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Work Area and Cubicles Just beyond the front desks is an extra large area containing the cubicles for employees in the Minister of Magic's Office. This is the place where the desks for Ministry Advisors, the Media Liaison, and the Internal Liaison Supervisor can be found. Extra cubicles are available for Department Liaisons to use if and when they find the need for them. Despite the fact that the room is full of used and unused cubicles, there's still adequate space to move around in or meet with other employees if the need arises. A large closet area spans along the back wall, providing room for employees to hang their coats and jackets or store office supplies and other work-related items. Lastly, the atmosphere of the room is very bright and friendly, as it's well lit and is decorated with beautiful paintings lining the walls and gorgeous plants positioned into corners. |
With an immensely loud crash and thud, the ceiling from above caved through... leaving debris scattered around the office space. |
The fall was simple, much like the one that it reminded Simon of within deTalone's shop a few years before. He took a quick moment to cast a spell to slow his descent, finally coming to a landing on his feet amongst the debris that resided there from the crumbled floor. Or rather ceiling from this angle. The minister was gonna love this. "So far so good..." he called up to the rest of his group before cautiously stepping away from the hole. His gaze shifting around on alert as he looked around to explore the work area he found himself in. |
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Hastily stepping away from the hole to not get fallen on, Tasha let her gaze sweep around the room. They had landed in what looked like the work area. Looking over at Simon she asked "Are you hurt anywhere?" Rubbing her bruised shoulder Tasha waited for the other's to jump down and join them. |
Edward felt the floor come out from under him and gravity did what it was supposed to. He crashed to the floor atop some of the rubble and exclaimed OY! that didn't feel too good! He stayed there a moment to ensure that he wasn't dying or broken and assessed himself. He looked around as the dust began to settle to see himself in a cubical area. It looked like they were in. |
SPOILER!!: Tasha and Edward Simon let his sweep turn back towards the hole where he had come from at the sound of another arrival. One that hadn't been as put together and the auror stepped back that way at the sound of coughing. He then spotted Tasha as she made her way back up to her feet and asking if he was alright. "Yes, I'm fine. I should be asking about you?" She had been the one who had wound up on the floor after all. The auror noted the rubbing of the shoulder and wondered about it but was interrupted further by their next arrival. Thankfully the one from Mysteries and not the troublemaker. Although he had to admit he was surprised it was the non MLE that had followed him first. No matter to him as long as things went well. Though he supposed bringing up the rear was a good thing as well. "You alright there?" Simon asked, his attention split between the team and their surroundings. Getting an idea, the auror sent out some sensory spells to double check his vision as a precaution. |
She could hardly allow half the group to proceed without her. Firstly, because standing around in a shamble of a muggle restaurant was too boring for her, and secondly because.. well, because who knew what was in here -- and as much as she didn't mind others taking the leap before her, she wasn't going to leave them to fend for themselves. Slowing her descent from her leap, Emily landed lithely beside them, again casting a glance over the small group before deciding neither of them were dying. Excellent. She examined the floor space, and the rubble that had come with their entrance, it wasn't anything that couldn't be cleaned up. As for the sizable hole in the ceiling, that too could be dealt with. Magic worked miracles, it did. Her senses were tingling as she took in the office. "Homenum revelio," she cast about the place. A part of her hoped they weren't alone, but it was looking promising. |
As Emily descended, Edward picked himself up and patted the dust from his trousers and waistcoat. Perhaps a bright yellow waistcoat and white shirt hadn't been the wisest choice for this type of work, but it hadn't exactly been explicit in the directions for what time of work they'd be doing. He'd take his things to the cleaners later. He looked around some more as Emily checked to see what was going on around them. He looked to the Bennett fellow and the other young lady with the group. Hopefully they were prepared for what was to come. He maintained his wand at the ready and watched out for dangers |
Hole in the roof? What hole in the roof? There was NO hole in the roof and he WASN'T looking down into his level with as much rubble as the condemned building they'd been confined to for the past few months. Obviously the loo water had gotten to the Senior Undersecretaries head and now he was imagining a giant hole leading down to his Level. What did Muggles put in there water these days? Merlin. While still pretending there was in fact no hole, Gavin jumped, slowing his descent and landing lightly on the rubble heap that didn't exist. Not at all. The lack of too much dust told him the explosion was long passed, or not long but long enough to keep his lungs in tact. His headache though...that was another story. Gavin glanced around at everyone already present, wondering how soon and IF anyone from the loo would follow; they did seem a little bent on continuing their own work. Those thoughts all disappeared, giving way to slightly widened eyes and a suddenly tired Senior Undersecretary. Blow a hole through the roof "Great work everyone." He could TRY sounding appreciative. They did, afterall just get them back inside. The cost was easily dealt with, even if it was hard to look at. "What's the game plan now?" He asked, coming to a stop by Emily. Her restaurant team blew a hole through this place, this was all hers. |
SPOILER!!: Edward, Simon, Emily When the mysteries employee Edward came down the hole and landed in the debris with an exclamation Tasha was very glad she had moved out of the way. It wouldn't have been pleasant if she had been landed on. Flashing Edward a glance Tasha asked. "Are you okay?" Taking her hand away from her bruise to change the grip on her wand Tasha smiled at Simon. "I'm fine. Just got a bit bruised by some debris earlier." Watching Emily land gracefully on the floor not too far from where she was standing Tasha felt just a teeny bit jealous of the other woman. Raising her wand she cast. "Homenum revelio," hopefully there weren’t anything around like mutants. Another swoosh sound from above alerted Tasha to the arrival of the senior undersecretary. Gavin didn't look too pleased unsurprisingly considering that there was a hole in his roof. It was for a good cause though. Tasha gave him a nod before she continued to gaze around. Emily could explain what they were doing. |
Edward looked to the voice addressing him and nodded. Quite alright, thank you! Should have sort of been paying attention, but what with that fellow blasting the wall behind us and such a little distracted. Edward smiled to show that he was indeed alright and prepared for the task ahead. Still nothing seemed to have happened and he didn't exactly want to be caught by surprise again. He noted the arrival of another gentlemen. Great! That guy. Edward thought to himself. He didn't exactly have the best first meeting with him and he was sure that his glowing personality wouldn't win him more awards by accosting the man again. |
SPOILER!!: Emily, Gavin, Edward, Tasha Simon nodded in understanding as Tasha explained the source of her issue. Yes...that man hadn't had his brain turned on fully. With her and Edward seemingly alright, the auror turned to go back to his own train of thought and work only to see Emily coming down to join them far gracefully then the other two. But then she like him were used to having to explore less then optimal locations when dealing with the criminals they followed. And now the group was evened out with two law enforcers and two assorted ministry personal. He caught himself from commenting as first one woman and then the other cast spells he had done previously having gotten no response then. They'd see themselves what the reaction was. He stepped forward once more away from the debris sight and began to take a perimeter look at the area. He heard the senior undersecretary behind him and didn't need to turn and look to know the man wasn't entirely pleased with their actions even if there had been great progress. Gavin's problem not his. Sometimes one needed force. His was working with the group and making sure it was secure so they call could join them back at the ministry proper. Emily, who had obviously been the one to contact him from above, can explain what was next. |
Cora had followed Gavin to the restaurant where they'd managed to gain entrance to the Ministry - by blasting a hole in the floor it seemed. Nice. Kind of made her wish she'd chosen to go there first instead of the public toilets, but oh well. She jumped down and slowed her descent with a quick spell, landing neatly on her feet. Quite a few people in here now, including Tasha. Nice. She saw no need to speak for now though since Gavin already asked about the plan, so she simply joined the crowd, looking around, wand at the ready, just waiting to hear what their next instructions would be. |
Never was Mariel so glad to have her offices on Level Seven. She didn't completely know what was waiting for her once she would get there again - and she would get there again! - but she was fairly certain there wouldn't be a blasted hole in her ceiling with rubble and debris covering the floor because of it. At least she hoped she wouldn't have to access her floor that way. Now that they were able to get inside, she hoped that she'd at least be able to access the same stairs she had used every day from after the lift incident until the day before their holiday break started. She peered down into the hole, noting some figures inside, presuming those to be the Ministry workers assigned to this location attempt. Then she watched as Gavin and Cora leapt down inside. Drawing her wand, she followed them, slowing her descent and taking an extra step upon landing to move off of some rubble. The brunette took quick note of who was present, her wand still drawn as she was uncertain of what might await them here. Her eyes glanced towards the Senior Undersecretary as he spoke, her thoughts the same. What steps had been taken before their arrival and what did this team have planned? Green eyes flicked towards the end of the corridor. Her desire to see Level Seven was rather strong but for now she'd stay here with the group to hear what they had in mind. |
