I remember that day.
I'll always remember the way the sunbeams refracted in the rolling blue waves, breaking against the shore. Your grey eyes sparkled, even with your face in shadow, thanks to that floppy sunhat Mum gave you. I still can't believe you used to wear it…
Your alabaster skin pinkened from the harsh rays, and you paid for it the following day… You knew you would, and frankly, that ring of red encircling your back and belly from that crop top is still one of the funniest sights I've ever seen… and I've seen my fair share of unsightly burns from my family over the years.
You still think I deleted those pictures from my phone. I didn't.
But at that moment, you hadn't cared—you'd let yourself burn, grounding yourself there on the beach, waiting for… something.
Our feet dug into the sand beside one another, spilling between our toes. I took your hand, brushing off the sand before pressing your palm to my lips. Your heartbeat stuttered, then raced. You relaxed at the touch, finally releasing a breath you'd been holding for quite some time.
I waited, pressing kisses to each fingertip. I've learned to be patient—not to push. You've been through so much—we both have—but you most of all. You've always been worth waiting for.
"Ron, I…"
"Yes, sweetheart?"
You tipped your chin down, that sunhat hiding your eyes from view, and there was a slight tremble to your lips. I ran my thumb across your palm and squeezed. Another deep breath, chest rising and falling as your hair fluttered in the salty breeze, dancing across your sunkissed cheeks. When you meet gaze again, those beautiful eyes brimming with tears.
"Draco."
My brow furrowed, and I listed my head questioningly.
That bright smile returned, and I knew it was genuine. Your next breath took mine away. I've always found you beautiful, but never as much as you had been in that moment.
"Please… call me Draco."
I kissed you, the sunhat toppling from your head and into the sand. I tested it for myself, my breath tickling your lips.
"Draco…"
Your tears tasted as salty as the air, but there was no sadness, only joy. I felt like I had a part of you no one else had seen, not yet.
I will always remember that day.
When I first met you.