Journalists Desks
 

Reminiscent of the muggle stock market, the Daily Prophet journalists desks area is cluttered, loud and cramped. Mismatching desks fill the floor in what was probably once an orderly manner, their surfaces covered with piles of paperwork, back issues of the newspaper, personal affects, empty coffee mugs (and coffee mug rings) and all manner of other oddities.

There is no clear definition for which section of desks belongs to which section of writers, but they have all managed to adapt to the unspoken agreement of which group sits where. The floor is shared by the News section, Lifestyle section, Sports section writers and editors as well as the Layout editors.

From here, the entire office is visible and each and every journalist and editor is able to hear when one of the Editors-in-chief beckon. The danger is... they can all be seen and heard by said Editors as well.

You are here.

Addie stepped into the office, inhaling the strong scent of coffee and ink. She looked at the messy room and smiled. This was going to be fun. She turned around a few times, absorbing the layout of the room.
She walked to the desks for the News Editors and saw a desk with a shiny brass plate on it.
She paused, annoyed. Pulling out her wand, she muttered instructions. The sign now read:
She smiled absentmindedly. She surveyed her empty work area. She took off her canvas bag and placed it by her chair. She pulled out quills, paper, and seven pictures. One of each of her adopted children. She glanced around again then sat down, starting to organize her desk.

"Mona?" Getti called again, in her soft voice which unwittingly hid the steel behind it, "How many times do I have to shout to get some help around here? Honestly..."

Her light grey eyes took in the office out of habit, and she almost looked over the sleeping journalist in her haste to get Mona to handle Mr. Nathan Greenwood. Unfortunately for the journalist though, Getti rarely missed anything, "You, person!" Her soft voice quickly took on a rather harsh edge as she took the five steps to stand over the napping man, "Get up, does this look like a nursery to you?"

Jordan walked into where the journalists desks where. So this was where she would be working from here on out. She saw a few people already in there, one that was sleeping and Getti was getting onto. She could already tell that she probably wouldn't be liking her boss very much, but then again she had only met one of them.

She walked over to the section of desks that was for the sports journalists. This was her work station. This is where she would practically live from here on out. She found the desk with her name plate on it. She loved looking at it and seeing "Jordan Paige, Sports Journalist" So it was for real. She was writing for the prophet. She took a seat in her chair. It wasn't the most cozy thing in the world but it was hers.

Getti took a step back when Enrico (yes, she wasn't an idiot. She ran thorough background checks on all potential employees) entered her personal space. She raised a hand to her necklace, stroking it gently as her eyes contrasted the softness of the action with the cold, hard gaze they fixed on the bumbling idiot.

"Unemployment is a better venue for napping," her cold gaze took in his entire appearance in the manner she was so used to doing, the icy disapproval making itself very clear in her very countenance, "And if you wish, I would happily indulge your sleeping habits."

Happy and Getti were two beings that should never be thrown into the same space.

Mona smelled blood.

Getti's voice was calling her name (which was usually a bad sign in the first place) but now it had the soft girlish quality that it always took on before she swept in for a kill. Her boots click clacked into the journalist's area, where the air was thick with foolishness. People...napping? And continuing to address Getti??

"Wellll, buttercups," she trilled gaily, hands on her hips. "Just what is going on in heeere? Not disturbing Getti, I trust. And wide awake, I hope." Her steely blue eyes swept the room in search of the culprit.

Lady of the hour. Pshhh.

"Getting to know each other?" she echoed. "How wonderfully fantastic, I really can't tell you how pleased I am that you've taken the initiative to get to know your coworkers AND your superiors. Speaking of, I don't believe you've had the pleasure of meeting me properly." She smiled blandly. There isn't any sort of bruise on your person, so you haven't been in my office.

Tristan followed Mona like a puppy and was soon at the many desks where there seemed to be some sort of discussion going on.
Slowing down, he put his hands in his pockets as he stood some feet behind the group listening.

Uh oh.
Having already met the evil boss lady, Tristan knew that man who had suddenly jumped to his feet had rubbed Getti the wrong way. Well atleast he wasn't the only one.

Bored and more than a little disgusted by the behaviour of the man, Getti turned her back on him while he was still rambling on as men of his size and stature were wont to do. Waving her hand in a clear gesture of dismissal, she said breezily, "That's all."

"And Mona," she said to her Managing Editor in a chastising voice, "Is there any reason why these people are talking at me?" she waved a hand at Nathan Greenwood, who was still standing in her doorway, "I thought there are people hired to take care of these things."

Looking down at his shoes was something he prefered doing than looking up and almost seeing the tension in the air.
Tristan was getting doubts about this workplace, but his passion for the arts wouldn't let him pass this great opportunity.

His head jerked up as suddenly another male voice was heard. Where did he come from?
Now there was someone, looking rather bored, by a doorway instructing the newbies on how to conduct themselves. Tristan could only snort quietly at this. There just had to be someone who thought he was better than the rest...
This will be interesting...

Leaning back on another desk, Tristan just stood there, arms crossed, and listened at this whole 'dramatic' scene.

Mona gestured toward the other wayward newbie (the cute one. What's-his-face. Christian? TRISTAN, that's it.). "They're coming out of the bloody woodwork. All at once like-" Flies. Or gnats.

She shook her head, letting the sentence hang. "Ian is quite right," she said, throwing a halfway-grateful glance in his direction. "It behooves you to wait for Getti to address you before you address her. She's a very busy woman and after all, that's what I'm here for." She put her hands on her chest in a gesture of welcoming and openness. "Come talk to meeee. I've got sweets and OODLES more patience." She beamed, and dropped her voice an octave. "Nothing would amuse me more to place an Imperturbable Charm on Getti's door and watch you bounce off." She patted her pocket lovingly. "Do not try me. NO bothering Getti, NO napping," she began, venom creeping into her voice and her eyes grazed over The Napper, "NO cheek. Bouncing off doors is the very least that could happen to you if you put a toe out of line."

She turned back to Tristan. "This is the journalist's area! Cozy, innit?"

"Why are people talking," Getti looked over her shoulder directly at Ian Hoshino, the loudmouth who was only still on staff because of his forefathers. Before her eyes could leave his incredibly self-possessed stance, her voice took on that soft quality again, "Mona?"

Returning her gaze to the second in command, Getti made for her office again, "We have a staff meeting at eleven, make sure everyone is ready and also don't forget to inform the journalists of their deadlines, standing around listening to their own voices is fine for some, but the rest of us have deadlines to meet and profit margins to fill."

She crossed her threshold, making sure that Nathan Greenwood was definitely outside the perimetres of her office before she waved her dismissal to the entire staff, "That's all."

So Getti was not someone you went to ask for help then... Tristan was going to make sure he did not cross paths with her more than was necessary. He was glad he had to report to Mona. Although, she too could have her moments.

And it was Mona who interrupted Tristan's train of thought. He only caught her last words in her somewhat incomplete sentence. Standing straight again, he was about to ask what Mona had said, opening his mouth. But it was no use, she had turned to the others again.

Wonder where my desk is... Scratching his chin, Tristan looked around the barely visible desktops, some were so full you couldn't tell if there were any desks under all those papers.
Again, Mona spoke...
"Uh yeah," are you serious? "Cozy...right." he nodded, lips forming a straight line.

Finally, the editor in chief seemed to have enough and went to her office.
Wow... Tristan mouthed. Raising his eyebrows, he turned to look at everyone in the room. A staff meeting, that would indeed be interesting if it would be anything like this 'meeting'.

