Fountain of Magical Brethren
 

Halfway into the Atrium, gleaming in all its golden glory is the Fountain of Magical Brethren. The large fountain depicts golden figures of a wizard, witch, centaur, goblin, and a house-elf with jets of water spouting out into the fountain below. The focal point of the fountain are the witch and wizard, the other beings looking up at the pair with adoration. Gaze at the lovely fountain as you make your way to the other various locations within the Ministry.

OOC: All Ministry of Magic employees, regardless of their assigned department, are welcome to create their own roleplay in this thread.

His mind full of thoughts, Josh absent mindedly made his way to the atrium not being really aware of where he was going. His mind was unusually busy with lots of mixed thoughts and they were so mixed that he was having difficulty with considering them separately so it felt like thinking over them again and again didn't provide him any progress with anything. From his children to his work, they were all mixed up.

Well...maybe he had to find another way to relax his mind and deal with things properly. Acting before thinking had never really been his way of doing things anyway. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and stopped in front of the fountain in the atrium, his dark brown gaze staring at the water. So why now? He could just wait and see what would happen then decide what to do about them at that instant instead of keeping his mind busy and blurred like he had always did.

Yeah, that had to be the only way with him. Spontaneous acting worked better.

In attempt to retrace her steps back to the food court without the necessity to ask someone for directions, it took less time than she expected to make it to the fountain. At least, the only fountain that was grand enough to be worth remembering. Another area in the ministry that was worth remembering? The food court. Which was close by somewhere, she could smell it.

Although, having unconsciously stopped at the fountain to stare at it as she thought, she shook back to reality, yet made no move to resume her mission. There was a man standing just a few feet away from her and from a quick glance around, happened to be the only other being staring at the fountain besides herself. Dude looked intense.

"Hey."

Taking a deep breath, Josh tried to push all the thoughts out of his mind, his eyes still watching the flowing water. Water. While he preferred naturally flowing water, like a river or waterfall or something, still a fountain was enough to relax him as well. He watched the water with a small smile on his face until someone approaching his way took his attention.

His brown eyes quickly 'kind of' examined the woman and when she looked totally harmless to him, he returned to staring at the water not wanting to disturb the lady with his staring. It was rude to stare at people, after all and he didn't meant to...

Oh?

She was talking to him, right? Josh looked at the woman's face and a warm smile appeared on his. "Hey!"

And there was a three-sixty turn of events she wasn't anticipating. She'd been expecting a brooding response in return but instead got... this pleasant greeting. Which actually sounded and looked genuine. Never could trust a book by it's cover, could you? She smiled a little, suddenly at a loss for words. What did one say to a handsome random stranger who foiled all their good responses due to a quick sincere response?

"Not thinking of jumping for the sickles, are ya?"

Nailed it.

Josh kept staring at the woman trying to understand what she was trying to do. Was she lost? Or was she looking for someone? Or perhaps she just killed some time walking around while thinking and her feet dragged her to the fountain just like what had happened to him. Whatever the reason was, the auror decided to take her smile as a good sign. Then she spoke again and...

Josh let out a laughter at her words. The woman apparently was no boring person despite the fact that she was a ministry employee. Yeah, most ministry employees were boring or it just seemed to him that way because what they did at work was usually boring stuff. The auror narrowed his eyes at the woman playfully.

"Why? You're thinking of doing it first?"

Not particularly laughing along with the man, she instead grinned wider, crossing her arms in the process. It felt good to make a stranger laugh. Proud moment indeed. Though she couldn't help but let out a short chuckle from his response.

"No, I think I'd go for the galleons instead," Her shoulders shook with the few lingering silent laughs as she glanced to the water in the fountain momentarily. Shiny pieces were still visible. Not for the taking though.

Looking back to the man, she uncrossed an arm and held out her hand for a handshake. "Mary, level three."

Dani/Legend <3
 

There were a lot of people that worked at the Ministry but, yeah the fact that they hadn't run into each other was still odd. "Maybe because the days when i'm out you're in? Or it could be just one of those weird things where we always just miss each other." Straaaange, but he wouldn't dwell on it too much. That wasn't what he did.

Potions? "Sounds like detailed work! So you deal with antidotes and all that then?"

Same as Simon. "Yup. Though. I've actually been here longer than him." Take that Simon!! Not really though, he didn't have any hard feelings with his colleague. "I'm the Head Auror."Earning? "Right-er- " Flicking a finger at the fountain Legend non-verbally, and wandlessly summoned the piece of jewelry into his hand. Offering a smile Legend held it out. "It's a little went but all good, not an accident or a catastrophe at all." He was the best at jokes.

*snags*
 

RIGHT. The department head had a LONG name. Ember just smiled, still kneeling in front of the girl, and looked up at Mariel. "Well.. Mariel. She's very--"

Oh.

