Chapter 17: Unexpected
Hermione awoke to a feeling of warmth and peace, the sun tickling her nose as she slowly blinked her eyes open. Her mind was still clouded with sleep and yet it was jolted awake when she realised that her head wasn't resting on her pillow, like she'd assumed, but on her husband's shoulder. Percy was already awake, his blue eyes taking her in, while his free arm rested on her back, holding her gently. It was the first morning she'd awoken with Percy still in bed. Usually, he was already awake, on his way to work or making breakfast for them both. Today he was still there, probably because he hadn't wanted to wake her by detangling himself from her as he got up.
"Good morning, Hermione," Percy said stiffly. "Did you sleep well?"
Hermione nodded, her cheek rubbing against the silky materials of his pyjamas. Only now she realised that she'd slung one of her arms across his chest, her upper leg draped over one of his thighs. It felt strangely intimate to hold him like that as she woke up, not knowing how long they'd slept like that, her body clinging to him like a koala to a tree.
"I did, thank you. And you? Have you been awake for long?"
He hummed noncommittally, brushing his lips against Hermione's forehead. She noted that his skin was much rougher than she was used to, the short stubble growing on his chin feeling strange and yet incredibly sexy. It was like this was a side of Percy she usually didn't get to see, his sleep-ruffled body paired with the lazy and peaceful smile on his lips.
"I slept longer than I usually do but we went to bed rather late. We both needed a lie-in, I felt. Do you feel well-rested?"
"Yes, thank you."
A part of her felt reluctant to let go of him, not only because it would mean leaving her cocoon of warmth. Hermione felt strangely comfortable on Percy's shoulder, peaceful even, and yet her bodily urges left her no choice but to let go of him and get up.
"Hermione? Where are you going? I was hoping we could talk this morning. But if you feel like you'd rather do this after getting up…"
Hermione shook her head. "I'll be right back," she promised with a shy smile. "I just need the bathroom. As soon as I'm back we can talk."
"Oh," Percy said, exhaling in what looked like relief. "Of course."
As she hurried out of the room, she felt her nervousness pick up. Gone was the peacefulness she'd felt moments ago, substituted by a nervous uncertainty of what she could even say to explain herself to Percy. In the light of the day, her behaviour towards him seemed rash, her anger unjustified. Yet she felt like something had to change between them, because she had felt increasingly unhappy and frustrated in her marriage, but maybe so had he.
When Hermione returned to bed a few minutes later, Percy had propped himself up against the headboard, his eyes following her as she climbed onto the mattress on her side of the bed. There, she sat down with crossed legs, wrapping her own blanket around her shoulders. Taking a deep, calming breath she looked at her husband and said: "I feel like I should apologise to you, Percy. I was very angry last night and even though the things I mentioned do indeed bother me, I should have expressed them in a different way. For that, I am sorry."
Percy nodded, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. "Thank you. I never meant for you to feel trapped or patronised by me. I did what I felt a considerate husband should do for his wife. In my desire to make your life as easy and comfortable as possible, I forgot that we had a similar situation weeks ago, when I tried to do the same by doing the wedding planning. I should have remembered that it is important for you to make your own decisions, be it about something as simple as drinking tea or coffee in the morning."
This time it was her turn to nod, secretly pleased that Percy had apparently given her words some thought. "Yes. I know you only meant well. It is just…" She sighed, unsure of how to put her feelings into words. "I know I am making things difficult, but where a tight routine makes you feel safe, I start feeling trapped. Where you feel like you're doing me a favour by cleaning up my book, I feel like I am intruding into your space, or like you don't want my things around."
"You're not. I do," Percy answered, his blue eyes looking at her with a glint of worry. "You aren't intruding. This flat is mine as much as it is yours now. I was just tidying up since I know a lot of women complain that their husband never cleans and… well… if leaving your book on the table will help to make you feel more at home then that is what I will do."
"It would."
