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Level 6 Break Room
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SPOILER!!: SKATELYN "Of course, i don't imagine you get to being a department head by being not smart." She didn't need to impress anything, her job should already be doing that, right? "Good, you better be." He certainly wanted to see that. "I was never a fan of it, my ex-girlfriend got me hooked on it. Normally i'm fine with chains or little places." He shrugged cause coffee was coffee. Right.. Cofee time, he needed that junk. "Flooing, i'll have to try that." He joked. "Sooooo we get to put new toilets for people to step in." There was a little laugh after his statement. "Sounds like a fun project." |
SPOILER!!: Grant So was Mr. Cooper a flatterer? Hmm. The break room was empty. It was also cold, and Lynley wished she had a sweater, but she wouldn't SHOW how cold she was. Hmph. She began to fill the coffee pot with water and the grounds, pressing the button that would magically make coffee for them. SO much easier than old coffee makers, Merlin. She leaned against the counter and crossed her arms over her chest. "I just don't like chain cafes. I'll do anything else..." she shrugged and glanced at the coffee pot to check progress. TOILETS! Lynley nodded. "I am...waiting for the shipment, currently." She said. "Should be...any day now, and the lovely people from Level Three will be helping us! It will be great. Those toilets are...very outdated and...well, some of them don't even WORK." |
SPOILER!!: SKATELYN Grant raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you like the chains?" He knew some people didn't like them but was there ever really a reason why? He supposed maybe just to support the locals instead? But whatever. These people weren't locals to him yet. Ohhhh the fun they would have with the toilets..... lots and lots of fun. "Which one is level three?" Hehe first day and all. You know. |
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But anyways. "I find the chains are not as...careful when they make coffee. Or anything. it's all very...it all tastes very fake and...not rich...not carefully put together with craftsmanship or...whatever." She waved her hand a bit and scoffed. And then she scoffed again. "Really, Mr. Cooper, you should study the place you work BEFORE the first day. Merlin. I do not employ bozos, and I would not like to SEEM like I do, either." She fussed just a bit at him as she heard the DING of the coffee maker and pulled out the pot. "Do you take cream and sugar?" she asked, her voice back to its polite, conversational tone. "I should just send you on a mission to FIND level 3. Hmph." |
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a Bozo? What year was it? Was he ever called a Bozo before? Had anyone since the 1950's? "So i'm expected to know the floorplan just so i can do my job?" What part of being the Portkey Master General involved knowing every floor. "Oh, Yeah? You gonna have my Rubix cube solved when i get back?" He liked her until Lynley mentioned him being a bozo. But whatever, he grabbed a mug. "Cream, please." He was also back to his politeness. Hmm. |
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"You don't think they make better coffee?" she asked curiously as she poured the coffee into her mug and then into another mug for Grant. She added exactly four packets of sugar to her coffee and a tiiiiiiiny bit of cream. "How much do you want?" she asked. Apparently, she was doing it all for him. Being polite and whatnot. "Coffee debates...so serious....coffee is such serious business...people worked up over their coffee...or TEA...MERLIN...the tea. I am only a tea drinker at home when I want to curl up and read a good book...otherwise...no tea for me." |
Yawning slightly, Gabby entered the break room. Despite being a morning person she was still feeling a little tired. The night before she hadn't gotten a great sleep but that didn't keep her from looking fabulous. Obviously. Impeccable style and beauty didn't take a day off no matter what. She was had been blessed with the ability to look great no matter what... even after a limited amount of sleep. Heading over to a coffee machine she set about getting herself something hot to drink that would give her the extra energy that she needed. While she was at it she should probably get something to eat as a snack. But what...? |
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Lynley had had SUCH a busy day, it was a wonder she wasn't half asleep right now as she came to grab some sugar for her office's coffee machine. But look! It was...none other than...Gabby! "If it isn't miss SOMEONE OWES ME DETAILS Abbiati...." Lynley smirked, leaning on the counter in break room leisurely. She was too tired to care about looking professional right now. Her hair was even a bit messier than usual (but still quite neat, mind you). She had an empty mug in her hand, but if she was going to chat with Gabby...might as well make her coffee in here. So she started that process...and while the hot liquid drip DRIPPPPED into her cup, she continued to smirk in her friend and employee's direction. "How have you been, then? Hmm?" |
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Amused, Gabby raised her brow as Lynley started on her about giving details. "Details about what?" she asked innocently despite the fact that she had a feeling she knew what this was about. Just because she was far from innocent didn't mean that she couldn't have fun - in fact it made her want to toy with her friend even more. Hehe. Smiling, she continued to make her coffee as if she didn't have a care in the world. Which she didn't because life was wonderful right now. "I've been great though I didn't get much sleep last night. What about you?" Someone sure wasn't looking at their best right now and Gabby wondered if Lynley had also gotten a bad sleep last night. The coffee would do them both good. And of course she knew that the question had been a way to further dig for information. She just wasn't going to bite...yet. |
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"SO spill, Gabby," she hissed impatiently. "I thought you were MARRIED--and not to someone who WORKED HERE." Lynley was normally not so...blunt about personal life things, but this was different. This was GABBY. They were actual FRIENDS in real life. Her coffee finished brewing, and she quickly added the correct amount of sugar and creamer she liked. And then...quirked an eyebrow upward at Gabby's words. A smirk played across her features. "OH HO HO! You didn't sleep much...PFFFT. WELL THEN." Pffft! If they weren't, you know, at work, they could speak more...candidly. |
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Someone sure wanted those details. "You really ARE a total Slytherin," Gabby said with an amused chuckle as Lynley shut the door. They both were determined women who worked hard for what they wanted - part of why they had become friends. "What kind of details do you want?" She hadn't really talked about Archer to anyone besides her sister. It was important that they spent time together and that didn't require blabbing about it to everyone and everyone. "He isn't my husband," she agreed. They were only dating and obviously they hadn't taken the plunge. Lynley didn't know about what had happened with Marco yet and had clearly worked out some things on her own. It was rather impressive though Gabby supposed that she would have mentioned if her husband worked at the Ministry. Maybe it wasn't so clever after all but she would still give Lynley credit for it. Adding cream and sugar to her coffee, she shook her head in amusement. She knew exactly what her boss was talking about. "WELL THEN YOURSELF because you also look tired." Just saying. |
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Heh. Lynley just rolled her eyes. "I was up late because I was watching my niece for my brother. I watch her a lot...she's...eight now? Nine?" She shrugged. "And I didn't feel right falling asleep while she was in my care. So. 2AM is when my brother and his wife decided to come back." Lynley hated her sister-in-law. She was pretty sure she had told Gabby this at some point over the years...but she really didn't like the woman at all. "My brother's having another kid," she said with a sigh, sipping her coffee. "Told me like..a few weeks ago." And Lynley...was single, older than her brother, with no intentions of ever having children. |
It seemed that Lynley wanted to know more or less about everything and Gabby supposed that she was totally okay with it. They were friends so she felt more comfortable about it than she would have with anyone else. It wasn't as if she was ASHAMED to talk about it... more that she didn't feel that it was something she wanted to share all of the details. She had no problem telling her boss about it because of their relationship. "Well, we met at the bar in the Leaky Cauldron and hit it off right away. We ARE dating and have been for quite a few months now." They spent a lot of time travelling and she couldn't remember ever being this happy. Oh. Well, that wasn't so much fun. Gabby made a face at the thought of little kids. The only ones she would try to like were Archer's family and she hadn't met them yet. In general she just wasn't crazy about children because they seemed loud and dirty. "You are such a good aunt." She shook her head at the thought of staying up until 2AM looking after someone; it would have made her LIVID. Plus she knew that Lynley hated her sister-in-law. "Oh, that's nice I suppose." Lynley knew that she wasn't keen about kids, right? Gabby was sure that she had told her that at some point... |
Lynley sipped her coffee. Of course she got a quick version of the story--they were work, so, Lynley didn't blame her. "I see. Well. As long as you're happy now...granted, I didn't think you were unhappy before..." heh. "He seemed nice enough that night at orientation. And attractive." Very attractive. Gabby obviously had good taste. "Well...I love my nieces." Soon to be three nieces, hopefully, assuming her brother didn't have a boy. "I suppose it is, but...my mum..." she sighed. "Doesn't quite understand that I don't want children. Even though I am..nearing thirty-five." Like, mother, come on. |
Of course Lynley was happy for her. Not only was she a good friend, but she knew that Gabby deserved it. Maybe one day her boss would find someone like Archer but for the moment she was perfectly fine living the single life. It wasn't her place to get involved in said matters though she would make it her concern if the day ever came - and ask for details. "I'm definitely happier now. I left my husband." So yeah. Only one week of cheating. Even though she wasn't a saint she wasn't THAT bad. She wanted Archer. "He's wonderful. We travel a lot. AND he's eight years older than me." Made him even MORE attractive and he was already yummy. "I don't have any nieces, but I think I'd be a good aunt." For no other reason than she was good at everything and it it was hard for her to picture anyone disliking her. Gabby wouldn't have even cared if they did dislike her; said people weren't worth her time. "Pfft, I think it's perfectly normal not to want kids. I have no plans." She was with Lynley on this one. |
