Deal-Breaker [Ron Weasley]

18. Apologies

A/N: this chapter is dedicated to Tory022 who helped with ideas for this chapter!! <3

also this was inspired by taylor swift's song "the way i loved you" so... :)

"Ron?" I asked, approaching him slowly as I stepped out into the storm . His hair was so drenched that water was falling rapidly on to his forehead, but he barely seemed to notice. His white T-shirt was so wet it was see-through and plastered to his pale skin. His expression was slightly nervous and full of anticipation as I neared him, like he was dying to tell me something but had to restrain himself from just blurting it out. "What's going on?" I asked skeptically, taking a few final steps toward him. "Why did Fred and George call me—"

Before I could get the full question out, his hands were on either side of my face. He stared at me a moment, his eyes quickly studying my expression. His hands were cold and wet as his fingers pressed into my skin, and I was unsure of how to respond. But before I could make any decisions, he pulled me toward him impatiently, and kissed me.

It took me a moment to process what was happening.

The kiss was so unexpected and impulsive and fervent. Chills traveled down my spine and I had to regain my balance while my knees no longer supported the rest of me. I clung on to him as if he were the only other living being in the world, craving his touch. His right hand left the side of my face and grazed softly under my jaw, tilting my head up to be level with his. My heart was fervidly pressed to his, and we were both aware of the other's thumping so hopelessly.

He pulled away for a moment, his eyelashes clumped together from the rain with the biggest grin on his face. "I love you," he said quietly, our faces still only mere inches apart.

My heart was beating so loudly I could hear it and the butterflies that filled my stomach was unlike any feeling I've experienced before.

"You... you hardly remember me," I stammered, desperately trying to catch my breath and process what had just happened while his eyes poured into mine.

"Hermione explained everything," he sighed breathlessly, his eyes dropping to the wet grass below our feet. I followed his gaze and looked down too, noticing just how drenched his socks and shoes were. I wonder how long he's been standing out here in the pouring rain just waiting for me.

"But you've been avoiding me?" I inquired further, still putting the pieces together. Even though I was confused, I couldn't help the smile that was imprinted on my lips. The corners of my mouth were beginning to ache.

"I had to," he admitted almost shamefully, his hot, breathy words made visible by the contrasting cold air. "I had to remember you."

I shook my head slowly, not understanding what he was getting at, and he laughed softly.

"Hermione told me the only way to remember memories you've been obliviated of is through torture," he explained, using his hands as he spoke. "And avoiding you..." he began. "That was torture."

It was freezing outside and we were both thoroughly soaked, but the warmth that consumed my body was overpowering all outside temperatures.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked. "I thought you hated me—"

"I'm sorry," he breathed, not letting me finish. "I couldn't tell you. If you knew, it would've been so much harder to stay away," he sighed. "It was easier if you thought I was mad."