He nodded again, his hand slowly reaching out to touch hers. Linking their fingers he looked at her for a long moment. Then he said, "Yesterday you said you are feeling lonely, here, with me. I can't help but think that I'm overlooking something, doing something wrong or… I don't know. It doesn't seem to matter how many books I'm reading or what I'm doing. I seem to be unable to make you happy… Why? This should be easy! You should be happy. Arithmancy says we're a perfect match!"
Hermione shook her head, sighing. "People are complex and complicated. Feelings are complicated as is love. It's nothing a book or Arithmancy can predict or that can be recreated by following the instructions found in a book. What if we aren't a perfect match, Percy? What if the calculations are wrong?"
"Do you think they are? Is that the problem, that you don't trust the calculations? Why? Have you seen them? Were you untruthful when answering your questionnaire?"
"No!" she answered.
"Then why do you doubt the result? Look around, Hermione. Everyone we know seems to be pleased by the spouse they were assigned. Also, I've always known you as a logical person putting their trust in facts instead of gut feelings, unlike Harry or Ronald. I mean that completely unoffending, Hermione, but sometimes I feel like you aren't even trying to be happy within this marriage, no matter how hard I try."
Hermione felt her shoulders sag with defeat because in a way Percy was right. She'd never tried to see more in him than her Ministry assigned spouse. Yes, she slowly got to know him, found that she could understand him better and better now and yet she'd always viewed their marriage as something with a definite end point, convinced that they'd go their separate ways when the year was over. But what if they could be happy together? Was it possible she'd projected her anger and repulsion against the law on Percy, because he was loyal to the Ministry and had obliged without protest?
"I…" Suddenly she felt caught, realising that she hadn't been fair to Percy without even realising it. And yet admitting her mistake felt like she was taking the blame all on herself. But that wasn't right either. This situation wasn't her fault, but neither was it his.
Percy seemed to sense her inner conflict, because he squeezed her hand. When she looked up at him, she saw his blue eyes shine with understanding and kindness. "I'm not expecting an answer, Hermione. I just want to let you know how I feel because as you said: feelings are complex, but I've found it helps to talk about them, no matter how difficult it is, at least for me. And I've been told that I am difficult to read at times, but I want to make this easy for you."
"Thank you." Hermione felt her voice breaking with emotion, a kaleidoscope of different feelings flooding her at once. Gratitude and guilt were only two of the things she felt, though they were most prominent right now. "I want you to be happy as well and if there's something I can do…"
The smile Percy sent her was almost shy. "Well, there is one thing?"
"Really?" Hermione asked in relief. "What is it?"
"Well… it's so silly and sentimental… but if you were willing I would not be opposed to you holding my hand again. Like you did last night."
"Oh! Of course! I'm so sorry I ended up draped all over you. That must have been very restricting and I'll try to keep myself more contained in the future."
"No!" Percy said firmly before cringing back. "I mean...If it's not too uncomfortable, I enjoyed waking up to find you snuggled against me."
"It wasn't a bother?"
"Not at all. I actually felt… quite happy then. Happier than I've felt in a long time."
Involuntarily, Hermione's eyes shifted towards their linked hands, taking in the view of their entwined fingers. It was fascinating how well their hands fit into each other as they were very similar in size, Percy's fingers long and almost feminine in their appearance and softness.
"Are you happy right now?" she asked, brushing her thumb over the back of his hand. Percy nodded, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. Suddenly Ginny's words rang in Hermione's ears, telling her that if she wanted more spontaneity she might need to be the one to initiate something between them. A flutter of excitement ghosted through her belly.
Deciding to be bold she leaned forward, the blanket slipping from her shoulders as she shifted her weight and adjusted her position until she was right in front of her husband, the tip of her nose brushing against his cheek. Percy's eyes widened, his breath hitching just before Hermione closed the gap between their lips. It was only a second before he responded to her, his lips dancing against hers while his hand wandered to the back of her head, his fingers gently sinking into her curls, pulling her closer. Smiling against his lips Hermione moved forward, climbing onto Percy's lap until their bodies were pressed against each other, her thighs straddling him. Percy didn't seem to mind, though, as his other hand snuck around her, holding her close as he deepened the kiss. Soon, Hermione was panting for air, her forehead leaning against Percy's as she gazed down at him, their breaths mingling.
