"Well I don't know how you do it. I mean get up in front of all those people and sing. I can't hold a tune to save my life. Don't you feel all vulnerable standing up there in front of all those people and being like scrutinized and stuff." Kayla picked up her own tea and took a sip. Not she was shy at all, far from it but she couldn't imagine doing what Amanda does. "Well hopefully it will be for a long time."

Kayla gave Gabben a smile and leaned over and gave him a small hug. "Thanks for the offer but Nicholai, has everything under control and I don't want to drag too many people into my problems."

Kayla had never realised just how many friends she'd had while she had been at school but the fact that she couldn't get out of Hogsmeade because of all the people she was running into, showed her she had a lot.

"They let her out" she answered with a scowl on her face. "Amazing what money and power will get you eh!"

Taking another sip of her tea, she let her eyes wander over the room and she couldn't help overhear the two young students talking at the next table and she snorted into her cup. They were what? Eleven, maybe twelve and they were using those three little words already? They wouldn't know what love is, at their age. Kayla watched as they walked out of the shop and she noticed they were Ravenclaws.

"What I wouldn't give to be back at school just so I could bust their chops" she muttered more to herself. Blah...she missed being a Prefect.

Varius snorted, "Yeh a bald picture of you might have ended up in there." He would never, ever, ever forget that Charms homework. It had to have been the most hilarious, yet terrifying experience of his life! "He does, poor man. But he'll get over it i'm sure. Plenty more pygmy puffs in the... well, in the world." Metaphor!fail.

When Kayla stuck out her tongue to him he made a point of gripping it with two of his fingers, "Gotcha ton.." then his fingers slipped. Stupid saliva and it's stupid lubricative properties! "Well I did have your tongue, at least," he muttered wiping his fingers across his trousers and drying them. Classy hygiene!

Thinking it would be better to show Kayla what he meant, he took his hands and placed them at either side of her head, pulling it towards him and placed his lips ontop of hers. Attempting to wriggle them about in the same way those other people had. Is this the part he used his tongue? Mkayyy. Yep. Okay. Right. Done.

Finishing off his coffee, he responded, "Well, I don't want to kiss right now. But I want to practice so that when I do, I do it well. Could you imagine if my first serious kiss had turned out like that horrible one with Cela!?"

"Done," he let out a nice sigh as he emptied his cup, "Are you staying a while longer and we could go round the shops or are you needing to get back? Sounds as if you've been here a while!"

She shot him a look but her lips twitched into a smile as she remembered the incident in the gallery. It was funny now but back then she hadn't been laughing. "I would have made you pay for a wig" she replied dryly. Kayla thought about Plymouth again and thought she might get him something extra special for Christmas, so that she could see him smile again.

Kayla pulled her head back when he grabbed her tongue. "Eww...Varius, I hope your hands are clean." She picked up a napkin and began to wipe her tongue on the paper. The boy was truly insane of that she was sure.

She placed the napkin back onto the table and....

....

....

What.

The.

Hell?

Kayla's eyes were wide as Varius grabbed hold of her face and then his lips were on hers and...

Was.

That.

His.

Tongue?

It was over in the blink of an eye and thank Merlin for that!! She picked up the napkin again and literally scrubbed her lips, wiping the slobber away. Kayla stared at him as he continued on as though nothing had happened and she lent across the table and clipped him behind the ear again. Quite a lot harder than she had done before. "You definitely need more practice. And if you do that again, I will curse you into the middle of next week."

Oh she had definitely had enough. She had just been slobbered on by a twelve year old. The day had truly gone down hill and she'd had enough. "I think I should be getting home Varius, so that I can...wash." She wiped at her mouth again, it was as though she could still feel it. Eww...eww...eww!!!! "Thanks for the..."certainly not the kiss..."er chat." Kayla stood up from the table and looked at Varius, for a moment before bursting into a fit of giggles. "You really need to define your technique Varius."

Demetria laughed really hard and loud when she heard what Xeh said about being different. She quickly covered her mouth and tried to calm herself down. A red face doesn't go with her blonde waves. "Yes because you know all about being different don't you." she giggled and teased her friend.

"OW!" he screamed as his ear endured more pain! "It couldn't have been THAT bad!!!"

This was the reaction he had sort of been expecting due to the fact Cela(ho) had reacted in the same way. He wondered what he was doing wrong. Maybe not enough tongue? Or maybe too much? More practice was most definitely needed.

"Any tips for tha Tipps (pun so intended)?" he asked, getting up from his seat along with Kayla, taking her in a nice goodbye hug. "It was good to see you again Kayla," however, by this point she was laughing! At him!? How rude! "Hey! You're not allowed to laugh Miss... Miss... YOU!" hmph. He crossed his arms in fake-moddiness before laughing himself.