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But oh...wow. EIGHT YEARS? Lynley raised an eyebrow. "That's a...that's quite an age gap. They do say age is just a number but..." she shrugged. "I personally could never date someone that much older OR younger than me." She didn't really like dating to begin with, though. Time consuming with very little reward, according to Lynley. Lynley WAS glad to hear Gabby didn't think she was heartless for not wanting kids. "My mother wants me to have some...at this point she doesn't even care if I'm married or not..." she just wanted those grandbabies. "I will admit...I've looked into adopting before. It's very hard for a single mother to adopt, though, without being enormously wealthy." Lynley could afford it, but agencies were picky with who they let adopt alone. She could understand why...it would be terrible to let a child into an awful environment, one where a parent could not take care of the child. "But it's not the right time, really." And it might not ever BE the right time. |
Just BARGING in! Archer had only just seen Gabby that morning, but already he was itching to see her again. And he wanted to try and get a little squeal out of her. He walked from his office, up to the sixth floor where she worked. She wasn't anywhere obvious, so he decided to check the break room. He quietly opened the door and walked up to Gabby, wrapping his arms around her. "Hi gorgeous," he said to her, getting a pleasant whiff of her hair. "Hi Lynley, how are you?" he asked the other woman, who he remembered from orientation. |
Strength was something that Gabby felt she had in spades, but the decision to leave her husband hadn't exactly required it. There was no inner conflict in her head about whether or not she wanted to leave him, it was more a matter of wanting to talk about the matter with her friend before getting the paperwork. It had been dropped in front of Marco out of nowhere but no one could say that she wasn't spontaneous. "You know how it is to be a Slytherin." They were confident and did whatever they needed to in order to get what they wanted. ... "Are you for real? Older guys are sexier." Seriously. It was times like this where it became clear why Lynley was single. She didn't even know that men with lots of experience was a good thing though Archer would have been perfect even if he was younger than her. THE POINT STILL STOOD and Gabby was not going to get mushy with her boss because they were at work. She saved her mushiness for Archer. Adoption? Really? Gabby's eyes widened slightly but before she could voice her opinion on the matter, someone was putting their arms around her. Letting out a squeal, she was about to tell them to learn the meaning of personal space when she realized that it was Archer. He was more than welcome to come in her personal space whenever he wanted to, she thought as she leaned into him slightly. The temptation to kiss him was real but she was going to resist because her boss was in the room. "Hey there. It's been a while." Not really. She'd seen him that morning though she'd been eager to see him again. |
Lynley did know well to be a Slytherin, yes, Gabby. She nodded and sipped her coffee in silence for a minute. And were they really going to argue about mens' ages? Pffft. "Whatever you say, Gabby. I'm not having this extremely immature argument." Wasn't Gabby younger than her by a good bit? She couldn't remember..."How old are you again?" Merlin. The eye roll could not get any bigger when the man of the damn HOUR waltzed in here like he owned her level--which, hello, he did not--LYNLEY'S LEVEL OVER HERE. "Right. Hello....Archer." She remembered his name. "What level are you from, again?" she asked curiously, raising an eyebrow suspiciously at him. |
Archer was pleased he had made Gabby squeal. He let out a little laugh. "I know, I wanted to come and see if you wanted to have lunch together?" he asked. Holding the smoochies for non-work hours. Or, at least, non-boss-witnessed. Archer tried not to grin at Gabby's boss. Was the inter-department mingling not supported? "Uhh... level four. Do you want to join us for lunch?" HE at least knew it was rude to talk about social plans in front of someone else. Had he walked into some secret Gabby/Lynley meeting? He cleared his throat lightly. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I? I can... come back..." If they needed more time. |
Gabby couldn't help but chuckle. She knew better than to take what Lynley said to heart. She was just being herself and that was something that other people could mistake for rudeness. It was just how she was. "I turned 30 in February." So she was a few years older and closer to Archer's age than she was. The attitude was a little confusing, but she wasn't taking that to heart either. Again it was just Lynley being Lynley. At least Archer was taking it in stride and being his usual carefree and polite self. Gabby loved that about him. "I would love to go to lunch with you. And Lynley if she wants to come." Sure she would prefer going ALONE with him, but it wasn't as if she wouldn't get him to herself later on... Besides this way the two could get to know each other a little better. She wanted to say that he wasn't interrupting them and that she didn't want him to leave, but Gabby didn't know how that would go over with her boss. Instead she looked over to Lynley. It was important to remember that they were at work though she didn't think that there was anything wrong with it. Honestly she didn't care one way or the other because she wanted to see Archer. |
Pfft no. Lynley would rather eat a fork than attend lunch with the two lovebirds. All that PDA...mushy talk..yeah no. Not happening. "Nah...by all means, Gabby, enjoy your lunch. I'll be fine...you know...in my office...doing paperwork for that Youth Quidditch Cup even we have coming up..." all the portkeys? Yeah. ALL THE DAMN PORTKEYS in the world for that. She was lucky it wasn't THE WORLD CUP or it'd be WORSE. At least it kept her department busy. She turned her steely brown eyes onto Archer. "Four? Are you Creatures or Enviro?" Because it made a difference, in her eyes." "Oh..You're older than I thought, Gabby..she smirked. |
Archer just wanted to snuggle his head into the crook of Gabby's neck, with a hug, but he would contain himself. For now. And he thought she might be up for an impromptu lunch date, with or without her boss. "Good," he said, with lovey eyes at her. He nodded as Lynley declined. "We can bring something back?" he asked. Coffee or... chocolate? "Oh, the Youth Quidditch Cup, my niece works for Accidents and Catastrophes. I think she got tickets to see that..." unless there had been some other Quidditch game happening. He didn't really follow the sport, but he liked to watch a game or two every now and then. "Environment," he said. All of the plants, and his lab. "I'm head of the botany team." It was an exciting time for them, all of their projects and work with the plants. |
If Lynley didn't want to join them Gabby was completely fine with that. This way she didn't have to keep in check because they would be alone. Smirking, she gave a wink to Archer. He knew what that meant. Yep, this was muuuuuuuch better. Hehe. "Yep, just let us know. And is there anything else you need me to do on top of what I've been doing?" Because she would be willing to do it so long as it involved an area that she would work with. Portkeys weren't exactly her specialty since she worked with the floo network. "I'm not sure if I'm going to watch the game or not," she said as she continued to lean into Archer. "I don't really follow the sport though I don't think I'd be opposed to going if it was fun." As long as it wasn't too noisy and full of boorish people she would be okay. "Archer is very good with plants." Among other things. Gabby shook her head in amusement. "I'm still younger than you." Smirk. |
She knew they were relived she wasn't going, pfffft. Lynley wasn't stupid. They could be gross all they wanted, now. Sheesh. "No, don't bring me anything back. I pack my own lunch every day unless I'm feeling isolated. Then I'll eat in the food court." She shrugged and sipped more of her coffee. Did they enjoy being gross? It seemed like they did. Well, as long as Gabby was happy...Lynley could deal with the...gross. "I'm sure a lot of A&C will have to be on hand in case any muggle things happen or whatnot," she replied. "And plants...that's...fun." And by fun, Lynley meant not interesting to her at all. Whatever. PFFFT. "You MAY be younger than me, but it shows in wisdom, dear. Shoo with you both--go eat your damn lunch and leave me alone," she snapped, shooing them with her hands towards the door. Her tone was joking, and Gabby would know that, certainly. |
The wink didn't go unnoticed. Archer gave her a small grin, and raised an eyebrow at her. He was looking forward to planting a kiss on those lips. But not in front of Lynley. It sounded like Gabby was pretty busy with setting up for the Quidditch match. He didn't know that Gabby wasn't really into Quidditch. It suited him. But he wasn't entirely surprised. He had never really thought of bringing lunch to work. "Maybe we should try that?" he suggested to Gabby. Did she know how to prepare food that was transportable? He knew how to cook but... he always ate the food then and there. He nodded. He wasn't really sure what specifics were involved for the match, for the A&C department, but it was obvious about the Transport department. He was trying not to smile when Gabby told her boss that he was good with plants. He was. Obviously. Otherwise he wouldn't be working with them. He just didn't like appearing arrogant. "It helps that they're so interesting," he said. "Yeah, they are fun." He picked up on her tone. "You can always come down and I can show you through the labs if you want." He was keeping a completely serious expression on his face, even though he knew the chances of her wanting to visit were slim. Archer remained silent for the age conversation. He knew better than to discuss the age of a woman. And the next minute... they were being shooed towards the door? He entwined his fingers into Gabby's, giving her hand a sqeeze. |
