Accepting What's Offered
As Hermione looked into Severus' eyes, she knew she should be thankful for what she had. After all, she was lucky Severus treated her with such patience and kindness.
The situation could certainly be worse.
But whether it was overactive hormones or Hermione's genuine feelings, she still felt an emptiness inside her that she knew would never be filled.
Hermione weakly smiled at Severus. He did try hard to please her and to look after her and her recent crazy demands.
Hermione may not love Severus but she certainly couldn't mistake a sudden wave of tenderness towards him as dislike.
….
I don't like the way that last sentence is worded, but whatever. He he.
Just had a panic attack that I had lost a few pages but realized I had just overlooked them. Whew!
Hope you liked!