You and Me, Forever - Romione

044. Fear

"Did you settle for me?" Ron whispered.

"I'm sorry?" Hermione asked incredulously, lifting her head off his chest.

"Did you settle for me?" He repeated timidly.

"I heard what you said, I just don't understand," Hermione said, sitting up and looking down at him in disbelief.

Ron picked his head up off the pillow and propped himself up, staring straight at the ceiling.

"It's just. . . you're the most intelligent, talented, beautiful, strong person I've ever met, and I know you could have so much more than me if you wanted, so I just can't help feeling like you settled for me," he explained slowly, his voice shaking.

"Ron," Hermione murmured, her heart aching as she looked at him.

He had faced trolls, dragons, and the darkest wizards known to man, and yet she'd never seen so much fear on his face. He sat up and turned to look at her.

"Am I enough for you?" He asked softly.

She immediately took both of his hands in hers firmly. "Ron, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you more than anything in this world. 

"Not enough?" A tear streamed down her face. "Ron, you're everything."

She wrapped her arms around him and clung to him, feeling his heart pounding against her cheek.

"It's you and me, okay?" Hermione said as if pleading with Ron. "Forever."