Minding his own business over here, and really Rusty had been.... laying low. Because of reasons. Awkward reasons. Thanks to certain department heads who apparently thought it was a good idea to get him some publicity. And he'd been doing his best to keep the Daily Prophet out of the hands of his daughter too since he didn't really want her to read that particular article and start asking questions. This wasn't easy, she was a big fan of newspapers.

It was time for lunch and Rusty went for a wander in the Muggle part of London. Muggles didn't read the Daily Prophet, so it seemed safe and besides it was good coffee and he could get a cupcake or something to take home to Lola.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tegz

Minding his own business over here, and really Rusty had been.... laying low. Because of reasons. Awkward reasons. Thanks to certain department heads who apparently thought it was a good idea to get him some publicity. And he'd been doing his best to keep the Daily Prophet out of the hands of his daughter too since he didn't really want her to read that particular article and start asking questions. This wasn't easy, she was a big fan of newspapers.

It was time for lunch and Rusty went for a wander in the Muggle part of London. Muggles didn't read the Daily Prophet, so it seemed safe and besides it was good coffee and he could get a cupcake or something to take home to Lola.

Arm linked with her sister's, Kiera tossed her blonde hair over her shoulders as they approached the cafe while her frosty eyes surveyed the outdoor seating for a nice sunkissed table for them to sit at. It was nice having her sister back in town since her brother was away at Hogwarts, even if Daphne had never been particularly fond of these girlish brunch dates.

Spotting a table, she gave Daphne's arm a tug and began to lead them towards it when she stopped quite suddenly and her eyes widened while she bit down on her lower lip and grinned at the same time.

Oh Merlin. Stop go stop go stop. Couldn't Kiera make up her bloomin' mind what she was going to do? Not to mention the dragging along. Daphne was perfectly capable of walking on her own and did not need someone directing her as to where her feet should lead to next. So it was no wonder that when her sister came to a halt once again she let out an annoyed groan. "What?" she snapped, rolling her eyes as she followed the blonde's gaze. "You have got to be kidding me."

Knowing full well that Kiera would just stand there looking like some fragile creature fangirling internally over some pretty face, the brunette unlinked her arm and took the few steps remaining to arrive beside the man. "So...you're the poor sap whose face was in the paper."

And what in Hades was going on over at that other table? Idiots.

"I'll have a coffee... just a flat white please... and a sausage roll heated up." Rusty made his order and peered into the display case, "And I'll get a scone... and a cupcake. One of those ones with the pink icing. Can I have the cupcake to go, please?" He paid with his Muggle plastic card, the one he had to sign for, and took one of the metal things with a number so that they'd know where to bring what he'd ordered when his coffee was ready.

He really WAS just keeping to himself. And besides, it was safe here... or so he'd thought right up until the moment where some lady spoke to him.

....... in a way that made it ENTIRELY clear that she was no muggle. Rustin blinked and turned to look at her, having a fight or flight moment but ending up settling for neither. She got a sheepish grin instead. "That'd be me."

Not that he would call himself a SAP but... he did feel reasonably poorly about the whole situation. It was terribly awkward.

Excuse me Mr. IdiotWomanisingReporter... say what?

"If I wanted you all to myself I would have taken you up on your lunch offer... but alas, I'd rather not waste my time in your company if I can help it." Or had he forgotten his persistence? Emily didn't mean any ill toward Mariel, but if De La Garza was going to shoot his mouth off at her, then she'd shoot him down in the process. Idiot. The Prophet's standards were very clearly dropping if these were the types they employed. It wreaked of disappointment.

At least the redhead, despite her distrustful enthusiasm, was willing to cooperate and follow procedure, or else she'd find herself in a cell too for wasting law enforcement time and impeding an arrest. Nasty fines they were, but excellent for their returning-to-the-MoM-coffee-facilities fund. Emily watched the muggle populous as Bennett escorted De La Garza out... this whole non-apparitioning thing was a pain in the butt to be sure - if only Newell could get his department together and hook them up so they wouldn't have to use friggin muggle transportation or portkey in emergency -- aka, criminal transportation. Asking them to sit tight on a bus and tube ride was hardly appropriate. And as inconvenient as portkeying in was, she figured the auror would manage without her while she ensure they weren't followed by curious muggle eyes.

