(no subject)

[clumsy_auror]

*While Bernard brushes his teeth, Nymphadora settles herself in bed, book propped up on her knees.

The strap of her lemon-yellow tank top keeps sliding down her shoulder, and she absently pulls it back up.*

Comments

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

--Well, she's not restless any more, so I think we can look forward to a quiet night from here on in...

*Bernard trails off as he steps into the doorway, stopping to lean against the frame, just looking at her.

She's the prettiest girl he's ever seen. Still.*

[clumsy_auror]

*She doesn't look up from her book.*

Good. And I put some more teething rings in the freezer in case she wakes up fussy.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Okay.

*He shakes his head to clear it, grinning at himself, then walks over to flop onto the bed, an arm automatically around her waist.*

[clumsy_auror]

*And Nymphadora wraps her arm around his shoulders in turn, pulling him flush up against her, and kisses the top of his head.*

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*Bernard grins against her collarbones, just breathing her in.*

Was nice to see your dad. And Kathleen.

[clumsy_auror]

Yeah. And Dude, too. 'S good to remember we've got parents, too. If that makes any sense.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*He snorts*

As if Kathleen'd let me forget it. She hovered. She's not a hoverer.

[clumsy_auror]

Yeah, well. My dad's not normally that... however he was tonight.

Worried, I guess.

*Nymphadora sighs, putting her book aside on the nightstand and leaning back against the pillows.*

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Can't say I blame him.

*He's got his eyes hidden against her neck, but his arm around her tightens.*

[clumsy_auror]

I know. Neither can I. 'S just... that's how I could always tell when things weren't really okay. Dad's eyes had that look.

*Her own eyes drift closed.*

But it's okay now. I'm okay.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*He nods, and one hand finds hers.*

You're okay.

[clumsy_auror]

*She slides further down the bed, flat on her back, and rests their twined hands on her chest.

After a moment she looks over at him, concern flickering in her eyes.*

Are you okay?

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*The question takes him off-guard, and he flushes, unable to meet her eyes.*

Um.

Not sure.

[clumsy_auror]

*The furrow on her brow deepens, and she turns over on her side to face him.*

Yeah?

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Well--

*He carefully brushes her hair back from her face, almost managing to look into her eyes.*

I knew what I signed on for. Had no illusions, really, not after what they did to Fleur.

But--

That doesn't mean that when something like this happens, it's okay. I can't just go, 'Oh, I was expecting this, this is part of the job' and move on.

Because I wasn't expecting it.

And it shouldn't be part of the job.

[clumsy_auror]

*She's quiet for a few moments.*



I know it shouldn't be.

And I don't want you to expect it.

What kind of life would we have, if you did?

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*He laughs, a short huff of breath.*

Well, I'd rather lead a life of quiet desperation with you than the life of a king without you, so.

Does it matter?

[clumsy_auror]

...That's one of those things you say where it seems good but when I look again, it's...

*she sighs*

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*He thumps his head on the pillow, turning his face into it.*

Arg.

I was being melodramatic.

*He turns to look at her, eyes wide and apologetic.*

Ninety percent of it's the happiest time of my whole fucking life.

So, it's only ten percent quiet desperation, really.

[clumsy_auror]

*She looks minutely relieved.*

I just.

You know I don't take this lightly.

Any of it.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

...I never said you did.

[clumsy_auror]

No. You didn't.

Sorry.

*She turns to look up at the ceiling.*

Think I'm just reassuring myself.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Okay.

*He scoots closer, resting his chin on her shoulder lightly.*

Are you really okay, though?

[clumsy_auror]

*She shrugs a little.*

When I don't think about it too hard.

Yeah.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*Bernard takes a long breath, and then, because he can't not ask*

And when you do?