Ember had no idea what the woman was TALKING ABOUT??? "I--I did what?" She seemed MAAAAD. And Ember honestly didn't remember--oh dear. OH DEAR. "When...I....I apologize..." But even though she didn't remember, it wasn't out of the realm of possibility that she could ever do that to someone...in fact, it seemed like a VERY Ember thing to do..

"What color did I change it to?" >.< EMBER WAS CURIOUS.

And juuuust as the girl had been about to take the candy, Mariel was snatching it away--and Ember blushed and stood up. "Oh...I'm very sorry..." she muttered . Oops. Ember....Ember's baby fever was dashed slightly. She wasn't ready for a kid...Dmitry wasn't, either...and...maybe she should just...let things play out naturally instead of talking to Mitya about this. They were moving in together in month...

"Well..Regina...you are just SO pretty." She smiled though. Children. They wee the light of the WORLD.

Liiiisa <3
 

Where did one go when they were out on patrol even though they weren't allowed to be? The Atrium of course! No doubt Legend was still up in the office or even better, gone off somewhere else even if it meant he LEFT her behind so this was the perfect place to go people watching and ensure no one suspicious was walking around. Sure that was what the checkpoint was for but who's to say they were all that thorough or couldn't use an extra pair of eyes a little further inside than where they were stationed?

Just had to...not make it ridiculously obvious she was ON patrol which meant sitting by the fancy fountain with her eyes trained on the people that passed by.

You think they'd at least TRY to look a little interesting after all the work she put into sneaking out of the office and all the way down here but this was...frankly very pathetic, a point well proven by the blank parchment she was meant to be taking notes on.

Olly was a little late for work today. Not LATE late. She had an excuse after all. She'd had a checkup with a healer. So she had a good reason to be late. Actually she still had some time until she would have to be downstairs in the office again, so she was in no hurry. Maybe she'd even get one of those brownies again from the food court.

Eyes lazily scanning the area, they fell on someone familiar.

Oh. Hi.

With a small smile, Olly moved away from the crowd of people she'd somehow ended up walking with to walk over to Alexa. "Hey." She greeted her once she was within hearing distance. What was she doing up here?

Just when she thought she'd finally found a shady bugger lurking by the door aimlessly, he was joined by some woman who handed him a cup of coffee and they both headed off toward the lifts. Just like that. No altercation. Then they wondered why she went to the boss man practically begging him for some outside work. The Ministry was plenty safe, it didn't need a bunch of Aurors in training adding to the security.

Giving up for the moment, Lex rolled and stuffed the parchment back into her candy bag along with the quill so no stray water from the fountain might ruin it. No point exposing it to the moisture unnecessarily and in any case, if worst came to worst she would spring into action THEN write the report after.

No big dea--OHAI OLLY!!

Lex smiled as the girl approached. It was always nice seeing familiar faces outside your own Departement. Helped remind you that you didn't live locked away in a box. "Tell me you've had a more interesting morning than mine." That was her greeting, yup. "Been sitting here for the better part of an hour and I'm starting to think even the Daycare would be more eventful."

Lex looked excited to see her.

"Only if you count going to the healer as more interesting." Olly offered as she sat down next to the other girl. Well someone was clearly very very bored. She smirked a little at Lex' mention of Daycare. Whoever worked there would probably never be bored ever. Children could really be something. "What are you doing here anyway?" Seeing as she was so bored.

"I do." Healer's could count as interesting people depending on what you needed to see them for. "Mine's a card, almost makes me feel bad when I skip out on his visits." But only almost. Alexa did not live her life on vial after vial of potions, no matter how 'helpful' they were stated to be.

Lex shrugged a little at the question. There wasn't much harm in telling her...not unless one Legend Chosen had decided to disillusion himself and eavesdrop on her light conversations AGAIN. Bloody creep. "I'm sorta on patrol...but not on patrol if certain people from my Office ask." Which didn't really leave much in the way of explanation but there it was. Lex was doing her job...the job she was technically banned from doing. Ahem.

Olly's question from earlier did beg another question though, one that had Lex eyeing her company curiously. "What'd you see a Healer for? Deadly plant bite? Fumes from the plant medicine?"

Olly wasn't one of those people who were scared of going to the Healer. But she certainly didn't ENJOY it either. Neither did she have a special kind of relationship to hers either. Unlike Alexa apparently.

Her lips curled into an amused smirk and she raised her eyebrows at the other girl. "Yeah?" Whatever that meant. "So you're not supposed to be on patrol?" Why not? She was MLE and that was what they were supposed to be doing, yeah? Apparently not Lex. Maybe she'd gotten in trouble. Now Olly was curious.

Sadly it hadn't been anything as interesting as that, so Olly shook her head. "No. Just...regular check up kind of thing." Not that she used to go there regularly. That was something old people did. "Making sure I'm healthy, you know." And aside from some blood samples that still needed to be tested, the Healer had said she was alright.

Then Olly went right out and asked like that and Lex had to start wondering if it was a set up. That was the thing about MLE; when you worked there long enough, you ate, slept and breathed constant vigilance.