Soooooo Lynley didn't have anything for her to do on top of her current workload. That was good to know. Gabby was itching to get to lunch with Archer. Speaking of lunch...she hadn't thought of bringing her own before. "I don't really cook much. My husband did most of that," she admitted. Though...it wouldn't exactly be hard to take a salad. So long as she still got her lunch dates with Archer she was happy. The invitation to see the greenhouse was very sweet but somehow Gabby doubted her boss would take him up on his offer. SHE at least found it interesting but then she had done work with potions and that required knowledge in Herbology. Not Archer's level, of course, but she was pretty learned when it came to plants. Gabby snorted as they were shooed away from the break room. [b]"I'll see you soon, boss."[/quote] Holding Archer's hand she walked out with him. |
Open! Evan was still getting used to the long long days and even longer nights with newborn twins. He had been ready of course but nothing prepares you for bringing home a new baby let alone two. So it was a given fact that the man was a bit tired as of lately even if he didn't mention it to anyone. Chances were no one even knew about the babies least they were family or Addy down in her department had run her mouth about her new niece and nephew. And sleepiness was what brought the man to the Break Room this early afternoon. He was in need of a fresh cup of hot coffee. Entering the room showed that no one was even around which was a little odd in itself but not something to cause worry. Walking over to the coffee machine he grabbed himself a cup and let it do it's thing adding in some creamer and sugar one it was ready. He then grabbed a nice banana nut muffin and napkin while he was at it and sat himself down at a table. Sipping the hot drink he pulled out some paperwork he had wanted to look over along with a quill. There was a few things he needed to get figured out. |
Ugh. Gabby was TIRED and seriously needed some caffeine. She had given up coffee after she had found out that she was pregnant. Even if SOME caffeine was okay she did like hers strong and she was worried that if she had too much it would harm the baby. There was no such thing as being paranoid when it came to their child. Entering the break room, she spotted Evan enjoying a cup of coffee as if he was rubbing it in her face. Of course she KNEW that wasn't what was really happening, but Gabby needed something to perk herself up and he was not helping matters. "Hey, Evan," she said as she opened the refrigerater and pulled out a can of cola. She didn't care in the least that it probably belonged to someone else; it was HERS now. Even if she didn't like pop it was safe to drink and she probably wouldn't even finish it. The rest would go down the sink. Grabbing a pastry, she took a seat at the table. He looked like a bloody mess. "Babies keeping you up?" She eyed her bump. Yeah, it was a good thing that she wasn't having two babies because that wasn't her thing. |
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What did pull him back from his work was the chair being pulled out at HIS table and the women that sat down. Slowly he lifted his eyes from his messy scribblings to eye the pregnant women across from him now. "Hello Gabby." Small greeting. Evan didn't know her entirely well but he knew enough to address her by name and such. "Does it show?," he commented with a slight laugh running a hand through his hair as he set his cup down. "How're you doing, not to much longer?" He questioned speaking of her pregnancy. Would she be working as long as she could or did she plan on leaving for a few weeks? |
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Anyway she was talking to her coworker. She laughed at what Evan told her. "Just a bit." Gabby didn't know him too well, but she had talked to him on occasion and he seemed like a decent guy. At least he wasn't a selfish jerk who held a relationship and baby against her. UGH. She was NOT going to get worked up over Lynley again. "I'm doing well, she'll be here in mid-March." She patted her belly gently. She loved doing that. "Just getting tired more often." Sighing, she took another sip of the disgusting pop. "You good besides the babies keeping you up?" She and Archer would be experiencing that in about four months. This is why they needed a nanny. |
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Mid-March huh? He had thought it was sooner but lately everything seemed to be a bit off to him. "Ah, does she have a name yet?" Maybe they were keeping it a surprise? Some people liked doing that. "That's bond to happen. Will you be staying here as long as you can?" A lot of women tried not to leave work to earlier but Katalin had left a few weeks before the twins were born as it had become to much on her. "Oh yeah, fine fine. Just catching up on the paperwork." Always paperwork. It was never ending and the traveling but he enjoyed what he was doing now. |
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Talking about her baby always made Gabby so happy. She really loved her little family that she had started with Archer. "We're going to name her Valeria." It felt more REAL now that the little princess had a name. It would feel even MORE real once the nursery was all set up for her. "I need to stop pushing myself so hard, but it's hard not to." She was the type of person who always needed to do something or she felt restless. "I want to work until I'm due but I was told not to so I think I'll stay until I'm eight months. I just hate having nothing to do." Maybe she could help her husband with his plants or something, since he had some at home. Aaah, paperwork. That was always fun. Not. "If only it did itself, huh?" Would make all their lives easier and more interesting. |
A nanny? For twins. No. No they hadn't. Actually they never even mentioned it. "No it's solely my wife and I with the help of the three oldest when they have time to stop by." Evan was sure Hady and JJ would most likely be a good deal of help as well but both of them were away at school until the holiday break. "That's a lovely name, I'm sure it will suit her nicely," Evan commented with a small nod. It was always funny how sometimes you knew a babies name from the moment you found out you were having one and other times a baby could go days being born already without a name until the right name stands out. He laughed quietly knowing what Gabby was speaking about with liking to keep busy. "Is there no way you could do some work from home?" It could be a thought to look into. "That would be rather helpful but sadly the task remains mine." Horrible task it was sometimes but it could always be worse. |
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Obviously it was a lovely name; anything that they came up with for their child would be lovely. "It's Italian. I wanted to go Italian." Was an explanation for why really needed? She WAS Italian to the core. Archer had chosen the middle name, and he wanted to go with Aoife for his adoptive mother. "I suppose I could see about doing some paperwork from home since it's hard for me to give up work. Or I can just help my husband with his plants. He's the Head Botanist," she explained. She could help Archer with that cactus stuff he was doing though she honestly didn't understand all the sciency stuff behind it. Evan was right about that. "It would be really thrilling to be an Auror or something. Get paid to take people down." Now THAT sounded exciting though it would mean that she wouldn't be able to wear fashionable clothes and shoes to work. That was a deal breaker for Gabby. |
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"That's nice. A little reasoning behind the name." Whether is was for being Italian or a family name. A meaning is a meaning to him. "My wife named our daughter and my daughter helped with our sons name." By his daughter he meant the daughter he raised. Not that it mattered. Evan nodded his head as he listened to Gabby. "Whichever works best for you." Maybe she would find helping her husband was more fulfilling. Who really knew what people would end up liking. He gave a quiet laugh. "Now that would be much more entertaining but it's not something I would be into." No not anymore anyhow. Maybe a good ten or fifteen years ago it would've been a much different story. |
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There he went stating the obvious yet again but Gabby wasn't going to comment on that. Nope. She wanted to talk about her daughter instead. Nod. He was right anyway. "Do you mean your daughter at Hogwarts?" What was her name again? Something with an H? It had been a while so she couldn't really remember. "I'm good at everything that I do, so I am sure that I will more than manage." Smirk. She had been born flawless, obviously. Interesting. Gabby wondered if becoming a father had a lot to do with his not desiring that kind of work. She wouldn't want to put herself into danger now that she had Archer and a baby. Besides, there was the wardrobe issue and the fact that her nails might chip. Police work was not glamorous and she could have much better adventures. In fact she DID. |
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"Yes, Hady," Evan answered with a nod of her his. The man had to admit he hadn't expected his daughter to be as happy about the entire situation but she was taking to it all surprisingly well. She was good at everything. Sure she was. No one was good at everything they did but whatever Gabby wasn't a child and he wasn't about to speak to her as if she were one. "Then you shouldn't have any trouble keeping busy." If she was so good at everything there would be plenty for her to do. |
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Ah, right. Hady was the name. Gabby hadn't bothered committing it to memory because small talk bored her and the only time that it didn't was when it related to her, her baby, or her husband. "Did your wife have a hard time finding things to do?" Because she was still a little uncertain about this. "Well, my sister-in-law will come by and keep me company. Well, she isn't REALLY my sister-in-law since she's married to my husband's nephew." But whatever. Sister-in-law sounded a lot better than niece-in-law. |
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"Not entirely no. Between myself, the wedding planning and the entire summer with the kids she was kept busy. Her last two months or so were the hardest as it was mainly her." It was tough being gone for work and having the kids away at their jobs or school but his family was much larger now. In order to provide for them all it had to be done. "Sister, niece, family is family and it's nice you won't be alone." Explaining who everyone was tended to get confusing at times. |
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Ah, of course. Gabby hoped that she could find stuff like that to keep her busy while Archer was at work. She would miss him when he was gone though she would have Alana to keep her company as well as other family members. Her parents would surely visit as well... and hopefully her brother and sister too. "Is she the restless type too?" Just wondering... If someone who WASN'T restless had a hard time with it then Gabby was even less sure of how she'd take it. "That's very true and I'm so glad that everyone is accepting of me even though I've only been with Archer for a year and three months." So much had happened in that time and they were building a family now. |
