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Post by Anne Fernsby on Nov 18, 2014 14:52:23 GMT -8
The service was fast around here! Surprisingly fast and...unfriendly. Anne rose a brow at their waitress' death glare at Markus. What the hell? She'd be sending in a complaint by the end of the night if this didn't stop. Simply unbelievable someone would act in such a way. On the other hand, Anne supposed it was much preferred to the waitress flirting with Markus.
Anne looked at Markus as he ordered then to the waitress again so she could give her order. "I'll have a zinfadel," she added, "and a water as well." There was no need to have to get through her wine before dinner nor was there any need to get drunk off a glass and seem a light weight. She hadn't eaten since breakfast, she realized. She'd lost track of time and her stomach as she'd done some work today, mulling over the case notes and daydreaming about her night out with Markus. Ok, halfway concentrating on the case notes while mostly daydreaming about the night out with Markus.
Once the waitress was gone, Anne turned her full attention to her date. She wanted to comment on the waitress, but she chose instead to bite her tongue. No need to start the night out focusing on and commenting upon the negative. So, she smiled instead. "This is nice." Small talk, but who said they had to talk about anything serious? The point was to enjoy the night and see where it took them.
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Post by Kara Viridian on Nov 18, 2014 14:52:32 GMT -8
Kara kept her eyes on Markus for just a moment as he ordered before looking over at this mysterious blond. She partly wished he would have said her name so Kara could figure out where she was from, as she looked slightly familiar. She narrowed her eyes at the woman as she faked a smile, “Coming right up.” Turning heel, Kara left the two at the table and brushed past a couple of her coworkers to make it behind the bar counter.
She took a breath. Markus was here, getting rather comfortable with her and Kara didn’t even know who the hell she was. It wasn’t even about how Kara felt about Markus at this point, as she sure as hell had a lot on her plate these day. Markus was her partner. Even though it had been a very long time since they had done anything together, Kara was a little disturbed that he hadn’t taken the time to mention there was an issue with his marriage and maybe even the fact that he was seeing someone new. “Whiskey... Wine… and two waters.” Kara whispered to herself as she poured the glasses of the ordered beverages and set them on a small tray.
Her eyes looked up, and she searched the room for “Thorsten”, Casey’s disguise for the evening. She was wondering if he knew anything about this and if he did, well…he was in for one hell of an investigation. Kara took a deep breath and propped her hands on the counter, leaning on it to brace herself.
Henrietta looked over and arched an eyebrow, “Kat, are you alright?”
Kara didn’t hear her employee call her, because for a moment, she forgot that she was undercover. She surveyed the room to find her target, and she wondered if Casey was still in the bar. If he had left, she would have been 1: frustrated because she needed to talk to someone about this and 2: lonely. She missed him all week and their brief moment in the back room wasn’t enough to satisfy her need for him.
“Kat.”
“Huh?” Kara felt a hand on her shoulder. “Oh Merl—my. I’m sorry. What is it?” She caught herself before she stated “Merlin”, a habit that was hard to break and a habit that was hard to explain to muggles. Kara was brought back to reality, however bitter, and saw the tray of drinks laid out before her.
“That’s Table 7’s order if I remember correctly?” Henrietta pointed, looking over with a little bit of concern on her face, “are you alright?”
Kara cleared her throat. “Yeah I just have a lot on my mind, sorry sweetie, I’m on it.” She took a deep breath and picked up the tray, holding it up over her right shoulder and weaved through the crowd to Markus’ table. “Here we go, if you need anything else, my name is Kat.” Her fake smile hurt her face pretty badly, but Kara was dying to get away from here. She had to find Casey. Fast.
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Post by Casey Winslow on Nov 18, 2014 14:52:48 GMT -8
Casey had grabbed a seat at the edge of the bar nearest the waitress' enter/exit door as soon as it had opened up and was sitting there waiting while nursing a coffee he'd ordered and staring at a pie. Probably store bought by the looks of it. Considering this was a pub, Casey wasn't really surprised by that fact. It simply made the idea of blackberry pie sound slightly less appetizing. Maybe he should have just ordered the coffee. Though it was admittedly a little old and merely reheated. The problem with ordering coffee in a pub on a Friday night. It was hardly the drink of choice for most patrons.
Sighing, Casey set the cup of coffee down and picked up his fork, staring at the pie as though it might pounce at him for a moment before forking off a bite of it and putting it in his mouth. Not too bad, though it lacked the flaky crust like the kind his mum used to make him. Used to make... Casey couldn't help but wonder if that was a permanent "used to" or simply until they could tear the regime down and set slaves free. He'd tried the old manor. It was abandoned, probably only held onto because someone in his family had chosen to go along with things to save his or her own hide. Casey swallowed.
