Pub Seating

[sweetpinkpixie]

Here at the Leaky Cauldron things can get pretty busy, and, for Phro, this is exactly the case. For this purpose, she kept the changes made by Louisa so that customers may come to the counter to place their orders, which keeps the chaos down and keeps things less hectic for the busy workers and their customers.

In the center of the room sits the baby of the Leaky Cauldron - baby grand piano that is. It is not unusual to enter the Leaky Cauldron and see costumers playing away at the piano. However, this piano is widely special, even for the Wizarding World. Years ago, Ryoma Shiradou, the former owner, built it by hand and therefore as one plays each key the ivory gives off a little puff of colored smoke that rises up into the air and form shapes that begin to tell a story to the music.

Off to the side of the room, a cozy fireplace and seating area can be found for those looking to relax a bit before heading off to the busy shops of Diagon Alley. At various times throughout the day, Phro will come by and give Tarot card readings.

OOC: The piano is free for all to use so have fun with that and enjoy yourself. Also, please remember that the shopkeeper does NOT take orders at the tables. Due to the Leaky Cauldron being unmanned at the moment, simply assume that your character placed their order at the Bar and Service Counter.

And a very IMPORTANT warning. Please please PLEASE make sure you have read all SS rules - especially those involving drinking. There will be a zero tolerance policy in regards to this rule.

[Harron Peasley]

The Leaky Cauldron wasn't Florrie's usual port of call for lunch. She much preferred high-end establishments around other parts of London, or if she was particularly busy a solo latte as she continued working. But every couple of weeks she would make her way here, and sit with her latte and her mermaid salad and look thoroughly disinterested at everything that was happening around her.

Which, for the most part, was accurate. She was always observing the goings on, however, wondering if - no, when she would see or hear something that would make her invaluable in the trade. The trade of secrets and gossip. Tiny tidbits here and there were all well and good, but they weren't going to give her a column based on a relatively unknown Quidditch player maybe stepping out on his girlfriend, after all. So far, however, she didn't much need to fake the looking bored part.

Another day, another severe lack of interesting people present.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harron Peasley

The Leaky Cauldron wasn't Florrie's usual port of call for lunch. She much preferred high-end establishments around other parts of London, or if she was particularly busy a solo latte as she continued working. But every couple of weeks she would make her way here, and sit with her latte and her mermaid salad and look thoroughly disinterested at everything that was happening around her.

Which, for the most part, was accurate. She was always observing the goings on, however, wondering if - no, when she would see or hear something that would make her invaluable in the trade. The trade of secrets and gossip. Tiny tidbits here and there were all well and good, but they weren't going to give her a column based on a relatively unknown Quidditch player maybe stepping out on his girlfriend, after all. So far, however, she didn't much need to fake the looking bored part.

Another day, another severe lack of interesting people present.

Quaint, nostalgic, and dingy.

The Leaky Cauldron would forever be a time capsule of her youth and the shadow her younger self once cast. She could still see some scratches in the floorboards that she had left while chasing Harley around, the Dalmatian her dragon and she the warrior princess who needed no saving. She half wondered if the scorch marks were still in the kitchen from that one time she had tried to cook a porkchop or some other kind of meat and nearly set the entire place on fire. Her hidey hole beneath a loose floorboard in one of the guest rooms that had been her own castle at one point had most likely been mended by now. Sachiko never really enjoyed coming back here and yet each time business brought her back to the UK...here she was.

Nose wrinkling as she walked towards the counter to order, she did not try all that hard not to let her resentment show. To think that at one point it had even been hinted at that she take over this place was laughable. Just because it was her birth place did not mean it was her destiny. France, Paris, was far superior and her career as a very successful high fashion model was sooooooo much better than being some peasant of a bar maid.

Gross.

Still, she supposed she could afford to indulge in the flavor of her past and ordered a chicken and grape salad with a rice pudding (the latter being a comfort food from the past) and moved to find herself a seat. The seats themselves left much to be desired. "Do they have trolls cleaning this place?" she groaned with a hard eye roll as she patted her cherry red Saffiano leather with gold accents bag for a hand towel...or two...and lay them down on the seat to protect her assets. "Honestly.."

[Harron Peasley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Quaint, nostalgic, and dingy.

The Leaky Cauldron would forever be a time capsule of her youth and the shadow her younger self once cast. She could still see some scratches in the floorboards that she had left while chasing Harley around, the Dalmatian her dragon and she the warrior princess who needed no saving. She half wondered if the scorch marks were still in the kitchen from that one time she had tried to cook a porkchop or some other kind of meat and nearly set the entire place on fire. Her hidey hole beneath a loose floorboard in one of the guest rooms that had been her own castle at one point had most likely been mended by now. Sachiko never really enjoyed coming back here and yet each time business brought her back to the UK...here she was.

Nose wrinkling as she walked towards the counter to order, she did not try all that hard not to let her resentment show. To think that at one point it had even been hinted at that she take over this place was laughable. Just because it was her birth place did not mean it was her destiny. France, Paris, was far superior and her career as a very successful high fashion model was sooooooo much better than being some peasant of a bar maid.

Gross.

Still, she supposed she could afford to indulge in the flavor of her past and ordered a chicken and grape salad with a rice pudding (the latter being a comfort food from the past) and moved to find herself a seat. The seats themselves left much to be desired. "Do they have trolls cleaning this place?" she groaned with a hard eye roll as she patted her cherry red Saffiano leather with gold accents bag for a hand towel...or two...and lay them down on the seat to protect her assets. "Honestly.."

Though, on saying there were a lack of interesting people present....

