He swallowed and looked towards Becca again "I....uhhh right. I'll clean the house the next time just for you and you can sit in the chair lounging and watching me do it completely and enjoy not having to clean a single thing." Errr, "Soooo you want another drink?" he asked.

He hadn't understood her. "Let me rephrase that. If I'm so bored that I WANT to clean the whole house again, I will snap. Do you understand?" The sweet smile was still there. Leaning closer at his question, she finally spoke up. "Yes."

OH! "Right, okay I promise you won't be so bored that you want to clean the house. I'll make sure of that." he said nodding, "You sure you don't want to see me in an apron dusting the top shelves just for you though?" That sweet smile she had never fooled him even a little. "Okay well I'll go get you one. The usual?"

"You'd better do. You promised that moving back here was going to be okay. So far it only seems okay for you and the kids." Because her hopes and dreams had ceased to exist the moment he'd wanted to move to this new job and she'd quit hers to let him do that and keep his family too. "You can wear an apron. As long as you dance while hoovering too." Now THAT would be funny. She could record it and slip the footage to Kat or someone who would find it just as amusing. "Yes please."

He swallowed at her words, nodding. He had really felt horrible about the changes that had happened in the move that they'd made. It'd been years for both of them being here in England once again. "I'll make sure things change for the better. No more of this, I'll be around a lot more and you won't be sorry for having to leave Italy." And the position she'd given up. Snickering he tilted his head "Well I'll dance all you'd like." Just not sing...yeah that was a bad idea. "I'll be right back." he said with a smile.

Though she wasn't too convinced he could deliver on what he was promising, she didn't say anything. She just raised her eyebrows at his words, hoping he'd keep the promise. "Just remember you're not the only one who has dreams." she told him softly. Becca's dreams definitely did not involve being a housewife and full time mother. "I'm sure you will. You'd be dancing around the sofa, over the table..." she smirked, but nodded at him saying he'd be back.

Brandon was all dress up and ready for the Ministry gala. He liked to dress for this kind of occasions because let's be real...he looked fine. Anyways...

The museum wasn't very crowded (as he would have expected) and somehow he liked it this way. Not too much people around. To be honest, he didn't knew anyone except for his co-workers but even with them, he didn't speak that much. So, this was the kind of event to go out and socialize a bit...or at least try to.

He fixed his suit and tie and walked around the place, merely staring at some of things. He noticed that some people were dancing and others were eating, and since he was a bad dancer, he decided to go and check the buffet.

"Oh my gosh, Manolo. You didn't tell me we could dress up as a historical person for this gala." Cara whispered to her friend. Yes. Friends. They met back up in Diagon Alley not long ago and buried the hatchet. Friends again and he was kind enough to invite her to this event, too. However, dressing up in costumes would've been super fun.

"Oh, must've slipped my mind. Sorry!" He replied. Truth is, he couldn't come up with an idea for a costume, so he decided to drag down Cara with him. LOL whoops. It was nice to joke around with her again. Didn't think he'd ever bring her as a date again anywhere, but Annalise was away again and Cara's ex-husband, Charles Harlow, didn't work here anymore. So, a night of fun between two friends and new employees it is!

The best part of the news of a gala was that it meant the ministry was going to reopen soon. It wasn't like he was all that looking forward to a fancy evening with the entire complement of ministry staff. However perhaps he might just enjoy this year's event more then previous ones as he did have a guest to accompany him for once. Simon had gotten up the nerve to invite Angelina and to his delight she had accepted.

They were arriving separately so as Simon stepped into the British Museum he was alone, hat in hand as he absently fiddled with the brim. He had opted for something out of the Victorian era for anything earlier either made him feel silly or reminded him of his piratey look. And that was something he wasn't going to dress up as for any reason. The place was highly decorated and in the spirit, a far cry from how last year had been celebrated by him or the Ministry as a whole.

They had their nice clean and infestation-free building back after all.

After Halloween, Aron had discovered that he didn't mind dressing up in costume so much. Well, there were a few parameters that had to be met before he was willing to do so. Namely that he couldn't be dressed up alone. Thankfully most of his colleagues had agreed to a theme - and he was still grumbly that his first and second choices had been taken by others - but he had made it work. After all, Accidents and Catastrophes was ALL about making things work.

