March 22, 1973
WHO: Tobias and Mafalda
WHERE: His place
STATUS: Complete!
Tobias was cranky. He had taken as few shifts as possible this week as to not conflict with the time spent with Mafalda, so it was sod's law that his shift last night was the kind that just never ended. Between the sick babies and the angry bull-man and the never ending traumas, Tobias had been forced to owl Mafalda and cancel his plans for the evening and stay on later, well past the end of his shift and when he'd predicted he would be home. Mafalda had clearly taken it well since she'd already been asleep by the time he'd gotten home and taken all the blankets and pillows for herself. But Tobias had just fallen into bed next to her, passing out with his clothes on, just a few minutes before his alarm went off.
Needless to say it had been thrown across the room.
But now, Tobias had a pillow over his head as his ever so lovely girlfriend was making tea (for him, presumably) but in doing so in the loudest manner possible, making sure to band every pot he had. Or so it felt in Tobias's head. Every little clink and bang echoed between his ears. Tobias glanced up to check the clock and groaned when he realized it was in pieces against the wall and his watch had been lost last night in an unfortunate puking incident. Something told Tobias it was far too early for him to be awake, but this was the last day he had with Mafalda before she went back to school tomorrow and there was probably some shopping he had to pay for and carry around later today.
Tobias rolled out of bed, untangling himself from his robes very ungracefully, mumbling a few choice curse words. He tugged his shirt and robes off, his tie had met its demise during shift of hell, and decided that he could take a shower later when Mafalda was in a better mod and would like to join him. Tobias crossed the floor of his very sparse bachelor pad - it was one larger room for everything and a smaller utility room that served as a loo/closet. Tobias wasn't ashamed of how he lived, he didn't have any reason to need more room or a house. Just yet.
He sat down at the kitchen table, looking around blearily for a cup of tea. Tea made life worth living and bearable. Tobias tried not to glare or scowl at Mafalda's noisy actions but failed. She had gotten him up and awake and now was denying him the attention he wanted. "Mafalda, can you make me a cuppa too?" Tobias asked, finishing with a wide yawn.
While Mafalda wasn't cranky, she was tired and definitely not looking forward to pack for school. Why didn't they give longer breaks? Hell, why couldn't it have just been summer hols so she could spend more time with Tobias. Even with their relationship being kept relatively quiet, she knew by the time she was on the train back to Hogwarts, people would have asked her what the two of them did while she was with him. Was it really their business? No, probably not, but she'd tell anyway. Some people didn't like the idea of her dating a guy older, more mature and from the worst house in Hogwarts, but it didn't matter when you loved that person. And low and behold, she did. Which would be why she wasn't irked when he canceled their plans. Not that she was happy about it, it did bum her out quite a bit, but she was over it once she realized once school let out, they'd be able to spend time together anyway.
Having been asleep when he got home, she didn't hear him until the alarm went off, and definitely when he threw it. Not the most pleasant way to wake up, but she couldn't complain all that much. At least he was there, right? Sitting up and yawning, she looked over at him. He looked exhausted and she'd let him sleep for a while. With that thought in mind, she crawled out of bed and padded into the kitchen to make tea for them. She knew once he'd wake up, he'd want some, so she extracted two cups from the cupboards and heated the water on the stove. While she would have done it in a much quieter manner, she was too tired to pay any attention to how loud she was being and ended up banging around a bit. It wasn't her fault, she just wasn't able to process sound just yet.
Hearing him stir and come into the kitchen, she looked back at him as he asked her to make him some and nodded. The tea bags were already set in the cups and all that was needed was the water. Maflada turned around and leaned against the counter top, her arms folded across her chest as she released a great yawn. "How was work?" she asked. It probably came out a bit cold since she was still just a
little bummed about having to find something to entertain herself with when he couldn't do it for her the night prior, but she'd get over it in no time. Surely with a shift as long as that, he would say 'it was hell' or 'I hate my job' or really, anything along those lines. The water began to boil and she picked it off the stove, pouring it into the two cups that were set out. Taking them, she brought them over to the table and set one in front of Tobias before giving him a quick kiss on the forehead and another one in front of where she'd be seated.
Tobias stifled a yawn and peered into his cup as if it would have the answers he wanted to say. Work was difficult but rewarding on most days, but after a shift like that he really didn't want to talk about it. Mafalda was sweet and innocent and telling her about the traumas and blood would cause her to be less so, and Tobias wanted to keep her that way as long as possible.