Exhaling a sigh, Emily cracked her neck to the side before letting her hazel eyes rest on Mariel. What did she need to do? She wanted to help the lowlife? ... Emily almost felt sorry for her, but she made her bed, so she could lay in it. "Well, as Bennett appears to be pressing charges, he'll be written up, fined and kept overnight... unless he posts bail." Or unless she posted it for him. But really, it wasn't worth it. Let the rats enjoy his company a little while. He belonged there. "We can discuss this further at the office if you like." The term office used incredibly loosely in this instance.

And... was that an afterthought? Cynthia bothered sticking around for the sideshow? Well good on her.
"Food... was excellent... but if you'll excuse me, work beckons. It was a pleasure meeting your acquaintance." She offered the woman a curt nod, and gestured to Mariel that she was welcome to join if she was able to. Otherwise, she'd be seeing her later.

Scenes. Did people not know how much she hated scenes? And drama? Consider her mood soured.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tegz

"I'll have a coffee... just a flat white please... and a sausage roll heated up." Rusty made his order and peered into the display case, "And I'll get a scone... and a cupcake. One of those ones with the pink icing. Can I have the cupcake to go, please?" He paid with his Muggle plastic card, the one he had to sign for, and took one of the metal things with a number so that they'd know where to bring what he'd ordered when his coffee was ready.

He really WAS just keeping to himself. And besides, it was safe here... or so he'd thought right up until the moment where some lady spoke to him.

....... in a way that made it ENTIRELY clear that she was no muggle. Rustin blinked and turned to look at her, having a fight or flight moment but ending up settling for neither. She got a sheepish grin instead. "That'd be me."

Not that he would call himself a SAP but... he did feel reasonably poorly about the whole situation. It was terribly awkward.

Ignoring the way Kiera was stiffly following, her legs barely even bending at the knees, Daphne shifted her eyes from the guy to the menu up on the wall. She had caught the boyish look one his face out of the corner of her eye, but all it resulted in was an amused smirk to form on her lips. "Take it you didn't put yourself up for it then," she said, eyes back on the menu now.

If only the other register would open up so she could move there to place her order.

Lips pursing in disbelief at how blunt her sister was being, Kiera worried that the gentleman would be offended. She couldn't sense such a feeling from him at present, nor was his body language exactly indicating anything other than sheer embarrassment. Her movements almost robotic in nature, she eventually made it to her Daphne's side, the side opposite Rusty, and proceeded to stare at the counter.

Simon rolled his eyes as Jorge continued to speak out and trying to play coy even when his physical fight seemed to have left him. He might have understood only half of it since the journalist was switching between English and spanish but still it was enough to annoy him even a little. Even him trying to put words in his mouth to go with the whispered ones the auror had given to an act of anger. However he was trying to remain mostly cool himself to see if the man even bothered to stop when it appeared as if his taunts weren't working or continue on regardless.

The sooner they got away the better. After a while, Simon wasn't even waiting on the others since Emily had opted to stay behind with the other two women. Fine by him.

He couldn't help smirk though when Jorge's words were finally cut off by his spell. What...what was that he was trying to say? Nothing he cared to know about and instead he disarmed the man and reached into a pocket for a reserve portkey he had stashed there as a precaution. Hadn't exactly planned on arresting anyone today but then deTalone and her lawyer were still out so it seemed a worthy idea. Activating it, the auror waited with one hand holding it as the other had a firm grasp on the journalist leaning in his hold

One trip to the MLE holding cells...coming up.

To the Cells

Ooooooh boy, that cutie pattootie Auror was a big bad stinker, wasn't he? Going off of Jorge's words... and his Spanish ones, because she did know some Spanish.... he was MAD. Steamed up. Rightfully so, too. Just look at the mess the MLE had made in front of MUGGLES!

Tori tsked loudly as Simon dragged her friend out. Then she whirled on the department head. "Hold it, let's not forget me," she spoke up loudly. "I'm coming too. My client has rights, you know." She planted herself deliberately in the way of the MLE woman and crossed her arms.

Don't worry about bail, she wanted to say to Jorge's girlfriend. The Daily Prophet would likely be paying for this one, along with some real legal representation. But she could hardly explain all of that in front of this MLE witch. So instead, she gave the brunette a 'whaddaya gonna do' shrug/expression.

And ugh..........

In her way, she was.

Emily's flat expression was enough to show her distaste in the woman's exuberance. Get the preppy redhead out of her way, nowwwww.
"You're welcome to check yourself in at our reception desk, my staff will ensure you go through the proper channels." If she indeed was his attorney, then this would be of little news to her. What kind of attorney didn't know protocol? And she surely knew how to get to the DMLE, no? "Now if you'll excuse me, I have matters to attend to."

