Oh, was she complimenting him?
Mozzie really knew how to keep her friends happy. What should he say? Tristan looked over at Nathan, with a stupid smile. His brain was going into overdrive.
So...he just smiled. "Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeell, Nathan here is free..."

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh.

He was glad they began to talk about Mozzie's phobia.
Tristan listened intently at her story. She told it well, being the actress that she was. And well, now they knew why she was refusing to sing. But honestly he thought she was exaggerating. People can be so mean.
"Well then that's the plan." he grinned at Nathan. "Nathan and I sing, while you lip-sync to either of us." Oh how weird that would look. "Or not..." he said shrugging off the stupid attempt at a joke. He could pick the song? "Oh...uh sure." he nodded uncertain. What song??

A sort of grim expression covered Tristan's features. Had he really looked that bad when he first arrived? Mind you, he had been sleeping outside and it wasn't like he could have showered every day... That was a bit embarrasing, that Mozzie recalled him like that.

Now that he thought about it, it wasn't a day he wanted to remember. It made him feel akward. The fact that he had come back and basically just then came to terms that he couldn't go back to his mother's home. No one had known he was back. Not even now.

Was she asking him to stay? He tried to cover his smile. "Well, I should think it time, you know? I can't really well be staying forever..." though if it meant spending ALOT of time with Mozzie, he might. "Unless...you don't want me to?" he asked looking at her. Wow, did I really just ask that?

Oh, Nathan was staying at the Leaky too?
He suddenly felt giddy, like a little kid planning to stay up all night with his friends at a slumber party...or something. "Really?" he raised his eyebrows at Nathan. Then a wide grin spread his lips.

Yes! A drink!
"Oh...could I get a FireWhisky? And a glass of tea..." he said sheepishly. Tea, a great party drink. That would be alot for Nathan to carry. "Well, let me come with you!" he said making his way to stand up.

..............................????

Clearly, journalists were the worst drunks in the world. A pointed look at the truants to adult behavior, and Ian Hoshino was out of the way and headed towards a corner. He would not wish for a quiet one. The decibels were quite high, and Hoshino was positive even the neighboring shops could hear it all too well.

Maybe he needed another drink.

Nathan exhaled slowly through his nostrils while contemplating Mozzie's offer. He would have liked to hear her sing. “Well...” He said placing an index finger to his chin and looking upwards as if contemplating what, indeed, would give him that nudge to get up there and sing Britney Spears. Would he be expected to do the dance routine too? Deciding not to mention that... just in case, he looked at Mozzie with a smirk on his face. “I wouldn't say no to a bottle of firewhiskey as reward.” Was that all he could think of? Pathetic... it just showed what Nathan thought about most of the time. He grinned at Tristan. “I've told you I'll sing... jus' not without someone to sing those (improvised) backing vocals.”

His eyes widened slightly as Mozzie sighed melodramatically and her face fell. Throwing a look at Tristan, the smirk slid slowly off his face. Was this chick genuinely upset? Oh Merlin's pants. He leaned forward in his seat as he watched her only realising that it was all an act when the story started off with 'Once upon a time..' - dammit.. the woman was a good actress. His face relaxed back into a smirk and he sat back again as he listened to her woeful tale. “Man.. that's a tragic story.” He mumbled with a shake of the head when she had finished. But, whoa, could she spin a good yarn. He chuckled and looked at Tristan. “She's convinced me. I don't think I'd like to be subjected to such torture.” He laughed – the mental image of Mozzie miming along to their manly tones. “But this dancing... that I'd like to see.” But not as much as Tristan he didn't doubt.

His eyebrow raised as Mozzie went into more detail than Tristan had about the day he walked into the Leaky. The fact that she could remember it in such detail spoke bucketloads. She made it sound like they were an old married couple talking about how they first met. It was heartwarming to have these two lovely people to keep him company right now.

“Yes. I do need a room.” He nodded to Tristan "I'm afraid so, mate." 'interesting stay?' He found himself smiling again. What better place to stay than with friends?

He smiled and nodded to Mozzie's request. “Will do.” He saluted her like a muggle soldier then gave Tristan a confused look... firewhiskey and tea? Strange man. Nathan would get him out of such odd habits if he had his way. “Like iced tea?” He queried just to make sure. “No, stay mate. I can manage just fine - thanks.” A quick knowing wink at his friend when Mozzie wasn't looking and off he toddled to the bar...

Tristan had an incredibly adorable stupid smile, Mozzie mused and she shared a secret smile with herself. If only she knew the key to provoking such a smile.

Turning to Nathan, she tipped her head back and laughed. "I guess I should be rather pleased that the one reward you would ask, I can give to you for free." Which was a total relief to her, because Mozzie was sort of a shrewd pertaining to what she spent her money on. Her wardrobe? Certainly. But there was a reason she didn't live in her own house or move in with Nollie, like he'd asked her to.

