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“Merlin, Hermione,” Draco groans into her ear as he kisses down her neck.
“Why haven’t we done this before?” Hermione murmurs, arching into him.
He leans further into her, pressing her into the bed. It should feel crushing, but it doesn’t. It feels safe.
For the first time in a long time, Hermione feels safe.
The realization hits all at once—too much, too fast. Everything is overwhelming. The weight of it, the warmth of him, the years of what they never said.
She clings to him, desperate to never let him go.
And to her humiliation, tears begin to fall.
Draco stills immediately.
“Fuck—Hermione—” He pulls back too quickly, scrambling away from her like he’s afraid he’s done something unforgivable. His hands hover, shaking. “Did I hurt you? Baby, I’m so sorry—”
“No—no, of course not,” she says quickly, reaching for him. “It feels good. It’s perfect.”
He doesn’t move closer.
“I’m sorry,” she rushes on, her voice unsteady. “My brain is just… doing this thing. I’m just—I’m overwhelmed.”
His expression falters, something shuttering behind his eyes, and she grabs his hand before he can pull away completely.
“In a good way,” she adds, softer now. “I promise. We just… I’ve loved you for so long, and we’ve been through so much.”
That makes him freeze.
For a moment, neither of them breathes.
Then Draco leans in again—careful this time, like she might disappear if he moves too fast—and cups her face in his hand. His thumb brushes gently beneath her eye, catching the tears before they fall.
“You don’t have to apologize,” he says quietly. “Not for feeling.”
Hermione lets out a shaky breath, leaning into his touch.
“I didn’t expect it to feel like this,” she admits. “Like everything all at once.”
His forehead rests against hers.
“Yeah,” he murmurs. “I know.”
The urgency between them fades, replaced by something steadier. Something heavier. Something real.
Draco presses a soft kiss to her temple, lingering there.
“We can slow down,” he says. “Or stop. Whatever you need.”
Hermione shakes her head, her fingers curling into his shirt to keep him close.
“No,” she whispers. “I want this. I want you. I just… need a second.”
He nods immediately.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he says.
And for the first time, she believes him