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Was his wife restless? He didn't really think so. Then again it wasn't something he sat around and thought about often. "Not really. She somehow always finds something to do." Even if it's just sending owls to the kids. Evan nodded his head with some understanding. "If you two are happy then that's all that should matter really." |
Informal mixer, pain in Lynley's butt, whatever you wanted to call it. Spent her own damn money on the refreshments, too. Mostly because she didn't feel like going through the budget process to use the department's for food. Whatever. She could afford it, and she might as well use her money while she felt like spending gold on such idle things. She had coffee, tea, a couple of juices, and water for beverages, and as for food...well there was a fruit and cheese tray, which was needed at every Ministry event EVER, it seemed, finger sandwiches, a salad bowl, slices of pizza that Lynley had cut into smaller pieces and places a pretty platter, bagels (various things to put ON bagels), and a cheese fondue foundation. With crackers. Ugh. Lynley wiped the sweat off her forehead. Was it 11AM yet? That's when people were supposed to pop in. Lynley poured herself a cup of coffee and also grabbed a few mini!slices of pizza. Her stomach was positively rumbling. |
SPOILER!!: Boss Lady So far working here had been rather uneventful. Not that Archer had expected something to happen on the first day. So far he'd only set up his desk and met another American, the latter being the highlight of the morning. But now he actually did have something to do. Boss Lady had apparently planned an informal party-thing in the Breakroom, not that he was expecting anything that was actually informal, since Purcell didn't seem like someone who would ever host anything laid-back. So after he had his break outside and popped a few mints in his mouth (knowing that Lynley would mind the smell), Archer made his way towards the Break Room. It seemed that he was (unfortunately) the first to arrive. . . after his new boss. Who already seemed annoyed. Great. . . . "Morning, Miss Purcell." He greeted with a plastered on smile, waiting to hear some remark about the fact that he was wearing jeans, again. He silently glanced around the room, holding back a snort when he spotted the cheese-platter. "Seriously?" Was cheese her idea of fun and informal? If it was, she probably had a really sad social-life. . . |
Sooooo there wasnt going to be a formal meeting today. Gabby was okay with it because she was above talking about going into old and disgusting tunnels. Thank Merlin she was going to be going on maternity leave soon because this was something for the peasants to deal with. Ugh, her back ached. Wincing slightly, she "Hi," she added to the new peasant. See? She was being friendly. |
Milo followed behind Pregnant!Gabby as she legit waddled into the break room. It was about time for her to go on maternity leave, no? He glanced around to see who was already seated, noticing that .... and now Gabby was complaining? Geez. "The cafeteria may have some pickles if you want any," he casually pointed out. He was certain that the caferia had some, but he was also certain that Gabby would be snapping at him in 2.5 seconds, so he went ahead and took a seat next to "Good morning, Lynley," he greeted his Department Head then he looked at Archer. "You're not complaining too, are you?" He just had THAT LOOK on his face. He had children; he knew that look very well. He turned his attention to the food in front of him and helped himself to a bagel and some cream cheese. |
Darwin Lehnsherr reporting for business! Upon Darwin's arrival he had noticed a few of what were now his colleagues already in the break room, along with the boss of this meeting. This was looking like a pretty good turnout, though he was expecting to see a lot more people here. Obviously they still hadn't arrived yet, which also meant he was on time. It's better to be early than late, right? Making his way through the entrance he greeted Lynley, "Good morning, I'm Darwin. It's a pleasure to be here." He kindly smiled, though he wasn't sure if a handshake is what they did here for greetings but he went ahead and gave his hand out for her shake. "Good morning everyone, I'm Darwin." He smiled, acknowledging those who were already present before him and gave everyone a wave and handshake (for those who greeted in that type of manner that is). After the greetings he went to help himself to the limited amount of food and drinks, he took a small plate of fruit and water. That will suffice, now what's next?! |
He couldn't do this. Theodore needed a pep talk but he knew that, that wasn't going to happen right now. He could do this. He could act like a mature adult. He could so do this but mature and adult were pushing his limits. The twenty-six year old walked into the Ministry of Magic about five minutes before this little meeting in his department was supposed to be starting. That probably wasn't the best thing to do at the moment. |
"Please, Lynley," she corrected the boy as soon as she heard his address to her. Of course Archer was the first to show up. "Ms. Purcell makes me sound older than I am. People call my mother Ms. Purcell," she rolled her eyes slightly. "Seriously what? Seriously...that I was kind enough to provide food for the lot of you?" she asked, her voice slightly on edge as the words tumble out. "You can pay for the next event we have, if you want, child." Pfft. Ungrateful. More complaints?! And from GABBY, too, who knew Lynley was not happy about the whole 'pregnant' thing. "If you really want it, you can walk, yes, because guess what? I didn't BUY that--" she grumbled and nodded at the door. Clearly, she was irked, now. Oh, thank MERLIN! One of her NICE employees was here and was being NON COMPLAIN-Y. "Hi, Milo. I'm glad to see you're SATISFIED with the food provided. You're SO very welcome." she smiled pleasantly in his direction. Ah, Darwin Lehnsherr. Lehnsherr, right? Lynley had trouble with this one's surname because of the...rrrrr's or something. But she smiled at him and shook his hand. "Hello, dear, it's wonderful to meet you! Please, eat as much as you want! Ignore the ungrateful ones over there--" she cocked her head to nod at Gabby and Archer and chuckled slightly. And another new one! "Oh, please, hon, it's Lynley." Again, Miss Purcell...sounded like her mother or something. "It's nice to meet you...Theodore, right?" She had his file somewhere in her office. He was a recent hire, his face was fresh in her mind. |
Yeah, Gabby wasn't paying attention to anyone that walked in - well, besides Milo who she was tempted to throw a bagel at. He was lucky that she resisted, sending him a scowl instead... because Lynley was really upsetting her right now. "You know that I have a hard time getting around lately. You know that I'm really sore after last night. And you know what my cravings are." Instead of considering her friend, she had purposely ignored all that. Gabby knew that her boss was bitter about the pregnancy but she had expected more. This hatred of her husband and the baby was utterly ridiculous. |
do you realize how many superheroes you have on staff Kate? LOL! Vickers got a bit held back, having to move many things and rearrange many others. His desk was now closer to where the Apparition classroom was. And even that he had to do some preliminary checks. So yes busy morning. But he did finally get around to joining the festivities in the break room. "Hello Lynley, everybody." the Ravenerd greeted his co-workers in his usual soft-spoken manner. Oh there were new ones too "Hello." he greeted them kindly in turn, specially to the American (Archer) who was fussing about his banner. Fellow American here too. Not quite as outspoken as him though. Right, tea. And maybe some of those cheese crackers. |
He was not late. He wasn't. Evan had been in his work space fixing the area up before the mornings gathering. Somethings had needed to be updated really. Newer photos for one thing, from the holiday break of his kids and the wife. Not to mention he might've cast a few well placed charms on his own area to make things more relaxed and comfortable for himself. However he was now not late. Running a hand through his dark hair Evan took notice to those already in the break room his eyes instantly landing on the boss lady. "Hello Lynley, nice little spread you got going on here," he nodded his head towards the foods and drink. Which is exactly where he was heading. Grabbing himself a plate he selected a bagel which he topped with a bit of cream cheese, a few carrot sticks and a hot cup of coffee. With his food and drink in hand he sat himself down on one of the empty chairs before greeting everyone else with a simple nod of her head. Now what was going to be happening this year for them all? |
-__________________- Sigh. Lynley rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Gabby, I'm sorry I wasn't catering to your specific cravings when I planned a department gathering. Forgive me," Merlin, she was too tired to even be sarcastic. But seriously, if Gabby thought she would do that...no. Lol, no. Vickers had arrived. And Evan. "THANK YOU, EVAN," she said pointedly, AGAIN glaring in the direction of the complainers. "ANYWAYS. Hello everyone. This isn't a meeting, so I'm not going to talk too much. But Hello and welcome and enjoy the food....you know, before going back to work!" Because that was expected at some point, you know. "Are any of you allergic to anything?" she thought she'd ask. It'd be nice to have in the records. |
Hai. We are here... You know, if anyone cares ^_^ It had been a long night but that was mostly because Chloe had been up for most of it thinking about the orientation party and how she'd reacted with her "friend". It wasn't her fault that he lacked complete and utter common sense when it came to parties and first impressions. However her reaction probably was a bit on the extreme side and she should probably learn to curb it, but whatever. She was only trying to help even if she did do it in a rather elitist way. But she did have to work with him, for now, so she probably should make an effort to not be such a know-it-all and so reactive. Standing a ways from people in the break room, because the ginger wasn't sure she trusted her exhausted self around people, Chloe did happen to hear one comment from her boss about allergies . . . No she didn't have any but she did have restrictions ..."I don't eat meat," Chloe commented quietly to Lynley. It was kind of important cause if she ever served them sandwiches at a meeting, she needed a vegetarian option... |
