1A/N: Written for Hogwarts assignment 4 - Anatomy & Physiology: task 2 - Write about someone who is supportive of someone else.
Word count: 363
Ron tapped his fingers against the arm of the sofa. On the rug in front of them, Rose was babbling to herself and laughing as she bashed some blocks against each other. Hermione was watching her with a smile. Ron would have been too if he weren't preoccupied.
He rubbed his palms against his robes and cleared his throat, prompting Hermione to turn to him.
"Hermione, I've been thinking," he said, speaking quickly so he'd get it out before he became too nervous. "Maybe it would be a good idea if I quit my job with the Aurors. Your job pays more than enough for us to live off of, and you know my mum loves having Rose, but she's getting on in age. It would be nice not to drop Rose off over there every single day. I could stay with her instead."
"Ron." Hermione held up a hand to stop him. "Don't forget to breathe."
Ron pressed his back into the sofa with a sigh. "Sorry," he apologized, though he wasn't sure what he was apologizing for exactly.
"How long have you been thinking about this?" Hermione asked. She turned so that she was facing him, one arm pressed into the back of the sofa.
Ron shrugged. He didn't really want to admit how long it had been. "For a little while," he said. "Mostly, it's whenever I have to drop Rose off at the Burrow, or when I pick her up and Mum fills me in on everything she did that day."
Hermione nodded thoughtfully. She took Ron's hand in her own, threading their fingers together, and Ron felt his tension easing.
"You're sure that you'll be happier staying at home than working," Hermione said.
Ron sighed. "Yes," he admitted. He looked her in the eyes, despite feeling a little embarrassed, wanting her to see how seriously he meant it.
"Okay," she said with a smile.
The stress fled from Ron's body. Suddenly, it was easier to breathe. "Really?" he asked.
Hermione laughed and kissed him on the cheek. "Really. If that's what will make you happy, then I completely support it."
Ron wrapped her up in a tight hug.