Ana looked around the room, seeing she was not the only one there. Smiling at her new co-workers, she walked around before locating the desk with her name on it, and sitting down behind it.

"There we go," she said, smiling, as she put her bag on the desk and looked around once more.

Staff meeting. How jolly. Nothing could be more thrilling.

"You heard her, dearies," she trilled. "Chop chop. I'll see you all in the conference room in a moment. Feel free to stop in the breakroom for a coffee if you'd like." She kept her tone light and cheery when she said "breakroom". It's all about tone and perception. "You-" She stopped herself. "Enrico, is it? Take care to stay alert now, you'll need to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed."

Her eyes zeroed in on the newcomer. "Hullo," she said, giving her a tight-lipped smile. "I'm Moohhhna, Managing Editor. And you arreee?"

ooc: We'll be starting the staff meeting soon. KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED. :shifty:

Well this was an unusual situation, Tristan thought. And coffee in the breakroom? Would he dare ask if there was any tea aswell without risking getting his head bitten off by the she-devil in there?
Better not risk it. Just go into the room and look for yourself...

And a staff meeting, that was something he was sort of looking forward to. Atleast that meant that the work was going to start, and he was really getting excited about his layout assignments he hoped to get.

And what was up with that guy?
Tristan looked around to see if anyone had payed any attention to the man, announcing his break... Raising his eyebrows, his blue eyes followed the man, Ian was it, as he dissapeared into another room.
Guess that's the way to the coffee...

Well now, off to hunt for some tea...

The editor, dressed in an all black designer suit emerged into the main office space with a clickity-clack of ridiculously high-heeled, and out of place, lime green shoes. A roll of parchment was tucked under her arm, a quill in the other hand and an impatient air all about her, "What on earth is that racket?"

She glanced over at the breakroom and saw the Pretty Boy abusing the rubbish bin. Ignoring him, as was her usual course of action when it came to the attention seeking rich boy, Getti headed straight for the conference room.

"Mona!" she called, indicating that everyone on staff should follow and be in the conference room already, "Why is nobody ever ready?"

“Urm..” Nathan said running a hand nervously through his hair and followed Getti out her office looking like a lost puppy. He blinked, his lucid greens wide and child-like as if he was readjusting to a change in light as she gestured at him and enquired to the woman called 'Mona' why 'these people' were disturbing her.

His eyes wandered over to the man who addressed them as 'newbies.' Why did Nate feel as if he had just been chucked head first into the Lion's Den? Oh yeah.. HE HAD.

He crossed the room quietly, trying not to draw any attention to himself and slid into a seat at the layout desk furthest away from ol' Getti's office and nearest the exit for a quick getaway if necessary. Nathan was not stupid... Or, rather, not completely stupid.

When he saw Getti make her way to the conference room he guessed that the meeting was about to start. Now seemed like a good time to grab a coffee. You couldn't go to a meeting without a cup of strong coffee... woe betide him if he were to nod off like that other poor sod had earlier. He stood up and made his way in the direction of what he hoped was the break room.

Egypt walked out of the conference room trying to keep herself under control. She had never before in her life been in a den of vipers, and she had been with her mother on cease fire talks in the Democratic People's Republic of Congo! She took a few deep breathes and found a empty desk and went to it and sat down. She was really considering going back to the Ministry. She didn't leave a department head job to come down and walk through the gutter of human society with those horrible people.

She pulled out a few pictures of her children and put them on her desk. She smiled down at their little faces as they waved at her and pushed each other around in the frame vying for her attention. She kissed the picture. And it instantly made her feel better. Her smile was returning as she finished unpacking her bag. She tucked her bag into a drawer and took a drink of her coffee.

She pulled out her favorite quill and started working on the article that her and Ana spoke about. She didn't give a wit what that twit Mona had to say. If the woman had a personality she might be able get a decent date to take her a eatery that didn't involve a drive thru.

Addie stood up and took her tea in her hand. She noticed she was about the youngest there, which was expected. Not a lot of journalists were 20. She walked up to an empty desk and took two pieces of parchment from it.

It wasn't quite stealing, as there wasn't even a nameplate on it.

So.

She walked back to her desk with her head down. The people around her seemed interesting. She could tell that some of them were the type of people that she would hang out with in school, and some were the type she would avoid at all costs. Like the man who apparently thought a lot of himself. She looked at the picture of her large adopted family and was overcome with a sense of sadness.

She started scribbling an outline for her article on the first sheet in her slanted handwriting.

Nathan followed Egypt out of the conference room. The situation in there, and that rude photographer chap, had obviously upset her. There was no respect among the managers for their staff here. It was all rather degrading.

The whole setup here, the fact that Egypt had given up her management role at the Ministry when the twins came so prematurely was inevitably going to be stressful for her. Nathan's coping skills with such treatment were a lot better than hers; he could just let things go over his head.. or, at least, appear to.

He approached her desk, smiling slightly when he heard that Ministry fellow commenting on his kids - he seemed like a decent sort- “I don't believe we've ever been formally introduced.” He said, extending his hand to the man. “I'm Nathan, and this is my wife, Egypt.” he said as he placed his hand on her back.

“Are you alright my love?” He asked her gently. “How about we get out of here and grab a coffee in the Leaky... I think we deserve it after... that - that meeting from hell.”

He noticed another girl walk over and sit at the Journalist's desks and he gave her a pleasant smile and a nod. ...With any luck she wasn't another one of Getti's mini me's.

Addie looked at the man who nodded at her pleasantly. His name was....Nate Greene? Something like that. Well, she had heard he had been robbed by the Jewel Thief. Which her article was on.

Which meant a jackpot.

She stood up and walked over. He was talking to someone. She tapped him on the shoulder.
"Hello, I'm Addie, Addie Carlisle. Weren't you robbed by the jewel thief?" she asked curiously.

Nathan turned to look at the young lady, flashing her a warm smile as she introuduced herself. “Hullo love.” He said. At least some people were pleasant around here. “I'm Nathan Greenwood.” He extended his hand to her i greeting. He frowned slightly at her question wondering where the heck she had heard that bit of embarrasing information from. “Um.. yeah.” He replied hesitantly. “Why do you ask?” He asked as he scratched the back of his head in an uncomfortable sort of way.

Addie shook his hand, then she noticed the man was a bit embarassed by this. The only reason she knew was because she heard it from a few of her friends. Not wanting the poor man to be humiliated, she lowered her voice even more than her usual piano.
"Well, my article is on the thief, and I was wondering if you had any information. First hand experiences are helpful." She flashed him her dazzling pearl-white smile.
She sat down at the empty desk she had noticed a bit earlier with her ever-present quill and fished another piece of parchment out of the pile, eager for his response.

Rico had continued on toward his desk but quickly did a little backtracking when he heard the other guy from the meeting address him. Aha, at last he would be able to put a name to that face!

"Nathan, it's a pleasure to meet you," Rico shook the man's hand with a smile. "And Egypt, what a beautiful name."

He was back to being his earnest, friendly self. These two seemed like they could be allies - or at least kind coworkers - in such a drab office. And they were such a....a...coupley couple. Like soulmates. Maybe Rico could learn a thing or two from them yet.

Sergio Mancini walked among a sea of desks. Most of them were occupied, evidenced by the multitude of papers and pictures spread over the surface. He found an empty desk, and sat down. Leaning back in the chair and kicking his feet up, he scanned the room. He didn't have the nicest view, but it would do.

He couldn't help but notice how empty his space was. All that was on the desk was a small roll of parchment, a quill, and ink. But other than it, it was empty and void of personality. This was clearly something Sergio needed to fix. After having been in the office for what amounted to two hours, he got up and proceeded to leave. He'd be back tomorrow, ready for work.

