Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.
Challenges at the bottom.
Word Count - 455
Lessons Learned
Ron pulled at the collar of his shirt nervously. He could feel sweat on the back of his neck, but he didn't dare rub it away in fear of messing his hair up.
He really shouldn't be so nervous. It was just Hermione, and Hermione loved him. He knew she did, and she told him often enough anyway, just in case he'd somehow forgotten, so this should be easy.
Simple.
Hermione was his perfect match and this was just… put the finishing touch on that. That was all. Nothing to worry about.
Except… what if it wasn't that simple and she said no? What then?
Would it implode their relationship? Would he left with a ring and no Hermione at all? What if she laughed in his face and—
But no.
She'd say yes. She loved him.
The back garden of their house had been decorated just so, with Ginny's help. There were fairy lights and candles and there was food under statis spells and—
And Hermione was here.
She looked around the garden before she met his eyes, a smile on her lips. "This is beautiful," she murmured, stepping closer to him.
"You're beautiful," he replied, kissing her softly. He pulled her chair out, pushing it in carefully when she was sitting.
He was supposed to wait until after they'd eaten, before the desert, but the nerves were already choking him and he didn't think he'd be able to even swallow around the steak.
"I… just let me say all this," he requested quietly. She raised an eyebrow at him but nodded.
"You've taught me so many things over the years," he started, swallowing hard. "You've taught me that it's okay to not be great at something, because I have other skills. You've taught me that it's okay to rely on other people, and okay to trust people to have my back. You've taught me friendship and love and what it's like to have someone accept me for who I am rather than who they want me to be.
"I even remember the first thing you ever taught me, before we were even friends," he added, pulling out his wand.
"Wingardium leviosa," he murmured, and the small box he'd stashed earlier floated towards him, landing soundlessly in his hand. He opened it to show the simple diamond ring he'd been saving for for months.
"You taught me that sometimes, it's okay to take a chance, because sometimes, it's worth it. I love you, Hermione. Will you marry me?"
Tears streamed down her face but she nodded, smiling at him. As soon as he'd placed the ring on her finger, she threw her arms around him.
"I love you too," she whispered against his neck.
Written for;
Cheese Board - Sauce - Garlic Dill Mustard - Ring
Pop Figure; Tony Stark - 2. Wingardium Leviosa
365; 21. Match
1000; 61. Ron Weasley