"See! This is why I need practice! Don't tell Cela I did that. She might get jealous or something," he said matter of factly. She so could. Who wouldn't want this.

"I'm not sure how I do it either. I do feel a little vulernable being up there all by myself, I also feel pressured to do an awesome show because that's what is expected from me from my manager, the promoters and my fans and at times I just don't know if I can live up to the expectations all the time. It's really not the easiest thing in the world, but by no means will I give this up anytime soon because despite all the pressure I have put on me, I do this because I love it and really in the end that's all that matters." Amanda said, finally admitting not only to Kayla but to herself that this life wasn't easy at all.

"Jewellry." He repeated with a nod. "And clothes." He added, with a small laugh. "I've just sent a personalised order to Malkin's for my best friend's birthday present." He told her with a small grin. He didn't know why he was telling her, he had wanted no-one to know except for himself... But he wanted to tell someone, and why not Anna. It wasn't like she knew Nancy on a first name basis. He hoped.

He looked over at her, with a slightly slanted smile. "Don't tell anyone though, its a surprise. I think she will like it. Is there a nice shop in Hogsmede for jewellry?" He asked, as they took the path to Madam Puddifoot's.

Cheesecake? Cool. Why not. He realised that he hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, and he was actually quite hungry. He wondered if they served sandwiches, or something light that he could have. He'd be starving by dinner if he couldn't stop and have something to eat somewhere along the way.

"Well aren't you just the nice one," Anna commented, listening to him talking about all the birthday presents he was buying. Thinking about birthday presents made her think of her own mum's birthday, which was coming up in just a week or so. Maybe she could pick up a nice bracelet or anklet for her while she was out today. "You just have me an idea. I think I'll get my mum something, too, while I'm here. I'll at least just look around. I actually don't know if they sell jewelry here, but there's bound to be some kind of jewelry in at least one of these shops."

She took a seat at a table by the window and motioned for Steven to do the same. She turned around and shot a glance at the table behind her, too. That'd been the spot of her kiss with Plym. Oh, great. At the rate she was going, that table by the door would be reserved for her Hufflepuff boy, while the one to the right would be for the Gryffindor boy. Hopefully none of the employees would catch her. That'd be embarrassing...especially considering she had an engagement ring on.

Steven laughed. "She's my best friend! And... well its my Mum." He said with a shrug. Wasn't it the normal thing to do? To get those that you loved presents to prove and show them that you care and think about them... Maybe it wasn't and he had been brought up differently than others but it was what the Tamesis family did. So he did it too. Truthfully, he liked doing it. He prefered to spend his money on others rather than on himself. It made him smile at the end of the day.

S$teven nodded. "Sounds like an idea. We can search for presents for them both at the same time." He said as he opened the door for her to move through. He laughed as she picked a table and motioned for him to sit across from her, like he would really sit anywhere else???

As they got settled, he looked up at the menu and silently pondered over what he could have to eat. He really was getting hun--grrrrrrrrrrrr--yeah, there went his stomach. Oh dear, definately time for something to eat. He thought, as he started to consider what he could drink as well. "What do you want to eat and drink?" He asked Anna as he continued to look at the board.

As Steven talked, Anna absentmindedly fiddled with the napkin dispenser on the table. She was listening to Steven, but she was also thinking about when she should lean in and make a move to kiss him. Hopefully he wouldn't be completely freaked out, too. I mean, he was like....what? Fourteen or so? Eep. When he paused in his conversation, she released the napkin dispenser and glanced up. "My mum's my best friend, too. So is my fiance. Oh, and then there's Lyra...and Cela...and Evee...," she said.

Just as he had, Anna picked up a menu and starting thumbing through it. She knew she wanted cheesecake, that was for sure. She did want something to drink, too, though. "Coffee. I want to coffee to drink and a slice of cheesecake, too," she answered, closing the menu and placing it right back where she found it. "We can go get that ordered, then just sit and talk while we eat." Then it hit her. She knew how she could kiss Steven now. She could sort of offer him a bit of cheesecake, then...when he was going in for the bite, she'd make her move. Maybe he'd be so focused on the cheesecake, he wouldn't know what hit him.

*Gabben saw the young boy kiss Kayla and an angery fire went off in his eyes. Gabben went over the table and grabbed the boys robes.*
"Oi! Never do that! Your lucky I don't kick you youngin bum for that."
*Gabben then saw how he was acting and let the young guy go. He sat back down folding his arms as he turned back to Kayla.*

"I have... more tools at my use then Nicholai. Please, let me help you two stay safe."
*Gabben remembered hearing the old stories of Kayla's family and frowned.*

At first Varius was startled when the boy grabbed him, before he began laughing at the seriousness in his face. "Mate," he started, "Whilst I think it's awesome your protective for Kayla and stuff... I really don't think it's any of your business, really."