She was trying to cam herself for that horrible meeting with that vulture of a woman and that idiotic man who felt the need to comment on things he should really keep his nose out of. She looked up and smiled at the man as he commented on her children. "Oh thank you so much." She said honestly.

She melted at her husband's touch. She didn't want to say anything bad about anyone especially in the office. "I'm alright." She said softly as she smiled at him. "Yes I think a nice break form this place is just what is in order. I think we deserve a lot more after that meeting," She pointed out to him.

She glanced over at the woman that walked over to Nathan and tapped him on the shoulder. Nathan was robbed! He never told her that, when did that happen! She looked at him waiting to see what he was going to say.

Her face was lined with worry. Her husband had been robbed. "Nathan, when did this happen? Are you alright?" She asked trying not to panic that her husband had been robbed.

She watched as the woman went to get a quill to take down some information from Nathan.


She blushed at his compliment. "They you so much." She smiled. "And who might you be?" She asked hoping he was going to turn out to be a decent sort of person and unlike Getti and her henchmen from the office.

Nathan felt his brow crinkle as the young woman asked for information on the jewel thief. But then she smiled that lovely smile and he found himself grinning back like a complete idiot. “Tell you what, love.” He said. “I really don't want to talk about it here.” He spoke in a hushed voice. “It's kind of embarrassing.” Then he did the shifty action man eyes again before he focused on Addie once again. “We could go for a drink after work and talk about it. You know, somewhere a little less formal... than.. than here.” He gestured around the office.


Nathan blinked a few times as he shook the man's hand trying to remember his name. After he introduced himself he thought the man would automatically say his own name, but.. nooooooo! Dammit! “Erm..” He started... how should he address him? “You were head of International Magical Cooperation at the Ministry, right?” He asked. Wasn't he at that Rip party for that poor woman that fell down some stairs? ...ur... nevermind. OK.. so the man would have to be known as 'you', or 'mate' from this day forth - he shrugged inwardly.


He grinned. “I like your thinking Batwoman.” He said with a wink. “..something a little stronger.” He reached out to to take her hand. “Me lady.” He said in a fake cockney accent reminiscent of Dick van Dyke in Mary Poppins.

“Urgh...” he said. “The thief took my watch.” He found his cheeks flushing slightly.. It was so bloody embarrassing. “He was disguised as an... an... old woman and she pretended to have a ...er..” He scratched the back of his head again. “...fall. And then she stole my wrist watch when I went to help her.” He frowned slightly, his eyes going back to Addie.. He had been such a sweet old lady ...and Nathan was a gullible idiot.

Jodan walked over to her desk. She knew the outline of what she was expected to do now. All that she needed to know now was just the specific article that her section editor wanted her to write. She couldn't believe that the sports editor was the man that had barged into the meeting like that. She just wasn't excactly sure that she liked the thought of working with him. But either way she needed to talk to him about the article.

She looked around looking for Sergio but she didn't see him at any of the desks. Just as she turned her head she saw that he was leaving. Well he sure didn't stick around for long. She figured that she would go ahead and start working on an article that looked interesting to her and she would clear it with him the next day.

She slipped her tiny hand into his and smiled up at him. "You always know how to make me smile." She told him as he pulled her to her feet. She reached over and retrieved her bag. She listened to him explain about the thief. She only cared about his safety she could give a flip about the watch. She threw her arms around him and kissed him a few times on his cheeks. "Don't you ever forget to tell me something like that Nathanial Greenwood," She chided him. "If something had happened to you..." She started but then caught herself before she started to cry. Her emotions were still right under the surface these days, well more so than they usually were. "Sorry." She said giving him a smile. "Let's go get that coffee." She said giving his hand a squeeze.

Rico's broad smile spread across his face til the corners of his dark eyes crinkled. She truly was pretty, this Egypt woman. And very nice too, so far. As long as she didn't turn into a Getti spider, Rico had a feeling they could all get along.

"Oh, forgive my manners!" Rico coulda smacked himself in the forehead. "Forgot my own name. Heh. It's Rico, Rico Serio ma'am." He continued grinning at her rather stupidly until Nathan - her husband - caught his attention.

"Oh yeah, I did use to work in International Cooperation," Rico nodded as an afterthought. "I thought you looked familiar...er...you know Angelina Gilmore, don't you?" Of course he did; Rico had a stupendous memory for any occasion around her....and he happened to remember seeing Nathan Greenwood around Angelina several times. "Didn't you work at the Ministry too?" Maybe he had been in the same department as Angelina...but Nathan was no threat cos he was a married man. Heheheh.

Jordan looked up at the clock. There was still quite a bit of time left in the day. She really didn't get why Serigo had left there was alot of work to get done. Did he honestly think that he could just leave when ever he wanted, well apparently. She however was not just going to sit around and wait until he came back to tell her just excactly what part of the aticle she would be writing.

She had always been somewhat of an over achiever. She decided that it would be best if she went ahead to the ministry and found out what was going on with the sports. Even if she wasn't in charge of that particular part of the aticle the job still needed to be done. She gathered a few papers, some parchment, and a quill off of her desk and headed to the door to go the ministry.

She gave him a big smile as he was the fist person in that office to be nice to her. It felt good to smile like her old self again. "Its a pleasure to meet you Rico. Oh, please call me Egypt. None of that ma'am business." She said waving her hand at him. She looked Nathan as they both seemed to know each other. "Well how about we all go to the Leaky Cauldron for a pick me up and get to know each other better. My treat." She offered as she linked arms with Nathan and Rico.

He pulled her up and laughed as she kissed him. “It was just a cheap old watch. And I was fine.” He said with a smile. In fact, Nathan had taken the whole thing in rather good humour. It probably wasn't appropriate, but it still tickled his funny bone being robbed by an old woman whilst surrounded by an army Aurors. He squeezed her hand back and grinned.


He cleared his throat subtly as the Ministry fellow grinned and stared at his wife... and grinned and started some more. Nathan was kind of used to her getting such looks - she was stunning. Then he said his name. Rico! Thank merlin for Egypt!

He smirked at the mention of Angelina. Nathan was fond of the young woman but he had to admit that she could be rather intimidating at times. “Yes. I do know Angelina!" He replied enthusiatically. "I must say you've got yourself a lovely girl there.” They seemed so close. It was good for Angelina to have a fella... someone to keep her from working herself into the ground. “I was in the Law Department, the MLES.” He explained.


Nathan smiled at his wife. “Of course, you're welcome to join us Rico.” He offered warmly. Though it seemed Egypt was going to drag the man there whether he wanted to join them or not..

"Egypt. I'll try to remember that ma'am." Rico chuckled at himself and then next thing he knew, he was on her arm. And Nathan was on the other. A woman who took charge - aha, he liked that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amelie (Post 7847378) He cleared his throat subtly as the Ministry fellow grinned and stared at his wife... and grinned and started some more. Nathan was kind of used to her getting such looks - she was stunning. Then he said his name. Rico! Thank merlin for Egypt! He smirked at the mention of Angelina. Nathan was fond of the young woman but he had to admit that she could be rather intimidating at times. “Yes. I do know Angelina!" He replied enthusiatically. "I must say you've got yourself a lovely girl there.” They seemed so close. It was good for Angelina to have a fella... someone to keep her from working herself into the ground. “I was in the Law Department, the MLES.” He explained. Nathan smiled at his wife. “Of course, you're welcome to join us Rico.” He offered warmly. Though it seemed Egypt was going to drag the man there whether he wanted to join them or not..