Once he landed from his jump from the restaurant, he looked around and found everybody waiting. Waiting for someone or something to happen he do not know. He saw familiar faces Gavin, his boss - whom he gave a nod of acknowledgement, Emily and Simon from Level two - to whom he gave a smile. He approached Gavin and inquired, "It was really good to be back into the offices, isn't it?" he said in a very grateful tone. He looked around and found the familiar door going towards the reception area where a special door, that one door that he wanted to open that leads towards his office awaits him. |
The offices, save for her crew and the extras that were arriving, were void of human company. Such a shame. Such a shame. She dearly longed to flex her wand and muscles. Gavin's presence at her side hadn't gone unnoticed, and with a quick head count and once over to ensure nobody's somehow severed a leg in their descent Emily was quick to get things moving again. "We're in ... but we still don't know why were were locked out to begin with." This much was obvious, no rocket science here. "I propose we split into groups and scout out the rest of the building, floor by floor. Check all the entrances into the building, floos, visitors and the like... and ascertain whether it's possible to get out, and why we weren't able to get in. A group can start here, another can move to level two, and a third to level three.. then we'll go from there." It was a simple enough task in theory, and she was itching to see the state of her office. Despite the damage they'd done, and the dust that came as a result of it, she was certain the office already had it's own film of dust and grime having been deprived of human intervention for so long. "Does it have your approval, Senior Undersecretary?" she asked, a hint of a smile in place. |
Simon nodded as Emily laid out a plan to use their growing manpower to the best advantage. It would do no good for them to all stand around and look over the same space and they needed to move forward anyway. And while his boss deferred to the senior undersecretary for his opinion, he decided to offer more information on the matter. "Not to step out of bounds... he said speaking up before they broke off into groups and acknowledging the presence of Emily, Gavin and Mariel. "But if I may make a suggestion or give a thought?" The auror paused to allow someone to speak themselves in answer to his question before continuing. "Perhaps we should start the groups with those who are from those three levels. For instance, Gavin and Zacharias remain here in Level 1...Emily, Kennedy, Genevieve and myself head to Level 2 and Tasha and anyone from A&C can head to Level 3 with everyone else filling in any of the three. That way those who are familiar with each level will know what is supposed to be there and what's not supposed to be there in way of physical items and spells and have a better chance to start identifying possible issues." Each area did have their own way of doing things especially levels such as MLE so it only made sense to use their strong suits. But then that was his train of thought coming from his experiences so he wasn't sure it would be agreed upon by others not of the same mind. |
Edward listened to both Emily and Simon. Sound logic from both. He just hoped that he was prepared mentally for what lay ahead. He hadn't been in the Ministry proper since he applied and before that a couple of years, so things most likely had changed drastically. He spoke up, I'll stay here, if that's alright. I imagine it would make sense to have someone watch the breach in case someone tries to follow us out, or make a break for it. |
Having no one mention the huge hole in the wall made it even easier for him to pretend it wasn't there. That of course, made it easier to focus on the task at hand, which according to Emily was splitting up to find out what was really happening in this out of sorts building. His confirmation was on the tip of his lips when Simon spoke....as if he was the Senior Undersecretary whose opinion was being sought on this matter. Before he could stop the man he was giving instructions...suggestions....they sounded like the same thing to him right this moment when the hole was taunting him from above. Just forget it Gavin. "As inspired as that sounds, I'd rather have mixed groups. No telling what we'll run into wherever the search leads us and I'd rather not have my own employees and I suddenly assaulted by things we've never been trained to fight, likewise, MLE might need some A&C assisstance." Splitting up was fine, efficient even and that's the way he liked it. The thought went downhill with the over-specializing of the teams. "It does make sense for Emily to take Level two but I'd rather she have a mixed group. I can take level 3 with an equally mixed group. Perhaps Mariel can remain on this level with a few others to check everything's fine here." Yes, he might have been giving Mariel orders. Just trying to remind her that he was still the leader of their group. Nothing to see here. "Who'll be heading down with me?" He didn't want to be standing around here forever. |
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"Should we try if the fireplaces are functional?" he asked addressing the group. Having been with the Flourish and Blotts group who cannot penetrate the Ministry using the floo network really got into him. After a few moments, he heard Gavin speak suggesting splitting up but in a mixed group. Which sounds reasonable since everybody has their own forté. After the Senior Undersecretary spoke, Zach approached him and asked, "Gavin, would you rather me go with you or stay here?" but im reality he would rather go wandering around looking for whatever caused this. |
Call her mildly impressed, that Gavin was holding himself together in light of the... mess. Heh. It wasn't a big deal, a bit of wand work and it'd be back in order in no time. Mmhhmm. And he had loyal lackeys for that, no? Bennett's assessment wasn't a bad one, per se, but she wasn't about to go along with it, no she had her own grand plans... plans which Gavin seemed to reciprocate. Would you look at that? Great minds thought alike. "Agreed," she stated simply at the conclusion of his thoughts. There was nothing she could disagree with there, it all made perfect sense. "Anyone who's up for a trip with me to level two, come now... there's been enough standing around for one day," and without anymore notice, wand still in hand, Emily took a measured step forward, clearing a chunk of rubble on the ground before proceeding to the stairs. She still didn't trust the lifts. Nope. No thanks. Somebody else could brave those if they so wished. |
Okay so that had been a waste of his speech. Simon simply nodded as both Gavin and Emily decided against his idea or at least were mute about it. Expertise was to be spread about on all three levels and he was just hoping the firepower of MLE wasn't needed on any of the areas period. Not that that had any real chance of coming true since something....anything that was anyone's guess was behind their lock-out and it ran the chance of being dangerous. Now there was just the matter of his decision on where to go. Yet as he paid attention to how the groups were essentially broken up, the auror couldn't help glancing at the three defacto leaders in turn and where they would be heading. Or staying for that matter. Gavin was not a fan of his presence and he wasn't even supposed to be anywhere near Mariel lest he face the wrath of Jorge if he ever found out. Gee...looks like his own options were limited. "Guess its level 2 for me regardless," he mused quietly before following his boss to the stairs to head down. Better her then someone he didn't trust anyway. Everyone else could do as they pleased for all he was caring at this point. As Emily had already said herself, there had already been enough standing around. |
Emily's agreement said they had a plan working with now. He glanced around his level one last time. To think just earlier he'd been eager to get here and now seeing this mess, he was eager to get to another floor. When this was all over he'd probably go enjoy his office for a while but for now, searching for Merlin knew what. He was set to leave when one of his own approached him. Quote:
"Right then, off to Level 3." He said, not bothering to see who else was coming. They were not children, they didn't need constant looking at in order for them to get things done. |
So it seemed that no one on the inside had any more answers about their lockout than they did before. Not that Mariel had expected any different, knowing they had only just gotten inside, though she was wondering if she thought something would have immediately presented itself as the cause of their troubles. That seemed not to be the case. Still, she was on high alert as she gripped her wand and allowed green eyes to observe her surroundings while others began speaking. Splitting into groups did sound like an ideal solution, especially given the number of 'in charge' personalities in this room that were bound to clash. Of course she would take one of the groups, but first her eyes fell on Simon as he offered his thoughts on the matter. It wasn't without its benefits, she supposed, but she did not fill in and Gavin had a better point. A variety of skill sets were needed on each level as they did not know what awaited them, she could completely get on board with that. But his next suggestion rather surprised her. She raised a curious eyebrow. He didn't want to check out his own level? Odd. And she was eager to see Level Seven.. going to Level Three sounded like a better idea as it was closer to her own workspace, though it was still far away so she supposed it didn't matter anyway. And she wasn't going to argue, failing to see the difference. If it was over Games and Sports, that would be another matter. One thing she could agree with, however, was that there had been far too much standing around already. "I'm honored to be entrusted with your level," she mentioned, a bantering tone evident, as he headed out. It was amusing to her but she remained on task. There was important work to be done here. Mariel turned to the man who expressed an interest in remaining on this level (Edward). "Have you all had ample time to check out this area?" She would assume that he was from the original group that had broken through, knowing they had gotten before her group. Certainly they had been there for at least a little bit and it didn't seem that anyone had found much out of the ordinary here. "Let's head through the level.. see what else we can find out here." She inclined her head in the direction of the doorway. "And anyone else staying on Level One.." Expecting them to follow, she proceeded through the doorway, her wand still drawn and keeping alert. |