"But, I think a certain mister buddy of yours would loooove to sing," Mozzie teased lightly, eyes on Tristan.

As long as she lip-synced? Eggggh.

Could they get Rico in on this, too, please? To distract from her? Eeeeep.

Pride settled over her face as Nathan complimented her story and she slipped one leg behind the other and offered him a little curtsy (or... they best she could; limited movement was allowed when one wore a little pencil skirt). Dancing she could do. Just to prove it, she shimmied a little bit.

"Dancing... that... oh yes, that I can do." Erratically. Oh the displays she and Nollie put on during the impromptu dances she would throw. At least she could dance, though, unlike Boo.

As Nathan affirmed that he would indeed be moving in, Mozzie turned to Tristan, insistence in her eyes. "Seee? Now you can't move out," she told him, something akin to a plea rising in her voice. "Because your Mister Nathan buddy here will be moving in and... and..." Her constricted throat made it hard for her to swallow, so she cast her eyes to the floor, ignored the faint flush on her cheeks, and smiled.

"It doesn't have to be time for you to move out... I mean... the Leaky always has open rooms and... and moving out on your own costs a lot more than what I charge you... plus, we give you food!" See? All these pros came from staying her. Plus. HER! "And... I don't want you to leave unless you really want to leave." Ahem? Go on. Go on. "I... I quite like knowing you're around..." And...? Just say it, it's not hard! "Plus... I think I'd miss you if you were gone?"

...more confidence would have helped. Alas.

Something inside her fell just slightly when Tristan stood and offered to help, and she couldn't help but smile to herself when Nathan waved off his help. Heeheeheeeeee.

So Mozzie turned to Tristan, the corners of her lips slightly turned down. "Do you really want to move out?" she asked him.

She didn't want to force him to stay just because of her... okay. So, selfish though it was, she DID want to force him to stay. But Mozzie knew better.

FireWhiskey was not Tristan's favorite drink , but it sure was one of Nathan's. Really? A bottle of alcohol. Tristan shook his head and smirked at his buddy. He would have asked for...For... Ah, he had nothing.
"Well, you can count on me." Tristan said seriously, like they were going on a mission a lá Top Gun. He was his wingman, fo' sho'.

He noticed the look Nathan gave Tristan, but his lips only formed a thin line of a smile but the comment he made got him laughing. Quickly, he put a hand to his mouth, snickering. "I'm sure youre not that bad...Though maybe we could put on earplugs?" he winked at her jokingly.

The innuendo Mozzie had thrown out to him was complete lost. "Oh yeah, I'm sure Rico would love to sing with you!" he smiled, nodding. Did this mean she rather wanted to sing with Bossman?

Afraid so?
Oh right, Nathan was moving out of his home... Since he and Egypt were no longer... He had really liked those two, they seemed so happy and in control But he smiled at his friend. "Oh, it's going to be great!"

His attention was brought back to Mozzie, who seemed rather blushy and shy at what she was about to say. Eyebrows raised in surprise at her words, she genuenly liked having him there? He mentally 'wohooo-ed' but kept a straight face, just watching her. It had suddenly gone really warm in here. "Oh...why...thank you...?" he bit his lip. BIT HIS LIP. That's right. "I quite enjoy living here, really." he said smiling.

His offer to help him had been rejected. Iced tea? Tristan was thinking more about regular hot cup of tea. But, sure why not. "Uh, yes that will be great." he nodded grateful. Soon he would be toasting. And what was that wink Nathan gave him? What was he up to?

Sitting down again, he faced Mozzie.
"No...I do really like living here." He particulary enjoyed the part when he walked down the stairs every morning and saw her at the bar, or running around cleaning tables or... Just seeing her. "It's just that I'm afraid, Mozzie." he said with a dramatic sigh. "Afraid you will find out about my...dirty laundry." he whispered the last part.

Really, no one should see anyone elses dirty clothes. Just...no.

BUT, the fact remained that he needed to take care of himself...on his own. He was not someone to leave things for others to handle. "Well, it wouöd be nice to have a place to call my own..." That didn't mean he wanted to stop seeing her.

Tristan clearly did not realize the severity of Mozzie's voice. Hmph. For now, she decided, she would give him such luxuries, allow him to live in such a dream world or something. Still - the ear plug thing sounded very much like something Nollie would say, which is why she had to yell at her reflexes and stop them from slugging his shoulder.

Now now, Mozzie.

Instead her nose wrinkled and she "Hmph"ed at him in good nature.

His optimism filled her with warm fuzzies.

Mozzie merely stared though, when Tristan suggested she sing with Rico. "Wait... are you trying to get rid of me? Since I can only lip sync?" Dramatic gaaaasp! "Are all that fighting with me, too." Graciously her nose lift into the air and she peeked out the corner of her eyes and grinned.