Evan had taken a bite from his bagel and cream cheese so was unable to answer Lynley right away. After chewing and swallowing his mouthful of food he wiped at his mouth with a napkin. True he had twin babies back at home but that didn't mean he had turned into a slob or anything like that. "Allergic to anything? No, not that I'm aware of anyhow," he answered with a small shrug of his shoulders. If he was allergic to anything he hoped he would know by now seeing he was in his late thirty's already. Did this have something to do with the food or was it more leaned towards what there were going to be doing this year? |
The glaring was real. See, Lynley? You aren't the only one who can do that. "If someone doesn't bring me ice cream and pickles I'm getting Archer to. Do you want me to do that?" Her boss hated him, so Gabby knew that the idea of him coming would not be appealing. Especially when he would want words with Lynley. On top of that, she mostly wanted to see her husband and in the process get some food and a back massage. Stupid orientation had her standing for longer than usual and her back was painful as a result. With some difficulty, she managed to get herself seated. "Hello, Evan." Gabby actually liked him because he was competent and respectful. A gentleman. |
Chloe came in and the Ravenerd gave her his usual shy wave with a cheese cracker. There was probably a few more of the food that he could try, and he was eyeing the pizza, but was slightly concerned about the toppings. Oh and look at that, Lynley asked about the one thing he was investigating the pizza for "Uhm... I'm allergic to fresh tomatoes." he replied. "If they are tomatoes that have gone through some processing like canned tomatoes, I seem to be ok." So far anyway. |
The newbie of this department just looked around at everyone and gave a nod to the department head to show that he had heard what she had said. "If you don't mind could you please call me Teddy." Theodore was way too proper for him, maybe in twenty years he would embrace his name. |
Milo slightly grinned when Lynley showed appreciate for his appreciation of the food. See? If you were nice to people, it paid off, especially when they looked like they put a lot of work into the presentation. He nibbled on his cracker some more as the room began to fill up with more of his coworkers, but SOMEONE was still complaining about the ice cream and pickles... .... and there went Teddy making a remark that was sure to get his head bitten off. His wife has been pregnant three times, so he knew how pregnant woman acted. "I'm allergic to grapes," he answered his bosses question while he attempted to ignore what was happening around him. "I also don't eat meat." He looked over at the girl (Chloe) since she had also stated that she did not eat meat either. TWO PEAS IN A POD, they were! Okay, now he had to address Gabby, but he was going to do it in a polite way. "Would you like me to go get you some ice cream and pickles?" If going down to the cafeteria could stop her from complaining, he would do it for the sake of the department. |
LOL! Was this guy for real? Gabby turned her attention to the man who started talking to her rudely. He didn't know her. He didn't know her life. "Well, first of all Lynley can take it. We are good friends and that isn't going to change." Honestly even if she felt that she had been forgotten about she loved her boss and wouldn't do anything that would seriously jeopardize their friendship. "Secondly she knows full well what I crave. You clearly aren't a father because if you were a parent you would know darn well how cravings can be. When they are in your head that is all you want." See? She was trying to be NICE even though she wanted to smack that man in the face and call him an idiotic peasant. Lucky for him he was new. "That would be appreciated," she added to Milo. See, HE was a dad so he knew just how bad cravings could be. |
omg y'all are so fun. *squishes* Chloe was here. Noted, Chloe. No meat for you, child. Lynley often worried about people who didn't eat any meat because HOW did they get their protein? However, it wasn't her place to tell this to Chloe at the moment. She nodded at her, though. Evan wasn't allergic to anything? Check. But Gabby....really. Lynley stared at her for a minute and sighed. "If you really want Archer to go get you some, that's fine--" because no, Lynley was NOT offering to do with when she had a department to run, and she also refused to cater to JUST Gabby when she had an entire department to cater for! Merlin. But at this moment, she didn't even care if she saw Archer. She just wanted Gabby to stop complaining and be happy. And here was Vickers, claiming to be ONLY allergic to fresh tomatoes? How did that even work? DID that make sense? Lynley didn't know! She wasn't an allergies expert! But she merely raised an eyebrow at him and then nodded. OH LORD. WHAT EVEN, NEW GUY? Lynley shot him a look.....because Gabby was HEAVILY pregnant. But he WAS .....taking up for her. So. Hmmm. "Well, Teddy," she began. "Thank you for that," she said softly. "But it's really okay. I can handle it--" she gestured at Gabby. "Maybe you should go home for the day, dear? You seem really...touchy." AKA, Lynley was too annoyed to deal with her, and yes, maybe she SHOULD go home. "Oh, Milo..." What a sweetheart. But she huffed and threw her hands in the air. Because this was all ridiculous and it was all so overwhelming and Lynley had LITERALLY for once in her life tried her best to please her employees--but NO. "I don't care WHAT you people all do--I'll be in my BLOODY OFFICE. Get back to work!" And..... SLAM Lynley was now......in her office. |
Mention of Milo. ^_^ Well, okay then. Gabby watched as Lynley stormed out, blinking. Seemed that they would be having a little talk before she headed home for the day. Usually she wasn't one to want to leave work, but if there wasn't much for her to do she would gladly take the opportunity. Right now she was too pregnant to care. She would just get her husband to take her home at lunch time. Slowly and with some difficulty - because hello, back pain - she got up from her seat. "Still need that ice cream, Milo." Just because she was heading out didn't mean that she wouldn't still want it. She wanted that ice cream and pickles with every fiber of her being. |
Wasn't this supposed to be some form or a meeting or something? Yet here they were all speaking of different allergies, not being meat eaters and cravings of ice cream and pickles. Evan picked up his coffee taking several sips before setting it down once more at his feet. His eyes shifted to Gabby and he nodded at the very much pregnant women, choosing to ignore her behavior on ice cream demanding. He had been there himself with his wife and he knew better then to deny craving foods to a pregnant lady. "If that little one of yours doesn't grow up to be addicted to ice cream I'll be seriously shocked," he teased giving her a light grin trying to lighten up the mood a little. Whether others in the department were parents or not he didn't fully know for sure nor did he care much even but that man Milo got a nod of approval from him. It was clear that guy was a father and knew how to handle the situation. If he hadn't offered to get the ice cream and pickles chances were Evan would've. It wasn't a big deal but at least he could finish his bagel before heading back to work. Yes Lynley, don't worry. He would be heading back to work very shortly. |
ANYONE? SHoot me a VM if you pick it up! This was it. THE place to be. The place where Eva went to avoid work and responsibility. The break room. THE SPOT TO BE! BOOM! Okay, it was still work, but at least it wasn't that shared office space where everyone could see what she was doing and judge her. She KNEW they were judging her. Knew. It. Or she, at least, had an inkling that it was happening. It totally wasn't her fault that she had to ask people to talk into her good ear, ya know. You would think that these people would have a little more understanding to her condition. Hmph. Considering that, at that moment, she was alone in the break room (WHAT LUCK!), Eva kicked off her shoes, grabbed a scone, and climbed onto a nearby table and parked her rear right in the middle of it. Would people mistake her for a lamp? She could be a lamp! She was bright! HAHAHAHAHAHA! |
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Warner walked around the ministry. He really wasn't feeling work today so when not really caring about work he decided to o hide in another level. He had his paper and his coffee. He could say he was out with immigration stuff if anyone asked why he wasn't at his desk. It was a good possibility so a good excuse in his eyes. Making his way to the sixth floor he looked around the offices before slipping into the break room. He could pass for transportation today, couldn't he? He was going to try. Most people really didn't know him still and as long as he stayed away from Mariel's floor he could probably get away with most of the other levels just assuming he was part of their department. Opening the door he looked right at the table that a woman was sitting on. Giving a small nod he just figured this was something maybe all of them did so he wouldn't ask any questions. He just got up on the other table and opened his paper. |
You two. :) Gabby was feeling hungry and when she was hungry one of the places that she went to was the break room. Would have preferred heading over to Floreans to get an ice cream cone, but seemed like Lynley wasn't a huge fan if it. Judging by what had happened during the last pregnancy. Maybe later she would ask to go, but for the moment she was supposed to be working. More like eating cookies and anything else that she could find in the break room. Stepping inside, she almost did a double take. There was a woman sitting on a table??? And someone who didn't work in the department reading a newspaper?? Okaaaaay then. Gabby blinked and then set about getting herself something to eat. Hello a bunch of cookies that she wasn't going to share with other people. Oh, and there was someone's can of pop. That was hers now as well because she really needed a bit of a caffeine boost but wasn't drinking coffee anymore. Smiling, she found herself a seat and began to dig in. |
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But that was neither here nor there. She was pleased to see him climb onto the other table! Maybe they would make this a THING. Although, she had to admit that she was a little disappointed that no one had mistook her for a lamp. And that one. That woman. She was pregnant and her name was something... NAILED IT! Pregnant Lady Something. Eva filed that one away for later. Hehe. A small giggle might have escaped the woman as she watched her gather cookies like the third Wizarding War was approaching and all cookies were endangered. That was not a thing. Nope. Unless it was. Whatever. "Hey, can I have that paper when you're done with it? I like to cut holes out so I can watch people and they don't realize it." Totally normal. |
