mention the looks he had given her; Hermione began rubbing her nose vigorously, stressed beyond belief.

It's the sickness; it's finally getting to me.

Hermione firmly nodded, thoroughly convinced it was the cold, aka hormone wrecker, that was making everything so awkward. Determined to patch things up, Hermione ventured into the kitchen, rather bravely she thought, and stood nervously behind the red-head who was currently chopping carrots. Ron acted as if he hadn't noticed Hermione enter the kitchen, but she knew better. He was now chopping the carrots with more vigor, as if his life counted on it. Hermione winced slightly, watching as carrots soon disappeared into tiny orange slices.

"If you're not careful you'll chop off your own finger."

Unfortunately her voice had made Ron flinch, slicing a nasty cut onto his finger.

"Fuck!"

Ron heard an intake of breath behind him, before his finger was wrenched towards Hermione and she was sucking on it. Ron felt his whole body become uncomfortably hot and he snagged his finger back, wincing as her teeth slightly scraped against the cut.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Hermione glared back angrily and snapped,

"You're supposed to suck on it to help it stop bleeding and seeing as it is my fault I'm helping."

Ron responded with a simple "oh". Hermione merely rolled her eyes, muttering something about idiots before returning to her task of sucking on his bleeding finger. The metallic taste made Hermione mentally gagged but she continued sucking, every now and then rolling her tongue over the wound in attempts to soothe it. She tried to ignore the heated stare that was currently devouring every inch of her body, but Hermione could feel a blush crawl onto her cheeks. Hermione didn't even need to look up to know that Ron was smirking and she rolled her tongue over the cut, applying more pressure than needed. Feeling him cringe, Hermione immediately felt bad. For heaven sake she was acting like a ten year old. Hermione mumbled an apology against his finger and simply got a grunt in return.

Ron tried to ignore the feelings she was igniting in him, he really was. But it was already a lost cause and he could feel himself getting worked up. Ron was thankful that the only pair jeans he had available today were more baggy than usual. He tried not to groan as he felt Hermione sensually run her tongue over his finger; he tried not to notice how painstakingly soft her lips were, how wonderfully warm the inside of her mouth was. Dammit, this woman was going to be the death of him, Ron was certain.

To his immense relief, Hermione had stopped sucking on his finger and was now up and moving around the kitchen mumbling to no one in particular about band aids. Ron couldn't help but admire the sight that greeted him of Hermione reaching up into the cupboard. Her white shorts were riding up further and he was rewarded with her soft yellow pastel tee shirt lifting up to expose a teasing strip of smooth skin. Ron felt desire swell up in his body and he wanted nothing more than to mold Hermione's body into his and fully ravish her. The small show abruptly ended as Hermione finally reached her goal and quickly made her way towards Ron, completely oblivious to his hungry gaze.

She wrapped a Courage the Cowardly Dog band aid around Ron's cut, haughtily lifting her chin in the air at his snort of amusement. Leaning back, Hermione examined her work with pride. Before she could get up and move away Ron had leaned in and gave her a small peck on the lips. Hermione completely froze and glanced uncertainly at him.

Though Ron was secretly trembling inside he gave her what he hoped was a laid back grin and carelessly winked at her.

"Thanks, you're a sweet heart."

Hermione seemed some what appeased that it was only a friendly kiss and bopped him lightly on the head. Giving him a cute grin Hermione moved up to help him finish chopping the carrots.

"And don't you forget it Ronald Weasley."

Dinner had been full of jokes and laughter, earlier tensions forgotten. After that Ron had told Hermione to go sleep and he would do the tedious task of washing the dishes. She flashed him a grateful smile and gave him a haste kiss taking Ron by total surprise. Before he could pull her closer and deepen the kiss Hermione had swiftly made her way into her room and shut the door firmly behind her. Finishing the dishes with speed he never thought he possessed, Ron quietly opened the door to find Hermione deeply asleep. Smiling softly, Ron made his way to her bed and sat on it gazing intently at her.

You're so beautiful.

With the utmost caution, Ron leaned forward until his mouth was a breath away from hers.

I'm sorry I can't be stronger.

He gently pressed his lips against hers and almost moaned.

I'm sorry I can't be stronger for the both of us.

Ron caressed the side of her face with his palm, deepening the kiss.

I'm sorry I can't push aside my feelings for you.

Finally leaning away, Ron could feel his heart breaking.

Even after all these years I just...

She was so perfect.

I just can't stop these feelings.

There was a note clutched in Hermione's hand and Ron's curiosity got the best of him. Gently prying the piece of paper out of her grip, he opened the note to familiar writing.

I.O.U

Something tugged at his heartstrings painfully and Ron immediately stood up gazing longingly at the lump on the bed before leaving.

I'm sorry.

Ron growled, frustrated with himself. He could still feel her lips, how soft and plump they were. Ron gazed unseeingly outside the window. It was nights like these that Ron wished he wasn't Hermione's best friend so he could just stop acting like he didn't need her, didn't desire her, didn't love her.

No.

Ron shook his head jerkily, as if he could shake away the treacherous thoughts forming in his mind. No matter what, Ron was resolute not to let his emotions ruin something he deeply treasured. Truth was, Ron had fallen for her when they were both only thirteen and entering the awkward faze of adolescence. But he had learned from his friends mistakes, no matter how strong their relationship was, best friends didn't last as lovers. He had watched hopeful teens get together only in the end to witness their love slowly wither away, as did their friendship. And Ron was damned before he let the same thing happen to Hermione and him. No, life would just be easier if he kept being her best friend and only that.

Still, she had tasted unbelievably sweet.

Ron mourned, why did she have to taste so amazing? He could still taste the freshness of the kiss with a slight zest to it. Ron was aroused beyond belief.

I believe a cold shower will be needed.