Without anyone to watch his son for the evening - his fault because he hadn't failed to make arrangements with Seren's parents due to reorganizing all the records within the department - but it had been a happy accident as father and son could now wear meaningful matching costumes.

He spotted Gidyun looking creepy and decided to leave the man with just a nod of the head since he seemed engrossed in a conversation with a lady and, well, that costume was going to scare Derfael.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeasleyGirl

Brandon was all dress up and ready for the Ministry gala. He liked to dress for this kind of occasions because let's be real...he looked fine. Anyways...

The museum wasn't very crowded (as he would have expected) and somehow he liked it this way. Not too much people around. To be honest, he didn't knew anyone except for his co-workers but even with them, he didn't speak that much. So, this was the kind of event to go out and socialize a bit...or at least try to.

He fixed his suit and tie and walked around the place, merely staring at some of things. He noticed that some people were dancing and others were eating, and since he was a bad dancer, he decided to go and check the buffet.

The bloke seemed safe enough though. Not someone that would instantly turn on his son's waterworks. Best yet, he was over by the buffet and Aron was hungry. Not to mention that Derfael couldn't survive on his fudge flies the entire night. Seren would probably have his head for letting their son eat half the box as it was. Shhhh. No one tell her!

Holding his son's hand as they walked towards the buffet, throwing a wave towards Simon as he passed him, Aron stood next to the man and grabbed a plate with his free hand. "I hear the Yorkshire pudding is good," he offered, grabbing a French roll and handing it to his son.

He knew she had dreams. Ones that he truely hoped he could make sure happen. He looked up when someone passed Aron and smiled nodding back. "I want to make sure you get every one of those dreams." He said softly back as he looked back to Becca. "Oh indeed I will." He responded with a laugh "I will dance everywhere as I Hoover." He headed for the drinks and returned with two, one for each of them.

Tiffany had no problem showing off her pearly whites as she explored the museum. She was OH-SO excited just to be invited and all the decor was a bonus! Taking out her camera she took a couple snaps of the beautifully laid out buffet tables. These would go in her inspiration album, that she kept incase she needed any inspiration for her next huge party. Maybe she could throw her next birthday party at a museum too? Because everything looked so beautiful, kind of like her SUPER expensive ensemble that she had put together especially for tonight. Only the best for the best dressed, right?

The twenty-four year old looked around at all the unfamiliar faces. She knew a grand total of 0 people. Well that's intimidating. And not to mention, her plus one was a plus none. She could have brought anyone along with her, but instead decided to show up single. Single and ready to mingle...... Mingle with the desserts because everyone else looked busy.

Opting for some water, instead of firewhiskey, Tiffany made her way to her escort for the night, otherwise known as the little chocolate shavings on top of the decorative cakes. YUM. She took a small plate and carefully picked off the chocolate shavings. Hopefully no one would notice... She didn't really want the cake after all, she just wanted the cute pieces of chocolate on top. Those have less calories. Duh.

Gladly, there was plenty of food to feed an entire army and since he hadn't had lunch - too lazy busy to do it - he felt as in heaven. Brandon kept his coolness, even if his stomach was starting to make noises and he had the urge to eat the whole buffet.

He grabbed a plate and started putting food on it. Beef, smashed potatoes, vegetables and bacon. Did it looked as if he hadn't had food in ages? Who cares. If this was a buffet you should grab everything you wanted, it was free.

Before he could grab anything else, the man beside him spoke. He raised an eyebrow. Nice costume... "Really?" Probably what Harry Potter said was going to be true because if you are hungry, mostly everything you eat tastes good. Brandon put two of them on his plate. "I'll give it a try." He had a complete meal and was more than ready to eat it and after that he was going to grab a dessert.

"I'm Brandon, by the way. I work in the Department of Mysteries" He wondered if his name was Harry because it was definitely going to be hard not to laugh.

SPOILER!!: Brandon

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeasleyGirl

Gladly, there was plenty of food to feed an entire army and since he hadn't had lunch - too lazy busy to do it - he felt as in heaven. Brandon kept his coolness, even if his stomach was starting to make noises and he had the urge to eat the whole buffet.

