Love For Blood

Chapter Twenty

"You know, I was all cool with the whole blood exchange thing, but this is too far," Blaise nodded with a smirk as Ron ranted. Ron paused briefly to take a sip of the hot chocolate he was holding in his gloved hands before continuing.

"I mean, him taking blood from my best mate is one thing, but now he has the audacity to take up his Hogsmeade weekend. That's supposed to be time to spend with, oh I don't know, me!" Ron waved around a free hand as he talked as if trying to explain how upset he was with his hand. Suddenly, he looked towards Blaise, "Don't you agree?"

"Oh yeah, totally bonkers," Blaise shook his head with a disappointed tone, but the fond smirk on his face betrayed his words.

"Hey, I'm serious!" Ron pouted, burying his chin deeper into his Gryffindor scarf wrapped around his neck for warmth. They were walking through Hogsmeade, both being ditched by their friends for someone else.

"Is it such a bloody crime to want to walk enjoy the day with my best mate?" Ron looked down at the ground with a frown as Blaise took a sip of his coffee. Ron's head snapped up and he spluttered, "N-No offense or anything! It's just-"

"None was taken. Don't worry about it," Blaise chuckled. An embarrassed blush covered Ron's already cold flushed face. Ron talked idly as they walked. Blaise would sometimes add a thought or laugh at something Ron said.

"So, if not Harry, why not come with Hermione?" Blaise raised an eyebrow. Ron frowned, clutching his drink harder.

"She's always running off with her secret girlfriend. Won't even tell us who she is. I guess it really isn't any of our business. Just sometimes... it makes me feel like they're moving on without me. That, maybe, they've forgotten about me," Ron's voice lowered to a whisper. Blaise's eyes widened at the sudden confession.

"Hey, I'm positive they would never forget about you," Blaise tried to comfort him, but Ron simply turned away. "Look at me."

Ron begrudgingly met his eyes, a frown planted firmly on his face. Blaise sighed, reaching his free hand forward to cup Ron's cheek. The redhead immediately blushed but didn't move a muscle, his eyes stubbornly locked to Blaise's.

"Even if by some insane, illogical force they ever forgot about you, I'd always be here for you. No matter what, I'd never forget about you," Blaise's eyes trailed between Ron's azure ones.

"Thank you, Blaise. I... I wouldn't forget about you either," Ron stuttered with an awkward smile, but his eyes gave off a warm embrace. Blaise was sure if he kept starring at them he'd say something cringy about getting lost in them. So instead, he smiled and removed his hand, facing towards the shops.

"Okay, you said you needed something for Harry. Why don't we check out the quidditch shop?" Blaise asked with a lighthearted chuckle.

"Yeah, actually! That's a good idea," Ron smiled brightly, their previous conversation temporarily forgotten. Blaise let himself be dragged into the quaint shop, the bell letting out a small jangle as they entered.

"Welcome, tell me if you need anything," the cashier smiled brightly at them. Ron smiled back just as brightly.

"Okay!" Ron called as he dragged Blaise to the quidditch glove section. They came in many different sizes, colors, and fabrics.

Ron flipped through some of the gloves, his brow knit together in concentration. He found a deep black leather pair, plucking it off the rack.

It was non-slip, and Ron laughed to himself remembering just how much Harry falls from his broom. They had a light gold and emerald finish, subtle enough that no one would really question it. Ron was sure Harry would love them. Not to mention that they were almost the exact amount of money he had split for Harry's gift.