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"Any of those cookies for sharing or is the baby going to eat them all?" He really wasn't meaning it to be insensitive just wanted a cookie. Slipping through his paper a bit more Warner was just about to folded when he heard the first talk about it. "Now why didn't I think of that?" It would have been a fantastic idea. Folding it up he passed it over. "You'll have to tell me what you observe after it's done." He figured it had to be something interesting. |
... What was going on here? Had she stepped into some bizarro world? Were people going insane around her? Gabby was confused and had little patience for this stupidity. She raised her brow at the talk about cutting holes into the newspaper because that wasn't weird at all. "Excuse me, but who are you?" Not meaning to sound rude - though actually she didn't really care if she DID. He didn't work in this department and Lynley probably wouldn't approve of people sitting ON the tables. "I was planning to eat all the cookies, yes. Growing another human being makes you hungry." He wasn't her husband so he wasn't getting any. |
New TL LOL Also, open for anyone! A subdued Eva was not a sight most of her coworkers would ever behold. BUT today she was subdued. Totally. No particular reason why though, other than maybe she was a bit exhausted. Meh. But she entered the break room with her usual smile in face as she headed toward a table. Her usual table. Only... at the last moment she made a beeline for the table in the corner. Could she be alone? Maybe? |
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"Eva Cropper!" Lynley didn't sound chipper, but she sounded awake. That was enough. "How are you today?" she asked with genuine interest. She noticed the woman was in the corner, and she suddenly made a...face. "Did I disturb you?" Not that Lynley cared, but she should maybe acknowledge that. It was the polite thing to do. |
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And this person was loud, her boss, and did she mention LOUD? Which wasn't usually an issue, but she happened to be nearer to her GOOD ear. So yeah. LOUD. Merlin on melba toast! Eva glanced up at Lynley and gave a small smile.Which probably mangled on her face. At least it felt that way. "I'm well. And you?" They were keeping up false niceties, right? Because Eva wasn't fine and she was POSITIVE that Lynley couldn't care any less than she already did. The older brunette had picked up on that very quickly. Lynley was a bit witchy. But that didn't bother her, really. She was typically pretty oblivious to these things, honestly. "Yeah, kind of did disturb me, but that's alright. Happens around here, doesn't it?" she commented before getting up to work on a cup of tea. |
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"Well, I apologize for that," she said simply. "But this level seems to not know the definition of NOT disturbing people..." if you thought about it, wasn't the whole point of transportation to disturb others? Heh. |
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The only thing that dragged Eva from her pity party was the mention of daycare and visiting. Aww that was nice. "That sounds lovely. How old is he?" It was no secret that not only was the older lady a bit out of touch from time to time, she also tended to forget things. A lot of things. BUT it was nothing to do with her age. Nope. She had always been the forgetful sort. "No need to apologize," she said with a shrug of her slender shoulders. "I have been guilty of it myself. Especially since I can't hear from the other ear properly." Which was also not a secret. "Fancy something something to eat?" she asked suddenly? Why not eat her feelings today? |
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Did she have any idea that this bothered Eva, the single thing? No. But she would have understood if Eva had divulged the information to her. "Wyatt is...he's four now, actually," she grinned. "Turned four a month ago." Her parents had gone all out, too, with their little shindig for him. "I will probably send him to primary school starting next Fall..." she sighed a little. How could her son be A YEAR OLDER THAN WHEN SHE MET HIM ALREADY? He was already doing this growing up thing too quickly! "Which one is the troublesome one?" she asked, looking at both of the woman's ears. "I always forget, I'm so sorry. I'd make more of an effort to not speak to the troublesome one." Because that must be super frustrating. "I'd love food....should we go somewhere or..." she stood up to go check to see if THEY had any food. Not.......really. A huge bag of crisps...that was about.....it. -_- |
Lynley, since adopting her child, had become quite a bit more creative. It was needed in parenthood, for sure. She had a PINATA. A freakin' pinata, okay? Her employees might think she had gone MAD. Were they wrong? She used her wand to hang it from the ceiling and set the little baton on one of the tabletops. The employees seemed to like the new redone level? And it had been months since they were back at work, but Lynley had been far too busy to really hold a level-wide meeting until NOW. So here they were. There was a laaaaaarge bowl of grilled chicken caesar salad and some lemonade. Lynley wanted to be easy today. Easy and breezy, nothing complicated. She waited to people to arrive. |
Grant walked into the meeting, glad he was the first to arrive. Lynley seemed too serious sometimes and Grant liked to mess with her. Though he could tell she seemed a bit lighter in mood since having her kid. But he supposed having a kid does that to people sometimes. Though he knew nothing about adopting, He and his wife had two kids at home and he ADORED them. Best part of his day was to get home and see Amberly and the kids. Assume his wife was home from doing Lawyer stuff. He made sure to get a glass of lemonade but would skip the salad. He wasn't very hungry but who could pass up a good Lemonade? "Is this where you tell us we're all "Being sent to the Centaur Liason Office"?" Grant chuckled a little at his own joke. It was an old joke, waaaaaaaaaaay older than He and Lynley and it was code for being fired. He took his seat and waited for the others. |
Evan was here and he was right on schedule, which hadn't almost happened this morning. Did any one here know how difficult it was to pry ones self away from five incredibly adorable little ones? Immensely tough. The mad had to literally give out cuddles and kisses several times over and then distract them with toys as he slipped out the door after his goodbyes to his wife. Stepping into the Break Room where Lynley had told them all to go for this mornings meeting, his blue eyes landed on the Pinata first. What in the world was this about?! "Good morning, Lynley, is this an attempt at getting us all back in touch with our more carefree days as children?" he asked a light smirk playing across his lips. A pinata was not something that normally appeared in departments around work, especially here at the ministry. "Morning, Grant," he greeted the other man in attendance as he made his way to get himself some lemonade and a small bowl of the grilled chicken salad. Selecting an empty seat he sat down to wait for this meeting to get underway. |
Yaaaaaawn. Even though Gabby was a morning person, she was still tired as she entered the break room. Having young children tended to mess with sleep schedules sometimes, though of course she still looked as flawless as ever. It was impossible for her to leave the house not looking like a goddess. "Morning," she said as she joined the others. Ignoring the lemonade, she made a beeline towards the coffee machine. What she really needed right now was some caffeine in her system in order to feel refreshed. That, and some of the grilled chicken ceasar because that actually looked really tasty. Good old Lynley providing healthy food for them instead of that usual junk that people ate in England. Coffee in hand, she took a seat, finally noticing the pinata. "The things that motherhood does to you," she said with a laugh. Hey, Gabby wasn't judging. She and Archer would probably be putting up their own pinatas seeing as the girls were not babies anymore. Liana was already two! |
*crashes bc this is on brand* *but will exit v soon, ahem, sorry* Yes. It had been months since he started at the ministry, but in his defense this place was a maze. That and the boy had already gone up and down the levels at least three times today, so he was starting to get disoriented. Zander probably should've been more awake at this time, too, as he got onto one of the lifts to return back to Games and Sports. He did press the number seven, but somehow he had managed to absent-mindedly follow someone who got off on six. And of course he should've realized as he walked down the corridor that he was definitely on the wrong floor, but again... Instead, he absentmindedly followed the person who he had followed out of the lift. Oh, were they having a meeting today? Zander hadn't marked one down in his calendar, but perhaps he had just forgotten to do so. Feeling very thankful that the woman he had been following had remembered, he followed shortly behind her and quickly found a seat at the table. Hmmm... That's weird. Were these people all employees that worked in the Gobstones subdepartment or something? Zander didn't recognize any of them. Except the one who looked like she was waiting on everyone. Oh! A surprise visit from one of the other Department Heads! This was sure to be an interesting meeting for Level 7. When were they starting exactly? Oooh and did Mariel get them a piñata? |
lmaaaoo Zander Adair hello xD Ha. Grant came in with a joke, and Lynley snoooooorted. "Maybe I am. You will need to brush up your resume, won't you," she smirked. An old joke, of course. And no one was getting fired today, at least, not yet. Unless given a reason to be. Lynley was in a good mood, though, so ticking her off was probably not AS easy to do as usually. Her black hair was tied up in a tie pony-tail, and she wore a professional outfit, as always. Pants were in today's wardrobe. And a cute suit jacket. Flats were becoming more of a thing as time went on and her feet got older. She was in a GOOD mood. Ah, yes. The pinata. Lynley smiled at Evan. "You shall see, Evan. You shall see." She needed more people to arrive. Come on, people. Be on time. PLEASE. Lynley didn't feel like FUSSING today! Oh, shut up, Gabby. Lynley just rolled her eyes. "Be quiet and eat your salad, Gabby," she snapped, but playfully so. Um. Who the hell was this? Lynley squinted at the young man for a full five seconds before remembering his face. She had briefly met him at the WERPS event. He had been talking to Chloe WHO WASN'T HERE YET??? and he seemed...so green and new to everything. She almost felt bad for him, watching him sit there in the WRONG department. Because she knew the kid was not from Level Six. She knew all her employees! She thought about how best to handle this without it being...too mean. Or cruel. She wished she remembered his name and department. Um. UM? "Oh, dear, tell your department head I have the piñata they ordered coming RIGHT up---you know, this is Level Six and all, and your department head had ASKED me for one awhile back and---how nice of you to volunteer and come down to LEVEL SIX to fetch it for them!" she smiled, using a neutral pronoun because shed didn't have a clue who his DH was, and TRYING TO MEET HIS EYES SO HE WOULD FIGURE OUT WHAT SHE WAS DOING. She also needed another piñata ASAP. |
