The break room has recently been transformed into both a more practical and a more enjoyable space. Located down the main corridor, right between the conference room and the training room, and across the hall from the bathrooms, in here you'll find a good sized kitchen with anything you might need, including a large refrigerator and pantry, stocked with only the basics -you're expected to bring your own food and label it accordingly. There is a hot beverages station in the kitchen area, with excellent coffee (don't tell the other departments or they'll be here bugging us all the time), as well as tea and hot chocolate. The table seats eight, and there are comfortable and stylish couches gathered into a focus area for those who simply want to relax and perhaps enjoy some off-duty conversation.

But that isn't all, no, your department head has kindly provided employees with a pool table, a table tennis table, and a foosball table, all of which you may use providing you aren't actually supposed to be working.

The back corner of the break room has a smaller room, though that still is rather spacious. This room is a locker and changing room. All employees are entitled to claim a locker here, and when magical accidents occur on the job sometimes employees may need to change their clothes, so there are changing rooms for employee use too. And if you need to use those to change into fancy outfits after work, you're more than welcome to do so.

Employees who spend too much time in here however, without keeping up with their work, are liable to face disciplinary action. You are welcome to socialize with employees of other departments in here if you wish, but they MUST be accompanied by an A&C employee.

Quote:

OOC:
If YOU want to make use of this thread for RPing you are more than welcome to! A&C employees do not need to ask permission to RP here and are encouraged to socialize with one another. Your friends from other departments are welcome to take their breaks here too, only they should be accompanied by an A&C employee or otherwise have permission to be here.

However, please note that your charrie might get in trouble if they're seen hanging out in here all the time and not doing any actual work

As usual all Site Rules apply at all times.

Natasha was up over her ears in work and her head was spinning so much that she needed a break. It was clear when the blond thought she had seen two Althea's walk past her cubicle in different directions. On unsteady feet she headed down the corridor to the break room, managing to bump into more than one wall as she did so. Tasha didn't see the looks of her co-workers and that was unfortunate because if she had she would've done something stupid.

Coming into the break room, she saw the comfortable couches and made a leap for one of them. Kicking off her heels in the process, Tasha slumped down on one of them in her full length.

And tried to fix her eyes on one spot, if only the world would stop spinning.

Isobel had been quite glad when Thea had invited her to the break room, she was feeling a little tired. This whole pregnancy thing was going well. Nor was not telling her best friend. Isobel knew she wasn't telling her for good reasons, but she still felt like she was betraying Althea. She'd been good friends with the women for well over 20 years, and well it just felt wrong. Althea was sure to realise soon though, because well her bump was already practically showing, and she knew Thea was very observant. "I'll send you a memo if any more charms go wrong. I should have it handled now though." She was rather good at charms, even though they had managed to malfunction on her watch. Maybe she could blame it on her hormones? They were going wild right now.

Walking into the break room, she was surprised to see her sister. "Tasha..." She blonde mused with a smile. Oh yes. She hadn't told her sister either yet. She smirked at her sister's nice slumped position though. "Comfortable?"

Trying to only look at only one spot in the ceiling was sort off helping until Tasha heard voices coming in her direction. When Althea and her sister Isobel came into the break room moments later chatting about something or other Tasha saw doubles of them swirling around.

Quickly closing her eyes she prayed that the two wouldn't see her lying where she was on the couch. No such luck though. As Isobel addressed her Tasha opened her eyes reluctantly and looked up at both her and Althea saying sheepishly "Oh hi Thea, Izzy! I'm very comfortable. If only the room wasn't moving and everything kept spinning around. I didn't know you two had um clones."

She hadn't gone mental. Tasha just hadn't taken a break in a loooooong while.

"Of course. And I'll send someone up to check things out in the next few days, just to make sure." Althea answered as they headed into the break room.

What was this? Althea raised one eyebrow at the sight of the woman sprawled out on one of the couches. "Tasha, if you're sick and you end up being the cause of the Department collectively coming down with something, I will take it out of your salary. You shouldn't be here if you're not well." That was Althea's way of being, you know, caring. She marched over to the kitchenette got a glass of water, and then marched back over and thrust it at Natasha. "Drink." See? Caring. "Hydrate."

