Regulus sweats, his fingers closed around the box. Inside contains an object that could potentially determines if he crashes and burns, or if he soars.
Okay, that's quite exaggerated, but it will be heartbreaking if he says no. In contrast, it would be incredible if he says yes.
He wants the latter to happen.
He's a mess of shaky nerves and clammy hands. His forehead feels damp - why on Earth did he pick an outdoor area to propose on? Even so, why during summer?
Oh right. Because Barty is being transferred to Rome in a few days, so this is his only chance.
Fuck, what if he says no?
He's not going to, the rational side of him argues. He's in love with you - and for goodness sake, you talked about marriage not too long ago!
But he could still say no, his panicked side retorts. I mean -
Before that side can get their two cents in, he hears a call of "There you are, Reg!" and Barty comes sprinting up to him, his hair matted.
"I'm sorry I'm late," he gasps between pants. "Meeting ran late - they wanted to go over the final details -"
But Regulus is hardly paying attention to him. He can feel the ring box in his hand, urging him to get on with it.
"Well, that's exactly what I wanted to talk about," he says, cutting off Barty mid-sentence. "You're moving to Rome in a few days, and we might never see each other again."
The atmosphere shifts. Barty looks solemn. "I know," he says gravely. "I'm going to miss you."
"Maybe you don't have to go," he blurts out. Now is his time. He kneels and opens the ring box, revealing a glittering ring beneath. "Barty, will you marry me?"
Barty gapes, clearly not expecting this. Then his face breaks into an overjoyed expression. "Of course I'll marry you!" he exclaims.
Regulus, relieved, slides the ring onto his finger, and it only takes a second to stand up. Their lips meet in a frenzied kiss, Barty's hands all over him.
It's absolutely perfect.
349 words
Garage Sale - 15. Ring