Her temper was rising. She could feel it. And this wa entirely Jorge's fault. The dream was changing: begging her for her forgiveness just wasn't going to work anymore. The only excitement you're going to get from me is a hex in a place where the sun doesn't shine." Maria was incredibly serious about this, too. Exciting? She raised her eyebrows, which, by the way, were sharp enough to slay him. She was sure of it. "What exactly did you have in mind?" He was throwing a lot of compliments her way. She knew where this was going to end up; the mess that had been made in the back room was proof. "Is that why you insist on making me mad?"

Maria wasn't really sure whether she was glad about the distraction that Mariel, Jorge's Barbie, was providing. Sure, she seemed nice enough but she had just been locking lips with handsy over there so it was a little hard to feel anything less than disgust. What was she doing with such a sleezebag anyways? And were she on the Grindylows team? Because if so, this shopkeeper was putting her foot down on all the kissing. Just no. She wasn't going to be reminded that she was probably one of the few who was alone on New Year's Eve.

NOT that she needed a man to make her happy. Scowl.

It was a pleasure to be of Simon's acquaintance but it was just nice to meet her? FINE then. She was not going to respond to that but, instead, concentrate on the other things Mariel had said. "Not sure. You look very familiar too..." she remarked, observing the woman's face closely, "You haven't been in Flourish & Blott's recently, have you?"

................................. No. EXCUSE YOU, Mariel.

A look of disgust crossed the former Ravenclaw's face. Join us. She had said 'us'. Who knew that small word were enough to pierce her mood and drag it down even more. Did she really have to invite him over? Maria was all for romance -- NOT -- but the last thing she wanted was for the lovers to be snogging right near her. Just no. Anything but that. She ignored them and looked over towards a newcomer. Part of their team? It seemed so. Maria nodded over at the woman who introduced herself as Angelina before saying, "The name's Maria."

And now it was time to see whether Alright Simon really was just alright at bowling. She nodded and even clapped for him when it was his turn to bowl. They were part of a team. Hello. Even if she won nothing, it would be very nice to be able to brag about this in the other shopkeeper's faces. Six pins down in total wasn't exactly bad.

Was it her turn? Fine. Standing up with all the grace of the witty, intelligent woman that she was, Maria headed over towards the bowling ball and picked up............. well what do you know. A shrunken head. Eh, whatever. She wasn't showing any signs of weakness so she was going to pick the ball up and throw it down the lane towards those pins at the other end. Picking up the ball, she eyed up the pins at the other end before taking a couple of quick steps up to the line and sending the ball down the lane. It whizzed and knocked over a neat seven pins.

The second time wasn't so great. A measly one pin had been knocked down, after which, Maria returned to her seat. Among the lovebirds.

UGH. Hex her now.

There were still people joining these two lanes. He looked up to see if it was either of the remaining team mates that were still missing. An older woman had walked in and he had hoped maybe she was on the other team. Not that he minded older, but not his style and all. As he was still trying to focus on the two women he knew on a very personal level talking to each other he glanced back at the lady on the other team (Jasmine) “No I’m Green Grindylow tonight so I’m told.” He moved closer to her giving a nice smile, “Jorge Cristo De La Garza” He introduced himself in his full name letting his Spanish accent fully out, something that he did often with ladies. Usually they recognized his name from articles he had written and he hadn’t come across many that didn’t love an accent.

Oh and yet another man had join the lanes Jorge nodded a hello, but figured he was with the other team. The last two on their team were women, right? Maybe he had that wrong. His distracted thoughts interrupted by Simon’s look of confusion on how he knew he was MLE. “Oh no I don’t work for the ministry. I was just at the trial a few months ago. Covering it a bit you might say. I work for the Prophet.” Well this shall help with some of the women tension. The man would probably recognize his name soon enough anyway.

His eyes jumped when Mariel was asking him to sit. With those two? He choked out a, “Oh in a second” and figured he’d have to eventually when he heard another hello. Brown eyes glancing up his smile widened at the next team mate to show her pretty face. “Angelina it’s about time you show your face around me again.” He walked over to her and gave a hug, “Happy New Year, you look very nice.” He was allowed to compliment others, right? Oh and it seemed Simon knew her as well. This was nice that everyone seemed to know each other some way or another, but the question still hung on how Mariel and Maria may know each other that they sit together. Hmm this was very interesting.

His eyes widened, but amusement was still on his face as Maria said about hexing him. “That could get interesting. I’ve had a few curses lately. I’m sure a hex from you could be a little fun.” He laughed jokingly hoping Mariel wouldn’t get suspicious of Maria’s bitter tone. [b] “Making you mad? Senorita I’m not the one throwing hex threats among teammates. He still had his grin as he sat down next to Mariel placing a casual arm around her. Just as he sat Simon seemed to ready for bowling. Alright let’s get this shrunken head rolling. He clapped when his teammate got the pins down. “Not bad.. not bad.” He was a team player and all.

Oh it was Maria’s turn, Jorge sat back and checked out watched her take her turn. Seven pins that was really good and the second was two. Hmm could he be of some assistance. He glanced at Mariel and decided he better just sit instead of showing Maria. As the woman sat back down he gave her another charming smile, “You bowl really well.” He half wondered if his head was being visualized on those pins. Whatever helped them win. “Mariel I think you’re up. Need any help?”

Smirk

Sliding her very expensive shoes under her seat, Mariel didn't pay all that much attention to the several other people who had come their way other than noting that they were on the other team and didn't really address their small group anyway. Instead, as she sat up straighter, she first listened vaguely to the conversation of the two men, then looked back at Maria as they tried to figure out where they might know each other. So it wasn't just her.. Maria thought she had looked familiar as well. But Flourish and Blott's? "No.." the brunette said after a moment's thought. "I actually haven't been there in a little while." She looked at the other woman curiously, wondering why she had mentioned that, though maybe she worked there or something. "Must be from somewhere else.."

Taking another sip of her drink, she nodded to Jorge as he said he'd join them in a minute, figuring he was still conversing with Simon, though she did not miss the look that crossed Maria's face. Interesting. And another teammate appeared, it seemed. Mariel gave this new woman, Angelina, a friendly smile as she introduced herself and how gentlemanly of Simon to introduce everyone. He got a gracious smile before she looked back to the woman. "Yes.. I'm Mariel. Hello." She wondered briefly how she knew Jorge but didn't bat an eye as he greeted her cordially, obviously being friendly and she was not the type to be jealous unless there was a reason. And there clearly wasn't one here.