Anyone? ^^ Lawrence walked into the now familiar work area, glad that he was now completely free from that.. muggle building. Nope, he enjoyed using magic to complete his daily work and to get home. Muggle transportation was quite weird too. He was a ministry advisor and had important tasks to do, and that could not be disturbed by some silly muggles. Reaching his own cubicle and putting his suitcase down, he looked around the area while taking his coat off. Heh, he was early for work. Lawrence smirked and sat down. The new advisor, what was her name? Tiffany? Lawrence wondered how working with her would be. Hopefully not disastrous. He picked up the cup of coffee that he had made earlier and took a lazy sip. Hey, coffee is crucial too. |
Feeel free to grab her ^^ Tiffany made her way to her cubicle with the click-clack of her heels following along. Finally reaching her own little area, she smiled. It had only been a year and she had already managed to make the place look as fabulous as she did. Quite a miracle when you looked around at the rest of the drab office spaces. Her was the prettiest of course. The walls of the cubicle were covered in magazine clippings-- you can take the girl out of Witch Weekly, but you can never truly take Witch Weekly out of the girl-- the left side covered in clippings of celebrities and fashion finds, while the right side was covered in everything CoCo. Taking off her jacket, she slowly sat down onto her seat. Oh how she needed a good distraction. Wasn't really in the mood for work. So looking around to make sure that none of her coworkers noticed, she quickly slipped the latest edition of Witch Weekly out from her purse. Angelina Robertson did what now?! Heaven. This was heaven. |
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He reached up to adjust his tie but then remembered THIS was the day to choose not to wear one. Damn. Today of all days. Settling for second best, he smoothed his scarf down, sure Tiffany's eyes would be drawn to them and she would notice the cashmere. Women? No problem. Ezra's half grin widened as his blue eyes travelled along the magazine clippings plastered on the cubicle walls. He found one eyebrow raising- she had good taste, this one. He nodded towards one side with a knowing smile and said "Coco, eh?" Yep, he knew it all. All of it. |
SPOILER!!: Ezraaaaa Tiffany was in the middle of the 'Which Witch Wore What' column when she heard someone else entering the work area. But did she even look up from her cubicle? No, of course not. She was way too busy doing some serious gossip catchup. Besides, if she did look up then said person would probably want to come talk to her-- didn't they all?-- and that would just draw attention to herself. Tiffany was all about the spotlight on any other occasion, but this time she wanted nothing more than to coast the day by with her magazine in hand. And not be bothered by a random coworker, who would probably report her for not using her time doing ministry related work. Unless the bother-er happened to be a beautiful piece of male eye candy stepping his way into her cubicle-- Of course she had recognized the scent of the cologne the moment he stepped into her very small cubicle. And of course he had already seen her indulging in the magazine-- as he currently was towering over her seated self. So she waited for him to say something before acknowledging his presence, couldn't give him the satisfaction. There was just something about him. About Ezra. He was beautiful--there was no doubt, it was clear as day-- but there something intimidating, or rather, threatening about the man. He dressed almost as well as she did and Tiffany couldn't have one of her coworkers one up her in fashion sense! That was HER thing. And the way he walked around as if he owned the place! It was... It was... It was just like how she carried herself. He was despicably and horribly just her type. Slowly kicking one foot over the other (hiking up her romper a little in the process), she turned her seat around enough to face him. Though she wanted to melt at the sight of his perfectly chiseled--Tiffany, no. Her lips curved into a playful grin. "Lots," she replied smoothly. "See you're getting plenty done yourself," she could play at this game too. Though, if he was here to enjoy the view-- which wasn't doubtful-- she wouldn't want to deter him away. She liked a view too. At this thought, she let her eyes trail along him. Starting from the feet and working her way up to the-- Was that cashmere? Well played, Bellamy well played. Realizing how well put together he was sent her in another wave of panic, though she wouldn't dare show the slightest hint of it on her face. Instinctively she raised a hand to her necklace and adjusted it center. "You know Coco?" she asked all hints of hiding emotion gone. She was actually impressed. Like, really impressed. Merlin, why was he making it so hard for her? |
SPOILER!!: Tiffanyyyyy Ezra's smile grew from half to full as he cocked an eyebrow at Tiffany's playful grin. With his dimples fully activated, he widened his eyes and replied, "Oh yes Ms. Price, I'm right where I need to be." He inched his shoes a little closer to her chair and traced his jaw with one hand. Easier to enjoy the view from close up, right? Right. He saw her hike her romper up, oh yes he did. The media liaison's eyes flicked back up to Tiffany's face and caught her eye roaming over his outfit. To his slight surprise, Ezra felt his chiseled cheeks begin to grow a little hotter, but he covered it up smoothly by placing his bottom right on an empty part of her desk and crossing one leg over the other with a wink aimed nowhere in particular. There, all better. He had no trouble realizing Tiffany must be used to being fawned over, but NOBODY could ever be more used to being fawned over than Ezra Bellamy, no way. And anyway, he was NOT fawning, he was merely engaging in a lively conversation about fashion. Which he knew loads about. Even more loads than the woman in front of him, whose romper was STILL hiked up but his blue eyes were certainly not returning there as he did not fawn over women. No. Stupid eyes. Conversation....right. She had said something, yes? "Oh, of course. I am French, you know." Okay half but still. "The stack of fashion magazines was endless at my mum's house, I had to do something with my spare time." Instead of playing outside, obviously. Because outside was horrid. Sensing her impressed tone, Ezra leaned back on her desk and ran a hand over his hair-it was still perfect- before leaning in closer to her and whispering, "I am more of Burberry fellow myself, of course, but high fashion must be appreciated." His eyes flicked down to her romper once more and then up to her necklace, shooting her another playful grin. Certainly worthy of appreciation, this one. But not fawning. Never fawning. |
SPOILER!!: Eye Candy And he was doing the dimple thing. Tiffany had to mentally remind herself, no restrain herself even, from saying anything that would give him the impression that she enjoyed every single second of it. She couldn't let him win. Tiffany Price always won, she couldn't possibly cave. Still trying to play it cool, she kept up the playful grin, even lifting her eyebrows in response. Oh he was good. "Oh, are you?" she asked smiling just a little. If there was right where he needed to be, then she wouldn't stop him by all means. This was right where she wanted him to be. Taking her finger off the page of Witch Weekly, she slowly closed the magazine and pushed it to the side. She had a feeling that there'd be something more interesting than the latest celebrity sightings here today. Then, turning back to the man in her cubicle and pouting a little she put a hand to her chest in mock-worry, "You're not going to report me, are you?" And then again he had to catch her off guard by taking a step further into the cubicle and closer towards her chair. She looked down for a mere second, letting her playful little smirk falter for only a moment. Had he caught that? She had managed to calmly recollect herself and went back to the playful demeanor just as he winked, to which she returned with a light eye roll. Trying to remind herself in moments like these that yes he may be delicious to look at, but he was just that. Simply eye candy. This was just the thing she was trying to avoid with her (relatively) new job at the ministry. And she had definitely took notice to the fact that he had let his eyes travel down to her legs, which were even more exposed with her romper that had been hiked up. Whoops? Well, there was no use in fixing it since it was attracting so much attention. He may have the dimples, the chiseled jaw, the deep blue eyes, the perfectly styled hair-- and wait, where was she going with this? No where. She wouldn't let herself go anywhere with this. So he was French? Impressive. Tiffany envied the fact a little. The French were style icons, whereas she grew up in simple Poland. He must've had it so easy, in a city where you are surrounded by beautiful designers. She on the other hand had to make for her own. But at the mention of the fashion magazines, she felt her brows lift slightly as she straightened her back. This was her area of expertise. No cashmere scarf wearing, hunk of eye candy could beat her here. "Ever get your hands on a copy of one of these, then?" she asked wiggling her copy of Witch Weekly from before in front of him. Leaning back in her chair ever so slightly, she casually looked up at him, "I used to be editor in chief, you know?" Was HE impressed yet? Ahem. As if she was trying to impress him. Uh, right. Was he leaning forward? Getting closer? Whispering to her?!?? Tiffany felt chills run down her body, and in order to compensate and take her mind off of the weird sensation, she carefully kicked her other foot back over so that her legs were no longer crossed. She did little to adjust her romper though, letting it sit the same way without any fixes. "Though I do always prefer Chanel," she began, trying to imitate a similar tone as the one he had. "I'd never turn away Burberry, never." Noticing the flicker of his eyes down her body, Tiffany couldn't help but let an easy smile onto her face. See? This is the way it was supposed to be. Not the other way around. "Like what you see, Bellamy?" She was gaining her mojo back, right. Couldn't let the tables turn now that she had the upper hand... Sort of. |