Right now? Now she was raising her wand and casting a 'homenum revelio' in the immediate area JUST IN CASE before she even started an answer to the girl. Lex's eyes scanned the place a couple times to be sure she checked everywhere before she turned to Olly once more. "I'm not. Been banned from patrols for almost a year now under the condition I can only go on those if the Head Auror's present." You know, despite him NOT being the YATI leader set in charge of them.

"He got butt hurt 'cause of a conversation he spied on in which I told a co-worker I'd hit him over the head with a giant rock if it meant I got Head Auror after." Apparently people don't like hearing someone else would out them for their position, not even in joke. "Something about being so highly trained that he's offended I'd use a rock to kill him." Lex shrugged, clearly not seeing the problem. Legend wasn't even MEANT to be in that conversation.

She nodded a little at the explanation of the Healer. It wasn't quite as exciting as she'd first imagined. "I don't think I've ever gone to a Healer just to be sure I'm healthy, seems like a waste when the fact I haven't dropped dead yet speaks volumes to that." But that was just how she saw it. If sleeping didn't come so damn hard she'd never ever go to St. Mungo's.

Ooooooooookaaaaaaay.

Olly raised her eyebrows and leaned back a little, not exactly scared but more like giving her a concerned look. Was she okay? What had working at MLE done to her? Olly, too, looked around for a moment. Not really sure WHAT they were trying to see, however, her eyes soon returned to Lex again. "You okay?" Like. Paranoid much? Although her next words explained some things, it certainly didn't explain why she had drawn her wand just now.

Was she allowed to laugh? If not, tough luck, because Olly was definitely laughing now. THAT was why she'd been banned from patrolling? "There ARE probably easier ways to kill him. Also not so messy ones." She joked, smirking slightly in amusement. "Although. A rock. He'd probably not see that one coming..." She wasn't being serious. Obviously.

Not planning to assassinate the Head Auror here, don't worry.

They were still on the Healer thing though. Olly just smiled, a little wryly, though. "That means you're healthy then."

So yeah...Lex caught the look Olly was giving her but didn't break her concentration until she was absolutely sure. Now that she was ready to file a petition in order to get her freedom back she couldn't take any chances. Imagine if Legend thought she was slandering him across the Ministry. Yikes.

"Yeah, I'm fine, just...." Still kinda eyeing the place, pay no attention to us. "Last time I got busted I was just having a casual conversation in an empty hall and out of nowhere Legend pops up. He was disillusioned, spying and all. If you ask me he WANTED to hear it. MLE-ers have a rotten habit of that." Now that she thought about it, it seemed more like a trend. Something she might have missed the memo on. "Tried arresting someone and boom my YATI colleague appears swearing she saw the whole damn thing." Nearly ruined the bloody arrest too while she was at it. Lex was steadily beginning to hate that spell.

"I know how messy the rock is, it was just a joke, one he didn't find funny. Good thing is, now that Rhydian joined the team the attention's not so much on me anymore."

And of course she was healthy, in her book, the fact she was still breathing was all the confirmation she needed of that. "Hey, what kind of fancy stuff do you get up to on you Level?" She'd always wanted to know.

He knew he needed to get back up to his office soonish as the meeting would be starting soon in the conference room and he had to get his paperwork together for it, but he was on a look out for other teams hoping to take someone down, his eyes were darting around as he looked for one of the members of the other teams, alert for anyone who might be watching for him as well.

Meetings, meetings, MEETINGS! What a morning it had been! It was no wonder that Delphine was more than happy to have the opportunity to go to lunch. Even if it was one hour, that was one hour in which the woman could savour to herself and maybe call her sister, who was looking after her baby boy.

So, the woman stepped out of the lift with her bag swinging on her shoulder and, what a sight! A jumpy looking Department Head, a sneaky employee and a watchful Senior Undesecretary, oh my! She leant against a statue and watched as the other woman drew out a ball and...........

"Bullseye!" she called as loudly as she could, smiling at the other woman who had walked by too quickly for her to receive a high five. Sigh. "Looks like you've really hit it off, Mr Yenorin."

*sighs* gone a few hours and....:P
 

He looked up as he felt a splat on his back and dropped his head back as he sighed. Yep Becca was going to totally get him later, he was sure he was the first on his team to get hit. Damn...couldn't even get one himself! He looked down at the ball he had in one hand but that was that, he'd just pass that to one of his team members. He winked at Delphine and shrugged "That I am." Okay now to...change shirts and go to the meeting? He glanced behind him and wrinkled his nose heading for the lifts again. He smirked though as another woman aimed throwing a ball at Delphine "Your out now too?" he said with a laugh when the ball connected.



edit from AmbiguouslyMe: Delphine is not yet out as per game rules

someone should plaaaaay
 

Tiffany hadn't ever liked this fountain.

Big. Bulking. Old.

It was tasteless. It was a horrible center piece.