"Perfect." Isobel smiled at her friend. Things would probably be fine. She was an ex-auror so she should be good at charms, but her best friend being the head of accident and catastrophes did kind of help. It was very useful. Izzy would have to remember to keep Thea in her good books.

Izzy had to bite on her lip as Thea and her sister interacted. Boy she was glad that she wasn't her employee. "And mother would kill you if she saw you sprawled out like that." She concluded with a smile, as she sat herself down. Her feet were aching and she really needed to have a sit down before she headed back down to mysteries. She was also contemplating visiting Wesley whilst she was here.

Sprawled out on the couch Natasha did her best not to laugh as Althea gave her a little scolding off for being sick in the office. She technically wasn’t sick, just dizzy. Straightening herself up to a sitting position the blond let her eyes rest on her boss and friend. "I’m not sick honestly Althea, just dizzy. I’ll be all right in a moment." She stated. Jeez, was this Althea’s way of being caring? Sigh. Accepting the glass of water that was pretty much thrust at her Natasha murmured. "Thank you," before swallowing down gulps of cold water.

Hearing her sister’s comment Tasha shot a long look in her sister direction. Since when did Isobel care what their mother thought about things? Raising a brow as the world started to stop spinning Natasha asked Isobel suspiciously "Since when do you see things from mother's perspective?" And how soon would she stop?

Of course. It wasn't even because they were friends, it was Althea's job. She'd obviously follow it up. Thea sat down too, making herself primly comfortable.

"Dizzy isn't exactly normal, Tasha." Althea pointed out, wondering if she'd been in the lab and accidentally inhaling the fumes potions that she shouldn't. "And you're welcome." For the water.

She ignored the sisters being... sisterly. Or whatever.

"Dizziness often leads to fainting, and don't want you on sleeping on the job Tasha." Isobel mused with a little laugh. Even though she was joking around she did care for her sister's health. Natasha was the sibling she was closest too, so really she did not need to lose her. "If you are not well I know Thea would appreciate you taking time off." Because she knew her best friend, and she knew she wouldn't have anyone slacking off. The friends were similar like that. It was probably why they got along,

Izzy just shook her head at her sister, her hand resting subconsciously on her stomach. Her baby bump was a little more noticeable now. "I just know mother." Was all she said about the situation. It was true. Their mother hated when they slouched around, which was the exact reason why Isobel did it so much.

"Are the fumes in the new lab toxic Thea? I went there earlier to find Aiden. The fumes could have made me dizzy possibly or its something else.." she shrugged. Natasha was probably just sensitive to fumes or she could be coming down with some bug that was going around the ministry. "The water seems to be helping though." Which it was since she wasn't feeling as dizzy anymore.

"I will be fine Izzy. I just needed a break." Tasha assured her sister. 'I just know mother.' Studying her sister quizzically after that statement she couldn't help, but notice that Isobel seem to have gained some weight. "I didn't know Wesley was such a talented chef? You've seemed to have gained a few pounds since i saw you last."

Well, not exactly 'appreciate' her taking time off, but prefer it, simply because she didn't want to give half the department an excuse to take a sick day. Althea herself never took sick days.

Ever.

Althea pointedly examined her nails, rather than look too closely at her friend. And besides, she had no comment on their mother.

... clearly Natasha was no potioneer. "It really depends what is being brewed or analysed, obviously." Obviously. "Don't get close enough to huff a cauldron and you won't have to worry about it, will you?"

A small smile, tense around the edges, in response to the water thing. "Sometimes the simplest solution is the best." So. Water and then she'd be fine to get right back into things.

After Izzy was done visiting of course. Breaks WERE allowed after all. "But I do hope you feel better soon." She added, obviously trying to be at least a little bit pleasant.

Althea licked her lips and then stood up and went into the kitchenette herself. "I think I'm thirsty too." Not really. Just didn't want to think too much about certain obvious realities.

Oh. So Tasha had noticed how she was putting on weight. But it was not for that reason at all. Wesley was quite a good cook as it were, Isobel approved of his cooking. Isobel was slightly offended though. Was Tasha trying to call her that. She mused, staring at her sister, Thea's presence slipping her mind for a second. "I'm pregnant. Not fat." She spoke before she really considered what she was saying. There was a reason why she hadn't specifically told anyone, especially Thea. Well that had all gone to pot now.

