Ā Ā Miranda noted the awkward silence as Alphard regarded her, as if he momentarily forgot he needed to actually respond to her. Merlin bless him, he must have it bad. Her eyes softened around the edges as she waited, patiently, until he finally spoke again.Ā āI see that,ā She teased, not mincing words to save his feelings. He was certainly not there a moment ago, his mind somewhere else, somewhere she wasnāt privy to know or understand. Her hand remained in place, resting against her abdomen as she held the dress bag close.Ā āIt is,ā She confirmed again. It wasnāt, perhaps, her own personal style but she liked the choice well enough, she liked the stars, and it suited him somehow.Ā
Ā Ā Ā āI see,ā She murmured, noting the way his voice broke, just barely. Heād stated if, first, it was notable. If the time came, it implied that he wanted a child, but as of yet that hadnāt happened, and he didnāt know if it would. If that were the case, he wasnāt foolish in putting the mobile back. She couldnāt imagine how painful it would be to have items for a baby around oneās home when they werenāt expecting, and perhaps wanted to. It wasnāt her place to pry, so she continued instead, smile friendly.Ā āNo doubt, women tend to want a hand in those things, but you know itās very endearing you have interest as well. Youāll make a good father, should that be the interest you continue to take.ā She complimented. If he was already involved in such a way, she could imagine it would continue to be that way.Ā
Ā Ā She paused,Ā āOh, thank you but no. Iāve no need for a mobile.ā She admitted, though there was a hint of something stirring in her gut. Did she want to? She pushed the thoughts away, smile growing.Ā āWhen the time comes,ā She began, careful to be the optimist, careful to say when it came,Ā āI have a charm you may like.ā She offered, thinking already of the enchantment that would make the mobile move on itās own, gentle music accompanying it, and if he wanted to, they could explore bringing the night sky idea further to life.Ā
He might be married to a muggleborn, but the years of lessons of Pureblood behaviour were still drummed into him and he had already broken one of the most coveted rules. Never show your emotions. But being so caught in a moment and then put off guard, he had momentarily let it slip. Problems werenāt discussed or shown in public. They were for closed doors and away from wagging tongues and prying eyes.Ā
So he corrected himself, clearing his throat and standing up straighter. It was just enough to trick himself into being fine. Because he didnāt need gossip spreading more than it usually did around him and his wife.Ā āYes, it is an interest still. Thereās no rush in the grand scheme of things thought and weāre both equally busy with work.ā work was a good excuse to use and it wasnāt as if they didnāt work hard to keep the lifestyle he and now Maria were accustomed too. Even if he did feel slightly grateful at her own optimistic view of her future, he couldnāt help but look down to her stomach quickly before his eyes snapped back up.Ā
āIām sure the charm would be lovely, but of course, all your spells are amazing. Iām sure you canāt wait to pass it all down to your own children? How fantastic would it be, going to Hogwarts and learning from your own motherās textbook? Youād be a great example of an inspirational woman.ā he complimented, with a genuine warm smile.Ā