For the Yule Ball: Write about Alastor Moody .
Word Count: 357
"You look awful," Ambrosius says, his lips pulled into a worried frown. He hurries closer, taking Alastor by the hand. "Rough day at work?"
Alastor scrubs his free hand over the back of his neck. It's always rough day in his line of work; today just happened to be worse than usual. "Had to make a stop at Azkaban before I could call it a day," he answers.
He shudders. There aren't many things that can shake the Auror, but Dementors are pretty high on that list. Even with a Patronus Charm, he still feels absolutely drained.
Ambrosius nods before disappearing into the next room. Alastor stares off after him, confused. Normally, his lover is quick to offer him comfort and affection. While he's never been the touchy feely type, Alastor can't help but feel a bit miffed about being left alone.
"I try to tell you that keeping chocolate on hand is a good idea," Ambrosius sighs as he reappears through the doorway. "Do you listen? Of course not. Stubborn grouch."
Alastor scowls. "I'm not stubborn," he mutters.
A teasing grin plays at his lover's lips. "So, you admit you're a grouch?" he chuckles, shaking his head as he slips a bar of chocolate into Alastor's hand.
Alastor remains silent. Ambrosius thinks he's so clever. Cheeky bastard.
Grudgingly, he nibbles the chocolate. It works, of course. Slowly, his tension seems to melt away. The chill that had made a home inside his bones lifts, and he offers Ambrosius a small smile of gratitude.
"Better?"
"Don't gloat."
"You feel better, and you know it," the younger man says brightly.
Alastor shakes his head, a low chuckle escaping his lips. "You were right; I was wrong," he admits. "Are you happy now?"
Ambrosius closes the distance between them, pressing a kiss to the Auror's cheek. "Much. Now, help me with dinner."
Before Alastor can remind his partner that he's had a difficult day at work, Ambrosius rushes into the kitchen. Alastor takes another bite of the chocolate before following behind. It seems his work is never done.
Still, he wouldn't trade this life for anything in the world.