A/N: With this story, I officially pass the 100,000 words threshold on . There were definitely times I didn't think I'd get here, but I'm very glad to have made it this far. Here's to the next 100,000.
tocar el violin - (idm.) a person who uncomfortably accompanies an amorous couple [chilean spanish]
It wasn't that Ron minded accompanying Harry and Ginny on their vacation. He just wished that Ginny was a bit more mindful of being in public, and a bit less handsy when Ron happened to be nearby. He could forgive their activities by the pool, and on the beach; those were places where that kind of thing was almost encouraged, after all. And sure, he couldn't really fault them for testing just how well the silencing charms on their suite were working (very well, except for the first night where their bedroom door was left slightly ajar and rendered the charms utterly useless, even across the spacious common area).
But it seemed as though every bend in the road, every cafe, every nook and cranny of the city where they could steal a moment, all of them had to spark a fresh public display. Even a subtle reminder that he was standing right there only prompted a pair of smirks, followed by yet another attempt by Ginny to stick her tongue as far down Harry's throat as she could. It was beginning to drive him mad, not the least of which because he was going without.
A glance away from the sickeningly sweet couple at his left hand did bring a brief smile to his face. Marrying Hermione was one of the smartest things he'd ever done; conversely, leaving her behind from this vacation after "something important came up at the Ministry, and you know they'll just talk it to death if I'm not there to guide them" may have been the dumbest. Yes, of course, her work was very important, and the flunkies assigned to her department did have issues properly presenting her proposals to the Minister, but they had been planning this couples' vacation for an entire year, and it was impossible to rearrange the trip at the last minute. If they had stayed closer to home, Hermione could have Apparated to work for a couple of hours, then come back and relaxed for a while, but her desire to see new places had led them to pick Naples, Italy, and even powerful witches and wizards couldn't make trips of 1000 kilometers or more without experiencing some serious power drain. Naples being twice far that ruled out even making the attempt.
Dinner that evening was somewhat subdued, as the maitre d had warned the blissfully happy Ginny and Harry that any funny business in their booth would lead to an immediate ejection from the restaurant. This also finally allowed the couple to notice that their friend and brother wasn't having nearly the amount of fun on this vacation they were. A whispered conversation was held entirely without drawing Ron's notice, and after dinner, Ginny announced she would be going to the hotel pool, and she was not to be disturbed for at least 30 minutes.
"Ron, are you all right, mate?" asked Harry softly. "You've barely said a word to us today."
Ron sighed and stared at his hand. "I thought taking time off would be great, but it's not the same without Hermione. I can't help but think how much she really wanted to see all this, and yet she's the one who had to stay behind."
Harry nodded; this was the explanation he and Ginny had expected. "You know, we wouldn't be offended if you wanted head home to her. I'll cover your flight home, and when the two of you have the time, I'll make sure you get the same package that we'd planned, but for just you two. You deserve it, she deserves it, and you'll enjoy it a lot more without having to watch us, I'm sure." A crooked grin accompanied the last; a pillow tossed at him confirmed his statement completely.
Ron stood, then enveloped his brother-in-law in a hug. "Thanks, Harry. I wasn't going to say anything, but I appreciate the offer. I'll make sure I'm out of here tonight, and I'll let Hermione know about the rest when I get back. Try not to have too much fun without me here, y'know?"
Harry grinned widely, very glad that Ron hadn't ever bothered learning Legilimency. "I think we'll manage. Give her our love, and we'll see you late next week. Kreacher's been trying out new soup recipes again, and I think he's hit on a winner. Dinner when we get back?"
Ron smiled. "Sounds great. Til then." He began packing his bag, allowing Harry to go catch up with his bride. A quick call to the airline got his return ticket changed, and the red-eye had him home in time to snuggle with a sleeping Hermione before she went to work. It wasn't the vacation he'd expected to have, but as he'd found out in Italy, spending time with his wife anywhere was much nicer than being anywhere without her.