WELLLLLLLLLLL if he was being completely honest the noise canceling headphones were to ignore EVERYONE. Except for maybe Papa even though that did tend to happen from time to time anyhow cause well.. he was a kid and tended to zone out everything that wasn't his current center of attention.

Vasco wasn't much better really. He did tend to enjoy bugging his sisters occasionally but he he also liked time away from them. Which meant finding new ways to keep the twin OUT of his room.

His eyes narrowed and he shifted his body away from Vera and her offering finger that had poked his arm. She knew how much he DIDN'T like when she didn't that even if it had been gently. As for her question, it was yet another dumb one. When didn't he have chocolate or some other type of candy? Part of him wanted to tell her to get her own but sometimes he could be nice. "Then we will." Vas held out what was left of the chocolate bar.

"Yeah, next time he's distracted. We can't wait to long either." They had to move the moment Papa was busy or they would miss their chance. He wasn't willing to risk it.

Violet Blackthorne felt pretty grown up today as she helped her Uncle Horatio to a table in the tent near the food stands. He'd only recently been released from St. Mungo's after being in a magic-induced coma for most of the year. Poor Uncle, he'd had no business being in that battle at Hogwarts. Violet knew it had only been because he was worried about her and felt a rush of affection for the round-faced, mild-mannered man.

She had her doubts about his being at such a large and noisy gathering as this celebration, but Uncle Horatio had insisted, and her grandfather had said they should make an appearance, so off the whole family had gone--Ignatius Blackthorne, his sons Horatio and Helicanus, and Violet bringing up the rear. Conspicuously absent was her Uncle Hamlet, who had had a big row with his father earlier in the summer and stormed out of the house. From what Violet had overheard listening at the door (well, how else was a girl to learn anything?!?), Hamlet had actually been at the battle too, but on the other side. Violet could not believe her uncle had supported a group of people who considered a lower form of being because of her Muggle heritage and was secretly very hurt by the whole thing.

But now, miraculously, her family had actually allowed Violet to take charge of her youngest uncle and help him get some food while the rest of them went off to do who knew what. Left to themselves, Horatio had managed to talk Violet into getting him dessert instead of lunch, though Violet suspected he really ought to be eating something more nutritious--after all, he'd been sick a long time. But he'd let her have ice cream enough times that she felt she owed it to him, so now she watched him tuck into a large dish of his favorite ice cream combination--peppermint peppermint chip, licorice, and chocolate. Violet thought it sounded rather repulsive, but to each his own. She'd started to get an order of fish and chips for them to share, but changed her mind when she saw they had street tacos--she'd had them in America and was very fond of tacos, so she got one of each kind and sat nibbling on a carne asada (aka beef) taco as she looked out at the crowd.

"It's not tea but," Kalen said with a shrug as he walked alongside Brody. He was referencing their last meet up where Brody had suggested they go on a tea date. "Lunch is better anyways. Right?" And he hadn't gotten the chance to check out the food stalls the last time he cam with Anna. He paused in front of one of the stalls looking at the turkey legs. His stomach let out a low growl. "Mmm....What are you going to get? Let's get different things so we can share. Do you share? Because if we share we can try more things." Duh. He was rambling again. "I wonder if I can get a burger with a an egg on it. Those are my favorite. Ever had one?"

Instead of going to the stall serving burgers though, he got in line for drinks. "What's your poison?" He nudged Brody with his elbow. "I think I'm going to try the fizzing lemonade."

Honestly, getting to annoy each other CONSTANTLY was just what Vera saw as one of the perks of having siblings. Sure, Scooter didn't seem to get super ANNOYED by them yet, but V was sure that as she grew up... the annoyance would increase from both sides. Was it odd that she was immensely looking forward to when that happened?

She did know that he didn't like that, but honestly with that one she also quite often forgot and did it anyways because she would get so focused on getting the attention she wanted to ask for what she wanted as well. Odds were that habit was not going to be changing anytime soon. She was almost expecting him to tell her to find her own, but then he showed how he was actually the BEST brother and gave her the rest of the chocolate bar. She BEAMED as she took it, and would have thrown herself at him for a hug if she didn't remember she was already a gross chocolatey messy and he probably didn't want to look as fabulous sloppy. "Thank you, best brother ever!"

Next time he was distracted, huh? "What if we suggest to Scoot that she's hungry and to have Papa by her some food?" They WERE right here, and she and Vasco could slip away while he and Vera were getting nommies.

It couldn't take TOO long for them to do their thing and come back, right?

Vasco grinned at his sister. "I know I am." Didn't matter to him that he was her only brother. Or that maybe he had only given her the remainder of his chocolate so that she wouldn't poke at him again or whine to their papa about him not sharing. Could be that he had more candy stashed away anyhow. Either way, he was still the best and as long as she knew that, he was happy.

Hmm.. Vasco slowly nodded his head liking what he was hearing. "That's actually a pretty good idea. 'Specially if we suggestion something that's on the other side of the food court furthest from the firework stand." It wasn't often that Vera came up with an idea. Typically he was the man with the plan.

