a knowing smile crossed her lips - the kind that came wth reminiscing possibly the exactly foolery that was playing out in that gorgeous head of his. “you know – i was just as bad” she admitted softly, looking back - there was so much she might have done differently, or at least tried, molly at the age of thirteen didn’t care for boys and she didn’t care for tricks. she would probably hear an earful.
despite her own embarassement and mild annoyance of the SPECTACLE they had become, nothing made her heart happier than an arthur weasley laughing wildly, her own body was shaking as she gave in, hands so carefully covering her now fully red face, “oh god –” she groaned, “keep it up and she won’t let me back in here again, trouble” she whispered, hands soon dropping to see him raise his own in surrender – which didn’t feel like defeat for him, if anything - as much as she would never utter those words – he had her. public mortification was her weakness and she would do anything to avoid it for the most part, and yet being the centre of his attention wasn’t entirely awful.
“what a relief –” she teased, the rare crooked smile crossing her lips, “sounds perfect” she murmured, she hadn’t missed the way he had mentioned his childhood – growing up with his family, that spot meant something to him and that meant more than anything. it was personal – not something molly herself was used too, for someone to be willing to peel it back and let her in. she was excited as she would be on christmas morning. “i wouldn’t have expected it at all –” she admitted, sheepish smile at her lips, “guess i’m not that annoying then, huh?” cheeky smile at her lips, for once - it was much easier to poke fun, then to allow herself to think for a second that this was a dream.
“arthur –” she had started, completely and utterly bewildered by his disregard for his pot of books, “what are you –” eyes widening as it dawned on her, “oh trouble –” breathy whisper at his willingness to drop everything. fingers entwining with his easily – she couldn’t put up a fight, breathe molly - he was simply just holding your hand, he’s not taking a knee - your heart shouldn’t be that erratic and yet there was nothing more perfect than this moment. all but skipping as they rushed down the rather bustling street, she would give it another fifteen minutes till everyone cleared out – shops were winding down and she would soon have a treat to devour besides the one holding her hand. catching her breath – that didn’t stop her from wrinkling her nose at his choice, “the old man flavour?” she chuckled, pinching his cheek gently before she nearly plastered her face against the glass trying to pick, “too many choices –” she huffed, sparing mister. fortescue an apologetic smile. “maybe the strawberry peanut –” excited that she had made a choice before her gaze dropped to her true heart’s desire, “oh no – sorry, mr. fortescue - the sticky toffee. two scoops of that please” backing away from the glass – away from the many choices that would sway her right into his grasp. be bold, molly – he was here for her. her hands found his as she leaned back into him for a second - “thank you – you really didn’t have too” she sighed, “but i also rather not argue with you right now, so – thank you, trouble”
the scoff that left his mouth was more playful than anything because, honestly, arthur in his youth tried to stay as far away from molly as possible. of course he wouldn’t know if she was just as equally as bad as him. ❛ hmm, maybe you’ll have to tell me those stories of your on our date then. ❜ he said cheekily, mouth extenuating the word date because even he couldn’t quite still believe it. ❛ — and if they won’t let you back in here after our little show, then i’ll just have to make you a book shop of your very own. ❜ a little in home bookshelf is what he had in mind, maximalism at it’s finest. he may be trouble, but he’d always find ways to make it up.
he was entirely too excited that molly had agreed on his corny idea, even saying it sounded perfect. however, it only meant for him that he had to spend as much time as he possibly could on making it perfect. he wasn’t worried, no. only a little nervous. — the best part of his whole inner turmoil, however, was that he wasn’t the only one who thought their night under the stars counted as a date, so technically this was their second, right ? that meant a lot less pressure, but still the same amount of effort. ❛ oh, come off it, ❜ he replied with a roll of his eyes. ❛ you’re not annoying at all, and if anyone ever calls you that or says that to you, it’s only because they’re jealous that you’re loads brighter than they’ll ever be. ❜ arthur weasley only spoke the truth.
❛ old man flavor ? ❜ he questioned loudly, bewildered by molly’s choice in description. ❛ i’ll have you know that the clotted cream ice cream here is the best by far. believe me — i’ve tried each flavor at least three times. on separate occasions, of course. ❜ he added on the end with a chuckle as he felt the after effects of the pinch on his cheek. arthur’s legs felt as though they had turned into jelly the moment molly leaned into him after choosing her flavor, but instead of falling over, he instinctively wrapped his arms around her frame as they waited for their scoops. ❛ there’s no need to thank me, molls, ❜ he said in her ear, ❛ but you’re very welcome. ❜ once arthur had paid and their orders were called, he took her hand in his while the other gripped his cone as he maneuvered them to an open table outside. ❛ i just have to let you know one thing, ❜ he began, in the most serious of voice he could muster in between licks. ❛ you made fun of me for getting an ‘old man flavor’, yet you land on toffee ? isn’t that like a peak old lady dessert ? ❜ he questioned, immediately bursting into laughter.
