[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

[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?

[clumsy_auror]

"You mean, if he goes out there with me? Which, mind you-- nothing's decided." She rubs a reddened eye and sighs. "Dude and Kathleen. Their door's been reliable lately."

[mnt_raph]

*Raph eyes her. It certainly sounds like something's decided.*

Makes sense.
...
You...uh...you okay? I mean, you know, omittin' the obvious.

[clumsy_auror]

At the expression on his face, "Raph, seriously, right now I dunno what's gonna happen. We're looking at all the options so we can make an informed decision."

Then she pauses, and looks down at her feet.

"I honestly don't know if I'm okay. There's... a whole lot riding on what gets decided. Thinking about it ends up with me wanting to hide in a dark closet for a week."

[mnt_raph]

Know the feelin'.

Only, you know, I usually get shitfaced and start fights instead'a hidin' in a closet.

[clumsy_auror]

"...So we both cope really awesomely, then."

She cracks a tiny, wry grin.

"Look, I'm sorry. Didn't meant to unload on you like that."

[mnt_raph]

Don't know what you're talkin'bout. My copin' skills are top frickin' notch. An' I got the scars to prove it.

*Smirk*

Eh, it ain't like I wasn't askin' for it anyways. I just...nah ain't important.

[clumsy_auror]

"...What's not important?"

[mnt_raph]

*He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.*

You guys are the first normal family I ever got to know, an'...it just ain't fair is all. An' it ain't right. Givin' people that ain't got guns, guns ain't right. Destroyin' others 'cause they're different ain't right.
...
Man, I need a frickin' beer.

[clumsy_auror]

For a moment, she gazes at him, and ponders what a steady presence Raph is. He's gruff, and rash, and painfully honest, but he has a stark idea of what is right, and what is not right, and sets about fixing it despite the consequences.

What an incredible burden it must be.

"I know it, mate."

Her eyes burn again, and she laughs thickly.

"And I need a hug."

It's not a request; she knows Raph better than that.

[mnt_raph]

*She might not think it's a request, but when a crying woman says she needs a hug...you give her a hug.

This is a secret she'd best keep to herself. If word got out that he was some sort of huge marshmallow, we're talking mass hysteria.*

[clumsy_auror]

That surprises another soft laugh out of her, and Tonks hugs him back tightly for a few long moments. "Thanks," she whispers finally, letting go, and takes a deep breath.

"Anyway. Just came out to do some practices hexes. Take my mind off things."

[mnt_raph]

*Raph claps her on the shoulder, not hard...but just enough so that she knows she's family.*

You wanna borrow my tent you're more than frickin' welcome to do so. Thing's fried.

[clumsy_auror]

Her brow furrows. "Fried? So what, none of the magic's working?"

This is a Distraction. Distractions are good.

[mnt_raph]

Nope. Surprised the thing just hasn't turned into a normal tent, for all its worth to me now. Had to empty the fridge an' everything.

[clumsy_auror]

"Hunh. Well, I could have a look if y'like?"

The witch cranes her head and looks speculatively up at the roof.

[mnt_raph]

You're more than welcome to if you want.

*Raph looks up as well.*

Wanna lift?

[clumsy_auror]

She grins, and it's the first real one he's seen from her yet. "Who am I to turn down a free ride?"

[mnt_raph]

*Raph chuckles as he wipes his hands on his pants and goes in search of the pocket containing his climbing claws.*

If you're not a big fan of heights, don't look down. 'M just sayin'. First time we convinced April to do this she nearly yacked...right after she came close to chokin' Leo to death.

*Ahh good times.*

[clumsy_auror]

She gives him a sardonic look. "I ride brooms, Raph. Not the mention Crowley's tendency to free-fall when giving me a ride. Think I can handle it."

[mnt_raph]

Yeah, but both of those are meant to fly. Come'on, hop on.

*He lowers himself into a bit of a crouch, making it easier for her to climb on his back.*

[clumsy_auror]

Careful to wrap her arms around his shoulders rather than his neck, Tonks climbs on. "Ready when you are."