The laughter didn't bug Tala, in fact, the blond thought nothing of the older woman's mirth, other than that it seemed good-natured. "I got my dad's, well, my other dad's, Papa and I have the same hair." She said, rambling a little. Tala had the tendency to do that sometimes, over explain, over talk, it was a habit she couldn't break. "Yep, Werewolf Support Junior Assistant." And really long title holder.

She tucked back a strand of her blonde hair, taking the older woman's example and moving to the side, least she block the pastries and goodies. "What about you?" What was her name? May? April? June? It was something like that, Taladona was certain of it.

It had been an incredibly long day, and while Sherman had already eaten lunch, he couldn't help but want to get out of the office. A peek outside couldn't hurt, yes? Particularly not if that trip included the food court's scrumptious juice.

While most workplace dining venues were quite subpar these days, Sherman thought incredibly highly of his own. That menu? Looked deliciouuuus.

What to get?

It was most certainly between the Snakewater tea and the Gillywater drink. Why? Because he was feeling rather ickle in spirit, so perhaps a drink that sounded just as ickle would remind him that things weren't really all that bad. It was just a matter of which one was more gag-inducing.

He was debating this very question, when he felt someone at his elbow. On the dime of turning, Rhydian began to speak before he'd gotten his eyes around his perhiperal vision. "I dare say, which is the most rubbish-------"

It was as far as he got. All of a sudden, the drink was the last important thing on his mind. No. There was a man, with a face. An important face. A popular face. A famous face. He had seen it on posters and newspapers and ........ MERLIN's GREAT BEARD!!

"Well kick Harry! You're Sherman Clark! The minister!" The next second he was reaching for a napkin and pulling out a pen. "Don't suppose you'd write an autograph on this here ... err ... invaluable use of tree fibre?"

No shame. Rhydian Blackhold had no shame.

Eggnog! That was what he'd have! Sherman passed over the sickles and nuts, receiving the tastiest drink in the planet in return. So worth that money, was it not? He was just about to roll around his wheelchair and slip off to his office again, when.... a fan?

"That I am, sir!" Slightly flustered but also flattered by the request for an AUTOGRAPH, the Minister peered up from his chair at the stranger and was surprisingly greeted by a face he knew. YATI. Rhydian Blackhold, was it not? He'd heard about that young lad from Alice, as well as Alexa.

He took the pen and napkin, speaking as he scribbled his name on it, using his knee as a hard surface. "Why, Mr. Blackhold, there are better things to sign than a napkin, did you know?" Like some paperwork of the Auror-to-Be's that surely had been graced with his penmanship.

"Well tickle me pink!" Of course he knew he'd got it right. He'd seen the images enough to know the man's face. But who knew? Maybe he had an imposter, or a double. He was, after all, the most important face in the ministry.

Still, he was giving Rhydian a signature! The YATI might as well have been a five year old boy in a candy shop, right then and there.

Until he heard his own name on the man's lips. What was this now? His complexion paled a little, but he didn't miss the opportunity or a beat. "Well, I didn't think you'd appreciate me asking you to sign my arm, or my back, Mr. Clark." As nice of a back and arm as it was.

"And just, Rhydian if you would?" Could one ask the Minister of MAGIC so informally for something. "Mr. Blackhold makes me feel old and stiff as bleached bones. No offense of course."

'Kick Harry!' 'Tickle me pink!' ... err. The youngster had quite a knowledge of phrases on him, did he not? He sounded like he'd come from an older era— possibly Sherman's own— and the way he dressed definitely went along with that.

Wonder, how would a boy like that make for a Auror? Interesting.

"Just Rhydian it is, lad. And no worries, Just Rhydian. I happen to know how horrid it is to feel old and stiff as bleached bones. Wouldn't wish that on you for the world." He handed back the napkin with a smile. "You ought to autograph an invaluable use of tree fiber for me as well, eh?"

Well, that was true. And the Minister had said it, not him. So really, no harm done whatsoever. In fact, it was merely an invitation into more inquiry. "Oh surely there must be some perks." His grin widened. "Say, have you ever thought of racing down the halls in that? I'm sure you could get quite the speed on it."

Just saying, cause, well it was a theory worth being tested.

But what was this? Rhydian blinked and straightened a little. "Me?" Well, that was a first. Not that he minded, question was more of why? He was a small fry in the Minister's shadow. Unless the minister liked small fries as much as the commoner liked big shadows?

Feeling half obliged and mostly curious, and combined with the knowledge he couldn't properly ask without succumbing to the request, Rhydian did as he was told. Pen, napkin, signature. He passed it over. "Either you want that to frame me for something, or your expecting a rise to greatness."

Surely, it was the hat.