He grunted instead with an inelegant shrug, wondering if she was actually mad at him or if she was simply reading his own bad mood. Tobias sipped his cup a few times, it was very tasty and he would need about three more cups before he was fully functional. "It was brilliant, obviously," he said, his tone lacking any bite.
"I lost a tie and a watch. Pity, I kind of liked that tie." Tobias looked up at Mafalda and gave her a half-hearted smirk. She really was a lovely girl. "I have today and tomorrow off, so we can do something. Are you going to the station alone tomorrow?" Tobias aked, trying to feign disinterest, mostly because he didn't want to think about her leaving, but also because he was thinking about the idea of coming to see her (and Stella and Jen) off.
Mafalda rolled her eyes playfully before tilting to her head and listening. "Which tie?" She asked curiously. It didn't matter, she'd replace it for him anyway. She'd have to, he always looked so good in ties. She leaned back in her chair and sipped gingerly at her tea, even blowing on it a bit at first. Unlike Tobias, one cup was normally good enough for her, though there were times when she could have tons and tons and still just not be alive enough to do anything. However, hearing him say he had the next two days off was the best news all morning. Really the only news, as she had just gotten up.
She studied him for a moment, debating on telling him to go back to sleep or not. He looked like he could use it, and who was she to keep him up? She was his girlfriend, but she didn't need him to die of sleep deprivation for her sake. "Toby, why don't you go back to bed?" She questioned sympathetically, ignoring his question about going to the station alone. She didn't want to go at all, but she supposed she'd have to if she wanted an education.
A small sigh was given, followed by a shrug as she sipped her tea. "Dunno. Depends on whether or not you want to see me leave or not," she offered casually. She knew he wouldn't want to see her leave, but she was also a little emotional when leaving him for long periods of time. Even if they saw each other at least once a month at Hogsmeade. Mal waited for him to answer, not offering anything else in her sleepy manner.
"The blue one I really like," Tobias said, finishing his cup and getting up to retrieve another, more than a little relieved that she wasn't upset abouth the night before. He waved off her concern about sleeping and touched her shoulder lightly as he went back to his seat, "I'm fine. I can sleep later. With you. If I need a nap you can just park me on a bench or something if we're out. Did you want to go shopping or something? I'm sure there are a few important things you need, right? And of course some frivolities."
Tobias smiled at her genuinely over his cup before sipping it generously. He contemplated her question and the phrasing carefully. If he said yes, it implied he wanted to see her leave, if he said no then that meant he didn't want to go, right? "If you absolutely must go, then I suppose I should be there to wish you a fond farewell. And make sure none of the little snots you go to school with think they've got a chance withh what's mine," he added the last a little darkly. "At least you've got a year before your N.E.W.T.s, yeah?"
Mafalda had barely made a dent in her cup of tea, but instead found herself still yawning and rubbing her eyes. She could have gone for another hour of sleep, but she wanted to just spend the day with Tobias. Hell, she'd even go back to bed with him now if he wanted her to. At least they'd be together. "Are you sure?" she questioned softly, crossing her legs beneath the table. "I'd hate to have you pass out on me today." She had a slight grin attached, though it was rather empty. If he said he could sleep later, then he could sleep later, Mafalda wasn't one to argue.
A shrug was given. Surely she had done plenty of shopping, but if he was offering to go with or even pay, then she wouldn't say no. "I'm sure I could find something I could use," she said coolly, taking another sip of her tea. "You know I wouldn't let anything that wasn't as big and handsome as you come near me. Though I get the slight feeling I should be watching out for who has eyes for you. You're much more attractive than I," she said teasingly, hoping to at least get off the subject of going back to school. She didn't even want to think about it, let alone talk about it. "Yeah, a year." Which was obviously going to be too hard.
"Let's go to breakfast, get something light to eat and see if we can't find some windows to look at and maybe some stores to stop into on High Street," Tobias suggested, reaching out across the table and taking her hand in his stroking the back of her fingers with his thumb, lightly, "Then we can figure out what we want to do for lunch, from there?"
