Fresh
Author's Note: Originally published on September 22, 2024
"You cut your hair!"
The echoed expression bounced around The Burrow's kitchen as the two young adults entered from opposite ends of the room and froze, the same jaw-dropping expressions on their faces as they surveyed one another.
Ron was the first to break out of the trance as he strode toward Hermione, a grin on his face. He ruffled his shortened hair as he neared her.
Self-consciously, Hermione patted her head before starting to babble. "I know it's a change, but it was such a mess after this year, and the Fiendfyre burnt it, so it really needed to be cleaned up. Fleur helped me shape it, and with the funerals coming up..."
Ron reached out and tugged gently at a wavy lock framing her face, silencing her. His sincere blue eyes found her brown ones and her worried expression softened from the sheer awe in his expression. "You look... you are beautiful."
Hermione let out a squeak as Ron pulled her into a tight hug, his large hand rubbing up and down her back. "I know that must have been difficult for you. One time, in the summer between third and fourth year, you told me your hair was the only memorable thing about you. I happen to disagree."
She squeezed him back, overwhelmed from the fact that he'd called her beautiful. It wasn't a word she applied to herself, except when he looked at her like he just had. Then she felt it.
Her voice was muffled in his chest. "I can't believe you remember that."
"Despite what you think, I do listen to you... most of the time."
He let out a laugh as Hermione's fingers reached up and brushed through Ron's ginger locks. She could do that now, after years of holding herself back. The sides and back of his head had been shaved down, and the top was combed back in a pompadour style. He closed his eyes and let out a delightful hum.
She pulled back, still in his arms, and continued to leisurely run her fingers through the copper strands. "Your mum did a nice job."
Ron opened his eyes and snorted, his mouth twisting into a smile. "She threatened to do it, but it was Charlie of all people. I guess he learned the spells at the dragon reserve, since they have to keep their hair short. He said it'd impress... my... my girlfriend."
Her smile widened at the word, the playful lilt in her voice unmistakable. "Is that what I am?"
"Look, I know we haven't had a chance to talk about what we are now, but I've kissed you fourteen times in the past forty-eight hours, so I think that makes me your boyfriend."
"That's quite an assumption, without asking properly." She pecked him on the lips. "Fifteen times now."
He shook his head, but the corner of his lips lifted up. "Why must you be so difficult? Hermione Granger, will you be my girlfriend?"
She closed her eyes and stilled, causing him to frown.
"What?"
"I'm just savouring the moment. I've been waiting for this for years."
"Don't make me bloody regret it."
Hermione opened her eyes and lightly punched him on the arm. "Let me enjoy this."
He waited about five seconds. "So?"
She rolled her eyes. "Yes, I'll be your girlfriend."
"Good." He pulled her into a deep kiss, leaving them both panting.
His cheeks reddened as his eyes searched hers. "Can I confess something that might make me sound like a git?"
"I'm not going to make fun of you, I'm not one of your brothers or Ginny."
"Thank Merlin for that."
She rolled her eyes again as he continued. "I know it's mental, but I'm going to miss your wild, bushy hair. It was the first thing I noticed about you. I always imagined running my hands through it, if or when we kissed."
Her hands flew to her head again and she frowned. "You don't like it."
He grabbed her hands and placed them around his waist. Cradling her face, his thumbs gently brushed her cheeks, coaxing her to look at him once again. "No, no. I meant what I said, it's just something I'll need to get used to, that's all. You're still you and you're so beautiful, Hermione. I've been wanting to tell you that for ages. I came close so many times."
"Really?"
"Really."
Ron leaned down again, their breath mingling for a second before he pressed his lips to hers, kissing her softly as if trying to convey something his clunky words couldn't. Hermione kissed him back, as if acknowledging his dismay but tempering that with how he actually felt about her.
They heard a sniffle and they quickly broke apart to find Molly mopping her eyes with an old handkerchief.
"Alright, mum?"
The elder witch nodded. "It's nice to see the two of you together, after all this time. I always knew Ron liked you, Hermione. I'm glad he finally did something about it."
Ron groaned and smacked his forehead. "Mum!"
Hermione smiled, but couldn't help herself. "If you must know, Mrs. Weasley, I kissed him first."
Ron smacked his head again, while Molly let out a laugh, shocking herself. The sound was welcome after two sombre days. "That does not surprise me in the least, dear."
Ron grabbed Hermione's hand and dragged her to the back door, while she giggled at his embarrassment. His voice was rough through his gritted teeth. "Would you care to go outside, girlfriend?"
"I'd love to, boyfriend." Hermione waved at Molly as they exited the kitchen and made their way toward a small pond, their joined hands swinging between them as they slowed to a comfortable, unhurried stroll.
Ron let out a loud groan. "You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"
She grinned. "Not anytime soon."