Side stepping the woman, Emily continued on her way.

Pffft check in at the reception desk. So Jorge's girlfriend, just because she was a department head, got offered an escort to the MLE HQ. But Tori, because she was Jorge's "lawyer," got shuffled to the side.

"I see how it is," the redhead commented loudly, turning slowly on her heel to eye the Emily woman as she walked away. Uh huh. Well. She had her WAYS and MEANS to get to the MLE, and step one... was just a quick apparition away.

She turned back around to give an apologetic smile to Jorge's girl. "I'm sorry, I promise I'm only going to help Jorge," she sort of explained. "Don't worry about bailing him out. I'm sure the Daily Prophet will help out." And she was so sure, she was going there right now.

Tori turned on her heel again and untucked her microphone pen from her ear. She subtly tapped it/turned it off and then dropped it into her bag. On to her HQ!

See, Mariel could count on Emily to be a rational, professional woman, no matter what her personal feelings were in the matter, which only proved that she was speaking to the right person about any resolution that could be had here. She fixed her green eyes on the Department Head, nodding a bit as she explained the basics. Yes, of course he was pressing charges for a little push, wasn't he? Mariel desperately fought the urge to roll her eyes, but she kept up her impassive expression as she listened. "Post bail.. right," she mused aloud. Looked like she was going to have to make an extra trip, but she had already had that thought in mind. The brunette would see that he was released sooner rather than later.. and certainly not kept overnight. It was ridiculous enough as it was.

She opened her mouth to speak in the affirmative, quickly closing it as Cynthia spoke up. Cynthia.. Mariel had nearly forgotten about her in the.. chaos. She offered her an apologetic smile, but said nothing. Causing scenes was not really her thing and she just as soon forget this as soon as she got everything straightened out. She turned her eyes back on the MLE head and nodded as she gestured her way out. "Alright, yes.. I'll get to your office as soon as I can. I need to take care of a few things at my own office first." She was not about to assume anything would take care of itself now that her lunch was over and didn't know how long things were going to take. She needed to at least let Vic know she might be out for a bit and to reschedule a few things. Not to mention make a withdrawal.

Her eyes drifted to the redhead again as she insisted her presence was essential and she considered her for a moment. Miss Bunbury, was it? Mariel caught those words from Jorge before he was dragged off and it wasn't a name she'd likely forget. She vaguely wondered if she was related to her old Herbology professor and current Headmistress of that dreadful school. As inept as ever, she was sure, though she did always admire her taste in footwear. That was neither here nor there though, but she was aware of a Bunbury on staff at the Prophet. Mariel wondered why she was playing the attorney, though she figured the girl thought that was helping somehow.

She gave a glance to the back of Emily as she headed out then turned again to the redhead as she spoke. "I know you're trying to," she said, giving her a small but appreciative smile. She took a few steps after her as she started out the door. "Miss Bunbury, wait. I don't have a problem bailing him out.." Well, she didn't really know how much it was going to be or anything either, but she also didn't want him in any trouble at work. Could it wait till it all just blew over? "I have a stop or two to make, can you go and make sure they're following procedure?" Emily, she thought would go by the book, but she didn't trust Simon at all. And she wanted to make sure Jorge was being treated fairly before she got there. Not waiting for an answer, the brunette quickly headed away, she had too much to do to spare any time and she wanted to get to the Underground as soon as possible.

Drama, suspense, action...keep it for the TV shows. Cynthia enjoyed her telenovela, but when it made its way into real life? No thank you! And it didn't help that the drama kept increasing.

She still wasn't sure why this reporter was being arrested in the first place. She'd rather focus all her energy on Emily, who seemed to be the only person not also ingaged in the chaos. Mariel then gave her a "sorry-for-your-trouble-gotta-deal-with-this" kind of look, so to speak.

Emily seemed to be saying goodbye. That was slightly embarrassing to Cynthia, but she understood. She would do the same in her position. Whatever happened to a quietly awkward lunch with Ministry strangers?

"Goodbye. Nice to meet you, too." She half-offered her hand out, but quickly put it back down as Emily left.

What?

Put himself up for that? No WAY. "If I had, I'd have used a better picture. And maybe made it sound less..." What was the word? Desperate. Yeah. That. "... less... what it was."

And... he could make his excuses and go back to the plans of the day? Or did he still have to make small talk? Because he was done paying. That was awkward. Ahem. And that one there looked uncomfortable and Rustin hardly wished to make anyone feel such.

