𝐄𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 | g. w

31. the ceremony

He is staring at me.

I think it would have been kind of weird if it wasn't for the fact that it's him that is doing it, and not some stranger. I find myself blushing under his gaze, feeling a bit self conscious of the way I'm currently looking.

I was never one for dressing up, even less wearing dresses and skirts. No, I would rather stick to my dark coloured corduroys and tank tops than to put myself through the uncomfortable process of wearing one pieces or clothing that needs pulling at every minute to make sure I don't shove off every part of myself. Not that I'm super conscious in my own body, I just prefer it that way is all.

The only exception to the rule seems to be George Weasley.

When his eyes fall on me, all I can think about is how I wish I looked like all those other girls. The kind of girls I had always presumed he was into, the kind who'd do anything to catch a guys attention, including a certain lanky carrot top.

"You look beautiful, my love." He murmurs, his cheeky smile adding blush to my already rose colored cheeks. "I'm so lucky that I get to call you mine", he whispers, presumably thinking I can't hear him when he does. I do however, and his words send me into a near frenzy. I always seem to turn to a pile of mush whenever he's around, even more so when he says things of this calibre.

"You clean up rather nicely too" I smile, standing up from in front of the vanity mirror where I've spent the last hour and a half getting ready. Ginny and Hermione helped with my hair and makeup, but left when they noticed the not-so-discrete glances shared between myself and George when he first entered the room. "Though I can't help but be a bit worried", I frown, albeit ironically.

George frowns, his face contorted in worry. "Why is that?"

"Well, you see—I can't help but feel as if I won't be the only woman paying attention to you today. Especially if you plan on wearing that." I send him a sneaky wink, grabbing his hands in mine and pressing a wet kiss to each of his knuckles. He chuckles, his frown long gone.

"Is that so? Well then... I guess I'll have to find a way to prove to you I'm only interested in one woman in particular".

When his lips attack mine, I can't but feel as if I've never been happier. His arms snake around my waist as he presses our bodies closer, if that's even possible. The heat radiating off his body sends shivers up and down my spine, and while there's soon to be a wedding happening, I can't think about that right this second.

All I think about is him.

How our teeth clash together as he moans into the kiss, causing laughter to erupt in my stomach. The way his hands roam my body and his red hair tickles my face as he continues to pamper me with feverish kisses. His breath fanning my skin, nearly setting it on fire.

The way he murmurs my name before pressing a final kiss to my forehead, my head resting in between his collar bones.

Nothing has ever felt more right.

I can't believe I get to call you mine too, I think, for a second afraid that I might have said it out loud for him to hear.

(...)

The wedding ceremony was beautiful. The pure love radiating off of the happy couple made me smile brighter than ever, and knowing that despite everything going on in the world right now, there's still hope left: makes me wish for a future I never thought possible.

A future with George.

A future where I get to wake up next to him each morning and where neither one of us has to worry about death being around the corner.

A future where I get to see Fred, Alfie and Lee everyday. Where I met up with Ginny and Hermione every now and again and where I visit the Burrow on occasion.

A future where I'm truly happy and I don't have to worry every single day that that happiness might get taken from me.

"May I have this dance?" George steps in front of me, blocking my vision of the dance floor. He smiles his usual cheeky smile that always seems to melt my heart and I can't do anything other than nod excitingly, accepting his hand. He pulls me towards the already crowded dance floor, his touch doing all kinds of things to me.

"You know", I start, "I never pegged you for a dancer" I grin, letting him lead our steps. My arms snake around his neck, my eyes never leaving his. I find it impossible not to get lost in the depths of his amber orbs, and from the way that it makes me feel when he looks back into my eyes; I don't think I'll ever get used to the idea of not having him near me.

He smiles, chuckling under his breath. "And I never thought I'd see you in a dress, yet here we are."

I let a laugh escape me, feeling how my cheeks quickly turn red in colour.

"I love you", he whispers into my hair as he brings me closer to his chest. A place I always feel the safest. "I can't believe it took me so long to realise. You're it for me, Mia Rune."

I feel a single tear make it's way down my cheek. I listen to the steady beat of his heart, feeling the warmth of his arms around me. I've never been more sure of anything before.

"I love you", I smile, raising my head to press a anything-but haste kiss to the corner of his mouth. When I step back a little to look him in the eyes, I feel him pull me towards him once more, crashing his lips to mine as if he's starved and I'm the first meal he's had in months. "You have no idea how much I love you".