SPOILER!!: The woman in charge Ezra's eyes continued to travel along the walls of the little cubicle, trying to take in each image. He noticed his playful smile being mirrored in her face and leaned one ear closer to hear what she was saying, all the while keeping a hand firmly gripped on the edge of the desk. Couldn't have him fall or anything in front of Tiffany, then he'd LOSE, and he never ever lost. He was the best. Obviously. The media liaison took care NOT to think about his clumsy plight on his very first day at the ministry, because then his smile would twitch and she'd think she had the upper hand in the situation. Which she didn't. And it wouldn't be nice to give her false confidence now would it? "Report you?" he chuckled softly and let his fingers straighten his already-straight scarf. "You can't get rid of me quite so easily, Ms. Price." He drawled, letting himself draw out the sound of her name. It was a nice name, surely, but she didn't have to know he thought so just yet. All in good time, because that's exactly what he had- time. This wasn't just a random person he met on his travels before he left for another country, no. Wait, but...but...that meant things, didn't it. With that, his heart started doing strange things. Like pound-y things. The kind of things it did when he came across a particularly fine pair of shoes. Ezra glanced at Tiffany, pleased to see she had taken a moment to look down, and took the opportunity to check his reflection in the face of his watch and take a hurried breath. He looked up quickly from his faultless reflection just as she rolled her eyes at him. A nice pair of shoes never rolled its eyes at him. Nobody rolled their eyes at him. But that eye roll. That eye roll, what was it? Had he done something wrong? No. Ezra Bellamy never did anything wrong when it came to socialization! Wait. Why was he worrying anyway? This was just a game...or something...with a friend. Yes, a friend. Who just happened to be his female reincarnation and just happened to have a romper that was STILL hiked up and was making his heart do weird things. Heh. No big deal. So, um, friend things. Right. he should say something nice, yes? But then he would LOSE, which was unacceptable, except at sports but sports were a horrendous waste of time. Running a hand over his jaw once again, Ezra cocked an eyebrow at the magazine she had pushed in front of him. "Witch Weekly, eh?" OBVIOUSLY. Oh dear MERLIN he was choosing NOW to be saying stupid things. And there it was again! The weird fluttery feeling that made him feel like he was doing something wrong. NO. NO NO. Maybe he should just leave before he did something completely uncharacteristic and embarrassed himself further. He told his legs to move, instructing his mouth to spew out something charming and a good excuse to leave her wanting more, but all that happened was his bottom staying firmly planted on her desk and his mouth continuing to grin playfully in her direction. And she was talking! Time to be suave, Bellamy, impress her some more. Not that he was trying to be impressive or anything, THAT happened naturally. Ezra let his fingers fall near the magazine and continued, "I may or may not have kept up with it over the years," with a gesture towards the glossy cover. He leaned in even closer and let his lips just brush her ear as he whispered, "But my guilty pleasures can be our little secret" While it probably would have been more gratifying to pretend he had no interest at all in her magazine habits, that would be lying, and Media Liaison or not, Ezra Bellamy did not lie, especially to friends AHEM colleagues. "Editor in chief?" He raised his eyebrows and found himself nodding appreciatively as hard as he tried to appear unimpressed. "That must explain that sense of style of yours, he continued, letting his blue eyes take in the romper once more. "But what made you leave?" Oh my, that was a good imitation of his voice. Ezra grinned at her breathy tone and contemplated his next move. This was allll about strategy, after all. Everyone knew that. He only hesitated for a moment before leaning even a little closer to catch a whiff of her neck. "Chanel number 5, I presume?" Now it was HER turn to be impressed, yes? Unless he was wrong. But that was impossible. |
SPOILER!!: Tiffany says she's going to call him 'Dimples' from now on Tiffany tried not to notice that he was getting closer. She was really, really trying. But furthermore, she was trying even harder not to react to the fact that he was inching closer. Why was he doing that? Coming closer? It was making her nervous, or was that excitement? Really she couldn't tell with the weird thing her heart was starting to do. That racing thing. Straightening her back a little, she nodded in response. "Mhmmm," keeping the playful demeanor. Seeing him reach his hand up to fix his scarf-- which was perfect the way it was already ??-- she felt the need to do something with her hand too. She just now noticed how restless she was getting. Weird. "Oh, is that so, Mr. Bellamy?" she questioned, bringing her hand up to rest on the underside of her jaw; making sure to echo the way he drew out her name. Mr. Bellamy. She liked it, but it didn't sound right. Something just seemed very formal about the whole matter. But, he was just a coworker, right? For the Minister's Office. That in itself was a pretty formal position right? So formality was a good thing? Yet, it didn't sound right. Something about it made her feel squirmy. He wasn't a Mr. Bellamy. He was something light, something more playful than that. "But, who's to say that my intention was to get rid of you?" Because it wasn't. She did enjoy his company, or his face. She really enjoyed his face, but there was no way she would admit to that out loud, or else he'd win. She couldn't let him win. She flashed a small smile as she willed herself not to look too impressed by that beautiful face. She was even contemplating wishing that he wouldn't smile back, to keep him from exposing those cute dimples again. It was perfectly normal to think his dimples were cute. Eye candy. That's all it was. Right. She took a short breath as she watched him carefully lifting an eyebrow. Nodding quite proudly, actually. She couldn't let those dimples distract her from keeping the upperhand. It was her turn to be impressive. "So you can read, then? I'm impressed, Mr. Bellamy," she tried addressing him again, but it still felt wrong in a sense. The 'Mister' at least. But either way, she gave him a small, light-hearted smile to show that she was only teasing him, though she felt as if she was starting to regain her own confidence in the midst. See, his dimples couldn't throw her game off too much, could they? No. She still had it, game that is. Speaking of which, that playful little grin of his fully exposed those dimples and Tiffany was starting to feel all weak in the knees ALL over again. Except, luckily she was sitting so hopefully it wasn't even noticeable. She couldn't let him know. Then he'd really have the upperhand. Tucking some hair behind her ear, she couldn't help but feel a small gust of pride when he admitted to keeping up with the magazine. See? Even someone the likes of Dimples over here read her work. Ahem, uh, he obviously kept up with her work!! It was great. No, that wasn't her confidence faltering. Nope. "I'm sure you know all about my work, then?" she asked with a playful little smirk. As he leaned even closer, Tiffany still tried to pretend as if she didn't notice, but when he brushed his lips against her, now, exposed ear, she shivered a little in response. It wasn't her fault that the contact sent a chill down her body! But hopefully, he didn't notice that. But it was a stretch. Trying her hardest not to look too flustered, though the new pink in her cheeks probably gave her away, she turned her head slightly, "Well, any time you have a craving, you can always stop by," she lightly waved the magazine a little before continuing, "there's always more where this came from." Mhm, it was true, she had a whole stack of them in one of these drawers... Which one was it again? Was it the one under where he had chosen to sit or-- Merlin, why was it so difficult to think straight. Stupid dimples. His slightly impressed tone woke her up from the momentary daze as she pretended to have been paying attention the entire time- and to not have been thinking about his dimples. She nodded, feeling more confident at the reminder that she was once in charge or something and that she was in charge of this entire interaction. She had the upperhand. He had to have been at least a little impressed. Had to. Tiffany even smirked a bit at the style compliment-that's what it was, a compliment?- and it didn't help that she noticed the downward glance towards her legs. But oh right, he had asked something hadn't he? Why had she left? Well, she loved her job, there was no doubt."I was just ready to move on with my life, there are so many more interesting things to see," she admitted with a small nod, before leaning a little closer and adding "and interesting people to meet," she would have added a wink here had she not known how ridiculous she would have looked. It wasn't fair, Ezra was able to do it perfectly. How come she couldn't, and why did this bother her so much all the sudden? It's not like he had the upper-- Was he leaning forward again? Merlin, he was getting real close now, he was... Exactly right about her perfume?! How did he kNOW? Trying not to let herself get worked up about this matter too, "Mhmm, like it, Ezra?" she asked trying her best not to sound impressed, but rather trying to sound just as confident as he did. |
SPOILER!!: I'm blanking on something creative to put here Ezra grinned as she said his name, concentrating on showing all of his pearly white teeth instead of on the weird fluttery thing going on in his chest as he watched her lips outline 'Bellamy.' Noooo not her lips, no. He was certainly not looking at those. Her eyes, yes her eyes. Obviously. It sounded...nice coming form her mouth, but also a little out of place. Ezra Léonard Bellamy had never questioned being called 'Mr.' until that moment, but he concentrated on the sound of her voice and the visibility of his teeth instead of contemplating why that might be. "My intention certainly wasn't to leave," he began, sitting up straighter on the desk but still using one hand to grip the edge. But shouldn't he be leaving now? Whether or not he had overstayed his welcome, he was sure he should leave while he still had something of an upper hand before he fell off the darn desk and made a fool of himself in front of Tiffany. She put up a good fight, this one, but he could see the way she was failing to keep her eyes from glancing at his face, and he moved his head a little to the side to give her a full view of the dimples. A face like his deserved to be recognized, there was no doubt about that. And then her cheeks were going pink. WERE HIS CHEEKS GOING PINK? Ezra looked down at the face of his watch, trying to see if the weird feeling in his heart was spreading to his face. It didn't looook like he was blushing, but he did feel like the little cubicle had suddenly gotten about twenty degrees warmer. Details, details, he still had game, surely. Watching Tiffany smirk at his