She wasn't a fan. Walking past this thing every day made her cringe. It was even worse than having to stand on that stuffy lift with all the others. The fountain was the farthest thing from aesthetically pleasing. Something had to be done about it.

And yes, she was staring at it. Not because she wanted to. Not because she liked it. But because it was there and it was gross. Sweet Circe.

Mmm.

Well, Marilyn had mentioned to certain individuals that she'd wanted to stretch her legs...So, naturally, this found her back on the Atrium level; another set of heels (another day!) click!-clacking! as she made her way through. Her destination had been the gift-shop this time, however. Olivia always enjoyed the trinkets she would bring home for her. Or pretended to. Her child could be very cryptic when she so chose.

Unfortunately, in her abrupt haste - Mhm, haste...in heels...Sense-making, yes? - the blonde accidentally bumped into a very pretty girl whom she'd seen around the Minister's office. "Oh, I am so sorry..." The words were casual enough. "Did I hurt you?"

*whistle*
 

One moment, Marilyn had been standing there, apologizing...and in the next? A ball had materialized out of nowhere, plowing into the girl (or into her head, anyway) she'd just accidentally bumped. Peeking around, the blonde glimpsed a Korean guy. Kang, if she hadn't been mistaken.

Also from her department.

That had been a brutal hit, too. Or...as brutal as the soft balls could be.

"Merlin..." Marilyn had to ask again. "...are you okay?"
.

.

Ahem.

Delphine stood by giggling as she watched Gidyun's reaction. It was probably because her eyes were far too focused on the Department Head that she didn't notice anyone around her. Besides, as far as she could tell, the man didn't look to be hurt so giggling was allowed. Mhm. In fact, there was even a giddy little clap going on. Did she feel bad that he had to discard his ball? Well, a BIT. It was all in the name of fun, after all.

"Hope you didn't get hurt too badly." She had to thank......... Phillips, was it? Yes, she had to thank her later for having such excellent aim and hitting the man so well. Squarely on his back, even. Bravo, Phillips, bravo!

Out? OUT? "Out? Meeeee?" she said, placing a hand laden with rings on her chest, "NEVER!" What a preposterous proposition!

BIG SMIRK!

Yes, Kang Micky couldn't help but smirk. It was such a beautiful shot, wasn't it? Thankfully that he decided to use the slingshot rather than throw it by using his empty hand. Merlin, his target (for this game) was always beautiful girls. First, his co-worker Jasmine Lenkim and now this pretty girl, Tiffany Price.

He should say thank you to Romalotti to distract that pretty girl.

TIFFANY PRICE, YOU OUT! TIFFANY PRICE, YOU OUT!!

The Korean guy left the crime scene while throwing his fist in the air, like a champion.

Tala was passing through, trying to anyway, but balls were flying everywhere and the Atrium was a sort of mad house right now. Not sort of, actually, pretty much totally one. This assassin game was just crazzzzzzzzzyyyyy and Tala loved it.

She was an overgrown teenager after all, and one with a crazy competitive spirit, so when she saw one of her targets just chilling' out amongst the fray she pulled out that little silver ball and threw it (not too hard she hoped), and sent it flying at the other woman's back.

ueuuihefig.

Maybe there was a chance that she had spoken too soon and, henceforth, jinxed herself.

When the woman had first arrived on the scene, the environment was generally calm and as peaceful as the Ministry could get. Next thing she knew, there were balls flying everywhere! Left, right, centre.......... she had to get out of this madhouse and grab something to eat before she, herself, was targe--

OOMPH!

A small something connected with the a small in her back and, before she knew it, the thirty three year old was stumbling forwards. "Merlin's soggy beard!" she cried, placing a hand on a nearby pillar to steady herself. Nice pillar, steady pillar, keep her upright, please.

When she felt steady enough, Delphine spun round to look around her. Who could...... WHO? Her eyes scanned the area and flew past a woman who was throwing a ball herself! But not at her, at another woman who....... was looking directly at her! Well, what do you know? "Oh you sneaky little missus you," she said, waggling her finger at the other, unknown woman while a playful little smile played on her face.

Okay, now all the blonde had to do was summon her ball and sneak off before someone else came around and knocked her out of the game (she didn't knew why, but she was borderline anxious over that idea, probably because of that terribly strong competitive streak).

Whisking out her wand, Tala quietly accio'd the silver little ball (she ought to name the thing, something deadly sounding... Like Behemoth, or Death Fairy, those were funny enough). As the ball soundlessly zoomed to her Tala's eyes glanced over the insanity that was the atrium and spotted yet another of the team's targets. Biting her lip, Tala tiptoed around the Atrum until she reached a spot near Talullah that was just far not to be easily seen and just close enough to be within throwing distance.

Deep breath.

Tala pulled back her arm and threw the silver ball at Talullah, aiming for her side. Merlin, come on, she was almost two for two!