When Sachiko walked in, Florrie's brain stood to attention. Her manicured hand maintained the slow movement of pushing her salad around her plate, and her face remained impassive and uninterested, but something behind her eyes lit up. In the world Florrie lived, in the circles she orbited - always on the periphery, never quite making it inside - someone like Sachiko was the definition of interesting.

With celebrities - and models, in particular - Florrie harboured a strange resentment alongside her admiration. Jealous that someone literally got paid to look good, it was easy to ignore any work they had to do, especially given that they were paid to make it look effortless. And as she obsessively compared herself to those on the pages of the magazine she worked at, it was a feeling heightened when she met them in person.

Her eyebrow quirked upwards as she watched the supermodel put some towels down, mentally noting that a cleaning charm would have no doubt done a better job. It was Sachiko's remark about the staff that had her emitting a short laugh, though. Not because it was necessarily funny (but to ingratiate herself with someone like this, Florrie would pretend that they were the first comedian to grace the planet if that was what it took), but because she just looked so ridiculous in this setting. "I believe the trolls work in the kitchen, actually," she offered in response, finally pushing away the untouched salad.

It was a cruel and unnecessary comment, but Florrie was often reminded that she was a cruel and unnecessary woman.

[FearlessLeader19]

It so happened that today dawned one of those days in which Rachel was in an upbeat mood. It just might have been this mood that had gotten her throughout the day so far. She had insisted to Kyle that she was strong and determined enough to check in at St. Mungo’s for her check up. Persuasion had seen the husband eventually giving in and Rachel had gone about her business. So far, she had managed to get quite a bit of walking in which was good exercise, especially since she was nearing the end of her second pregnancy. After been given a clean bill of health at Mungo’s, the woman had made her way to the Leaky where she had placed a big order. Excuse her but she was eating for two hence the reason she felt ravenous.

While waiting on the order, the Herbologist had taken up residence at the seating area. On the arm of her chair, a notepad was balanced and she was busy scribbling some last minute baby items that she needed to purchase. On occasions, she would pause to daydream about returning to work at her parents’ exploration company. As much as she missed working with all the plants, it would have to wait for a bit longer.

[Goblinfrog]

SPOILER!!: Rachel!

It so happened that today dawned one of those days in which Rachel was in an upbeat mood. It just might have been this mood that had gotten her throughout the day so far. She had insisted to Kyle that she was strong and determined enough to check in at St. Mungo’s for her check up. Persuasion had seen the husband eventually giving in and Rachel had gone about her business. So far, she had managed to get quite a bit of walking in which was good exercise, especially since she was nearing the end of her second pregnancy. After been given a clean bill of health at Mungo’s, the woman had made her way to the Leaky where she had placed a big order. Excuse her but she was eating for two hence the reason she felt ravenous.

While waiting on the order, the Herbologist had taken up residence at the seating area. On the arm of her chair, a notepad was balanced and she was busy scribbling some last minute baby items that she needed to purchase. On occasions, she would pause to daydream about returning to work at her parents’ exploration company. As much as she missed working with all the plants, it would have to wait for a bit longer.

There were those in Diagon Alley who might have been under the impression that Kitty DuGrey Valentine had giving up on her goal of overturning the Statue of Secrecy. Those people could be forgiven for coming to this conclusion, even though it was wrong. After all, it had been nearly four years since anyone had seen the Goth woman standing at street corners holding anti-Statute and pro-Muggle street signs. This was what she had devoted many of her weekends in her early twenties doing, along with occasionally fending off accusations of being a Cult of Walpurgis member.

So why wasn't Kitty still protesting? Well, it's not that her conviction had changed. If anything, it had strengthened now that she was engaged. No, the real reason Kitty hadn't protested in years is because she was finishing her epic novel...a novel about a romance between a muggle and a witch. She hoped to convey her emotions on the subject in that novel.

She was writing in the Pub that very day when she chanced to glance up to gaze around at the other diners. It was at that moment she saw a face she hadn't seen in years. A face of a dear, dear friend. Her breath caught in her throat.

Slowly, the rather nerdy looking Goth lady stood up and approached the person, just to be certain.

"Ra-Rachel?"

[FearlessLeader19]

SPOILER!!: Kitty! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goblinfrog

SPOILER!!: Rachel!

It so happened that today dawned one of those days in which Rachel was in an upbeat mood. It just might have been this mood that had gotten her throughout the day so far. She had insisted to Kyle that she was strong and determined enough to check in at St. Mungo’s for her check up. Persuasion had seen the husband eventually giving in and Rachel had gone about her business. So far, she had managed to get quite a bit of walking in which was good exercise, especially since she was nearing the end of her second pregnancy. After been given a clean bill of health at Mungo’s, the woman had made her way to the Leaky where she had placed a big order. Excuse her but she was eating for two hence the reason she felt ravenous.

While waiting on the order, the Herbologist had taken up residence at the seating area. On the arm of her chair, a notepad was balanced and she was busy scribbling some last minute baby items that she needed to purchase. On occasions, she would pause to daydream about returning to work at her parents’ exploration company. As much as she missed working with all the plants, it would have to wait for a bit longer.

There were those in Diagon Alley who might have been under the impression that Kitty DuGrey Valentine had giving up on her goal of overturning the Statue of Secrecy. Those people could be forgiven for coming to this conclusion, even though it was wrong. After all, it had been nearly four years since anyone had seen the Goth woman standing at street corners holding anti-Statute and pro-Muggle street signs. This was what she had devoted many of her weekends in her early twenties doing, along with occasionally fending off accusations of being a Cult of Walpurgis member.

