In Bernard's Room

[clumsy_auror]

She only awoke when the book slipped from her hand and clattered noisily to the floor.

Tonks jumped, casting a guilty look over at Bernard, but he slept on. Sighing a bit, she scooped up the book and curled up once more in the armchair. She wished she had woken him, actually; he'd slept for nearly two weeks now, and while she knew his body was conserving the energy it needed to repair the extensive damage that had been done, it nevertheless made her stomach clench to see his usually animated features still and silent.

She and Aziraphale had been taking turns sitting with him. It made for long days and nights, with everything else the both of them had to do as well, but they stayed.

Suddenly Bernard stirred, and Tonks tensed, watching his movements like a hawk. His mouth fell open slightly, and his eyes flickered underneath gingery lashes. Dreaming again. Always dreaming.

That was good, she thought idly, relaxing again and flipping open her book. That meant he was still in there, somewhere.

Comments

[gil-whimple.livejournal.com]

Gil adjusted a tray on his arm and tapped very gently on the door. Tonks had been in there a long while and if she was asleep he didn't want to disturb her. But surely she must be feeling a little hungry by now? He cocked his head listening for sounds of movement.

[clumsy_auror]

*Tonks looks up from her book, and speaks softly*

Come in.

[gil-whimple.livejournal.com]

Gil opens the door and silently steps inside - faun's can be quiet if they really want to.

"Hello, Miss Tonks," he whispers. "I thought you might be hungry so I brought you breakfast - or lunch. Whatever you want it to be really." He places the tray on the table and removes the covers to show scrambled eggs on toast with bacon, muffins with whortleberry jam and a pot of tea.

"How is he?" he asks, glancing at Bernard, his eyes dark with concern.

[clumsy_auror]

*she beams up at him*

Oh, Gil, that looks marvellous, and here I am, forgetting to eat half the time. Thank you, really.

He's...doing about as good as can be expected, I suppose. I do wish he'd wake up, but he will when he's good and ready.

And how are you? Are you and the rats being horribly overworked now the bar's out of order?

[gil-whimple.livejournal.com]

Gil edges over to peer at Bernard, nostrils twitching. Poor Bernard doesn't smell right and Gil sighs.

"Don't worry about us, we're managing, though I can't wait for the Bar and Bernard to be better. I miss them both," he says. Then he turns back to her and perches on the edge of the couch. "And how are you? You've been so good looking after him. Can't we kitchen people do anything to help? Regular tea trays - hot water bottles - mah jong boards or scrabble?"

[clumsy_auror]

*Tonks grins*

Scrabble, ohhh, I'd love to whallop the angel in that. And tea trays would be lovely, as well. But only if you've got something already made -- you're not to put yourself out on our account, mind.

*she follows his gaze over to Bernard, and sighs*

I know, I miss him too. It's eerie being with him all the time and now hearing his voice. But he'll wake up soon, and we'll re-bind him to the Bar when he's strong enough, and they'll both be right as rain.

*her voice is cheery, but there's a glimmer of uncertainty in her eyes*

[gil-whimple.livejournal.com]

"But - doesn't that mean that if something happens to the Bar again it will happen to Bernard? Then he might.." Gil swallowed and added in a small voice, "like Sirius and Kassandra." He shakes his head. "Isn't that a big price to pay for convenience sake?"

[clumsy_auror]

*Tonks' eyes cloud over a bit more*

Well, it's...yeah, maybe. But I wonder if it's really just for convenience, anymore.

*she watches as Bernard stirs restlessly*

I think the Bar's a part of him now, whether he's Bound to it or not.

'Spose he'll have to choose for himself what he wants to do. I can't fault him, either way.

[gil-whimple.livejournal.com]

"It all comes down to choice," Gil agrees. "We can ask Bernard but how can we ask the Bar?"

He touches Tonks arm - a featherlight pressure of fingertips - as much for his own comfort as for hers.

"So - Scrabble and regular tea trays, then? Do you want the rude version scrabble - with extra 'F's?"

[clumsy_auror]

We'll find a way to make it right. I don't want to see either of them hurting.

...And I think the rude version would be appropriate, just so I can make the angel blush like mad. It's awfully fun.

*a small smile reappears on Tonks' face, and she leans up to kiss him on the cheek*

You're so kind, Gil. Thank you.

[gil-whimple.livejournal.com]

The angel isnt the only one who can blush. Gil goes ever-so-pink as well.

"No, thank you for minding Bernard," Gil gets up and pats Bernard's blanket covered foot in farewell. "Eat up before it gets cold," he suggests, "and I'll pop back later for the dishes and with the game."

He goes to the door, blows her a kiss and slips outside on silent hooves.

[clumsy_auror]

*Tonks gives him a small wave as he goes, grinning fondly, and then digs into the food*

[gil-whimple.livejournal.com]

[ooc: forgot to add thanks and nighty night *mwah*]

[clumsy_auror]

[ooc: thank you! always a pleasure. night! :D]