Opal tilted her head and raised an eyebrow as he stepped straight back into her personal space. Really? Reeeeally? Well, if he wanted to be like that, she could totally be in his face. If he was trying to psych the newbie out, he'd picked on the wrong gal. Hands on hips, she stood up straight and looked at him directly in the eye.

"Thanks, didn't think it was too shabby to get into the swing of things." The bull pen was just a little different a atmosphere to sitting at her computer at home and publishing online. And then...did he ask her out? She tucked some loose hair back behind her ear. "I've got tickets for a play in two hours, but sure...why not?"

Seeee he wasn't trying to psych anyone out, he just enjoyed being up close and personal with the ladies. Ha! Or well maybe he just liked to play games once in a while, so when she placed her hands on her hips and all but glared at him... well he was well amused. Also mildly impressed with her standing her own ground so he took a step back and grinned.

Heh.

Nodding a bit, Casimir loosened his tie a smidge and popped the top button of his shirt open as well. So done with THAT. "It was really well written and thought out, I must say. Did you get to meet the rich, eccentric cousin? Garrick. I've heard things... one wonders if they're true. " and she had a play... with two tickets? Was SHE asking HIM out? Because he was only asking her in a coworker grab a bite to eat together kind of, regardless of the brows, but well, he didn't see a problem with it either way. She was definitely attractive. "What's the play? " he asked as he offered his arm for her take. Gentleman and all.

Opal tilted her head, unsure what to make of her companion. One minute he was up in her face...the next he was grinning and loosening his tie.

Men.

Not that she could blame him, loosening his tie after a long day at work. "You flatter me," she commented. "And no, I didn't...only hung out at the shop and the skate park. Why? What sort of things have you heard?" She looked at him curiously. Admittedly, there had been a couple of times Benjamin had closed up when she'd ventured into family stuff. That and when she'd questioned deeper as to his wolf tattoo. Should she have dug deeper?

And nope, she hadn't mentioned anything to do with the number of tickets. Sure, she had two...one of which was spare...but she hadn't necessarily meant to allude to that fact. Only that she had to be somewhere in two hours. Regardless, she took his arm with a light shake of the head and a wry smile. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to get to know a colleague better. An established one at that. "A production of Peter Pan. Why, you looking for a distraction?"

Summer and Zita was determined to do the project she had come up with when Derf was teaching her how to skip rocks. She had gotten all the rocks she needed and painted them. Now with a little basket, she was in DA hiding them. She hoped people would find them read the note that went with them and hide them again to bring others the fun as well, but only time would tell.

As she walked through the alley she stopped in a few places to set the rocks down. Stopping on the corner of the street where there was a little grassy area Zita bent down and set a rock on the ground. She grabbed the little note to tuck under it as well and then got back up and looked for another new place.

SPOILER!!: rock

Here is a rock that hopefully brings you a smile, but this little rock shouldn't stay here for long. Pick it up and keep it if you like or place it along your way in a new place to bring a smile to someone else's day.

On his way down the street, with no real destination in mind because he was basically awesome at wasting time, Liam found a rock. It had stood out to him, obviously, because it was red with yellow polka dots, but it was the note he found attached to the rock that made him pick it up. The request to move the rock and spread happiness couldn't be turned down. It was a weird sort of happiness, sure, but it had made Liam laugh so he thought maybe it would do the same for someone else as well.

Unfortunately, Liam had no idea that it was Zita behind the whole thing, and that he was currently inadvertently following her. Seriously. He was innocent, and he would not follow her if he had any idea that that was what he was doing.

Now one would think that seeing Liam would make her spin and go in the other direction or even glare a bit, though it was month ago she still had bitterness towards the stopped kissing. She hadn't yet kissed anyone else and she was failing miserably to flirt and do things to make Liam jealous as her friends and her plotted out, but as she stood looking at the rock she just set down she did hear someone walking closer and her eyes turned, but didn't look at the face but the rock in hand.


"You have one of my rocks." The smile on her face was bright until she looked up and saw who the hand that held the rock belonged to.
Frozen in place she just stared at him for a moment. Should she just turn and walk away? Should she throw the rest of her rocks at his stupid cute face? She wanted to do both, but instead, she just stood there.

"Oh... hi"

...oh no.

The look of pure horror on Liam's face was almost comical. It probably was comical if anyone unfamiliar with his situation saw it, but Liam was HORRIFIED. Okay?

Stupidly, he looked down at the rock in his hand. The rock that had made him laugh. The note that had made him smile.

Traitor.

"This is yours?" That was the best he could come up with given such short notice. "Ew. Here." He thrust his hands out, wrinkling his nose up a bit. Please, Zita. Take the rock.

Ewww?

Eww?

Ewwww?

