#I headcanon that james is just always a lil messy. glasses skew. he's just that kinda guy

[up-to-some-good]

Mission Accomplished

Part two to this, but can be read as a standalone. Written for @jilymicrofics February 25 - sentimental

James was going to propose that night. Lily knew it as well as anyone. It was a Wednesday, their usual date night, and James had somehow gotten a reservation at their favourite restaurant despite the owner's firm policy against reservations. It wasn't a special date, not their anniversary or Valentine's or anything, but it was a special place. The restaurant was where their first date had taken place in the summer before seventh year. They didn't go there often, not unless it was a special occasion, so Lily knew that tonight was the night.

For all his scheming and mischief, James Potter was not a subtle man. He had spent the past few weeks having secret meetings with the marauders while she was out. She had once walked in on them, having finished her work early, and the conversation had immediately stopped when she walked in the room. She was also pretty sure James had gone to see her parents the past weekend while she was out with Mary. He had come home in an incredibly good mood and her mom had been in equally good spirits that night when they had their weekly phone call.

She had done her best to help James with his plans, albeit subtly. On her weekly coffee date with Sirius, she had steered him past a jewellery shop and made sure to give details about her ring preferences to him in hopes he'd pass them on. She had lent her camera to Remus when he asked without asking tooany questions, knowing he hated lying and was terrible when put on the spot. She knew the ring was hidden somewhere in the house and that if she tried, she could probably find it, but she hadn't gone looking. She would see it soon.

Lily dressed carefully for their date that evening. It wasn't a formal place, but she took care to wear something nice, knowing there would be pictures. She found herself feeling quite sentimental as they walked to the restaurant hand in hand, remembering there first date like it was yesterday. James had been so nervous, stumbling over his words and fidgeting constantly. It was a far cry from the man walking beside her now, holding her hand loosely and chatting to her with ease, completely confident.

They were seated on the patio, sparkling lights overhead and a cool breeze keeping them comfortable. Lily spied a familiar couple across the street on a bench, conspicuously hiding their faces behind newspapers.

She and James ordered their usual favourites, and she almost forgot what was happening as they fell into comfortable conversation. It was after they ordered dessert that James started fidgeting, cracking his knuckles and messing with his hair. She reached across the table for his hand and gave him a knowing smile. He smiled back easily and scooted his chair back a little.

"You're too smart to not know what's going on tonight," he said. "I have something I want to ask you, if you'll let me."

She nodded, unable to speak as her eyes started to sting with tears.

"Lily," he started. "I think I've loved you since the first time I saw you, back when I was an eleven year old with a head too big for his shoulders and no common sense. It's been an incredible privilege to get to be with you and to fall more in love with you every day. I don't know who I am without you anymore and I don't want to find out."

He moved over to kneel next to their table, holding out a ring to her.

"Lily Evans, will you marry me?"

She leaned forward to cup his cheek.

"Of course I will," she said. "You know that."

There was a camera flashing and applause from the other patrons as James slid the ring onto her finger, but she didn't really care. All she cared about was the man in front of her with his messy hair and crooked glasses, smiling at her like she hung the moon. James Potter. Her fiancé.