"I---me---got?" Rico blinked for a second; man, the way Nathan was talking it was like they were er, a couple or something. Which was news to Rico - not that he minded, nor was he going to correct Nathan. After all, he had received that very nice owl the other day from Ms. Gilmore...

"Law Department, eh? How er, interesting..." Rico nodded, hardly paying attention to the man now that he was distracted by thinking about Angelina. "Let's go to the Leaky then, shall we?" He smiled down at Ms. Egpyt, waiting for her to lead the way - since they were both er, linked arm in arm with her now and all.

Katieluff and Roro my shoe queen!
 

She looked into his eyes as he smiled. She cupped his cheek. "Alright," She whispered. She didn't like to think that someone robbed him. It may have been alright this time..but..she didn't want to think about it.

She smiled at Nathan. He was so loving and kind. Always lending a smile and warm hand shake to everyone. If Nathan had a problem with you then you need to seek help because there was something seriously wrong with you. Then she turned to smile at Roco, he was a nice short of chap. She should invite him around for dinner. "And I will remember you Rico." She told him. "Are we already to go?" She asked both of the men on her arms. She nodded and stirred both men toward the exits. "Lets go,"

Roro and Tish <3 ...Next post at the Leaky?
 

Nathan smirked as Rico appeared to go into a trance at the mere mention of one Miss Gilmore. Oh that feeling – he knew it well from when he and Egypt first started dating all those moons ago.

He gave her a arm a wee squeeze as she linked with him. Egypt was emotional at the best of times but the situation with the twins was making it ten times worse – not that Nathan minded. He fully understood, but his way to deal was to push things to the back of his mind until he was forced to bring them out and think about them. Then he would deal with them in his Nathany kinda way. ..usually resulting in a panic attack ...poor Egypt and the things she had to put up with.

Nathan nodded and smirked. “Lead the way little woman.”

Ana put her quill down and yawned, glad to have finished her article at last. It had taken her more time than expected, but she'd finally completed her assignment on Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes and how useful they can be to adults (to women in particular), not only for children as a source of prank material.

Shuffling the parchments covered in her neat handwriting together, she decided to check how the others were going on. Besides, she had to find Mona, there was something she was going to ask her...

Mona click-clacked through the journalist's desk area on her way to conference room, and paused briefly. "Good moorrrning everyone, I hope you all had a lovely evening and are rested and rejuvenated for a new day here." She certainly was; nothing could beat the magic of strawberry martinis in the evening and a clean, fresh, expensive blouse in the morning. "Can the section editors join Ana and I in the conference room, please? Sienna and Sergio? If you please."

And she click-clacked her way to the conference room, hair swinging.

Egypt walked back into the office after a nice meal and chat with the owners of that new bistro on Diagon Alley. She saw Rico tearing apart his desk like a madman. She giggled a bit and walked over to him. "How are you today Rico?"she smiled at him as she sat down at her own desk.

Laaaaadies. ;) ;)
 

She smiled at Rico as he leaned back in his chair to speak with her. She tucked her quill behind her ear and sat on the corner of his desk. "Oh I am great. I just had the most wonderful little lunch at this new place in Diagon Alley and I'm actually writing a article about the place," she explained. she wanted to giggle as he watched one of the other women walk by. He certainly wasn't hide his ogling. "Is this a story you are working on?" She asked nodding at the parchment on his desk. She didn't want to be rude and read over him.

"You will have to read the article," She winked at him. "Oh no its the cutest little bistro, and they serve American cuisine. Its just a little gem. You should check it out." She smiled at him. They had had some little tiny cheese burgers with bacon and she had surprised herself by eating two of them.

"Oh ok a letter. They are so romantic. Nathan just used to send me pictures and things like that. He's not really into writing love letters." She said with a twinkle in her eye talking about her husband. She looked down at him. "Not that you are writing a love letter." She said. "Well the layout is a very important job. I certainly have no idea what you guys do. I'm just a writer," She said. All that graphic stuff confused her to no end.

sorry i missed this Karla!! i love you!!
 

Turned toward the voice as a woman approached. She hadn't met her before but she had seen her at that ghastly staff meeting."Oh its called Fairy Delights. Right around the corner from Olivanders. It is a wonderfully little place. I recommend going there for a nice little dinner. And you must try their chicken and waffle sandwich. Those Americans come up with the tasty things sometimes." She told her.

She smiled at the woman. "Pleasure to meet you Sienna. Egypt Greenwood," she took her hand and gave it a good shake. "That is a lovely name Sienna," She told her. Egypt shared her son's love of names.

She nodded. "Yes American cuisine the in the heart of London on a magical alley no less. I think it works though." She was really liking the place and she loved the owners. She kept her eyes off his letter as that would have been very rude. "Well then I will let you get back to your letter. I've got to get this article written while the food is still fresh in my mind." she smiled at him.

Nathan wandered back into the main office from the dreaded breakroom cupping his sugary tea in both hands. There was no way he was going to be able to escape into there and have a nap like he used to in his old job. He figured that was why they made it so uninviting.

He smiled at his colleagues and Egypt who were locked in conversation as he made his way over to his desk. He sat down, shuffling his position in his uncomfortable seat. Gosh. He really missed his large old desk and comfy chair in that darkened corner of the MLES office. He eventually settled, still aware in the back of his mind of a spring sticking into his bum (tomorrow he would bring a cushion). Doing his best to ignore it, he started to look over some of the articles for the next paper, trying to figure out how they were going to fit everything in.

ooc: sorry I forgot about this...quidditch and all :P
 

She nodded, yes, Sienna sounded much better. "Then it's nice to meet you Rico" sure it was, now that she knew the name. But, of course, she never truly noticed what the bosses called everyone, except Getti that seemed to know Mona, and only Mona.

She laughed softly, "No, I didn't...which is...well, not so weird, honestly" she said, shaking her head, "There's quite a few things I don't notice" and accents were one of those, "Where in the states are you from?" this, she was curious about, though she was more than positive that it wasn't from the same place as her.

"Of course there is..." she started to say, as if she needed to clarify something, "...but, yes, a change of scenery is good for the soul" she said, and winked at him.


Her head turned, golden highlights reflecting on her hair, "Fairy Delights, huh?" Sienna smiled, she didn't know the place, sooooo...she was glad there was something new to try out.

Her next comment made her laugh, "Oh, I know...sometimes" she shrugged, "And it's not even on purpose, some of those things are simply experiments that go right" especially when a wizard is involved.

"Great to meet you too" there was a smile on her face, "Egypt...oh, I loved the country..." she commented, almost in a whisper, she sooo wanted to go back, but work was now calling for her. "Why, thank you...I...sort of didn't like it when I was growing up...I think that's quite common" maybe, just maybe.

Huh. Interesting, "Really? I've only been in New Mexico once...well, Roswell to be precise" she nodded. Oh, the times of a teenage witch on an much-too-muggleish roadtrip. It was fun at least.

Was he staring? She couldn't help to look to her side, in case someone was right beside her and she didn't notice, but, ummm, there was no one by her side, soooooo....he probably just remembered something.

She frowned, "What?" she said, because to be honest Sienna did not understand what he asked. Oh, goody! He was going to re-ask the question. "Can't you tell? I'm a California girl" ummm, how silly of her, "San Francisco is where I grew up" because she'd been going around and around since she graduated from school.

"I do like it here, though, I have to thank Clara Belle for that" she said, and shuffled her hair to the other side.