Cassie was on her way out of the atrium when she caught sight of the drama. All of the assassination attempts going down. It made her pause for a moment, staring toward the action. She crept closer, wanting to get a closer look. But she made sure to move slowly, so as not to draw attention to herself.

She was mostly trying to see if one of her teammates was in the thick of things, if they needed help or protection. She would be there. But it didn't look like any of her teammates were there. One person she did see was one of her targets. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to take her out.

Cassie dug in her purse for the little green ball. She was hoping that the woman - Tala - would be too distracted by her own targets. So Cassie paused and took aim. Then the ball was flying out her hand, toward Tala.

let's pretend this was 5000 years late
 

Tiffany Price was still staring at the atrocious fountain when she was... bumped into? The brunette turned around to give the culprit an angry glare, but quickly softened the gaze as the woman began to apologize. "That's fine, just--"

....

*THWACK*
...

Okay. Now she was REALLY angry.

A rogue ball was sent flying to her FACE. The man had aimed AT HER FACE? Wasn't there a RULE AGAINST THAT OR SOMETHING???? Tiffany let out an angry HUFF, before bending over and making a grab at the ball that had just been used to attack HER HEAD.

As the stupid man was walking away she let out an angry sound whilst throwing the ball straight at HIS HEAD. So what if this wasn't even a part of the game? He deserved it.

After angrily launching the ball at the man who was walking away with a stupid fist in the air, the woman turned back to face the woman who had been... talking to her before Tiffany was so RUDLEY ATTACKED. "Well, I feel fine NOW," she ran a hand through her hair hastily. "Ugh, I hate men." ALL of them. She hated EVERY SINGLE ONE. Only a MAN would be STUPID enough to throw a ball at someone's HEAD.

They were all idiots. Every single one of them.

Wasn't it the PERFECT day to go visiting? The perfect day for Fox Janvier to grace a certain young auror with his presence? Absolutely it was! But first he had to take a selfie in front of the fountain so he could send it to Nicky and Celestial and Eady, caption: 'Important ministry business, benches'.

Of course he had to put the box of chocolatey treats down on the side of the fountain while he took his selfie.

Delicious chocolatey treats for an equally delish YATI.

This would never be something -selfie invasions- that Fox would be against. Never. Best case scenario you made a new friend, worst case? Well you had a memento of the moment. So the moment he noticed he had company in the shot, he hammed it up further.

And snap.

"What should I caption it?" He asked, and then spoke with enough sincerity that it wasn't completely obvious if he was serious or joking: "Met the love of my life at the Fountain of Magical Brethren and now running off to Gretna Green. Don't wait up?" He made kissy faces at the stranger then scooped up the box of chocolates with a flourish.

"I'd woo you with chocolates, good sir, but these are spoken for." He waggled the box.

Greg wandered around the Ministry again hoping this time he wouldn't run into crazy people but rubbing his throat at the same time. Maybe he should have just stayed home. He was starting to sound horse and if he found out who got him sick he would hurt them.

Spotting Alex he smiled, "Hey there," he whispered horsely and winced. Maybe a cough drop or some tea and honey would help.

Alex looked up and weakly smiled before rapidly scribbling on the legal pad. Hey, I cannot talk and it sounds like you are having troubles talking to. Do you want a cough drop? He paused and flipped it so that Greg could read it before taking a cough drop and offered it to his coworker.

WRITING!!! That was a brilliant idea. Why hadn't he thought of that. Reading what Alex wrote Greg took a pen from his pocket and wrote on the pad as well, No, I don't. Thanks. He took the cough drop, opened it and stuck it in his mouth very grateful.

I think somethings going around. A pain too. Amethyst would be mad he didn't stay home since he knew he wasn't feeling well earlier. Ugh.

Alex watched as Greg started to write on the pad. He looked at the pad and read it as Greg took the cough drop. He started to write. No problem. It hurts to talk and it sounded like you have whatever this is too. We probably shouldn't be at work but what can we do... He paused and showed the pad to him, adding a shrug for emphasis before starting to write again. This is bad but it is better than being dead, I suppose. So do you know what is going on today in our department or have you been up there yet? He turned the pad and handed it to him.

Greg read what Alex wrote and nodded. Yeah he probably did have the same thing that Alex had. Though, judging by how bad off Alex was he didn't think the bloke had made him sick. Lucky for him.

If Amethyst kills me you should avenge my death and kill whoever got us sick. He laughed without making a sound and grinned at the guy. See humour made you feel better.

Looking at what else he wrote he shrugged. No...is something going on? News to him. Then again he hadn't spent much time in the office today. It was boring.

Alex looked at what he wrote and tried to laugh. He moaned in pain at that but there was a smirk as he wrote. Will do but if I die, you avenge by doing the same if you are still around. He gave a smirk and then looked at what Greg wrote next. He shrugged and shook his head before writing back. Havent been around... was just trying to check out if there was any going on. I think I'm going to stop and get some tea soon or would peppermint candy help this. I am not good at this being sick thing.

