Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing of hers!

Chapter 21

Two week passed. Fourteen full days without them talking. Of course, they had occasional conversations; mainly about what the plan was for the following day. But, every time Ron had tried to pull Hermione aside to talk to him alone, she would say how tired she was, or that she needed to be somewhere. Ron was at his wits end. He had no idea how long it would take her to adjust to her new position. It was a very high ranking job, so he knew that came with much work, but on the weekend, and all through the week he would pick Rose up from his mother and care for her that evening. Hermione arriving just in time to put her in a bath, and head to bed. Then, the next morning, she'd be ready and gone by the time Ron woke up. He was so confounded by the sudden change in behavior. He thought they were getting close again, yet that kiss they shared faded further into the distance. Ron knew it needed to end once and for all. He would sit her down and explain everything, and talk it out. Couldn't they do that?

He woke early the next morning, hoping to get to Hermione before she went to work, making sure they had a set time for that evening to talk. As he approached her door he heard the shower running and Rose talking quietly. He opened the door and saw his daughter sitting up in her cot, with her dummy still between her teeth; she'd been reluctant to give it up lately, looking at a picture book.

"Daddy!" She said sleepily, rubbing her eyes. He chuckled slightly at her wild curls flailing in all directions. He bent down and picked her up, giving her a kiss on the head. He placed her on his hip, as she leaned back a bit, looking down at her cot, and reaching one arm in the same direction.

"Book, daddy," She straightened herself and looked at Ron, trusting him to do what she asked. He reached in and collected the book that was lying in the tot's cot. He smiled as he recognized his daughter's favorite story; the one he read to her most often. Even though it was a muggle fairy tale, he was sure he could recite it by heart. He handed his daughter the book, which was in excellent condition, considering how often it was used.

He laid his daughter on the bed and began to change her nappy, and into day clothes as Rose looked through the book. As soon as she was in nothing but her nappy, she rolled onto her belly, still enchanted by the book, and making it more difficult for Ron to finish changing her. He had just finished snapping on some yellow sandals, upside down he might add, when Rose spoke, muffled through her dummy.

"Mummy," Ron's brow creased as he still heard the shower running and didn't see Hermione. Also, noting that Rose said it as a statement, not in excitement as she usually did.

"What Rosie?" Ron asked, hoping his two-year-old could clarify. She rubbed her hand as gently as she could along the page displaying the main female character in a blue dress, reading in a meadow. Her deep brown hair was swirling in the wind on the page.

"Mummy," She repeated, this time turning her head to look at Ron. He could certainly see the similarities between the two. Brown hair, dark eyes, loved to read, both beautiful... something the characters in the stories mentioned. Hell, her name meant Beauty... Ron could absolutely see why Rose thought of her that way. Perhaps, that's why it was her favorite.

"That does look like Mummy. You're right."

Rose studied Ron for a moment, making Ron unsure what was happening. Suddenly, she flipped through the book as fast as her little hands could filter through the pages. She stopped when she was on the second to last page. Where the beast in the story had changed back into the prince, all because he had found someone who could love him. On the page, that Rose had now put her chubby palm over, the prince and Belle shared a kiss.

"Daddy," Rose smiled as she said the word, at first only looking at the illustration she held her hand over, tracing slowly. Then, she looked over at Ron to make sure he heard. Ron examined the character deemed to be the prince. He was taller than Belle, muscular, had cerulean blue eyes, and shaggy red hair. Once again, he could see how Rose would make the comparison. Especially since, for basically the entire story, the prince had been a monster.

"You ready for breakfast love?" He asked his darling daughter, who nodded her head in confirmation. He gathered her in his hold and as he turned he noticed something glowing on the night stand.

He approached it and saw a copy of the Daily Prophet open to one of the inner pages of available estates. Several of the properties were circled and a few were crossed out afterwards. Then there sat a glowing circle on a flat just a few blocks south of where Ron lived. Scribbled by the circle were the numbers 5:00.

Ron's stomach clenched. Was this what she had been doing? Trying to find another place to live? Ron was debating if he had the right to feel betrayed when the shower shut off. Ron continued out of the room with his daughter in hand to fix breakfast.

Rose was munching happily on some toast and fruit while Ron was leaning forward in his chair as he attempted to feed her some yogurt, when Hermione came through the bedroom door.

He was still not used to Hermione dressing so professionally. She typically wore pencil skirts with traditional blouses, or work appropriate dresses, and she was almost always in heels. Her hair was consistently tamed, pinned back, or wrapped in a tight bun. It was so unlike how he used to see it; how he preferred to see it. He shook the thought from his head and recalled what he was to ask her. She walked quickly in the room, giving Rose a quick peck on the head, as she continued into the kitchen to grab a piece of toast and a cup of tea.

