A Decent Proposal
Challenge Eighteen: March Madness Redux
Title: A Decent Proposal
Author: seaislewitch
Wizard/Witch: Dean Thomas/Megan Jones
Rating/Warnings: PG-13/R
Genre: Romance
Word count: Exactly 500
Prompt: 7. kites on Black Lake
Summary: Dean and Megan have everything -- almost.
Three laughing children each held the string of a Muggle kite. Megan stood nearby casting Ventulus every so often to keep the colourful flyers over Black Lake. She noticed his gaze and flashed a brilliant smile. Dean winked and then returned to his sketch. They would all remember this sunny, carefree day. Merlin knew they had all suffered too many dark, tortured ones.
A temporary home was organized for the littlest victims of the war until permanent placements could be made. Megan was already volunteering when Dean arrived to lead art classes. The orphaned wizardlings responded positively by creating expressive paintings, helping to heal their little souls.
"Care to join me?" Megan asked one day, holding up a teacup.
"I'd enjoy that." Dean was never one to refuse the invitation of a beautiful witch, and they quickly settled into a comfortable habit of taking tea after each class.
Weeks later, Megan said, "You need a place to live and paint."
"Yes," he replied, sighing.
"The farmhouse I inherited in Wales has a cottage."
Dean blinked. "Are you offering?"
"I need a favour."
"Sure. What?"
Megan took a deep breath. "I want to adopt Annie and the Markham twins. Despite my abilities and resources, the Board thinks I'm too young. I have to show them I'm responsible."
"How do I--"
"Marry me."
"What?"
"Marry me," Megan repeated. "We can save these children, and you'll have your own place."
"So…"
"It would be platonic. Just for a year. These children desperately need a home. Please help me."
Dean knew they were companionable, and he was attached to the children too. He had no prior commitments, and he was in dire straits financially. "Let me think about it."
A week later, Dean toured the property and agreed to the arrangement. Megan was ecstatic, which pleased him greatly. They wed in a simple ceremony and celebrated by adopting the children. Dean helped with every aspect of the household, and the family found a daily rhythm. He grew to love his children, becoming the father he never had.
Megan and Dean tucked their happy children in bed that evening, tired from a day of picnicking and kite flying. After Dean retired to his cottage to work on a commission, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in."
Megan walked inside. "You've said you wanted to paint me."
"Yes."
"Well, then…" Her robe slid down, pooling at her feet.
Dean gulped.
She reclined on the chaise. "How's this?"
"Umm… That's… You're… Gods, Megan, you're beautiful."
She smiled. "Would you like to paint me or… consummate our marriage?"
"Both." Dean moved closer, shedding his clothing while taking in every detail of her splendor. Sliding his hand across her bare hip, he kissed her for the first time, shuddering at the emotional rush. He lay next to her, winding his hand in her sweet-smelling hair, pulling her close.
"I have a confession," he murmured, kissing her neck. "I've secretly fallen in love with you."
"And I you."
Author's Notes: Ventulus roughly means 'a slight wind'. Thanks to Gelsey for her Proof Witchery.
Proof-reader: gelsey