A Quiet Evening

Author's Note: Originally published on November 25, 2009

Hermione could hear the wireless in the other room as she entered the darkened hallway of her—their—flat. She kicked off her shoes and sighed in relief as her aching feet sunk into the plush carpet.

She fiddled with her ring for a moment, a habit she'd fallen into since Ron, on bended knee, had put it on her finger that memorable night three weeks ago. She gingerly padded to the living room, scolding under her breath upon spotting his bare feet on the coffee table. Her expression softened when she took in the sight of her adorable fiancé.

Hermione couldn't help but smile at the content look on his face as he dozed in the corner of the sofa, his head tipped back and his light snores mingling with the Weird Sisters tune in the background. She spent a minute studying him, from the baggy plaid pyjama bottoms to the garish orange tee shirt bunched around the waistline of his slumped form. Spending time with Ron before had been fantastic, but coming home to him was indescribable.

She wordlessly turned off the wireless and he started with a yawn, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

"Long day?" he asked groggily as he struggled to sit up. "You look knackered."

"I haven't had a break all day."

"Come here, love."

She limped over and collapsed into his lap, loving the feeling of his comforting arms around her. He kissed the top of her head and gently rubbed her back.

"Hungry? I made some dinner. You probably didn't eat much today if you were that busy."

"Not yet," she mumbled into his chest, gripping him tighter in appreciation of his thoughtfulness.

She felt his hand trail down her leg and begin rubbing her tired feet.

"Better?"

"Oh, that feels wonderful, Ron."

She reached up and pulled his head down for leisurely kiss.

"Mmm... my pleasure. A bloke could get used to this."

"What's that?"

"Holding you every night. I should have done this earlier."

"Given me a foot massage?"

He chuckled. "No, move in."

"You know I wanted you to."

Ron grabbed Hermione's hand and kissed the ring on her finger. "I know I was being a little old-fashioned, but I wanted to wait until we were engaged."

She ran a fingertip down his jaw line. "I understand, Ron. I just always hated it when you left at night. I happen to like waking up next to you."

He kissed her soundly. "I can't think of anything better. Have I mentioned how brilliant this is, just the two of us?"

"Yes," she laughed, "every day for the past three weeks."

"And I'm going to keep telling you, every day for the rest of our lives."

"I'll hold you to that, Ron."

"Good, I'm counting on it. Now, it's time to eat... I have a feeling you'll need your strength tonight," he said before kissing her neck.

She moaned. "I'll hold you to that, Ron."

"Good, I'm counting on it."