But she blinked at what she heard next. The 28 year old turned slowly to face Maria as she heard threats of hexes. She knew some women probably felt they had good reason to want to hex him and if it was anything but recent she probably wouldn't care. Turning to her other side as he sat next to her, green eyes snapped up to Jorge as he responded with thinking her hexes could be.. fun? No, he certainly did not need to be thinking about having a little fun with another woman right now. Because if he was stringing someone else along while he was with her, the night would not end well for him. At all. "Something going on here that I need to be aware of?" She gave another quick glance to Maria before looking at Jorge again, her previous amusement quickly fading.

And then bowling was happening apparently. Well. She had come to play - and win - but she was sure she'd get her answer soon enough. She quickly downed the rest of her drink as she focused on Simon. Not bad.. she wondered if the shrunken heads would handle any differently than muggle bowling balls and also if the MLE guy was used to them or not. But she smiled and clapped for him. "Well done Simon." And then she somewhat tensely watched as Maria was up, still wondering if there was something going on or if it had been in the past, though Jorge's words back to her failed to impress her. She did, however, manage to give the woman a smile as she sat back down. "Great job." Really. Almost a spare even.

Oh it was her turn? Green eyes shifted back to Jorge as he addressed her. She still wanted to hear what he had to say but it could wait till she had taken her turn, she supposed, and gave him a complacent smirk. "Oh.. as tempting as that sounds, I've actually taken some private lessons every day this past week at a muggle bowling alley. Couldn't let you have an unfair advantage over me," she said with a little wink. So she didn't tell him she was going while he was at work last week, only made the wagers between them more interesting, right? "Why don't you watch, then let me know if I could use some pointers.." She shoved the ugly borrowed shoes under the seat as well before getting up. "The guys there said I could go barefoot on the lane if I didn't like the shoes." So she figured that was either allowed here too or those muggles had some weird sort of foot obsession. She'd soon find out and smirked at the thought as she walked over to the hideous shrunken heads.

Mariel looked over the heads, tentatively picking them up as she tested their weight and tried to gauge to see how they compared to muggle bowling balls. Finally settling on one, she stepped over in front of the line and focused on the pins and tried to calm her breathing. She was still rather annoyed but she usually worked that to her advantage playing a game. Remembering her lessons, she aimed her head-ball then took several quick steps in her bare feet before whipping it down the lane. She watched rather satisfied as 7 pins fell, leaving three at one end. Not bad and an easy spare. She threw a quick glance to her teammates before the head was returned and she was off to finish her turn. Repeating her stance, focus, and movements, Mariel sent the head down the lane again. She soon was smiling smugly to see that the remaining three pins had fallen as well.

Sauntering back over to her teammates, she returned to her seat. "I believe that's called a spare." Yep, she was even up on the bowling lingo too. She gave an expectant look to Jorge. He had a question to answer. And she needed another drink.

Least this group was friendly in Val's mind. He acknowledged the hello's given both from Dragons and the Grindylows side.. Shame they would have to face their wrath.

So Jasmine and Fletcher claimed to know how to play, when Nolan asked Val responded, "I can play too.." Though it had been a while, he at least remembered the theories behind it all. Two more arrivals then happened, he gave them a short wave and hello before sounds of pins being impacted had Val glance back at the other team.. who were bowling already.. Okay.

"We ready? I'll go up first.." Merlin he was going first.. It really was going to be a whole new year soon.

Getting up, Val tried not to pay much attention any longer on the other team before getting the skulling ball. Three fingers in, grasp a firm hold. Check. Sending the pins in front a hard stare, trying to calculate how much pressure to release the skull. It wasn't all that heavy, so perhaps a curve wouldn't be best for this.

One, two, three steps. Release and...

Intense staring happened. It was as if Val's eyes were trying to prevent that skull ball from going anywhere other than straight.. straight.. slight curve to left.. and six pins went down. Not a strike, but at least some went down.

Going up again for the hopeful spare, his eyes locked onto the four remaining.

Few steps forward again before the release. Val watched the skulling ball roll straight.. straight.. slight curve to right.. a little more curved to right.. three pins went down. Sigh. Just one pin from a spare, oh well.

"Nice to meet you, Jasmine. And Nolan. I'm Lucia." None of the others had introduced themselves since Lucia had arrived, but that was alright, her wrinkly old brain couldn't retain the names anyway.

But at least her team seemed fairly decent, yes? That ice cream man she'd spotted at the parlour on a day or two had gotten a nine! Almost all of the little pinny thingies! She didn't want to bowl right after THAT guy, no.

Would they be upset with her if she only knocked down a few? Oh, well. Her brilliant pant creasing made up for it.

Angelina smiled at Simon then, after seeing his first, and she waved at him awkwardly. Awkward. Awkward. Awkward. That was how the night would turn out: awkward. Jorge was there, being all handsome Spanish, and then Simon was such a British gentleman. But what was she talking about? She had already decided to stay away from Jorge. Obviously he had millions of other women to look at to, whereas Simon seemed to be... single.

GASP! She was thinking terrible stuff, so she stopped thinking and just followed Simon's introductions as she smiled at everyone. "Pleased to meet you Maria and Mariel," she said and wondered whether they were siblings. Although their looks suggested the opposite, their names sounded too close phonetically. Besides, she looked nothing like hers and they were somehow related to her. Would Simon know? Could she ask him secretly--

HALDASJL HER HEART WAS SPASMING HDLAHAL

1. Jorge called her PRETTY FACE.
2. Jorge hugged her.
3. Her heart stopped beating to leave her breathless for a moment.
4. Simon saw it.
5. She wasn't even ready for any kind of drama with her ex husband's memory still vivid.

Trying to calm down her heart, she laughed awkwardly. "You're kind as always," she commented as she awkwardly hugged him back. She might not be ready for a drama, but she was ready for compliments and she RELISHED his. Jorge's. Goodness. She had to calm herself down. This was getting embarrassing.

She chose not to comment on Jorge's looks as if he needed! and simply sat down to change her shoes. In the meantime, Simon, Maria and Mariel took their turns, and Angelina clapped for each of them. They did well. She, on the other hand, was bound to fail--

"My turn?" she squealed, and found that it was. These silly bowling shoes didn't have half the grace of high-heels, so she couldn't look that dazzling, but she was still beautiful? Hopefully? She got up, got a ball and tried to look like she knew what she was doing. She then rolled it as well as she could...

8 pins! She BEAMED. Not bad at all! She got another ball and rolled it carelessly this time with euphoria, and needless to say, it hit nothing.

STILL! 8 pins was great, no?

