#muse;ben

The bouquet was made up of a beautiful array of colourful geraniums, and Ben examined them one last time before entering the store - making sure none of them had accidentally been damaged, that there weren’t any broken stems and the like. Once he was satisfied, he nodded and pushed the door of Madame Malkin’s open. 

He felt nervous, for reasons he couldn’t quite place. His thoughts raced as he went inside; what if she didn’t like the flowers? What if she didn’t like flowers at all? 

He steeled himself with a deep breath, and that was when he saw her. She hadn’t noticed him, yet - too focused on her work - and Ben just watched her for a moment. A fond half-smile tugged at his lips. 

“Nora,” He greeted, his voice soft so as not to startle her, “For you.” 

Ben held out the flowers and tried to gauge her reaction. It was his thank you for everything she’d done for Briar - the dresses, and (more recently) for keeping her safe.

It was also his answer to the kiss they’d shared. His own way of saying that he wanted it to happen again, if she did.

“I... erm. I hope you like them.” 

who: Ben and open!

“Say hi, Bug,” Ben bounced Briar in his arms, trying to cheer the baby up. Briar simply grumbled and turned her face away from him. Unfortunately, she had a tooth coming in and was subsequently very grumpy. Ben sighed apologetically and shrugged. 

“Sorry, she’s usually friendlier,” he told his guest, “She loves people, I swear. Even though she barely gets out. I’ve been meaning to get her a babysitter for awhile. At least then she’d get more socialisation than just...well, me.” 

He was dreadful company, he was sure. 

who: Ben and Nora ( @xavecamour​ )

Ben let himself into his home and stumbled across the threshold, panting to catch his breath.

He’d sprinted all the way here the minute it was safe. 

Ben had left Briar with Nora, had told her to Apparate out of London until he let them know that it was safe. He’d sent a fire message as soon as the dust had settled; he needed to hold his daughter in his arms, needed to know that she was safe. 

His heart ached with the uncertainty. He needed to know that Nora was safe, too. He wouldn’t know what to do with himself if something happened to not only Briar, but her, as well. 

“Hello?” he called out. The house was dark and awfully quiet. His mind raced as he considered every possible thing that might have gone wrong. What if they’d been intercepted, and kidnapped, and - 

Two individuals set foot in the room - 

“Oh, thank Merlin,” he breathed out, rushing over to take Briar from Nora’s arms. “Thank you.” 

Briar began to cry, alarmed by her father’s agitated state. Ben shushed her gently and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, looking again to her protector.

“Seriously. I cannot thank you enough, Nora.”

His voice cracked as he spoke, fragile and tired. 

who: Ben and Max ( @xavecamour )

“Why are you laughing?” Ben asked blandly. The minute he’d walked into the room his friend had started chuckling under his breath. Ben could only assume it was because of him.

“Is there something on my...” he glanced down at himself and realised what it was.

He’d left the house in a rush - Briar had been throwing a tantrum, and didn’t want to be left with the nanny. He’d had to take the time to read her her favourite book until she’d fallen asleep before he was allowed to leave the house. When he eventually had been able to go, he’d already been late for the Order meeting.

Apparently in his rush to leave, he hadn’t noticed the huge green stain on the front of his crisp, white shirt. He’d fed Briar mashed peas for lunch.

“Yes, yes, very funny, laugh it up,” he chuckled drily, “You try being a single father to a teething infant.”

[text:  Ben]:  Don’t feel bad, I was already up.  What’s up?