So why wasn't Kitty still protesting? Well, it's not that her conviction had changed. If anything, it had strengthened now that she was engaged. No, the real reason Kitty hadn't protested in years is because she was finishing her epic novel...a novel about a romance between a muggle and a witch. She hoped to convey her emotions on the subject in that novel.

She was writing in the Pub that very day when she chanced to glance up to gaze around at the other diners. It was at that moment she saw a face she hadn't seen in years. A face of a dear, dear friend. Her breath caught in her throat.

Slowly, the rather nerdy looking Goth lady stood up and approached the person, just to be certain.

"Ra-Rachel?"

Rachel had seen the woman - the outfit, the makeup - they were all that was needed to tell anyone the woman was goth. Had she not been so lost in her own daydreams, which had now involved her dive in the Mediterranean Sea for a few magical plants. Those were good times; such good times. Rachel absently rubbed at her extended belly. There was high hope on her part that baby number two would be an avid plant lover like she was. Things would be just fine if he/she/they turned out just like their father instead.

“Hmm?” Rachel questioned absently. Her gaze went to the woman before her and for a moment, the Herbologist stared blankly. Then she really looked and really registered those features. There was a small squeal from her not too long after. “Kitty!” She really wanted to jump to her feet and give her friend a hug but that was completely and utterly out of the question when one was almost popping. Heck, she was struggling to get to her feet. Like really struggling.

In the end she gave up with an embarrassed chuckle. “I’ve missed you,’’ Rachel remarked honestly, holding out a hand towards her friend.

[Goblinfrog]

SPOILER!!: Rachel!

Rachel had seen the woman - the outfit, the makeup - they were all that was needed to tell anyone the woman was goth. Had she not been so lost in her own daydreams, which had now involved her dive in the Mediterranean Sea for a few magical plants. Those were good times; such good times. Rachel absently rubbed at her extended belly. There was high hope on her part that baby number two would be an avid plant lover like she was. Things would be just fine if he/she/they turned out just like their father instead.

“Hmm?” Rachel questioned absently. Her gaze went to the woman before her and for a moment, the Herbologist stared blankly. Then she really looked and really registered those features. There was a small squeal from her not too long after. “Kitty!” She really wanted to jump to her feet and give her friend a hug but that was completely and utterly out of the question when one was almost popping. Heck, she was struggling to get to her feet. Like really struggling.

In the end she gave up with an embarrassed chuckle. “I’ve missed you,’’ Rachel remarked honestly, holding out a hand towards her friend.

"I've missed you too, Rach," Kitty beamed at the friend she hadn't seen in eight years. So many fun and sometimes terrifying (a certain Hag professor) memories came rushing back to her.

She shook Rachel's hand, noticing as she did the baby bump which had presented her from getting up before. Ooh, her friend was a mother? Kitty would have to hear all about it. "This seat reserved?" she asked with a smile as she sat down across Rachel's table, pulling up a spare seat. "Soooo, how have you been?? Tell me all about it, I want to know eeeverything." She didn't comment about the baby because she wanted Rachel to be the one to tell her. She was so excited to hear about how her friend's life had turned out since their last reunion.

[FearlessLeader19]

SPOILER!!: Kitty dearest! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goblinfrog

SPOILER!!: Rachel!

Rachel had seen the woman - the outfit, the makeup - they were all that was needed to tell anyone the woman was goth. Had she not been so lost in her own daydreams, which had now involved her dive in the Mediterranean Sea for a few magical plants. Those were good times; such good times. Rachel absently rubbed at her extended belly. There was high hope on her part that baby number two would be an avid plant lover like she was. Things would be just fine if he/she/they turned out just like their father instead.

“Hmm?” Rachel questioned absently. Her gaze went to the woman before her and for a moment, the Herbologist stared blankly. Then she really looked and really registered those features. There was a small squeal from her not too long after. “Kitty!” She really wanted to jump to her feet and give her friend a hug but that was completely and utterly out of the question when one was almost popping. Heck, she was struggling to get to her feet. Like really struggling.

In the end she gave up with an embarrassed chuckle. “I’ve missed you,’’ Rachel remarked honestly, holding out a hand towards her friend.

"I've missed you too, Rach," Kitty beamed at the friend she hadn't seen in eight years. So many fun and sometimes terrifying (a certain Hag professor) memories came rushing back to her.

She shook Rachel's hand, noticing as she did the baby bump which had presented her from getting up before. Ooh, her friend was a mother? Kitty would have to hear all about it. "This seat reserved?" she asked with a smile as she sat down across Rachel's table, pulling up a spare seat. "Soooo, how have you been?? Tell me all about it, I want to know eeeverything." She didn't comment about the baby because she wanted Rachel to be the one to tell her. She was so excited to hear about how her friend's life had turned out since their last reunion.

It was nice to be missed, especially by such a dear friend. Then again, Rachel often thought about Kitty and their School days. There were times when she felt such guilt about not doing a better job of keeping up with her friends. This was the time to change that, at least with the fellow Ravenclaw woman before her.

“Not at all! It’s all yours.” Truly, Rach was pleased with the delightful company. Kitty’s hand was finally released {was it normal to want to cling to a friend, or was it just the jumble of unpredictable hormones?}. “I’ve been doing well! I’m still with the Watson family company. Well… not for now anyway, because of this little one.’’ The first woman fondly patted her bump. “Kyle and I are expecting our second. Speaking of Kyle, he’ll be happy to see you! You must come over to our place for dinner sometime. Unless… unless you’re busy with protesting?” Rachel smiled, only now pausing to catch her breath and to eye Kitty curiously.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harron Peasley

Though, on saying there were a lack of interesting people present....