"And now?" she asked, a little bit of smugness creeping into her voice.
"Ecstatic," Percy said, his expression dazed. Involuntarily Hermione's eyes wandered to his lips, which were already red and swollen from their kisses. Seeing her usually so put-together husband like this did something to her, the blood suddenly thrumming in her veins and her belly cartwheeling with excitement. Usually, Percy was the one in charge of their lovemaking while Hermione tried to relax and drink in the feelings her husband evoked in her. But today Hermione didn't want to lean back, not at all. Instead, she wanted to further ruffle Percy's feathers and test if she couldn't bring a little more spontaneity into their marriage. And so Hermione kissed Percy again, a little more forcefully this time. Hungrily she sucked in his bottom lip, noting the little moan he made with satisfaction before she allowed her hands to wander down his chest where she slowly started to unbutton his pyjama top. She'd barely managed to open the first button when Percy pulled away from her, studying her in confusion.
"Hermione, I… I hope you didn't get the impression you need to make up for something. When I said it didn't feel like you were trying, I wasn't implying…"
This time Hermione silenced him by resting her fingers against his lips. "I know. I'm doing this because I want to," she assured him as she traced his mouth with her fingertips. It was fascinating how soft his lips were as well, but Percy seemed to be full of hard and soft contrasts. His body was all hard angles, as he was so incredibly thin. On the other hand, his skin was so soft, unblemished by the sun or hard labour. At first, she'd found it a little odd, but now she appreciated the result. Now she could lose herself while kissing Percy, her body humming with happiness and excitement as she took in his happy hums and sighs. She liked the rough feeling of his unshaved chin against her lips, the soft feeling of his mouth perfectly contrasting it when she nibbled and sucked at his lips. She also loved the way Percy's fingers dug into her curls, holding her close as if he was afraid she'd suddenly disappear. But Hermione had only just opened the last button of his pyjama top and placed the first open-mouthed kiss onto his chest that she felt him stiffen, his hand coming to rest on her shoulder, gently pushing her away.
"Hermione…" he said, his voice breathless and unsteady. "You shouldn't… I haven't…"
Hermione looked up at him with a frown, taking in the nervousness that had suddenly appeared in his eyes. It hadn't been there a minute ago, she was sure of it.
"What's wrong?"
"Maybe we shouldn't get too carried away," he answered, his cheeks flushed.
"Why? Don't you like this?" Hermione asked meekly, even though the hard bulge pressing against her thigh suggested otherwise. But that was just anatomical. Maybe she had screwed up and misread him. Maybe she was just embarrassing herself after all.
"No… I mean, I do like it. It is just…" Percy hesitated, his cheeks blushing even more. "I didn't have time to take a shower last night or this morning. I am filthy from work and you…"
Ah. That's what this was about.
"You aren't filthy, Percy. You work in an office," she said, gently pressing a kiss onto his collarbone. In fact, I like the way you smell… and taste," Hermione told him, punctuating her words with little kisses down his chest, noting the way her husband's breathing quickened or how his heart raced inside his chest.
"Are you sure? The books say-"
Hermione nodded against his skin, answering Percy's question by brushing the tip of her tongue over his nipple before gently sucking it a moment later. She was rewarded with a moan, Percy's head falling back against the headboard. His reaction was all the encouragement Hermione needed, the little moans and whimpers he made making her feel powerful and seductive. Seeing her usually so calm and collected husband come undone like this through her touch thrilled and aroused Hermione in a way she'd never thought possible, but here she was, enjoying every second of this.
Soon, Hermione kissed down all her way towards his navel, her eyes taking in Percy's erection that was impossible for her to ignore. And suddenly she had another, tempting idea.
"Hermoine, wait, what are you doing?"
Percy's hand came to rest on her head, gently pulling her upwards. By now he was breathing heavily, beads of sweat having formed on his brow.
"I'm taking off your clothes, obviously," replied Hermione, sending him a sweet smile. "Stop worrying, Percy. I want this, I like this and if you're enjoying this as well…"
"I am. You have no idea," he murmured, his hand caressing her hair.
