Word Count: 346
Prompts at the end.
It seems fitting that there's a thunderstorm the morning after the Yule Ball. Somehow, the universe seems to be reflecting Padma's mood.
She tries to tell herself that she's being ridiculous. It isn't as though she actually loved Ron. If anything, she only sort of fancies him. Still, it hurts her to know that he had been so eager to abandon her at the ball. She had been so excited, so eager to dance the night away with him.
A scowl pulls at her lips. She sips her coffee, moving amongst the shelves of the library. All her studying is done, so she doesn't actually need to be here. She's hat always found a certain comfort in being surrounded by books.
"Padma?"
She freezes when she hears his voice. She wants so desperately to be angry at him, but her insides seem to melt. Almost grudgingly, she turns, her heart skipping a beat when she's greeted by Ron's goofy grin. "Yes?"
He hands her a baby pink rose. "I… I'm sorry," he murmurs. "I shouldn't… I mean, I don't know if you had any expectations. Blimey, I may be a right prat for just assuming I broke your heart."
Padma snorts. There's something endearing about his awkwardness. She tugs nervously at her black hair, shifting her weight from foot to foot. Part of her wants to tell him to bugger off. But she can't bring herself to embrace that part of her. She wants to believe that there could be hope for them, that they can somehow grow into something beautiful.
"You won't be flaky like last night?" she asks, brows raising. "You'll actually… You'll be with me?"
Ron nods. "I can do that," he assures her. "I'll be faithful and true. Just watch."
Padma leans in, pressing her lips to his. It's gentle, sweet kiss, barely a touch, but it's filled with forgiveness and hope. "I guess we can try," she says.
And though her voice sounds so calm and collected, she's a mess on the inside, already ready to find her sister to celebrate.
Hot Air Balloon: Padma Patil
Eagle Day: RonPadma, library
Film Festival: kiss and make up
Gobstones, copper (forgiveness) thunderstorm, kissing, coffee
Character Appreciation: faithful
Book Club, Dante: black, heart, rose
Showtime, Raise You Up/Just Be: celebrate
Lo's Lowdown, Chekov: "I can do that!"
