Excuses, Excuses
Author's Note: Originally published on January 23, 2010
"But Hermione," Ron whinged, "it's horrible outside."
Her hands flew to her hips and she glared at him. "Apparition, Ron. Perhaps you've heard of it? Do you have any other sorry excuses for not wanting to spend Christmas Eve with my parents?"
"Standing like that isn't helping," he replied with a wink.
Hermione's jaw dropped in disbelief. "Being randy is not an excuse!"
He wrapped a reassuring arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple. "Course not. If it was I'd never get anything done… I'm always randy around you."
She looked up to see him nodding, a crooked grin on his face. Shrugging out of his loose grip, she tried to hide her smile, not wanting to give him the satisfaction.
"That's not funny, Ron."
"Then why are you smiling, love? You know it's true."
"Oh hush. We can't skip another family event because of your... needs."
"My needs? We missed Percy's birthday because you couldn't keep your hands off me." His eyes glassed over and he had a dreamy look on his face. "That was a fun night."
She shook off that pleasant memory. "Stop trying to distract me, Ron."
He ran a hand through his ginger hair. "C'mon Hermione, between all the work and family functions, we've barely had any time to ourselves lately. We're spending all of tomorrow at the Burrow, and we just saw your folks two days ago."
She frowned, a hurt look crossing her face. "I thought you liked my family."
He grabbed her hands between his. "Your parents are brilliant."
"Then?"
"Come with me for a minute, yeah?"
She nodded her consent and he pulled her gently towards a nearby window. Hugging her from behind, he leaned down and whispered in her ear.
"Tell me what you see."
"Blowing snow, ice, and frost. It's called a snowstorm for a reason, Ron."
He illuminated a nearby lamp before resuming his spot behind her. "Look again."
Despite her confusion, she stared at the pane of glass. The addition of the light in the background changed the image in front of her.
"Tell me what you see now."
"I see us, reflected in the glass." She watched his mirror image lean forward and she felt the brush of warm lips.
"Exactly. The only way I want to spend this cold and snowy night is with you, and only you. Why can't we snuggle together on the sofa, in front of the fire under your favourite blanket, and fall asleep in each other's arms?"
She turned in his arms, placing her hands on his cheeks. "You can be so sweet sometimes."
"Is that a yes?"
"Yes."
"Wicked."
Returning to the room after informing her parents, Hermione was met by Ron. He was holding open the blanket invitingly, his long frame stretched across the sofa. She slid in next to him and, after a few minutes of cuddling, whispers, and feather-light kisses, sighed.
"Mmm... this is wonderful, Ron."
"I'm still randy, you know."
"Don't push your luck."