Nolan Reynolds was trying to detox himself from coffee - and he was failing spectacularly. He had ordered a tea, but was very tempted to go get a cup of coffee instead. It was so much healthier to drink tea and Ginger was on a real health kick lately so he'd been trying it out...but those sugary, fluffy, calorie-filled coffee drinks were soooo good after a long day of writing. Ugh. Being healthy sucked.

Sipping on his green tea and grimacing slightly to himself at the taste, he looked around for his cousin, Sam. He hadn't seen him in FAR too long, and they were long overdue for a lunch get together!

Juice... really? Sam thought has he walked towards the bar, hoping that there was an option for chocolate something. Like, chocolate MILKSHAKE! That sounded good and unhealthy. He noticed Nolan sitting alone, and he gave him a little wave to show that he acknowledge his presence before looking at the menu.

OH! OH! OH! They DID have CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKES!

He ordered himself once, paid the nice worker that made it for him, and headed over to his cousin. "Must be a Ginger thing," he stated as he took a seat by his cousin. "Because honestly, milkshakes are way better than that nasty looking green water you're drinking right now. What is that anyways? Seaweed water? Booger juice?"

He sipped on his milkshake now.

Nolan grinned at his cousin as he joined him and shook his head. "It's tea, you uncultured nitwit. You call yourself British?" he asked him with a grin. He eyed the milkshake his cousin had and sighed. It looked delicious. Not as delicious as a frappuccino of course, but still tasty. "And if you must know, yes. It IS a Ginger thing. With the baby on the way, she's trying to get the whole family to eat healthy," he explained. Which really was not a BAD thing of course. They had decided that this one was going to be the last one - Ginger kept saying she couldn't handle being pregnant another time, and Nolan was starting to worry that they'd soon need to move AGAIN into a bigger house if they had any more kids.

"So...given any thought to returning to the Ministry?" he asked him. Nolan himself had been thinking about returning to work at the Ministry, even though the royalties from his book made for a comfortable living...he had to do something with his time, though. He was going to go MAD sitting at that house, with all those kids...

Sam chuckled. "Technically," he began to say, "I've lived in New York for about 10 years, so I think I can consider myself half British, half American now." He has learned the ways while he lived in that very busy city. He noticed that Nolan was eyeing his milkshake, and he slowly pushed the glass over his way. "Take a sip." He knew Nolan wanted to. "Ginger will never know." Unless he was given a reason to snitch on his cousin, which hardly ever happened since they've gotten older and more wiser - - actually, just older.

Speaking of Gingeraroo, "How's she and the baby doing?"

He nodded a little at Nolan's question. "That's why I'm moving back, cous," he answered. "I figured it was about time to come back to this Ministry after being at the one in the United States for oh-so long. Besides, Juliette needed to have the Hogwarts experience." Even though it had killed Sam to put his baby girl on the train! "And I wanted her to live in London so we could be closer to you and..." He trailed off. "No, just you." If Dan was anywhere near here, he might as well pack his bags back up.

"I was going to say - I think America tainted your palette," Nolan told his cousin with a grin. He shook his head, though, when he offered him a sip of his milkshake. "No, really, it's ok. It's the coffee I'm more concerned with. I never realized how much I depended on the stuff," he chuckled. Probably from fueling all those long nights writing the book...

"She's doing good. This pregnancy is the worst by far, though. She is STILL having morning sickness even into the second trimester...and we've had to hire a nanny because she has no energy to watch after the kids," he explained. Four kids under Hogwarts age was not very fun for a pregnant woman, that was obvious.

Nolan took a sip of his tea and nodded. "How is Juliette doing? I'm sure Scarlett loves having her there," he added, especially with the young cousins being in the same house as well. Scarlett always adjusted well to whatever situation she was in - she would be a good help to her, if she had any trouble adjusting, although Nolan was sure she didn't. He never knew her mother, but knowing her father...yeah, that kid would be in no trouble, he was sure.

"Is Dan even IN London anymore? I haven't seen him in ages," he grumbled. Dan was not his circle of regulars, that was for sure.

"I cannot argue that," Sam replied with another chuckle. "But, NOLAN! Do you know all the things you can get on a burger in America?! It's like... I don't know, a heart attack on a plate? I guess that's the best way to describe it." It was a surprise he hadn't gained weight when he was living in New York. "I can get you a cup of coffee, if you want. As long as it doesn't look like booger juice." He motioned to the cup of tea. Ew.

"Poor Gingy." He may think thought that woman was the Devil itself, but he had a soft spot for her as well. She DID marry Nolan afterall, so there had to be some good in that ginger hair of hers. "Tell her I asked about, and also tell her that's she's a lovely lady and makes pregnancy look easy." He could suck up to people easily. Heh. "I remember the days of morning sickness...." Pause. "When Emma was sick, I mean. Not me."

