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Hermione clutched her coffee mug in her hands tightly, using it to tether herself in the moment as she listened to Tony fill her in on the latest drama at Stark Industries.
Biting her lower lip, she looked down at the dark liquid as if it would give her the answers that she was seeking. She wanted to tell Tony how she felt. After years of friendship, Hermione had finally realised that she liked Tony more than a friend. She was terrified to speak it out loud, however. What if they didn’t feel the same way? Was she willing to risk years of friendship for the chance at something more? She didn’t know.
“Earth to Hermione?” Tony prodded.
Startled, she peered up with wide eyes. “What?”
“I said your coffee looks like it must be telling you the secrets of the world with how intensely you’re staring at it,” Tony said, grinning at her. His gaze softened after a moment when she didn’t say anything. “Hermione, what’s going on?”
She pressed her lips together. “I…” She struggled with what to say. If she should even say anything at all.
“Hermione,” Tony said, reaching across the table and taking her hand from her mug so he could hold it in his own. “I can tell your brilliant mind is going a million miles a minute.” He smirked. “What’s going on? You know you can tell me anything.”
“I’m in love with you.” The words escaped her lips before she could even process them. Her eyes widened in horror. “I…”
“It’s about time you caught up,” Tony said, grinning in excitement before he leaned across the table and pressed a kiss to her lips. It was brief, but full of tender want. When he pulled away, his thumb stroked the hand he was still holding. “I’ve had feelings for you for years now, Hermione. But I didn’t want to make a move until I was sure how you felt. I didn't want you to feel pressured.” He paused. "But I love you."
Her heart rate began to slow as she processed his words. “You love me?”
Tony nodded. “I love you.”
“Really?”
“Yes, you brilliant witch, I’m so in love with you.” Tony brought her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss to it. “We can take this as slow as you want, but you’re not just my best friend, Hermione. You’re more… So much more.” He swallowed. "You're everything."
Her heart felt like it was going to burst before a smile broke out on her face. “Tony,” she whispered. This time, it was her that leant across the table to press a kiss to his lips.
Nothing had ever felt more right. He was right... This was everything.