George walked into the Leaky Cauldron, staring at the almost empty barstools, his eyes searching for the dark haired female he was so used to seeing.
"Hello George, the usual?" Tom asked, not pausing in wiping up the bar top.
George stepped forward, his brow furrowing. "Hey has Kagome—have you seen her?"
Tom glanced up and jerked his head to a table in the back, hidden from prying eyes Kagome's back faced them. "Poor thing, she walked in hours ago with that book. Nearly burst into tears when I asked how she was. Anyway, the usual?"
"Yeah, thanks mate."
George made his way to the table, placing his hand on Kagome's shoulder. On instinct, Kagome reached up and leaned into the touch before realization kicked in.
"Sorry." Kagome mumbled as she bowed her head, her hair covering her face.
Sliding into the chair opposite her, George gave her a sympathetic look. "You alright? Tom said you nearly broke down on him earlier."
Kagome lifted her head, raking her hair back from her face. "It's been a rough few days. I wanted to apologize for how I was with your family, I've had so much anxiety since I came back early and—"
"—hey, it's alright calm down. We all understand, me more than anyone." George assured her.
Inhaling deeply Kagome nodded as Tom brought George's drink.
Walking back to the bar, Tom laid his hand on Kagome's shoulder and squeezed in assurance.
"So, what are you reading?" George asked.
Kagome slid the book across the table, "I took your advice. I figured since I failed at interacting with your family maybe getting back into a career will keep my mind off... help with the healing process."
George smiled, sliding the book back over. "I'm going to miss you at the shop, it's been nice seeing you all the time. Fred would be happy."
Kagome's lips quirked up a little, "yeah."
"How are you though, really?" George asked.
Kagome shrugged, her fingers running over the title of her book. "I'm not doing okay. "It's been six months." She whispered.
George's hand froze in bringing his butter beer to his lips, his own eyes matching the sorrow as his companions. "Yeah, almost didn't get out of bed this morning. I couldn't have gotten through these last months without you."