When Sachiko walked in, Florrie's brain stood to attention. Her manicured hand maintained the slow movement of pushing her salad around her plate, and her face remained impassive and uninterested, but something behind her eyes lit up. In the world Florrie lived, in the circles she orbited - always on the periphery, never quite making it inside - someone like Sachiko was the definition of interesting.

With celebrities - and models, in particular - Florrie harboured a strange resentment alongside her admiration. Jealous that someone literally got paid to look good, it was easy to ignore any work they had to do, especially given that they were paid to make it look effortless. And as she obsessively compared herself to those on the pages of the magazine she worked at, it was a feeling heightened when she met them in person.

Her eyebrow quirked upwards as she watched the supermodel put some towels down, mentally noting that a cleaning charm would have no doubt done a better job. It was Sachiko's remark about the staff that had her emitting a short laugh, though. Not because it was necessarily funny (but to ingratiate herself with someone like this, Florrie would pretend that they were the first comedian to grace the planet if that was what it took), but because she just looked so ridiculous in this setting. "I believe the trolls work in the kitchen, actually," she offered in response, finally pushing away the untouched salad.

It was a cruel and unnecessary comment, but Florrie was often reminded that she was a cruel and unnecessary woman.

A wand WOULD make quick and efficient work of things IF someone were carrying it on their person - which she certainly was not and may or may not have misplaced it in her London penthouse after a night of languorous experimentation with a certain Veela bad habit of hers. In any event, her wand was not with her and it was just as well considering the short fuse she was sitting on. The fans of reluctant yet meaningful nostalgia only serving to fan it.

If only she had intended to be funny. It was quite the serious accusation and laughter hardly stroked Sachiko's already infuriatingly inflated ego. "Please," she rolled her eyes in response to the blonde's comment. "I feel like that is an insult to trolls somehow," she sighed dramatically as she reached for the cutlery on the table to check out her hair and makeup in her reflection. Of course it was cloudy and not at all the fine silver HER kitchen and dining were stocked with - not that she really utilized her kitchen all that often. Yes, she was going to ignore that she had made essentially the same insult about this establishment went it came to cleanliness and no she would not be acknowledging this fact.

Features slightly contorted, she returned the spoon to the top of the table and inspected the fork once more before concluding that it was not acceptable and snapped her fingers for the wait staff. "I am not sure what sort of business the current owner of this establishment thinks they are running, but see to it that the dishwashing staff gets it together. I require new silverware. This is all littered with water stains." Dismissing the tragically mousy waitress with a sharp wave, Sachiko pushed her salad aside and leaned forward slightly to smell her rice pudding. "At least this smells like it should."

Ugh. The pain of longing and missing yonder years of a youth since shattered and tainted, the simpler times. Gross.

[Goblinfrog]

SPOILER!!: Rachel dearest

It was nice to be missed, especially by such a dear friend. Then again, Rachel often thought about Kitty and their School days. There were times when she felt such guilt about not doing a better job of keeping up with her friends. This was the time to change that, at least with the fellow Ravenclaw woman before her.

“Not at all! It’s all yours.” Truly, Rach was pleased with the delightful company. Kitty’s hand was finally released {was it normal to want to cling to a friend, or was it just the jumble of unpredictable hormones?}. “I’ve been doing well! I’m still with the Watson family company. Well… not for now anyway, because of this little one.’’ The first woman fondly patted her bump. “Kyle and I are expecting our second. Speaking of Kyle, he’ll be happy to see you! You must come over to our place for dinner sometime. Unless… unless you’re busy with protesting?” Rachel smiled, only now pausing to catch her breath and to eye Kitty curiously.

Good to know the seat she took wasn't reserved by someone else - that would have been awkward. Sitting comfortably in her chair, Kitty crossed her legs and listened to her friend discuss life. It was wonderful to hear she and Kyle were expecting their second. "Ooh, congratulations!" she said, beaming upon hearing of the second baby.

"Of course I'll come over, even if I was busy, you guys are more important." She would love to see Kyle again too, along with Rachel's firstborn. And as to the question of her protesting? She lowered her voice in a play conspiratorial tone, looking around as if people might be eavesdropping. "I've come up with a new strategy to fight the Statute. Don't get me wrong, I still protest now and then, but I temporarily am shifting my strategy to influencing people through writing. Also...I have a fiance." Her eyes twinkled. "He's a man just as committed to Muggle rights and standing up to the system as I am."

[FearlessLeader19]

SPOILER!!: Kittyyy! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goblinfrog

SPOILER!!: Rachel dearest

It was nice to be missed, especially by such a dear friend. Then again, Rachel often thought about Kitty and their School days. There were times when she felt such guilt about not doing a better job of keeping up with her friends. This was the time to change that, at least with the fellow Ravenclaw woman before her.

“Not at all! It’s all yours.” Truly, Rach was pleased with the delightful company. Kitty’s hand was finally released {was it normal to want to cling to a friend, or was it just the jumble of unpredictable hormones?}. “I’ve been doing well! I’m still with the Watson family company. Well… not for now anyway, because of this little one.’’ The first woman fondly patted her bump. “Kyle and I are expecting our second. Speaking of Kyle, he’ll be happy to see you! You must come over to our place for dinner sometime. Unless… unless you’re busy with protesting?” Rachel smiled, only now pausing to catch her breath and to eye Kitty curiously.

