Let me count the ways...
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Summary: Archie wants to propose to Ruby, but can't quite find the right words. Belle helps.
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Belle knew something was up when Dr. Hopper passed her in the street without so much as a nod or a smile. It was so out of character for him that she stopped and looked after him with a puzzled frown. He certainly looked preoccupied, eyes on the pavement in front of him, one hand in the pocket of his overcoat and the other brandishing his umbrella in a grip so tight his knuckles were white, a worried frown on his face.
She didn't even hesitate, just turned around and followed him. Falling into step with him she waited for him to acknowledge her presence, but realised after a few steps that he still had not noticed her. Both worried and amused she touched his elbow and yelped as he startled violently.
"Belle! W-What are you – where..." He looked around him as if surprised to find himself on the sidewalk outside Granny's Diner and Belle couldn't help the little chuckle that escaped her.
"Lost in thought, were you, doctor?"
He blushed slightly and chuckled too. "Yeah, apparently I was. I-I'm sorry, I was... pondering."
"Oh, I could tell," she teased, and he blushed even brighter. Taking pity on him she gave his arm a squeeze. "Actually, you looked kind of worried. Is there anything I can do to help?"
She expected him to wave away her offer – she hadn't known him all that long, but he struck her as the kind of man who would dismiss his own problems as unimportant when people once in a blue moon asked him how he was - and for a moment it looked like he might, but after a few seconds of silent struggle he sighed deeply and his shoulders slumped in defeat.
"I could use some help, actually."
"What's wrong?"
"Oh, there's nothing wrong!" He hurried to assure her, only to hesitantly add: "... Exactly." Seeing that this just confused her he let out a self-deprecating huff and rubbed his neck. "This, this is the problem. I... I need to ask someone something, and I can't seem to find the right words..." He trailed off and dropped his gaze to the pavement again, gaze distant. When it became apparent that he wouldn't continue she touched his arm again and had to roll her eyes fondly when he startled – apparently already lost in thought again.
"I might be better able to help you if I knew what and who you were talking about."
He let out a slightly shaky breath. "I want to ask Ruby to marry me."
Of all the scenarios she had imagined this one came as a complete surprise, though certainly not an unpleasant one. Her friend Ruby and the good doctor had been dating for a while and Belle had always thought they made a good match – she had in fact told Ruby that very thing when the other woman first told her about their budding relationship, and she had cheered from the sidelines as they grew closer and closer. Though her friendship with Ruby was fairly new she was the best girl friend Belle had ever had, and she knew her well enough to tell that Ruby Lucas was happiest in the company of Archie Hopper. Belle thought about the pleased blush that unfailingly coloured Ruby's cheeks every time the former cricket's name came up in conversation, and felt certain that he didn't have to worry about the proposal. If he ever found the courage to actually propose, that is.
"I'm sure the wording is not the most important thing, Archie. Do you really believe Ruby would say no just because it didn't sound perfect?"
"No, I-I know, it's just that..." He shrugged, looking forlorn. "I guess I'm just not convinced she should say yes..."
"What? Why?"
"She deserves so much more."
"Why don't you let her be the judge of that, hm?" He didn't answer so Belle took that as her cue to continue. "I know! Let's brainstorm!" Despite the confused look he gave her she found herself quickly warming to the idea. "No, I'm serious! Why don't you list all the things you love about Ruby and we can work from there? Oh, and we can rehearse! I'll be Ruby and you ask me!"
He was looking at her with both confusion and apprehension, but Belle just gave him a great big smile, feeling herself getting eager, and waved the protest she could see forming on his lips away before he would utter it.
"Ten things you love about Ruby. Shoot!"
At first he just stood gaping at her like a goldfish, but at her encouraging smile he braced himself and obeyed.
"I... I love her smile. All her smiles, but especially that soft little smile after she –" He stopped himself and blushed. "I love her passion. Ah, and her sense of humour, and-and her confidence... but her vulnerability too." His gaze got that faraway look again, but this time Belle didn't do anything to snap him out of it. His voice steadied and a small smile curled in the corner of his mouth as he found his stride. "Her kindness. Her sense of fun and adventure. How she makes me laugh, makes me feel like I could do anything as long as she is there by my side. I love her for seeing the best in me. I love her for making me feel the way I do every time I see her – when I see Ruby it's like ... like a thrill that starts in my stomach, arcs up through my lungs and makes me smile no matter how bad my day's been. Flying is nothing compared to that heady feeling. I love how she makes me feel complete in a way I've never felt before. I love her for making me happier than I've ever been in my entire life, and if Ruby agreed to marry me I would do everything to try to make her as happy in return."
"Oh, Archie..."
The sound of the other voice startled them both and they quickly turned towards it.
"Ruby!"
Not saying anything Ruby threw her arms around his neck and kissed him thoroughly. Belle didn't bother hiding her smile at the sight. When Ruby finally broke the kiss her voice sounded breathless and her eyes were glistening with happy tears.
"I love you, too, Archie. Yes! Yes, I will marry you!" She hugged him fiercely and Archie looked at Belle over her shoulder, looking both stunned and happier than she had ever seen him. He mouthed 'thank you' to her before grinning like a loon and swirling Ruby around. Belle smiled at the sound of Ruby's delighted giggles and decided that it was time to make herself scarce. Giving them a little wave that she was sure neither of them really registered she started walking home. An excited squeal sounded from behind her before she had gone far and Belle guessed Archie had fished the jewellery box with the engagement ring out of his coat pocket.
"Did you know she would be there, dearie?"
The softly accented voice didn't startle her, even though it was unexpected. She slowed down slightly so he could keep a comfortable pace beside her.
"I didn't plan it, if that's what you're asking. But since we stopped right outside the Diner on a slow night, and I know Ruby would not be able to resist coming outside when she saw him... I might have nudged him in the hope that he would still be talking when she did show up."
"Listing all the things he loves about her like the love-sick fool he is." Though the words were vitriolic the complete lack of scorn in his tone told her that he was happy for them both, in his own way. She reached for his hand, carefully entwining their fingers without looking at him. He gently squeezed her hand, and they walked back home to the salmon-coloured house in comfortable silence.
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Thanks to my very own Casablanca-Louis, aka gabyrandomthings at tumblr, for the prompt! :)
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More to come...