Before he had a chance to check the time, he caught sight of Jacob entering and smiled. "Hey back at ya. Yes, let's grab that table in the corner." West gestured with his head, hands still holding his piled high tray, and began to walk towards the far table.

After placing his tray on the table, he unpacked his plate, drink, and dessert before moving the tray to the return stack. Every bit of him wanted to eat dessert first and, if he'd been alone, he would have. "So, what do you think about all of this Quidditch World Cup business?" He picked up his fork and stabbed a large chunk of turkey. "I have to tell you, I don't even know where to start to get it all ready in time." It was the truth. The ministry wide meeting had caused more confusion than good and he wasn't sure what he was supposed to be doing.

The best thing Ethan Denton decided about this internship was the food court. He wondered vaguely if some of his fellow sixth years were having the same experiences he was having, because honestly this was about the most dull experience ever. No offense to the Minister, of course. But literally they were getting paid a pittance to do the dirty work of the ministry and he may as well have been scrubbing toilets.

But the food court and lunch time was a chance to boring mundane filing tasks. The most exciting thing to happen was when he came across a file of a professional player's name he recognized. Something he wasn't allowed to discuss the contents of, because privacy laws or something, which was dumb considering they were professional athletes and always had their lives in public spotlights.

Tray full of food, the near six-foot slytherin glanced around for a place to sit, as he always had... where were some of his classmates anyway?? He knew Missa and Nettie and Nina had all applied, but had they gotten different departments? Probably because he hadn't seen them at ALL which truth be told was maybe a good thing in the case of a certain prefect. He needed all his brain cells for interning and playing quidditch, which meant he wasn't prepared to face the awkwardness of months ago just yet. Or maybe that was just an excuse. Eventually he would have run out of excuses and then what.... ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

The best thing Ethan Denton decided about this internship was the food court. He wondered vaguely if some of his fellow sixth years were having the same experiences he was having, because honestly this was about the most dull experience ever. No offense to the Minister, of course. But literally they were getting paid a pittance to do the dirty work of the ministry and he may as well have been scrubbing toilets.

But the food court and lunch time was a chance to boring mundane filing tasks. The most exciting thing to happen was when he came across a file of a professional player's name he recognized. Something he wasn't allowed to discuss the contents of, because privacy laws or something, which was dumb considering they were professional athletes and always had their lives in public spotlights.

Tray full of food, the near six-foot slytherin glanced around for a place to sit, as he always had... where were some of his classmates anyway?? He knew Missa and Nettie and Nina had all applied, but had they gotten different departments? Probably because he hadn't seen them at ALL which truth be told was maybe a good thing in the case of a certain prefect. He needed all his brain cells for interning and playing quidditch, which meant he wasn't prepared to face the awkwardness of months ago just yet. Or maybe that was just an excuse. Eventually he would have run out of excuses and then what.... ?

Trinetta was exhausted from this internship. That was mostly her own doing, though. She had wanted to gather up EVERYTHING she possibly could from this experience, which meant she was running herself ragged trying to be involved in every thing going on in the department. And of course getting the boss her coffee. Ugh. She'd hoped that bit about internships hadn't been true - but it was proving to be true. Painfully so.

As she headed to the food court and grabbed her normal lunch consisting of a sandwich and small side salad, she scanned the room to see where she wanted to sit. No one around that she knew except...Ethan.

Ok. Ok. This wasn't bad. This was fine. She could do this. She'd been able to chat with him ever since that night he'd told her about his feelings for her - and had successfully be able to dodge the subject ever since. There was still that awkwardness in the air, but they were both very good at ignoring it. Why should today be any different?

"Hey Ethan!" she said with a smile, calling out to him. "Wanna sit?" she asked, gesturing at an empty seat nearby.

See? Fine!

And go figure that she would be the first person to see on the lunch break. Which of course, she was looking exhausted because like the Ravenclaw that she was - she likely was diving ALL IN with the internship. If he had to guess she wasn't playing quidditch simultaneously, like he was, given that she played in France.

"Nettie, Hi, hey... hey..." he definitely repeated the greeting too many times, before nodding. This was going to be fine. They were fine. "It's hard to believe we work in the same building. I haven't seen you like at all."

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

And go figure that she would be the first person to see on the lunch break. Which of course, she was looking exhausted because like the Ravenclaw that she was - she likely was diving ALL IN with the internship. If he had to guess she wasn't playing quidditch simultaneously, like he was, given that she played in France.

"Nettie, Hi, hey... hey..." he definitely repeated the greeting too many times, before nodding. This was going to be fine. They were fine. "It's hard to believe we work in the same building. I haven't seen you like at all."

Nettie smiled at him, choosing to ignore how awkward he was as he greeted her. Merlin, why did this have to be so hard? Why couldn't they just...ignore what had happened and move on? Ignoring was so easy!

"I know!" she said with a chuckle. "I've been super busy. Lots going on on Level Three. Where are you at?" she asked as she sat down. She couldn't remember him mentioning where he'd gotten his internship assignment, but it obviously hadn't been Accidents and Catastrophes with her.

See this was TOTALLY not awkward at all. Ethan could almost feel the tension melt away... or well, thicken probably enough to cut it with a knife. But he was trying to be positive here in that things were totally chill between them. Also, he was never engaging in risqué behaviors again. The headaches were so NOT worth it.

"I bet you're doing great though. I'm on Level seven. Games and sports." Ironic, somewhat, since his father had worked here years ago. Like before he was born, years ago. "This food makes Hogwarts meals look like fast food, am i right?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

See this was TOTALLY not awkward at all. Ethan could almost feel the tension melt away... or well, thicken probably enough to cut it with a knife. But he was trying to be positive here in that things were totally chill between them. Also, he was never engaging in risqué behaviors again. The headaches were so NOT worth it.

"I bet you're doing great though. I'm on Level seven. Games and sports." Ironic, somewhat, since his father had worked here years ago. Like before he was born, years ago. "This food makes Hogwarts meals look like fast food, am i right?"

"OOH that sounds fun! Do you get to do a lot of Quidditch stuff?" Nettie asked as she sat down. This was sloooooowly starting to feel more comfortable. Super slowly. GAH. Why was everything so awkward in her personal life lately?

She nodded and looked down at her very depressing salad. "I miss Hogwarts so much. I can't wait to get back there in the fall. I uh...stepped down as Prefect," admits with a blush, although she wasn't sure why.

"Not really. It's actually super boring, technical work. Like filing and sorting. I haven't even met anyone super cool." Ethan frowned slightly, shaking his head.

Wait. What. Eyes widen at her revelation and Ethan just stared speechless for a moment. Say something. Say something. "W-why? Did you ...did someone find out about our little excursion?" Okay that was dumb and also it was months ago and way to bring up the awkwardness again just when it was getting more comfortable. Also, surprised to see anyone want to get a salad after their healthy eating at Beauxbatons for ten months; given he had a cheeseburger and chips.

Have you been looking forward to that yummy shepherd's pie you treat yourself to every Wednesday at the Ministry's food court? The way the potato crust is just a little bit burned, just so it's the right amount of crunchy. And then once you cut inside, the delicious peas, the meat, the-

WELL!

THINK AGAIN!

Because today, when you arrive at the Main Buffet, most of the food and counter tops are covered in owl droppings. The staff is TRYING their hardest to clean up after them but even the best cleaning spells can't make the food tasty again. You'll always wonder...is that white thing REALLY just part of the mashed potatoes?

While you're still contemplating whether or not owl droppings have in fact ruined the food completely, better watch out! Owls are not picky with regard to WHERE they poop.