He wondered where his family had ended up. Some of them could have left the country, others could have been sold to Merlin-only-knew-whom. It would be hard work to find everyone and reunite the old clan, but hopefully they wouldn't be stupid enough to try to do so at their old home. Merlin only knew that when it was revealed he was alive, that'd be the first place someone wanting revenge would go--well, one of the first places at least.
Casey forced the thoughts away as he washed down the coffee--black. Bitter toxic-tasting stuff. He'd have to put sugar and milk in his next cup. Only way it wouldn't feel like he was drinking tar.
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Post by Markus von Wolfram on Nov 18, 2014 14:53:16 GMT -8
When the waitress left Markus didn’t give any further thought to the death glare he had received when she had first arrived at their table. I wasn’t worth the effort. He was supposed to be enjoying the night out and the exceptionally rare moment alone with Anne, away from the prying eyes of, well, everyone. There was no way he was going to let one waitress ruin that.
”This is nice.”
His attention swung from the retreating back of the waitress to the lovely blonde sitting across from him and he smiled. It had been a long time since he’d been on a date let alone taken anyone out and admittedly he was a little out of practice. But he could do small talk. Anything that didn’t involve corpses, killers, and his more than likely early retirement was fine by Markus.
”It is. Glad you could pry this captain from his hidey hole. We’ll have to do this more often.”
It didn’t take long for the requested beverages to show up and when they did Markus gave Kat a nod when she stated her name and to pretty much ask if they needed anything else at the moment.
”To a fun night out,” he said with a grin as he raised his glass to Anne.
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Post by Anne Fernsby on Nov 18, 2014 14:53:48 GMT -8
Anne smiled smugly as Markus they'd have to do this more often. "Hate to say I told you so, but I told you so," she said, a low chuckle accompanying her words. Yes, she liked pleasing her man. Was that so wrong? She didn't think so, and even if she should, she was feeling carefree right now. They were away from the prying eyes of Markus' troop, his children, his...the enemy, the killer, and whoever else might care. She was going to enjoy herself. There was just something about Markus and this whole relationship that made it easy for Anne to let go for once in her life. It scared her to death, but at the same time, she'd never felt happier.
Anne rose her glass and clinked it against Markus' after he made his toast, echoing, "A fun night out." She could feel herself grinning ear to ear as she brought the wine glass to her lips and took a sip. Mmm. Not her usual brand, but she hadn't expected it. It was a muggle restaurant. They didn't have the same brands available, and if they did, she had no idea what the rebranded name was.
Giving no further thought to her wine, Anne set the glass down and looked at Markus as she placed her right hand on top of the tabletop and then her left, both hands face up as she leaned in to be closer. She was taking full advantage of where they were. She could hold his hands, stare into her eyes, check him out, and more to her heart's content. Maybe after this time at The Abby they could go on a walk, maybe find a muggle park to just relax in and stare at the stars--all those lofty things that the younger her had always romanticized. Now she had someone to enjoy it with, and she was going to.
A sinking feeling hit her stomach as she realized she couldn't keep him all night as she almost opened her mouth to say, "You're mine all night, aren't you?" Thankfully she caught herself and hoped he didn't notice she'd almost spoken. There would come a time when his wife would wonder why he wasn't in bed with her on a night he might have shift off. He could only be afforded so much time together with her. Anne forced her smile to stay, however. She would not let her spirits be doused. She was feeling good for once in her life, and she had no reason to feel contrary.
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Post by Kara Viridian on Nov 18, 2014 14:54:08 GMT -8
Kara was fuming. Markus didn’t even bat an eye. She couldn’t fully blame him for it, she knew, but she could still be pissed off. If she was not as mature as she was, she may have thought to spit in the blonds drink. Pushing that thought aside, she marched over to the bar and took a quick shot of vodka before she spotted Casey sitting there, alone, and patiently waiting. At the sight of him, however, she couldn’t help but grin. “I should just know to expect this, but you are probably one of the only one drinking coffee in a pub.” She knew it was his habit, but it still amused her.
Kara glanced over at Markus’ table one more time to make sure he and his … friend were in no need of anything more before putting her hands out to brace herself on the counter. Her eyes locked into Casey’s. “Markus is here.” She said, bitterly. “Markus is here, and he’s with someone.” Then she waited. As a victim of apparent imprisonment here in the muggle world, Kara was almost always the last to know some of the dirty details floating around the wizarding world. Even with magical patrons coming through now and again, Kara only heard part of the gossip.
