Chapter 8 – Kissing
Hermione and Severus sat on her bed and watched a film on her laptop.
"What would a normal date for university students look like?" he had asked her.
It had been strange at first and he had looked rather uncomfortable sitting on her bed but with time they had eased into it, and she had the courage to lean against his side while he put his arm around her.
They watched Sense and Sensibility, one of Hermione's favourite films and since Severus had read the book a few years ago, he was interested in the film version.
Hermione couldn't really concentrate on the film, however. Being so close to Severus, feeling his hand caressing her upper arm, made her heart race so loud she was sure he must hear it. She looked up at him, his face only illuminated by the laptop light, and marvelled at the sight.
He gave her a glance with a nervous smile, which she found endearing.
Slowly she raised her head and kissed his neck.
He looked at her surprised, his pulse quickening.
She kept his glance, her eyes moving quickly over his eyes, nose, and lips, most of all his lips. She desperately wanted to kiss him but was unsure about his reaction. They had progressed well together, so she didn't want to scare him off.
It was therefore to her great joy when he slowly moved towards her, only shortly hesitating, and kissed her.
Hermione sighed into him and moved her lips slowly.
He copied her, his hands holding her head for a better angle.
And so they kissed for quite a while, the movie completely forgotten, before they stopped for air.
He looked at her uncertainly, so she tried to ease his mind by smiling and caressing his cheek. "That was wonderful," she admitted quietly.
"It was," he replied a bit breathless, then his lips were on hers once more.
This made Hermione grin; it seemed he enjoyed it as much as she was, and she was glad that he wasn't hesitant anymore. This was finally happening!
"Does this mean we're officially dating now?" she asked with sparkling eyes.
"I believe it does," he smiled.
She chuckled, still having her hand on his cheek. For almost a year she had been dreaming about being so close to him and now he was finally willing to be with her. "Does that mean I'm allowed to tell people?"
He sighed. "I guess, I can't avoid it forever."
"Don't worry, it'll be fine. I won't put an announcement in the Daily Prophet although I'd like that." She grinned at him with all her happiness.
"I don't think many people will agree with you."
"I don't care. I have to be the one to like you." She gave him a kiss on his nose. "And I like everything about you. But you're right, I'll start slow. I'll start with Harry and Ron and see how that goes, alright?"
He nodded but didn't seem convinced.
Hermione wished she could fulfil his wish of secrecy but sooner or later it would cause her to lie to her friends and she didn't want to hide such an important part of her life from the people she cared about.
"May I kiss you again?" he then asked still unsure.
"Please do!" she said, and he obliged at once.