"Best do this soon before we run out of time."

SPOILER!!: Kalen! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krel Ansell

"It's not tea but," Kalen said with a shrug as he walked alongside Brody. He was referencing their last meet up where Brody had suggested they go on a tea date. "Lunch is better anyways. Right?" And he hadn't gotten the chance to check out the food stalls the last time he cam with Anna. He paused in front of one of the stalls looking at the turkey legs. His stomach let out a low growl. "Mmm....What are you going to get? Let's get different things so we can share. Do you share? Because if we share we can try more things." Duh. He was rambling again. "I wonder if I can get a burger with a an egg on it. Those are my favorite. Ever had one?"

Instead of going to the stall serving burgers though, he got in line for drinks. "What's your poison?" He nudged Brody with his elbow. "I think I'm going to try the fizzing lemonade."

Brody chuckled. No, this definitely wasn’t a tea date. But did her care? No. In fact, he was very, very, extremely surprised that Kalen still wanted to hang out with him given the fact that Brody had kissed him secretly at the Quidditch Banquet thing. He doubted the other young man had told Anna about that otherwise Brody was quite sure that Anna would have wanted to fight him. Which would be fine because Brody was not at all to be underestimated with a wand.

“Lunch is better,’’ the Coordinator agreed. “We can always get tea another day, right?” He arched a questioning eyebrow, casually fishing for a response to the answer to his silent question: did Kalen really want to hang out with him again? Soon enough, he found himself listening to Kalen’s babbling. Brody smirked to himself as he watched Kalen for a bit. That guy certainly could run his mouth. Brody actually wasn’t interested in replying just then; after all, he liked listening to Kalen’s chatter.

However, he was surprised when Kalen joined the line at a drinks stall as opposed to a food stall. “I’ll have one of that as well. And since you’ve finally rested that attractive mouth of yours from all that babble, I don’t mind sharing with YOU.” Was the emphasis on the latter word enough? “I’ll have chicken tacos and a turkey leg. No, I’ve never had a burger with egg but if you’re really game to share…”

Yes, that kiss… Kalen was trying his best to pretend like it hadn’t happened. He still wasn’t sure what to think about it or how he felt about it and no, he certainly hadn’t told Anna. Why? Because he didn’t have a death wish and he didn’t want to see Brody dead either. Sure, Kalen had avoided Brody for a day or two, but well, he couldn’t keep avoiding the man. Well, he could, but he didn’t want to because well, Brody was one of his only friends.

”Food in general is good,” Kalen agreed. ”Yeah, sure… tea another time,” he agreed distracted by someone walking past. ”Oh hey - we should try an afternoon tea. My mum says I can’t come home until I have a proper afternoon tea and well, Anna doesn’t strike me as the type to like that sort of thing.” Brody on the other hand? Well, he might not enjoy it, but he would at least tolerate it. ”I mean, not that I plan on going home anytime soon, but still… wouldn’t want my mom to disown me over some tea thing.” Because Kalen didn’t really understand the reitual that was a proper British Afternoon Tea.

”Two fizzing lemonades,” Kalen ordered, pulling out some coins to pay the vendor as the person handed over the lemonades. He took one and then clinked his commemorative glass with Brody’s. ”Cheers mate!” he said, making the greeting sound incredibly odd with his American accent. ”And yes, I’m game to share.” Duh, he’d been the one to bring it up…

Wait…. Brody was implying something wasn’t it? Kalen eyed him over the rim of his cup as he took a sip. Kalen might be slow, but he wasn’t dumb. ”Well, let’s go get some food then and I can introduce you to the amazing wonder that is a cheeseburger with a fried egg on it…”

It hadn't even occurred to her that giving up chocolate had possibly been worth her silence to him. Because she was young and still very much vain enough to think EVERYONE loved to listen to her, like Papa always seemed to! Granted, that was because he was the bestest Papa ever and did a great job of making them all feel loved and special, and he was VERY tolerant of the nonsense she got up to. She naturally assumed this would extend to her siblings and really, everyone.

Even though her brother constantly made it very clear that he did not enjoy the sound of her voice as much as she imagined.

"Sometimes I have those!" She feigned annoyance, but really she was just as surprised as he was. She was not the thinker of the pair. She was not the planner. She was 'let's rush in and hope it turns out okay!!' It usually did not, until Vasco stepped in. Then they had fighting chances. The little girl squinted as she looked around, before pointing all the way over to the drink stand. "That looks good! We could suggest to Scoot she ask Papa for lemonade?" And then share later too!

V nodded her head in agreement when Birdbrain said they should do it now. "Want me to distract Papa while you suggest to Scoot or vice versa?" She was good at both of these tasks.

SPOILER!!: Kalen! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krel Ansell

Yes, that kiss… Kalen was trying his best to pretend like it hadn’t happened. He still wasn’t sure what to think about it or how he felt about it and no, he certainly hadn’t told Anna. Why? Because he didn’t have a death wish and he didn’t want to see Brody dead either. Sure, Kalen had avoided Brody for a day or two, but well, he couldn’t keep avoiding the man. Well, he could, but he didn’t want to because well, Brody was one of his only friends.