"How late will you be working tonight?" Ron asked, secretly hoping that she'd tell him the truth. He tried spooning another bit of yogurt into Rose's mouth, with the intent of getting in its destination, and not all over her fresh clothing.

"Probably late," Hermione shrugged a bit, as she examined her toast and took another bite. After Rose had successfully taken her spoonful, Ron looked over at Hermione, with an eyebrow raised.

"A time would be helpful."

She signed, and Ron could tell she was attempting to keep from rolling her eyes.

"I still need to talk with you," He mentioned. She shakily, though she tried to hide it, took a sip of tea and cleared her throat.

"Not sure. Maybe 7:00? It depends on if I get paperwork back in a timely manner." She turned to dispose of her empty teacup in the sink.

"I'm sure if you asked Kingsley to prioritize some of it on his part, he'd do it," Ron quipped.

Hermione's back visibility seized and tensed. Ron knew then that the paperwork she was speaking about was not for her new position.

"That way you could spend more time with Rose," He added, hoping to guilt her further.

She carefully readjusted the teacup in the sink, buying her time to answer, and turned around, toying with one of her earrings.

"I couldn't do that, Ron. He's a busy man, and I can't ask him to prioritize me. I'm sure things will slow down soon enough." Hermione walked to the bedroom, returned with her cloak, kissed Rose on the head while caressing her cheek, and with a quick goodbye, was gone.

Ron sat back in his chair, feeling defeated by what he had discovered that morning. On top of that, she didn't even tell him what was really happening when he asked this morning. She lied to him. Ron was upset. He looked at the young girl in front of him, who was contently chewing a ripe red strawberry. She smiled luminously at him, showing her small teeth, and the chewed-up strawberry filling her small mouth. He knew he couldn't do it.

He couldn't let either one of them go. The only reason he could let Hermione go, is if she was happier without him: and that would take a lot of self-control on his part. But, looking at the child in front of him, his daughter, a living being that he helped create: he knew there was no letting her go. He knew now that Hermione wouldn't leave with her forever. But, could he handle only seeing her every other day? Or for a few days at a time, and then not seeing her while she was at her mum's? Ron couldn't imagine it. It wasn't right. Not when Hermione was the only person he had ever loved. She still had his heart to this day. That was now shared with the little one in front of him. Ron decided then that they were talking tonight. He would make it happen.

It was it was 5:00 when Hermione looked up at the clock from her desk. "Damn." She muttered as she piled the remaining paperwork in a system on her desk. Since it was a magical flat, the estate agent just had to take down the wards surrounding it, without actually being there with her. Even so, being late was unlike Hermione. She grabbed her bag, and apparated from her office, to the alleyway closest to the property. She walked the two blocks to a street which was lined with tall trees and rosebushes. The right side of the street was full of complexes, while the left had a few small shops including a tea shop, and a bakery. It was in a muggle part of town, but the complex on the right was magical. She walked a bit further, checking for the correct flat number. She stopped as she reached a large navy blue building with a canary yellow front door.

"Wow." She breathed. The building was massive, but it came highly recommended, so she decided to have a look at it.

"That's was my first reaction as well." Hermione was startled when she heard a male voice she was very familiar with. She quickly turned around, and on a bench just beside the sidewalk, sat Ron. Hermione stood staring at him, with wide eyes, and her mouth hanging open, completely shocked. "It's a bit big, don't you think?" Ron stood and walked toward the building. When Hermione stayed stationary in her previous position, only moving to watch Ron walk up the steps toward the door, Ron turned around and looked at her curiously.

"Well are you going to go in or not?" He gave a slight laugh. Hermione snapped out of her shock.

"What are you doing here?" She whispered, not that there was anyone around to listen. Ron placed his hands in his pockets and looked back at Hermione.

"I figured if you're taking my daughter away from me I should see where she's going." Ron shrugged as he said it, reminding him of how nonchalant she was about lying to him that morning. "Are we going in or not? It's bloody hot out here." Hermione made her way up the steps and muttered the password as she tapped the handle just as the estate agent had told her.

They entered into a grand entry way. Crisp white marble lined the floor, and led to wide stairway onto the second floor. To the left was a dining room with a massive chandelier lighting the room. Ron walked in with echoing steps as Hermione closed the door just after he entered it.

"Hmm," Ron hummed. "Not really what I thought you'd go for." He thought aloud, as he ran his hand over the metal banister. However, Hermione couldn't listen to what he was saying, as his words from before were still ringing in her head.

"I'm not taking her away Ron." Hermione spoke. Ron continued to walk through the dining room into a large kitchen with dark cabinetry. He opened one of the cabinets and looked inside, slightly knocking on the wood.

"Aren't you though? You're moving, and you're taking Rose with you." Ron opened a few of the drawers and checked the depth, without even looking at her. "These aren't the good kind of wood. They'll chip within a week of a toddler living here. Not much storage either. They look nice, but the depth isn't there." Hermione was perplexed by his analysis of the cabinetry instead of their actual conversation.

