AN: This is a word of fiction using the characters from Harry Potter that are trademarked by J.K. Rowling
The dim glow from the streetlamp outside illuminated the room through the curtains of Tonks' home. Harry sat on the edge of the sofa, a heavy sigh escaped him when he looked over at Tonks. Her purple hair shined brightly and the mischievous grin that he had come to love lit up her face.
She was leaning casually against the kitchen counter and Harry felt the distance as an ache in his chest. The air between them felt charged with a different tension that hadn't been there before.
Harry knew this was his fault. They had both agreed to their current arrangement. No feeling. No strings. It was supposed to be a way to connect and feel human after a long and tedious war that had taken far took many lives.
"I don't think I can do this anymore, Dora" Harry finally admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and longing.
Tonks glanced up, her eyes met Harry's. There was a brief pause and then she sighed, as if she had been expecting this moment.
"You're right," she said, her tone carrying a hint of resignation, "I guess this couldn't last forever."
Harry nodded, his gaze dropped to the floor, and he struggled to find the right words, "It's not that I'm not enjoying it. We both know I do," he said, "But…I've…" he struggled.
Tonks studied him for a moment before she interrupted his stuttered words, "I get it," she said quietly.
Harry took a deep breath, the weight of his decision settled heavily on his shoulders, but he said nothing more. There was nothing more to be said. It was over and he only hoped that he could push his feelings down enough that they could at least continue their friendship. He didn't want to lose his best friend on top of everything else.
The silence stretched between them, and Harry felt a mix of relief and regret. He knew he made the right choice but that didn't stop the ache.
Tonks cleared her throat and once Harry locked eyes with her he saw that her mischievous grin was back in place, "One last time?"
Harry paused, surprise evident on his face, "uh…"
Tonks just grinned playfully, "One more time, for old times' sake," she said as she started to slowly unbutton her top.
Harry gulped as more of her soft skin came into view. He was torn between the logical decision he made and the allure of one more fleeting moment with Tonks. Finally, he found himself nodding, "One more time."
The atmosphere in the room shifted as Tonks smirked and closed the distance between them.
Word Count: 441 Words
Challenges/Prompts:
Wicked Web – Harry/Nymphadora, Relationship: 12. Friends w/ Benefits
Build-A-Bear – Step 2: 6. Purple