WHY WAS HE ALWAYS BITING HIS LIP OOF OOF OOF. Mozzie felt swamped with a bit of a dizziness and had to avert her gaze briefly. When he bit his lip, it brought attention to his lip and that made her think of of of of --- let's not go there. Ahem. (Were his lips soft, she wondered.)

As Nathan tottled off from them, Mozzie turned her attention back to Tristan and as he sighed so dramatically (had he been taking cues from her?), she leant in towards him, eager for the dirty secret. Or... dirty laundry?

Playing along, Mozzie gasped. "Nooooes!" she whispered. "Not... the DIRTY LAUNDRY!" Her mock horror melded into a grin, though. "Just so you know, though, if this sways you to stay," (oh, so she WAS trying to make him stay now?), "I'm not the one who cleans the rooms, so I'd never see your dirty laundry. Plus, I briefly shacked with Nollie, Boo and Stormy before I took up the Leaky and man oh MAN did I see dirty laundry." Mostly hers and Nollie's, but no one needed to know that.

"Trust that it'd not be enough for me to kick you out," she assured him. Unless he decided to hang his dirty laundry down here where people ate...

Oh, but... was he so for the idea of one day leaving? Her face collapsed with fear.

"Oh but then..." she started but was suddenly painfully aware of how childish and selfish she was being. "If that's what you want... one day," she told him, chewing on her lower lip. "But... you'll stay here a while yet... right? I mean, especially now that Nathan is moving in?"

Her heart was pounding in her chest but she was not aware of this. Instead, all she was aware of was the idea of the impending future in which Tristan would decide to blow this popcicle stand and move out and leave her behind. As if she didn't already see him so little...

He smiled big at her jesting, but with several nods of his head. "Nooo, ofcourse not." though with her charisma and personality, was it even possible to get rid of her? Not that he wanted that, oh not at all. "Hmmm, now that I think about it, Rico might get a little jealous if you steal his dancehing thunder." he smirked at her.

"Ooooh, yes, the Dirty Laundry." he nodded severly. "Oh well, that is comforting to know," he chuckled. A sort of relief came over him. Why hadn't he tought of it before, the idea that Mozzie could walk into his room and see his personal space? It made him feel vunerable. Maybe it was time to get his own room cleaned by himself soon.

Tristan could see how bothered she was with him leaving. It made him...happy? Sad? Desired? The way she chewed on her lip made him take one extra deep breath. "Yes, one day, not right now though..." he smiled at her. "I wouldn't want to leave you too soon." he assured her. One day didn't mean tomorrow, it didn't even have to mean soon. "I'm having one of the best times of my life here, this place means alot to me, so do you Mozzie." She would believe that, right?

"And now that Nathan is moving in, it would be way to hard to leave." True dat.

"So how have you been?" He realised he hadn't asked her before, it was a while since they had seen eachother and all. The only contact he had had with her since that time they spoke, was over his owl, Shanti, carrying a newspaper to her. And they didn't sort of have time because of the party. "You should be proud of yourself, this party is a success. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves."

His favorite part of the night was the kareoke, and seeing Mozzie. Oh, and the twinkling lights that reminded him of stars.
WHICH reminds him... He should ask her out, maybe she want's to go stargazing with him...

So.. the order was, as far as Nathan could remember, firewhiskey and a pint of ale for himself, hot chocolate for the lovely Ms Mozzie and tea with a shot of firewhiskey for Tristan... like mixed in. Ew. Coffee complimented the drink but he couldn't imagine what it tasted like with tea. Hmm... maybe it was ok with iced tea. Maybe it was a muggle drink he'd never heard of. Come to think of it, was Tristan muggleborn? He frowned – he'd have to ask the man about that sometime.

He got to the bar and placed the order, resisting the temptation to ask Gavin what his favourite song was so that he could keep the joke going about his Legilimency skills, but resisted prefering to believe that Gavin's favourite song really was 'Oops I did it Again.' He waited patiently as the man went about making the drinks up, drumming his fingers on the bar to some unheard rhythm and he looked over at Mozzie and Tristan happy to see them locked in conversation.

He requested a tray and made his way back to the table and placed the chocolate in front on Mozzie – it smelled good that stuff, the iced tea with whiskey in front of Tristan (again, ew) and the pint and shot in front of himself. He sat and picked up the long drink first and raised it to his two new friends. “Cheers.” He said with a smile and took a sip. Merlin's pants that was good. He couldn't believe he had just got up and sung in front of all his colleagues when he was stone cold sober.

To be so panicked at the idea of Tristan leaving was silly and foolish, because, she knew very well, that she had claim over him. For her to even think of trying to be selfish and possessive was absolutely wrong - and uncalleld for. Shame colored her to even be daring to think such thoughts, especially of a friend. He certainly wasn't thinking them.

