With her legs crossed Cassie had her foot bouncing in the air as she continued to read the very interesting gossip article about a fabulous love triangle between two players and the coach of the Harpies. This was why she loved the Quibbler so much it kept her in the know. The blonde was just about to bite into her muffin again when her green eyes connected with another greened eyed brunette. Swallowing hard her grin grew and she frantically waved. "O-M-G" She had to come over, she just had to. How long had it been? Cassie tried to think in her head, but the excitement just wasn't letting her.

"Mariel... Mariel.. Over here.. Eeeeep! It's been for-ever" Oh this was so great seeing family. "What are you doing here?" It was sort of a random place to run into family. Moving some of her bags off the chair she patted it for Mariel to join her. Of course her cousin would want to join her it. Her attention left Mariel for only a moment went two little heads popped out of her purse. "Oh I almost forgot about you two." She giggled and feed the kitties some of her muffin. "They don't like to be away from their mummy, do you little ones." Her kitty purse was just a wonderful thing so she never had to leave them at home.

"Sooooo how's the fam? I heard about Ethan how exciting, but so young." She shook her head a bit, but the smile on her face showed that she was more excited then anything else.

Mariel stepped forward in line, closer to placing her order, when the excited squeals of Cassiopeia had her widening her eyes. Turning sharply as she heard her name, the brunette stared at her a moment.She knew she was still in line, right? She didn't need to be calling out a conversation to her like that. Mariel would come over in a minute and she held up a finger to signify that.

Once she received her takeout order of red velvet cupcakes and cinnamon rolls, then decided on a caramel latte since it appeared she'd be staying a bit, Mariel walked over and took a seat where the blonde woman had patted the chair. "Hello Cassiopeia," she gave her a small smile, "How have you been?" It wasn't that she minded her distant cousin so much, but she was the kind of person she could only take in small doses. And since it had been a few years, she could spare a little time today.

Mariel set her bag down on the table and took a sip of her latte, nearly choking on it when she saw two kitten heads pop out of the other woman's purse. "I don't think they are allowed in here," she remarked, giving her a somewhat stern look. "People tend to find eating in public places around animals to be distasteful." Like her. But, oh Merlin.. this was nothing atypical, was it?

She nodded a bit about Ethan. She did agree that he was rather young, but nothing to be done about that now. "The wedding was very small, you understand. Just immediate family." Perhaps if it were a large affair, Cassiopeia would have been invited too, but Mariel had no hand in that either way. "And Gunnar is just beautiful and perfect..." She trailed off a bit, realizing that it had been a while since she visited. That would have to change. "I recently received a promotion," she added with a bigger proud smile, catching her up with her own news. "And what's new with you?" It had been some time after all.

Cassiopeia giggled a bit, always so formal her cousin was. She just waved it off though. “I’ve been just a-mazing. It’s a wonderful day for shopping and fun.” Her green eyes looked around the busy bakery. It was a happening place so they just had to be there of course. “and you? I hope you have been just wonderful.” Of course she was wonderful though look at her, she looked absolutely stunning.

Mariel got giggles from her reaction, “Oh no.. no my little cutiekins are just fine. They won’t be leaving their little kitty purse. Will you babies? No.. no you won’t.” Talking babish to the kittens that were still looking around from their seat in the purse. “Oh Mariel you are so funny.” She laughed at the distasteful. There wasn’t anything weird about having her cats in her purse at the bakery. Nah no one was even noticing. Her cousin the kidder.
Her happy go lucky expression wen to confusion for a moment, “Oh yes he did get married didn’t he and had a baby. Oh goodness I feel old. I was meaning his job. I heard he was working for the ministry. He just seems so young to be working at such a serious job already.” She giggled, “but I bet the baby is sooooo cute. I should send them something.” That was the thing to do and it gave a reason to go shopping.

“Oh a promotion.” This got her cousin happy snaps! “Promotions are wonderful. I bet it’s something exciting. Well don’t leave me hanging, tell me all about it.” Mariel got all her attention. That is until she asked about her news. “EEEEEEP!! It’s so exciting.” Hands up being fully in movement from all the excitement she emphasized every word. “You are now looking at the new Divination Professor at Hogwarts.” An excited squeal and snaps came at the end. How amazing was this!