She realised a little late what she had said, and her eyes darted to her friend. She hadn't wanted to hurt Thea, which was why she hadn't told her. Isobel knew how Thea noticed things though, just like she did. Auror eyes so she called it herself. But....she didn't want to upset Thea. That might happen now.

"Sensible advice, I’ll follow it. I’m not a potioneer even if I wasn’t half bad at it at school. I’ll try and not get too close to the cauldrons and fumes." If she could avoid visiting the lab Tasha would, since she could always use those handy inter-department memo’s everyone seemed to enjoy filling her inbox tray with.

"Thank you Althea. I’m sure I will feel better in a moment. Have you visited the new ministry food court?" Change of subject. They couldn’t talk about the reason for her momentary dizziness forever.

"I'm pregnant. Not fat."

WHAT???

Eyes widening almost to the extent of them bulging out of their eye sockets Tasha fixed her sister’s gaze in shock and every other emotion she could feel was depicted across her face. "PREGNANT? Did you just say that you are pregnant? That’s why you've gained weight, not because of Wesley’s cooking." Taking a few more gulps of water as the news hit home Tasha scooted over and gave her sister a lop-sided hug since they were both sitting down on the same couch. "Congratulations!" She murmured.

Looking over at Althea she wondered how she would react to the news. A baby, Isobel was pregnant and she would soon be an AUNT!

... of course her advice was sensible. Althea eyed the glass and rubbed a smudge off of it, shooting an absent-minded smile over her shoulder at Tasha where the two sisters sat not far away.

Conversation. Tasha was apparently terrible at it and had no idea what a segue was. Seemed a random question to her, but she answered it nonetheless as she poured her glass of water. "No, I haven't had time." Because, you know, she worked really hard. Obviously.

Work hard, play hard of course.

...

The surprising part was that Althea didn't drop the glass or spill even a drop of water. If she'd missed it when Izzy said it --and she hadn't-- then she'd sure as hell have heard it when Tasha did.

She simply drank her water, then in very precise movements, washed the glass out, dried it, and put it away again, then she walked back over to the couches and looked at Isobel.

"Congratulations." Clipped tones. "And since we're sharing, I'm dating Dash Scabior."

She forced a smile, eyes on Isobel. Thea had known... it had been obvious, it was just that... well.

"Enjoy the rest of your day, ladies." Because hers was ruined. Althea left the breakroom, walking briskly back to her office and shutting the door behind her with a bang.

Screw it. She'd knock off early.

Isobel had no idea what anyones reactions were going to be. Only Wes and herself were the only people who knew. Isobel considered that maybe that was a bad thing considering she was 5 months gone now. There was a reason why she hadn't told Thea though. "Yeah..." She mused, smiling at her sister. She was happy. Of course she was happy. Excited too, but happy. Isobel sighed a little, hugging her sister back. "Thanks..." She felt nervous though. Nervous for how Thea was going to react. Isobel considered a little late that Althea was probably not going to appreciate her not telling her, but Iz knew she wouldn't have been happy either way.

Wait. She was dating Dash? Before Iz could really say anything Thea was gone. "Thea..." She sighed, shaking her head. That didn't go well. Isobel sighed, rubbing at her bump a little, before forcing herself up. She felt bad, upset before Thea was clearly upset. "I'm going to see Wes..." She announced quietly, twisting her wedding ring around her finger. "I'll see you later Tash." She smiled at her sister before disappearing out of the door.

To Tasha what happened next felt like it went in slow motion. After Isobel's 'I'm pregnant not fat' comment everything slowed down. Althea congratulated Izzy in clipped tone and shared that she was dating Dash Scabior. Tasha opened her mouth to respond but nothing came out. She felt stupid and regretful. When she had called her sister out on her growing belly she hadn't considered the possibilites.

The last thing she wanted was to hurt Thea's feelings, but she had done that or both of the sisters had. Not liking herself she watched her friend and boss leave clearly upset. Great, now she had really put a sock in it. If only she had thought before just bubbling things out.

Sigh....