That kind of mad her stomach plummet.

Even still, Mozzie ran a lodge, not an apartment, so of course the idea of Tristan having to find his own place one day would come up. Sigh. Change was never quite something she had ever dealt with and even still, she seemed completely adamant against it. Tristan coming to the Leaky Cauldron was just the start, she realized, and though they were both often so busy during the last year and had little time to have more than a brekkie chat, Mozzie had come to relish in the comfort of knowing he was there.

And when had this happened, anyway? When had she come to keep his company so closely desired?

Nevertheless, she smiled at Tristan and shrugged demurely. "I would hate for you to leave me so soon, anyway." She spoke in a voice brimming with sincerity. "And I am more than pleased that you're enjoying your stay here." Following a wink, she told him, "I like to think that part of it had something to do with me."

A ripple of pleasure followed Tristan's compliment and Mozzie's chin lift in the air with confidence. "Of course it is," she teased him. "Parties are what I did. Come to think of it... why did I never become a party planner...? Hmmm. But otherwise, I've been the same as usual - busy and whatnots, as, you know, is the life of an innkeeper. And you?" An inquisitive brow probed. "I find you've been busy again, preparing for the release of the paper?"

Her attention returned to Nathan, as the man returned, and with gratitude, Mozzie took her special cup in her hands, held it to her face and breathed in the rich, chocolately scent and allowed the steam to waft, before she set to taking a careful drink. Whipped cream tickled at her nose.

"Merlin, Gavin is the best bartender I could ever have hired."

It was so...insane. What sort of man would want to willingly make a fool of himself in front of his subordinates? And encourage them to make fools of themselves? Arjuna eyed Tristan and Nathan at their table.

"It's just ridiculous," she said. It was meant to be a comment to herself, but unfortunately, she ended up speaking the words out loud. She had a feeling it might not go over too well if the two persons in question heard her.

Arjuna hurried passed, hoping they hadn't noticed. Maybe she could find some hole-preferably one leading to another room-that she could hide in. "Ah!" Arjuna cried in shock. As she rushed over to another part of the room, her foot had gotten caught on the edge of a table.

That left her face-down on the floor by Nathan's feet with a thud that reverberated around the room.

Aiiiyooooo!*


* A term of frustration such as "Oh, no!"

Nathan turned his head to look back over Gavin as Mozzie praised the man but his eyes instead landed on one of the new members of staff whom he overheard remarking on his and Tristan's performance. His eyebrows raised and he looked at Tristan - surely their singing hadn't been that bad. Right? Besides, it was only a bit of fun. The Daily Prophet staff really needed to lighten up - thank Merlin for Tristan and Rico.

The next thing he knew, the woman whom had been insulting them was on a heap on the floor next to him and his pint (which he had only taken only one sip of, dammit!) had become airborne! He attempted to make a grab for it but missed and he watched helplessly with his mouth hanging open as it fell over, emptying it's contents over the side of the table and on top of the poor Asian woman. Oh Merlin. Nathan's face drained of colour and he looked at her wide eyed for a few moments not quite sure what to do.. or to say.

He eventually got his brain into gear and turned the fallen glass upright on the table and reached out his hand to help up the soaking wet (and probably now smelling like a brewery) woman to stand. “Oh Merlin, love. A-are you alright?” He mumbled.

Arjuna was frozen, her nose connected to the floor. It was just too embarrassing. Who was she to talk about ridiculousness when she was sprawled on the floor like a octopus? Her eyes shut to the pain-which included a throbbing nose-and horror of her situation, nothing could have prepared her for what happened next.

"Nkcc!" she squealed as the ale hit her and ran down her back, soaking into her clothes. EWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! What was that? She was afraid to look. And she thought it couldn't get any worse...but it was:

IT WAS ALCOHOL!

Arjuna jerked upwards slightly with that realization and as luck would have it, cracked her head on the bottom of the table. "Owww," she groaned, sticking her nose into the ground again.

Gross. She smelled like beer. "Shick."

And then a hand came out of nowhere-or more or less from above-and she decided to take it. Whoever it belonged to. Scrambling to her feet, Arjuna looked up at her rescuer. "Uh!" It was him! And he probably heard her too! Aiyo!

Wait...

LOVE?!??!

"Urm...I am...alright, thank you. I am Arjuna Dilini Fonseka. What might your name be?" She took a deep breath. She would ignore that...for now...It was probably her own karma that got her into this situation so she may as well make up for it.

Good lord that was quite a nose dive she took... literally. Had she hurt herself? Nathan momentarily forgot how to speak and all he could do was sit and gawk with his mouth open at the ale pickled woman lying face down on the floor.

“Oh.. oh no.” He mumbled as Arjuna thwacked her head off the table with loud crack when she attempted to stand. He quickly steadied the table before Mozzie's hot chocolate and Tristan's weird concoction of iced tea and firewhiskey went the same way as his pint. Looked like the powers that be were not going to allow Nate to have a drink tonight.