Did Casey know something about this? His response would be the dead giveaway. So, she waited, arched brow, curious eyes searching his mysterious face.
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Post by Casey Winslow on Nov 18, 2014 14:54:41 GMT -8
Casey looked up at Kara as she spoke to him. Her voice had nearly made him jump as he hadn't been expecting it, but he looked up at her and shrugged. He didn't need to reiterate he'd had a drinking problem for a little while and would rather not risk potentially falling back into bad habits. If she even knew. He couldn't remember how much about his and Evie's past he'd told her. She'd heard so much during their last attempt at a relationship, but he was pretty sure most of it had been relevant to his search on most occasions.
At her next statement, Casey arched a brow then glanced behind him. Sure enough, there was Markus with a blonde... A blonde that was not Kirsten. What the hell? He really shouldn't be one to judge. He was messing around with a married woman, but Markus... He and Kir had always seemed happy in their strange little way, and Markus had never said anything about any problems in their marriage. Was it all not so sunshine and daisies?
Realizing he was staring, Casey quickly looked away and sipped at his coffee. It was only then that it registered how strange Kara's tone had been, but what could he say about it? Maybe she was just pissed to see Markus cheating when he was in a seemingly good marriage with a beautiful woman? But again, who was she to talk? "Well, isn't that interesting," Casey chose to say before taking another sip of his coffee, though the concern was written in his currently green-hued eyes.
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Post by Kara Viridian on Nov 18, 2014 14:54:44 GMT -8
Interesting?
Kara’s eyes darted over to the couple. Her evil eye was probably lost amidst the crowd, dulled by the passerbys. Markus looked like he was enjoying himself, wasn’t she supposed to be happy? Of course, as an old partner and old friend, Kara was supposed to be supportive of many things, but she couldn’t possibly be supportive of this. Casey’s face gave no such clues, unfortunately, no hint to show her that he was in on the whole thing. Still, why the hell was she so furious that he was here with someone other than Kirsten?
She hadn’t seen Markus much lately, especially since she was with him for New Year’s. Nothing had happened, nothing notable really, nothing that would throw a wrench in the gears, as they were simply just friends. Perhaps it was the fact that she was entirely territorial of her savior? The man who broke her out of her cage? Perhaps it was because she knew nothing about this blond stranger? She looked harmless enough, but Kara wouldn’t give her a chance to stab her in the back, no. She knew better than that.
Kara poured herself another round and took a shot of brandy. It was to calm her nerves, calm her from completely blowing a gasket, and ultimately, her cover.
“Kat!”
It was Henrietta again. It was a wonder they called her Henri the Hawk.
Kara remembered she was not in her own skin this time, and she turned her head to face the girl calling her false name. “Yeah?”
"If Kara catches you doing that, you may as well hang up your apron.”
She scoffed, "Nah, she wouldn't do that, I've seen her throw back one or to at a time--"
"She fired Gretchen last week for doing the same thing! If you ask me, she's been a little off the last couple of weeks. Keep it together and you won't lose your head."
Kara froze, embarrassed by her own employee. She looked over at Casey before she tossed the tumbler into the bucket underneath the counter and wiped her hands on her apron. “Got it.”
“Now move it. Table 7 looks like she may order somethin’ new but be careful with her. Seen her around before, and you wouldn't want to cross her.”
The bar’s owner looked over at Table 7, Markus’ table, and groaned. “I’d ask you to take my table but—“
“But the schedule said that’s your zone. Now get goin’, girl!” Henrietta laughed playfully, as she walked to the back room with the empty bucket to fill with ice.
“Remind me to give her a raise.” Kara chuckled, and walked around the bar counter. It was no surprise to her, how the employees felt about her, so she rolled with remarks like that. Though, it was probably the alcohol suppressing her real feelings, she set those thoughts aside as she had other things to deal with presently. She nudged Casey slightly with her hip. “This is no fun when I can’t spend any time with you.” She pouted slightly, extending her lower lip to overplay a frown at her lover. She missed him deeply, and it was a shame she couldn't embrace him here, in front of everyone. She was willing to push the limits, though. She leaned in and planted a quick kiss on his cheek, waiting to see if he would react to her antics.