A wonderful day for shopping and fun... Mariel sipped at her latte and inconspicuously rose an eyebrow as she listened to her cousin's words. Was she unemployed or just taking the day off? But she wasn't going to judge, just visit a bit until she had to get back to work. "I have been pretty wonderful lately," she confirmed with a light smile. "Things are going quite well." Yes, she could truly say that she was happy in her life.

The cats got an unimpressed look from Mariel which only intensified once the blonde woman began speaking in a babyish voice to them. She wasn't much of an animal fan to begin with and to have them in a public dining setting was just such a social faux pas. But she wasn't all that surprised over Cassiopeia's relaxed attitude about it all. "I suppose if they stay in that bag it's alright.. but I wouldn't be surprised if the manager came over and said something." Just saying...

Wait. Ethan's job was the news she had heard about him? Mariel returned Cassie's confused look just a moment after she had received it. How would that stand out more in her mind than the fact that he got married and had a baby at 19? That was almost amusing to Mariel and she shook her head a bit at the thought. "I suppose.. but he was always a responsible one. And now that he has a family, I'm not surprised at all that he wants to do what's right." She smiled a bit broader at mention of the baby. "Oh he really is. And I'm sure they'd love that" She wasn't sure if she should suggest an offer to visit as it wasn't really her place so she remained silent on that topic.

Still rather elated about her recent promotion, Mariel paid no mind to that weird snapping thing that Cassiopeia always did. She had actually forgotten about it till now, but she pretty much ignored it for now. "Well, I am pretty excited about it, actually. I'm the new Department Head of Magical Games and Sports at the Ministry of Magic." As in, in charge of the place.. and Mariel grinned, showing off her enthusiasm. A smile which falter considerably as the blonde woman shared her own news and the brunette stared at her in shock. The Divination thing didn't surprise her. Of course, Mariel thought the entire thought of the subject to be rubbish and utter nonsense, but that was what that tiny branch of the family thought they did. "Why on earth would you want to teach at that dreadful school?" Her cousin had gone there too, she knew some of the horrible things that had happened there.. why would she want to be associated with it?

“Oh that’s just wonderful” Cassie bounced as Mariel said she was doing good and that things were going well. Yes this was just great she liked hearing when others were doing well. Everyone should have great days especially when they were as nice as this one. Siping her drink she got lost in thought about the day.

Hehehe she just giggled at Mariel, “That’s the Virgo coming out in you Mariel.” She giggled more and fed the kitties more treats. “The manager isn’t going to be bothered about something so adorable as these two.” She baby talked towards the kitties again. As Gemini ducked down into the purse for a snooze she set her green eyes back on her cousin. “Plus they made these adorb purses just for kittens so of course places are going to allow them.” Simple as that in her own little head.

“It’s just so crazy to be that responsible so young. He has the world to grab not just be at one boring place.” Ministries were boring didn’t Mariel know. What fun could be found there? Being at an office all day long.

Goodness she was glad her signs always pointed her on adventures and fun. Now babies were fun, they were interesting and adorable. “YAY! They would love something, that certainly got snaps, because that meant she got to shop. “Maybe I can visit and do a life reading on the baby. Oh that could be so fun.” Yes she would make a point to stop by now.

Cassie sat and listened to Mariel talk about her job. It seemed very high up and important. “Well I’m not surprised, you’ve always been one that I’ve seen to be a leader. All your signs point that way.” Yes all the Virgo things about her. “I bet you are doing a great job.” More snaps for Mariel, because this was a big deal. She blinking a few times before shaking her head laughing, “There you go again being oh soooo funny.” Why would she ever say that Hogwarts was dreadful. Gosh her cousin had a great sense of humor. “We both went there, it’s fun and exciting not dreadful. It’s going to be super fun to teach there.” She was just way too excited!

