Happy Hour (Guys only)

Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:43 pm

Maybe the jacket had been a mistake? Marcus had realised that the moment he'd walked out of the train station into the bright sunshine. It had been a beautiful day the last few days, blue skies and so much grass that he had to worry about Bertrand needing to go on a bit of a diet from all the 'mowing' he'd been doing. Marcus was coming to the realisation that he'd probably have to chip in and see about getting the mower out from time to time to deal with the lawns. Not that he much minded, really it was more a case of being a danger to everyone else for the fact that well Marcus rather enjoyed the ride on lawnmower a bit too much. Either way today was the day, he'd been running around the school like a hyperactive idiot all day to ensure everything was fine, just fine and everyone else was sorted for THE DAY. Beer Day! Better known as the Microbreweries Showcase at Federation Square.

Obviously the moment he'd read about it in the Australian Global Voice there was no question that he was going.. and if he was going there was no way he wouldn't be dragging a few mates along due to the old rule that only a loser drinks alone. So doing the responsible thing a plan had been made and they'd jumped the train at Warragul with the promise that Mel and co. would rescue them once they rolled home too drunk to drive (or so Marcus was aiming to get his full 25 dollars worth of 20 tastings plus whatever more he could talk his way into). In a way he figured it was the least he could do to shake things up a bit, what with Gerard being busy with some big case.. and another big case that Marcus knew as TIFF (ps.. who'd have seen that one??) and The Doctor learning to be a dad again clearly it was his responsibility to man up and insist they go out and do something stupid... or well at least something involving being around large quantities of alcohol and away from the pressing concerns of work, women, half-timelord babies and goats.

So he'd put the idea forward for a 'polite' gathering to catch the train up and booze the evening away in fine style amongst the weirdyglass structures of Federation Square. "Now this.. is the life" Marcus said to the world at large, a wide grin on his face as he looked out from the footpath out the front of Flinders Street Station to the stone steps leading up between angular buildings to the atrium where the nights festivities where due to commence. "Gentlemen.. shall we?" It was like a kid in a candy shop, if eh.. the kid was thirty two years old and the candy was on estimate over 120 varieties of beer all brewed in Victoria and the odd drop from New South Wales. It was the Glastonbury of the beer calendar and Marcus couldn't wait to get started.

Fri Oct 21, 2011 5:01 am

Ethan had arranged to leave work a bit early at the Warragul Library so that he could meet Marcus at the train station and they could head on into Melbourne for the Microbreweries Showcase at Federation Square. Whatever that was. No, Ethan was not one for seeking out opportunities for drinking lots of beer on a regular basis. Moreso now that he had become a father and helped Mel by doing as much as he could in the evenings so she'd be able to get a bit of rest herself.

He never ceased to be amazed at how fast his daughter grew and how quick she picked things up though Ethan was not quite sure why her first word kept sounding like vworp vworp vworp rather than Momma or Dada. But it didn't matter because she was cute and sweet... Uhm well except when she was cranky. But Ashleigh was... (*thunks Ethan upside the head to remind him this thread is about beer, not babies*) So sheepishly, Ethan mumbled an apology to the writer and grabbed his jacket from the back of his desk chair, gave a few last minute instructions to his assistant manager and headed out the door towards the train station to find Marcus waiting for him. Once in Melbourne and at Federation Square, they headed for the appointed meeting spot for the others.

Fri Oct 21, 2011 8:56 am

It was a beautiful day in the city, Robert even had to admit it as he checked his watch, the meeting with S.P.E.W had ended early without consensus so he was free to wander the city for a time before heading over to Federation Square to meet up with Gerard, his 'might as well be son in law' and that Marcus. Certainly life was hard, Robert had a smile on his face as he stepped into one of the narrow side streets from Bourke and stopped to browse some of the protest displays that had been set up against the government's return to live beef exports. Robert had to wonder what his old man or brothers would think as he signed his name and wished the young man luck before turning onto Swanson Street, crossing the road at the lights he could already hear the noise from the protest that had been set up in City Square.

While his time in Muggle politics was well behind him Robert was still a active member of the Green Party, even as it vexed his wife there was no question that much as a redneck might hold onto their gun for dear life nobody was going to get him to cool his heels against being informed and part of what was going on in the nation he loved. So far the police had allowed the park to be occupied quite peacefully and with a smile Robert waved to a familiar face wandering around the crowd taking photos. "I see you got your old job back" Robert joked as he went over to shake hands with Luke Wright, SubEditor of the Global Voice. While Robert had never really thought much of Nathan he respected his family and knew that as Wizarding family's went there was none better then the Wrights.