How dare he threaten Varius!? If anyone was going to kick his 'youngin bum' for that, he was sure Kayla very much would have wanted the pleasure herself.

Kayla smirked at his scream. Was it bad that she gained satisfaction from causing physical pain to another person? Probably. But she didn't. Oh it had been bad alright and she didn't bother to respond, the look would probably say it all.

"Yes, keep your tongue in your own mouth. And it might be better if the person you are intending on kissing wants to actually be kissed by you." Kayla returned Varius' hug and kissed the top of his head to show that there were really no hard feelings. "It was good to see you again also Varius." She snorted at his attempt at being angry and she ruffled his hair playfully.

"Oh of course she would." NOT!! And like she was going to tell anyone about this incident.

"Well so long as you keep on loving it then you really can't go wrong. I wish you all the best for the future Amanda and I'll make sure to catch one of your concerts." Kayla gave the younger girl a warm smile. "I really need to be going though. It was good seeing you and I'll be sure to write. See you later Amanda."

Kayla placed a hand on Gabben's arm and squeezed it ever so slightly. "It's okay Gabben, he's twelve and immature." She shrugged her shoulders as she looked at Varius and then back to Gabben. "I didn't take any offense to it."

She watched as he sat back down and she gave him another smile. "I'm sure you do Gabben. And if all else fails I promise to come to you for help. But right now I trust Nicholai's decisions and I'm going to go with that for now." She lent over and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks for being a good friend, I really appreciate it. I need to get going though, I promise to owl you as soon as possible." Kayla gave him and Amanda a wave and turned towards the door, grabbing hold of Varius as she did so.

Shooting Varius, a warning look, Kayla grabbed the back of his robes and pulled him towards the door. "Don't even start Varius, or I will whack you again. I don't think that poor ear of yours can take much more."

Xehanna smirked at Dem. "Ha-ha! Your so funny!" She kicked up her upper lip. "Well for your information, you aren't so normal yourself." She spit back at her friend. She laughed and took a sip of her coffee choking. 'Note to self: Coffee and Laughing doesn't mix' she thought.

Steven looked at her and shook his. "Naw, I meant that nancy was my best friend and my Mother is my Mum... Kind of complusory." He said with a smirk and a small laugh. He knew that his brain sometimes didn't work in a sensible order but heck, most could follow his weird cognitive patterms. Most.

With a nod, Steven stood up and moved to the counter ordering Anna her request's and he added a ham sandwich, a butterbeer and a piece of warm sticky toffee pudding for himself. He was starving. He paid for it all before he moved back over to sit with Anna. He grinned at her as she seemed to be thinking about something and he didn't interupt her.

He only putted her hand when the waitress appeared with their drinks and his sandwich. She came back less than three minutes later with the two desserts. He had to admit that their table looked awesome. The food smelled amazing, and the sweet smell of butterbeer always made him crave it. He grinned at her as he cut his sandwich into four pieces then picked the first one up to eat.

*Gabben growled at the boy but only nodded as he heard what Kayla said. He frowned a little when she turned his help down. He would still have his men work on this though. He gave a small wave as Kayla left then added.*
"Better owl me Ms. Prefect!"

Varius mental noted the advice she was giving before she said goodbye to the almighty saviour whom Varius was sure was the boy who ended up knocked out during the flood, and then he was being dragged off to the door. "Hey!" he complained. "I wasn't starting nothing," he denied, covering his ear for protection. Even the threats of maiming it made it sting a little. "Now you! Yes, you. Go home, put your feet up and go look after Varius Jr." he reached out a hand and rubbed her belly once more (still keeping the other over his rather red ear).

As she moved towards the door, with Varius still firmly in her grasp, Kayla looked over her shoulder at Gabben and gave him a wink. "I promise."

Kayla gave Varius, a gentle shove through the door and snorted. "You forget who you're talking to. I start crap all the time, so I know." She stopped just outside the door and smiled down at Varius as he rubbed her belly. "Varius Jr, huh?" She chuckled softly and ruffled his hair again. "We'll see. Okay I'm going." She buttoned up her jacket and headed towards the main road, she turned to look at Varius for a moment. "Try and be good and don't be kissing anymore girls." With that Kayla, gave him a wink and a small wave and she headed up the street back to her cottage.

Cedric pecked Kayla on the cheek before she go,He hopes that he can see Kayla more often even if only in hogsmeade."Take care of yourself always Kayla."He murmured."I'll promise to tell Dom,it depends on him.".

Then he turned to Gabben as he bid Kayla goodbye.

"Hey Gabben,What are you up to?I mean do you have any appointments,I want to talk to you,hmm,I'll tell you important necessary things."He mumbled.Crossing his fingers,hoping that it will work.