Jorge shifted uncomfortably with Mariel's question about Maria. How was he going to explain this. When they talked about the two girls he had flings with while he's been with her no names had come up. He looked away at her questioning and her looks. This was suppose to be a fun night not all this tension and drama. "Just fun among friends, right Maria." He grinned towards the woman. Hoping she would at least play along for Mariel who was innocent in all of this.

Happy that Mariel was distracted by the bowling he laughed a bit, "Private lessons. I don't like the sounds of that. I thought I was the only one that go private lessons, tours, or at least gave them as well." Still feeling very uncomfortable about Mariel's questions.

He chuckled as she got up barefoot and went to bowl. "I'm not sure it would have been an unfair advantage. I always like fair advantages." He smirked and couldn't help but glance towards Maria as Mariel bowled. He leaned closer to the woman, "Interesting that we got on the same team isn't it?" His smirk was still on his face. Brown eyes went back to Mariel bowling and grinned as she came back to sit. "Yes it is a spare. Nicely done."

He quickly got up when it was his turn and brushed against Angelina, "You bowl rather well. Do you come here often?" He was smiling towards her, this was a safer place than the war zone of the M's sitting down. Picking up his shrunken head he looked down the lane. Concentrating he rolled the head. five pins knocked down. Not as good as he would have liked, but he was going to blame nervous of drama.

Picking up the second head he rolled again. The head went down the lane and moved to the left two pins well that wasn't very good now was it. He shook his head and made his way back to his seat.

Drink he needed another, "Does anyone need a refreshment, I'm going to grab something for myself." He was clearly avoiding Mariel's questioning for the moment.

Jorge Cristo De La Garza

That name sounded familiar to him yet still he could not quite place the man as he spoke to the woman from the other team. It was truly only as Jorge spoke to him once more, answering his question concerning his employment when it all clicked into place. It was all so very crystal clear. Mr SMUG and FLIRTY had been the ONE who badmouthed the way the trial had been handled and the MLE in general. The ONE that Simon himself had been working overtime to make sure to erase the possible bad feelings felt by fellow ministry workers might have felt about Level 2 since.

"Oh...That." Simon said his voice neutral yet plagued. His face vaguely showing annoyance.

He was actually glad for the excuse to get away to bowl. Unfortunately it meant he left Angelina to him too, the thought distracting him a little. That and how the woman had looked when she appeared, quiet pretty in the dress she had chosen for the event. The auror shook his head trying to focus as he finished.

-------
Simon turned back from the lanes once he was done with his two shots, the auror accepting the score and the applause he apparently was getting from his teammates. That was nice. He acknowledged them with a nod and a smile before moving to retake his seat, passing Maria on the way as she went to start her own game. He would have been fine yet he noticed Jorge once more and was reminded of what had been the topic of conversation before he had bowled.

Marie wasn't the only one who currently disliked the man. However Simon was doing his best not to let his feelings get too out of hand. That was the point of reporters of the Daily Prophet...what they strove for...to make the people their stories were about get upset with him...right? So trying to stay calm was better for him. More mature and humane...for now.

Settling down, he watched the rest of his team play, clapping in support for the ladies. "And I think the lessons did well. Good job," Simon finally said smiling once Mariel returned to the benches, the leader of their team at the moment. Angelina was next and did fairly well herself and he clapped for her as well. "Nice," he found himself saying as he smiled at her once she returned back to them. Even without the spare. However his face fell slightly as Jorge got up and brushed purposefully against the assistant.

Okay why was he feeling awkward there?
------------------------
Simon tried to push it aside and ignore the other man's frame. Not even clapping like he had the others. Yeah, Jorge apparently didn't need the ego boost. Again it was his turn and he moved back to the ball track. Retrieving the ball he had been using once more, and proceeding to approach the line, following through as he let it go. 7 pins this time. He waited around as the ball returned and the lane was cleaned up before taking his second shot, one that almost looked as if it might slip into the gutter after a while but instead turning just a little and picking up the last 3.

That would make a spare for him too.

Did Jorge realise that a hex from her wouldn't mean a good thing for him? Because she certainly hadn't intended it to and yet, here he was, turning it into something that would benefit him. "You won't be saying that once I've finished hexing you," All the glares for you, Mr Manly. And she had noticed how he was acting around that Angelina girl and Mariel, too. She felt sorry for them. What a sleezeball. "I wouldn't be throwing them around if someone had bothered to stay in touch." she remarked, raising an eyebrow at him. What do you say to that, Mr Lover?

She bowled really well. Was that a genuine compliment or was he trying to get another back room tour out of her? Frankly, it was hard to tell with this man. "Thank you," she said, nodding over towards him.

Gratefully, the shopkeeper turned her attention away from Jorge and over towards Mariel instead. So the woman hadn't been in Flourish & Blott's recently? "You should pop in there more often if you're a book person," There was a chance to promote the store and she was grabbing it. "Possibly. Where do you work? Or went to school?" Those were probably the only two situations where Maria was bound to meet people apart from gatherings like these ones.

Oh hadn't things taken a turn for the better. Did Mariel not know that she was the new Barbie of a man who, not long ago, was locking lips with her? She smirked and turned to look over at Jorge. Fun among friends? "If I remember correctly, your idea of fun seemed to be very... physical, Jorge" He was going to get in trouble and Maria was thriving on this very idea.

Still smirking, the former Ravenclaw turned away from Jorge and watched as their fellow teammates bowled. Not bad. Spares were even starting to show up and they had only just started. "Great job, everyone!" See? She was being nice. "I think we've got a really good team on our hands." Being nice was exhausting.

More smirks were happening at the interaction between Simon and Jorge. Was this another person who didn't seem to like him as much? Just what she liked to hear. Take him down, Simon, take him down.

"Looks like it's my turn to go up," she said to no one in particular. Standing up, she brushed down her dress and headed over towards the shrunken heads!balls. These were weird. Picking one up, she eyed the pins over on the other side before taking a small run up to the line and throwing the ball with a little bit more force than before. It rolled and rolled and knocked over nine pins. Smirk. Another shrunken head was picked up and thrown and ended up knocking over zero pins.

Well then.

Hold your grace, Jennings. Shoulders back, head held high, the woman returned to her seat. It was no spare or a strike but it was close enough.

Mariel smiled a little at the bit of applause she had received for her own turn at bowling. She had thought she had done rather well herself and was pleased she had taken those extra lessons so she didn't look like a complete idiot. No, Mariel took precautions against that. She smiled a bit wider as Simon addressed her. "How very kind of you to say, Simon, thank you. I didn't want to let the team down, I can be very competitive." Went back to her Quidditch days, of course. She also managed a smile for Jorge, although she could see that he was clearly avoiding her questioning which only made her more suspicious. "Thank you," she said to his compliment, then shrugged about his remark regarding the private lessons. "What can I say, muggles can be very accommodating," she drawled, then smirked and leaned in a little closer. "I'm sure I could use another private lesson or two." She could be meaning him.. if he was lucky. And that remained to be seen.