He glanced between the talking one, and the robot one, and gave a polite nod. "I had best find myself a table." He looked around and then back at the two women. "Ladies." Another nod and he headed over to the tables, finding one and putting the little stand that had his order number down so that the waitress would be able to see it and know where to bring the food.

Eyes still very much on the counter, Kiera began to trace random patterns with her finger over her sister's leather coat while she listened to their conversation. Her eyes briefly glanced towards him, however, but her gaze never met his and instead landed somewhere around his shoulder. "I didn't think the picture was so horrible...." she mumbled.

Shrugging her shoulder to get her sister's fingers off her jacket, Daphne met his eyes head on and tried not to look to amused by the whole situation. Wizarding London's Bachelor of the Month was a reluctant one, it was laughable really. "Desperate?" she replied, her lips still curled up in an amused smirk. "Those things always come across that way regardless of how they are written." Wasn't the title enough of an indication?

Merlin knew her sister probably would have owled the Prophet for a possible set up had it not been for certain circumstances. Not something she would personally recommend anyone do. Kiera was too high maintenance.

Both of them returned his nod, although Kiera's was much more subtle, and then it was up to Daphne to place their lunch order of a garden salad and iced tea for her and a pesto chicken sandwich and fizzy something for Kiera.

Kiera had watched his shoes leave and once she had the stand with their order number on it in place she gave Daphne a sweet but pleading smile. "We should go sit near him while he waits." Surely Daphne was just a little intrigued by Rustin Killick, no?

So with a gentle tug, she began to lead the way towards an empty table near his.

Well perhaps not horrible, but to him it had appeared like a mugshot, which was hardly appropriate for a dating profile.

... Merlin, not that he'd bloody well put it together himself or... well it wasn't much of a dating profile either, was it? He just had to grin and bear it or something, keep his head down until it was over. Surely there wouldn't be anyone trying to contact the Prophet to get a date with him.

Which was embarrassing in itself.

Desperate. Sigh. "I assure you, I'm not desperate. I'm perfectly content with my lot in life." With his daughter being the only little lady in his life. Rusty mussed his hair up and then settled himself at his chosen table...

... only to find he was being followed. Sort of. Nearish. Awkward. It was like saying goodbye to someone only to discover you were heading in the same direction.

It'd be rude not to say something, wouldn't it?

"You can both join me if you like." And if not he'd just put his head down, drink his coffee, and be on his way and hope nobody else around Muggle London recognised him.

Before going over to the Renaldi house, Orlando had been ordered to pick up some bakery goods. Originally Landon had been asked to do so, but ever since he got to know Orlando was visiting, he had made sure the younger brother did everything Landon was suppose to do.

Orlando obliged, because well he couldn't really say no.

Strolling into the bakery, the twenty five year old went to counter- hoping to find what his sister in law was suddenly and urgently craving in her soon-to-be-mommy condition.

Legend Chosen half expected it to be raining. He really did. How else would the fantastic London weather welcome his return. Although it wasn't. Bright and sunny, Legend almost thought that he had arrived in a different place all together. It hadn't taken him that long to track his friends down. After all he knew where all of them lived, it was just finding out if they were at home. For some reason Legend's brain simply notified him to find Lando first, which was a good thing. As soon as he got closer to the man-boy's house he noticed him leaving.

So of course Legend just followed, making a note to himself to remind Lando to ALWAYS look behind him.

Pushing the door to the bakery open, Legend watched as Orlando went up to the counter before tapping him on his shoulder. "So what's good here?"

Mud Chocolate Cake with Blackberry topping.

What the fudge?

Orlando was not sure how he was going to explain the guy behind the counter what he wanted without getting a weird face. That was when he felt the hand on his shoulder and the familiar voice.

The twenty five year old turned just to be sure and the shock was quiet visible on his face. "It's you."

Pause.

Stare.

How long had it been since they each other?

Legend stared right back, and even blinked a few times for good measure before smiling at his old friend. "Well I think it's me but uh-" The Gryffindor tugged on his arm- yeah still his. His shirt. Yeah his too. He even ran his hand through his hair was seemed to be oddly neat but not to worry it was his as well. That meant he had to be him right?

"No hug then?"

Yep. It was him.

Orlando grinned hearing him and immediately pulled the older guy in a hug.

Orlando patted Legend's back before pulling back. "What are you doing here?" So what if they hadn't met in a while, he was here now. 'More importantly, where were you!?"