When she became aware of movement at their table, Anna blinked and brought herself out of her daydreaming state. She'd been thinking, of course, on how best to make her move and get this little part of her bet over with. When Steven returned, desserts in hand, she shot him a look of mock surpise, then started in on her cheesecake. "Well aren't you just the perfect gentlemen," she said, her voice taking on a serious tone. A few seconds later, she giggled, then added, "Thanks, Steven. This cheesecake's really good." She dug her fork into the dessert and popped another bite into her mouth. Alright...kiss time. Time to get this over with one way or another.

"So...Steven? Would you like a bite of my cheesecake?" she asked. "Here. I'll even be nice and feed you a bite." Gulp. She stuck her fork into the cheesecake, then leaned over and brought the bite up close to his mouth. Gulp. Gulp. Gulp. It was either now or never...

Steven simply smirked, he fully knew that he was a decent guy and had the manners and ettiquette to match. He was a Slytherin after all. Looking at Anna, he laughed a little then smiled. "I'm glad the cheesecake is good, you picked it." He said with another smirk and a shake of his head.

After finishing off his sandwich, he took a swig of his butterbeer and then looked up at her as she offered him a taste of her cheesecake. Why not?!?, he thought as he nodded. "Sure, if you insist it is that nice." He told her with a small smile as he leant inwards so that she wouldn't have to stretch so far. Silently he wondered if it would taste better than his sticky toffee pudding and he would be jealous.

Anna clamped her eyes shut, then took in a long, deep breath. This was it. It was either now or never. Ohhhh, this was so tough to do, though! Not that Steven was a bad guy or anything, but he just wasn't her Cale. With her thumb bent over towards her ring finger, Anna briefly touched the diamonds on her engagement ring. She tried hard to remember that this kiss...the one about to happen, that is...was just part of a bet. Nothing more, nothing less. She opened her eyes a second later, figuring that if she didn't, she'd miss his lips...or worse---jab him with the fork or something. As soon as he leaned over, she brought the fork closer and closer to his mouth. Just before it went in, though, she pulled it away and dove in for the kiss.

As soon as her lips met his, she dropped the forkful of cheesecake---hopefully on the table---the took in a deep breath. A gasp, actually. Kissing Steven had felt weird. It wasn't like her kiss with Plym at all. Maybe it was because she and Plym had actually known one another, whereas she and Steven really didn't. She grabbed her handbag and dashed from the table. "I---I gotta go! See ya later, Steven!" she called out. She pushed the doors of the shop open and headed as quickly as she could back to the castle. Seeing Steven in the common room would be quite embarrassing now, to say the least.

Job well done!

Lyra began to clap from her seat across the little cafe. She had a perfect view of Banana and that Slytherin boy, Steven. When she FINALLY kissed him, Lyra couldn't believe that the Gryffindor girl ran off.

She walked up to Steven and placed her glass on a table. "A very good Slytherin boy," she smirked, her green eyes staring at Steven as she began to clap again. "I...err...hope you are not too stunned. The so-called Gryffindor, you know, the brave and the bold, took of running after kissing you? I'll have to get her for that." Oh she would have a chit-chat with Banana for that one! You don't kiss a guy and then run off! GAH! If only she were the one in this bet.

He smiled at her, and leant in for the cheesecake -- What in blue blazes?!?! He thought, as he was suddenly kissed by Anna instead of getting a taste of the pro-offered cheesecake. What was going on around here? He thought as he pulled back, the breath stuck in his throat as he tried to form a coherant thought in his brain.

He groaned a little, as Anna grabbed her bag and ran out of the shop, now who was going to help him get something nice for his Mum? He looked up shocked as Lyra appeared beside him and was clapping. Why is she clapping?, he wondered. Everyone is barking bad. Must be something to do with the flooding... Or something... He decided.

"Uh... no. I'm fine... Just confused as to what that was. Isn't she engaged?" He asked the Hufflepuff Seventh year and best friend of the Head Girl who had just kissed him and ran away. He wasn't that bad a kissed. Geez. He shoook his head, as he finished off his butterbeer and picked up his spoon to eat his sticky toffee pudding. Just because she didn't eat her cheesecake, didn't mean he couldn't eat his own dessert.

Fyodor Balouch was clearly - very clearly - in an amazing mood. His hand was in Butterfly's - OHMYGOSH! BUTTERFLY - and there was a slight smile on his face. And a cute sorta thing it was, too, the slight smile.

"This is a surprise," he told Lissy, leading her into Madame Puddifoot's - Madame Puddifoot's, because he liked the place, it being not half as crowded as The Three Broomsticks and all. "You have to close your eyes when I tell you to, mmkay, Butterfly?"