Chapter Twelve

I fibbed, but only because I feel the need to warn everyone this is the chapter that earns this fic's rating.

"Hey, Hermione?" He breathed into the crook of her neck.

Today, his seventeenth birthday had been everything and more, but this moment, right now, was more than he ever thought to ask for.

Hermione let her fingertips dance across the muscled expanse of his bare back before whispering, "Yes, Draco?"

"Are you sure?" He questioned, pulling back to see her face. He couldn't help the shudder that ran through him, her innocent and intimate touches felt like they were setting his skin aflame.

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life," she responded seriously. Hermione arched into him, kissing him with every ounce of conviction her soul held. She knew, deep within her heart, that this man was her forever. She could think of no better gift to give him.

"I don't want to hurt you," he mumbled against her lips. Draco wanted this, of course. He was a man, after all. But his wants and desires were nothing compared to Hermione's well-being, always. He abhorred the idea of causing her even a moment of pain.

"Draco," she breathed his name on a sigh. "You won't."

Hermione could feel him, hard and heavy against her stomach. They hadn't planned this, but she knew it was the right moment. There was no better moment. She wanted him more than anything right then; she'd want him like this always.

The certainty in her voice was all Draco needed to move forward. Words were lost to them both when his hands, lips and tongue began learning her every curve. It wasn't the first time they had shared intimate touches, but today, here and now, would be the first time they shared their souls with one another.

Hermione knew it would be quick, that was the only drawback to their shared virginity. If she could she'd make this moment last forever. She was also aware of the fact that this time, she probably wouldn't find her own release but didn't care. Watching Draco explore her body with reverence was enough to make it the best experience of her life thus far. She didn't need an orgasm to make this moment worth it. His awe was enough for her. Always.

Draco, on the other hand, wanted to give Hermione everything. He knew that once he sunk into her warmth, he would be lost, and their moment would be over much too quickly. He knew it would cause her pain, instead of the overwhelming pleasure he would experience. That didn't sit well with him at all, so he focused all of his attention on her. He would bring Hermione to her pinnacle before going any further.

With feather-light kisses to her bare and heaving breasts, he snaked his hand down the curves of her body. Once he found her slick, wet heat, he began a dance they knew instinctively. Push in, pull out. Draco worked her body into a frenzy with gentle circles against that spot, and slow open-mouthed kisses against her skin. He could feel her coming undone around his fingers and as much as he wanted to be inside, he knew that this moment would be over too soon once he was. He never wanted this to end.

"Please," Hermione whimpered. "Draco. Now."

All he could offer was a nod while moving himself to her entrance. He was nervous and excited, and more in love with the woman beneath him than he had words to express.

Twin gasps echoed throughout the room as he slipped inside her. She was tight, wet and so, so warm. Draco's deep groan was enough to negate any discomfort on Hermione's part. His face, tight with restraint and pleasure was truly a sight to behold. Hermione would never, ever tire of seeing him just like this.

It was too much. Draco could still feel her inner muscles trembling from the orgasm his fingers wrought from her. When she moved to wrap her legs around his waist, and he slipped further, deeper inside of her, he swore he could see stars behind his eyelids.

"Hermione," he breathed against her lips. It was her. All of her. And he could never, ever let her go. Not after this.

The moment lasted forever within the expanse of minutes. All pushing, pulling, mouths and tongues. His grunts met her sighs and they were lost in the joy of each other.

Hermione swore, a breathy moan escaping her lips when his rhythm faltered and his face reflected his sweet release. Draco had never looked so beautiful. She knew she would live for that expression all the days of her life.

Minutes or hours later, when Draco could finally breathe once again, he rested his sweaty forehead against her sternum and held onto her with all his strength. He couldn't let her go; he needed her to keep him tethered to this world.

"I love you," he murmured against her damp skin. "I love you."

He had no other words.

Hermione didn't need any other words, "I love you, too. So much."