She rolled her eyes, "Yeah...they stay as stories, though...I never saw anything good in there" which is why she was glad that at least the trip was fun. Still, she never listened to whatever her friend suggested as a 'good trip' again.

He was right, though, he should have guessed. Unless..."How long have you been in London?" she asked, maybe he'd been waaaaay too much time in this city, therefore, making him oblivious to where people are from, or more precise, the California people. And he looked at the letter in his hand...was he actually going to finish that? Because she could leave to her infinite amount of work, well, not infinite...it was done quickly if she wanted to.

"Yes, it sure is" unless your family is still there, "I used to miss it some time ago" just a few weeks after she left in the first place....

AND THEN...

She chuckled, "I didn't know she was called 'THE' Clara Belle" she said, looking at his strange reaction, "But, yes, I met her when she was Clara Belle, not Belle-Cooper" still, she called her Clara Belle, because no matter how much she liked Brennan as a Minister, she still thought it was an odd couple...or maybe a perfect match...whichever suited the best.

"Sure you can....that doesn't mean I'll answer" kidding! "Friends of friends, nothing big...but she still got me the job" and being well-connected usually paid off, not that she was VERY well-connected. Just lucky.

lol...'dazzling'
 

Wise words, indeed. "That's right...that's precisely why I left--" yeah, no, never mind. Sure, she left her home because it was one of the ways to get away from her family, it was sad leaving her father, but still. "--yeah, either way, it was a fun trip, so it was kinda worth it" yet she still preferred cold places to live in. Holidays are, however, spent in warm places.

So, she smiled, "A while? That's not very accurate" Sienna stated, but didn't comment further, something else caught her attention, "The Ministry? Have you seen Brennan up close?" she still thought that he was quite the Minister, and poor man, all the things he's been through...*sigh*...Plus, he's nice to look at.

Much like this fellow American.

"You've moved around a lot, then" and so has Sienna, but she was mostly traveling around, not working per say. And her laughter this time sounded truly honest, this Rico was a funny guy, the way he said "THE Clara Belle" was simply hilarious. "To a guy like you? What's that supposed to mean?" AHA! This could be interesting.

go cooper! :P
 

Yes, she was still standing, which is why she decided to seat on the desk beside him. Not on the chair, the desk. Because everything was sooooooo casual in the Daily Prophet, right?

Sienna nodded, although International Cooperation sounded kinda boring, no wonder the man decided to do something else with his life. Wait! "Really, I didn't know Brennan started out there" interesting, "So, this could easily mean that one day you can become Minister too" another good-looking one, suddenly the Department started to sound less boring.

Aha, he didn't like the power couple for sureeeee, "I was, but couldn't make it...there were a few things that got in the way" including a silly muggle not wanting to sell his camera. Pfffft. Muggles are good for fashion. Enough said. Oh, and donuts...and many other things she couldn't think about right now. Speaking of donuts...she kinda sorta wanted one. "I had to settle with pictures instead" she said, sounding a bit annoyed by that fact.

Mmhmm, she undertands. Sienna was also quite the traveler, so, she nodded again, her wavy hair moving at the same time she nodded. Then she smiled, "Italy? Really?" she seemed surprised, "A romantic country, indeed" 'cause love is always in the air when you're there, or so it seemed.

But, the next answer was certainly more interesting than the rest, except for the Cooper ones, because Cooper was good, in a way, he just seemed to get a few things out of hand. Poor him. Anyway...NEXT!

Lifestyle? Mmmmm, okay. Sienna shrugged, "Yeah, you don't like her, I see that" she can be loud at times, "Then again, you don't have to" a wink and a laugh, but it was true, he wasn't the one married to her. She sighed, "It's obvious that they have to appear happy, we don't know that...but I like to think they are" because who wouldn't want to make Brennan happy, anyway.

go....Rico! xD
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ms. Diggory (Post 8004950) Yes, she was still standing, which is why she decided to seat on the desk beside him. Not on the chair, the desk. Because everything was sooooooo casual in the Daily Prophet, right? Sienna nodded, although International Cooperation sounded kinda boring, no wonder the man decided to do something else with his life. Wait! "Really, I didn't know Brennan started out there" interesting, "So, this could easily mean that one day you can become Minister too" another good-looking one, suddenly the Department started to sound less boring. Aha, he didn't like the power couple for sureeeee, "I was, but couldn't make it...there were a few things that got in the way" including a silly muggle not wanting to sell his camera. Pfffft. Muggles are good for fashion. Enough said. Oh, and donuts...and many other things she couldn't think about right now. Speaking of donuts...she kinda sorta wanted one. "I had to settle with pictures instead" she said, sounding a bit annoyed by that fact. Mmhmm, she undertands. Sienna was also quite the traveler, so, she nodded again, her wavy hair moving at the same time she nodded. Then she smiled, "Italy? Really?" she seemed surprised, "A romantic country, indeed" 'cause love is always in the air when you're there, or so it seemed. But, the next answer was certainly more interesting than the rest, except for the Cooper ones, because Cooper was good, in a way, he just seemed to get a few things out of hand. Poor him. Anyway...NEXT! Lifestyle? Mmmmm, okay. Sienna shrugged, "Yeah, you don't like her, I see that" she can be loud at times, "Then again, you don't have to" a wink and a laugh, but it was true, he wasn't the one married to her. She sighed, "It's obvious that they have to appear happy, we don't know that...but I like to think they are" because who wouldn't want to make Brennan happy, anyway.

Oooh Rico liked it when Sienna sat on the desk. He could've offered her a seat in his chair - or a little closer - but this was good. Yeahhh. He was going to get distracted again.... it was the shimmery hair…. he should try that excuse with Getti sometime.

"Hehehaaa riiiiiiight," Rico grinned confidently. "Never mind that I'm not a native of this country and I'm hardly qualified for the job - you'd vote for me. Right?" He cocked and eyebrow, all in jest of course. But c'mon, who could resist Rico Suave? No? Mhmm.

All those ladies at the wedding couldn't resist him, obviously. "Shame you couldn't be there," he said earnestly. "There was music and dancing and free drinks.... great time." As long as you didn't mind Bridezilla's temper tantrums here and there.

His grin widened, if possible, at mention of Italy. "La mia stella brillante! Ahh, Italia." Rico swiveled in his chair a bit. "Yeah, my family has a small vineyard/firewhiskey brewery in Sicily...it's a great spot for vacations."

Vacations reminded him of Angelina, suddenly, and he felt just a bit guilty having a beautiful woman sitting on his desk. But just a bit. "Heyyy now, I never said that exactly..." Rico returned the wink. "I'd like to think that all marriages stay happy... in case I ever get married some day..." waaaaay off in the future, yeah.

ooc: la mia stella brillante = my shining star

She laughed oh-so-softly, "I never said Minister for England, though" Sienna said, and winked again. Of courseee, all friendly like. Yet, she never answered his question about the voting. Ha! Sneaky.

Yes, shame she couldn't be there. Everyone went to the wedding, and she had to live through every single comment to at least know what happened during the wedding, the reception and the rest. "As much a great time as a wedding can be, right?" except not every wedding was Cooper's and not every wedding was Belle's.

Wow. "That's amazing...Italy is...sort of nice" let's keep it at that, "Well, not just sort but it should be a great place to retire yup, maybe, no one ever knew what the future held for either one of them. Except, maybe, a seer.

Sienna liked to think so as well, and her parents were still together and happy...so, yes, it could happen. But, yikes, what was now with the marriage thing? How come every time someone mentioned Brennan the conversation ended up in marriage...weird. She frowned and looked back at her desk, "Ummm, so, I think I should get back to work...and you still have a letter to finish?" she said, shrugging a bit.