Oh, how wrong he was. Hermione had a very clear idea of how much he liked what she was doing and she could feel the way it affected her. By now her heart was pumping almost as quickly as his, her core throbbing with the need for her own release. But no. This wasn't about sex or their matrimonial duties. This was about them, about having fun. And fun she had.
Soon, Percy was naked in front of her and for a moment she just sat there and took him in in all his naked glory. It was the first time she looked at him, head to toe, without being distracted by her own arousal or need for release. Yes, her own desire was unmistakably there, but she was easily able to push it back and focus on him instead.
Old Hermione would have felt shameful for it, but her new emboldened self whispered that they were married and she could look at her husband all she wanted, especially since Percy didn't seem to mind. Instead, he comfortably rested against the headboard, looking at her with blue eyes that burned with desire, his own hand fumbling weakly with the buttons of her pyjama top. All it took was a smile and a headshake from her to let it go, his hand falling next to him on the pillow with a sigh.
Good boy, she thought, brushing her hand over his thigh towards his middle. There she curled her fist around his length and stroked him once, twice, before she boldly leaned down and kissed the tip. The little hiss of pleasure he made went right to Hermione's core, prompting her to kiss him again and again, her mouth opening a little wider each time until he was suddenly buried inside her mouth. It was the first time she had ever tasted a man this way and even though she'd never given the act itself much thought, she realised that this wasn't how she'd expected it to be. She wasn't prepared for the silkiness of his skin or the musky scent suddenly filling her nose, neither had she realised how large he would seem once she took him in, to a point that made it difficult for her to swallow. A part of her was worried that she couldn't take it all but she adjusted quickly and soon she found herself taking him in easier, licking and sucking him until he moaned and gasped her name. She was careful to not overdo it though, as her starting to gag would certainly ruin the mood.
"Hermione… Hermione… Hermione wait!"
She stilled, her eyes focussing on him with a silent question.
"If you continue like this I'll come and… well… we still need to…"
No, Hermione thought, resuming her sucking. They didn't need to do anything today. Today was Saturday and therefore the Ministry didn't have any place in their bed. They belonged to themselves at least for another twenty-four hours and right now Percy belonged to her, or better his cock belonged in her mouth.
Drinking in his moans and grunts, Hermione drove her husband higher and higher, her body humming with arousal even though his hands only caressed and clawed at her hair. But the way his body twitched and reared up with arousal was nothing but stimulating. When Percy finally climaxed shouting her name and spilling his seed into her mouth, she felt incredibly proud and pleased with herself. Without thinking, she swallowed the salty, bitter cum, wiping her mouth with her palm as she took in his ruffled appearance. This was all her doing, Hermione realised and it was an immensely satisfying thought. She climbed back up, pressing her lips to his for a greedy kiss. Percy kissed her back with a choked noise, tightly pulling her against him.
"Thank you, my darling," he whispered to her before he kissed her again and again, his eyes looking at her with adoration. "That was… I never thought…" Shaking his head he broke off, his mouth too busy peppering her face with kisses. Hermione accepted them eagerly, her fingers raking through his hair, enjoying the silky texture of it. But it wasn't long until Percy's mouth wandered to her throat and further downward, making it impossible for her to think about anything else than his touch. Her body was already humming with pleasure, silently begging for more touches like this.
"Hermione, I… Can I… I'd like to give something back… not because I feel indebted, mind. Just because… well," he trailed off, his blue eyes asking for permission to touch her. And who was she to deny him, when she'd just devoured his body herself?
"Yes…" Hermione whispered, allowing him to push her back until she was lying on her back, staring at him dazedly. "Anything, you can do anything," she told him, her fingers clawing into his back as he slowly unbuttoned her pyjamas, peppering every inch of freshly revealed skin with kisses. "Just don't stop…" she added.
The rakish smirk he gave her in return was almost enough to make her come right away. It wasn't like anything she'd ever seen on his face.
"I won't…" he promised, before he latched onto her nipple, making her arch her back with pleasure.