A big smile formed on his face when Juliette was mentioned. "She's doing well," he replied. "I miss her though." He missed her more than he was willing to admit. "I'm sure her and Scarlett are having so much fun, and I'm glad Juls has someone there that'll help her settle in." It made him feel a little bit better when he sent Juliette off that Scarlett would be with her.

"I don't know," he replied, "and I honestly don't care. I lost contact with him after leaving, and I have not heard or seen him since." Surely, he's fine. Maybe he should ask his mother just in case there was some family related news he needed to be caught up on.

Another year back and what better way than to take a pit stop at the local juice bar. Luc felt good about this year as he stepped in. Rather than taking the usual lift up to the higher levels, he settled with the direction to the Specialty area. He agreed to meet up with his longtime girlfriend there so they could relax and enjoy their free time together at work since they worked in different areas.

Sitting at the bar he waited. Luc looked over the menu to decide for himself first.

With a purple gift bag in hand Claude made her way down in the lift to specialty area to meet up with her boyfriend Luc in the juice bar. To have some free time with Luc hade to look forward to hade made her work morning fly by in a jiffy.

Coming into the juice bar Claude spotted Luc sitting by the bar perusing the menu. Sneaking up behind him she wrapped her arms around him from behind and leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek. "Hi Luc!"

Luc was just minding his business reading when all of a sudden the LIGHTS WENT OUT! Oh no, he could feel soft hands over his eyes. Such soft, delicate hands. His own larger hands went over them to move them before turning, "You're not Toby." He grinned jokingly.

"Hi Claudy." Luc leaned over to return a kiss on her cheek. "How are you, love?" His eyes then noticed the purple bag, "Oh, what's in the bag?"

Addison was here for just one reason. A strawberry banana smoothie. Yum. She had been wanting one for the entire day and the very first chance she had she took. All she needed was five minutes. Maybe ten. Just enough to get herself to the juice bar, get her drink and return to her department. Or better yet maybe she would allow herself a few extra minutes and actually sit down at a table and enjoy her drink.

Whatever she decided she had some time. The line was moving but none to quickly. Why couldn't she have a juice bar in the Break Room on her level? It was a thought honestly and would save a trip this way whenever the craving hit her for one. Pushing her long blonde hair off her shoulders and tucking a loose strand behind her ear the women slowly took a step forward. At this rate she'd be here all day long.

"I should hope not." Claudette said with only a little pout in the lips at her boyfriend that soon turned over into a soft warm beam. "I've got softer and smaller and more delicate hands that Toby could ever get." Especially considering Luc's friends profession and view of personal hygiene.

"I'm feeling cheery, how about you darling?" Disentangling herself albeit reluctantly Claude moved to slip into the seat next to Luc at the bar. Putting the bag on teh counter infront of him she said mysteriously. "Something for you. Open it and take a look."

SPOILER!!: Addison! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Addison was here for just one reason. A strawberry banana smoothie. Yum. She had been wanting one for the entire day and the very first chance she had she took. All she needed was five minutes. Maybe ten. Just enough to get herself to the juice bar, get her drink and return to her department. Or better yet maybe she would allow herself a few extra minutes and actually sit down at a table and enjoy her drink.

Whatever she decided she had some time. The line was moving but none to quickly. Why couldn't she have a juice bar in the Break Room on her level? It was a thought honestly and would save a trip this way whenever the craving hit her for one. Pushing her long blonde hair off her shoulders and tucking a loose strand behind her ear the women slowly took a step forward. At this rate she'd be here all day long.

The famous Cinnamon Apple Cider is what Lucas wanted. For some reason, he had gotten the craving for it a few minutes ago and he decided to satisfy that craving. Figuring he would grab some for Tallie too, he set off, arriving at the Juice bar. He stepped in the line behind a woman fidgeting with her hair. He didn't pay any attention to her at first since he had gotten distracted by all the beverages being sold. He was sure he could smell almost everything they sold as the aromas lingered in the air.

"It's a kind of a long line,'' Lucas muttered to no one in particular as he surveyed the persons before him. Good thing he was done with quite a bit of his work for the day which meant he was in no hurry to get back to his Department.

Someone speaking quietly behind her had Addy glancing over her shoulder. The only one there was a man and no one else. Had he been speaking with her? "It is, isn't it?," she commented lightly with a slight smile. "Is it always this busy in here?" If it was she would have to remember that and not come here at this time. Chances were it was just her luck however and it was hardly ever this crowded in this place. That always seemed to be how things worked for her. Even the deadest of places would be jam packed with people because she wanted or needed something from there. It was just her luck really. However maybe speaking with the guy behind her would help the line move a little more quickly.

