Word Count: 448
It's going surprisingly well. Tonks is usually not allowed on stealth missions, but luck seems to be on her side. She sneaks along carefully, never keeping her eyes off of Kingsley. This won't be so bad. In, out, back to the Auror office by lunch.
Except she remembers why she is never allowed on these types of missions. All it takes is one slip, and Tonks has always been so horribly clumsy. In the end, she isn't surprised when it happens. Somehow she manages not to cry out, even as her ankle twists, but there's no denying the commotion when she falls, shattering the glass display.
She's going to cut up when this is all said and done, but that's the least of their worries now.
"Can you walk?" Kingsley asks.
"Barely. Go. I'll be fine."
They managed to lift the wards, but if she's triggered their security, they don't have long before those wards close again. If she's left behind, it isn't the end of the world. If neither of them make it out…
Kingsley is too bloody noble. He doesn't even seem to think twice before helping her to her feet. "Last I checked," he says, guiding her along, "you and I are a team."
Behind them, there is noise and chaos. They've definitely set off some alarms. It doesn't matter. Kingsley is determined and has never been one to just give up easily.
Kingsley navigates, not stopping until they're outside and able to Apparate away. To her surprise, they don't return to the Ministry yet. Instead, they're inside Kingsley's house. "Let's get you cleaned up before we got back," he says, frowning. "That's a lot of glass."
Tonks finally really sees the glass. None of it seems too deep, but there are countless shards embedded in her skin. "Ouch."
He chuckles. "I think that's an understatement," he says before carefully removing the shards with a quick charm. Once it's done, he begins healing the cuts.
With a sigh, Tonks tucks a strand of rose pink hair behind her ear. Not the most inconspicuous hair color, but she loves it and can concentrate best when her hair is a wild color. "You should have left me," she says.
Kingsley shakes his head, dark eyes rolling. "The paperwork would have been a pain in the ass."
"That isn't the reason. You can't fool me. I listen to public radio."
He grins and affectionately ruffles her hair. "You're a bit roguish, but you're a damn good partner. I would be devastated if anything ever happened to you." He offers his hand. "Now. Back to the Ministry? Or straight to lunch?"
She considers for a moment. "Lunch. My treat."