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Post by Casey Winslow on Nov 18, 2014 14:55:05 GMT -8
Casey hid his amusement at the exchange in his coffee cup, which was quickly drained with his supposed increased thirst. He set the cup down as soon as Kara's exchange ended and she addressed him. Casey smirked at her statement and overplayed pout. "Soon" he promised before he leaned up to give her a quick peck on her lips and then playfully swatted her butt."But go take care of your table! Wouldn't want to get this pretty face fired, eh?" he teased. Having to find another identity to hide behind would cause some problems, and to be seen behaving toward him with her real face would only raise questions with the regulars. This face was a safety net as much as it was a way to spy on her workers to see whom she could trust and whom she couldn't.
Casey cast a glance toward Markus and the unknown blonde as soon as he finished teasing Kara, wondering to himself exactly what the man was doing out with this woman. Who was she? They looked too friendly for this to be an innocent work dinner, and surely a work dinner would take place in the wizarding world and somewhere other than a pub. What was it that had led his friend to step out?
Sighing, Casey shook his head. It wasn't any of his business as much as he might want answers. Markus was a grown man and knew the possibilities of what could happen while risking an outing with a woman other than his wife, especially an outing which would require the both of them to use their papers for the muggle world on the same day. Hopefully he was playing careful or had at least been fair to Kirsten. He'd never quite understood them, but she'd obviously loved him. She didn't deserve this. Hopefully he was wrong.
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Post by Markus von Wolfram on Nov 18, 2014 14:55:40 GMT -8
Her mood was infectious and Markus found himself returning her grin with one of his own. As soon as her hands rested on the table and leaned in the captain found himself doing the same. He rested his hands on hers; locking his fingers with hers and offering a slight squeeze and felt his heart flutter. It was easy to get lost the depths of those green eyes, something that didn’t bother him in the least. Now that they were out from under watchful eyes he could finally felt he could loosen up a little. Unashamedly he checked her out, allowing himself to take her all in.
”This is nice.”
Markus nodded in agreement.
”I’ll say. Good atmosphere, exceptional company, and the waitress doesn’t count.Markus gave Anne a playful wink. ”Any plans once everything is said and done with? Can’t imagine you wanting to go back to that boring old desk job now. The playful cant to his voice would tell her he was only joking. Truth be told Markus would be happily reassigned to a desk if it meant he could stay close to Anne, which only further proved how head over heels he was for the woman. It didn’t matter if he wasn’t suited for desk work.
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Post by Anne Fernsby on Nov 18, 2014 14:55:44 GMT -8
Anne smiled as she stared into Markus' eyes. It was easy to forget the circumstances elsewhere right now. It was like a dream. Never in a million years had Anne thought this would happen. Her fancy for Markus had been something she'd kept hidden, but somehow, somehow it had come to be that Markus returned them. She felt as giddy and carefree as a teen right now. Even the waitress' odd antics had little effect on her mood right now, though she chuckled at Markus' little jab.
At his question, Anne's eyes went up and to the right as she bit back her lower lip in thought for a moment before she looked back to Markus as though losing sight of him for too long would make him vanish. And she really could lose him or everything that quickly with circumstances as they were, but that was fodder for another time. "Honestly? I don't know!" Anne said, for the first time in her life feeling perfectly fine with that. "That 'boring old desk job' seems like it was ages ago but oh-so-tempting and safe. I just...I want something at least slightly more hands on, but the opportunity is one I'd probably never see again."
Anne was good at what she did in Internal Affairs, and to have her position at her age? She could go either way if she ever left it: make it big elsewhere or have that be the biggest highlight of her career. The thought scared her.
"What about you? I'm sure you've daydreamed about the day you never have to think about this case again!" Maybe it was a far stretch. After all, Markus was so involved in this case it was a wonder he had even agreed to go out to The Abby at all. He rarely had a free minute, and she was sure those she or his wife didn't occupy were spent catching up on lost sleep--not daydreaming. Still, it was only right to ask him. It at least would give him the chance to daydream now
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Post by Kara Viridian on Nov 18, 2014 14:56:17 GMT -8
“Table 7, Table 7…” she muttered to herself, somewhat annoyed, as she made her way over to sneak a kiss from Casey before she made that dreaded walk towards her old partner’s table. At least this way she would be able to listen in a little closer, and get to know who this blond woman really was. The closer she got, the uglier she felt. Not because she hated the face she hid behind, but because she felt herself pulling feelings on the inside she couldn’t even explain. Jealousy? No.. Why would she be jealous? Markus was a friend. After the New Years stint, she was sure that things were okay, weren’t they? Things hadn’t become awkward…
…had they?