Fallon was excited. It wasn't often her and David got out of the house without Isaac. It was definitely something they needed every now and then. Thankfully they she was able to get the babysitter at such short notice. She'd found this little café once on her way to work and was a pretty frequent customer. Especially since she got pregnant again. Nothing tasted better than fresh baked cookies.

She smiled at the hostess, being led to her usual table. Fallon took a seat and looked at the time on her phone. David should be here very soon. Probably just finishing up the last few things at work.

David was meeting Fallon after work, and that was what had got him through the nightmare of today - seeing his lovely wife for a nice end of the week coffee. He was running late - only by about ten minutes, but he still didn't like it, the head had called him in for a meeting about his year ten's coursework deadline just as he was about to leave the school and he'd had to sit through her telling him - for the five hundredth time - that they couldn't be late. He knew that. He'd been teaching at this school long enough, and he wasn't quite sure how keeping him here instead of letting him get a start on marking the sixty exercise books he had to deal with this weekend was helpful but... people work in mysterious ways.

Anyway, he brushed the thoughts of work from his mind and entered the café where he was meeting Fallon, scanning the room for her. Ah... there. David paused for a second, admiring her smile. Look at her, she was glowing. As per usual. He walked over to her, pulling his tie off as he went, and sat down beside her, kissing her cheek. "Hey."

Fallon started to look over a menu while she waited. Unnecessary but who knew what craving might pop out at her as she scanned through it. She heard the door open and looked up with a grin to see her husband.

She set the menu down and grinned as he slid in next to her. "Hey to you too. Busy day?" Fallon had noticed the time. It was a lot later than usual for him.

He felt bad about being so late. It always made him feel a little guilty. But he was here now, and that's what mattered. He didn't have to worry about work until tomorrow really. Which was nice.

David draped an arm around his wife's shoulder and grinned back, nodding a bit. "Yep, coursework season is hell. The head's been on my case." For some reason. Anyway. "How about you? Good day?"

Fallon smiled at her husband. She could tell how worn down he was. He seemed to be doing so much extra work lately. Not to mention how late he'd been getting home. She didn't mind. She was just worried about his health.

She smiled as she leaned over on him. She furrowed her brow as she looked on. "Is he just on your case or everyone else's too?" Because she couldn't see how any one could be on David's case. He'd always been such a hard worker. "Mhm. I finished getting a couple things set in the nursery, got some photos sent off, and played with Isaac." She loved that she got to do the mommy things and have a career.

"Oh, everyone's. We have Ofsted coming in next week so he's high strung." That, and he was a slave driver really. Not that David minded all that much, since he was usually under the radar. He just had a little extra to deal with with a few of the members of his year seven class this year.

She finished things in the nursery? "Anything you need me to do?" he asked, smiling down at her. He liked to help, and it was exciting preparing for little Gregory's arrival. He couldn't wait!

Ah. That would explain the lateness. Poor David. He had to be running himself rampant preparing for all this stuff. Fallon wished she could help take some of it off his plate, but hers was just as full at the moment. "It'll all be over soon." She rubbed her thumb over his knee cap soothingly.

"I think I got everything. Magic is a pregnant woman's life saver." Fallon was so glad she was a witch. It was hard for her to waddle around or stay on her feet all day. She was always exhausted at the end of the day.

David nodded, he knew that. And he'd get time off after Gregory was born too. But he was still helping to find cover for his paternity leave, which was adding to his workload a little. He didn't mind too much, he could cope. "I know." he said with a smile, resting his hand on Fallon's bump. He was happy, despite the extra stress.

Magic... sigh. Obviously, it was amazing and mindblowing and incredibly useful and he was glad she had the use of it... but it still seemed strange when he thought about it too hard. "Okay, good then. But let me know if there's anything I can do." He liked to be useful...

Fallon smiled putting her hand on top of David's, running her thumb over it slowly. She was so very happy to be with him and having another baby. She loved being a wife and a mom. Then she felt a little kick. "Oh. Someone's happy daddy's here."

There was the magic sigh. Fallon had gotten very used to living the muggle way for his sake, mainly using magic to make cleaning faster and to multi-task. "I think all of Isaac's newborn stuff is still in the attic. I don't want to risk the ladder."

