Well, I had looked forward to this for so long, and then I realized why - because it was a monster fic. Took me 2 days to read (what with real life and all) and another 2 days to figure out what to say about it. You always make me think real hard about the beauty of the words you use and subtlety of the words you don't use.

You know I'm avid H/R shipper and I'm quite sensitive about character death, but you used it here so 'respectfully' without dwelling on the heartbreak of it (cause I might not have been able to cope otherwise) but you still portrayed the impact it had on Ron. He was always honest but never 'betrayed' his love for Harry.

I liked the journey you took Dean on, starting with him still crushing on Seamus a bit. (another ship I really enjoy) You have the amazing ability to infuse detail in the tiny things, describing clothing, food, furniture, without losing the tone or flow of the story. It's not boring, in other words.

I was intrigued by Dean's alcoholism and for the first time, I encountered 'pause' at his use of recreational substances (we all have negative experiences with something, right?) and I quibbled with my protagonist doing something that pains me to see. I don't mention this to critisize, but to let you know that you took me beyond my comfort level and made me still want to read. I generally like it when the protagonists do something I don't like, it makes them more real. But that was an issue for me that you carried me past.

The image of those two tall, striking men on the dance floor is a lovely one, to be sure. 

I liked how you wrote his fantasy and how Ron intruded on it. The night they finally hooked up really had an aire of excitement and tension and vulnerability for both of them, and so very sexy. Ron sort of flubbed it afterward, in typical, unintentional Ron fashion.

It was fitting that Dean finally got to hook up with the fantasy bloke, and even though it was sexy and a relatively good experience for him, it served the purpose of making Dean realize that even the perfect fantasy isn't all that fulfilling and Ron, in spite of his flaws, was capable of giving him that.

I really enjoyed their meeting of the minds at the end (and I really want to read that missing scene! :P  )

Well done! 

Hmm - Hermione's in a very happy place - lucky girl.

Nice!

forearms flexing, calloused fingers. Yep, that'll do it. :) 

Oh yeah, I liked this one. Of course it's the H/Rness that I like the best, but Hermione's a great narrator. :D

I like how she feels like she should have pretended she hadn't been watching for a minute. Oh, the complexities of a 3some!

This is just so freakin' wonderful and sexy and the nervious stuff is just breath taking - hence, such a perfect title. :D

Author's Response: Awww, I'm so, so glad you liked this, thank you!!!  And breath taking is good! <3

~kaalee

It wasn't long before they were both panting for breath, recovering from the rather frantic thrusting, arms tingling from the strength with which they had clung to each other. Ron rocked back slightly, allowing Harry to slide down the wall a couple of inches and put both feet back on the floor.

I totally want more details, but I just love this. 

I adore the mommy reality of her keeping an eye on Chalie in the restaurant and how she handles Miranda. And that she's uncomfortable with Ron touching her pregnancy affected parts. :P

I'm always fascinated by your flashback style and how you make everything feel so internal. I really feel like I'm seeing everything from in their heads.

Marietta is simply vile! And I adore Lee of course and how he breaks up the feline hissing contest. 

It's really good to see Hermione coming out of the hole she's been trapped in.

Oh! and when Ron thinks about Harry sort of being his 'equal' now in fatherhood. *sigh*

There is so much to love in this chapter. One of your best. 

Whoo! I got all fluttery.

Harry is so lucky to have Ron's hands on him. *sigh*