The brunette politely applauded as Angelina took her turn, not doing bad at all. She vaguely wondered how the other teams were faring though she was certain they had to be somewhere near the lead. And then she watched as Jorge took her turn. Hm, not bad, but really, she had been under the impression that he was a better bowler than she. Feeling a bit nervous perhaps. While he finished up his turn, she turned back to Maria as she tried to think of where else they might have run into each other. "Oh I work at the Ministry, in Games and Sports." But she couldn't think of a logical reason for her to know her from there. And school? "Well, I went to Hogwarts for.." She was going to go on and mention her stint at Durmstrang and the University she had attended, but it needn't go any further. Something in her head clicked at the mention of school. "You were a Ravenclaw," she stated plainly, a hint of a proud smile playing at her lips. "Yes, I remember you. You were a couple years ahead of me in school."

The 28 year old then looked up as Jorge returned to his seat next to her following his turn. "Apparently needed a kiss for luck," she said with a light smirk. "No.. you did a good job too," she said, allowing the smirk to fade into a small smile. Just teasing maybe, but her annoyance and suspicion was still there. And she was about to get her answer now whether he felt like telling her or not.

Maybe it was rude of her, but instead of paying attention to Simon's next turn, Mariel became very focused on the words on either side of her. Fun among friends. Right. It seemed a little too friendly on one side and a little too bitter on the other for Mariel's own comfort. Her green eyes snapped to Maria's, widening slightly, as she heard that word. She had expected that really, but some of the timing might be important here. Along with current intention. She turned and cast accusing eyes to Jorge, narrowing them a bit. He couldn't have prepared her for this, told her of what was going on? Or was there a reason he had kept it quiet? "Yes, I'm quite aware of his idea of fun," she said more to Maria, though she kept her eyes locked on the man next to her. "Is the fun between you still going on?" she said, now speaking to Jorge, feeling a dangerous emotion rising in her but trying to keep her voice level. "Or.. perhaps you'd like it to be.. Is that why you needed to get here early.. to have a little fun before I arrived?" Because clearly he knew Maria would be here.

Not sure she even wanted to hear his answer, Mariel got up in her bare feet and walked over to the ugly shrunken heads again. She simply stared at them, trying to regulate her breathing. He knew her trust issues.. but maybe he just thought she was stupid. Maybe she was stupid. No.. she could do this. She could always channel negative emotions into competitiveness. Heh. Just ask Nia Newtington.. she wondered if the poor girl had scars from where her teeth met the girl's flesh. And she was on her same team. She picked up the same head-ball she had used before and stepped in front of the lane, narrowing her eyes to focus. Taking a deep breath, she took a few quick steps, hurling the ball down the lane. Eh. Eight pins.. but what was that the muggle boy called it? A seven-ten split? That was near impossible for her to spare, she knew it, but tried for at least one more. No pins on the second attempt, much to her chagrin.

She walked back and resumed her seat, glancing at Jorge at the mention of drinks. Inclining her head to her empty glass, she said, "It is tragic to leave my glass empty. Why don't you go ahead and get me another? My former housemate and I could use the chance to catch up anyway." Sure, Maria was something of a mardy cow, but as much as Mariel was piecing together, she wasn't sure she blamed her. Of course, if Jorge would rather stay and chat a little himself, she could do with that too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

He was late, but fashionably so. Or so he liked to think anyway. Hair situation completely under control and definitely ready to get his purple dragon bowling moves on, he strutted over to his land, flopped down unceremoniously in an empty seat and began to put on his studded bowling boots. At least he looked the part, right? Looking was half the battle anyway.

"'Sup," he said as he slipped on his right boot.

Wait...was there and OLD WOMAN on his team? Ha. Maybe he wouldn't be the worst one here after all.

Well well well, look who it was. The bartender from the Leaky Cauldron! Fletcher liked this guy. He hardly knew him, but he thought he liked him. He had style. And a pub. What wasn't to like?

"Sup," he returned the dude's greeting with a nod. "I'm Fletcher. Team Purple Dragons?" That's where it was at.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemon

"Nice to meet you, Jasmine. And Nolan. I'm Lucia." None of the others had introduced themselves since Lucia had arrived, but that was alright, her wrinkly old brain couldn't retain the names anyway.

But at least her team seemed fairly decent, yes? That ice cream man she'd spotted at the parlour on a day or two had gotten a nine! Almost all of the little pinny thingies! She didn't want to bowl right after THAT guy, no.

Would they be upset with her if she only knocked down a few? Oh, well. Her brilliant pant creasing made up for it.

He stopped staring at the guy putting on his boots and instead stood up to go introduce himself to what he was sure was the bank lady. "Nice to meet ya, Lucia. I'm Fletcher." He held out a friendly hand.

Text Cut: Val

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

Least this group was friendly in Val's mind. He acknowledged the hello's given both from Dragons and the Grindylows side.. Shame they would have to face their wrath.

So Jasmine and Fletcher claimed to know how to play, when Nolan asked Val responded, "I can play too.." Though it had been a while, he at least remembered the theories behind it all. Two more arrivals then happened, he gave them a short wave and hello before sounds of pins being impacted had Val glance back at the other team.. who were bowling already.. Okay.

"We ready? I'll go up first.." Merlin he was going first.. It really was going to be a whole new year soon.

Getting up, Val tried not to pay much attention any longer on the other team before getting the skulling ball. Three fingers in, grasp a firm hold. Check. Sending the pins in front a hard stare, trying to calculate how much pressure to release the skull. It wasn't all that heavy, so perhaps a curve wouldn't be best for this.

One, two, three steps. Release and...

Intense staring happened. It was as if Val's eyes were trying to prevent that skull ball from going anywhere other than straight.. straight.. slight curve to left.. and six pins went down. Not a strike, but at least some went down.

Going up again for the hopeful spare, his eyes locked onto the four remaining.

Few steps forward again before the release. Val watched the skulling ball roll straight.. straight.. slight curve to right.. a little more curved to right.. three pins went down. Sigh. Just one pin from a spare, oh well.

Alriiiiiiight were they starting? Finally? The Green Grindylows were sure going at it already... and it looked like none of them had a shrunken old lady on their team. They were all hot chicks. Man, some people just had all the luck.