Gladly accepting the hug Legend gave Lando two hard pats on the back. Heh. Manly and stuff. As the other man let go, Legend raised his brows as though he thought it were obvious. "I'm back. Duh." Really? Why else would he be here? As for the second question...well.

His eyes drifted up to the menu. "Do they have good coffee here?" Because you know, that was very important. Pushing his hands into his pocket and turning his eyes back to Lando, Legend's smile had somewhat faded. The last year was not a good one. It was tough, it was hard. The only thing that he was happy about was that he was still alive and that he hadn't loss any limbs.

And his hair was good.

"The U, S, of A." Hmm. "'Murica" he said roughly, in his best American accent possible. Which he had gotten pretty good at. "Last undercover mission and it was a big one. Couldn't tell anyone though, it was way to dangerous, and it could have meant spoiling my cover."

"I think so, yeah," Orlando replied, ordering up two coffees and placing the list he was suppose to be getting in front of the guy behind the counter. He could pick it after he was done catching up with his best friend. Picking up their coffees, the former Gryffindor headed toward an empty booth.

"Wow," was the only thing Orlando could say as he sat down. "I am glad you are okay, Legend," he said, his expression somber. After what had happened to his own brother last year, he wasn't sure how to feel about these undercover missions anymore. And by the look of Legend, it didn't seem like he was all that thrilled either.

"But you are back now .. " he continued, "hopefully for good?"

Taking a sip of his coffee, Orlando took a moment to disregard any and all awkward, meeting-ruining questions he had. "So you have to come back home with me, Mum would be thrilled to see you," he added, smiling.

Free coffee? He knew Lando was his best friend for a reason. Taking the coffee with a thankful nod, Legend just had time to put some milk and sugar in before Lando was already walking away to find them somewhere to sit. "Why wouldn't I be okay? Lando, i'm a Lion. We're always okay." Strong like a lion, quick, smart, all that.

Gryffindors ruled.

"Actually...." So...why not have fun with his best bud? "I have to leave again in about twenty minutes. Another undercover mission. Just followed you a bit to say hi before I'm back out again." Legend sighed, as if it were such a sad sad life.

Gryffindor, yes. Orlando smiled that smile of his - eyes closing, teeth showing. Legend did usually have that effect on him.

All that smile got wiped off though, when he spoke next. What. He was leaving already?

"But you can't!" he blurted out. "You just got back," he said, panicking slightly. "KT would kill you, if she knew about this!"

No. Nope. He can't leave. FLAIL. How was he suppose to stop him?

It was a fabulous day for shopping and Cassie was soaking up all the rays as she was on the street in between shops. She was school shopping and the thought of the words made her giggle. She felt like a first year again really. New things, new people, new adventures. It was all just way to marvelous. Looking around she had noticed a cute little bakery that she just had to try. So once she had her arm full of bags the blonde made her way into the cafe.

Standing at the front of the counter she tried to decide on what to have. Once it was her turn to order she decided on a nice sweet treat and a tea, but also grabbed a water. She had to stay hydrated for the rest of the afternoon of shopping. Some just didn't appreciate the work involved when it came to finding the most perfect outfit for that first day. She was trying to find the best colors and the best heels she could. Knowing some of the students would be taller than her the five foot shorty ha decided early on she would never be without her heels. Even her slippers were cute pink heels just in case she was called out at night.

Once she had her food Cassie moved to a small little table right at the front and opened her Quibbler. What better time to get in the know of the latest gossip than right now.

Needing a bit of fresh air in the middle of the work day, Mariel took a walk down the street, slowing her footsteps as she neared the cafe. The one and only time she had been in there was a terrible experience, one she'd rather forget, and she probably should have kept walking. But she remembered the promise of cinnamon rolls and red velvet cupcakes that she had been unable to purchase and thought maybe she could stop in quickly. She knew someone who might appreciate the cupcakes anyway.

Smiling lightly at that thought, the brunette pushed open the door and walked through, heading straight for the counter to order. She knew exactly what she wanted to order and could care less about who was already here. If someone witness to previous events was present, so be it. She wasn't one to run and hide at the first sign of conflict.

But, as she waited, she couldn't help but let her eyes drift to the people at the tables, lingering on one person in particular. A very familiar one at that. What was she doing here? Mariel couldn't help but notice what the woman was reading - the Quibbler. What a joke, though she couldn't say she was surprised even if she couldn't help the slight wrinkle of her nose in distaste. Sigh.. she supposed she should at least go over and say hello. Once she was waited on of course. Once every few years was about all she could take.