Realization

She touched his arm and laughed at something he said. Anger swirled through him like an exploding volcano rising to choke him, his hand automatically tightened around his late father's cane. From the moment Blaise had sat down next to her, she had been giving him all of her attention. He was openly flirting with her and she was not only letting him, Granger was fucking enjoying it!

Draco's scowl deepened and his free hand fisted on the leather seat, at the back of the bar. A hand on his shoulders stopped him from bolting up towards the couple. "Malfoy, stop that. You told her you were not ready for a relationship. Let her live her life."

That was not a lie. They have been on a few dates. Things had gone very well but Draco realized he wasn't ready for more so soon after his breakup with Astoria. Hermione, as usual, had been very understanding.  They agreed to stay friends and continue with their now weekly lunches but Blaise Zabini was one of the best man he knew and if he sets his eyes on Hermione, big chances are he gets her. "I will not watch her leave with Zabini, Potter! I came to protect what's mine."

No one was going to come between him and Hermione. It might have taken him some time to realize it, but he will not stand by and watch her let fucking Blaise touch her like that! No one is allowed to tuck her curls behind her ear, no one. "Does she even know that she's yours?" Ron sniggered from the other side. "Shut the bloody hell up Weasley!"

He stood abruptly, chugged his drink and walk meaningfully towards the couple at the bar. In a few strides, he was standing between the two. "Hey Draco! Blaise was telling me the funniest story!" She said a little bit too happily for his taste.

"Oh, so it's Blaise now, is it? Since when have the two of you been in such friendly terms, hmmm?" He said with a sneer, his body rigid with anger. The eyes that never left hers flickered between surprise, confusion and hurt.  "Do you mind giving us a second Blaise?" She didn't wait for his answer and continued."Is something of the matter Draco?"She said in a soft tone.

"Is something of the matter?!  What are you doing here dressed like this and with Zabini on top all?" Her eyes narrowed and she poked his chest. "First, what I wear is none of your business! Secondly Blaise and I were out as friends, not that it's your problem!" Draco looked like he was ready to burst. "He sure looked like he wanted to be more than your friend to me !" He spat back.

She studied the hard lines on his face and said in a quizzical tone, "If I didn't know any better Draco, I'd say you are jealous." Draco bewildered eyes bore into hers. "I am bloody jealous Hermione!! I already have to share you with fucking Potter and Weasley, I will not share you with another man! I want to be the one you go on dates with and the one that makes you laugh. I want to be the only one that tucks your hair behind you ears." His voice was not more than a whisper by the end of his sentence

Hermione got closer to him and put her arms on his around his neck, on his board shoulders. She looked up to him, thanked Merlin for the heels and said before kissing him, "All you had to do was ask." 

From across the bar, Ron, Harry and Blaise were watching Hermione poke Draco's shoulder. "This is my first and last date with Hermione, isn't it?" said Blaise in a defeated voice. "Sorry mate!" Said Harry with a hand on his shoulder. "At least he let you have more than one drink with her!" He said in an amused tone.  "Oh Bloody Hell! She's gonna kiss him now !" Said Ron with a wince.