"But, I'm not taking her far. It's not like we're going to America. We will still be here." Hermione countered, not even caring about the house anymore.

"Doesn't matter. I won't be seeing her every day. You'll have your days, and I'll have mine. I have worked with muggles who are like that. It is miserable. She will never have her parents together. She doesn't deserve that Hermione." Ron continued to walk through the house, leaving a delayed Hermione behind in the kitchen. "A bathroom just off the kitchen? That's manky." Ron commented, his voice booming in the hollow house.

"Ron will you stop walking away and talk to me?" Hermione said exasperated. She heard footsteps approach the kitchen once more. Ron came into view. He leaned against the wall with his shoulder and crossed his arms. "Isn't that what you've been doing to me for the past few weeks? Now you want to talk?" Hermione puffed out a breath, starting to become angry.

"Fine. Let's go have this talk." Hermione turned on her heel and started walking toward the entrance. Ron had to jog for a moment to catch up with her.

"Don't you want to see the rest of the flat?" Ron questioned. Hermione shook her head in negative.

"I knew once I walked in that it's not for me." She opened the door and moved her hand to show Ron out. Once they were both on the porch once more, Hermione tapped her wand against the handle whispering the password again. She quickly walked down the steps as Ron followed her into the alleyway.

"Ready?" She asked him. He nodded, and she quickly snatched his wrist and Apparated them back to his flat. The moment they landed she let go of his wrist and walked to the end of the sofa and sat down. Ron slowly made his way to one of the padded chairs to give her some space. He sat on the edge and placed his elbows on his knees with his hands clasped in front of him.

"You've been avoiding this for a while now." He mentioned, adjusting in his seat slightly.

Hermione bit her bottom lip. "I haven't been looking to have my heart broken again." She looked down at her hands as she twisted them together. Ron was surprised why she had thought that.

"Does this talk have to do with Isla Hawkins?" She sniffed and glanced up at Ron. He sat shocked at her question. That was all the confirmation she needed. She nodded a few times, looking back down at her hands.

"How did you know?" Ron asked, still slightly in awe at Hermione knowing the reason for their talk.

"I went to see you after our meeting with Kinsley. The two of you were talking." Ron ran a hand through his locks, leaving his hair ruffled. He rubbed the back of his neck and exhaled.

"How much did you hear?" He asked. Though she wasn't looking at him, he could still see tears pool in her eyes. She sniffled again.

"That you didn't want to tell me, but she did. That she doesn't want me to think she's a slag who steals other women's men." The tears slid down her cheek and she wiped them with the back of her hand, still not meeting Ron's gaze. He stared hard at her. 'So that is why she's been avoiding having this conversation.' He chewed on the inside of his cheek. He didn't want to have this discussion either. But, he knew it needed to happen if they were to ever move on. This was the time he laid everything on the table. He was ready to be open and raw with her. Maybe then she would realize that he wasn't hiding anything anymore.

"Hermione, all I ask is that you listen to what I have to say. You can ask anything you want and I'll answer it truthfully. But, I really need you to listen; even if it's hard to hear." He looked at her for a response. She was nibbling on her lip still wringing her hands together, and noticed her breathing picked up slightly, as tears slid down her face. Fearful of another panic attack, Ron stood and sat carefully beside the brunette.

"Hermione?" He asked, hoping for a reply. She nodded her head marginally. He internally sighed a breath of relief. Now wracking his brain for a good place to start.

"You remember how I tried to find you in America?" She nodded her head more confidently this time. "Well, when I couldn't find you, I…" He leaned forward as he did when he was in the other chair. "I didn't make good choices. One of those choices was to drink. A lot. I mean, unless I was at work, I was drinking. And not just that," Ron rambled. "But, I would drink until I couldn't remember what day it was. I was a drunk."

Ron hung his head, obviously ashamed of admitting this to the woman he loved. "I did it because it was excruciatingly painful to live without you Mione. I needed you; I couldn't function without you here. It hurt… and I, I just couldn't take it. So, I did the one things that I knew could to… I dunno… numb it I guess." He glanced up at the woman he loved who was still as she was before. While more tears continued to fall from her face. Ron cleared his throat, trying to dissipate the lump that had formed there. Figuring that the background was done, he could actually get to what he needed to tell her.

"A few months back, I went to the pub, like I normally did. But, I had just come off a rough mission, and I was reckless. I drank more than I normally did, and I was just barmy. Harry had tried to stop me but I was a git to him, and didn't listen. I just kept drinking. Then, all of a sudden, Isla was there." He looked at Hermione as he said this, and saw her visibly stiffen, reaching up to wipe more tears from her eyes.