Oh Merlin, she gulped. She hadn’t thought thoroughly about New Years in (what felt like) ages. Kara was so dazed she managed to bump into an oncoming patron and the tray with the two drinks meant for table 7 toppled over, the beverages of course…landing on none other than one of the people seated at that particular table. There was a roar in the busy crowd here, which only amplified her embarrassment. The burning sensation of all eyes falling upon her made her so tense. Kara felt her face flush and she immediately closed her eyes tightly, wishing that she could rewind that moment. Alas, magic would only stir up questions here. Kara’s gut filled with dread. The glasses survived though, hitting the table with a hard thud.
If only she could just disappear and pretend like she didn’t have anything to do with this…
She only came up for air when someone tugged at her shoulder, helping her up.
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Post by Anne Fernsby on Nov 18, 2014 14:56:25 GMT -8
Anne glanced around the small pub, wondering how long until their waitress returned and had just looked back to Markus when the cold liquid hit her and the glass crashed to the table. The entire front of her favorite dress was entirely too soaked, and her face had a few splashes of her wine, too, from the feel of it. Anne brought her hands up, completely frustrated and upset. Did the universe have it out against her and Markus having just one night? Just one night. That was all she'd asked for. Still, she couldn't overreact. She didn't want to stress Markus out, so while she wanted to yell at the waitress, Anne refrained.
Nothing but obscenities were coming to mind, however, so for a few moments she was silent before finally speaking as she stood. "Excuse me, Markus. I need the ladies' room. And I'll be needing some more wine." She kept her eyes on the table as she spoke because she was livid, absolutely livid. And she was going to be stuck in a wet dress because they went to the muggle world and she couldn't use tergeo to simply siphon the liquid out of the material and into Merlin-only-knew-where. |
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Post by Markus von Wolfram on Nov 18, 2014 14:56:41 GMT -8
Markus watch as Anne took a quick glance around the pub. A flicker of movement caught the corner of his eye and he was able to pry his gaze off the wonderful woman across from him just in time to see their waitress take a dive, and Anne get covered in what appeared to be their drinks. Fantastic. Fan-bloody-tastic. It was like the whole world was conspiring against them. Was it so much to ask for a couple hours of free time and good fortune? Was it!?
He stood and reached down to help the waitress up. To be honest Markus wanted to snap at her, dress her down like a fresh recruit, but he didn’t. He didn’t want to cause a scene, or call out the waitress and further embarrass them all. Markus didn’t get a chance to ask Anne how she was doing as the woman had already said she was going to the ladies room. He kept a wary eye on her, noting the tenseness in her words and posture. She was mad, really mad…
”Alright,” he replied, ”Take as long as you need, and if you prefer we can always head somewhere else after the drinks… Our stay so far has been less than stellar…” A cheap shot at the waitress sure, but he was certain it would impress on her that he wasn’t thrilled.
Once Anne was gone he turned his attention back to said waitress. ”You all right?”
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Post by Kara Viridian on Nov 25, 2014 20:45:54 GMT -8
Part of Kara wanted to remain on the floor, pretend to be invisible, a throw rug maybe, and wait for the patrons to leave the floor. Unfortunately that wouldn't be an option here, since it was such a busy night, and she managed to spill alcohol on the dress of her partner's mysterious "date".
He already made her feel like rubbish by saying they would go elsewhere. Henrietta was already there with the towel and mop to save the rest of the patrons from sticky shoes or slipping and falling, and Kara was simply mortified. She heard Henrietta mumble about telling "the boss" about this new hire, shaking her head as she made some complaints about being stuck with new blood. She had inadvertently fell into the "newbie" role a little too well, convincing the others she was this Katarina girl instead of Kara in disguise. After leaving Azkaban the last time, Kara wished she wouldn't have to disguise herself so much, but she had no choice.
The blond had stood up and walked away from the mess, and when Kara peeked over, Markus was alone. This was her moment. "I'm so sorry," she said to her partner. Kara tried not to look him in the eye but she wiped down the table and the seat that the mysterious woman had been occupying before. After she cleaned up, she threw the towel over her shoulder.
"I'm sorry sir, the drinks are on me tonight." It was the least she could do. "I didn't mean to, it's just busy and, I hope you would stay."
Without realizing it, Kara began twirling the hair behind her ears, something she only did when she was nervous or would fidget, something only those people close to her would have recognized. "I'll have fresh drinks out for you both, Markus. Excuse me."
She hadn't realized she stated his name either, but there was a slight possibility he may have caught her "tell". Kara didn't want to blurt out her cover, but subconsciously she must have, to offer those clues without even trying.
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