compliment, the media liaison deemed it necessary to bring a little power back in his court. Not that he was losing or anything. Of course not. A Bellamy never lost- especially this Bellamy. He reached for the magazine she was waving around, letting his fingers brush hers as he took it, and scooted a centimeter or two away from her chair. There. Let her feel the separation anxiety; she would surely feel it. He eyed the cover, flicking a glance in her direction every few seconds to make sure she was still watching his profile. "Angelina Robertson? Quite the scandal, if I remember correctly." He may or may not have been reading this very magazine the night before, but he refrained from mentioning it. The memory of her shiver as his lips brushed her ear made his chest feel uncomfortably fluttery again, so he figured it best to ignore talking about their little secret. He scooted himself a centimeter further. "I'm sure I am familiar with your work, he said with a nod and a playful smile, "but my devotion to magazines had to be a bit inconsistent for a couple years as I travelled. That's RIGHT he TRAVELLED. Impressive, yes? Of course it was. "I'll make sure to catch up on my reading, it'll keep my nights from getting too lonely." He chanced another wink in her direction and lifted himself carefully from her desk, staring at his feet to make sure he didn't trip over them. One glance at his reflection later--still perfect--, Ezra was placing his hands in his pockets and facing Tiffany full on. "Ah, I'm sure you'll find countless interesting people, but only some of them worthy of your precious time." He kept his mild awe and agitation at his chest and the weirdness going on there hidden behind his biggest grin as he watched her speak. The confidence to leave her job was surely impressive, but he couldn't let that on for fear of losing. He was so close. And then he was in the doorway. Deciding to let her figure out if he "liked it" all by herself, he concentrated on executing an exit. Leaning against the side, Ezra took in one last sweeping view of Tiffany's cubicle--and her--and said, "I suppose I'll see you around then, Tiffany." He felt his cheeks warm up as her name rolled off his tongue. Tiffany. Why had he said it? WHY. He had been so close to leaving without losing control of the conversation. Shaking his head slightly, he stood up a little straighter and removed his hands from his pockets. Leave, Bellamy, leave! Why weren't his legs taking him out? His gaze lingered on her, and his grin didn't falter just as he legs refused to move. Ezra opened his mouth again. "Maybe I'll run into you at the Leaky Cauldron," he began. MERLIN what was he saying? "After work, perhaps." NOOOOO. That was it. He had lost. HE had lost it ALL. NEVER AGAIN. One more lopsided grin in her direction and he was out of cubicle, letting one hand linger on the doorway before he yanked it away and marched towards his own cubicle. Dear Merlin what had he done? He glanced at his reflection in the face of his watch. At least he still looked good. |
SPOILER!!: I love him, I really do Eye contact. Why was it so hard right now? She had never really struggled with it before... Until now that is. Ahem, right no she was focusing on his eyes. Not... Other features, especially not his pearly white smile. That would be weird, why would she be doing that? Looking at his lips. His smile. His dimples even. No, she was looking at his eyes because that's how you keep a conversation. She lifted her head ever so slightly to what he said next and even let her teeth show this time when she smiled. His intention wasn't to leave? Well, duh. Why would he want to leave when the only person worth his time in this office was her. Yet, for some reason she couldn't get herself to say that out loud. An, "I'm glad," was all she could muster and she wanted to slap herself for it. Had she just admitted to enjoying his company? She couldn't let him win, but that was exactly what she was doing. Oh sweet Merlin. And those dimples. Oh, merlin. Was she still pink? Oh she hoped not. But those dimples were making her feel a type of way and she couldn't even stop it. Curse her naturally light complexion from revealing her thoughts. It wasn't fair. He couldn't be winning. He couldn't. Tiffany never lost. NEVER. Especially not to someone like Ezra. She couldn't let him beat her, she'd never live it down. She watched him carefully, almost a little too carefully even, letting him take the magazine from her hand. It was a newer issue, so he wouldn't be able to see any of her work, but something about the way he reached for it. The way he was leaning forward to grab it. And suddenly, he was scooting away? What. She wasn't about to say anything, but... How come he moved away? Had she done something wrong? Had she given in too easily? Had he... won? Though at noticing his eyes glancing over at her ever so often, she visibly relaxed. Clearly the game was still on if he was playing at it like this. But she wasn't winning. Not for now at least. "Oh, it certainly was. She's giving the media quite a kick, that one. I'm sure you'd know all about it," she sent him a smug smile, "Mister media liaison." A smart, well-dressed man such as himself had to be familar with her work. She practically owned the title to 'national trendsetter', though unofficially. "And if you're not," it was her turn to lean in a little this time. Hopefully to catch him off guard, but secretly because she liked it when he was close to her, a fact which would never be said out loud. "I'm sure I can change that.... Familiarize you," she batted her long lashes innocently, before cocking her head at what he said next. Travelled? Oh. That was good. He knew how to play this game all too well. And for the record, she was kinda impressed. She wanted to ask him about it. Where he traveled to, his favorite locations, if he had ever visited Spain or Italy or... Poland even. But she refrained. That would show him her interest and if she was going to win, it'd be a risky move to take. This had to be calculated. Like a game of chess. "That's a very valid point you raise, Ezra," she casually drew out his name a little longer than necessary, letting the 'z' roll off her tongue easily. "Maybe you can introduce me to some of these more worthy people sometime." And then, wait. In her sudden intrigue in the conversation, she had completely overlooked the fact that he started moving away. And not like away as he had before. Like away, away. He was walking out the door. "I suppose so... Ezra," she said returning the same goodbye. But why he had left so soon? Except, he still hadn't left, not technically anyways. She waited expectantly for something... Anything more. Leaky Cauldron? After work? Was he asking to see her outside of work? The thought helped place an easy smile on her face as she tilted her head lazily. "Maybe you will." She did it, right? She won!? Yet... Victory didn't feel as sweet as she thought it would. And she was starting to crave something sweet. You know what, maybe she would go to the Leaky Cauldron after work. Um. For food reasons and stuff. Merlin, being an advisor sure gave her an appetite mhm. That's all. Turning he head back around, after watching him walk back to his own cubicle of course, she went to reach for her copy of Witch Weekly. And then she realized, he had never given her the magazine back. Now she had to sit here for the rest of the day with nothing but her own thoughts to keep her company. And her thoughts were all going back to a certain man's dimples. She hadn't really won, had she? He was the winner all along, he had taken her game. And she had to go to the Leaky Cauldron to take it back. |
ooc: Continued from Mr Isaacs office Tabitha entered the work area and hung up her jacket in the closet before sitting down at her desk. After her meeting with Mr Isaacs, Tabitha had met in person the owners of the two venues. She was now at her desk comparing notes so that the event could be organised. She rubbed her eyes and softly clicked her fingers so that her rough notes became more legible.Tabitha really wanted to go over the notes to make sure that she was choosing the right venue for black tie dinner she had in mind. |
For the record, she had not been ignoring him. She was just um, too busy with all this election stuff going on. And clearly, being a direct advisor to the Minister of Magic himself meant that she would be busy around election time. Election time for a new minister that she would be working very closely with. It wasn't like she was purposefully keeping herself always occupied, walking out of the room every time he entered, arriving at work before she knew he would get there. Merlin no, that'd be ridiculous. She was just busy. Too busy for Ezra Bellamy. And though she would continuously try to use that as her excuse, it was clearly just that. For Merlin's sake, she couldn't even go on a proper date without constantly imagining his beautiful face. Ezra would never take her to a pizza parlor for a date. And if he did, there would be a warning so that she didn't show up in six inch heels and a gucci handbag. And she was doing it again. That thing where her mind decided to go off and think about him without her permission. It was all his fault. And you know what the worst part was? She couldn't bring herself to use her Chanel #117 Magnolia lipstick since that day. And it was her favorite. Stupid, beautiful Ezra Bellamy. What was he doing to her!? And this. THIS was precisely why she had been avoiding him. She couldn't allow herself to get this way. To think these things. To FEEL these things. It had gotten worse than she had thought. And the time away from him was only making it worse. And you know what? The only way to end this stupid feeling at the pit of her stomach once and for all would be to march right up to him and face the feelings. And that's what she was going to do. Not that she decided this on a whim, oh Merlin no. Tiffany was a planner. She had been planning this interaction for the past week. Only today, today she'd carry through with it. Firstly because the stomach thing was getting UNBEARABLE and secondly because she couldn't waste another outfit. Not that she regretted wearing beautiful things all week, but what was the point if Ezra didn't see? Or well, he probably did see... But she made an effort not to look for his reactions. Pushing herself away from her own cubicle, Tiffany Price stood straight up, brushing her hair behind her shoulder. BREATHE. One last lingering second and then she was marching off over to Ezra Bellamy's cubicle. And oh Merlin, the sight of him did even more for that feeling in her stomach than just the thought of him did. It was worse than she had ever imagined. "Bellamy," she wasn't smiling-- trying to hide emotions actually-- though she did prop her body up right next to the wall of his cubicle as she ran a single hand through her hair. And despite the fact that her insides felt as though they were being scrunched up with a fist, she spoke slowly and smoothly. Nope. She was totally contained and not bouncing around. Thank Merlin for self control. And thank Merlin that she had it. But most of all, thank Merlin for beautiful men like Ezra Bellamy. |