Greg smiled and gave the man a nod. I will do my best. Hmmm...peppermint? He honestly had no idea since he tended to like wallowing in his misery and Amethyst made him eat and drink stuff to feel better.

I don't have the foggiest idea honestly. I might go home myself but if I do I need to take Julia home and I don't really want to get her sick....kind of stuck all the way around. Ugh. Being grown up and responsible sucked sometimes.

Alex thought about it and debated. I have no clue. I feel sick and I just want to curl up and go to sleep. Do you think Gid would allow us to get away and get off? There is probably a lot to do... He grimaced and stroked his stubbly beard as he thought. He sighed and paced a little while he gave Greg the pad.

Greg watched the bloke curiously and took the pad as he began to pace. Well...I'm a Divison Head so he probably wouldn't mind if I go home. But I don't see where there would be a problem if you're sick. You should just go home. Take it easy and rest. See he had good advise sometimes!

Alex shrugged and read the note. He probably wouldn't mind. He doesn't seem to be a bad guy. I just would feel bad because doesn't he need all of us to do our jobs properly and not just skip out over a simple cold or whatever it is? He shrugged and gave a light smile. He took out a peppermint and starting sucking on it, offering Greg one.

Looking at the pad he shook his head, It'll still be there when we return. I think I'm going to go up and tell my girl that I'm going home and take our daughter home. Eyeing the peppermint he shook his head since he was still working on his cough drop. No thanks.

I think you should go home. Soup and tea my friend. Soup and tea.

He read and nodded. He took the pad. youre right and wise. I shall go get sme of those and just stay in bed... sounds like a good plan. He nodded and stroked his stubbly beard. Feel better and have some yourself.

Wise? He got called wise? Heh. That was cool. Greg grinned at the guy and nodded. Turning around he waved goodbye. "If you need anything call me," he said horesly again and made for the elevator. Yup. Definitely home time.

For Sazzles. ^_^
 

I have permission to snag this ^_^
 

In her own world, it took Daisy a moment to realize that someone was talking to her.

"Oh, hello, Megan." She gave her co-worker a smile. Even though they didn't work in the same division since she was a Personal Assistant, she was friendly with the other woman and felt the need to get to know her better. That was part of why she was here after all. On top of having a good job, it gave her a chance to meet new people and socialize. "You wouldn't believe it, but I forgot to bring my flats to work today." Shaking her head in amusement she thought about how silly she sounded.

No one in their right mind would wear killer heels to work and not take a back up pair with them.

Did Megan know that she was awesome?

Daisy couldn't believe how kind the woman was to offer flats to her. "That would be amazing. Thank you so much." Really it was incredible because she didn't think she could get through the day otherwise and Aron probably wouldn't want her walking around without shoes on. She wouldn't want to do it either. "I didn't want to go home because my little one wouldn't want me to leave again." So that was why popping out for a bit wasn't a possibility. She didn't want to upset Violet.

"Oh, really busy." Daisy laughed. The life of a Personal Assistant. "It's rather exciting though. Are you a fan of Quidditch?" As a muggleborn she was more fond of the non-wizarding sports though she rather enjoyed the game.

"That sounds like the best way to do it," Daisy said with a smile. Since she stayed in office she didn't have to worry about doing anything 'in the field'. She was perfectly fine with that though as Aron kept her more than busy enough. "Oh, yes. I have two daughters. One of them is of age now." It was crazy to think of how fast her little girl had grown up, but Violet was still tiny.

Nod. That made sense to Daisy. "I sure hope so. I don't really follow it either. I prefer the muggle sports." They were more to her taste.

The compliment made Daisy laugh and forget about shoes. It was just so unexpected and sweet. "Well, thank you. I really did a lot of work to get slimmed down again. Wasn't easy because I'm not gifted with the natural ability that some women possess." It was rather unfair, really. No matter because she dealt with it okay. "It was a little easier with my first because I had been only 20 at the time." She had been younger and more fit back then though now she still tried to keep in shape.

Good question. "Well, I was thinking of taking my boyfriend and oldest daughter. How about you?" Did Megan have kids? She hadn't mentioned it but Daisy knew that didn't mean anything. "I like soccer." She was American so she didn't call the game football. "What sports do you like?"

Ah, of course. A struggle that many woman faced - especially as they got older. "I have to deal with that sometimes too." If she ate heavy food especially. Daisy was careful not to eat greasy food a lot; partly for that reason and partly because it didn't sit right in general. "Well, thank you. You look good yourself." She smiled and gave a good stretch before getting to her feet. "Well, Hazel - my oldest - is 18 and quite a handful though she is good with her sister. I've never been married." Her and Milo had a... complicated past. To say the least. "What about you?" She wanted to know more about Megan as well.