Clackclackclack.

A pair of impatient and maybe a little hyper feet were making their way down the hallway; the door to the journalist's area opened with a BANG.

There stood Mona Quigley, wearing a lush black coat over her black blouse and tailored pencil skirt, high leopard-print pumps on her feet. In one arm she held what looked like several pounds of parchment, a magazine or two peeking out. Slung over her other arm was her large dark green crocodile handbag, and in the hand of that arm was a large cup of very strong coffee, certainly not her first that day. Her face was aglow, freshly cut hair windswept, a goofy and ecstatic smile on her face, her pupils maaaybe a touch dilated. Mona was in her element.

"PETS!!! Can you beeeliieeve it!?" she squeaked. "Elections are always fun, but THIS?! The senior undersecretary running against the Minister." She guffawed. "We are going to make a killing A KILLING I TELL YOU!!!"

She click-clacked happily to her office...nay, she pranced.

Nathan, engrossed in bloody layouts (and grumbling inwardly to himself), nearly jumped out of his skin as the door opened with an almighty crash. Blowing a wayward strand of hair out of his face, he looked up to see Cruella De Ville Numero Deux dressed, quite aptly given the nickname, like some sort of animal loathing er...woman, just asking for a can of red paint to be hoyed over her by muggle animal rights protesters. That smile come grimace permanently fixed to her face gave her the look of someone who had either had too much botox, or had been prescribed one too many happy potions by the local healer. He gave her a small smile despite his utter... fear of her.

Pets? That uncontrollable eyebrow raised as he looked at her. His stomach churned a little when she mentioned the elections and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He looked over at his partner in Taylor crime, Enrico, who had been locked in deep conversation with a young photographer only moments ago, and gave him a look as if to say 'eeeeek!'. Pfft.. and then a second later she was gone - thank Merlin. At least she hadn't said anything adverse about Reagan's campaign... yet.

She just walked back into the office from another story. She had to go home and change, she didn't think a blushing pink cocktail dress would go over well with the hounds of hell she worked for. She had changed into a red knit dress and black pumps. Her hair was pulled into a tight pony tail. The ends were dyed yellow, JoJo wanted to test something on her that was the end result. Sure she could change it, but she didn't she thought it was cute and JoJo was so proud of himself.

Her heart stuttered as hell hound number 2 breezed into the office. She looked like a queen of the jungle, or huntress of the jungle. She chose to simply ignore her so she wouldn't ruin her day. She spotted Nathan and she instantly brightened. She walked over to him sitting on his desk. "Hello my love," S he said crossing her legs and letting a pump dangle from her foot.

Nathan's face immediately brightened when he saw his sexy little woman walking towards him. He leaned up and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Hello my sweet.” He replied. She was a sight for newsprint induced sore eyes. And she always looked lovely in red.

He looked at her curiously. There was something different about her appearance - it was there on the tip of tongue. but he couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. His forehead crinkled slightly as he tried to work out what it was - sometimes he wished he was more observant. But then she turned to the side and it hit him. Yellow hair? Chuckling slightly he asked. “What have you done to your hair, love?” He quite liked it to be honest. He had always liked quirky styles and fashions on a woman. An avid Weird Sisters fan, Nathan's first ever girlfriend had a shock of bright pink hair. All she ever wore was different shades of pink. It was quite nauseating thinking back on it but he liked it at the time. “Turn around then. Lets have a proper look.” He said with a smirk while he did a twirly motion with his finger.

Sergio slowly walked over to his desk, his grey fedora tipped low over his face. He had had a very eventful evening reconnecting with his old Quidditch mates. Unfortunately the thought that he would need to go to work didn't cross his mind as he and the boys went from club to club.

It was his assistant who dragged him out of bed, just two hours after he had gotten into it. He glanced at a clock, noting he was almost an hour late. He simply shrugged that off and sat down. He pulled out a thermos and gingerly sipped the contents, a secret potion his assistant whipped up to cure his "headache". He hopped he could just sit and sleep at his desk without being disturbed.

She smiled at him as his face brightened. She was happy to see him as well. She giggled and blushed when he kissed her cheek. "Hello my lover," She said as her eyes brightened as she looked at her husband. he had left that morning before she and the children were up which was saying something. Dillon and Jo usually liked to start their screaming match at each other around 5 am. "Why did you leave so early?" She asked him. She hated waking up to an empty bed.

She wanted to smile as he tied to work out what was different about her. She could sneak a hippogriff past him. She looked at him. "You son did this actually," She pointed out to him. "JoJo and Dillon have been in Paris' lab or something and he created this new potion he wanted me to try on my hair. Well all it did was dye the ends yellow." She told him. He seemed to get a kick out it she didn't know if that was the intended result or just a happy coincident. Either way she was happy to a the guinea pig for her son. It was a easy fix but she wanted to keep it. She nodded her head and hopped off his desk and did a twirl for him. Her long hair swirled around her small frame. The black and yellow of her hair gave her a slight feline look. She twirled back till she was facing him. "Do you like it?" She asked sheepishly.

Nathan shrugged. “I just needed some air, you know?” Or rather, to get away from shouting, screeching children for a little while. Nathan adored his family more than anything in the world, but he still needed his alone time once in a while. The older twins had been playing up more than ever of late and Nathan was about to snap. He hated being 'Angry Dad', it wasn't who he was and reminded him of his own father. The thought that he could be anything like him frightened him to death. “I took a stroll in the park. Cleared my head before coming here.” He explained.

He chuckled. “Well the boy could make a fortune in the muggle hair care industry.” Then he frowned – that was far too much like being a hairdresser - no son of his would wind up as a hairdresser thank you very much! “You're a very brave lady trying out any of their creations.” He laughed lightly. Nathan would have had a hissy fit if his hair ended up like that in an experiment gone wrong. He was rather precious about his hair.

He watched her do her delicate little twirl, her hair swirling slow motion like a model in a hair ad. She had beautiful hair. “Mia-ow.” He said but didn't know why. Looking puzzled, he shook his head and then smiled as he looked at her. “I adore it.” He said softly, standing up to stroke it with his hand and examine more closely. “Are you going to leave it like that?”

She nodded as she tried to keep from poking out her bottom lip. She really hated waiting up in the morning and Nathan not being there beside her. She used to climb on top of him to go to sleep to keep him from getting up in the morning and leaving without her. Hmm, she might start doing that again. "I understand," She said softly. Nathan needed his alone time, well they all needed some time alone. She went to the spa and took herself to lunch to be alone, so she didn't begrudge Nathan at all. "Oh alright. Did you get yourself a good cup of coffee then?" She asked as she brushed a stubborn stand of dark hair out of his face. Her hand brushing against his cheek.

She saw the frown on his face and she choose to ignore it. She had her say with Lucas and she wasn't going to say anything about the other boys. Nathan wasn't going to budge and she didn't like to get in between him and his sons. Just like he backed off when it came to her and girls. "Yes he could be a excellent potion maker for the haircare industry," She said pointedly. Just because he made potions for haircare product didn't make him a certain way. She shrugged. "Well I was happy to, and besides anything they did I could fix. Its not like one of Paris' things that tend to be permanent." She pointed out. "Or explosive," Which was painful. "And I'm not that fussed about my hair like some people are their mirrors are," She added with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. It tickled her pink to see Nathan and his mirror fussing over his hair in the morning.