That's all he could say about HER ROCKS! They were pretty rocks and now he was handing it to her. "Why are you giving it to me. You are supposed to hide it. They are fun and a great community project." She was hurt yet again by Liam's words. She should be used to this by now. Turning her head she looked down at the other rock she had just set down.

"They've kept me busy lately." So she wasn't thinking about him or anything so don't even try to make it about you LIAM MCKINELY!!

"What are you doing here anyway?"

SPYING ON HER OF COURSE! PFFFT!

Yes, he could read, but thanks for the translation. "I was going to hide it." Obviously. Liam was smart enough to not tell her that he no longer wanted to hide the rock because he didn't want to admit that her idea had been a good thing for him. So he just... didn't say anything else about that.

... anyway.

"What am I doing here? I'm shopping. This is a place for shopping." He was also still holding the rock out for her. Please. Take the rock.

She wasn't going to take the rock she was feeling all the feelings again seeing his face. WHY WAS HIS FACE LIKE THAT ANYWAY!
It shouldn't be allowed to have a face that made her this way. She bit her lip and looked down wishing she could shove her hands in her pockets, but she couldn't because she was holding the baskets of rocks.

"Derf helped me with the idea. I was crying near the lake and he had come over and taught me how to skip rocks. I remembered reading about this in a magazine and thought it would be a fun thing to do and a way to be happy and make others happy." She was rambling now and she didn't want to be rambling, she wanted to be more like oh hi Liam I have kissed all the boys and I'm way over you, but here she was still just as awkward with him.

"Yeah, I guess shopping is a normal thing to do. Where is your boyfriend?
Figured you two did everything together." She didn't look up because she didn't really care to know the answer but hurt girl always tried to put salt in someone else's wounds.

Honestly, Liam hadn't expected her to say all those words. He was waiting for her to say something rude and tell him he was a terrible person and maybe throw a rock at him. And he was... almost sort of pleasantly suprised, albeit confused because he had no idea what to say to the rock story.

Except that Derf was kind of a traitor, wasn't he?

And, yeah, that was more of what he was expecting.

"He's not my boyfriend," he said automatically, deadpan. Zita knew that and she was just being mean to be mean and Liam didn't particularly want to deal with it. "Whatever, Zita. I'll see you around." Except not really because he didn't want to see her at all, if he could help it.

He was going to hide the rock, though. Casually.

She stood there staring at him and honestly it was the worst thing she could do, because LOOK AT HIM! She could have sighed dreamily if she wasn't trying to hold up the front that she was so over him, he was so last Tuesday, and she had moved on, but in all honestly, she still liked to look at his face.


Flipping her hair a bit and putting a hand on her hip she just smirked at his response, "I don't care if he is, I have another boy anyway." She didn't, but he didn't have to know that. "A few wanting my attention actually. I just need to decide which one I should kiss and allow to kiss me." That was the important thing here, right?

Was he jealous yet? Was it working?

"Yeah see ya loser her." She stuck her hand to her forehead and made the L. She was so mature and all.

Well, that was... unexpected. And if Liam might be assuming here but he had a feeling that Zita was making stuff up. She had probably asked about Cam just to give herself the chance to bring up that she, apparently, "had another boy."

Which, in Liam's opinion, if it was true, she wouldn't be rubbing it in his face like this. 'Cause he'd be annoyed to be that boy. If it were him. But it wasn't. For good reason.

... Poor kid, if it was true.

Liam didn't know how to react, though, so he mostly just blinked.

And then rolled his eyes. "Seriously? You're, like, five." Seriously. He was pretty sure him and his sister did that to each other when they were five.

She dramatically laughed, so loud, yes, he was hilarious, okay maybe not. Maybe he was the dumbest boy she had ever met and how on earth did she even like him. Like seriously, he was so weird and others would see him that way if she had anything to do with it.


"Oh that's cute Liam, you are just sooooo cute" Her eyes were rolling and she was very sarcastic saying it. "You just wish you were as popular as me. Honestly, though I do feel bad for you, I mean you had a good thing being with me and then you screwed it up and now I have everyone and you have... do you even have Cam anymore?" She gave her best pitty look,
"It's sad really to just have your own sister."


Wiggling her fingers she smiled sweetly, "Tootles" she turned and headed down the street.

The middle of the street was perhaps the most BORING place in Diagon Alley. Even eight-year-old Spencer could tell it was where all the stupid boring serious places were, that weren't really any fun to play in and meant that he had to wait around for his dad for AAAAAAAGES. Right now that very same dad was inside the post office, because he needed to send out some boring writing thing to some boring writing book men in some boring writing book men offices that were in countries that weren't this one. The Muldoons' owl was getting on a bit, and couldn't really handle really long journeys any more, so he had decided to do ALL OF THIS from the post office, and he had dragged Spencer along with him.

