(no subject)

[clumsy_auror]

They've cleaned up from supper, and Sunny's in bed; Bernard is on his third story of the evening, trying to get her to wind down enough to sleep.

Nymphadora, on the other hand, is stretched out on the couch, her feet propped up, and a mug of tea at hand.

She's ostensibly reading, but mostly she's just thinking.

Comments

[clumsy_auror]

"Look at me, Bernard."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

He does, warily.

[clumsy_auror]

She keeps his gaze. "Then we'll deal with it. And that will not happen to you again. Do you hear me?"

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Bernard's face crumples just a bit, before he wipes it clean of emotion.

Because he doesn't want it to win.

He nods once, jerkily.

[clumsy_auror]

"Good."

This is the voice he doesn't hear much at home; there's an edge of steel in it, tonight.

Bernard might be the dinh. But she's an Auror.

"Because you are not, and will never be, alone in this."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

And his face softens.

"I know."

And this is the voice that very few outside this flat have ever heard; low and hyper-emotional and not at all commanding.

A lover's voice.

"I never was."

[clumsy_auror]

Her eyes close for a moment, and she shakes her head.

She won't let herself think about it.

But no.

He wasn't alone.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"You were so brave. Did I ever tell you that?"

[clumsy_auror]

Nymphadora opens her eyes, blinking. "You were the one who had to deal with it, though."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"Wasn't dealing at all, most of the time."

The hand at her collar slides into her hair.

Her beautiful black hair.

The hand clenches a little.

[clumsy_auror]

"You did just fine." Her voice is barely audible, now.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"Not really, no. But thank you for saying so."

[clumsy_auror]

A slight shrug, and the barest hint of a smile. "I wouldn't have done any better."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"I'm glad it was me, then."

[clumsy_auror]

Her face twists, slightly, and she hides her face in his shoulder as best she can.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

His arms are strong and steady around her.

"...'Cause I would've gone off in a rage and got myself impaled or something. And that would've been messy."

[clumsy_auror]

Her voice is a little choked. "Rather."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

He kisses her cheek.






"I'll leave Anthy a note in-bar."

[clumsy_auror]

"Okay."

After a few moments, she tips her face up to look at him once more.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

He pulls the afghan up, wrapping them both in it more securely. His fingertips slide up and down her spine, comforting.

He doesn't look away from her eyes this time.

[clumsy_auror]

Her eyes are a little big, now.

"I love you."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

A small half-smile.

"I love you, too."

[clumsy_auror]

Almost shyly, "Think it'd be nice if you kissed me, now."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

The half-smile turns whole, and Bernard leans forward to brush his lips against hers.

[clumsy_auror]

"So much," she murmers against his lips, mostly to herself.