clumsy_auror | (no subject)

(no subject)

Distractions are a positive thing.

Books are somewhat helpful, but her attention keeps wandering; the television or music are even less effective. Doing something with her hands is a definite improvement, so Nymphadora's sitting on the couch with a scrap of fabric, a spool of thread, a needle, and her wand in her hand. She's practicing the sewing spells Molly taught her.

As a concession to Bernard's nerves, there's a blanket tucked around her legs, and a cup of tea on the table in front of her.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It takes a few minutes for the water to boil; plenty of time.

She pours the water into the mug. "Where's Bernard?"

"Took the babies out for a walk," she replies, rubbing one eye. "Taking advantage of the bit of sunshine we're having."

Kathleen sighs again and walks back out to sit, two mugs in hand.

"It's just as well. I'll probably weep on his shoulder yet, but I'd like to delay it as long as possible."

'Dora takes the mug with a murmur of thanks, setting it on her knee, hands encircling it to draw out the warmth.

"It's hard," she says slowly, "to talk to him about it. I have an easier time talking to nearly everyone else."

"Is it?" Her brow furrows. "That's unexpected, I have to say. He's such an open book." She sips, carefully. "Dude got real good at talking after the third or so. First time was a real doozy, though. Wouldn't admit he was upset. Just went out and broke the damn tractor."

'Dora smiles sadly. "Isn't him that's having the difficulty, it's me. Just dunno what to say to him. How to explain everything that's going on inside."

Kathleen nods once again. "He's not pressing you, is he?"

"No, not really. I think he wants me to talk about it, but he isn't being pushy."

"Good," she replies firmly. "Because if he was, I'd bend him over my goddamn knee, thirty or not."

That makes Nymphadora smile, albeit half-heartedly. "He wants to fix it. I can't blame him; I do too. But it's not a fixing thing."

"Well, he's not stupid." A sip of tea. "He knows that. Doesn't stop him from driving you a little crazy in the meantime, though, does it?"

"No, I don't suppose it does."

The witch takes a long draught of tea and then sighs.

"Anyway."

That crinkle between her eyebrows is back. "You want me to leave you to yourself, sweetheart? I won't be mad."

"No-- no, not at all," she says quickly, reaching over to put a hand on Kathleen's arm. "'S nice just talking with you. Haven't had much of a chance to do that lately, you and I. Always something else going on."

"Well, not much to say on our end." A shrug. "Late fall's always pretty slow. I'm wondering if we should get a cow or something to give Dude something to do with his hands besides kill the tractor and fix it all winter."

She snickers, at that. "I'd go for a couple of goats, if I were you. Not quite so heavy if that accidentally stand on your foot, and far more entertaining."

"Best stay away from sheep, though. Jimmy Berger'll never leave them alone."

She laughs harder and gets up, walking over to the kitchen and returning with a plate of assorted baked goods.

"...What was it about Dude, Kathleen? Tell me how the two of you fell in love."

Kathleen shrugs, smiling. "Not much to tell. I taught philosophy at Whitman for a few years, and liked it all right. Buuuut, it was the '40's, and a girl didn't just teach and teach and not get married." She sips her tea, a girlish blush rising to her cheeks. "Couldn't really find anybody I liked in town, 'till Dude swept me off my feet."

"...I could see Dude being quite good at the sweeping thing," 'Dora muses, a considering look on her face. "He's really quite dashing."

"He really is." She shakes her head. "One minute I was teaching freshmen about the Allegory of the Cave, and the next I was at a farm with a damn cowboy who kept repeating himself."

The grin softens. "Can't think of too many better places to be."

Kathleen snorts. "Could've been worse, I guess, but I'll never have enough recipes using onions."

'Dora laughs, and then gently squeezes Kathleen's hand again. "You two're brilliant. You know that, right?"

The blush deepens, and Kathleen pulls her hand away, embarrassed. "I'm sure I know no such thing. We're just regular."