(no subject)

[clumsy_auror]

It's over.

It's done.

They've been back to the bar with the kids and Ellie and Hiss and most of their things, and Dude and Kathleen have volunteered to watch Sunny and Anthony for a couple of hours while Nymphadora and Bernard go back to clean up Crowley's flat.

The Lego blocks and story books are largely tidied up, and now 'Dora is in Crowley's bedroom, putting fresh linens on the bed.

She's been quiet, despite the relief of having their home and all of their friends at Milliways safe.

Comments

[clumsy_auror]

A long, heart-felt groan. "The mere thought of four babies tapdancing on my bladder makes me want to run screaming into the night." She leans over to peck him briefly on the lips, and then stands again, carrying on with the tidying.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Damn.

He settles into the couch for a moment, imagining it.

It would be fun.

But he'd be grey by 35.

"Well, it's a good thing you're breastfeeding, then, because I was thinking about christening Crowley's hutch."

[clumsy_auror]

Nymphadora levels a look at Bernard over her shoulder.

"Let's not and say we did."

A beat.

"...Or actually we don't even have to say it."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"You're no fun."

[clumsy_auror]

"Fun? Oh, I'm terribly fun. But I know I'd find it a bit strange, in the not-good way, if any of our friends decided to shag on our bed."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

He rolls his eyes.

"What about the dining room table, then?"

[clumsy_auror]

Succinctly, "Sod off, love."

With that, Nymphadora plunks down at Crowley's desk, and pulls a fresh sheet of paper out of the drawer.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Bernard blows out a long breath and rubs his eyes.

"Well. Guess I'll go over the bathroom. Make sure the kids' toys are out of there. Stuff like that."

[clumsy_auror]

"'Kay."

Then she turns her attention to the paper, sleek pen from the drawer (it can write underwater) at the ready, and... writes nothing.

Yet.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Putter.

Putter putter.

Bernard is terrible at leaving people alone. His mother once threatened him with a wooden spoon to the ass if he didn't give her ten minutes' peace.

Bit of a welt, those things leave.

"...I wonder why he has toothpaste. Can't he just... will his teeth clean?"

[clumsy_auror]

Her voice is a bit vague. "Doesn't really need food either, does he?"

A brief, hesitant scratch of pen to paper.

"Likes it, though."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Bernard squints at the half-used tube of toothpaste in the cabinet and shakes his head.

He can't imagine anyone liking to brush their teeth, in particular.

"'S weird."

[clumsy_auror]

Nymphadora rolls her eyes to the ceiling.

"Bernard, why don't you make a list of allllll the things you find interesting about Crowley's flat so that you can ask him about them next time you see him."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

A pause.

"That is a groovy idea!"

He walks back into the room.

"You usin' that pen?"

[clumsy_auror]

There are no words.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Blink.

"What?"

[clumsy_auror]

"...Nothing," she mutters, and digs around in the drawer for another pen, which she pushes into Bernard's hands along with a fresh sheet of paper. "Now shoo."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

He takes them and dips his head for an impulsive kiss to the side of her neck.

[clumsy_auror]

Her hand automatically rises to smooth along his cheek, and her expressions softens slightly.

"I do love you. But really. I need to work on this."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

A short sigh. "All right." He wanders back into the bathroom and starts muttering to himself about the probable uses of clay hair products.

[clumsy_auror]

This is... difficult. To put it mildly.

The words just won't come, and after a moment she crumples up the paper with frustration and tosses it into the bin.

Just be honest. No judgements.

Right.

It's a little easier this go 'round.

But she's still slow, and careful with her words.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Rummage. Rummage rummage.

Marvel.

"...Crowley doesn't use Dapper Dan. You'd notice the pleasing scent!"

He writes it down.

[clumsy_auror]

Finally, with a deep breath, Nymphadora folds up the letter, slips it into an envelope, seals it, and places it in plain view on the coffee table.

Well.

That's done.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Rustle rustle clang.

"Ow! ...Uh. Baby?"

[clumsy_auror]

Warily, "...Yeah?"