"She looked different than she usually did, and she was flirting with me." He swallowed and brushed the back of his neck, suddenly realizing how warm it felt in the room. "I lost control, and I kissed her… a lot." Ron looked at Hermione who now had her eyes closed tightly, slightly trembling.

"Then I Apparated us to my flat, and things-"

"Stop." Hermione spoke shakily. Ron watched as she looked toward the ceiling, letting the trail of tears spill down to her neck. She wiped under her eyes with both hands, and took a deep breath. Hermione pressed her lips together and turned toward Ron.

"Did you sleep with her?" Her voice came out hoarsely.

"No. No, Hermione, I didn't." He lifted his hands to place on hers but restrained himself and placed them back down. "I got carried away, losing who I was with." Hermione raised an eyebrow at this clearly confused on what he was trying to say.

"I called her Mione."

Hermione looked at Ron stunned. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was open just a bit. After a moment passed of her just staring, Ron, looking down at his clasped hands, decided it was time to continue.

"She was really hurt… as she should have been. I sobered up pretty quick after that. Realizing that, well… I guess just the magnitude of what I had done to her. I felt horrible for what I did. It should have never gone that far. No. It never even should have happened. It was wrong and a mistake. …About a month later, I finally got her to talk to me about it. She accepted my apology, but things have completely changed. She hates me now, so when you show up with no notice… I think it might have come as a shock to her." He looked back up at Hermione who wore an unreadable expression, while staring straight forward to the fireplace, away from him. He had no idea when she would come out of the fog she was in. He shifted to the low table that sat in front of them, directly in front of her view, their knees touching.

"I was going to wait for you, Mione. I didn't want to be with anyone else. If that meant that I never saw you again, well. Well, I was prepared to live my life alone. When I pictured my future, you were there. You were the one who I pictured on my wedding day, the one to carry my children, the one to be there with me until we grew old and left this Earth. I sound like a milksop, but I don't care. I pictured those times in my life, and each and every one of them revolved around you." Ron stared into Hermione's eyes, realizing that she was looking right back at him, taking in every word he was confessing. Her chocolate eyes were brimming with tears, but the emotions behind them were deep; two that Ron was relieved to recognize: love and longing.

"I love you Hermione Granger. I have loved you since before I realized what love was. I continued to love you, even after you left. I am going to love you for the rest of my life. I'm done with the games that we played, the time spent pining away at each other without saying anything, and worse, creating a distance between each other even though we know the truth. I'm done. You can know anything you want about me and I'll answer truthfully. I am done, and fully yours, love."

He finished with his voice cracking. Ron then realized that he had been crying, openly, to the woman he had confessed everything to. He continued to gaze into her eyes which were overflowing with tears. He finally broke the contact, and squeezed his lids shut as he rolled his neck out. He couldn't believe what a sap he was being. Confessing all his feelings and that fact that he was celibate the past three years would earn him ridicule if anyone else had been listening. Then fear started to set in. What if she didn't love him anymore? What if he damaged things too much? Had she met anyone in America that she loved more? What if she wasn't ready, and decided it would be easier if she and Rose just left?

It was then he felt a presence on his hands. His eyes popped open, viewing his clasped hands and saw Hermione's covering his own. He looked up at her and she gave a small smile, as her hands pulled him closer, until they traveled up his shoulders and around his back, bringing him into an embrace. A rather awkward one, as she was still sitting on the couch and Ron leaned into their hug, half standing. Hermione let out a sob and tightened her hold on his neck, bringing her closer to him. Ron, who was flushed with relief, turned her gently as he sat on the couch; she now rested on his lap. He leaned into the sofa and burrowed his face into her hair, realizing just how long it's been since they had been this close; it felt like an eternity. She continued to sob, as Ron felt him emotions come to the point where he couldn't hold it in any longer. He broke down in the embrace as well. Time passed as they both sat there sobbing; two broken people, healing together.

After a bit, Hermione pulled back and looked at Ron. Her face was rosy and puffy, her eyes, red and raw. Ron looked back at her, his face looking similar; his cerulean eyes shimmering with the tears he held. She removed her hands from around his neck and brushed her thumbs under his eyes, removing his skin of moisture the best she could. After, she gently brushed his shaggy red locks back from his forehead. Her eyes searched his face; as she did so, a huge grin graced her own. Ron smiled a crooked grin at the sight. She moved her hands to cradle his face, her right thumb lightly sweeping over his lips.

"I'm done too, Ron." Ron's grin spread further across his face as all worry and doubt left him at her words. He crossed the distance to meet her lips, which met his eagerly.

A/N: Here is your Christmas present from me! 2016 has been a difficult year for my family and I, so writing has been sort of an outlet for me. It has been nice to have such encouraging reviews to read, and support from people I don't even know. That being said, this is NOT the last chapter in this story; I still have much more planned for these three! Thank you all who have given their support, and hope you have wonderful holidays and time spent with family.

More to come,

Scarlet