She giggled when he meowed at her. She guessed she sort of did look cat like with her black hair and yellow tips. She looked up at him as he stroked her hair. "I don't want to hurt JoJo's feelings I think I will leave it like this for awhile and seeing as how you like it as well," She said, her voice going soft at the end of her sentence.

Nathan's lips quirked slightly as he noticed the bottom lip starting to protrude. That could face could make even a man with no conscious cave in. He stood up and wrapped his arms around her. “Come this weekend I'll make you breakfast in bed. No need to rush anywhere.” He kissed the top of her head, getting a whiff of that hair potion for the first time. He made a face. Ew. What the devil? If Dillon was going to make a career out of haircare potions, he really needed to work on making them smell better. A lot better. He let go of Egypt and backed away a couple of paces, subtly wiping his mouth with his hand. Ew. Blinking his eyes to keep them from watering, he gave her rather a sheepish smile, not wanting to tell her that her usual natural sweet summer fruity scent was being masked by the smell of... er.. manure. Ahem.

He nodded to her question. “Ah..nothing but tea for me first thing.” He pointed out to her. Twas the only way to start the day. Extra strong with two sugars and a nice helping of milk. Yum. “And a bacon buttie from the local caff.” He said with a smirk. A creature of habit, Nathan was. “Were the boys alright this morning?” He asked her. He felt a wee bit bad just going off and leaving them, though he didn't do it often these days.

He raised an eyebrow at her dig about his hair. “Hmph.” He said, crossing his arms in a fake strop. “You know fine well this is natural.” He pouted and deliberately let his hair fall across his face right after she brushed it away from his face. He smiled as she gazed his cheek softly with her hand. “Just ask my mirror.” He said with amusement in his voice and a glint in his green eyes knowing that his heated debates with Mrs Mirror made her giggle into the duvet in the mornings.

He grinned and winked as she giggled at his cat sound compliment..? Odd. Anyway, he did like her hair like that even though it smelled funny.. and had taken him a good five minutes to notice. “I do like it.” He said echoing her soft tone. "But er... " He gave her another sheepish look. "Maybe you should wash it... when we get home..?" He suggested with a shrug of the shoulders.

He glanced over at his fellow workers, then at his watch, and back at Egypt. “What say we get out of here for a while.” He suggested, looking her up and down with a cheeky smirk on his face. “It's break time and I've been here for hours.” His eyes could do with a proper break. “Ice cream, Lady Greenwood?” He asked. "My treat." The fresh air may very well help with that farm yard smell. Heh!

She tried not to pout, but Nathan could read her almost as good as she could read him. She slid her arms around his waist as he hugged her. She laid her head over his heart. It was the only part of his body she could reach when he was standing. He was almost 6 feet tall and she was only 4 foot 9. "Breakfast in bed sounds about right," She smiled. She almost fell face first into the floor when Nathan let got of her so abruptly. "Whats wrong?" she asked steadying herself on Nathan's desk. She saw the face he was pulling. What happened? "Nathan?" She said.

She pulled a face. She hated tea. She was a coffee drinker, some of the best coffee was grown in Africa. They didn't drink tea. She shook her head. "You and your bacon butties," She smiled. Nathan was a total creature of habit. She had her coffee with hazelnut and hornbeam. It was the only way to have it. She looked at him as he asked about the boys. "Well, they set of one of Paris' chocolate bombs and it was everywhere. They even had it in their ears, but other than that the morning went off without a hitch. Got them off to daycare." She told him.

She tried to keep a straight face and she saw his mock offense. She stifled a giggle. "Yes it is all natural. I believe you," She told him nodded her head and trying to keep the smirk on her face. She loved his hair, but not as much as he did. Nathan took his hair more serious than any other man Egypt knew. "Oh posh you know that mirror doesn't answer me. She won't even show me my reflection." Egypt said. "If I didn't know any better I would be jealous of her." She said with a raised eyebrow. Egypt had to go and get a mirror of her own because Nathan's mirrors had told the other mirrors in the house not to show Egypt her reflection. She found it funny that Nathan and his mirror argued in the mornings over his hair.

She grinned. "Well then I may leave it for a while. I hardly ever dye my hair so it will be a nice change." She announced. Her sister Tommy and her daughter Paris were the adventurous ones with their hair color. Her little nose wrinkled. "I smell?" She asked him. Well that was great. She was walking around smelling funny. "Yes lets get out of here. We can floo home real fast and I can wash my hair and then we can go to lunch." She said pulling her cloak on and grabbing her purse. If she knew she had smelled funny she wouldn't have came to work today. She didn't like leaving the house looking less than her best. She took his hand as they walked over to the fireplaces. "How about a bacon cheeseburger and a pint?" She asked him with a smirk. She pinched some floo powder from the pot and threw it into the fireplace. "Last one home buys!" She stepped into the fireplace. "Uptown court," And then she vanished.

Nathan tried his very very bestest not to make a face as she snuggled up to him. Oh Merlin. He held his breath and started to turn a little red. He looked at her when she asked what was wrong. Nathan was about as subtle as an earthquake it seemed. “Nothing, nothing.” He said with a shake of the head. Was it worse not telling her she smelled like a farm? Oh crap. He bit his bottom lip as he pondered this.

He laughed heartily at the antics of his boys. Setting off chocolate bombs was a very small hitch in the Greenwood household.

“It is!” He protested. But she was right. Egypt was always right and Nathan could hold no secrets from her no matter how embarrassing they were. He was an utter scruff bag, but his hair was his crowning glory. He didn't really bother about the rest of himself as long as the hair fell 'naturally' in the right direction. He chuckled. “Jealous of a mirror?” He said sarcastically. He thought it was funny that his mirror had decided not to allow Egypt to see her own reflection. He had a horrible moment of thinking that his wife had been turned into a vampire. “You know there's nothing going on between me and Miriam.” He smirked and winked at her as he perched on the edge of his cluttered desk.

He couldn't help the smile and small chuckle as she crinkled her wee nose, realising that she.. well.. stank. He nodded. “Sorry to say so. I dread to think what Dillon put in that hair stuff.” He muttered. And then she was gone faster than he could reply to her offer. Shaking his head slightly, he followed her into the fireplace. “Uptown Court.” He said clearly. Looked like lunch was on him...

*pretends this isn't a month late*
 

She presumed it was the journalists desks because the tables were cluttered, paper-ridden and messy. It looked like the auror headquarters. Except slighter more organised....or so it appeared. She wasn't even sure if she was allowed this far into the offices but everybody seemed so busy they didn't even notice. Alexa walked further into the room and frowned. How was she supposed to find Egypt? It was like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Nathan had his head down studying, well... layouts just for a change, when someone came into the office, walking past his desk which was, very wisely he thought, nearest the door for a quick getaway should Getti or Mona come a-prowling among the common folk.

His eyes filled with surprise when he saw who it was before his lips curled into his usual smile. Standing up, he casually approached the woman who was looking incredibly lost. His mind flitted to the last time he spoke to Alexa and what had followed with Warren. His placed his hand tenderly on her shoulder for a moment, then decided to keep this is light hearted as possible. “I know you miss me, love, but you didn't need to come all the way over town just to see my face.” He smirked and winked at her and then added with a puzzled look. “...What are you doing here, love?” Who, in their right mind, would choose to come to these offices?