Good to know the seat she took wasn't reserved by someone else - that would have been awkward. Sitting comfortably in her chair, Kitty crossed her legs and listened to her friend discuss life. It was wonderful to hear she and Kyle were expecting their second. "Ooh, congratulations!" she said, beaming upon hearing of the second baby.

"Of course I'll come over, even if I was busy, you guys are more important." She would love to see Kyle again too, along with Rachel's firstborn. And as to the question of her protesting? She lowered her voice in a play conspiratorial tone, looking around as if people might be eavesdropping. "I've come up with a new strategy to fight the Statute. Don't get me wrong, I still protest now and then, but I temporarily am shifting my strategy to influencing people through writing. Also...I have a fiance." Her eyes twinkled. "He's a man just as committed to Muggle rights and standing up to the system as I am."

“Thank you!’’ This was turning out to be quite a happy day in her life: reconnecting with an old friend who was genuinely thrilled for her did wonders to further lift Rachel’s rollercoaster of a mood. It was quite possible it was the hormones but when Kitty said that Rachel and Kyle were important, Rachel wanted to burst into tears. Thank Merlin she didn’t though her eyes were no longer dry. “You mean a lot to us too. Especially to me.” Did Rach’s voice sound croaky? Because it sort of was.

This woman was more than ready to listen to all about Kitty’s strategies in order to take a stance against the Statute. “Do tell. You can be sure I won’t say a word to anyone else. Have you published any pieces as yet?” Her voice had been lowered while discussing tactics but suddenly bumped up into an excited squeak. “REALLY?! When did this happen? Oh, Kitty! I’m so excited for you!” Rachel reached out a hand to squeeze one of Kitty’s. In just a moment, the information regarding Kitty’s fiance and his love for Muggle rights would be processed.

[Harron Peasley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

A wand WOULD make quick and efficient work of things IF someone were carrying it on their person - which she certainly was not and may or may not have misplaced it in her London penthouse after a night of languorous experimentation with a certain Veela bad habit of hers. In any event, her wand was not with her and it was just as well considering the short fuse she was sitting on. The fans of reluctant yet meaningful nostalgia only serving to fan it.

If only she had intended to be funny. It was quite the serious accusation and laughter hardly stroked Sachiko's already infuriatingly inflated ego. "Please," she rolled her eyes in response to the blonde's comment. "I feel like that is an insult to trolls somehow," she sighed dramatically as she reached for the cutlery on the table to check out her hair and makeup in her reflection. Of course it was cloudy and not at all the fine silver HER kitchen and dining were stocked with - not that she really utilized her kitchen all that often. Yes, she was going to ignore that she had made essentially the same insult about this establishment went it came to cleanliness and no she would not be acknowledging this fact.

Features slightly contorted, she returned the spoon to the top of the table and inspected the fork once more before concluding that it was not acceptable and snapped her fingers for the wait staff. "I am not sure what sort of business the current owner of this establishment thinks they are running, but see to it that the dishwashing staff gets it together. I require new silverware. This is all littered with water stains." Dismissing the tragically mousy waitress with a sharp wave, Sachiko pushed her salad aside and leaned forward slightly to smell her rice pudding. "At least this smells like it should."

Ugh. The pain of longing and missing yonder years of a youth since shattered and tainted, the simpler times. Gross.

Briefly, Florrie wondered if Sachiko wanted people to fall at her feet and fawn all over her. Certainly it happened a lot, of that she was sure, but there was a separation in those of fame and fortune - people who enjoyed the gushing admiration, and people who hated it. She had a feeling that Sachiko was the former. Not that she would be caught fawning. Absolutely not.

Either way, this whole situation was perfect fodder for her job. A snippet on how Sachiko spent her days, returning to the site of her youth, her bland and rather uninteresting ordered that people would no doubt be fascinated by. And her complete disregard for the waitstaff Florrie was pretty sure had been crying as they hurried past.

Pulling a compact from her bag, the blonde checked her own reflection in that, touching up her lipstick now that she'd given up on actually eating her food. It closed with a snap, and then she made a show of checking her nails as she spoke. "I would have thought you would have much more discerning tastes," she offered nonchalantly.

And a table available at every restaurant in London, if not the country and beyond. But hey, if this was where she wanted to eat, then who was she to judge?

Just kidding. She was Florrie. Judging was practically her whole personality.

[Lissy Longbottom]

Jimmy wasn't usually one to frequent the Leaky Cauldron of all places for lunch. You couldn't get high quality salads or wraps - aka the things he was accustomed to eating for lunch in order to maintain his figure and washboard abs - at a place like this. Note the words 'high quality'. Still, Sachiko was in town, and hanging around the magical shops and pubs was the best place to accidentally run into the object of his desires on his lunch break. His EXTENDED lunch break, to be more exact. He was the boss on his floor now, he could do whatever he wanted.

Could he have simply ASKED where she was going to be and plan an actual planned lunch together rather than just wander around and hope he ran into her? Of course, but it was more fun this way.

Sure enough, because he was just lucky like that, he spotted her immediately as soon as he walked into the Leaky Cauldron. First place he checked, and there she was. Not that he'd ever admit it to anyone, but he still got all *hearteyesemoji* every time he saw her, even though they'd been together for...how many years now? When had Trinetta graduated school again? Sometime around then. Maybe. He made his way over to her, sliding smoothly into the seat next to her. "What's a gorgeous girl like you doing in a dingy place like this?" he asked with a teasing smile.

And who was this woman she was talking to? Wait staff, perhaps? Nah, waitresses didn't usually wear lipstick. Still, she got a small nod of acknowledgement, but that was it.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Fawning. Always. It was practically an insult that there wasn't a red carpet rolled out for her everywhere she went. Even worse? When people who once swooned and bent over backwards for her suddenly stopped and placed their attention elsewhere. It was beyond rude and selfish of them and absolutely not the story of her life and by no fault of her own. No repressed emotions over here, nope.