Turning to her sister she was going to ask if she had told their mother the news but decided not to and Iz left seconds later so there was no time. Drinking up the last of her water Tasha stood up from the couch and left the breakroom but only after cleaning and putting the glas away in its proper place.

FIN!

Ashley wandered into the break room, her nose leading the way as the scent of freshly brewed coffee made her sigh happily. The blonde headed straight for the hot beverage station, reaching up into the cabinet to get her favorite Charlie Brown mug out. Lifting the coffee pot carefully, Ash poured herself a steaming hot mug of the delicious liquid, headed to the fridge next to get some cream. When she was done she added some sugar, stirring it with a spoon before heading towards the couches.

Plopping down, the blonde closed her eyes for a moment before taking a sip of coffee. Yes, this was definitely the best coffee in the Ministry. No question about it.

Laura walked into the break room about five minutes after Ashley had and seeing the young woman sitting down on one of the couches with her eyes close brought a small smile to her face. "Rough day?"

She herself had had a rather busy day but Laura preferred it that way otherwise the day would just drag on and on as though it were never going to end. She took down her cup from the cupboard and proceeded to make herself some tea.

When she had finished, she sat herself down opposite the other woman and lightly blew on her tea before taking a tentative sip. "Mmm, nothing like a good cuppa."

Ashley's eyes fluttered open when she heard someone speaking to her. The blonde sat up a little straighter and smiled at the woman in front of her, eyebrows raised. "You could say that."

She watched as the woman then went to make her beverage, sipping on her own coffee before expelling a satisfied sigh. When the new arrival sat down across from her, Ashley smiled and nodded in agreement. "I think so too." Sip. "I'm Ashley, by the way. Ashley Green." Because frankly, the blonde didn't think she'd met this woman before. She looked quite familiar to Ash but she couldn't quite put a name to the face.

"Pleasure to meet you Ashley." Taking another sip of her tea and crossing one leg over the other, she gave the woman a smile. "Laura Beaumont. I've seen you around but we haven't officially met."

Actually she hadn't really met any of her fellow colleagues from level three. Her fault of course. Laura was an assertive woman but she didn't tend to go out of her way to meet others. "I work in the Obliviator department." She hoped that Ashley told her where she was working because she had no idea. "It's finally starting to settle down. I don't know about you but summer seems to be the busiest time." Maybe it was because the kids were home from school and forgot to behave appropriately in front of muggles.

As Jade made them both coffee, she remembered that she hadn't said anything about the fact that Aron had mentioned that he was from New South Wales.

"You did say that you were from New South Wales, right?" She asked him handing him his cup of coffee.

"Because my family are also from New South Wales-- they live in Sydney though. Is where you live closer to Sydney or Canberra? Or neither."

Derek got the flying memo from Jade and went to the reception to meet Aron. When he got to the waiting area, a frown formed on his face, as there was no one there.

Was was wrong with Jade? Didn't she know he was extremely busy with his research and there was no time to kid around?

Though she did mention Aron's name and department, so the man was probably there with her somewhere. The invisible receptionist indicaded the break room and Derek looked at its door just in time to see both Jade and Aron walking in.

Eye roll.

There was no time for coffee, for crying out loud! What was wrong with people???

Derek made his way to the break room and silently slipped in. "I'm here." NOT late, as they were probably thinking. The former Gryffindor was not rude - because lateness was rude - so he was always in time.

Anyway.

The young man nodded at Aron and eyed Jade. That was his way of greeting them, yes. He wanted to go straight to the point and ask Aron for the samples, but he reckon that might be kind of rude, now that they were about to have coffee.

... Derek would have to wait for the two of them to be done with their drinks then. Inner SIGH.

People...

Jade was listening to Aron and gazing into his eyes. During her brief time getting to know him--she thought that he was amazing and the greatest thing since possibly sliced bread.

So she wasn't very happy to see Derek FINALLY walk in. Why couldn't he have taken a few more minutes?! At least he looked hurried quite a bit or so she thought-- you could never tell with Derek. No doubt he had gone to the reception area and saw noone there. She shook her head internally--what did he expect them to wait there all day for his "royal weirdness"?

Out loud she said, "'Ello, Derek. Yes, you are here." She gave him a knowing smirk.

