[OOM: Out by the Lake, just below where one would climb to the roof.]

[mnt_raph]

*The rain has let up enough for Raph to do some additional tinkering on his bike out back. Sure, he could easily be doing this inside, but since his tent fried forcing him to move back into the bar proper, he take any opportunity to be outside that he can.

It's not claustrophobia. It's just...being outdoorsy. Yeah, that's it.*

Comments

[mnt_raph]

Thanks. Paint ain't done yet, but that's gotta wait for a time when there's more Sun.

*Raph looks up at the simulated Scottish sky.*

[clumsy_auror]

A nod. "It'll come."

For a moment she shuffles awkwardly, scratching her head.

"Um. Bernard told me what you said."

[mnt_raph]

*Wow that bike sure is interesting.*

oh.

*A beat.*

[clumsy_auror]

"'M not upset with you. And I don't think he is, either, if that's what's got you looking like you swallowed a lemon." She smiles weakly, and takes a step closer.

[mnt_raph]

You know I'm right.

*Raph hazards a glance up at her.*

[clumsy_auror]

In a quiet voice, "Yeah. I do, now that I'm a bit more rational about it all. Guess it was just... something I never wanted to think about." She looks steadily back at him. "Hope you don't think less of me for that."

[mnt_raph]

*His brow furrows.*

Why would I think less o' you for that?

*Because in Raph's mind, Bernard is going to stop interfering.*

[clumsy_auror]

"Dunno. Wouldn't want you to think he and I were intentionally skirting the rules."

She shrugs, looking uncomfortable again.

"I dunno."

[mnt_raph]

Wouldn't think that. Rough times all 'round. Easy to just, you know ... not think at all.

*Something about this conversation bothers Raph. He's not sure what...but there's clearly something there that shouldn't be.*

[clumsy_auror]

"Yeah. Reckon that was part of it." A sigh. "Anyway we're sorting out what to do."

[mnt_raph]

What's to sort out. He plays house, leavin' the fightin' to people who actually know how.

*Other people's problems are so much easier to solve.*

[clumsy_auror]

And at that, Tonks laughs tiredly. "That's what I tried to convince him to do, too. Not so much, it seems."

[mnt_raph]

What do you mean "not so much"?

[clumsy_auror]

"He's determined to get out there, Raph. The bombs really are an advantage, and he won't stop making them."

[mnt_raph]

WHAT?! He can't do that!
...
Can he do that?

[clumsy_auror]

The witch leans against the wall, crossing her arms and looking incredibly tired. "He's been able to leave the bar a couple of times; once for the honeymoon, and for a few minutes on New Year's Eve to go to London." A sidelong glance at Raph. "Bar's pretty upset that he's even considering it, so... look, none of this is for public consumption. Okay?"

[mnt_raph]

What 'bout my kickin' his ass. That public consumption?

[clumsy_auror]

And now she looks at him fully. "Don't-- Raph, I've already tried talking him down, but don't you understand this is about our kids? My world? And, as much as I hate to admit it, about me?"

[mnt_raph]

*He meets her eyes.*

No, I don't understand.

*And you know, he doesn't sound sorry about it either.*

[clumsy_auror]

She stares back at him, confused. "What--"

[mnt_raph]

*Raph uses the hand he's running through his hair to look away. In his mind's eye he thinks about that Lake party where Bernard, Tonks and Sunny sat under a tree as a family.
Where was Raph....waiting for Death.
Milliways or not, somethings never change.*

Where does he get off makin' that choice?

*He looks back.*

[clumsy_auror]

"Raph, it's his choice to make. He's still a person, he still has-- has free will, he--"

The witch is standing up straight, now, and takes a step closer to Raph. Her eyes are suspiciously bright.

"What, you think I don't hate this? You think I want him out there? Fuck no. I want him here, with our daughter and our son, making sure that there's an outside chance they'll still have two parents at the end of all this shit. If it ever has an end."

A tear slips down her cheek, and she brushes it away impatiently.

"I don't want it to be like this, but he is my husband and I have to be there when he needs me."

[mnt_raph]

*Raph doesn't look away, he can't...she's crying. But what he does do is back down. His comeback when is he going to be there for you? is lost in the silence that follows.*



...what about the kids?

[clumsy_auror]

"Raph, there's gotta be a world for them to go to. This is for them as much as it's for anyone."

She sags again, her expression almost pleading.

"What else would you have me do?"

[mnt_raph]

I answer that do you storm off an' does Bernard come out here to talk to me tomorrow?

*He sighs*

I ain't askin' to judge. I'm askin'cause I wanna know. What're are you going to do with the kids?