Deal-Breaker [Ron Weasley]

4. Jealousy

A/N: hi everyone!! i know the first couple chapters are kind of slow, i've just been trying to set up the plot lol. here is where the slowburn truly starts to take effect! :)

also wanted to add that this does take place during fifth year, but all characters are going to be 18 for story purposes.

"Y/n, I need your help!" demanded Ron, bursting through my door in an urgent fashion.

"Wasn't my door closed?" I asked as he marched in and planted himself next to me on my bed, breathing heavily as he folded his arms across his chest.

He ignored my question. "Will you please help me out?"

"With what," I sighed, tilting my head to the side. He seemed anxious and jumpy, and I wasn't sure why.

"What made you say yes to Dean?" he asked, his eyes big and eyebrows furrowed as he thought over the situation. "What are some things he did that I didn't do when I asked Lavender?"

"Well, for starters, he didn't remind me exactly which ball he was taking me to," I teased, and he rolled his eyes and shoved my arm away.

"I'm being serious!" he cried. "I need to know how to ask Celeste and have her say yes. I can't have three failed attempts—that's just embarrassing."

"I'm not helping you win the bet!" I cried.

"It's not winning the bet!" he shot back in a defensive tone. "It's just... a step in the right direction, like you said."

"How would I even help with that?" I asked, leaning back on my hands behind me.

His eyes locked on mine and he bit his lower lip nervously before speaking. "Teach me how to flirt."

I couldn't help the laughter that I exploded into as he said that.

"How am I supposed to do that?" I asked, still giggling.

"You're a girl! Teach me what you guys... like. I dunno."

I raised both my eyebrows at him, still trying to make out if he was being serious or not. He loves to try and make a fool out of me.

But he seemed to genuinely want my help.

"Fine," I sighed, bringing one hand up to my face to push my hair out of my eyes. "But you can't make this weird," I instructed him, and he shook his head to agree, as if there was no possible way he'd ever do that.

He scooted over close to me so that our legs were touching, and he brought his eyes up to stare into mine as he listened intently. My heartbeat sped up at his touch, but I ignored it and stayed focused on his face. His messy red hair and his curious blue eyes studied my expression right back.

Wait. Focus.

Why am I getting so distracted?

"Okay, first things first," I began, clearing my throat in order to get back on track. "How would you ask me to the dance?"

He raised his eyebrows and immediately looked away, fidgeting with his hands awkwardly. "Care to join me at the Christmas ball coming up?" he asked.

I had to try really hard to not laugh in his face again.

"Ron," I chuckled softly. "Look at her in the eyes when you ask. And just get straight to the point, don't beat around the bush," I told him, and he nodded eagerly.

"Okay, okay," he sighed, rolling his shoulders back and taking a deep breath before trying again. He turned to look at me so that our faces were mere inches apart, his eyes locked dead with mine. My heart skipped a beat once more, and my stomach flipped.