"She just turned two in March so I don't think a Quidditch match would be best for her." Better to leave her in the care of a babysitter instead. "Oh. You haven't got family?" Daisy found that slightly surprising. "I'm American so I can't get out of the habit of calling it soccer." She laughed. "The British one, yes. Don't care much for the American version." Too brutish for her tastes. "You play tennis? It's a fun sport!" It had been a while since she had played.

The invitation for lunch was lovely and there was no way that Daisy was going to refuse. Clearly her stomach wasn't going to either because it decided to let out a little growl, causing her to laugh. "I had forgotten about eating until now." Her hunger pangs were in full force but that was okay because they would be heading off to eat in a few moments. All she needed before they left was a pair of shoes to wear because she was NOT going to be walking anywhere without them. "She's very good with her sister." Not so much with her father, but she wasn't going to get into that right now... "Do you have much experience with teenagers?" Though of course BEING one was more then enough experience when it came to that kind of assessment; there were multiple things that she had done during that time of her life that she now regretted. But anyway. Moving on. "I'm the exact same way! Dating is wonderful though I'd love to take the plunge one day." Maybe Milo didn't want to though.

Daisy smiled as she talked about her little Violet. She loved her children so much. "I'm sure you can meet her one day! Yeah, I really hope so. She's usually very well behaved, but I don't want to over-stimulate her." Matches were loud and could be hectic. Not to mention that little kids got tired and when they were sleepy they could become overwhelmed by outside stimuli. In the end it was just best to leave her at home and wait until she was older to take her to events. "Oh. I'm sorry to hear that." How sad. Parents were supposed to love and accept their children no matter what they did or who they were. She laughed along with Megan. "Where did you live? I lived in Georgia." Oh wow. The FBI. "What was it like working for them?" Her curiosity was piqued. AND she was being asked if she wanted to play tennis. "Yes. I would absolutely love to." It would be a lot of fun and she would get to brush up with her playing. It had been a little while.

So Megan didn't really interact with teenagers. That was interesting. Daisy wondered what it would be like to work in that field but she didn't think that she could ever try something like that. For one thing she wasn't a huge risk taker despite being sorted into Gryffindor. Becoming a mother made her less likely to take up a potentially dangerous job. Journalism was a bigger interest to her, as was her current career. Even though she didn't get to go out in the field, she got along with her boss and enjoyed helping him with his day to day business. Being needed was always a nice thing.

"That's my hopes. Maybe we can all go together one day. It's hard to imagine my baby girl growing up..." Daisy sighed. It felt like just yesterday that she had been brought home from the hospital and now she was becoming so BIG. Oh. It was good to hear that her friend had moved on from what had happened with her family. Giving a small smile, she nodded. She wouldn't ask for specifics unless Megan wanted to give them. "I've never been to Virginia!" It really WAS crazy. "I know. Goes to show how funny the world can be sometimes." Then again... England WAS A lot smaller than the United States... Still. It WAS interesting. "Is it the hard bits that made you decide on a career change?" Or had there been another factor in that decision?

It was a date then! At least... it would be at some point. "Sounds wonderful!" They would have a lot of fun playing. "Thank you," she added with a smile as her friend went off to get her spare pair of shoes. Soon her feet would be feeling relief and they could go off for lunch.

Daaaannniiiiiii <3
 

"Careful Mac, you'll burn a hole right through the damned thing if you keep staring like that." Alexa rounded the fountain, having been about to head back to Level 2 when she saw the Chief Inspector himself. Well fancy that. She couldn't have asked for a better run in if she'd hunted him down herself--which she had planned to do mind you.

Lex leaned against the fountain, giving the man a once over. He didn't seem to be in a hurry...not agitated either...not particularly put off by anything. By all indications he was likely to be receptive to the conversation she had in mind.

Would he go to Legend about it after was another matter entirely.

"Heading to lunch?" An earlier glance at her watch had left her acutely aware of the time. She would be on lunch soon too, once she cleared up a few things back at her desk.

"I've not quite mastered that trick yet. At least not with my eyes." Anderson's face broke out into a smile as he heard the familiar voice of Lex. He averted his eyes to look at her, inclining his head in greeting and moving from the spot he'd rooted himself to.

He walked across the short distance to meet her, nodding and looking down at the time. Lunch was most definitely needed. He hadn't realised quite how long he'd been stood there. Darn thing was mesmerising after a while.

"Sure am. Want to join me? Or are you still passing chocolate frogs off as lunch?" He raised his eyebrow, amused. Barely a day went by when he didn't see her with one in her hand. How she managed to consume that much chocolate, without making herself sick, was beyond him.

"That's a shame. It's one of the neatest tricks out there. Just think how much more effective you could be." She joked, taking another glance at the fountain she'd made into her resting place. Of course, Lex could think of several people who wouldn't have exactly been...tickled pink to find a hole in the fountain but if they looked at the bigger picture, even they might be amazed.

"And is that an invitation to watch you eat another steak?" Her lips spread into an amused sort of smirk before she shook her head. "Got a couple things I need to do before I head for lunch but I'll have you know, chocolate frogs as as nutritious as ever." It went without saying she would be munching on one the moment she returned to her desk.