Shaking his head to himself, Fletcher turned his focus on his teammate. "Good job, good job mate!" he clapped briefly for Val and moved up to take his own turn, since nobody else was going for it. Were Jessa and Cassie watching? They ought to be.

He squared his shoulders and lined up his feet so he was pointing in the direction of the center of the pins. Fletcher picked up a head, rolled it around so its ugly face was NOT looking up at him, and then bent down to give it a good roll.

Rollin, rollin, rollin....here it comes...there it goes.... BOOM! EIGHT. "That's solid," Fletcher muttered to himself. He waited for the pins to adjust and picked up another head. Two pins were left, on the right there. He could do this. At least they weren't split funny. How hard could this be?

Fletcher took a breath, gripped the shrunken head, and then let it go with a twist. Rollin rollin rollin...there went the head... and BAM! Down went both pins! "WOOHOOOO!" Fletcher cheered for himself and threw both hands up in the air. "That's a spaaaaare for Team Purple Dragons!" CHEYAAA. WHO WAS NEXT? Old lady? Lucia?

...Angelina needed to breathe. She needed that to live and prosper--but Jorge was so tantalising--she tried her best not to look affected, not to be affected, but she was. Simon might have missed it, but she was sure a predator like Jorge would never.

"I, no, not really," she breathed as she sat down, avoiding everyone's gaze. She then silently watched and listened to everyone.

...there was something going on between Maria... did--did Jorge--flirt with her too? Angelina couldn't tell for sure. Then Mariel was--wow, she was such a confident woman, and had something going on with Jorge too. Angelina suddenly felt terrible. Not for the loss of Jorge, but... she didn't know, but as she listened, she felt the urge to just step between both of the woman and save Jorge. He surely... wasn't such a terrible man to hex on the spot? She didn't know anymore, though. Her brain couldn't register half of the things said there, and she couldn't bother to. Instead, upon seeing it was her turn, she got up and grabbed a shrunken head-whatever. She didn't even know why, but she felt let down. Later, she would admit that it was because she understood she couldn't compete for Jorge and never ever get him, but for now, she was too confused to think about that.

She rolled the ball 'just like that' and it hit nothing. She got another ball, avoiding everyone's gaze, and rolled that one too. The result was the same: nothing. She sighed to herself, and silently went to sit down next to Simon. She was terrible at hiding her feelings, so she didn't even attempt to hide her disappointment. But it wasn't like she was a chatterbox anyway, so she hoped they would just think she was timid and didn't like talking.

Jorge had went to the bar to get some drinks he decided he would stay there as long as he possibly could. Since he could see his lane. He was able to watch what was going on. He had avoided a few of Mariel’s questions. Not being able to believe Maria was being such a bitter teenager about things. They had a fling months ago, get over it. Though his smug side highly enjoyed the fact that she came wanting more obviously. Drinking the last of his pomegranate fire whiskey before ordering another and taking that and Mariel’s fizzy whatever drink back to the lanes. He gave a crooked smile, “Your drink ma lady.” He handed her the drink, but didn’t sit down.

Looking right at Maria he grinned more, “You wanted me to stay in touch? Now why would you want me to do that? Then you wouldn’t have this pent up hatred to take out on that ball.” He chuckled a bit, “Maria you really need to loosen up, just like at the bookstore. So serous all the time.” He was still feeling a bit irritated by the physical comment she had made earlier just to cause issues with Mariel. His calm grin never leaving his face though he leaned closer “You seemed to like the fun though didn’t you.” He knew she did and he knew she still wanted him in a way.

Glancing at Mariel he felt bad for all of this, really he did, but he warned her that he was no good for her. He didn’t want to hurt her and tried to push her away. Moving over to her he kissed her cheek and went to her ear whispering, “She’s one of the two I told you about.” He looked into her green eyes a moment and then stood up. He glanced at Maria and then back to Mariel, “Nothing going on here, but friendly things. Don’t you worry your pretty head about this.”

He turned just to see Aneglina miss all the pins twice and look pretty upset sitting back down. No this was New Years Eve and Maria wasn’t going to ruin everyone’s great time. He walked over to Simon and Angelina and grabbed her hand pulling her back to her feet. “Angelina let me show you something, Simon you don’t mind do you?” He gave the man a little wink and a grin before walking towards the shrunken heads. “I noticed you are flipping your wrist when bowling you need to keep it straight.” He moved his fingers across her arm and down to her wrist straightening it. Picking up a shrunken head he handed it to her and stood behind her a bit, taking her arm back and then moving it forward straight. “Easy gliding motions, just like this.” He said as he moved in front of her.

Giving her a wink and grinning he took the shrunken head and turned to Mariel. “Maybe I should give the head a kiss for good luck?” He kissed the sparkling shrunken head and turned chuckling towards the lane. “Now Angelina watch my wrist and form as I bowl.” She was probably back near Simon, but he could feel her eyes on him. Of course they were. He slowly went over to the lane and concentrated. Taking three steps and letting the ball loose, it went rolling down the lane and hit nine pins. Smiling he was very pleased by this. Picking up the second shrunken head he let it go after a few minutes of thinking to hit that final pin.

He turned to the group with his ever so charming smile, “Simon you’re up.” Going back over and sitting down next to Mariel he sipped on his drink.

Ainsley glanced down at the watch she was wearing and gasped. "I'm so late" she said to no one in particular. She had allowed herself to get completely tied up at the prize table and lost track of time and what she was really here for apparently. She quickly made her way down to the lane that was assigned to her. It seemed like everybody was already here and she was most likely the latest of them all. This was not good. Ainsley hated to be late for anything.

Cheeks flushed, and a bit flustered from being late Ainsley stood before her teammates. "Hello everybody." she said while placing her go to sweet smile on her face. Of course the game had already started so she quickly put on her bowling shoes and got herself ready to go. She wasn't going to hold up her team any longer.

Was it sad that he wanted Maria to get something off of Jorge? Simon wouldn't even be bothered if a fight developed or step in between. The banter between the man and the three women was becoming too much and rubbed the auror the wrong way. At least it was interspursed with actual bowling to which he tried his best to keep his full attention on, clapping for his team members. So far it was going well but as his friend got up to play it appeared he may have spoke or rather thought too soon.

It was clear Angelina was disappointed and Simon gave her a supportive smile as she walked back at them. "Its alright," he said simply yet sympathetically. They weren't pro bowlers and bad frames were bound to come up for each and every one of them. She had just gotten the first one of the group. As she sat down beside him, he lightly touched her arm as he looked at her. Further silent in his support.