Belle decided to take a trip to the bakery. She missed this place. She heard they had the best little foods here. She heard her stomach rumbling. She was quite hungry. She was busy working all day and needed something to eat. As she made her way to the cafe, she noticed there was an empty seat. Perfect! She grabbed and placed her purse besides her.

She didn't think anyone would join her, so she took out her laptop and began to scroll through the internet.

Okay, Paulie needed some lunch to soothe his grumbling stomach. This Pequod Café place seemed as good a place as any, and the scents that were wafting out to the street were enough to get this guy in here.

After waiting rather impatiently in the queue, he ordered a bowl of chicken noodle soup and roamed the seating area for a space. Man, this joint was packed. That scent probably drew in all these other hungry hippos as well. His eyes eventually landed on a spot that was vacant apart from the young woman sitting on the other side of the table.

So, he walked over in her direction and pointed to the open place. "Ya mind if I grab a seat here? I won't be real long."

As Belle was typing on her computer, she noticed a huge shadow was covering her screen. As she looked up she noticed a cute guy was in her midst. Wooahhh.....now he was cute. Speak Belle speak! "Ermm yeah....it is totally open. I mean you can sit down.." she said playing with her hair nervously. He could take all the time he wanted. "Oh you can sit here as long as you need. I don't mind. I like some company.." she smiled. Alright enough babbling. "I am Belle by the way.." she nodded towards him.

It was totally open and he could sit down.

PERFECT.

Paulie sat. "Thanks much." Oh, and he could take all the time he needed, hmmm? He lifted his eyebrows and grinned her way. Then he started on his soup because yes he was still very hungry. Chicken. And broth. And vegetables. Iiiiin his stomach now. Taming that stomach monster.

"Nice to meet ya, Belle," he said, once his mouth was free from soup goodness. "I'm Paulie Foster." Such a good ring to it.

"What ya up to on that lappy ya got there?"

Belle was happy he took the seat. Her babbling didn't send him running for the hills. Score one for her. "Your welcome.." she grinned and continued to type on her laptop. She noticed he had soup and while she had a chicken cutlet sandwich with lettuce and tomato and chips. He seemed much healthier but she was starving. "Nice to meet you too Paulie Foster.." she grinned. It was nice to hear her name out of his mouth. "I am Belle Lecium.." she said, now it was her turn to use her last name.

Now he was a curious one wasn't he? She grinned and then stopped typing. "Well I am writing to my friends across the world. I just came back from studying abroad for a bit. It is nice to keep in touch ya know?" But now her attention was focused solely on him. "But enough of me being rude.." she said closing her laptop. "How are you doing? Did you go to Hogwarts?" she asked firing only two questions. She wanted to know a lot about him. She took a bit of her sandwich waiting for him to answer.

Paulie nodded when she informed him of her last name. "Ya know, your name rings a Belle." Not really. But he couldn't resist the line. Come to think of it, he'd actually never met a Belle until this point.

He ate more soup. Good, hardy chicken noodle. And they didn't skimp on the noodles, either.

"It is nice to keep in touch. I feel ya. Used to live in California and still kept in touch with friends." Though not via e-mail. Just via owl. Okay, occasional owl. The point is, he was still friends with these people. He didn't know why she thought she was being rude, but he didn't question it. "I'm doin' all right. Yeah, I went to Hogwarts." That was out of the blue! But Paulie never did mind speaking of Hoggy Hoggy Hogwarts. "A Gryffindor. Head boy my final year, might I add." Wiggly eyebrows.

Though who KNEW how he landed that role.

Belle swallowed her food and took a sip of her water before answering. She chuckled and said, "You know I never heard of that pick up line before. It is new to me.." She even blushed a little bit. Oh? So he lived in California. She wished she could visit there. "You know I have always wanted to visit there.." she told Paulie. "What is it like?" she asked him curiously. Well Score two for her. He did go to Hogwarts. She was good at this guessing game. She smiled and replied, "I went to Hogwarts as well. I was a Hufflepuff." she nodded.