"Is that why you chose this place? Because you have such sophistication?" the model cooed as her elbow moved to rest atop the table and her well manicured Stiletto nails in her favorite baby pink shade of 'Hi Maintenance' drummed playfully on her cheek. She rarely every frequented the Leaky Cauldron for the food - especially after they had changed daddy's recipes under some false pretense that the menu needed to evolve to better suit current customers and the current climate of the Alley. Whatever, they were all entitled to their wrong opinions. Still, there was SOME taste left of her childhood here and some flavors not totally demolished. She couldn't help it that she had some semblance of a sentimental bone left in her body. "Besides, it's not like I had a choice where I was birthed," Sachiko added as a bit of an afterthought.

Back to the days when everything was simpler and she still believed in fairy tale endings. To think she used to jump around the koi pond here, chasing after frog to kiss in hopes one would turn into her Prince Charming.

And speaking of charming... and only a smidgen of prince...

"Trying to have lunch," she lamented with a dramatic sigh as she pushed her plate to the side just a smidgen before turning and swaying her head in such a way that all her dyed blonde hair swished over her shoulders. "Do you have something more appetizing for my palate?" she pouted, really REALLY pouting her lips and eye lashes fluttering up a pseudo innocent storm.

[Harron Peasley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lissy Longbottom

Jimmy wasn't usually one to frequent the Leaky Cauldron of all places for lunch. You couldn't get high quality salads or wraps - aka the things he was accustomed to eating for lunch in order to maintain his figure and washboard abs - at a place like this. Note the words 'high quality'. Still, Sachiko was in town, and hanging around the magical shops and pubs was the best place to accidentally run into the object of his desires on his lunch break. His EXTENDED lunch break, to be more exact. He was the boss on his floor now, he could do whatever he wanted.

Could he have simply ASKED where she was going to be and plan an actual planned lunch together rather than just wander around and hope he ran into her? Of course, but it was more fun this way.

Sure enough, because he was just lucky like that, he spotted her immediately as soon as he walked into the Leaky Cauldron. First place he checked, and there she was. Not that he'd ever admit it to anyone, but he still got all *hearteyesemoji* every time he saw her, even though they'd been together for...how many years now? When had Trinetta graduated school again? Sometime around then. Maybe. He made his way over to her, sliding smoothly into the seat next to her. "What's a gorgeous girl like you doing in a dingy place like this?" he asked with a teasing smile.

And who was this woman she was talking to? Wait staff, perhaps? Nah, waitresses didn't usually wear lipstick. Still, she got a small nod of acknowledgement, but that was it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Fawning. Always. It was practically an insult that there wasn't a red carpet rolled out for her everywhere she went. Even worse? When people who once swooned and bent over backwards for her suddenly stopped and placed their attention elsewhere. It was beyond rude and selfish of them and absolutely not the story of her life and by no fault of her own. No repressed emotions over here, nope.

"Is that why you chose this place? Because you have such sophistication?" the model cooed as her elbow moved to rest atop the table and her well manicured Stiletto nails in her favorite baby pink shade of 'Hi Maintenance' drummed playfully on her cheek. She rarely every frequented the Leaky Cauldron for the food - especially after they had changed daddy's recipes under some false pretense that the menu needed to evolve to better suit current customers and the current climate of the Alley. Whatever, they were all entitled to their wrong opinions. Still, there was SOME taste left of her childhood here and some flavors not totally demolished. She couldn't help it that she had some semblance of a sentimental bone left in her body. "Besides, it's not like I had a choice where I was birthed," Sachiko added as a bit of an afterthought.

Back to the days when everything was simpler and she still believed in fairy tale endings. To think she used to jump around the koi pond here, chasing after frog to kiss in hopes one would turn into her Prince Charming.

And speaking of charming... and only a smidgen of prince...

"Trying to have lunch," she lamented with a dramatic sigh as she pushed her plate to the side just a smidgen before turning and swaying her head in such a way that all her dyed blonde hair swished over her shoulders. "Do you have something more appetizing for my palate?" she pouted, really REALLY pouting her lips and eye lashes fluttering up a pseudo innocent storm.

"I'm not a former top model," Florrie said nonchalantly, offering a shrug. It came across as innocently glib, but her choice of words was deliberate, calculated. As for the actual answer to Sachiko's question... Well, Florrie wasn't going to admit that she was here hoping that people like Sachiko turned up. The fame and fortune of the magic community all passed through, at one point or another. It wasn't often that they stayed for lunch, but when they did it was usually a very different type of individual that the woman she was currently watching. It almost sounded like she was bitter about where she was born, and Florrie filed that mentally away, too.

When the man slid into the booth next to the model, Florrie's eyebrow ended up somewhere near her hairline. If she'd know he'd mistaken her for a waitress she would have been appalled. Not that their was anything wrong with being waitstaff, of course - Oli was working in a restaurant somewhere, and her little brother was probably wonderful at it. But, her? Really? Though, if waitstaff wore Burberry trench coats, maybe she was in the wrong career. His nod wasn't returned as her eyebrow settled back into its place, and she almost retched at the display Sachiko put on. Covering it with a fake cough and pressing a napkin to her mouth, Florrie added this display to her mental file. Sachiko's simpering over a man was something she could definitely publish, after all.

Especially because this guy, aside from being hot, seemed to be a nobody.