He gave her a slightly wicked grin, liking her compliment but knowing he had to do her one better. "No one can be as fair as you. And I sincerely doubt you have much to worry about. I spend my shifts working to exhaustion and I come here and sleep it off, counting the days until the next time I get to see you, again."
Mafalda nodded. Breakfast sounded good, actually anything sounded good right about then and shopping sounded the best the more she thought of it. A small smile was given as he took her hand and stroked it. "Sounds perfect," she said softly, smiling over at him. The more she thought of the day progressing, the more she thought of having to leave him. Why couldn't she just quit school and stay with him forever? It just wasn't fair, the way she looked at it.
Feeling her cheeks redden a bit, Mal looked down at the table, smiling the whole time. He really had a way with words, and no, she had no counter to that. He had won and there was no commenting back. "That time can't come soon enough," she mumbled, looking up at him. Even while she was still there with him, she was already aching for her next break so she could see him again. Bloody school. It was so ridiculous.
"No need to be down, my love," Tobias said, setting his cup aside and reaching across the table with his other hand. He brought her hand up to his mouth and kissed it lightly. He gave her a nice smile and stood up, pulling her lightly with him. Tobias wrapped his arms around Mafalda and smiled down at her, pressing his face into her neck and sighing. "I'm not trying to make you feel bad about leaving, it's something that we cannot change. Let us pretend that tomorrow does not exist so that you and I can have a wonderful day today."
His crankiness was all but gone - he was tired, but Tobias could deal with that. Just having Mafalda in his arms made everything that much better. He sighed and pulled back so he could look down into her face. "Let me take a shower and wash the really bad night away and when I'm finished, you can pick something out for me to buy for you, alright?"
When he pulled her up and into him, Mafalda smiled, burying her face into the taller male, her arms wrapped around him in return. Things definitely had to get better, she was with him of all people. She smiled to herself for a moment, glad that out of all the women he could have had,he chose her. A measly student amongst all the beautiful women that would have wanted him. He was hers. "You're not," she said with a small le. "I'm sort of excited to go back, as I normally am, but I would just rather spend more time with you." Separation anxiety? Probably, but she didn't care, it was just proof that she wanted to be with him and wasn't about to let that chance.
"Need help?" She questioned innocently. It was innocent, but he could have taken it any way he wanted. Plus, showering with Tobias was always a treat. For one, Mafalda was happy that she had someone she was that close with and hopefully, he felt the exact same way.A sigh of relief was given as she smiled up at him again. "Tomorrow won't even be a burden, love. We'll make today last."
Tobias ran his hand through her hair, treating it gently and loving the way her body felt against his. He leaned down and softly kissed her forehead, then her cheeks and finally her lips. "School will be great this year. You and Estella can make sure Florence isn't getting into any trouble. And by trouble, I mean dating," he joked lightly, but really thought he should send instructions with Mafalda tomorrow, to keep any boys from dating his baby sister.
"Help? I would really love it if you could, but maybe tonight?" Tobias asked, smiling at her sweetly, "I'm really gross and we'll have a much better chance of getting out of here in time for actual breakfast if I shower alone. While I hurry, you can figure out where you want to eat? I'm pretty much okay with any place, so long as they have more tea."
"I think your sisters are more worried about me dating you than you are about them dating other blokes," Mafalda said with a gentle laugh. She wasn't sure if that were true or not, but both Estella and Florence were always on Mafalda about Tobias. He may have been protective of them, but they were definitely protective of him in return. Somehow, Mal wondered how she ended up in this little tangled web, but it was cute. "But I'll try my best," she said, returning his kiss.
"Sounds fine to me." A slight nod was given. She could handle finding someplace to have breakfast, and while he was in the shower, this only gave her more time to make herself presentable for him on their last day together.
Tobias gave her another sweet, lingering kiss before reluctantly leaving her side to get ready. He was normally very quick in the shower, but today he had extra incentive and Tobias took a bit of extra time to make sure the stench of the night before was completely washed off and his hair clean. It would be no surprise to him that he had something gross in there leftover from the carnage of that shift. He wouldn't let Mafalda find out how gross his job actually
was. Being a healer was supposed to be lime robes and honour, right? Why taint that image.