SPOILER!!: WE'VE MISSED HER SO MUCH OK *mellow* The media liaison had just put his quill back to the parchment when O_______O Her. Her voice, he'd recognize it anywhere, they way it pierced him straight through the chest and constricted his lungs as if she had reached in and wrapped a perfectly manicured hand around his insides. Ezra gave himself a moment He turned slowly to face the doorway of his cubicle with a determinedly nonchalant expression plastered on his face, still holding a quill in one hand. A sudden stab of his heart when his blue eyes met hers made him want to jump out of his skin. But he didn't. He stayed put, holding the quill a little further away from him to prevent ink from dripping on his jacket and staring straight at her. This was the part where he said her name. This was the part where he let his lips take the shape of that merlin forsaken name that he had repeated over and over to himself when nobody was there to hear it, much less her. "Ms. Price." One corner of Ezra's mouth twitched upwards but he forced it back down again. What on earth could she want, anyway? She had already made it quite clear he didn't have anything she wanted, right? He had replayed that evening in his mind over and over and that was the only conclusion he had come to, which also meant she must be downright mad. What more could she want? Ahem. Unless she was just here to enjoy the view, which was a perfectly acceptable pastime, but that didn't mean he would just let her. |
SPOILER!!: She's making me reply to this before I do anything else.. If that tells you how much we missed him. IT'S A LOT OK He was taking ages to turn around. And the longer he lingered, the worse her stomach felt. It was that sinking feeling too, not even the fluttery one she had before walking over. In hopes of keeping the game, she had done something much worse than simply losing. She hadn't lost the game per say, but she had abolished it all together. It was his fault. If he hadn't asked her to join him at the Leaky, this would have never happened. If it wasn't for his beautiful face, his perfect hair, the way he smiled, and those damn dimples. His fault. All of it. It caused her to set the dice aside and move off the playing board all together. But what if she wanted to play again? A rematch. Couldn't she just pick up the pieces and set them back on the board? A simple roll of the dice... A move forward two spaces? Couldn't they just, start the game over? That's why she was really standing outside of his cubicle. Not because she had missed him. Of course not. It was because she had missed the game. That was all. It had nothing to do with the way he leaned in to talk to her or the very scent of his cologne. Nothing to do with his ironed down shirts or his sexy glasses. It was only a game. And they were merely players on opposing teams. But she wanted to play again and it was her move. And then he turned. That was all? Just a flicker of the lip? How she craved to see those dimples one more time. Were there rules against asking for it? Though this was her games, she could change the rules if she wanted. "It's been a while," it was a statement. Not the 'I miss you' that she had lingering on her lips, but something with less emotional attachment. Something plain. But she was aching to let him know why she was really here. It wasn't a game at all. "Just wanted to know how you were holding up, these elections must be giving you media liaisons a headache... With all the Quibbler gossip." In truth, she wasn't hoping to find out about how he was holding up with his work. She was hoping for a glimpse into his life, how he was doing. Because as much as she hated herself for doing so, Tiffany Price cared. Tiffany Price cared about Ezra Bellamy and there was nothing she could do to stop it. But if anything, she sounded as if she were only talking to another coworker and not a friend. As if work was their only connection. As if they weren't-- Were they friends? The very thought confused her to no end. What were they and were they even a 'they' anymore? He probably wanted nothing to do with her. She had read the signs all wrong. Because had he really cared, he would've spoken up about it ages ago. But here she was, standing right outside his cubicle and he wasn't even smiling. He almost even looked as though he was in pain. Though, his facial expression most likely shadowed Tiffany's very own to a tee. |
SPOILER!!: we're beyond giddy over here Another long pause as Ezra lost the staring contest he was having with the floor and found his eyes moving up her inch by inch. He took a deep breath as their blue eyes met, painfully aware that his heart was beating so loudly that she could likely hear it from across the cubicle. How he was HOLDING UP? Merlin, did she had absolutely no IDEA what kind of effect she had on |
SPOILER!!: Oh trust me, so are we asdf even if she's being a poo Has it really? He was kidding right? This was a joke. He had to have noticed. He knew there was an absence of Tiffany Price in his life. He couldn't have just not noticed. There was no way. Even if she had managed to skirt around him the past few months... She did so graciously. So that she lingered in the doorway for a bit so that he'd see her before she walked off. She made sure that her heels click clacked rather loudly so he'd hear her walking around. She bloody well made sure he knew she was around even if she wasn't... Around. But he really hadn't noticed? Trying not to let the disappointment show on her face, Tiffany let herself lean up against the cubicle wall with even less strength in her legs. The wall would keep her up, no use in tiring out her body too. It already felt sore enough as it was, being all scrunched up on the inside with that weird feeling again. Merlin. "Missed you? Well, not as much as I suppose you've missed me," So okay, it probably wasn't the reply he'd expect, but... She did admit to missing him, even if it were... hidden. Because she did miss him. No wait. She missed the game. That's all she missed. The game. AHEM. Focus, Tiffany!! All she wanted to do for the past week was talk to him. Talk to Ezra. But here she was stuck daydreaming, again about Ezra, but still. She was finally here and she couldn't even stay on task????? Uh. Right advisor. "Oh well, you know... I've got to make sure that everything is prepared for when the new one takes over." And really she wasn't lying. It was a lot of work to keep up with, but... It didn't consume her nearly enough as she lead on. She just needed an excuse. And excuse as to why she was completely avoiding him. "But those gossip vultures, you must be work pretty hard to get them off your back." Your very well toned back, might she add. Ahem. But why were they going through this? Like formalities. Small talk. She couldn't stand it. This was absolutely miserable. Yet, yet she didn't know how to stop it. And then he spun around. Which, though she would not admit to, was actually quite a relief because it allowed her the chance to let herself look absolutely flustered for a couple of seconds before he turned back around. And those dimples. They were back. Oh my, my those dimples. And Merlin, she just couldn't help it okay?! Yes, so what if she had let her face soften up. Let a small smile peak it's way through. It just felt like the first time all over again. And she couldn't control her facial expressions when he looked at her like that. Not that he was looking at her any differently, really. The question, though, took her by slight surprise and she let the vulnerability flood into her eyes for a mere portion of a second. Or maybe a mere portion of thirty seconds. She hadn't been holding up well actually. She was falling apart. Falling apart with the very idea that she wouldn't be able to bring herself to talk to Ezra again. She wasn't holding up well and it was all his fault. Had she mentioned that already? That it was his fault. Because it was. "I've um, I've been better," she lazily drew a hand to her hair and tucked a single strand behind her ear. A lot better actually. Like that one time at the Leaky. She was a lot better then. "Well, I- anyways, I know you're a real busy man, Ezra, and if you haven't got the time to talk to me. Then, I'll just get back to my cubicle." And though that's what she said, her eyes were pleading for him to tell her to stay. To give her a reason to stop doubting. She was hurt. And that never happened to Tiffany Price. Not the improved Tiffany Price, anyways. She worked so hard to keep herself sheltered away from that... that hurt emotion and here he was and without even trying he managed to tear down all those walls. How did he do it? Ezra Bellamy. She wanted to tell him how much she missed him. How hard it was to avoid him for so long. But here she was, standing right next to him both hurt and annoyed. But most of all, angry at herself for pushing away. |
SPOILER!!: She's giving us all the feels ok ALL OF 'EM Ezra watched her pause before answering, running his hand along his clean-shaven jaw, wondering, or hoping rather, that it was just the difficulty of her position that lead to all the avoiding and ignoring. Maybe it was just...work things. Maybe they still had a chance. Whatever they even were. "Good thing they've got you on the job, then." He gave her a soft smile before waving her question away. "Oh, the media I can deal with. There are much more pressing situations to maneuver besides them" AKA YOU. Game or no game, Tiffany should at least know a little of the pain she'd caused him. Her fault, remember? Not his. Never his. His own smile broke as he watched her facade begin to fray around the edges. Was that sadness he saw? Vulnerability? There was no triumph in Ezra's expression as he pushed himself slowly from his chair and pulled down his sleeves and faced her head on. Just melancholy. "I'm sorry to hear that." It came out as almost a whisper. He bit his lip and took a step closer before, LEAVE? WHAT? She had come here and brought all his blasted emotions that he had tried so hard to pretend didn't exist so she could just LEAVE? "Noo!" His voice cracked as he said it, sounding more strangled than desperate. In a single swift stride he was standing beside her, wishing he could take her hand but too fearful of the feeling of her skin to execute it. Ezra's hand strayed to the velvet cuff of his jacket as he stood there, just looking at her. "Please, don't go." |
