It was autumn, the trees were dancing with the wind. Sitting on a bench Ron closely watches the Italian to his left. His eyes were specifically focused on his index finger where a small bird was perched. The sight was breathtaking, although it wasn’t the first time it had happened but it was the first time it happened this close to him. Blaise tended to not move often if in deep concentration, so birds would land on him from time to time. If they were small enough they would always end up on his hand.
Blaise was smiling gently the whole time while looking at the bird, before gently blowing on it. Sending it off on its way, the small bird seems to flutter away too slowly. “Its scientific name is Lophophanes cristatus, but its common name is European Crested Tit.,” the atmosphere Ron created was broken by Blaise's smooth voice. He couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the end of the sentence. In response Blaise let out a light chuckle. Slowly moving his hand on top of Ron’s and intertwining them together. “How do you know so much about birds anyways?”, Ron asks, his curiosity very evident. Blaise just gave him a coy smile and looked at the books in his book bag that now lay on the ground.
Somewhere above watched, Draco (with Opera glasses) and Pansy. Theodore and a very bored Gregory tagged along. “They’re holding hands,” Draco told the others as he was the only one who could see what was happening. “And this is what their 3 date?” Asked Theo. “I believe so” replied Greg. “Blaise likes him a lot to already be showing this much affection in public,” Pansy commented. About to open his mouth Gregory was cut off by Theo “I mean it's not really in public-“ Draco made a loud click with his tongue. “Would he risk being spotted giving public affection to anyone much less a romantic partner? I mean we’re his friends and he doesn’t dare hug us unless it is in complete private!”
They all looked up at Draco, who had stood up and started to pace around. Before Draco could start another tangent, Gregory sighed and nodded in agreement “He’s right, we all know he doesn’t show public affection unless necessary. And if he doing so comfortably they care for one other.” Proudly Pansy stood and announced, “Then our work here is done!” With that the four of them walk off, leaving the new couple to enjoy their date around the campus.
*•*
The stars were awfully beautiful tonight, Ron thought as he lay on a soft blanket. Blaise has decided to try to impress Ron with his knowledge of the night sky by doing a small stargazing activity. Next to him, Blaise was asleep soundly with his arms wrapped around Ron. Finally having convinced himself to wake up the Italian as It was a quarter past 11. So it made sense for Blaise to have drifted off to sleep they had been up talking for a while. As Blaise's eyes fluttered open, it took him a minute to realize he had fallen asleep. Sheepishly he apologized to Ron. Shaking his head Ron laughed “It's fine, I didn’t want to wake you up. You look quite peaceful just then.” Quickly they gathered their things. Ron insisted on walking the other to his Dorm as Blaise had done for him countless times before. Holding each other hands as the push and pull the other around playfully. “Well, here we are, how would you-“ a bell rang somewhere sharing to the world it struck 12. “We may have messed around too much” Blaise smiled. Slightly embarrassed Ron tried to think of something to say to distract himself from this tiny error. Suddenly a warmth touched his cheek, “Thanks for the fun time” Blaise stated as he rushed inside and to his dormitory. Gently Ron placed his hand where the warmth touched his cheek.
His hand stayed there until he got back to Gryffindor Tower. Despite the scolding he got from Hermione, his daze did not clear. Somehow he ended up in his bed. Smiling Ron finally registered the kiss that was gently burned into his skin.
*•*
Ron although oblivious wasn’t all that oblivious. He had taken notice of Blaise and how he felt about affection. Although the few times he asked about it, it was clear to Ron it was a touchy subject. So it took him by surprise when the man hugged him in front of their friends. Albeit it was a side hug. Blaise's head trying to hide in space between his neck and shoulder. Not to mention the booth they were in hid them from everything except people walking past.
Both Pansy and Draco's eyes had a twinkle in them, happy their friend was opening up and expressing themselves. Ron took note of this as for the most part, the people doing most of the talking were Hermione and Harry. Pansy and Draco seem to have only made an appearance for Blaise. As the shock flew away, Ron gently hugged him back and joined the chatter his friends were making.
~
’Everything was loud’ was the sole thought in his brain. The Three Broomstick had gotten some renovations, shortly after the war. A lot of the tables were still the same but a few new booths were closed off by a curtain. His friends and he took ownership of it. Sitting in the same booth whenever possible. So it seemed reasonable to sit it in, but right now was an unreasonable time. The place was so crowded and he felt he could hear everything. He was already nervous about letting their friends know more about their relationship. He felt the pressure from trying to be as presentable as possible for Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, and they’re not even Ron's parents!
Now Blaise starting to think maybe he should have met them alone, at a different time, and so on. Draco and Pansy were adding unnecessary tension. Although it lessened after his impulsive decision, what was he thinking hugging R- Mentally sighing, it wasn't all that impulsive, Ron never denied him affection, it had been him denying it to himself. The other has been helping him and he’s made progress in showing he cares via touch. Although he still has times like these where he tries to make these actions seem bad.
He hated his 3rd stepfather, the fact he lasted the longest and left him with these problems was the worst.
He’d only wanted all the noise to stop. All the laughs, and conversation we’re getting too much. He hated the fact he was always aware of his surroundings. He swore he heard the sound of people chewing some. (‘Gross’) Ron was comfort so naturally he snuggled against his boyfriend.