Relieved when she took his hand, he stood and pulled her to her feet, his face full of concern for the poor woman. “You sure?” He asked. “You landed face first– your nose..” Her nose looked a bit red but at least it wasn't bleeding. He let go of her hand and scratched the back of his head. “Well Arjuna, I'm sorry we couldn't have met under... better circumstances. Ur.. I'm Nathan. Nathan Greenwood.” He gave her a sheepish smile. “Your soaked through. I'm so sorry.” He muttered ...even though it wasn't his fault.

Arjuna's eyes widened slightly at Nathan's comment. Face first indeed. Nose first more like. She was sure it was blinking red and blue for everyone to see. Well, not really but that's how it felt. Turned out she was fairly close to the truth, however. "My nose?" she repeated in alarm, bringing her hands up to her face as soon as he released them.

Looking at him over the tips of her fingers, which were now clasped over her nose, Arjuna's eyes crinkled slightly. Like she was smiling. And she might actually have been doing that. Who would have thought? Irony seemed to be a weakness.

She took her hands away from her face, revealing the bright-red tip of her nose again. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr Nathan...even...in this situation..." She bowed her head slightly, bringing her hands together in a gesture of gratitude. "It is really fine," she assured him, surprised at his concern. Most people wouldn't care unless it was their fault, would they? It wasn't like he poured it on her head. It was an accident.

She pulled out her wand and waved it elaborately. A cloud of dense air moved from around Arjuna to the tip of her wand. She was dry again. Thank goodness for magic. Oh, wait. That was his drink. "Oh! I do apologize! Please, allow me to buy for you another drink..." Oops. She had been talking too fast again!

Nathan screwed up his face into a mixture of pity, embarrassment and curiosity when Arjuna covered her face with her hands. If she was lucky she wouldn't get a couple of nice black eyes to match that red nose.

Her nose seemed even redder when she removed her hands from her face but there didn't seem to be any swelling there. The whole scene would have been amusing if it weren't for the fact that she could have seriously hurt herself.. which Nathan thought she had at first. “Please it's just Nathan. Mr Nathan is my father.” Eh? No he wasn't! Mr GREENWOOD was.. Deciding not to correct himself due to how awkward he felt, he merely smiled that sheepish smile again which morphed into something warmer when she bowed her head and brought her hands together. Aww.. He found that very endearing and he respectfully bowed his head slightly in return.

Standing back as she dried herself off -why hadn't Nathan thought to do that?- he looked at her curiously when she offered to buy him a drink. “No. You're alright' love.” He replied warmly. “Um.. it's actually an open bar so really there's no need.” Not that he would have accepted it anyway. “Would you like to sit?” He offered pulling out the chair where he had been sitting. “I don't mind going back to the bar.. may I get you a drink?” He offered.

Gosh, Mozzie was being awfully kind. Or maybe she didn't want to loose another customer? Always with the negative thoughts...
Tristan laughed. Well ofcourse she did have a part in the story. "Oh yes," he said with a smirk. "I had heard good thinks about the Leaky and Mozzie this Mozzie that, so ofcourse I just had to go check it out."

One thing was for sure, she did not have problems with her selfesteem. Having confidence was poutmost importance, specially when working at the Leaky. "I'm glad to hear everything's good." He said sincere. And him? "Well...It's the Daily Prophet. You always have something to do." he subcounciously flexed his hand, all the drawing and designing was taking it's toll. He was sure you weren't supposed to hold a pen for so long every day.

And then Nathan came back with the drinks. "Thankyou." Tristan said as he reacieved the glass of...something cold. A slight frown of confusion appeared and he momentarily looked up at his buddy, but before wanting to arouse any attention he smiled and picked it up. "Cheers!" He had been expecting to feel the cup, which was now a glass, to be warm to the touch. But this was cold. What is this thing? He tried to remember what he had 'ordered', maybe he thought one thing but said another.

Slowly, he raised the glass of liquid and tried to smell it as it went up. Hopefully he didn't look strange infront of his friends, it couldn't seem right how dilly dallying he was about drinking. He took a sniff. Ooooooh, it was ICE tea. Allrighty then. Well, Nathan must have thought he asked for that, oh well no biggie.

Tristan finally took a long sip, remembering how thirsty he was. And then right as he swallowes he began to cough. Like he had something stuck in his throat. Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! He had the urge to stand up, and as he did the chair fell backwards loudly to the floor. Oh how he coughed and spluttered and it made his eyes water. He remembered that taste...it was. Firewhiskey? Nathan had ordered an ice tea WITH Firewhiskey mixed together? Oh ew ew ew! "Nathan..." he said hoarse, but the choughing wasnt over yet and all he could do was wave a hand and shake his head, grimacing.

