Word Count: 450


Tonks' cheeks are almost as pink as her hair when she stomps into the office, scowling. "One day. Just one normal bloody day! Is that too much to ask for?" she grumbles before dramatically throwing herself onto her chair.

Kingsley watches for a moment, laughing softly to himself. He remembers his first few months as an Auror. It had been wild and strange, and he had been worried he wasn't cut out for it. Sometimes, he had considered quitting and learning to make broomsticks like his father. In the end, he had been glad he stuck around. The Auror life isn't always easy, but, in his opinion, it's the best path, and he can't imagine life anywhere else.

After a few minutes pass, he climbs to his feet and makes his way over to where Tonks sits. No one else seems concerned by her outburst. Over time, it's easy to just get used to things and accept that the only sense of normalcy comes from nothing being normal.

There's a bright blue stain on her cream-colored shirt, and Kingsley notices the way it still sizzles and steams.

"Do I even want to ask?" He raises his brows, offering her a smile.

Tonks scowls, noticing the condition her shirt is still in. Without any explanation, she pulls it off, and Kingsley quickly looks away. His modesty seems to amuse her. "Oh, for crying out loud, Shacklebolt," she says with a laugh. "I have a tank top on underneath."

He glances back. "Sorry. I'm just… not used to… er…"

He doesn't know how to finish his sentence. Tonks is special in a way that he cannot explain. He remembers the day she finished her training. Moody had sworn up and down that she was the future of their department. Kingsley had laughed it off, but now he can see it. Tonks is something else. She brightens the office and makes it feel less like work.

"Honesty, Shacklebolt, how are you so eloquent? It will be a miracle if I can learn to speak like you," she teases.

All the tensions seem to be forgotten. Kingsley shrugs. "I just wanted to make sure you're okay. You seemed stressed."

Her eyes brighten, glittering with amusement. She shrugs and makes a sweeping gesture with her hand. "Aren't we all stressed?"

"Fair dues." Kingsley folds his arms over his chest, studying her for a moment longer. There's still a sense of otherness to her. Tonks doesn't really fit in. "Look, Dawlish and I were going to the Leaky Cauldron after our shift. Wanna come along?"

Tonks grins. "Bet I can outdrink you."

He snorts, shaking his head. "Is that a yes?"

"Of course. See you there."