Word Count: 438
Petunia feels a rush of emotions flow through her when she enters her home. On one hand, there are numerous takeaway containers on her living room table, and Hestia is on her couch, happily eating coconut shrimp curry. On the other hand, her lover looks so pleased with herself that Petunia can't be mad at her. She swallows down her irritation and clears her throat. "It looks like you've been busy."
Hestia looks up, dabbing at the corner of her mouth with a napkin. She grins. "Muggles have the most extraordinary system. You just ring the food places, and they will deliver!"
Their time in hiding together two years earlier had been strange. Hestia had looked at the things Petunia found to be perfectly normal, and she had called those things amazing. She had looked at the smallest things with absolute wonder and awe in her eyes.
And she never lost that fascination.
"Takeaway, yes," Petunia confirms.
Vernon would never allow her to order takeaway. He had always demanded that she provide him the sort of life his mother provided his father. Petunia would spend her days cooking and cleaning, playing the part of a Stepford wife. She had smiled through it and pretended to be satisfied. If Hestia hadn't come into her life, maybe things would still be that way; maybe she would still be miserable.
"I'm not sure if you're aware of this," she says, moving behind the couch and pecking Hesita's cheek, "but we do have a dining table, which is where meals should be eaten."
"How dreadfully boring, darling," Hestia says with a dramatic groan. She gestures toward a red box with her fork. "The little Italian place delivers. I had them bring that cake you like so much."
Petunia smiles to herself. It really is the little things in life, and there are so many little things that bring her joy. "You bought me cake?"
Hestia grins. "Yes. But it can only be eaten in the living room."
"Whatever makes you happy."
She takes a seat beside Hestia, grabbing a container of curry because dinner always comes before dessert, even though she is breaking other rules tonight.
As she eats, her mind wanders. Leaving Vernon hadn't been easy. There had been so many doubts and uncertainties. Part of her had been afraid that it would be a mistake.
Yet here she is, happier than she's ever been, so full of love and joy, and she can hardly remember her life before Hestia at all.
In the end, despite her fear, her risk has paid off, and Petunia is glad she took the chance.