Prompt: Could you write a scene where Ron finally talks about his insecurities with his siblings after the war? Fluffangst in a way. Thank you.

Era: Post-War (right after Hermione goes back to school)
Rating: T

Take My Advice

After the war, Ron admits his insecurites to his bothers.

"Ron, Ron Ron."

Charlie collapsed onto the sofa next to Ron, who quickly steadied his glass of mead to keep it from spilling. "Careful!"

"Oh Ron, you can afford to spill a little. Drinking away your sorrows won't make them go away!"

"What are you talking about?"

It was Sunday dinner at the Burrow, and Ron wasn't in the mood for it. Hermione had left for her final year at Hogwarts last week, so this was the first Sunday dinner without her. Ron hated the idea of her being at Hogwarts alone without him. He didn't start Auror training for another two weeks, so he had nothing to do except mope around and imagine all the people Hermione would be meeting at school, now that Ron wasn't there to occupy her attention.

"I'm talking about you, of course," said Charlie. "You've been in a mood all day. And how many glasses of mead have you had?"

Ron looked down at his near empty glass. "A few. What's the issue?"

Charlie shrugged. "What would Granger say?"

"She's not here, is she?" slurred Ron.

"Ahhhh," said Charlie knowingly.

"What's going on?" asked Bill, as he walked over to the pair and sat down in an armchair across from them. "Is Ron missing his girlfriend?"

"It appears that way."

At this point, Ron was used to his brothers taking the mickey out of him. They spent the whole summer poking fun at the new developments in Ron and Hermione's relationship, as they awkwardly progressed past friendship. Ron was used to the winks from Bill when he would hold Hermione's hand at the table, and the wolf-whistles from Charlie and George when he would steal a kiss. Over the summer he didn't mind their little jabs because being with Hermione made him feel extra confident.

But it was different now that she was gone, and he knew his brothers noticed a real change in his demeanor. Bill caught on that Ron was not laughing and stopped, leaning toward him. "Ron, really, are you ok?"

He nodded, although it was a white lie. "Mmm fine."

Bill saw right through it. "I don't believe you. What's wrong?"

Ron looked up at his brothers, and then around the room. The three of them were alone in the living room, and Charlie and Bill were both looking at him with concern in their eyes. Ron sighed. "I'm worried Hermione's going to meet someone else," he said, attempting to steady his voice.

Charlie and Bill looked at him with wide eyes. Bill opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a loud laugh from behind Ron.

George had entered the room and heard Ron's statement. "I'm sorry, you're worried Hermione's going to meet someone else?"

Ron whipped around to look at George. He shrugged. "Yeah, I am."

Charlie and Bill sniggered as George sat down in the armchair next to Bill. "Well, Ron, take it from someone who got to witness the pair of you growing up. Hermione will meet a lot of people, but you're the only one she has eyes for." He winked as he took another sip of his drink. "No one gets her knickers in a twist like you do."

"George, don't be crass," said Bill with a glare toward his brother, but Charlie nodded.

"No, he's right. Ron's got a hold on that girl. Didn't she date Viktor Krum to make him jealous?"

Ron felt his face boil warmer when Viktor's name came into conversation.

"Oooh, I wouldn't mention that around him!" said George warningly.

"But it's true, though, isn't it?" continued Charlie. "She turned down a professional athlete for you."

The reminders of Viktor didn't do much to make Ron feel better. Ron looked up at his brothers, and noticed that Bill was watching him empathetically.

"You love her, don't you?" he asked.

Both George and Charlie stopped their chatter, and looked intently at Ron. He nodded. He expected another snicker or two from his brothers but they didn't come.

"Have you told her that?" It was George asking, looking serious.

Ron shook his head. "I was going to before she left, but I couldn't. Was worried she wouldn't say it back."

This time all three of them laughed, which made Ron's face burn hotter.

"I'm sorry, that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard," said Bill.

"Right?" said George. "She's been in love with you since your fourth year, at least,"

Ron simply shrugged. "You don't know that."

"Ron," said Bill. "Why don't you think she'll say it back?"

All he could do was shrug again.

"Do you really think there's a chance she doesn't love you."

Ron took a deep sip of his mead, finishing it off before nodding.

The three brothers exchanged a look.

"Ok, let's set it straight," said George. "You two fight like dragons, but have still been glued at the hip for seven years. That says something."

Charlie piped in. "And she can't take her eyes off of you when you're both here."

"Also, you saved her life," said Bill. "And she forgave you, remember that."

"Forgave you? What do you mean?" asked Charlie, looking between Bill and Ron. But Bill didn't answer. Instead, him and Ron exchanged a look of understanding.

"She loves you," said Bill. "It's clear to everyone else."

There was a pause as Ron digested Bill's words.

"Take my advice," continued Bill. "Tell her sooner rather than later."

Ron nodded, feeling his face cool down, finally. Bill was right.

"Yeah," said George. "That way you can cheer up, and we can start taking the mickey out of you again."

"Seriously," said Charlie. "You've been quite the buzzkill today."

"Well, maybe Hermione's into that," said George, "Who knows?"

When Charlie and George laughed again, Ron realized the tender moment had passed.

The remaining members of the Weasley family were spilling back into the living room, and George and Charlie became absorbed into other conversations. Bill sent a knowing glance at Ron before rejoining his wife, and Ron couldn't help but smile a little. He was right, as usual. Ron needed to tell Hermione how he felt.