Probably it was obvious right? Wait a minute...he was a head boy. Belle chuckled and felt this was fate. "Well funny enough, I was Prefect for two terms in Hufflepuff. I was in my sixth and seventh year when I was Prefect." she smiled. "Seems we have something in common."

It had been a long day.

Not only had it been her first day back at work after months of being away, but she had also worked straight through lunch in order to show her boss just how grateful she was for her new position in the division. All she wanted now was to stuff her face with as much food as possible before going home.

After waiting in line for what seemed like forever, but probably only a few minutes, Nikki walked over to a surprisingly empty table in the corner of the cafe and set her coffee and panini sandwich down. She settled into her seat and pulled a folder containing her notes from that morning's meeting out her bag.

Might as well get something done while I'm here... she thought before taking a huge bite out of her toasted sandwich.

"One coffee — black — a plate of chips, annnnnd a chocolate cup cake." After ordering his lunch, Blake slipped his sunglasses to the bridge of his nose, and winked at the cashier. A blank stare was all he got in return. For a moment there, Blake contemplated whether to stick his tongue out at the cold hag, or take the high road. The 28-year-old ended up flashing her his tongue.

As he waited for his order, his feet tapping rhythmically on the ground, a familiar face came into view. Oh...it can't be her, Blake rationalized, she's probably living it up in her fancy schmancy castle of a home. But it indeed was her — Nikki Finn — minus the blonde curls and baby fat. Memories of snogging her came rushing back to him, the corner of his lips twitching.

A loud BANG!, the sound of the cashier dumping his order tray on the counter, jogged him back to the present. "You!" He smiled, pointing at the miffed order lady, "Have a good day." Slapping the money on the counter, he pushed his sunglasses back up his nose, grabbed the tray, and left to torment a long lost friend. Ahem. Ex-girlfriend.

Right when she was about to take a huge bite of her sandwich, Blake provided, "Easy there, Nik; you're scaring the poor fella." Before giving Nikki a chance to get her bearings, Blake slipped into the seat before her, set his tray on the table, and rested his feet on the chair beside her. Leaning back, he unzipped his jacket, and grinned. "Guess who?"

What is that even supposed to mean? Nikki thought as she struggled to decipher her own notes. Clearly seven years of wizarding school plus however many she had spent at that muggle school before going to Hogwarts had done nothing to improve her note taking skills. Maybe it was best if she didn't do any more work today. She ran a hand through her blonde hair as she closed the folder and picked up her sandwich again to take another big bite.

Oh, sooo good! She chewed on the bite slowly, closing her eyes as she savored the moment. Never would she go without lunch again, not when it was this tasty! Lost in her sandwich as she took another bite, Nikki failed to notice that someone had apporached her table until a voice she hadn't heard in almost ten years snapped her out of her thoughts.

Her blue eyes shot open and she glanced up to look at the boy--well man now--sitting in front of her. A stray piece of tomato that was hanging from her mouth fell onto the table and Nikki blinked. "Blake?" she asked surprised.

He didn't look any different from that last time she had seen him, maybe a little taller and a bit more mature looking, but that same old, slighty smug, grin was still planted permantely on his face. She could still remember the feeling she would get in her stomach everytime he flashed one of those grins at her. Never in a million years had she expected to see him again. This day was getting better and better.

Her reaction to seeing him evoked a chuckle out of Blake; up close, she hadn't changed an inch, but she did surprise him there by taking their encounter so well. Granted she was mildly shocked, and the odds of her shouting obscenities at him were still in the cards.

"NIKKI! Yes, it's Blake! Who else would it be?" Still grinning, he reached over to pick up the soggy tomato slice, "And here, you dropped something." He said, wagging the tomato in her face. Hehehe. Blake was just teasing her for old time's sake. Coming to think of it, he hadn't teased anyone in a while. Errr . . . wasn't he just teasing the order lady? Never mind. "What's up with the hair?"He questioned seriously; her curls were the cutest in school, and apparently, he still had an odd fondness for hair. What in Merlin's name was wrong with him?