Her pulse raced, her body already burning under his touch. Every brush of Percy's skin against hers felt like fireworks and Hermione could barely breathe. As he kissed her neck slowly she thought for sure she was caught somewhere between hell and heaven.
ssssssss
Percy was on a mission and the mission was to kiss every inch of his beautiful, seductive wife. He'd started the morning expecting more fighting and tears but what he got instead was literally too good to be true. But here he was, his body still swimming in endorphins from the pleasure she'd brought him as he did his best to bring her as much pleasure in return. Because there was no way he could simply lean back now and enjoy the post-coital bliss when Hermione's body clearly communicated her own arousal to him. He didn't need words from her to know her body ached for its release and he surely wouldn't deny it when bringing her pleasure was the only thing he could think about.
Soon, she was lying exposed in front of him, the blanket lying on a pile on the floor, forgotten. He could still remember her need to cover herself when they'd first been intimate, but there was nothing of this shyness now and Percy couldn't help but feel proud of himself for slowly making her comfortable with him. The Hermione moaning his name now as she writhed below him was nothing like the shy, insecure woman he'd bedded after their marriage, but then again he wasn't the same person either. He, too, had found unexpected confidence through Hermione, his ego empowered by the fact that he could bring her pleasure where she'd worried such a thing would be impossible. But Percy was nothing if not a good observer and he'd never been so determined to do well than he was when he was with her.
Sometime between now and their marriage Hermione had become his world, more than he had ever been told to expect from marriage. She was his everything, and he knew without a grain of doubt that she was the only woman that he'd ever be happy with. He of course had never doubted the Ministry's calculations, but all he could think about these days was that he wanted her to feel the same for him in return. But how was he supposed to make her see?
He'd start by worshipping every inch of Hermione's petite body, Percy decided, sucking and kissing her breasts and then further down her sides. There was one of her scars, the one he didn't know anything about except that it had likely been induced by a dark curse but where and when he had no idea - he'd never dared to ask. Every so gently he explored the soft, smooth skin with his tongue while one of his hands crept lower, to the soft triangle of hair between her legs. Merlin, she was so wet already, her entrance slick and welcoming without him even having touched her folds yet. But oh he wanted to, the pull he felt towards her centre suddenly becoming too hard to resist and so he quickly kissed his way down, while his fingers gently prepared her. When his nose ruffled through her short curls there was not a word of protest from her. In fact, her legs spread even further for him, soft sighs and mewls pressing him to caress her further. And who was her to deny her anything?
None of the books he'd read could have prepared him for the pleasure of exploring Hermione's body like this, seeing and smelling and tasting all the parts he'd so far only been allowed to explore via touch. It was like a whole new world was opening up for him, hundreds of new sensations flooding him and alluring his senses. Suddenly he realised how much he'd missed out on so far because touching her like this was so much better… so much more satisfying.
"Percy… god…"
Hermione was beyond the point of intelligible speech, Percy noted with satisfaction and pride. He stopped for a short moment to resurface and kiss her lips, feeling the need to show her how full his heart felt right now. His wife kissed him back greedily, her arms pulling him close with a force he hadn't expected from someone as petite as her. But the kiss was only meant as a quick intermezzo and so he pulled away soon after, his mouth returning to her sensitive spot just as his fingers entered her, pumping into her until Hermione wound herself with pleasure, chanting his name with growing fervour. Two more swirls of his tongue and she fell, her body jerking and spasming as she found her release, her nails digging into his shoulders in a way that would certainly leave marks on him. Percy didn't mind in the least, he'd wear every mark she gave him with pride. He wanted the world to know that he was hers, truly hers, not only by law but that he willingly gave her his body as well. Owned all of him. By his own choice.
As soon as Hermione stilled Percy climbed back up, pulling her naked body against him. She melted against him without hesitation, her cheek coming to rest against his shoulder while her brown eyes gazed up at him. They were warm and loving, the emotional distance he'd seen there only hours ago wiped away. He didn't know what had changed between now and then, he didn't even know how to explain this sudden passion from her side, but for once Percy was determined not to question his luck. Instead, he'd simply accept it and pray that it held, enabling him to show Hermione just how much he loved her.