He had barely had the chance to move his hand before Angelina was pulled from his grasp and to her feet by Jorge. Mind...why yes he might mind. Not that the reporter seemed to have any care about it. The wink and grin directed at him weren't helping matters but he kept his cool...for now. His gaze caught on the way he guided the woman's arm and touched her wrist to show her what she was doing wrong in his opinion, even coming up behind her and close to her own position. The auror eventually forced himself to look away, pretending to be watching the players in the lanes beside them.

Why did it bother him so much?

Simon did his best to ignore Jorge as he played, only turning back once his name was called. His turn...right. He got up to his feet and moved to bowl, the first half of his turn flowing smooth enough down the lane and grabbing five pins. It was a decent compliment to his spare in the previous frame. However as he absently let his gaze hang back to the seats before retrieving his ball once more he became distracted in memory, catching a gutterball of 0 pins for the second time around.

Stepping back he bit back a sigh. "Excuse me," he said taking his leave of the team for a moment, needing freedom at the moment.

Both of his bowling boots on, Ryoma pulled down his pant leg to cover up the top of them - these pants were too expensive to roll up like that - he returned the bloke with the nice hair's nod. "Not just wearing purple because it brings out the color of my eyes, mate," he said with a smirk as he stood up and examined the bowling balls nearby. Obviously, he was going to pick the heaviest one because that was manly and impressive. Not only was he just awesome in general, but he was a super daddy now. Had to keep up appearances.

When another (the last? He probably should know how many people were supposed to be on his team. Oops) teammate showed up, he flashed her a quick smile. "The color looks good on you," he said as he pointed to her (Ainsley's) cheeks. What? Blush did bring out the ladies' natural beauty.

Harley wasn't within earshot was she? The environment was bringing out the bachelor in him which could put him in the dog house if she caught wind of his playful flirting.

"BAM! That's how it's done!" he said as Fletcher bowled a strike and offered him a fist bump with the hand that wasn't holding his 16 pound bowling ball. "We got this in the bag."

Strutting up to the lane, Ryoma took his starting position and let the ball go with a THUD....and watched as it rolled right into the gutter. NOT A PROBLEM. He totally had this. Only not at all as his second attempt yielded the same results.

Department of Magical Games and Sports was a huge clue, if she ever saw one. Not that the woman knew many people in that department but it would give some idea at to why Mariel seemed so familiar. "Sweet Merlin!" she whispered loudly. Mariel knew what house she had been in? There were a few possibilities behind this, one of which she was going to ask. "Were you in Ravenclaw too?" Unless the shopkeeper had made so much of an impact on a student in another house that they had gone in to remember her. "Did you play Quidditch, by any chance?" Magical Games and Sports. That screamed out Quidditch. Gobstones was being ignored since Maria was even less fond of that than she was of the broom game.

Green eyes snapped over towards Jorge when he started speaking. Er, HELLO?! Did he really think he can outsmart a former Ravenclaw? One who actually was smart, thank you very much. She frowned at him. "Actually," she huffed, placing heavy emphasis on that one word, "You told me that you would me and keep in touch. You went back on your word and never did so. Dishonesty isn't something I take well, Jorge." Furious. She was furious. Partly because he was right and she hated that. "Do you ever have a moment of seriousness when it comes to women?" As for the fun part, Maria looked him up and down before mumbling something along the lines of, "Fine, I'll give you that."

Hiding a smirk was difficult. As why should she hide it when things were turning out better than she had hoped it would? Did she care about ruining everyone else's evening? Snort. No. What she did care about was justice and karma and giving this man exactly what he deserves, which Mariel was, probably unintentionally, helping with. Heh. She had also missed whatever it was that Jorge had whispered into Mariel's ear but no matter. Maria was happy. Maybe Christmas had decided to stay for a while. "Not a chance," she said, agreeing with Jorge. Agreeing. Whoop-dee-doo.

Leaning back in her seat, Maria took to watching Angelina as the woman threw the ball down the lane and ended up knocking over precisely zero pins. Her eyebrows shot up. Bad day? Bad ball? The woman had done well previously, so this was a bit of a surprise to see. Being nice was out of the window so Maria threw the woman a reassuring smile. No smirk. No smug look. Just a smile. What a lovely woman, she was.

Smiling was getting exhausting, it was time to stop.

And good timing too, since something happened. Jorge happened, to be precise. The eyebrows were up again before her green eyes fell on Mariel. How would she be feeling about the fact that the Ken to her Barbie was getting touchy-feely with another woman in her presence? Sure, he was only touching her arm in an attempt to show Angelina how to bowl properly but surely, this wouldn't sit well with Mariel? Maria sure hoped not.

Oh look! Simon had thrown the shrunken head balls and was now leaving. She did wonder why he left in such a rush. Because of that bowl? Or because of something else? Tsk tsk, such drama.

"Looks like it's my turn then," she chirped, getting up from her seat and heading off to grab a ball. Taking hold of a medium sized head, she ran up to the line and threw it down the lane, knocking over six pins as she did so. She grabbed another ball, a slightly heavier one, and threw that too, knocking over two pins. Just two. Which was no spare.

Mariel barely looked at Jorge as he went off to get drinks, or wherever he was going. Who really knew at this point. And she wasn't really sure she wanted to hear any of the sordid details that Maria might share with her while he was gone. His avoidance was speaking volumes to her and none of it was sitting well with her. Certainly he knew she was going to be on this team, he had specifically asked Mariel to join him, yet he couldn't be bothered to spare her the humiliation of sitting on the same team with one of his indiscretions without at least preparing her, or the fact that he was basically coming on to Maria right in front of her. Normally, Mariel would have relished the chance to talk about Ravenclaw or Quidditch or Ravenclaw Quidditch, but yeah.. she wasn't feeling it right now. "I was," she nodded in agreement, hardly even looking at her as she was lost in thought for the most part. "And yes, for Ravenclaw and professionally too. Moutohora Macaws." Wow. And that was really all Mariel was going to say on the subject. Just wasn't in the mood to talk anymore given the current situation.

Green eyes snapped up as she heard Jorge's voice and she took the drink before looking away again. She tightened her grip on the stem of the glass, as she heard his words towards Maria. Really, he was far too casual and reminiscent about this for her own liking. Her eyes snapped up again, burning fury at the two of them hearing his remark and Maria's response. "Do you really need to be constantly reminding her of the fun you two shared?" she snapped. Apparently his intentions with her were not concluded. "Or maybe you feel that I need to be repeatedly reminded of how you were with her when you were with me?" Seriously.. what was he even doing? She was pretty much over the advances he was making on another woman sitting right next to her, whether he realized he was doing it or not. She was not about to compete for his attention.