[Lissy Longbottom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

"Trying to have lunch," she lamented with a dramatic sigh as she pushed her plate to the side just a smidgen before turning and swaying her head in such a way that all her dyed blonde hair swished over her shoulders. "Do you have something more appetizing for my palate?" she pouted, really REALLY pouting her lips and eye lashes fluttering up a pseudo innocent storm.

Did Jimmy know she was putting on a show for him and this woman? Absolutely. Did he care? Not in the slightest. It was very clear to everyone now that Sachiko had one Maurice James Gladin wrapped around her delicate little finger, and today was no exception. He grinned at her and leaned back in the booth, crossing his arms and pretending to look like he was pondering over the matter.

"Hmmm. I probably have a few better places in mind," he told her. Better meaning more expensive too. What was the point of being a big shot Head Healer if you didn't make the big bucks? Big bucks that you could turn around and spend on your gal?

Speaking of better places, he wanted to tell her about the surprise trip he'd planned for her for her upcoming birthday. However, despite his every instinct telling him to just blurt it out - he had no patience when it came to surprises - he had to remember Sachiko had people trailing her most of the time. Looking for candid photos or gossip they could publish, and the last thing he wanted to do was blurt out where they'd be spending her birthday weekend.

Which brought him to the other matter at hand...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harron Peasley

"I'm not a former top model," Florrie said nonchalantly, offering a shrug. It came across as innocently glib, but her choice of words was deliberate, calculated. As for the actual answer to Sachiko's question... Well, Florrie wasn't going to admit that she was here hoping that people like Sachiko turned up. The fame and fortune of the magic community all passed through, at one point or another. It wasn't often that they stayed for lunch, but when they did it was usually a very different type of individual that the woman she was currently watching. It almost sounded like she was bitter about where she was born, and Florrie filed that mentally away, too.

When the man slid into the booth next to the model, Florrie's eyebrow ended up somewhere near her hairline. If she'd know he'd mistaken her for a waitress she would have been appalled. Not that their was anything wrong with being waitstaff, of course - Oli was working in a restaurant somewhere, and her little brother was probably wonderful at it. But, her? Really? Though, if waitstaff wore Burberry trench coats, maybe she was in the wrong career. His nod wasn't returned as her eyebrow settled back into its place, and she almost retched at the display Sachiko put on. Covering it with a fake cough and pressing a napkin to her mouth, Florrie added this display to her mental file. Sachiko's simpering over a man was something she could definitely publish, after all.

Especially because this guy, aside from being hot, seemed to be a nobody.

He noticed the cough, and he glanced at the woman again. Whoever she was, she was apparently important enough to garner Sachiko's attention, but he had a feeling that little cough wasn't just because she was feeling under the weather. No matter. Jimmy was used to people being jealous of him, and even more jealous of the attention he got from Sachiko. So, he flashed the woman a smile, putting the Veela charm into overdrive as he grinned at her as if she were an old friend. Despite his broad grin, he might as well have been flashing fangs at the woman.

"Can I help you?" he asked sweetly. Too sweetly. "Maybe provide you a cough drop?"

[sweetpinkpixie]

Former. Former. FORMER. FoRmeR?!

Were Sachiko a younger version of herself, she would have been screeching and clawing the blonde's eyes out with her stilettoed nails. However, being the much wiser and aged like fine wine woman that she was now (or liked to tell herself that she was) she knew not to cause such a scene. There had been more than enough tabloids of such things back when she was first making a name for herself and this girl need not be added among her causalities. And, well, it was easy enough to notice certain traits when you were once cut from the same cloth.

Former top model. Honestly. The girl clearly lived under a rock or dingy bridges because she was a troll.

So, mirroring the same pseudo poise as the blonde, Sachiko shifted in her seat and traced the rim of her cup with her finger. "No you are not," she hum in a saccharine sweet tone. "In fact you're...nobody."

If she hadn't already given up on her meal, she would have been sufficiently done with it now. Her appetite incredibly dissatisfied, she rolled her eyes and internally groaned at Jimmy's response. He was lucky he was so attractive. "...and that was you missing your invitation to kiss me in public," she haughtily informed him. Of all the times for him to miss a cue....incredibly inconsiderate of him. She had stopped really paying attention to the tabloids after the cheating scandal, involving the very gentlemen sitting beside her now, that contributed to her divorce with galleonaire philanthropist Stirling Black. It had been all fun until he had started talking about children and all these other boring domestic ideals...so...she made life more interesting for herself.

"Oh no, Jimmy. You're confused again," she cooed while patting his cheek after he offered the unnecessary cough drop (of course he would carry something tacky like cough drops around with him considering his profession). "See, that's her choking on her insecurities."

[Zoe]

She had settled in near the fireplace of the small and dingy pub. It had been a rather hectic day for her, running here and there to interview people for a piece she was working on. The Leaky Cauldron was simple and warm, a place where Robyn Holmes thought would be a nice to end the evening before returning to her apartment for the night. Plus it was convenient for her as she could indulge in a drink and a meal while she was there.

While she waited for her food order to arrive, she kept herself preoccupied. The notes the reporter had taken that day were levitating beside her, and the woman read them as she sipped from the glass of wine held in her left hand. Page after page she read, not entirely sure if she was satisfied with what she had gathered.

Eventually, her dark eyes gave up on reviewing what was written on the pad. Needing to pause and not think for a moment or two, Robyn allowed herself to get lost in the crackling flames that danced before her.

[renmarie]

As I walked into the Leaky Cauldron, I noticed a woman sitting near the fireplace, engrossed in her notes while sipping on a glass of wine. Curious, I made my way over and introduced myself. "Hi love, my name is Athena. I couldn't help but notice you seem deep in thought," I said with a smile. "Something you need to get off your chest?"