It was worse than Auror HQ...it had the frightening air of an labour camp...then again it was just a feeling. Either Egypt wasn't here or she was incredibly inept at finding people. Alexa also had the feeling she wasn't meant to be here, the glances she was getting were bordering unfriendly. When someone placed a hand on her shoulder she gulped expecting the worse...along the lines of a burly tall security guard asking her to leave. She turned slowly and smirked. The figure infront of her was anything but burly. Rolling her eyes at his sarcastic greeting she shrugged light heartedly, "I was looking for your wife actually" She smiled softly and looked around the office, "But I did miss you..don't think I can convince you to come back?" She asked futiley. Nathan wasn't exactly stubborn..but the type that didn't give up. "Well if I knew you'd be so welcoming..." She trailed off with a shrug, "Seeing as you two never visit I thought I'd make the effort."

"Alexa," Egypt said happily as she stepped out of the fireplace. She smoothed down her skirt and walked down the rows of desks. She had been a bad friend by not visiting Alexa after she left the Ministry and she felt bad about that. Alexa had always been a good friend to her. Her and Warren, even though he tended to scare her with his mere presence. She topped by her desk and laid down her slim red briefcase and she made her way over to Alexa and hugged her tightly. "I've missed you." She told the taller, stronger woman honestly. "What brings you by?" She questioned as she pulled back from the hug with a smile on her face.

She didn't need to turn to recognise the voice, "Egypt!" The woman was small but her smile had the ability to brighten even the most dismal of dispositions. And she was also very strong. Taking a big breath as she pulled back she rolled her eyes, "Sure you have, so much so I haven't seen you for a millenium" Not that she'd tried. Alexa had been extremely lax with just about everything. "A innocent visit" She smiled and shrugged. The things going on her life was really depressing. She didn't want to ruin the atmosphere.

She giggled at Alexa was happy to see her, as she was happy to see her friend. "I have been remiss in coming to see you, please forgive me?" She asked. the last thing Egypt Greenwood would ever want to do is make someone feel unloved. She loved everyone she encountered, and Alexa held a special place in her heart. And after her sisters she would call Alexa her best friend. She folded her arms and looked at Alexa. Alexa never did things just on the fly. She wasn't that sort of person. She was analytical and methodical. Things had a reason and there was a reason for things with Alexa. So her just dropping by just to drop by wasn't the reason she was here, and Egypt knew it. "Come on Alexa this is me." She motioned for her to sit down at the chair by her desk. She sat at her chair. "I saw Warren the other week and he didn't look good. So what is going on with you two?" She asked her softly as she gazed at her friend.

Alexa seemed surprisingly jumpy for a woman in her line of work where staying calm and being aware of your surroundings was essential. She usually was all of those things and it became obvious to Nathan that Alexa was not here just for a social chat. He shook his head at her question. “Much as I loved my job..” he said sarcastically, “...this is much more me, I think.”

Looking around the office for Egypt, he scratched the back of his head. “Haven't seen her for a while.” He frowned thoughtfully. “Maybe she's hiding in the brea...”


And speak of the devil. “Ah ha!” He exclaimed triumphantly. “There you go.” He smiled at his wife as she made her way towards them. “Well.. I shall leave you two ladies to it.” He retreated back to his desk to allow Lexy and Egypt to talk.

Alexa dismissed her ,smiling, "Love, of course. I was joking.." When Egypt crossed her arms it usually meant to upcoming of either her honest and rather raw opinion or the fact that she knew her too well. "I know.." She whispered weakly, the smile fading. Taking the seat across from Egypt she smiled softly at Nathan and bit her lip as Egypt mentioned Warren. Gulping she sighed, "I suppose you deserve to know..both of you" How was she supposed to say this? "I'm leaving England in July.." It was so close..less than a month before she left. She considered telling them there was business she had to finish but that wouldn't hold with either of them. Sitting forward on her chair, she frowned "My father's...murderer was released and I was offered a position in the country he's now in..." She trailed off not really wanting to get into the nitty-gritty details, "We got into a disagreement and I don't know...we'd been rocky for weeks. I asked Warren to..." It sounded so irrational retelling it now, "Move on..I might not come back" Somehow that didn't scare her as much as the fact that she hadn't seen Warren in weeks.

She gave Nathan a quick peck on the cheeks and patted his cheek when she pulled back. "Thank you love." She watched him as he gave them some space.

"And why do you want to be in the same country as that horrible man?" She asked her slowly. "What are you planning to do?" She didn't want to think of what Alexa could do. She was a deadly foe for any person stupid enough to cross wands with her. "Revenge won't bring him back or help him rest any easier Alexa," she told her softly. She didn't want her friend risking her life over a man that didn't care about taking human life. "Please don't do this," she begged her gently as she looked at her. She couldn't bear it if she got that owl that Alexa had been murdered. It was break her heart.

Egypt's eyes were wide as sauces when Alexa was done talking. Warren and Alexa fought like cats and crups but they always made up, however long it took them and they were steady as rocks. She reached out her hand and laid it gently on Alexa's hands as her eyes filled with tears. "Oh Alexa I'm so sorry." She said softly. She couldn't imagine what she would do if Nathan...she couldn't event think about it.

Alexa watched Nathan go and sighed as Egypt, ever the rational one, asked her why she was going. She leant against the desk and shrugged, "I can't sleep.. I keep thinking of all the other people he'll kill and get away with it for...he has to be put to justice" Guilt was also pushing her to go. Guilt that she'd never really grieved. Tears that had never fallen. She pulled herself together only to frown as Egypt asked her how she would go about it. The fear in her eyes made her hesitate to answer, "I .. won't kill him" She said quickly, paling at the idea. "He deserves it but I .. c-c-an't." She would never be able to look at herself without repulsion if she did. Jail was the only option. At the mention of revenge Alexa stiffened, her expression stoic. "I don't think it will either" She just wanted to let go. Move on. Let the past rest in peace. The woman she was now was a shadow of everything she had been. "I have to" Warren deserved someone better. The auror's stoic facade trembled and she chewed on her bottom lip as Egypt's soft hand laid across her's. "Egypt...please, don't cry.." But her best friend's tears were hard to ignore. "It'll be fine." She was sure. Was she? "How is Warren?" She whispered, looking at her friend desperately.

Nathan instinctively looked up from his work, his eyes were drawn back across to Lexy and Egypt. He bit his plump bottom lip when he noticed there were tears and could only assume that this must have something to do with Warren, and Nathan's last encounter with the couple.

Deciding now would be a good time to have a break - it was difficult not to watch what was going on and, even though Alexa was a dear friend to him, he felt like he was intruding on something very private just by being there, unintentionally eavesdropping. No doubt Egypt would fill him in on the details later.

He rose from his desk, not bothering with his jacket, he headed out onto Diagon Alley. He could use the air anyway.

Alexa! <3
 

"Why are you the one to do it?" She asked. She didn't want Alexa doing this. If someone had killed her father she sure as hell wouldn't hunt him down to just lock him up. She knew how hard it was to let go of the hurt someone else caused you. Her great-grandfather had a hard time getting over his years as a slave to the Riddle family when the British colonized Ghana. He became a bitter man for a long time, and it hurt the family. "If this is the path that you feel you have to take I will support you Alexa, even if I don't agree with you." She said slowly. "I just want you to be safe, and come back to us." It wouldn't be the same with her gone.

She shook her head and dried her face as best she could, but she couldn't stop the tears. She cared so much for Warren and Alexa and she only wanted them to be happy and they were always happier together. "I hate seeing you two in pain." she said softly. There didn't seem to be anything that she could do. "He was wandering down Diagon Alley looking crazed and lost. Nathan had to take him home." She told Alexa honestly. "He needs you Alexa. He isn't the same man without you. Its like hes become unplugged." She was pleading with Alexa not to go and leave Warren.