”Food in general is good,” Kalen agreed. ”Yeah, sure… tea another time,” he agreed distracted by someone walking past. ”Oh hey - we should try an afternoon tea. My mum says I can’t come home until I have a proper afternoon tea and well, Anna doesn’t strike me as the type to like that sort of thing.” Brody on the other hand? Well, he might not enjoy it, but he would at least tolerate it. ”I mean, not that I plan on going home anytime soon, but still… wouldn’t want my mom to disown me over some tea thing.” Because Kalen didn’t really understand the reitual that was a proper British Afternoon Tea.

”Two fizzing lemonades,” Kalen ordered, pulling out some coins to pay the vendor as the person handed over the lemonades. He took one and then clinked his commemorative glass with Brody’s. ”Cheers mate!” he said, making the greeting sound incredibly odd with his American accent. ”And yes, I’m game to share.” Duh, he’d been the one to bring it up…

Wait…. Brody was implying something wasn’t it? Kalen eyed him over the rim of his cup as he took a sip. Kalen might be slow, but he wasn’t dumb. ”Well, let’s go get some food then and I can introduce you to the amazing wonder that is a cheeseburger with a fried egg on it…”

Why was Kalen so easily distracted? This didn’t annoy Brody, but rather it amused him. He did, however, make a mental note about the future tea date. And about it being afternoon tea. Brody laughed. “I like the sound of your mother. Sure, we can do that sometime. Afternoon tea with lots of scones.” This Coordinator liked scones a lot, after all. He laughed again. “Don’t worry. You’ll get the full experience, I’ll make sure of that.” So mommy dearest wouldn’t have to throw her son out.

“Thanks.” Brody took the mug, pausing a bit to admire it. Really, it would make a great souvenir. His gaze shifted back to Kalen as he took his first sip and he almost choked on the lemonade. Brody emerged from the mug, laughing yet again. “You know, you haven’t picked up the British accent yet. How long have you been over here again?”

Oh, yes. Brody really and truly was implying something, and he held Kalen’s gaze steadily. Was he surprised the younger man hadn’t said anything to what was being hinted? No. Was he disappointed? Somewhat. “Let’s go.” This time, Brody led the way to the food where he placed the orders of chicken tacos and a turkey leg. “Want to do the honour of asking for your wonder-egg- burger, Kalen?”

”Well, if you want to meet her, she’s coming to visit my Grandpappy next month. Just don’t invite her to tea. I do not want to sit through a tea with her. She’s a bit crazy about her tea,” he said off-handedly. It occurred to him that he really should probably introduce Anna to his mom first, but he also sorta wanted Brody to meet his mom. He’d probably get along swimmingly with her. ”She likes scones. And muffins. I prefer the little sandwiches with the ah…” he snapped his fingers. ”Cucumbers on them. What are those called?”

”You alright?” Kalen said, patting Brody on the back as he choked on his lemonade. ”You're supposed to drink that, not try and breathe it in.” He laughed then at Brody’s comment about his accent. ”You’d think with two British parents it’d be better right? Well don’t expect me to walk around calling a sweater a jumper and a trashcan a bin…Oh about two years...Dear Merlin, has it really been that long?” He stopped walking and tilted his head in thought. ”I’ve only got another year and then I can intern at Mungo’s…Or maybe with a quidditch team.” The team would be more ideal, but Kalen wasn’t the type to let himself dream too big.

Kalen followed behind Brody. It was weird seeing him dressed so casually. Kalen decided the look suited him. He was about to say something when Brody brought up the burger. ”Oh yeah, sure…” He stepped up nexto Brody and spoke to the vendor. ”Can you make us a cheeseburger with a fried egg on top? Medium.. Oh and he wants a turkey leg,” He motioned to Brody with a big smile. ”Extra leg.” The vendor looked at him like he was nuts and Kalen laughed.

"Uh-huh, I know." Vasco nodded. Sometimes it was easier to simply agree than it was to argue with her. Now was one of those times. They were wasting enough time as it was. Whatever they were going to do, they needed to do it now and do it fast. Lemonade? He turned his gaze turned the stand Vera was pointing at all the way on the other side. "That could work. Could suggest that she wants popcorn too." He was pretty sure that he'd seen that somewhere down that way and that it was at a different stand.

"You do it." The reply was instant. He might only be nine going on ten but he was very much the planner and his eye was on the prize. In this case the firework station. Vas was already scooping out the fastest way to get from where they now stood to that station. Good thing they were still pretty small and could duck and weave their way through the crowd of people. "After you get Ves to nag papa.. he's going to make sure we're following him. We will.. but the moment we're close to that.. " he pointed to where some portable restroom stalls were, "that's where I'm saying I'm stopping first but that I want a drink and popcorn too and I'll be right there. You should do the same." It might just be their saving grace yet.