Addicted to You

XXVIII

The sheets of her bedroom always carried a sense of escape. Like her heart was finally set free, only to confide in the white linen. She had woken up that day to the familiar rhythm of his breathing, her head pressed against his chest. The steady beating of his heart seemed to mimic the ticking clock that counted down the time.

She cuddled up closer to him, breathing in his presence, remembering his warmth as she heard his heartbeat pick up a little as he was slowly coming out of his slumber. 

"I love waking up next to you." she whispered into his skin and planted a kiss on his chest.

His eyes opened and quickly found hers. "Are you gonna go now?" he asked. 

She didn't answer, she didn't need to. He lightly caressed her cheek and she leaned into his palm, trying not to lose herself into those black eyes that were drilling into her. His face was inches from hers and his soft lips were inviting her in. She gently brushed her lips against his. She started to pull away but his strong arms tightened around her. He crashed his lips on hers, tracing her lower lip with the tip of his tongue. She pushed back hungrily, wanting him more and more with each passing second.

She grabbed his hair and pulled him closer to her. She worked her mouth against his and her tongue made its way inside, touched by his- quick but delicious. His hands found their way to her waist and she moaned his name against his lips. Each moment was more electrifying than the last and her fingers wanted to feel every flaw on his skin. She traced her tongue down the side of his neck as his hands started to make their way down her thigh. They were both breathless now. The heated passion between them made their bodies even more curious about the spark that lay within.

As his touch completely overwhelmed her, in that one timeless moment, she realized that it wasn't the secret rendezvous or even the freedom of a familiar place, but he- he was her escape.

***************************

She walked into the kitchen to put her plate down at the sink. It was Snape who had insisted she had a bit of breakfast before she left, even though she felt queasy. She knew he was following her and the next moment he hugged her from behind. He stroked his nose on the base of her neck, following it gradually to her shoulder.

"It'll be okay." he reassured. He knew she was being strong and he could only imagine how hard it must be for her to do this. She turned to him and just nodded, feeling a bit choked with fear. He turned her chin up and gave her a chaste kiss on her soft lips. It almost made her change her mind, give in to the temptation and stay forever in his arms. Everything else could wait. His hands were placed exactly where she wanted them to be. His fingers were stroking every line, every curve, easing her tension. She quenched her thirst with his smell and she let him quench his too.

"I should...get going." He was witness to her nervous features and he made her stop in her tracks. "Look at me." he ordered softly, "If you don't want to do this, you can tell me now. I don't want to force you into anything if you're not absolutely sure. Just know that at the end of the day, you'll always have someone who loves you, no matter what you choose."

He said he understood but he wasn't the one who had to go and break one of his best friend's heart- but he was being as considerate as he could. "We can't be together if I don't do this." she said, "I won't be able to live in peace until it is done. No matter the consequences."

He sighed, asking, "Do you want me to go with you?" He didn't know what was going to happen that day but he was very much worried about Hermione getting hurt.

"No, that's okay..." she slung her purse over her shoulder, "I think I have to handle this myself."

She walked out of her house determinedly. She realized too late that before she apparated, she should have called ahead to know where Ron was. He was back from the stag party but she thought it would be better if she could talk to him somewhere other than The Burrow- she didn't feel confident enough to do this in front of his parents. When the Weasleys exchanged the usual pleasantries she found herself unable to return their enthusiasm and with difficulty gave a polite smile. She wondered now whether she should have spoken to Harry too, before doing this; she could always be more candid to him and he was more likely to understand her.