"Couldn't help thinking though....in your line of work. You must have a lot of stuff taking care of. Lots of cases and I hear sometimes manpower's not enough to get it all sorted." Was she looking particularly hopeful at the idea that the man's workload was excessive? Why yes she was. Just...call it mild curiosity, if you will.

"Maybe in the future I'll be able to harness my powers. In the meantime..." He trailed off and glanced at the fountain, as she was. In the meantime......the thing would stay as it was. Although he'd not complain if someone saw the light and changed it to something more fitting, and less of a depiction of the class divide.

"Considering that's what I'll be having, it seems we're both as predictable as ever. But I won't lecture you again. You want chocolate.....have chocolate." Anderson raised his hands in defeat and grinned. So not only a chocoholic, a workaholic as well. No wonder she needed the sugar rush to keep her going.

And talking of work. Her next comment caught his attention. And he frowned at the sudden change in subject. Because it kind of was. Going from lunch and she had things to do, to asking if he had a lot on. Truth was, yes. And it needed doing by the end of the week. But his brain, and that of his staff could only cope with so much at once, as she rightly speculated. Strangely speculated.

"Well, yeah. We're down to a handful of people in the division, and there's a batch of dodgy broomsticks just come in to investigate. Someone's put something on them to make them buck uncontrollably when higher than 50 feet." Which obviously was very dangerous. He rubbed a hand over his eyes, wearily. He had one person to do analysis at the moment, and she was snowed under. Meaning he was assisting, while others were out investigating. Paperwork was building up and.......he really wished he had more staff. He sighed and chuckled and shrugged his shoulders at her. "We're kinda coping. Just. Why, you offering to help?"

"In the meantime the statue can be motivation every time you walk by and take a glance at it." Helpful as always, she even finished the sentence he'd ended prematurely...disregarding the fact he likely had no intention of ACTUALLY blowing a hole through the thing. Still, it was an epic idea and if she walked into work one day and saw repairmen and curious workers and the area lined off for investigation, he was the first man she'd be looking for. Just saying.

Predictable. The word had her wrinkling her nose some. "I guess we have. We'll have to fix that." Predictability wasn't exactly her favourite word. "Tomorrow, I'll have steak and you'll have a dozen chocolate frogs--but I'll still eat a few too..." Because...because Alexa going through sugar withdrawal was not the prettiest sight and one did not completely break away from an addiction quite so suddenly. Her work performance would suffer at the very least.

Ah, and those were the words she was looking to here. He DID have a current case working on--one that sounded interesting enough--and they were short on people. That was brilliant. "Just coping will never do." She informed him, now unable to keep the grin from her face.

"As it happens, I'd be happy to lend a hand on the case, whatever you need. Whether it's investigating or broom testing or just you name it." Even if some of it involved dull paperwork. She could take it home..which...made it a lot less likely that Legend would find out this was happening in the first place.

"Motivation." Anderson echoed her word and creased his nose at the idea. All it did really was make him glad he'd freed the house elf his parents had left him when they died. Poor creature, now happily living somewhere and not having to work. But there was no need to get into the politics of the thing. It would probably only bore Lex, as it would him. Lunch was much more important right now. His rumbling stomach was enough to tell him that.

"A dozen chocolate frogs?" He tilted his head back and laughed. He could barely eat one without going a bit hyper, a whole dozen was way beyond him. Unless the rest of the people in the office didn't mind peeling him from the ceiling. "Are you trying to kill me with a sugar overload?"

His workload would probably get there first, if truth be told. Which she was offering to help with? Hadn't she just come off a suspension for overworking herself? As much as he appreciated the enthusiasm, and he could honestly do with the extra pair of hands, he was a little unsure it was a good idea. "Have you run this past Legend before asking me? I mean, I'd love the help, but I don't want to step on his toes by nabbing you if he might need you for something...."

Now wasn't someone being just a little dramatic. Alexa waved him off, not at all bothered by his protests. If nothing else, she was clearly amused. "A dozen chocolate frogs have never hurt anyone, let alone kill you. You don't have to eat them all at once but there's a quota to fill by the end of the day." And it'd be FUN. Sugar was fun. It made people fun. He'd love it and if the man happened to get strung up on a sugar high afterwards? Well that would be the best part, duh.

Her grin only dropped at the question of running this by Legend. She....was hoping he wouldn't have asked that. Why did it matter? What did Legend have to do with this??--Nevermind that he was her boss and probably wouldn't have appreciated the gesture....at ALL.

"He doesn't need me for anything." Lex quickly offered, hoping to change his mind for the better while he was still uncertain. "I just got back, he hasn't really had time to assign me anything and I don't think he's in much rush for that matter. It should be fine, I wouldn't worry about it too much if I was you." Seriously....let's not and let's not bring this up to Legend either, yes? Brilliant.