The project- blairon

Chapter 22

It was- weirdly comforting, to lay on the ground like they were. Everything was less hectic and all they had to do was stare up at the sky, which right now was clouded with branches and leaves. Rays of light broke through occasionally, leaving  the ground speckled with gold. "It's beautiful today- like it's raining light." Ron spoke, more to himself than anything.  It was quiet for a moment, before Blaise replied, "You know, you don't exactly seem like the poetic type, Weasley."
"Well maybe you don't know me at all," Ron joked, "what if I'm just putting on an act- and I'm actually some sappy, romantic poet guy."
Blaise let out a laugh:"I doubt it- you're very easy to read by the way."
"No I'm not." Ron protested.
Blaise insisted,"You are- and you blush like a tomato, so that doesn't help." 

Ron didn't know what to say to that. Does he just laugh it off? Did Blaise mean it in a romantic way? Or was he just overthinking it again. He had no clue what to do- so he did nothing. Ron just laid there, frozen, staring up into the sky.

To his relief, Blaise spoke first: "Hey um- I didn't mean to say that- I know we're friends now, don't worry."
"I know you didn't mean it like that- besides, even though I hate to admit it- you're fun to hang out with." Ron smiled at this. Sure, it could be read as friendly- or reassuring; really it was just Ron trying to stop himself from ruining everything with his impulsivity. What he would give to be able to tell him everything. About how Ron could stare into his eyes forever, and never once be bored. How his smile made him feel giddy, like a little kid with a crush. How his voice sent chills down his spine and made him feel genuinely awake for once. And how Ron could listen to his laugh on repeat.

But he couldn't, and he never would. It broke his heart, but being able to be close to Blaise was enough. At least that's what he told himself, thinking about things realistically was just too painful.

Ron finally looked over at him. He must've been zoned out for a while, but Zabini didn't seem to have noticed. He was staring up still, eyes following the birds, which were darting from tree to tree, trying to find a place to settle down. Ron didn't feel like dragging the other back to reality just yet, so he began to watch too.

Birds are odd. They finally land on the perfect branch but then with a rush of feathers they're up again. Still searching and searching for something better then the last, never contempt. The sun never waits for them though, it falls under the horizon, leaving them to the dark.

Blaise sat up a little, propping himself up with his hands behind him, "We should probably start walking again, it's getting dark."
"I don't really want to go back to Hogwarts yet." Ron responded, "It's peaceful out here."
"We've got to return to reality sometime Ron." Blaise reminded. They were both standing up now. "Do we? Why can't we just stay here forever." Ron questioned.
"I want to stay too." Blaise admitted, "Some things are too good to be forever. We've got to deal with that." By now neither of them were talking about the woods anymore.
"Why? That's what I don't understand. Why do I have to settle? What's stopping us?" Ron queried. Blaise turned away: "I....I don't know- I like where we are now and don't want to ruin it. What if we mess it up, like before?" 

Ron put his hand on Blaise's wrist and turned him back to face him: "What If we don't? What if it's everything we ever wanted." Their faces inched closer and closer together until he could feel the pattern of Blaise's breath on his skin. The other's lips brushed his and sparks flew up inside of him as he leant further into the kiss. His hands landed lightly on Blaise's waist while Ron could feel arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him even closer. A little while later Blaise pulled away: "Can we just keep this between us. I don't want other people getting involved right now."
Ron spoke, "As long I'm with you, I'm happy."