But, as has already been established, post offices were BORING, and also Spencer didn't like how all the owls stared down at him while he was in there. For that reason, he had announced that he would wait outside until his dad was done, which was code for 'go play in the playground for the sixty-eighth time this week'.

Stepping out onto the cobbled path of Diagon Alley, Spencer pulled the door shut behind him with both hands, before shoving said hands into his pockets and turning around to face the street. The playground wasn't far off, and usually he would have charged there like an ABSOLUTE MADMAN, but this time he went for a leisurely sort of stroll because he was cool as a cucumber, and also because he knew that even when his dad was finished with the owls and the post and the office and the owl post office, he'd just end up finding more errands to run while his wayward child was otherwise occupied.

Kieran was back in Diagon Alley, more specifically, near the Daily Prophet, to do Merlin knew what.

It wasn't like he was sitting down or anything. All he was doing was holding a copy of the newspaper right in front of his face, blocking his view of the rest of the street and also obviously blocking everyone's view of his face. It wasn't intentional, exactly, it was just a habit.

He also liked to have those moving photos so close to his face; he had always found that pretty darn cool for some reason.

"Well, there they go again." The twenty-seven year-old man told himself as he read yet another article.

Ariadne had barely been two days in the country, but her mother was nothing if not an opportunist and had already scheduled a fitting with Madam Malkin's for the day. A solid hour of pin-poking later, she was tired and a little more than overeager to get home, so in her absent-mindedness, forgot to mask exactly who she was, sunglasses stowed away in her bag because it felt foolish to put them back on in the early-December weather.

Granted, she was no longer as famous as she was when she was part of the quidditch scene, but her status as the only Grahn still on the Marriage Mart as well as her modeling work left her far from being an unfamiliar face. And really, the worst place for her legs to threaten to give out was right outside the Daily Prophet's office.

Oh, look! A disguise! Making her way over to the man, she didn't even hesitate before picking up one side of the newspaper he was holding a good inch away from his nose and joining him behind it. "My apologies," she said, smiling brightly despite her exhaustion. It was always a joy to somewhat escape the bloodhounds that were the paparazzi, even if it was for a few minutes. "I don't much fancy being followed, and I haven't had a chance to read the papers today either. I hope you don't mind."

It should probably go without saying that she'd remain here for at least the next five minutes.

Kieran was intently reading the article about kids being kidnapped in Diagon Alley when suddenly someone joined him behind the newspaper.

Oh. Oh boy. Ooooooooh boy.

The man froze on spot not that he was moving much before, but he FROZE nonetheless and blinked several times as he stared straight into the Daily Prophet in front of... the both of them.

What. Who was that. What. Why. Was he suppose to know her? WHY were some women so STRANGE? Kieran couldn't get over how STRANGE most of them acted. The HECK??

She was being followed?

Without moving a muscle, he side-eyed her. Alright, he was using his eye muscles now, because BOY, were his eyes straining with how far to the side they were now. He was EYEING the person who had joined him. EYEING her HARD, trying to figure out who the HECK she was.

"Child kidnapper?" He attempted in an almost whisper, still without fully facing her. Was she being followed by the kidnapper? Was SHE the kidnapper? Kieran didn't know, but he was still EYEING her from the corner of his eyes.

E.Y.E.I.N.G.

It should have been illegal, all this access--easy access-- and he wasn't allowed to keep a single one of them. It was all good and well that the child needed playmates but what about when she was done with them? What use did they have to her, or Trevelyan for that matter? If you asked him, he should have been allowed to palm off a few of them for a hefty price. That would have been a reward more fitting of his time.

Thankfully, today, it didn't seem the goblin would have to go too far for its prey. An unattended little boy who hadn't a care in the world.

A quick look in a shop window to ensure he was still perfectly polyjuiced as a bright eyed, freckle faced, redhead of about 7 years, Korpsit turned and followed along after him. "Psssssst! Psst! Hey!" He skipped along over, being sure to stop BEFORE the boy which would in turn hopefully had him stop. "Wanna play?"

Standard question while sharp eyes searched the perimetre for any signs of an adult who may have been paying keen attention to him.

Where were his parents?

"Oh!"

It took a moment for Spencer to register what was happening; one second he was walking along, and then someone else was right there. But not just any someone else, you know. A girl. He stopped walking and his eyes shone and he grinned. It didn't really surprise him, that someone had come straight up to him to ask to play. He was, you know, really really cool.

The fact that there were no other children currently in this part of the street meant nothing.

"Yeth!" he said at once, his lisp as pronounced as it ever was, and his London accent no less so. "There'th a playground over there, I wozth jutht on me way." Spencer pointed in the general direction of the playground, but he wasn't looking that way (he knew where it was by heart).