After drying off, he wrapped a towel around his waist and grabbed a clean shirt out of the closet side of the bathroom, along with a nice pair of trousers - just because it was a day off didn't mean he would look shabby or too casual. Tobias liked suits and fancier clothes, even though he bought most of his on sale. They still
looked damn good on him. He came out of the bathroom and gave her a quick grin before heading over to the 'bedroom area' and getting dressed. He kept his ties, socks and underwear over in the drawers that separated his bedroom from the living room and Tobias probably should've been a little more modest with Mafalda around, but, quite honestly, he didn't think he had to. She was already staying over here (which had been a new development once or twice over the winter hols when they could manage it) so what did it matter if he dressed in front of her?
Tobias was just buttoning up his shirtsleeves when he wandered over to Mafalda, with a goofy grin on his face. The whole domesticity of this arrangement should've scared someone like Tobias; a very ambitious bachelor. But it didn't, he
liked having Mafalda here and sharing this space (well not
this space really, but he was saving up funds) but he wasn't at all ready for anything more than thinking about it. "Should I wear a tie?" he asked her, glancing into his reflection in the glass behind her, checking on his hair.
Returning the kiss, she pouted a little, having to let him go so he could shower. Was it really possible for her to be that attached to someone in such a short period of time? It was as if she had known him forever and had loved him for equally as long. As he moved away, she gave a half hearted smile and cleaned up the kitchen before going to get dressed. Having showered the night before, all she needed to do was find the right clothing to wear. The weather, what was it supposed to be like? Probably hot as hell, as usual. She rummaged through her stuff, trying to find the perfect sun dress. Normally she wasn't huge on wearing dresses, but being around Tobias made her much more flirty and want to look good than normal, so she made a point to pack some. Plus, with the heat, it really only sufficed.
Once she was completely dressed, she slipped on her shoes and was ready to go. A comb was ran through her hair before she tied it back off her neck so it wouldn't get in the way or get too hot. Looking up, she saw Tobias making his way over to her with a grin on his face. She returned the grin before laughing quietly. "I don't know, do you want to
lose another one?" she asked coyly, plopping down on the bed for a minute. Naturally, she didn't mean that, but it was cute none the less.
"I think you look good with and without a tie, but if you want to look like Mr. Professional today, go ahead and wear one." Truth was, Mafalda found it outrageously sexy when he wore a tie. She wasn't sure why, it just looked so good on him and she always thought of him more when her last image of him was with a tie on. She grinned at that thought and looked over at him. "Yes, wear a tie."
"Maybe later, you can try and steal it from me," Tobias laughed lightly at her coy joke, shaking his head a little and going over to his drawer and pulling out a tie. It could always come off later, if he was feeling stuffy or too warm. He quickly pulled it into his favorite knot and grabbed his wallet and wand, stashing them away and then reaching for Mafalda's hand, glad she was quick to be ready to leave. It was definitely an improvement over high-maintenance girls that took forever to be ready.
"Did you pick somewhere to go? Are we walking or something different?" Tobias didn't
mind going muggle places, he grew up as a half-blood, even though he downplayed it quite a bit while in school and with his
other activities, so he wasn't worried about having to take a taxi or something if she wanted to go somewhere nicer.
Mafalda smirked and shrugged. "Maybe. If I'm not too tired and all," she said off handedly. Right, as if she'd deny him anything. She grinned and watched him put on his tie while she sat. Taking his hand when he reached for hers, she stood from the bed and stretched . "Ready?" she questioned, before hearing his next question. She hadn't thought of any place yet, but there were a few places that came to mind.
"We could go to The Shoreditch? They have the most amazing French toast there
and delicious tea," and at that thought, Mafalda began the craving for bubble tea, which they may or may not have had there. She didn't remember. It being just a diner, she doubted it, but it was a nicer setting than a coffee shop which would be too busy this early in the morning. "That's the only place a could really think of that would suffice." She gave a shrug and smiled over at him.
Tobias nodded his assent. Shoreditch sounded good, they could get something to eat and then poke about the shops. This day was going to be just fine and Tobias pushed tomorrow out of his mind. He could deal with that later - and also the knowing grins from Estella, when he showed up at Kings Cross, to give a
fond farewell to Mafalda. He wasn't entirely comfortable with putting her in the rumor light at Hogwarts, but this way, if they were open and uncaring about keeping it a secret, then they could keep Estella from being dragged into it.
"That sounds lovely, dear," Tobias said kindly, leading the way out the door of his flat, keeping Mafalda close by his side.
