It took a few days, but Hermione finally let her mother's conversation slide off her mind. She decided to make amends for how their phone call ended, and she was going to be baking something to bring to the brunch.
"Mum can't stay mad at me forever if I bring her a strawberry shortcake, can she?" Hermione asked Fred, while they were making their way to the store. "It's her favourite."
Fred chuckled, "If this is the way you bribe people, I don't think so. Can't wait to see what you'll attempt to bribe me with."
Hermione elbowed him in the ribs, but she couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled inside of her. Being with Fred it was so easy, and she couldn't wait to show it to her parents how happy they were.
"Why would you want to be bribed? Just don't fall into my bad side," Hermione said, huffing in faux annoyance.
"Meh, it's bound to happen. You never if I won't piss you off if you woke up on the wrong side of the bed," Fred said, pinching her side and making her yelp in annoyance. "See? You're glaring at me already."
"Stop saying stupid stuff, and I'll stop glaring at you," Hermione said, glaring at him for good measure before laughing. "Come on, I need to make the shopping fast, since baking it's going to take a while."
They arrived at the shop, and Hermione decided to quickly grab the ingredients she needed, deciding to add a peach crumble to the list, because she knew how much her dad loved it.
Hermione knew she was laying a little thick, but she wanted to show how Fred made her feel. She hadn't been lucky in her relationships in the past, being hurt more often than not, and now, she finally found herself in a healthy and fulfilling relationship.
"What do your parents like for dessert?" She asked Fred, when they were getting the fruits. "If we're going to meet for brunch, I think I should know, right?"
Fred scratched his neck, and seemed to be thinking hard about it. Hermione let him to his devices, choosing the best peaches for her crumble. She felt like someone was looking at her, but when he turned, she didn't see anyone.
"My dad loves treacle tart and my mum will love anything involving chocolate," Fred said, coming near her and kissing her cheek. "You don't need to try to impress them, I know they'll love you."
Hermione blushed, not knowing how to deal with the praise. She knew Fred loved her, but hearing him say stuff about how his family would love her…it warmed her in a different way when Fred said he loved her.
"Well, I know I don't need to impress them, but still. I can't help that I'm an overachiever and I'll be doing the desserts for them, because it's because of them you're here." Hermione hugged him, feeling a wave of affection for Fred, bigger than any she had ever felt.
"'Mione? What are you doing?" someone said from behind her, and Hermione turned to see Harry looking at her with a puzzled face.
It looked like it was time to introduce Harry to Fred.