Mariel took a big drink of that fizzy wine thing, not even glancing in his direction as he leaned closer to whisper in her ear. Yes, she gathered that, thank you very much. Not that he had the decency to prepare her for it ahead of time. And patronizing. No, she wasn't going to worry about it any longer. And as much as she felt like breathing fire right now, she managed to turn somewhat sympathetic eyes to Angelina as she rolled two gutter balls. She had no idea if the current drama in Lane Five had anything to do with it and she did look awfully glum, but they were teammates after all and Mariel knew how to be supportive. She reached over and placed her hand atop the other woman's and squeezed it gently. "You'll get the next one dear. I'm certain of it," she said, not really meeting her eyes, and her voice sounding very small and far away to her ears. Really, where was her confidence now.

Oh.

Mariel sat back for a moment as Jorge went over to Angelina himself to guide her a bit with her bowling. She could feel Maria watching her, maybe waiting for her to flip out or something, which she just wasn't. It was actually a nice thing to do and she wasn't the jealous type. Not when there wasn't a reason to be. And if she thought about it at all, she would agree that it was somewhat innocent. Though that was not where her thoughts lay as she continued downing her drink. She watched a bit vacantly as Jorge took his turn, giving him a quiet, "well done," as he took a seat next to her.

And then Simon. He certainly had been quiet lately, not that she blamed him. It was awfully awkward and uncomfortable in the near vicinity. She watched him vaguely as he left then gave Jorge an exasperated look as she got to her feet to take her turn after Maria. Did he not realize the drama he was creating? She quickly finished the rest of her drink the moved up in front of their lane after picking up the shrunken head ball. She took a few deep breaths, trying to clear her head. What was she even still doing here? Mariel wasn't even sure. She tossed the ball down the lane, staring at the mere four pins that had been taken out. The brunette took a few more deep breaths trying to regulate her breathing, then made her second attempt. The ball curved, only taking out one this time. She simply stood there staring for a few minutes. No. She was not about to let any man take her confidence.

Mariel walked back to her seat, not looking at anyone, and slipped her Louboutins back on her feet. "I just.. I.. need.. to go.. get some air," she announced to everyone and no one in particular at the same time. And though her self-esteem currently felt a little shaky, she walked out of that lane, appearing as confident as she could. No, she certainly didn't expect anyone to go after her, in fact, she wasn't sure anyone would notice. He wanted to push her away, he got it.

"You, too," she said, taking his hand and shaking it vigorously with her old lady strength, simultaneously creasing her trousers with her free fingers. It needed to be EXTRA sharp for the Grindylow chopping that was about to ensue. Were they ready to get their bums kicked by an elderly fella?

And the Dragons most definitely needed her to make use of her nonexistent skills, considering that studded boots guy had just rolled a gutter ball (was that what it was called?). Twice! Following Fletcher's spare, too. Son of a garden gnome. At least she'd look good in comparison.

Taking a deep breath, Lucia moved forward to take a ball... which she couldn't move. Well, then. She had to try lifting at least four before she found one that was able to be picked up, and even then, her muscles were straining. Still, she could do better than gutter guy, yes?

Rollin', rooooollin', and..... three pins down! Woohoo! "You should crease your trousers better," she whispered to the Leaky Cauldron shopkeeper as she chose another ball. "It helps." After she sent the next ball rolling as well, Lucia was pleasantly surprised with another three fallen pins.

Ooh! Purple pantsuits were lucky, then.

As Jasmine was waiting for her teammates to show up, she realized Jorge was talking to her. So he was on the opposing team? Now this shall be interesting. "Ah you are on the green grindylows? Well then that makes us enemies i suppose." she just assumed and smiled. Then she heard his spanish accent roll off his tongue when he pronounced his name. She rolled her eyes and was not impressed. "Well nice to meet you Jorge. My you have a long name. "Well i am just Jasmine Lenkim. Nice short and simple." she winked and then went over to the bowling balls getting ready for her turn.

Then Jasmine met Lucia. "Hey Lucia, nice to meet ya." she smiled towards her. At least she knew she wasn't the only girl on the team now. Then she saw another one of her teammates Angelina, she heard her name was. She would introduce herself later. Jasmine was observing everyone else bowl and she realized some of them were good, while others just needed more practice.

It was her turn up since Lucia went. Jasmine walked over and grabbed a bowling ball. She realized it was too heavy and decided to get a lighter one. Once she found the right bowling ball, she put her thin fingers through the holes and held it. She starred at the bowling lane intently and lined up the bowling ball with the arrows.

She swung her arm back and then released lining up the ball with the center arrows and then.....9 pins down. She was shocked and raised her eyebrows. She only needed to get one more pin down. She smiled and then went back and got another bowling ball. She did the aiming and threw her arm back and released but....

She missed it! Ah well....at least she got mostly all the pins down right?

...Angelina was beginning to understand it. She didn't want to, but brain wasn't a computer to switch on and off. From the looks and sounds of it, she got that Mariel was Jorge's girlfriend, but he got at least physical with Maria too, and Maria apparently couldn't forget it yet. She was acting... incorrectly, in Angelina's book. It was Jorge's life and decision. She had no right to ruin that.

...he had no right to ruin Angelina's night too, but she wasn't going to dig that one. Besides, she wasn't the type someone like Jorge would look, and she liked being single.

Yeah... that didn't change her bowling abilities, and she ended up with zero pins in the end.

Angelina smiled slightly at Mariel and let her squeeze it. Angelina didn't have anything against her at all--how could she, they had just met--but she still couldn't help the dislike. She hid it, but it was there and disturbed her. It was the stupid woman behaviour: Mariel got the guy first, so even if she was the best person on earth, Angelina would always feel the bitterness.

Great. Did anyone else wanted to mess with her feelings?

She missed Maria's smile as she kept her head down, but had to look up soon: Jorge was grabbing her hand.

Jorge was grabbing her hand.

Jorge was grabbing her hand.

Her heart needed to stop trying to leap out of its chest. Seriously. She was embarrassing herself.

LOL who cared. She didn't even listen to half of what he said. How could she, while he was being so perfect? So attentive, handsome, knowledgeable--

"Okay," she breathed when he seemed to have finished. She was hopeful she got the general idea, but she was sure she would never forget his eyes.

Those Spanish eyes. This wasn't right. She couldn't do this to herself.

So she watched him as if she had any other choice and everyone else, and she also watched two of the team going out for a fresh air or whatever. She frowned. She didn't mind the Mariel part that much, although she felt bad for her, but Simon really worried her.