Oh he did not like Firewhiskey, not at all. He leaned against the table as the coughing died down. "Blergh!" Looking at Nathan, he found his voice. "Great...great drink. Want to try?" He still felt the taste in his mouth.

Suddenly there was someone on the ground. The chaos!
But Nathan seemed to be handling it well. Ofcourse, he's the essence of coolness. As the woman sat down on the seat, Tristan was trying to remember her name. Right, it was Arjuna. "Here," he said to the woman, "Have a drink of this, it'll fix you right up in no time..." He was feeling a little woozy. Not from the alcohol? He wasn't that weak... But woozy non the less. Strange.

He wasn't bad, really. He was nice in a way. Arjuna had not yet met a man like him-much less a British man like him. Could she possibly have been a bit too hard on them earlier? She thought back to what had flustered her in the first place. Oh, right. She could not understand that for all her effort. Singing? Karaoke for that matter? At a public place like the Leaky Cauldron? It was unthinkable! And yet, here was Nathan Greenwood behaving like a completely respectable man. How contradictory.

Mr Nathan? So he was Nathan II then? Arjuna decided not to ask, he seemed a little awkward around her. As she would too if someone happened to fall flat on their face in front of them.

...she would try to forget it ever happened.

"Nathan then," she repeated, feeling slightly awkward and unusual addressing him so informally. Oops. Again. So she didn't need to buy him a drink. Though she would gladly get it for him. "Oh, I see. I apologize. I'm not...ah used to it...here." And then a series of things happened that Arjuna couldn't process fast enough. As far as she could gather, Nathan had offered her his seat, offered her a drink and went to go get them. "Ah...Are you sure? I would feel much better if I got them..." but a water would be nice.

Having a feeling that he would refuse that request as well, Arjuna looked towards the others at the table. Did they mind? Once Nathan had left she took the seat he gave her, paused, and levitated another to the table. She couldn't make him get another chair as well! She smiled awkwardly at the others at the table and repeated her greeting gesture. "Pleased to be meeting you...I am Arjuna..." she said. Just in case they missed it the first time.

Arjuna's eyes widened slightly. What exactly was he asking her? To...to drink his drink? For what reason? Still wondering, though not the least bit suspicious, she took the drink thankfully. It looked like tea. "T-Thank you," she muttered, confused. Was everyone this caring here? She might actually enjoy herself. She took a sip of the fire-whiskey-infused-tea hoping to return to some form of dignity before the night was over.

Hoping, but things just didn't go her way.

WAAAAAAAAAAH?! W-W-Was that? Arjuna half swallowed and half spat out the tea in confusion. That was most definitely not tea! Well, it tasted like it at first but then...what happened? Her eyes began to water as she choked on the rest of her mouthful, but she managed to recover in less than a minute. Mostly.

Nathan was so distracted by what had just happened with Arjuna that he was only vaguely aware of his friend choking to death in the background. Even when Tristan managed to say his name it didn't register at first and it took a few moments for it to sink in before Nate turned his head to see Tristan bent over the table looking like he was about to vomit.

Apparently it was the odd drink he had asked for. Nathan raised an eyebrow and looked thoroughly confused by the man's behaviour. He raised a hand to wave off the offer of trying the drink. “Er.. I'd rather not if you don't mind, mate.” Urgh.. nooo. “I take it from the look on your face the drink didn't meet your expectations?” He smirked slightly at his friend's expense. Tristan had some very odd quirks Nathan was finding. He kinda reminded him of his kid brother. “I could have told you that concoction was a bad idea.” And next time he would...

Smiling still he turned back to look at Arjuna. “Ah... don't apologise.” He replied. “We're an odd bunch us Brits but I'm sure you'll get used to our ways in time.” He teased her lightly. “No sit down. Rest your... er” ..nose? “....legs. What would you like to drink?” He averted her eyes from her to look at Tristan once again. "Tristan. Can I get you a drink that isn't an emetic?" He asked sarcastically with his eyebrows raised.

A sharp jerk of her head turned Mozzie to face Tristan with wide eyes as he seemed to be choking and her eyes right away fell upon his drink. They narrowed and she wrinkled her nose. Of course. He'd requested tea and firewhiskey, hadn't he? Probably hadn't intended to mix them... and iced tea nonetheless. A phantom of second-hand disgust rippled through her and she reached to pat him on the back gently.

So. He wasn't choking on something, exactly but, the sentiment was all the same, right?

And then. BOOM. DOWN SHE GOES!

Perhaps it was wrong of her, as she was more than a spectator, rather, a participant, but Mozzie sat back and watched the unraveling scene with a sort of disjointed interest. Rather, she watched more as she was Mozzie, the Leaky Cauldron Proprietress, instead of Mozzie, young woman sitting here.