The dark haired man chuckled lightly at his boss. "Hopefully you won't make me wait to long, will you? I might start to get fidgeting and upset," he joked lightly settling back into his seat. Taking a sip of his lemonade he turned his attention towards Gabby. The two get along fairly well. "Morning Gabby, how are the little ones?" This had become the normal topic for them, talking about their children. What was this? Evan turned his attention onto a newcomer not knowing how the young man was. Rather than kick him out Lynley handled the situation rather well by hinting to the kid he was in the wrong place. Hopefully the guy that the point and wasn't to embarrassed by it all. |
The more and more he sat here, the more he realized that he actually didn’t recognize any of the others. This was strange. Was he dreaming all of this? Because HA HA HA how funny would that be!! Having a dream about accidentally showing up to the wrong department meeting. Wow, more like a nightmare really. Good thing that’s not what was happening right now, right? …. Right? He waited for the meeting to start so that he could have some sort of confirmation that this was indeed the right meeting and that they were in fact having a guest visiting from level… Uh. He honestly couldn’t remember which level the woman (Lynley) managed to be quite honest… Though in his defense, the WERPS event had been super exhausting. The only thing Zander vividly remembered was his lack of ability to remember Chloe’s name. Oh the embarrassment. Was the new employee sweating? HA HA nope. Because this was DEFINITELY not that nightmare. Until it was. When Lynley came to speak to him (in some kind of code, mind you) it definitely did not sound like she was here to give a guest lecture. Well… This was uncomfortable. Zander shifted nervously in his chair, hoping that he didn’t appear as embarrassed as he truly was on the inside. Actually, embarrassed wasn’t even doing it justice. He was mortified. “Oh yeah,” he rubbed the back of his neck, trying to figure out how exactly to play along. “Well, I-uh-didn’t realize there was a meeting today… So i’ll-uh-I’ll just stop by another time then,” he gave her an embarrassed nod as he slowly got up from his seat. “I’ll just-um-I’ll be on my way now,” why was he speaking to everyone??? He should’ve just made a run for it. “I uh-yeah-have a good meeting.” He backed out of the room, so that he was still facing everyone as he made his exit. Giving everyone one big, circular wave he quickly made a run out. THAT’S IT HE HAD TO QUIT. |
"WAIT wait---" she did some quick wandwork and produced another piñata. "Here you go. Now run this along to your level. I KNOW your department head wanted one," she winked, trying to seem casual. Hopefully whoever it was...wouldn't mind a piñata. A magically charmed one, mind you, but it was one nonetheless. Turning back to her employees, she smiled briefly. "Hello. And welcome to our little meeting! We have some business matters to attend to!" and very important ones, too. She gave her hands a little clap and officially called the meeting to order! "OKAY. First things first...the Ministry will be hosting interns this summer!" she said with a grin. "We will hopefully be getting one or two interns for our level. They'll be a big younger," like teenagers, guys, "So we need to do our very best to make them feel welcome...but also make sure they work." Ahem. "Any ideas as to what our intern can do for us besides make coffee runs?" Useful, yes, but they needed to do more than just that. "Would any of you be open for a shadow? I don't know that I'd want them to shadow the same person for the while summer, but perhaps we can mix it up a bit." |
Seems like the young guy got the point that he wasn't in the right department. "Poor kid," Evan murmured chuckling softly and shaking his head. The guy probably hadn't been to much older than his own daughter. Turning his attention back onto the boss lady, Evan ate a few forkfuls of his chicken salad as he listened. Interns. Teenagers. Alright he could handle that seeing as to how he had kids of his own. Coffee runs sounded good to him, what else did they need interns for? Chuckling quietly he nodded. "They could always bring us some donuts and muffins to go with the coffee," he joked giving Lynley a smile. "Alright, no seriously though. Maybe some light filing work, helping to keep things clean and in order around here." There was a few sections in the department so surely the interns would have things to do. The idea of having a teen shadow him was fine by him and once more he nodded. "I wouldn't mind that. Having a teenager follow me around wouldn't be a problem." If he could handle five little ones than he could handle anything. |
There were not many people who could get away with telling Gabby to be quite like that, and Lynley was one of them. Okay, it was just her and Archer - and Archer would never say something like that to her. She had to laugh, knowing that this was all to be playful. "Where did you get it from? Seriously. A pinata would be perfect for the girls when they are a little older." No, she was NOT being quiet, though she DID start on eating her salad. Not because she was told to, but because she was hungry and it looked so good. After swallowing a few mouthfuls, she smiled to Evan. Of course she never talked with food in her mouth or did anything else disgusting like that because she was a lady and not a cave woman. "They are doing well. Liana is already two. How are your kids?" It was usual for them to talk about their children, but that she was something that Gabby liked doing and she was sure that Evan did as well. Really she just hated small talk and avoided it at at all costs. And he was soooooo much better than Connor, who made her angry just at the thought of him! A sudden urge to stab at her salad overcame her but then she was saved by someone who was in the wrong department. Okay, that man came across as a bit of an idiot, but that had to be embarrassing. A small part of Gabby felt for him. Not that she would ever admit it to anyone... But really how dense could you be to get off on the wrong floor??? Moving on. Having interns was something that Gabby had never thought of, and quite frankly she wasn't sure how she felt about it... "Could I have one to do all my paperwork for me?" Okay, that was a joke and hopefully Lynley would see that. Because really she would NEVER leave something like that to a teenager; not only could they mess up, but SHE preferred doing it HERSELF. "Seriously though if they could help with filing and doing other little things for me, I wouldn't be opposed to it." So long as they weren't incompetent at least. |
Zander was absolutely mortified. Even more so when the Department Head of not Games and Sports actually made him a second piñata. “Uh, thanks,” he smiled, but his cheeks were BURNING red at this point. And he could TELL that everyone else in the room was judging him for what had just happened. Even though Lynley was nice enough to try to cover for him, he was sure that everyone had seen right through that act. Great. Now he had to explain to Mariel what the piñata was for. Awesome. Zander LOVED working at the ministry. |
#betterlatethannever Chloe was not late; everyone else was simply early. At least that was what she kept telling herself as she frantically pushed the button on the lift for level six repeatedly as if willing it to move faster. Note: It didn't work. The ginger stepped off onto her lift into the newly redecorated level, feeling at once the quiet from not having a crying ten month old in her presence and her headache already subsiding. But ... as she entered the break room, she frowned, thoughts and excuses completely wiped from her memory. Because WHAT in the name of GODRIC GRYFFINDOR was Zander Adair doing!? She was fairly sure recalled from the orientation that he'd been hired in games and sports? Was he lost already, only a couple months into the new position? And why a piñata? Had she missed something? Was this a new icebreaker? Did they even have any new employees? Oh, what were they talking about? Interns? Yes, she'd read the memo. "I wouldn't mind an intern and I think they could be beneficial for portkeys, in that they might actually be able to help out more than just coffee runs," Chloe chided in, acting totally cool and calm as to not draw attention to the fact that she'd been late. |
Lynley was still slightly wet, drying herself off with her wand....and saying very colorful words as she marched down to her level, Level 6. Transportation. Which right now was being MORE than she had bargained for when getting into the realm of charmed broomsticks back when she had graduated University. Emergency meeting had been called. She would wait for everyone. Her hair was disheveled, and she looked more distraught than perhaps any of her employees had ever seen her. Hurry up... she thought snappishly. |
Grant really had no clue what this meeting was about and therefore made his way in his usual manner. Taking his time. He wasn't trying to be rude, but being the Portkey Master General in a time where Portkeys were being used as murder weapons meant he had to be extra safe.. He walked into the room and couldn't help but crack a little bit of a grin..Again he couldn't have known how serious the situation was.. "Hey, Boss. Go for a swim?" He asked jokingly. Tempest Chandler on the other hand was informed of the situation and made her way to the level 6 conference room with haste. She couldn't help but be annoyed with Lynley.. WHO IN MERLIN'S BEARD TOUCHES SOMETHING LIKE THAT WHEN YOU KNOW THERE'S A KILLER ON THE LOOSE?! Or you know that's what she thought in her head... Very calmly. She strolled into the room, looking collected as could be. "You didn't bother to dry yourself?" Because magic was handy for that.. Was this just for dramatic affect? The story seemed dramatic enough.. Maybe next time the Department Head would use her mind and not her hands first. |