A voice brought Blaise back to reality. “He's probably asleep” Draco mused while he stared unnecessarily intensely into his drink. Pansy just smirked at him. Which in turn made Blaise want to bury himself alive. He tried to sit up only for a hand to stop him. The most beautiful eye met his, “You can stay that way you know, I don’t mind.” His hushed tone made it possible to feel Ron’s warmth on his face. Repositioning himself, he uses his left so he can drink his tea while using his right to be wrapped around Ron’s waist. Although it felt nice, Blaise still didn’t like being stared at by his boyfriend's friends. Somehow in a few minutes after that Blaise must have fallen asleep. When he woke up all but Ron, were up and away, waiting elsewhere he was embarrassed. Ron reassured and comforted him. Once alone with his friends, Draco and Pansy just annoyed him with the fact they now have a picture of the two.
How unfortunate…..
*•*
Ron was glad Blaise started to get along with his friends. He was also more publicly affectionate, although he was not sure how open was crossing pinkies together. Most of the affection he receives is in private or semi-private. Harry somehow managed to gain Blaise's trust quickly, he was still slightly wary of Hermione. (Much to Ron's displeasure)
He was now studying after loads of nagging. Hermione was most shocked that he was already done with his work. “How come you already done with everything” Harry complained breaking his third quill in the process. Hermione handed him and new quill but I knew she wanted to know too. “I thought you would have guessed already Mione, Blaise helped me so we could hang out..” I huffed “Also I still have to read this because it is mandatory.” he held up the book in emphasis. Harry sighed and set his head down “Parkinson gets help from ‘Mione! You get help from your boyfriend, what about me!”
Hermione patted his back “I’ll help you but I won’t let you copy me, if you wanna pass your N.E.W.T it gotta be on your own!” Her matter-of-factly tone only made Harry groan. “May I join you three?” the familiar voice asked nervously. Ron looked to his left and saw the Slytherin holding up 3 fingers to emphasize that there were n3 of them and 4 seats available. Ron just laughed and Hermione glared at Ron. “Sure you can Za-Blaise, I was just about to help Harry with his potion essay. Ron just read-“Without waiting for her to finish he sat down to Ron’s left. The Ginger was positive that no one had heard the soft thanks that left the dark-skinned boy's lips.
They all quietly did their own thing for the next couple of hours. Although it was clear to Ron, Blaise wasn’t reading but staring at him. So he took Blaise's hand from under that table and they both tried to hide their loved struck faces from each other but especially the rest of the world.
*•*
Ron received a note from Blaise to meet him by the black lake, just before dinner. Today was the last day of their N.E.W.T and as exhausted (and as hungry) Ron was he still wanted to meet with his boyfriend. As he trudged his way to the black lake, his mind wandered. ‘What could Blaise want? Did he do something wrong? Oh, I think I got the question wrong in my History of Magic exam!’ Among others, that only worried him unnecessarily.
The tree by the lake was littered with flowers. Some paper heart figures and stars hung from the tree too. Candles we made up a path straight to a picnic area. While other candles with suspended in the air. The gasp Ron didn’t realize he let out caught Blaise's attention. He bolted up and tried to calmly walk up to Ron. “Surprise…thought you might want to relax after all the stress from our N.E.W.Ts” Blaise just started to starch the palms of his hand, something he did only in front of those he trusted. “well? Do
You like it?” He questioned. The awe Ron had was very evident in his eyes shone quite brightly if you asked Blaise. “You didn’t hav-I-“ Ron sputtered at last and chose to hug the Italian instead.
After the hug, Blaise could’ve sworn last longer than it did. He led Ron to the blanket he found long ago for just this purpose. “I’m guessing you made all the food in the basket?” Ron smiled already knowing the answer. Chuckling Blaise nodded, recalling the comment he made the first time he gave Ron some of his cooking. Taking out the food and utensils, Ron immediately dug into his share of the food. Nervously Blaise watched Ron enjoy the meal. Finally, Blaise let out a deep breath and held one of Ron’s hands.
“Before you panic, no you didn’t do anything wrong, you sweet, amazing, and one of the best things to happen to me”, he continued after squeezing the other's hand, “….I know it difficult to deal with. I’m not very affectionate. I haven’t exactly taken you on what people call a date, this might be the first real date! ” Ron opened his mouth to argue but thought better of it and let the man continue. “I know I can be a bit snobbish sometimes, due to my upbringing. I mean I try to make up for these flaws with lavish gifts but again you help me realize that wouldn’t fix anything. I’m not sure you noticed but I have been trying to fix them. I can now hug albeit very briefly, but it is still a sign of progress! I just want to let you know that…if and when you’re ready…I wouldn’t mind letting it be known, that we’re together with others beside close friends. I would given you the world, somehow, if you asked….. I just have to ask you to be as understanding and kind as you have always been…” Blaise finished.
Ron's eyes got teary, he couldn’t believe Blaise was putting in this much effort. When they first started dating he thought this man was considerate. He knew for sure now, the idiot even thought most of their date weren’t enough. They were more than enough for Ron, he should probably let him know that more often. Wiping the tears the haven’t fallen down his face. Blaise looked at Ron, his nerves were out of control. After a few attempts to say something almost as meaningful, Ron gave up. Simply opting to grab his lover and pulling him into a sweet kiss.
A simple way to convey the ginger's feelings but it means the world to the other.
In the bushes beyond, sat their friends watching them, Draco’s opera glasses being passed around far too carelessly than he would’ve liked. “Why are we doing this?” Asked Harry to the Slytherins to his left. Pansy (who currently has the opera glass) “Because it a must and something of us lighting something. Plus what other thing do you got planned, Potter?” Snapped Pansy playfully. Hermione shook her head while giggling. Draco swiped his opera glasses back and left. Before returning swiftly and politely pointed past the group towards the sky.
A wonderful display of fireworks shone in the sky. Blaise and Ron had put the plates away and were lying down. Gently Blaise places his hand over Ron’s and intertwines them together. A smile played on both of their lips, before silently enjoying the show up above.