He grabbed a plate and started putting food on it. Beef, smashed potatoes, vegetables and bacon. Did it looked as if he hadn't had food in ages? Who cares. If this was a buffet you should grab everything you wanted, it was free.

Before he could grab anything else, the man beside him spoke. He raised an eyebrow. Nice costume... "Really?" Probably what Harry Potter said was going to be true because if you are hungry, mostly everything you eat tastes good. Brandon put two of them on his plate. "I'll give it a try." He had a complete meal and was more than ready to eat it and after that he was going to grab a dessert.

"I'm Brandon, by the way. I work in the Department of Mysteries" He wondered if his name was Harry because it was definitely going to be hard not to laugh.

Giving his son's hair a quick ruffle as the little boy took the bread, Aron returned his attention to the buffet and proceeded to scoop out some of the very dish he had just recommended. "I may be a little bias though," he chuckled. Already fancied this particular dish. Personal favorite you see. Was there gravy? Ah yes, there it was. He was going to smother it in gravy...and whatever sauce that was on the table next to it.

"Aron," he replied while offering his other hand for a firm handshake. "Aron Ashburry-Hawthorne. Department Head of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. Pleasure."

SPOILER!!: Tiffany!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

Tiffany had no problem showing off her pearly whites as she explored the museum. She was OH-SO excited just to be invited and all the decor was a bonus! Taking out her camera she took a couple snaps of the beautifully laid out buffet tables. These would go in her inspiration album, that she kept incase she needed any inspiration for her next huge party. Maybe she could throw her next birthday party at a museum too? Because everything looked so beautiful, kind of like her SUPER expensive ensemble that she had put together especially for tonight. Only the best for the best dressed, right?

The twenty-four year old looked around at all the unfamiliar faces. She knew a grand total of 0 people. Well that's intimidating. And not to mention, her plus one was a plus none. She could have brought anyone along with her, but instead decided to show up single. Single and ready to mingle...... Mingle with the desserts because everyone else looked busy.

Opting for some water, instead of firewhiskey, Tiffany made her way to her escort for the night, otherwise known as the little chocolate shavings on top of the decorative cakes. YUM. She took a small plate and carefully picked off the chocolate shavings. Hopefully no one would notice... She didn't really want the cake after all, she just wanted the cute pieces of chocolate on top. Those have less calories. Duh.

While 'dada' was busy talking to the gentleman from Mysteries, he had taken his eyes off of his two-year-old son who was busy gnawing on the dinner roll he had been given. His ever curious blue eyes began looking around the room while he drooled all over the dinner roll and only managed to bite off meager pieces of it at a time. But that didn't matter to him, he was looking for something interesting to play with but ended up finding something better.

He could JUST barely see the cake on the table, but since 'dada' had taken his sweeties away he needed to get his tiny hands on THAT. Waddling towards the woman in the pretty dress, he reached out and began to tug on the fabric with both his hands to get her attention. "Coco!" he squeaked. "Coco!"

The sad part was that the ministry would be opening again. Didn't they just get the VERY small holiday? The best part was he was once again being accompanied by Alex. He didn't even had to think about it twice - he had simple asked her to go with him. AGAIN. Just like the many other times.

Dressed in some ridiculous Victorian costume, and arm in arm with Alex - the man made his way into the banquet hall. Looking here and there, greeting whoever he could recognize in their costumes.

"Are you sure you can keep walking in this thing?" he turned to ask his date for the evening. Her dress seemed pretty heavy. It definitely didn't seem like a dress one could keep walking in. He had to find the a seat soon.

Who could have guessed moving around with such a fancy dress could be so hard! And she wasn't even wearing any heels, either! She was wearing a fancy black shoe (as fancy as the flat shoes could be), and she was a witch; yet, she felt like she was late.

Finally arriving at the British Museum in the dress she had made completely by herself (she wanted to be a designer some day so she KNEW how to do it, though his dress wasn't a design of her own: she'd stolen it from a muggle magazine), she directly went for their meeting point and found the man that caused butterflies in her stomach. She quickly ran a hand over her dress before he could see her, to make sure everything was in place, and she walked towards him with a big smile on her face.

"Hello, handsome." Did he know he was the best man in town that day?