She loved to get on his nerves-- not that Derek actually paid attention to her little nudges at him much of the time. He usually was in his own little world.

"You want to join us for coffee? We were just chatting about where we came from." She said gesturing to an empty chair.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinkphoenix

As Jade made them both coffee, she remembered that she hadn't said anything about the fact that Aron had mentioned that he was from New South Wales.

"You did say that you were from New South Wales, right?" She asked him handing him his cup of coffee.

"Because my family are also from New South Wales-- they live in Sydney though. Is where you live closer to Sydney or Canberra? Or neither."

"I did," he nodded as he took the coffee and sort of drank half of it in one go. He wasn't the sort to sip on these things. Couldn't afford such luxury while on the job and there were things to experiment with. "My work was closer to Sydney, but my home was more secluded." That was really all he wanted to say on the matter.

Sipping his coffee some more, Aron adjusted the strap once more on the cooler and then glanced around the waiting area. He would sit...but he didn't really want to spend too much time here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jujune29th

Derek got the flying memo from Jade and went to the reception to meet Aron. When he got to the waiting area, a frown formed on his face, as there was no one there.

Was was wrong with Jade? Didn't she know he was extremely busy with his research and there was no time to kid around?

Though she did mention Aron's name and department, so the man was probably there with her somewhere. The invisible receptionist indicaded the break room and Derek looked at its door just in time to see both Jade and Aron walking in.

Eye roll.

There was no time for coffee, for crying out loud! What was wrong with people???

Derek made his way to the break room and silently slipped in. "I'm here." NOT late, as they were probably thinking. The former Gryffindor was not rude - because lateness was rude - so he was always in time.

Anyway.

The young man nodded at Aron and eyed Jade. That was his way of greeting them, yes. He wanted to go straight to the point and ask Aron for the samples, but he reckon that might be kind of rude, now that they were about to have coffee.

... Derek would have to wait for the two of them to be done with their drinks then. Inner SIGH.

People...

Charming. Someone who had the people skills of a tulip bulb. Finishing off his cup of coffee, Aron sort of held on to his empty mug awkwardly for a moment seeing as he really didn't know what he was supposed to do with it. So, holding it for now it was.

"As am I." Since they were in the stating of the obvious it seemed. "Samples are in this cooler along with some background check information on each of the Droolers in this folder." Cue some waving of said folder. That sound good t you, Mr tulip bulb personality?

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinkphoenix

Jade was listening to Aron and gazing into his eyes. During her brief time getting to know him--she thought that he was amazing and the greatest thing since possibly sliced bread.

So she wasn't very happy to see Derek FINALLY walk in. Why couldn't he have taken a few more minutes?! At least he looked hurried quite a bit or so she thought-- you could never tell with Derek. No doubt he had gone to the reception area and saw noone there. She shook her head internally--what did he expect them to wait there all day for his "royal weirdness"?

Out loud she said, "'Ello, Derek. Yes, you are here." She gave him a knowing smirk.

She loved to get on his nerves-- not that Derek actually paid attention to her little nudges at him much of the time. He usually was in his own little world.

"You want to join us for coffee? We were just chatting about where we came from." She said gesturing to an empty chair.

"Going to have to save the chit chat for later and friendly bonding," Aron said as he sort of waved his mug. Yeah, what should he do with this? "Derek and I need to get down to business and bond over drool an vomit samples or else the entire Ministry could turn into Droolers." Which would be disgusting.

Derek didn't look at Jade as she stated he was there. His eyes were on Aron and the cooler. He heard what the other man had to say, ignoring his obvious statement of being there. "Perfect, I have some files in my work station as well." He said pointing at the door behind him with his right thumb.

"No, thanks." Derek replied as Jade offered him coffee, not really looking at her. The 24 year-old never figured why people were even aloud to drink coffee when they were supposed to be working. He was about to turn to the door and lead the way to the lab when Aron decided to be a bit nicer to her.

Yes, no chit chat now, woman. Time to work. "The samples I collected a while ago and some more recent ones are in the lab." He added turning to the door, but still looking at the cooler Aron.

Shall they go now? Yes?

Now?

Would Jade come along or...? Derek couldn't care less if she wanted to join them in the lab, as long as she didn't touch anything he was working on.