"But why are they leaving?" she exclaimed in a confused tone. She didn't get it, but couldn't think about it much anyway. It was her turn again. She got up, grabbed a ball and tried to remember what Jorge had told her...

Haha. Which words. She only remembered the eyes.

So in the end, she rolled the ball randomly. It hit 3 pins, which was an improvement. She then got another head, and rolled it tooç 2 pins. She wasn't terrible, after all.

What would be terrible, though, was whether Simon had a problem with something.

Was he back yet?

Somebody would have to make up for the two gutter shots. It was would have been funny. If it was on the other team. But it won't be Nolan that was for sure. Maybe that Fletcher guy. He did get a spare. The best Nolan could hope for was a spare. Which was still pretty good.

Well it seemed like it was finally his turn. "Well up I go" So he got up and went over to take a ball. He raised it off the machine and held it in his hands. This will do nicely. He visualize where he wanted to throw the ball. He did not want much spin on the ball and throwing down the middle seemed the best course of action.

Let's get this ball rollin'. He watched the ball sail down the lane. Thankful it was not a gutter ball. It finally connected with the pins and knocked down a considerable number. What was it five? Yeah five pins.

That meant he could roll again since he did not get a strike. He rolled again and knocked down four pins. Well one away from a spare.

Well even if they lost. Dragons are way better than Grindylows. That was a fact.

Jorge slouched a bit in his chair as Simon went to bowl. He kind of looked passed it really. Not really focusing on his bowling, but focusing on the drink at hand. It was better than the glaring he was getting. He knew he’d screw it up sooner or later. He glanced at Maria clearly bored with this continued conversation he shrugged at her questioning with the owl. “It happens.” He took another swig of his drink. He usually liked them better angry, but after a while of this clucking he was starting to just get a headache. He glanced as Simon left, must be going for a drink most likely?

His eyes snapped hearing Mariel’s words, see screwed up again. He sighed knowing it would be sooner or later. In his defense he did warn her. “ She clearly is the one that’s struggling to forget.” Of course she was. He wasn’t one to ever disappoint. A frown did form at her next words and he felt the need for another drink. “I’m not reminding you.” It was the last thing he wanted to do. When Maria said she agreed about the fun he grinned, of course she did like he said he was unforgettable.

He sat drinkless and not happy as Maria got up to bowl. He struggled to keep his eyes off of her. She was hot he’d give her that. Visuals were coming to head and that wasn’t helping either, but was it worth it? He didn’t think it was. He glanced at the one that he was sure wasn’t going to speak to him after tonight and tried to put an arm around her, but it was her turn. He watched and smiled [b] “Maybe more private muggle tutoring. He was trying to lighten to mood, but it wasn’t working very well. As Mariel said she needed some air Jorge looked to his glass, “Alright, on your way back want to pick up some more drink?” If she was headed that way anyway it wouldn’t hurt to ask.

Once she was gone he turned his focus on Maria a bit, “You’d like to have some more fun wouldn’t you?” His sly grin was back on his face. He knew she was there to ruin him and he wasn’t going to let her have that advantage. His eyes turned back to Angelina as she bowled again. “You know why you didn’t get an owl. That beautiful woman you have clearly ticked off is why.” He got up without saying anymore and grinned towards Angelina, “Senorita I knew you could do it. Good.. good.”

He glanced at her words, “Not leaving.. no, Mariel said she was just getting some air. I think the tension whatever kind it might be has her a little off.” His smirk was toward Maria he could didn’t know why but he was wanting to just make her mad now. Then he turned his eyes back on Angelina, “Your boyfriend, I’m not sure. I don’t think he likes me talking and touching you.” Must be the jealous type.

Now it was his turn wasn’t it? So he picked up a shrunken head and took his steps rolling it smoothly own the lane. As all the pins fell down for the first strike of the evening he was fully smiling as he turned back to the women. Yes Jorge was good at many things.

*smirk*

Simon had wandered about when he left lanes 5 and 6, giving the impression he was simply seeing what was going with the other lanes and teams in the bowling alley. He even contemplated getting a drink at the refreshments but that would only be an excuse really. The auror was trying to pull away from the tension and such that surrounded his team. He wasn't even aware that another from the Grindelows had left the group. There was no way he had thought this event would turn out anywhere like this.

Figuring he should probably be returning, Simon made his way back to the correct lane. The other team seemed to be playing but his was not at the moment. A look to the records showed just why... he was up once more. Just in time he was it appeared and the former Gryffindor made his way down into the player area. No sense in keeping his fellow team members waiting any longer. It wouldn't be fair.

He also noticed just what Jorge had gained in the last frame that he had conviently missed. A strike. Bet the reporter had been real happy about that...overly smug and moreso then previously. There was only one way to remedy that.

Beat him at his own game.

Doing his best to be cool, calm, collected and focused, Simon approached the lane with his ball. With one move it was down the alley, knocking 8 pins down in the process. That was a good start except the other two weren't placed well. Making his way back to the begining, he kept his attention on the game for now, that was what was going on. With the second swing he only managed to get 1 more pin as they had been split but he'd take it. 9 was nothing to sneeze at.

Now it was Maria's turn.

These guys were nice, so Val could relax and not feel so out of place. After sitting down, he watched as Fletcher bowled a spare. That was pretty good, "Nice job." Things were looking up, as did Val when he saw another Dragon teammate (PhoenixStar) just arrive. "Hi.." So she was joining in too, cool. "I'm Val.. best of luck to you." Whenever she went that is.

When it wasn't his turn he sat back down by Lucia, his eyes then wandered over to the other lane again, Just what was going on for the other side? That was what Val wanted to know. Hm. He turned back as Ryoma landed in a gutter.. twice. "..It was only the first one." Because 'Nice try' never made anyone feel better.

So who was next? Oh Lucia, okay then. She took down six, Jasmine got nine along with the Owl man. "Nice one.." Val said to just about everyone.

Now whose turn was it? Oh, his again.

Getting up, Val went to take the nearest skull. It was a little heavier than he had last time. He didn't want to look silly going back to exchange it.. so instead he took a few steps..

Release and..

He tripped... dear Merlin, he tripped as the skull flew out of his hands and with a *THUD* landed in the middle of the lane not reaching any of the pins before sliding into the gutter.

Yeah. There was no escaping that along with the heat he was experiencing now.

Getting up, relieved that none of his teeth broke from the face-to-floor contact, he went to pick up another much lighter one.

Now this one wasn't going to mess him up. Taking his few steps, he released the bowling skull down as it headed straight.. straight.. and then all the pins down. Making Val stare hard ahead. "..Spare." So now he could go sit and wait for the heat in his face to leave.