Bradley had glanced over at Sel giving her a wave and a grin. He was comfortable here in his seat. He was even debating taking off these awful dress shoes. The only reason he wore them was because they made the outfit complete. Sigh.

He looked up as he heard his name. Familiar face from the department. "Yep. That's me." He searched his brain a bit for the man's name. "...Kaden?" Please let that be right.

Bhuvana was entering the atmosphere of her new employment for the first time and the first thing she noticed was that some people actually were dressed up. When she had found out about this ball/gala/thing, she had immediately raided her closet for something black, dressy, and decidedly not a costume. She didn't mind, she would be out of place anyway as a new employee, but at least she looked business appropriate. Her hands itched for something to smooth out or button, so she ran them over the creases in her dress. She continued walked in with purpose and a slight frown, not because she wasn't happy, but because she was still assessing. It did look nice, the place, and the food looked good too. Overall, four stars.

So yes, spending her whole night at the dessert table was hardly what she had in mind when she received the gala invitation. But at least it was tasty? Sigh. She should've asked Mark to come with her. Or Jeffery. Or even Henry. Oh wait, Henry just got engaged, didn't he? Whatever, she could've still brought Mark or Jeffery. But no. You'll make some new friends. You'll meet people. You loooove people. Yet, the only person she had become acquainted with thus far has been Mr. Chocolate Shavings. And he isn't even a good conversationalist.

Just when the thought of leaving the gala had crossed her mind, she felt a tug on her dress. Oh no. Ugh. She knew that strapless wasn't a good choice. Next time she would have to go with the lavender flowy straps. Sure, it didn't make as big of a statement, but at least that dress was reliable. Carefully readjusting the dress, Tiffany hadn't even realized that a little person was on the other end of it.... that is, until she heard the squeak. "What---??" She looked around with an expression of confusion, where did that come from?

Down. Down, is where it came from. Tiffany was half expecting a dwarf or goblin to be waiting for her, but instead she found-- A BABY!? What was a baby doing at a ministry gala? For Merlin's sake, there's firewhiskey here! This is no place for a child. AND OHMYGOSH. It was pulling on her dress! HER DESIGNER DRESS! She tugged at the fabric in order to get it back from the infant who was apparently trying to get her attention with it. "Let go!" she said, before realizing that she was talking to a child. Then in the best sweet tone she could muster, she tried again, "Hi, dear, uh, could you not? It's designer." Did the baby even speak english?

Coco? Evidently he did! "Yes, YES! Coco! It is Coco! My clutch is a Coco Chanel peice!" This baby was so intelligent! Goodness. Maybe babies weren't half bad! Especially this one. He is a real prodigy. Maybe that's why he's at the gala. Maybe he got an invitation too. For Merlin's sake, he knew COCO CHANEL, Tiffany would definitely hire this little guy to work in the ministry. Any friend of Coco's was a friend of hers.

Bending down, Tiffany scooped little-baby-prodigy-fashionista into her hands. Baby in one hand, and plate with chocolate shavings in the other, Tiffany was glowing. Maybe no escort was actually the best escort?

Her eyes flicked to the other guy Gid nodded to, and a smile appeared when she saw the little one with him. If they brought all four kids here, people would be pulling their hair out. They were good enough, but four was a lot. "Yeah... don't get my hopes up." A deep sigh sounded from Becca, but a smile snuck back onto her face as he said he'd dance.

Reaching up for the glass, she took it with a murmur of thanks and sipped. "Go socialise. Sitting with your wife must be ruining your evening."

SPOILER!!: Angelina

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarShine

Who could have guessed moving around with such a fancy dress could be so hard! And she wasn't even wearing any heels, either! She was wearing a fancy black shoe (as fancy as the flat shoes could be), and she was a witch; yet, she felt like she was late.

Finally arriving at the British Museum in the dress she had made completely by herself (she wanted to be a designer some day so she KNEW how to do it, though his dress wasn't a design of her own: she'd stolen it from a muggle magazine), she directly went for their meeting point and found the man that caused butterflies in her stomach. She quickly ran a hand over her dress before he could see her, to make sure everything was in place, and she walked towards him with a big smile on her face.

"Hello, handsome." Did he know he was the best man in town that day?