Athena knew she could be a bit forward for some people, but why bother with any pretense, there's no fun in that when meeting new people.

She leaned over and looked at the woman's notes. "You're looking at those notes like they hold all the answers," she said as she pointed to them.

[Zoe]

How long she had been entranced by the fire, she couldn't say. But the female voice that all of a sudden filled her ears was a sharp contrast that brought Robyn back to reality. Initially, she thought that the woman was one of the servers, but not seeing the pasta she had ordered led her to quickly believe that was not the case. As a result, the look on her face perhaps was not as welcoming as the stranger before her.

The former Slytherin's mouth opened to ask who she was, but the female who was apparently called Athena was quick to introduce herself. She was forward, which the reporter appreciated -- going through all of the pretenses was overly time-consuming. The question and the leaning over to look at her notes were a bit too forward for her liking though.

She set her glass on the table and then quickly grabbed her notepad. Her eyes returned to Athena. "Robyn," she finally responded as she closed the notepad. "And, if you must know, I was reviewing my notes for an article I intended on writing." She couldn't help but wonder if prying into the business of total strangers was something Athena did regularly. Considering her own line of work, that at least was something she could forgive. She couldn't say the same about others.

[renmarie]

Athena's smile faltered slightly as she took a step back, sensing Robyn's less than enthusiastic reaction to her introduction. She had meant to be friendly, but perhaps she had come across as too pushy.

"Ah, I apologize if I was being too nosy darling," Athena said, offering a small, apologetic smile. "I didn't mean to pry. I'm just naturally curious, I suppose. Especially when someone looks a world away."

She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, feeling a little self-conscious now. She had been hoping to make a new friend, but it seemed that Robyn was not particularly interested in getting to know her.

"Well, it was nice to meet you, Robyn, and best of luck with your article" Athena said, reaching out to retrieve her glass. "I'll leave you to your notes then."

With that, she turned and made her way back to her own table not far away, feeling a little disappointed. She had been hoping for a more lively conversation, but it seemed that Robyn was not in the mood for company.

[Zoe]

There were a few reasons why her response perhaps could be received as unenthusiastic. Perhaps it was the long day of interviews catching up to her. It could also have been possible that going from being lost in her thoughts to being engaged in conversation had been too sudden of a contrast, or maybe she was being a bit too overprotective of her notes. Odds are it was a likely combination of everything.

Robyn appreciated the apology. She understood the woman's curiosity, which she didn't mind at all. She too was curious and, true to her nature as a reporter, even had questions of her own for the newly introduced stranger. Where was Athena from? She couldn't say many Londoners were so forward with total strangers. As much as she would have liked to get to the point and rattle off questions for the interviews she personally had to do, Robyn learned that gradually building up to those questions was necessary more often than not.

Before she could say anything though, the woman was already saying her farewell and walking away. "Apology accepted. And you don't have to leave," she replied to Athena. "I actually wouldn't say no to some company." She would leave that up to Athena, however. Robyn knew that she was an acquired taste.

[FearlessLeader19]

The pictures were a perfect excuse in Rafael's opinion. He had been trying to figure out a reason to meet up with Dash after the wedding so when his mãe had suggested that he give some of the pictures to Dash, he jumped at the chance. The small bundle of moving photographs consisted of mainly him and Dash - from them on the dance floor, during the toast and so forth - but there were also a few where Dash was photographed with Rafael's mother, sister, older brother, twin, new brother-in-law, some family members he hadn't seen in ages.

Sitting there at a table as he waited on Dash on a fine Saturday, it occured to Rafa that none of his lady dates had even managed to meet a single member of his family whereas Dash had met practically all of them. And that nice thing? They each liked Dash. Not one of them suspected that Dash wasn't really his boyfriend and that the two had only met once before the wedding. Admittedly, Rafa liked him too but that was what was confusing the owlkeeper.

Had the ruse worked a little too well?

[Charely Potter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

The pictures were a perfect excuse in Rafael's opinion. He had been trying to figure out a reason to meet up with Dash after the wedding so when his mãe had suggested that he give some of the pictures to Dash, he jumped at the chance. The small bundle of moving photographs consisted of mainly him and Dash - from them on the dance floor, during the toast and so forth - but there were also a few where Dash was photographed with Rafael's mother, sister, older brother, twin, new brother-in-law, some family members he hadn't seen in ages.

Sitting there at a table as he waited on Dash on a fine Saturday, it occured to Rafa that none of his lady dates had even managed to meet a single member of his family whereas Dash had met practically all of them. And that nice thing? They each liked Dash. Not one of them suspected that Dash wasn't really his boyfriend and that the two had only met once before the wedding. Admittedly, Rafa liked him too but that was what was confusing the owlkeeper.

Had the ruse worked a little too well?

Dash would say it was mission accomplished on winning over the family of dear Rafael's. Well, almost. Knowing the deal would end after the wedding, he milked as much of it as possible. Perhaps he would be asked again on another family gathering? Or not, which was a disappointing pill to swallow. But the disappointment didn't last when he received word from Rafael to meet him. And on a Saturday? He wasn't passing that up.

Reaching the Cauldron, Dash walked in looking for him. Didn't take long to see him sitting at a table. A smirk appeared before he looked neutral again walking over, pulling a chair to sit, "Hello, former boyfriend," He said showing his wonderful face. Did he miss him as much as he did? Well, he would love to find out Rafael's version of missing him. If that were true, ahem.