Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.
Written for Pairing the Character - TonksLavender.
You're Beautiful
"You're still beautiful, you know?"
Lavender looked up, surprised to see the female Auror with the pink hair. Tonks, she thought her name was. Scowling at the intruder, Lavender shook her head.
"With these scars, how can I ever be beautiful?" she asked, examining the mess of abused flesh on her cheek and neck in the hand mirror she'd demanded from the healers.
"There's a lot to be said for inner beauty," the auror murmured quietly, "but even without it, Greyback hasn't done any damage to those beautiful eyes of yours."
Lavender could feel her face heating up. "You have to say that. You're an Auror, it's your job to make people feel better.
Tonks snorted inelegantly, sitting down on the edge of Lavender's bed. "It's my job to lock people away for criminal acts. And occasionally to be a hero. Or it was, at any rate."
"Was?" Lavender asked, frowning. She leant over the bed when Tonks flicked the bottom of her robes to the side. At first, she couldn't see what the problem was, but then she saw the damage to Tonks' left leg. Mangled even worse than Lavender's face, it looked red and painful. "What happened?"
"I caught the wrong end of a curse. My leg will never be back to normal, which means I get a shiny pension and a pat on the back, and have to find a new job."
Lavender sighed. The final battle had ruined so many lives.
"So, I was thinking, maybe when you're done with your self-pity party, you'd like to join me for a drink. Or dinner."
"Are you… asking me on a date?"
Tonks nodded, offering Lavender a small smile. "The last few years have been all darkness. I'd like to find a little light in my life. I… was hoping you could help give me that."
"Why me?" Lavender asked, feeling self-conscious. Why would anyone want her? She was damaged goods.
Smiling, Tonks stood up and leant forward, pressing a soft kiss to Lavender's cheek. "I saw the way you fought for your life and for others at the battle. Anyone that can fight that hard, have that much passion for life, is worth knowing. Besides, I already told you. I think you're beautiful."