Simon absently debated grabbing a bite to eat as he waited, yet opted against it in the end. The last thing he wanted was to be caught chewing. He briefly waved back at Aron who had waved at him in passing, smiling at the sight of the little shadow with the department head. The near matching costumes of father and son was certainly cute and creative. However his attention was drawn away from the two as he looked around and spotted another familiar face, this time the very pretty face of his guest for the evening.

"Hello," he greeted back, returning her smile with one of his own. Keeping up with appearances he offered a small bow. The auror then took a moment to take in her outfit, quite fitting with his own. "You look...beautiful," Simon commented, just a touch tentative on the adjective and hoping it wasn't too forward. But then she had used handsome on him so it was equal and it was the truth.

Jasmine decided to enter the banquet hall. She was in love with the decor. She was really impressed at how it was all prepared. Once she found an open seat, she decided to sit down. It seemed like it was pretty crowded with other ministry workers. Some had their costumes on and she smiled at them all. Some were creative and others dressed fancy. So she wasn't the only one. She saw the menu and began to look and see what she could eat.

Cynthia chose to sit down next to a blonde lady about her age, which was twenty-five, though the brunette looked younger than that. This other lady was dressed much more fashionably, which made Cynthia self-conscious. The IMC worker wore a wimple and a black gown complete with an apron and a pouch attached. Quite medieval and witchy, if she did say so herself.

"Hello," she greeted this woman next to her. "I'm Cynthia." She began to take out her homemade dinner, which was not nearly as fancy as the banquet food. But if any food had been contaminated with peanuts, well...she couldn't risk that.

Elizabeth came into the seating area at the gala. Her feet were already killing her and she looked for a free seat. Eliza found a group of them near a young woman. She wandered over and gave the lady a light smile, "Hello..." She gestured to the seats around her, "Is there a free seat in here?" Eliza smiled gently, "Oh, I am Elizabeth, by the way. I work as the British Immigration Officer in the Magical International Cooperation Department." Elizabeth took a breath and chuckled, "Yeah, it is a mouthful, I know... but it is fun." Eliza beamed and looked a the lady.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HogwartsStudent11

Cynthia chose to sit down next to a blonde lady about her age, which was twenty-five, though the brunette looked younger than that. This other lady was dressed much more fashionably, which made Cynthia self-conscious. The IMC worker wore a wimple and a black gown complete with an apron and a pouch attached. Quite medieval and witchy, if she did say so herself.

"Hello," she greeted this woman next to her. "I'm Cynthia." She began to take out her homemade dinner, which was not nearly as fancy as the banquet food. But if any food had been contaminated with peanuts, well...she couldn't risk that.

As Jasmine realized there was no menu and you just had to go up and get your food. She was about to get up when someone sat down next to her. She looked over and a woman named Cynthia who seemed to be around her age introduced herself. She smiled politely. "I am Jasmine or Jazz for short. Nice to meet you.." she held out for her to shake. She eyed her homemeade dinner and commented on it saying, "I didn't know you could bring your own food into this place.."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unalii

Elizabeth came into the seating area at the gala. Her feet were already killing her and she looked for a free seat. Eliza found a group of them near a young woman. She wandered over and gave the lady a light smile, "Hello..." She gestured to the seats around her, "Is there a free seat in here?" Eliza smiled gently, "Oh, I am Elizabeth, by the way. I work as the British Immigration Officer in the Magical International Cooperation Department." Elizabeth took a breath and chuckled, "Yeah, it is a mouthful, I know... but it is fun." Eliza beamed and looked a the lady.

Then another person came to the table and introduced herself. Jasmine smiled politely. This is why she came to meet new people right? She wanted to be social for once. Jasmine nodded when she asked her first question. "Oh yes, there is seats open. I mean I am the newbie around here so no one knows me yet." she shrugged. She really should stop babbling. Oh so her name was Elizabeth? She got that down. Cynthia and Elizabeth.

And her department did sound like a mouthful. She chuckled and agreed. "It is a mouthful. I am from the Department of Environmental Regulation and Protection. Now that wasn't too much of a mouthful as yours.." she teased slightly. She also introduced her new friend as well. "Oh Elizabeth this is Cynthia.." she gestured towards her.