On the one hand, she knew it would only be polite that she help out the poor woman, but on the other, she had always thought it better than to meddle in the affairs of her patrons. And while she was certainly a participant of sorts over this party, she was also just the hired help. Such a dismal thought planted a seed of dismay within her.

No matter how she pretended, this wasn't exactly where she belonged.

Let's not become all negative, Miss Mozzie.

Her lips pursed and she watched them woman, but when Tristan offered her his drink, her eyes widened again. WOT?! Was he insane? Of course, this poor woman did not handle it any better than he had. Tsk tsk.

She sighed softly and tried to fight a grin. A quiet cough cleared her throat and she cast a look at Tristan that was both teasing and consoling.

"Let me," she told him. "I am, after all, hostess." A wink followed, that clearly said I'd hate for any of the guests to die of terrible drinks that aren't even my fault bu will inevitably be blamed upon me..

He might not have gotten all of that out of it, though.

A slender arm plunged in the air and waved around. "Yoooooo-hooooo. Gaaaaaviiiiiin," she sang.

His tounge felt all wrong. It didn't usually feel like this when he drank Firewhiskey...maybe it was the combo of the two drinks that made it odd. Ew. He looked over at Mozzie who was patting him on the back, which wasn't really helping but it was nice to know she cared.
Wrinkling his nose as he sat down again, Tristan looked at Nathan before replying. "Oh no, I always do this when drinking this...cocktail." So not true, but he was joining in on the sarcasm, then laughed at the situation. "Well, next time, please do..." he rubbed his face again.

Arjuna must really be wondering who the flap she ended up sitting with. Or...it had actually only been Tristan to make a scene. But, still. And, also, he had been sure someone would have stopped her from drinking that thing, he hadn't tried to be mean or anything. It's the woozyness!
"I'm sorry..." he said regretfully, "That was stupid of me... Let me get you-" he was going to offer to get her a proper drink, but Nathan beat him to it.

Blegh. "Please...no creepy words..." he said gesturing with a hand, totally disguisted by the mere mention of vomit related things. "Why don't you let me get it this time? What would you guys like?" he asked looking around the table.

BUT again, someone else beat him to the actual ordering. With the comandness that was Mozzie, they would be getting new and better drinks soon.
He had been hoping to stretch his legs a little, and maybe this time, toast his grandfather in a more intimate setting. Maybe he could order a glass of FireWhiskey up to his room? "To the hostess!" Tristan said and raised his glass of ew, as a toast. Hmmm, bad drink to toast with...
"I...uh...think I need some air..." he stuck his tounge out, letting it lay all dough-y between his lips.

Arjuna smiled weakly. She surely hoped so. If she didn't, Arjuna wasn't sure she would go crazy. But then, if she did she could possibly go crazy as well. So what was she to do? Sigh...

Her eyes were still a little watery from the firewhiskey and she was still a little confused. Well, very confused to be honest. She had never had alcohol before so it was impossible for her to know what to expect when she drank it. At the moment though, she felt half-drowned and her throat was searing.

Remembering that Nathan had asked her for what she wanted to drink, she croaked in reply. "A water...would be...wonderful." Necessary, more like. "Thank you so much." She glanced at the man she had taken the drink from and smiled slightly. He looked really worried. It was kind of funny.

On most days, Arjuna would have gotten up and walked out of the room. However, today for some reason perhaps connected with firewhiskey, she didn't really care that he had done that. "It's alright," she said. "Really." Did she get his name yet? She couldn't remember. "I apologize...I don't think I got your name?"

And then she noticed the other woman who was now waving her hand around in the air. She was the hostess? Arjuna had heard her say something of the sort. She wasn't sure though. What was wrong with her? This was no time to be spaced out like she was! She had to get a grip. But what would she toast with?

Erm... what the hell? Tristan looked like he was about to die after one sip of that awful drink and he was offering it to the newcomer!? Before Nathan knew it, the woman was ACTUALLY drinking it! Her reaction, as expected, was exactly the same as Tristan's. Was this a muggle custom Nathan had never heard of? Yeah.. sure, he had lived among muggles for years now but there were still some things he didn't know about. Maybe it was an Irish thing...

Arjuna had summoned him a seat, but he remained standing, like a lemon, waiting to take the order feeling a little like a waiter. But... then Tristan was offering to go. Nathan was about to refuse but Ms Mozzie already had her hand in the air waving for Gavin to come to them. Good ol' Mozzie to the rescue.

“To the hostess.” He nodded and picked up his shot off the table... least he still had that. He knocked it back and felt that familiar and comforting burn at the back of his throat. The night was well on and that was his FIRST drink! Not good.. especially as the bar was an open one. Normally he would have taken full advantage of that.