There was nothing quite like an emergency meeting being called within a department to catch one's attention. Evan had been on his way to the break room for a cup of coffee when the slip of paper landed on the floor at his feet alerting him of this meeting being held right now. Well than, all the more reason for this need of coffee. Stepping into the break room his eyes fell upon his boss instantly taking in her ruffled hair and slightly damp appearance. This couldn't be any good. "Hello, Lynley," he offered by way of greeting to the women giving a nod in the directions of Grant and Tempest by ways of greeting. "Would anyone like a cup of coffee?" Might as well ask while he moved across the room to the machine to quickly make himself a cup before everyone else arrived and the meeting began. The boss lady looked like she could use a cup? |
Stacie stepped into the break room, baby pink flats silent on the floor. Some of her new department were already there. The Head of the Department was there, slightly damp. Stacie fiddled with the bag strap on her shoulder. “Hi,” She said. She hadn’t been expecting to be invited to a meeting yet, especially one labelled as an emergency. Stacie stared around, unsure how to react. She was new and she wasn’t quite sure what was required of her in this situation. She had studied transport and law at uni, not social skills. An ineptitude at social skills was one of Stacie’s flaws. She preferred to be alone and to keep other people out. But because she was new, Stacie tried to impress with her office niceties. “Do you need a blanket? Maybe a hot water bottle would help?” |
Chloe had been in the work area - researching about this portkey issue - when she received the notice about the emergency meeting. Well, wasn't that just splendid? She had wanted to speak with Lynley anyway, but she'd been hoping do so before a department meeting. Walking into the break room, just as she heard the joking remark from Grant, she rolled her eyes. Seriously, how was this dimwit the master portkey general, again? Did he not read the news? Also, one glance at Lynley had the young ginger mentally freaking out and wondering exactly what happened. Did she not read the news either? But then again, she had been questioned in the paper... surely... no... no... her department head wasn't an idiot, was she? "Lynley, Hi," she said quietly, mentally trying to work things out, even if she'd probably find out soon enough. And a nod to you Evan and you too (Stacie), to the young female, whom she didn't know, but somehow empathized with as she'd looked about as she looked four years ago. |
Emergency meetings were not a regular occurrence on Level Six, so Gabby was obviously rather confused when the summons came. Was this anything to do with that Portkey mess? Or something else entirely? Curiously she made her way to the break room, nodding in greeting upon seeing her fellow employees. It was Lynley who had her attention. "Are you okay?" she asked concerned. Lynley was very important to Gabby and they had been through a lot together even if their friendship had its bumpy parts - which ones didn't? She'd offer assistance, but it seemed that others had beat her to it. Really she wanted to know what had happened and why her friend was so distraught. |
everyone is mentioned <3 Not funny, Grant. Lynley didn't even supply a response to that; he got a if-looks-could-kill glare from her. He was lucky she didn't hex his tongue for that. She was certainly in a foul enough mood. Speaking of her bad mood, Tempest did nothing to eradicate it. "Not now, Tempest. I don't need the lip. Especially not from an auror," she snipped. Yes, she had attempted to dry herself to the best of her ability while also being TRAUMATIZED and trying to race back here to this MEETING she had called. Why were aurors always the worst? She gave her the stank eye. She could have strangled Evan. "NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR BLOODY COFFEE, EVAN!" She had her wand clasped tightly in her grip, still. "I appreciate the offer, dear, but we have more important things to discuss--" the new girl, Stacie. Lynley thought she seemed nice enough, if not a little TOO nice. She needed thicker skin. Maybe this was the opportunity. "Nice of you to join us, Chloe, Gabby," she nodded at the two. "I called this meeting because our portkey killer friend--" a term she had personally dubbed the IDIOT out there doing all these horribles things-- "Nearly killed me. Well, not ME on purpose. But he planted a muggle cellphone RIGHT OUTSIDE HERE. In London. Muggle London. I was on my way with one Carrigan Howard, of Level 3, to see about investigating anymore obliviations we might need to do on----" She glanced around. Some people seemed confused. Did they not read the Prophet? "Some of you seem lost on the happenings, or perhaps some of you newer people need a little prodding---" she grabbed the Prophet article that had been published forever ago, before the holidays, and flung it in her employees' general direction. "But we've got a rogue portkey maker on the loose, targeting muggles. Serial killer, if I'm being honest with you all now. Myself and MLE were trying to keep it under wraps, hush hush, but the Prophet is onto it, another muggle died a few weeks ago, and had I not grabbed this phone off the ground---I assumed it was left behind and was returning it to a cafe worker in case some muggle came looking for it later---we'd have another dead muggle to deal with currently. This is no longer a concern for just me." And Lynley Purcell gave a deep, deep sigh, looking wearier than she perhaps ever had in front of her employees. She rubbed the bridge of her nose. "All hands on deck. This is mostly for MLE to handle. But I need all of you to keep your eyes and ears PEELED...especially those of you in the portkey division." She nodded at Grant sternly. "And....for now....for the time being.....no....no portkeys will be approved from here on out. For anyone. Until he's caught. Or she. I know many people rely on portkeys for transportation...but we can't afford it. And if this rogue maker still continues...it means....we can more easily track him." She glanced at Tempest, sure she would criticize this in some way, but Lynley had had...ENOUGH. "Cancel all outgoing portkeys." Lynley turned around and began...to make...some coffee. "We'll figure out other ways to transport people, even if means we all work overtime. Understand?" she was going hoarse from all the loud talking. Now it was time for coffee. |
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Tempest was not okay with any of this.. Did Lynley have the power to do this? Because it would seriously mess up her investigation. It would for sure spook the public. "Lynley.. First off i can't be on board with this. It's not a wise idea.. You're feeding into the killer's hand and the prophet's attempt at flinging the public into a frenzy. Our best chance is to continue to keep things under wraps" Tempest could tell that Lynley didn't like her but she wasn't here to be her friend, she was here to stop a killer. "I think you're in shock and making irrational choices.. You should go home and try to relax." Because she had been through something tough. Even if it was her own fault. "Besides the killer's portkeys are muggle artifacts so it isn't like it would help if the ministry stopped producing theirs. Until then i would advise you all to keep your hands off of strange muggle objects and if you do encounter something out of place contact A&C or MLE to handle it." Yes, that was mostly aimed at Lynley but it went for everyone there. |
Okaaaay, Lynley didn't EXACTLY answer her question, but kind of did in a way???? Gabby's eyes widened and she hated the fact that she was right about this being connected to that awful portkey business. Thank Merlin her friend hadn't been seriously injured - or worse!! The MLEs had better handle this well, but honestly she wasn't sure. The only real competent one in the group was Lex, and she was only one person. "I'll do anything and everything to help with anything on our end even though I don't really deal with portkeys." Since floo was her specialty and all. It was so hard not to shake her head at the woman telling Lynley to calm down and go home, but somehow she managed to resist the urge; this wasn't the time to get into petty arguments when what they REALLY needed to do was get into action. It was really fun dealing with MLEs... Not. |
Getting snapped at was NOT on the top of Evan's to do list. Especially not by his boss and especially not first thing in the morning. Clearly she was to distraught to understand that his offer of coffee had been meant to help calm her down so that she could warm up from her currently wet state and explain what had happened. It had not been an attempt to take take away from the seriousness of whatever it was that had happened. Therefore rather than say something back that might send the women over the edge even more he shut his mouth letting her go on with explaining. The more Lynley spoke the more he knew he needed that cup of coffee. Coffee was what helped him think clearly in situations such as this. When it came down to not having portkey's or peoples safety he was all for putting portkey's on hold. He nodded his head as he listened. "Portkey's isn't my specialty at all but whatever needs to be done I'll help anyway I can." It was all part of the job. Working overtime wasn't as applying anymore as it had been when he was starting but he did have five young children at home to tend to as well as older kids and a granddaughter now. Everyone's safety was important. |
Stacie was unsure what to say. She didn’t know anyone at the meeting, and she didn’t even work with Portkeys. She was a Carpet Regulations Specialist! She went over to get coffee. She hadn’t been expecting her first proper job to go like this. Stacie fussed with her blonde hair while her cup filled with coffee. The smell of coffee was like a hug. “I’ll take the overtime,” She said, turning to Lynley. “I’m on carpets though, but if you need extra hands anywhere.” Stacie shuddered inside. She didn’t want to be the newbie sucking up to the Head of Department. But when you’re new at a job, and young and experienced into the bargain, you didn’t have much choice. She didn’t want to look too complacent. Stacie studied Lynley. “You should have a rest. Soft music and a hot tea. You’ll be able to come up with good ideas when you’ve had chance to calm down. You’ve had a massive shock.” Apart from taking care of people, Stacie didn’t know what else to do. She didn’t have any epic ideas of how to catch a Muggle killer. “Are MLE working with the Muggle Prime Minister? They could spin something about a virus in apparently discarded phones and things.” Being Muggleborn, Stacie knew what Muggles would believe and how quickly news spread in their world. She even had sneaky social media accounts herself. “I’m on social media, I could post something.” She glanced around, blushing. “My family.” As soon as she said the word she realised. “God, how could I be so selfish!” She started cracking her thumb joint. “I need to warn them. They live in London. What if they pick up…? What about the kids? My sister...” Her stomach was sinking through the floor. A lump in her throat made her eyes well up. |
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