Instead, he was all but staring at the girl, but not because he had picked up on anything untoward. Actually, he was noticing how the girl was totally and completely unfamiliar to him, but was only thinking about how that meant that nobody else he knew probably knew her either. That made her not just girlfriend material, but third girlfriend material. At eight years old, Spencer was already quite the ladies man, and he doubted he'd be turned down if he did ask, at least not by a smart girl.

Korpsit almost scoffed at the little boy's suggestion, remembering at the last minute just how important it was to remain in character. He did not want to go to the playground where parents and charms and prying eyes could see. The goblin disguised as the little red headed girl took hold of his arm.

"The playground? I have someplace SOOOO much cooler and it's got lots of toys."

The creature spared a glance up the alley in the direction of the playground in question. Far too many witnesses and he was not an idiot. "You won't even have to take turns playing with 'em but the playground has so many kids, you might not get the swings for hours." Children, in his experience, tended to respond well to exaggerations, for better or worse.

"Come on, I can show you where it is."

And with that he began tugging him, albeit a little forcefully but it could've just as easily been taken for eagerness on the part of an innocent, excited child.

While meeting up in the center of Diagon Alley might not have been the most ideal spot it gave a lot of options. Camilla found nothing wrong with meeting up right here. The day was meant to be a casual but nice one. She had nothing of true meaning planned out, only that she was to be spending it with River. Just the two of them. Maybe they would do some browsing around, visit the shops and get a bite to eat. Time would tell once he arrived.

As per usual she was early, which was quite alright. The sun was peeking it's way through the mid-morning clouds and it was sure to be a decent day in early March. Tucking a lock of hair behind her ear she looked up and down the street for the man in question half expecting him to pop up behind her out of nowhere. Somehow someway he always managed to arrive just at her side without her knowledge. Today would be different. There wasn't many people here to keep her from spotting him first.

It had been a few good days...weeks even, the last time he and Cami went out on a date, officially as a couple and today would have been the same. Fun, light, and casual. However, today won't be what Cami expected. River had been quiet the past few days, taking care of someone close to his heart. Granted that it was 'normal' from River these past few months, the Healer wasn't expecting his girlfriend to know what exactly transpired these past few days.

If River used to be early during their dates, it would be just right for Cami to think that today was somewhat off. Her boyfriend did take his time today, and River wasn't in his sunny disposition. Clad in black from head to toe, River had his hands tucked inside his trousers' pockets, his eyes on the pavement as he walked, not looking at the shops or the people he passed by. Arriving at the meeting point, River slowed down further, saw his girlfriend, and could instantly feel his heart and mind melt away. The Healer quickened his pace, and immediately hugged his person and let out an exhausted sigh.

River closed his eyes, as he felt the warmth from Cami's body, and held on to it. He was a grown man. He was not supposed to be shedding tears in public.

Camilla had made it a point over the past months to be there for River, knowing what he was going on. She typically checked in with him everyday or every couple of days depending on what they both were doing. It hadn't much bothered her that the two of them hadn't really gotten out much now that they were a couple but it was nice that today they would be. Even it was just an hour or so together she hoped it would be enough to put a smile on her boyfriends face.

It didn't take long at all for Cami to spot River as he made his way towards her his dark clothing somewhat surprising her just a little bit. That's not what really confused her though. He was walking slowly, head down like he was deep in thought. This would have been okay but it wasn't something she was used to seeing. She didn't say anything though, not just yet.

Before long, maybe just seconds really he was there standing before her. No words but a hug. A true one at that. Not his usual funny half hug and grin that she was used to. No 'Hey' or kiss on the cheek. Something was wrong and Camilla could feel it the very moment she slid her own arms around him. Tightening her hold on him she moved one hand into his hair, in an attempt to let him know that whatever it was, he was going to okay. And there she stood, hugging him silently while different thoughts flowed through her mind. Finally when she couldn't stand the silence and worry any longer she spoke quietly.

"River, what's happened?" Quiet but there was clearly worry in her voice. Something wasn't right and she wanted to know, needed to know in order to help him.

As a Healer, one would think he should be used to these things. But what most people forget is that he's human too who has feelings. River concentrated on the warmth, and touch of Cami's hand, allowing it to soothe him. He'd been hugged by his sister, his brother Ryden, his mother...but it was just too much for the Healer now. He had been swallowing painful emotions for months now, and he was bursting at the seams. River, for the record, did not want Cami to see him like this. The woman he learned to love need not be sad for his sake, but just like any relationships, he couldn't leave her clueless.

The moment Cami spoke, River returned the question with a tighter hug. "I...failed him, Cami..." the Healer replied quietly, willing his tears not to fall. "Dad...he's gone...he passed away this morning..." the words betrayed River, as tears blurred his vision. All the frustration, exhaustion, stress, and disappointment flowed freely off of his eyes. Still encasing Cami in his hug, River reached out to his face with his free hand and wiped off the offending tears.

"Today's supposed to be a good day, Cam...I'm so sorry..."