SPOILER!!: I don't think she has ever felt so conflicted in her life #thanksEzra #thanksforthefeels Immeasurable? Again, caught off guard— slightly— the brunette couldn’t help the smile that made it across her face. Not even just a regular soft smile that she gave people when she was forcing herself to. This one was genuine, with the pearly whites showing and everything. But as soon as she caught herself, she stopped it. She had to say something quick. Something witty. Something that wouldn’t make her look like an utter fool. She was losing again. ”If you missed me so much, then how come you never bothered to come and talk to me?” See, his fault really. And though she didn’t truly believe this at all, she narrowed her eyes slightly in effect. So yes she was angry, but more than anything angry at herself. She didn’t make an effort to talk to him either. ”More pressing situations?” this, though, this caught her interest and she even found herself leaning towards him. ”What could possibly be more pressing than ministry elections? Maybe I ought to watch you work some time… Be a judge of that myself?” She lifted a playful brow in return and— WAIT. This is exactly what she was trying to stop. Yet another point to prove that this whole ‘avoiding Ezra’ thing was failing miserably. She did not have feelings for him. She did not. And he more she repeated this, she’d believe it. Did not. Did not. Did not. Did— So. And this was exactly why she had to leave, sweet Circe. Yet, something was drawing her back and it didn’t even have to do with his cry against her movement. Okay, it had a little to do with that. That was a test Ezra Bellamy. And you. Just. Passed. Letting some relief flood into her eyes, Tiffany let her shoulders relax a bit. She was going to have to leave. This wasn’t good. She did not have feelings for him. She did not. Did not. Did not. Did— ”Well, I do have so much work to keep up with,”— not. Did— ”But, I guess I can hold off on that for a bit, besides.. You’re far more interesting than the new candidates,”— so. What was she doing? Going against every fiber of her mind that told her to go back to her desk. Going against any past judgement she had ever made. Doing exactly what she ought not to do. Doing what she wanted to do. ”After all, it has been a while.” |
SPOILER!!: #hisfaultnotmine #heblamesitonyou Why did he not say anything? Was she really going to pin this on him? Suppressing the urge to roll his eyes, Ezra stroked his collar lazily and arranged his face into the most UN-hurt and UN-infatuated expression he could muster. "Same reason you never came and talked to me." MAYBE. He really had no idea why Tiffany--or anyone--would willingly choose not to talk to him, but MAYBE she'd get all Ezra grinned and mimicked her leaning, feeling his stomach perform somersaults as the space between them got a little smaller. Somersaults were an understatement, really. He had an entire damn acrobatic troupe in there. Complete with flying elephant. "Weeellll," he paused and let his smile get even bigger, "I wouldn't expect you to understand such matters of the heart. THE Tiffany Price surely doesn't have to deal with those." He gave a dramatic sigh and put his hand on his forehead, bringing it down quickly to smirk at her without any interruption. There. She'd be begging for him by the time this was over, he was sure of it. He made a face of feigned surprise and added, "You mean you don't already watch me work? Missing out on all the good things, I see." HE WAS ALL THE GOOD THINGS. ALL OF THEM, OKAY. ALLLL OF THEM. WHY didn't she see that? Tiffany Price was not swooning yet and this was a problem. 'Cause Ezra was swooning. And he was not ready to be the one who swoons first. And he wouldn't be. Outwardly, anyway. Woah there. Cough cough COUUUUGH. That so did not just happen. Ezra cleared his throat hurriedly and arranged his face into some sort of neutral expression. Yes. Neutral. Still fiddling with his cuff, he gave her a soft smile and held a hand out in the direction of his desk. "Yes, yes. Quite a while, really. Not sure I can' wait much longer." Okay fine. Maybe he was outwardly swooning a tiny bit but it was so called for okay. Tiffany called him important. He KNEW he was important, but this meant SHE knew it too. And maybe what she thought was more important than what he thought. But only maybe. Widening his blue eyes, he leaned closer to her until his glasses were nearly tickling the bridge of her nose and whispered, "After you, m'lady." |
SPOILER!!: It wasn't supposed to turn into a novel... But she wouldn't let me take any of it out >< FINALLY, she once again regained control of herself and the smile was no longer as wide as it had been mere seconds ago. She wasn’t allowed to feel this way. It wasn’t apart of the rules. She was here to throw the game in. Not to start it over. So then, how come what he had to say next… How come it made her heart drop? She let the shock of it all sink in for a few seconds too long, before finally collecting her thoughts. ”Well, I’m here now, aren’t I?” It may have not been much, but it was big for her. It showed that she did care. Or maybe that was just it. This small gesture, it didn’t really mean anything. It was only because she kept herself from any gestures at all, that this felt so big. To him, though, it was probably just another day. Just another CoWorker. Did he miss all his other CoWorkers immeasurably? And furthermore, why was she even questioning it? Did it even matter? He could miss whoever he wanted. As immeasurably as he wanted. Tiffany didn’t care. He could do whatever he wanted. It wasn’t like they were… together or anything. Not that it mattered. No. Exactly, it didn’t. And yes, she was aware of the closing distance between them. But no, she wasn’t going to think about it. Though, he was making it pretty damn difficult. Just another thing he did to mess with her game. Maybe that’s why she was failing so miserably? How could you play a game if the opposition refused to play by the rules. All his fault. Every last ounce of it. All his. ”Matters of the heart?” What. Ezra Bellamy WHAT? ”Despite popular opinion… I do have one, you know.” A rather insistent one at that. One that kept panging an insisting on being heard. Yes she KNOWS you stupid heart. She KNOWS. Just because she was trying to ignore it didn’t mean she wasn’t well aware of what it wanted. Oh, she was more than just aware. She was standing in front of him, after all. Letting her eyes move over to the floor for a split second, she took a small breath before looking back up. It just wasn’t as easy for her. She did have to deal with matters of the heart, much more regularly then he may think. But, she couldn’t deal with them, which was the stem of this whole entire predicament. She wanted to admit to… Ahem. Certain matters of the heart BUT SHE COULDN’T. Didn’t he understand that??? She just couldn’t. It would be against every rule out there. Against her better judgement. Against everything. Though the question, that got a nice little snort out of her. A little one, okay? ”Why, do you like it when I watch you?” Because that could be arranged. Though really she did watch him. All the time. Eye candy. But only when she thought he wasn’t looking. And then times like now, when she’d give him a nice long sweeping glance up and down. From the very collar of his shirt, to the cuffs of his pants, and then back all the way up to the frames of his glasses. Beautiful people should be appreciated, she knew better than anyone. She was one of them. And Ezra, he was a very special one of them. A new kind all together. Totally checking him out. So much for restraint. And oh Merlin, he was close now. Very, VERY close. And she wasn’t sure if she could control anything right now. Not even her legs which were surely about to buckle down any minute now. So instead of whispering back like she would have done— in respect to the game ’n all— she chose to take as swift side step. And now that she could SORT OF breathe properly again, she began walking around him, until she could properly maneuver into his cubicle. Turning her head back, she gave him a quick smile before turning back and making her way to his desk. Where she soon made herself at home on. Mostly due to the fact that she really needed to sit. Her knees were going to give out, okay? And the closer Ezra got, the worse they seemed to tremble. So sitting. On his desk. Ahem. Hope you don’t mind, Ezra. Oops? She kicked one leg over the other, and rested her hands on her knee. ”So, tell me Ezra… What have you been doing to keep your mind off busy— and off me of course, since you’ve been missing me ever so immeasurably?” Okay. Back to square one then. She really couldn’t hold back anymore. It was back to the flirting game again, wasn’t it? Except only this time it wasn’t even a game. Behind all of the little witty remarks, there was a heart. She really did have one, alright. And it was doing strange things. |
SPOILER!!: but novels are the bestest things. 'Specially Tiffany novels, we love those So. No explanation then. Damn. This was one of those times he wished he had pursued legilimency, but Ezra hadn't imagined he would ever come in contact with anyone so bloody confusing. "Yes, you are." If they were stating the obvious here. "And here I am. Here we are." Now, that was a dreadfully idiotic thing to say, and he knew it. But it put that word out there. That 'we' word. He hadn't thought about in such a long time and suddenly it was all he wanted. Even more than he wanted a never ending supply of neckties, he wanted their fingers to intertwine, her to put her head on his shoulder and run her fingers through his hair. Maybe even to not have to spend every second that she was away wondering if Tiffany was thinking about him as much as he was thinking about her. But she had a heart, apparently, and the violent thundering of his own indicated that it was set on all of that happening. Maybe hers was too. "I'm delighted to hear that, Ms. Price. Immeasurably delighted." Ezra beamed at her and then down at the floor for a moment before continuing, "But I suppose I'm not one with popular opinion, now am I?" Other than being utterly and completely floored by her appearance, which he assumed was the truth for countless individuals. "There's always a heart somewhere in there. You can see it if you wish for it hard enough." LA DEE DA totally not expressing his deepest wishes or anything. PFT nah. She probably wouldn't even take him seriously. Seemed like she never did. He felt a pang of longing at her little snort. Merlin, had anyone ever heard something so Just about nauseated by the smell of her perfume, Ezra inhaled sharply as she stepped away. Was she leaving? No. She couldn't be leaving. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to pick out what in the name of merlin he had done to make her leave, but when he opened them again she was already inside his cubicle. On his desk. Tiffany Price was on his desk. He didn't even try to hide the fact that he had to pause before following her in to take another breath and try to push his heart back down from in his throat. Straightening up, one hand strayed to his hair as he took a seat in the chair he had vacated, fully aware of the fact that Tiffany was now on a higher level than him. But she was here. She was HERE. He raised an eyebrow and cocked his head to one side. "Who said my mind's been anywhere but on you?" DAMN IT, EZRA. This part wasn't supposed to happen yet. "Missing you so immeasurably is a full time job, you know." He crossed his legs to fill the time it took for him to mentally chastise himself for admitting to it so soon. In the game, or whatever. If he hadn't bloody lost it already. "Tell ME, Tiffany, what have you been thinking about while not missing me nearly as much? Not just the elections, I presume." He noticed an old issue of Witch Weekly peeking out form one of his desk drawers and slammed it quickly, looking back at her with a slight flush in his cheeks. Ahem. Where were they? |
