You and Me, Forever - Romione

25. Winter

"Steady," Hermione laughed. "Just hold onto the wall."

She watched in amusement as Ron struggled to remain upright. When he was finally able to stand up straight, he grinned at Hermione and stuck two thumbs up, which knocked him off balance again. Hermione giggled, earning a scowl from Ron.

"Come on, just hold on to me," she suggested, grinning widely.

Hermione helped him up and waited for him to steady himself on his skates before pushing them off the wall. They glided slowly, hand in hand, across the ice. Ron was still tripping over his feet every few seconds, which Hermione found strangely endearing. They were getting lapped by laughing kids and even some grandparents, but Hermione didn't mind.

It was her first day alone with Ron since she'd arrived at the Burrow, and she found it sweet that he wanted to take her on a Muggle date—even if he was dreadful at skating.

Before she knew what was happening, Hermione felt Ron's hand abruptly tug on hers, and suddenly they were falling into a heap on the ice.

"Sorry," Ron apologized, flashing Hermione one of his lazy smiles.

He looked so cute—when had he gotten so cute?—that Hermione couldn't help but lean over and kiss him. His lips were so warm and soft compared to the bitter cold air, and she was so lost in them that she almost forgot they were in a public place. She pulled away, her face flushed, and stood up with ease.

She extended her hand to Ron, who was still on the ground with a dazed expression etched on his face.

"You think I'll be able to focus on skating after that?" he asked incredulously.

The corner of Hermione's lip turned up. She was glad they were on the same page.

"My parents are out Christmas shopping. We could go—"

Ron nodded enthusiastically, not even waiting for Hermione to finish her thoughts. She laughed and rolled her eyes as she helped him off the ground. He suddenly became an expert skater as he dragged her to the rink's exit.