Hermione sleepily opened her eyes only to be greeted with a cheerily beaming sun. Groaning she rolled over, her mind dazedly trying to remember what had happened the other night. Suddenly Hermione shot up with eyes opened in disbelief. Sunlight blinded her momentarily and Hermione winced, regretting her hastiness. Once her bleary eyes adjusted to the overly bright room Hermione allowed herself to mope properly.

You kissed him! I can't believe you kissed him!

Hermione could feel her insides shrivel from embarrassment and the sheer absurdity of it all.

Well he kissed you first.

She frowned. It was true. Still that didn't make it okay to kiss him back.

Come on, you have to admit he's rather easy on the eyes if you get my drift.

Whoa, where had that come from? Hermione could feel herself turning pink.

Besides you saw how relaxed he was about the whole thing. The kiss meant nothing.

For some reason Hermione could feel something deflate inside of her and replaced unwelcomingly with what felt dangerously like disappointment.

Why are you upset? It's not like you two are lovers.

Blowing an annoying strand of hair out of her face, Hermione shoved the pesky voice away and marched into the kitchen determined to forget about yesterday's incident. She grabbed a big bowl and filled it with corn flakes. Adding slices of bananas and an unhealthily large amount of sugar, Hermione filled the bowl to the brim with milk. Perfect. Grinning with pleasure, she grabbed her biggest spoon and munched more than gladly on the cereal.

Hermione was never one to sit when eating, no she much preferred to stand or walk around the house. Absent mindedly Hermione walked over to the living room, freezing in the hallway staring at mere shadows that were no longer there. In her mind, Hermione imagined what she and Ron must have looked like dancing together. Something profound inside her heart ached and Hermione scowled, stuffing her mouth to get rid of the thoughts forming and concentrate solely on chewing. The next thought took Hermione by entire surprise.

You were content in his arms.

She was; Hermione knew that.

He doesn't fancy you in that way.

She knew that too.

Hermione groaned; would it kill her to just enjoy herself without over analyzing everything? Her mood dampened Hermione trudged slowly to the kitchen and dumped the empty bowl and spoon into the sink to be washed later. She smiled faintly, remembering Ron's proposal of washing the dishes so she could rest.

I wonder when he left.

Hermione vaguely felt like she was forgetting something. Shrugging it off, she quickly changed into a crisp white business suit. Still feeling a small cough lodged in her throat Hermione growled. It didn't matter; she had already missed a day of work and at Kerry Spink that was almost unheard of. Grabbing a leather work case and her purse Hermione exited the house unaware of the message machine's light blinking incessantly.

Where the hell is she?

Ron glowered at the telephone, blaming the object for her absence. A quick glance at the clock showed Ron it was still only seven-thirteen in the morning. Perhaps she was still asleep? That mollified Ron's anxiety for a moment until realization hit him in the gut.

Is she a complete idiot? She's not fully recovered from her cold yet! Stupid girl.

Frustrated he picked up the phone and dialed her work number. Sure enough it was her striking voice that greeted him formally on the other line.

"Kerry Spink, this Hermione Granger speaking. How may I be of assistance?"

Ron felt completely irked at how polite she sounded. Snarling into the phone he could feel all his worry and anger spill out,

"You can assist me by getting your fucking ass down here."

There was a sharp intake of breath and then silence. Finally Hermione replied with stiff civility, underlying sarcasm dripping from every word.

"I'm afraid that's out of my place. Is there anything else I can assist you with? If so, please go ahead and ask. Or demand. Both work just dandy with me."

Ron let out a growl of frustration. Stubborn bitch.

"Hermione don't argue with me right now. Do you know how worried I am? You're sick and you're at work! What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Ronald Weasley I'm touched that you're so worried but you do not own me. If I miss another day of work it could jeopardize everything I've been working for these past four years and you know that."

Though her tone had softened considerably, there was still a nasty bite to it.

Ron ran a hand through his hair, groaning in exasperation at how damn obstinate she could be.

That is what attracted you to her in the first place.

Scowling he gazed around his room only to land on a certain piece of paper. A smirk formed on Ron's face and he nearly purred into the receiver,

"Do you remember the I.O.U note you gave me last night?"

"Well…yes. Wait, I never gave it to you! You stole it!"

Ron chuckled at how horrified she sounded.

"Doesn't matter sunshine, you still owe me."

There was an uneasy silence on the other end until Hermione hesitantly asked,

"What do you want from me?"

Ron felt victory sear through his body and when he answered he growled huskily,

"Come have lunch with me and take a break from work today."

A moan greeted his ears and it took all that Ron had not to gleefully cackle.

Don't mess with a man in love Hermione.

"Fine."

She was obviously upset but Ron merely grinned at the pout in her voice.

"Meet me at Chez Café at twelve."

"Yeah, yeah."

"And Hermione?"

"Yes Jerk?"

Ron chuckled.

"Dress nice."

"Go to hell."

Hermione immediately hung up and Ron smirked. What a feisty woman. He suddenly bit away his smile, his once dancing cobalt eyes turning to steel. It had to be done. Picking up the phone Ron slowly dialed a number, willing the owner to be unavailable. To his immense displeasure a low voice answered. Forcing his voice to pleasant Ron cheerily greeted the speaker.

"Hey Harry! Its Ron…listen mate are you busy at twelve? Great how would you feel about going on a blind date?"

Wahh I'm completely satisfied at how this chapter turned out. Hopefully this chapter was to your liking because I worked on an empty stomach just to complete this. I'll try my best to update chapter three but be patient, it takes time for me to figure out how to word out my story perfectly. Thanks for the moral support to those who bothered reading and don't forget to press that little button that creates miracles ;) (If you have no clue what I'm talking about I'll be blunt. REVIEW!)