SPOILER!!: Well, if you say so... So I hope you don't mind another one Shifting slightly in place, she couldn’t help but raise a brow at him. Yes she was here. And he was here. And they were here. Now that they’ve established that much… ”Yes, we are.” She liked the sound of it. ‘We’, ‘they’, ‘them’, ‘together’. All such funny words. She wanted those words, all of them. ”Well, I’m glad, that would be oh so disappointing, Ezra because I’ve taken a liking to you.” Ha whut. In a not-popular-opinion kind of way okay? Tiffany didn’t settle with the popular opinion. Go getter. Trendsetter. Fashion forward. That wasn’t ‘popular’ okay? That is all she meant. She didn’t like people who just went with the popular opinion, okay? She didn’t mean it in an ‘Ezra I really like you’ sort of way. Was that clear? SHE DID Merlin, how was he so capable of make her smile like such an idiot? The very act of putting his hands up in the air, as if pleading innocent, she couldn’t control what was happening to the ends of her lips. They were curling upwards and there was nothing she could do about it. ”Well, then, I guess I could arrange it.” Not that she didn’t do this already. But now he was pretty much asking for it. So there. She only watched him because he liked it. Not because she liked it. Pft. ”I could use some occasional eye candy.” Ahhhheeeeem. Running a hand through her hair mhm. Totally going to pretend like she didn’t just admit quite a number of things in the last five minutes. Nope. Nothing that he couldn’t possibly be aware of before. Just… stating the obvious. The brunette bounced her feet around a little as she waited for Ezra to come back into the cubicle. Merlin, he was really taking his time with things today? Which was not allowed. So against the rules. For every time there was a moment of silence, every second she had to wait, the pounding of her heart was just that much more evident. The silence, it made her listen. And she didn’t know how much more of it she could take. As he walked in though, he received a big smirk. She was on higher ground now. Even with her heels, she was still much shorter than he was, so being able to look down at him, it was powerful. She finally felt in control. This was how it should be always. Control. Except, she didn’t have control at all, even still. ”Oh,” Damnit Ezra, WHY. ”I-well, I’m glad to hear you are taking it so seriously.” AASDLKFJASD. Was he being serious about this? Or was he just messing with her? She couldn’t tell. Had he really spent all that time away missing her immeasurably? Or… Was he just being… Ezra? This probably bothered her more than anything. She couldn’t figure him out. What kind of game was he playing at?! ”Can I ask what exactly you missed the most?” Innocent question. Not a test. And not that she was curious. Not that it mattered if he missed her at all. Not. Not. Not. So not. ”Me? Why was she so surprised that the question had turned? It was quite the usual way things worked, huh? She just… She didn’t know what to say. She had been missing him quite immeasurably too. But… She couldn’t say this out loud. Not after she had denied it, sort of. ”Well the elections do take up a lot of my mind… But I suppose I’ve kept myself busy other things as well… I did try a matchmaking service for some fun and did a lot of shopping in my spare time.” And she wasn’t just admitting the first bit to him because she felt like she had been cheating when she went out with Luc. It wasn’t like she was allowed to see other people— See people. People in general because she wasn’t with anyone. But then how come she felt so bloody pained by the fact. She wanted to be with someone, but it wasn’t the same as actually being with someone. She had no reason to feel guilty. None at all. And, what was in that drawer Ezra, hmm? She lifted a curious brow. Had she seen even a glimpse of the magazine, she would have recognized it immediately, though she had been avidly staring at his beautiful face for far too long to take notice of it. Heh. Eye candy, remember? He had given her permission. |
SPOILER!!: *writes you one back because why not* Ezra felt his cheeks grow hotter when she said the word. THE word. The 'we' word. The one that was almost as bad as the 'together' word. It sounded even sweeter coming from Tiffany's lips. "Together," he murmured, more to himself than to her. Saying it just made it all real. She was really here. They'd been over that. But it was different than the fact that they were really her, as a single entity. The only entity the man couldn't push from his mind, and here it was, becoming a reality. Because did you hear that? She had taken a liking to him. SHE liked HIM. Tiffany Price liked him. Not that he hadn't known that already, but this time she had really said it. Really really. And his heart was dropping from all the reality. The reality was assaulting him, like a thousand fingers prodding him in her direction to find the source of the realness and make it his own. It was all planted right there on her lips, which were no longer that magnolia that had remained on his cheeks for hours before he could bring himself to wash it off. Shame, really, because he wouldn't look to shabby in magnolia Heartbreak? Had he really been lost in his own thoughts for that long? How on Earth did she get to heartbreak? A crease appeared between his eyebrows. NOT a wrinkle okay. It was NOT. "Heartbreak? Who said anything about heartbreak?" Merlin, was THAT what was the big issue here? Some blasted bugger had broken her heart. There was no need for magic, Ezra had half a mind to stalk right out of his office and FIND that guy and HURT that guy. Because no mere 'guy' was allowed to hurt Tiffany. Oh no. Just like no mere 'girl' was allowed to hurt him. She wasn't a mere girl, she was "Of course I take it seriously. I'm quite a serious man, you know." And BOOM. The grin was back. Phew, he was starting to get worried it wouldn't come back. Ezra's eyes widened as he smiled, JUST in case she still thought he was joking. He wasn't, okay, he WASN'T. And he was admitting to it loud and clear if Tiffany'd listen. Part of him hope she wouldn't, for the sake of the game and all, but he ignored it. It was different this time, somehow. Scary, even. Contrary to what she may believe, he hadn't been with a woman in, well, ages. He had standards, you know. High ones. Not that he was with Tiffany or anything. |
SPOILER!!: I know we're not doing apologies BUT IF WE WERE THEN ahem Together. He was here. She was here. They were here. Together. It was a funny little word, but she wanted to here it more. She wouldn’t mind other people using it either. Saying things like ‘Tiffany and Ezra, look at them together’. She wouldn’t mind being a ‘together’ with him. He wasn’t a jerk like she had only wished he would be— it would have made everything so much easier. But she liked him. And maybe that meant that it was okay if people grouped them together. He had everything. The smile, the face, the manners, the style, sweetness in his voice, a firmness in his grip— She wouldn’t mind if people saw them as a ‘together’ not at all. ”Together,” she confirmed in an even quieter murmur than his. She watched him carefully as a small wrinkle (heh) appeared between his brows. Had she said something wrong? Oh heartbreak. Yeah, well uh, that happened. Honestly she hadn’t meant it to stick out to him so much. Yet, it seemed as if out of everything she had just said… It was the only thing that had stuck out to him. Why? Why did it matter so much? ”It’s inevitable… Heartbreak. When you invest so much of yourself in someone,” her eyes widened for a moment before she quickly went on to fix it, ”Or something. Of course this is exactly what had her holding back. The moment she started laughing, or smiling even… She had to stop herself. Heartbreak. The possibility was always there, even more than a possibility. And Ezra, well, he must’ve broken several hearts in his life time. She was only taking precautions. Watching out for herself. Letting a blank expression wash over her face, she slowly crossed one arm over the other. ”Who said I was worried?” Because she was. And now he would know. How could she protect herself if he knew exactly what she was doing? Not only had she tossed the game, but she had started it again just to give him the biggest cheat code she could possibly give him. Except, it wasn’t really a game. It was her heart. She wanted to stay bothered. To stay impenetrable. Yet that grin. ”Are you? I wasn’t aware.” THAT STUPID GRIN. It made her grin. Stupid. His grin was stupid and now her grin was stupid and she was trying not to grin yet she couldn’t help it??? EZRA FREAKING BELLAMY. WHY. ”My laugh?” Well… that was unexpected. Very unexpected actually. So much so that it had her tilting her head and furrowing her brows in thought. What about her laugh? Wasn’t it just a regular laugh? Had she really even laughed that much around him? But… It was noted. The fact that he liked her laugh. ”You’ve got to tell me something funny then, so you can hear it again.” No pressure. She would’ve given him what he undoubtedly wanted, but she couldn’t just laugh on demand. Wouldn’t be the same. It’d be forced. And Ezra deserved more than that. He deserved the— Wait. What. Forgot about him quickly?! Actually NO. Very, very much the opposite. She couldn’t forget about him at all. She tried to. She sometimes even WANTED to. But she couldn’t. He was forever on her mind. It was aggravating. ”Not jealous are you?” she lifted a playful brow, but couldn’t get herself to smirk. She still felt guilty. But there was nothing to feel guilty about, Merlin this was all in her head!!! ”But, nothing came out of it… Didn’t really fancy the guy or anything… Not really my type.” All the while she had found her eyes traveling down to the top of his desk. Anywhere but his face. There was still guilt. ”I wasn’t invested.” |
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