Saint Like

8

George was in his meeting when he heard the cracking noise. His head turned to see if Fred had left without letting him know but what he saw was a woman. His first thought, thinking his girlfriend was at home, was that it was Ginny. But Ginny was too young to know how to aparate. Penny was here, and he didn't get to see her. He felt slight rejection because it felt like she didn't want to see him.

Fred dreaded the hard conversation that he could feel coming when his twin brother entered the room. He was going to be annoyed she didn't wait for him, mad that Penny was allowed to leave and then pissed if he figures out where they've gone. "Was Penny here?"

"No."

"Are you lying?"

"No."

"Why are you lying to me, Fred?"

"No."

George's face was turning red. "That wasn't even a yes or no question!"

Fred took his freedom of silence while he collected his thoughts. "I think you need to let loose. It's good for her to go out and be able to feel like she's a part of the world again." Fred put an arm around his brother. "She wants to start working again. And you need to let her."

George shook his head. "She feels like she owes her life to the order, like she hasn't already given it. I'm scared for her."

"I know. But she's suffering not living. You're suffering watching her like this. It's why you only see her for a few hours at night. It's unlike you George after spending practically every moment together at school. Be better. Be a man and let her outside."

George took a major offense. "I am a man. I am keeping her safe."

"No you're killing her."

George wanted to cry but not in front of Fred. "What do I do?"

Fred smiled seeing that his brother was finally understanding. "Tonight, I'll be taking a trip to visit someone. I'll be back in the morning. Make her dinner. Treat her well. Stop being such a ninny."

George came up with a few ideas. First he cleaned their kitchen so that he could cook for her. Once Fred was gone with the promise of telling Ginny to drop her here, he started to cook. He was the chief out of the brothers, Fred usually cleaned up the mess. Ginny sent a flare up by the window after she dropped off Penny. He quickly dressed himself in a light brown button down that matched with his work pants. When he saw his girlfriend, it was like she was dressed for the yule ball. She looked amazingly beautiful. Her fire red hair was finally even like she had just gotten it fixed. Penny had a white turtleneck on with a grey skirt and flats. "Darling you look absolutely stunning. Did Ginny do this to you?"

Penny blushes his favorite shade on her face and he pushes her hair that was falling in front of her eyes. "What's all this?"

He grabs her hand. "My attempt to return us to normal. I made dinner and Fred won't be back till tomorrow so it's just us." George pulls out the seat for Penny to sit. "You really are stunning love."

She didn't say anything else until George placed the pasta and meatballs on their plates and he sat down. "George, I know you're upset with me for going out today."

He shook his head. "I think we both needed this opportunity to express how we're feeling. I can start if you want."

She nodded unsure of what he was going to say.

"I first want to apologize for being so distant and controlling. I was scared of Pens, I was and still am worried that you'll get hurt again."

She interrupts him, "George that is my choice. I know what I have gotten myself into and I want to contribute. Either of us could get hurt. We both know that. It could have been you who went to help that night and you could have gotten hit. You need to trust me."