Ah.. introductions. “Oh..er.. sorry Arjuna.” Again with the apologising but Nathan's brain didn't seem to be functioning properly at this moment in time and he had forgotten his manners in all the commotion. “This is Tristan Carwyn – he's a layout editor like me.” He gestured at the younger man. “And this lovely lady is Mozzie – the proprietress of this place.”

His eyes were back on Tristan as he announced he needed some air. The lad still looked a bit peaky and.. urgh... that tongue didn't look all that healthy after consumption of the weird iced tea/firewhiskey 'cocktail' thing. Why oh why did he order such a drink? The only explanation was that he wasn't a drinker and tea and firewhiskey must have appealed – Nathan just wouldn't listen to him next time. “Ur.. I'll come with you, mate. I think I need to clear my head a bit...”

Having nothing to toast with yet and feeling too ridiculous to actually pretend she did, Arjuna nodded to the toast smilingly. She would have to do it properly once she got a drink. She turned back to the man who had given her the drink and smiled as she was introduced. "Good evening," she said. Oddly enough, it was the first time she'd actually greeted one of them. What was becoming of her manners? They all must be thinking that she is incredibly rude. Or, more likely, incredibly foolish. They were layout editors? Well, that was interesting. They were in the same department. But she'd never met them before. How odd. "I'm a photographer...we are something alike, aren't we?" she commented.

She then turned to the woman, who she smiled warmly at. "It is a pleasure to meet you," she said. Hmm. Now she just had to remember their names. Nathan, Mozzie and Tristan. Nathan, Mozzie and Tristan...She would hopefully not forget in the next five seconds.

And then both Tristan and Nathan opted to leave temporarily.

So...she had to come up with a topic of conversation with Mozzie. Urm...like what? She glanced at Tristan and noticed he looked a bit pale. There were tears at the corners of his eyes as well and he looked rather ill. "By...any chance...Did Tristan drink that too?" she asked Mozzie without thinking, pointing at the offending glass in disgust.

Concern was set in Mozzie's face as she turned her eyes to Tristan. He really didn't seem to be doing well. And Gavin probably couldn't hear her, all the way over there. A silent, impatient sigh was expelled from her lips and her mouth twisted with pursed worry. Was he alright? Could the combination of tea and firewhiskey be so terrible and even harmful to him? Plenty of people put alcohol into their tea, didn't they?

?!?!?!

He wasn't going to die was he?!

Her concern ebbed away when he offered a toast to her and she smiled sheepishly. Why were they even toasting her?! Not that she was complaining, mind you. Never, never. Even still, she ducked her head and smiled with brightened eyes.

"Awww, shuuuucks," she cooed and hid behind her hot chocolate mug and snuck a sip. Perhaps what was most thrilling about it was that Tristan had been the one to suggest the toast. Heeheeheeeee.

But he was back to looking like he was dying, which his tongue hung out of his mouth. She was so not taking the blame for this. Eyes widened, she patted Tristan's back again.

"Are you okay?" she asked him in grave seriousness. "The drink isn't like, denigrating your insides, is it?" What if it was performing acid erosion in his stomach?!

Please don't die, Tristan.

Wait! Both boys wanted to leave? What, what?! Were they going to come back?! Whimper, whimper. The newcomer was talking to her, though and she turned her attention on her.

Hmmmmmm. To tell the truth or not to. Hummmm. Honesty was Mozzie's way, though, so she pursed her lips.

"Uhm.... yes?" She bit her lip and quickly continued, her voice fast. "ButIdon'tthinkit'sreallyeatinghisinsidessoIimagineyou'llbemostlyfine. I mean... after the burn and all... stops."

This was why she avoided firewhiskey. BLEGH.

Maybe he killed a few braincells with all the coughing... Ofcourse, he was allright, it was just that he was feeling a little shocked by the drink. It had been AGES since he had drunk anything. Could the little alcohol he consumed really have that fast and big effect on him?

Taking a deep breath, he nodded a thanks to Mozzie, who still seemed to be patting his back. "I'm allright, sorry about that." he said with an apologetic smile.
And then Arjuna commented about not knowing their names. Tristan shook his head, where were his manners? But Nathan beat him too it and he smiled at the girl. "Yes..." he felt the need to comment... Why? "Really nice to meet you. And sorry about the drink again..." Why did he offer it to her? A photographer? How nice. "Oh, that must be a very interesting job, I presume. Photographers do see things from another perspective..." He thought of Sienna, and how he had seen her pictures on the wall. They had been rather captivating. He still had the book she had given him.

His attention was back on Mozzie. Denigrating? "What?" he asked, almost in a squeal. How would she know? Unless it had happened before? "No, why? Should it be?"

Tristan looked up at his mate when he also announced he needed a break. "Allright," he nodded in agreement, and stood up. "Uh...Excuse us for a moment, ladies. We'll be right back..." he said with a smile and took a few steps towards the door, pausing so Nathan could come along. He opened the door before following Nathan out to the street.