Luc found her so cute when she made that pouty face. "Yes, you do." He couldn't resist taking those hands to give a small kiss each. How was he feeling? "I'm feeling SUPER, love." Ooh and the bag yes.

Luc eyed the bag as he went to take it. "I-i-i didn't get you anything yet though." He couldn't help feeling bad. Their next yeariversary was just around the corner along with his birthday. He would have to make it up.

Opening it since he didn't want to turn down her effort his eyes widened even more. "WOW!" Oh right, inside volume. "This is soo cool, Claudy!" Holding onto it so he could revel in the majestic of the look of the necklace. "Thank you, I love it." Leaning to kiss her cheek before he went to wear it. "I'll wear it close to my heart"

SPOILER!!: Addison! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Someone speaking quietly behind her had Addy glancing over her shoulder. The only one there was a man and no one else. Had he been speaking with her? "It is, isn't it?," she commented lightly with a slight smile. "Is it always this busy in here?" If it was she would have to remember that and not come here at this time. Chances were it was just her luck however and it was hardly ever this crowded in this place. That always seemed to be how things worked for her. Even the deadest of places would be jam packed with people because she wanted or needed something from there. It was just her luck really. However maybe speaking with the guy behind her would help the line move a little more quickly.

The woman heard him. When she turned around, Lucas smiled sheepishly. "I was just musing to myself,'' he said to her by way of explanation. Hang on for a moment though. Wasn't she one of the Department Heads? Lucas couldn't quite remember which one of the Departments. "Sometimes. It depends on the time you get here. Lunch times are especially.''

While he waited for the line to keep moving, he reasoned he had better introduce himself. There wasn't much else to do otherwise. "I'm Lucas Hawthorne. Games and Sports. I think you're a Department Head... right?'' There were some of those he was familiar with and others not so much.

That quiet look on the mans face lead Addy to believe that perhaps she hadn't been meant to hear what he had said. His words only further went on to confirm that. "Oh, I see. Well it is only the truth," she answered with a quiet laugh glancing around the area once again silently checking to see if it was getting more crowded by the minute or if it were simply her imagination. "I really should have known that, why I always seem to come here when it's busy is beyond me." Really, you'd think by now she'd learn her lesson but one couldn't always fight the craving of a fruit smoothie.

Addison took another step forward bringing them both closer to the front of the line. "It's nice to meet you Lucas Hawthorne. I am," she laughed nodding her head. "Addison Anders Head of Mysteries." She was still somewhat newish so it was perfectly normally to not be all that well-known around the ministry as of yet.

Claudette forgave Luc in a heartbeat for thinking that she was Toby especially since she got kisses out of it. An added bonus. And besides she just got a little pouty not really irritated at him. It would take a lot to get her really irritated.

Reaching out to pet his Luc's left hand Claudy shook her head. "It's fine. You didn't have to get me anything. I just saw this in the jewellers the other day and thought of you. You can see it as a pre-birthday and yeariversery present from me to you. I love you. You are my soul mate Luc." He was her everything.

She almost fell off her bar stool at Luc's exclamation of delight and likeness as he saw the necklace. Beaming Claudy blushed as she tried to explain. "I thought it'd suit since you work as an auror and sort off is a warrior for good." Hence why she had chosen the sword.

Returning Luc's kiss with one off her own on his cheek she said "I'm really happy that you love the necklace."

SPOILER!!: Addison! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

That quiet look on the mans face lead Addy to believe that perhaps she hadn't been meant to hear what he had said. His words only further went on to confirm that. "Oh, I see. Well it is only the truth," she answered with a quiet laugh glancing around the area once again silently checking to see if it was getting more crowded by the minute or if it were simply her imagination. "I really should have known that, why I always seem to come here when it's busy is beyond me." Really, you'd think by now she'd learn her lesson but one couldn't always fight the craving of a fruit smoothie.

Addison took another step forward bringing them both closer to the front of the line. "It's nice to meet you Lucas Hawthorne. I am," she laughed nodding her head. "Addison Anders Head of Mysteries." She was still somewhat newish so it was perfectly normally to not be all that well-known around the ministry as of yet.

Lucas grinned. "Yes, it is. But the serve some of the best juices, you know? I like the cinnamon Apple cider.'' He in haled heavily again. "Plus it does smell really good in here.'' He noted some persons ahead of him stepping closer to the counter. "The line is moving quickly at least. Soon we'll be up at the counter.''

When the woman stepped up, Lucas followed. "I thought I recognised you! I just couldn't remember which Department you belonged to. It's great to meet you, Addison. How are you liking being Head so far? Must be a lot of responsibilities.'' Lucas thought that he might like to be Head someday but right now, he was more than happy to be just a regular Ministry employee.