"Hi Mr Ashton.. what do you think of all this?" Luke asked before taking a quick snap, he'd used the protest as a excuse to get out of the office and back onto the streets as while he was pleased of his new job he did tend to miss the old hustle and bustle of being there when things happened.
"What I think? I think it's a good sign for democracy and a reminder of the struggle many Australians from all walks of life are facing today". Robert waited for Luke to finish writing his words down before his phone beeped a reminder that he was due at Federation Square. "But I'll have to save the speeches for later.. got a important meeting with the Brewers Guild" Robert joked and Luke brightened up "Ah.. yes Marcus invited you along to that too has he?" Luke asked as he put his camera away and took a quick glance to see that everything was calm. There had been a few good news pieces earlier in the day but the dinnertime lull had started to set in and things where quiet for a better word.

With Robert explaining the situation Luke laughed at the idea of Marcus having only invited him because he'd insisted quite firmly (and knew it would annoy Moria that much more) the two set off to make the short walk from City Square past the church and crossing the road to the much larger Federation Square. "G'day, G'day!" Robert called out in a friendly greeting to the pair sitting on the steps outside of the main building. "Hope we didn't keep you too long... and where's Gerard..?" Already there was the look on his face of 'things to discuss'.. cue the groan from the others at the idea of a entire night to the tune of rehashing the complete developments and legalities of civil occupation and a discussion of the recent High Court hearing against the Governments Malaysian solution.

Luckily Luke however had no such idea and was bright and cheery at the prospects of hanging out with mates and getting to try out a few new drops. He was pretty excited about everything at the moment since they had decided to try and give Abby a little brother or sister. Rebecca had become quite clucky after Mel's baby and no longer was there the excuse that his job got in the way. Alas Luke was forced into a life of sex slavery to his wife's wishes..no wonder he'd skipped home to go have a drink with the guys rather then be subjected to that when he got home.

Sat Oct 22, 2011 2:05 am

Thankfully, since that day he strode in and just about lifted Tiffany off her feet in greeting, things had slowed down just a tad. Not only that, but the arguments had proved successful which is always a plus. But the work had been draining and so most of his nights were spent with Tiffany, curled up together on one or the other's sofas watching movies together. Somehow, time with Tiffany always left him feeling calm, happy and rather peaceful.

So it had taken some rather determined convincing/begging on Marcus' part to convince Gerard that remaining holed up at home, even if with that special someone was not always the best idea. Gerard really cringed not at the idea of going out with friends for a few beers, at least when the friends included best mates like Marcus but rather at his memories of the last time people had dragged him out for a boys' night out. It was Marcus' promise, even offering to take an unbreakable vow that there would be no
a) bonfires
b) destruction of ex-significant others' property and/or photos, and
c) emowhining.

Add in the mention that Robert Ashton would be joining them and Gerard agreed to go. The only catch in the plans was it was a work day so they agreed on a meeting spot at Federation Square, arriving just behind aforementioned Robert Ashton, literally. "Right behind you," Gerard greeted him with a grin as well as greeting all the others assembled for the event.

Thu Oct 27, 2011 6:15 pm

Ianto was just appreating in to Melbourne to go to something called Microbreweries Showcase. he had read about it the australian voice and decided it sound s Muggle that his crazy sister tamika would never follow him here to bug him about her stupid wedding and his family.
he began walking down toward the Federation square were they where holding the event as he walked toward the square he found his boss marcus standing there with a group of men on of whom he knew from Tally Gerard Hunter not was troubled as to weather to avoid the group of fellow wizards that were talking together.
Ianto decided to wave at marcus say HI and continue on to the Muggle event as Ianto did want people to think him rude. Tho Ianto would not mind getting to know normal wizards and muggles now that he was leaving the pure world be hide him to get to know the dirty half bloods muggles and well al those that were not like the people his father had made him hang around with.
he was no getting in to specking distance of marcus and Gerard and the others
"Hi Marcus, Gerard Nice day" Ianto waved to them.

Sat Oct 29, 2011 10:59 am

Marcus had been well behaved for most of the trip, meeting THE DOCTOR! at the station he'd only mentioned once that taking the train probably wasn't as cool as a TARDIS but hey they had restrooms and that was almost like having a office on a train right? Cue the blank stare of the 'here he goes again'. It was one of those days where Marcus was reminded of just how much he'd missed out on during his 20 year 'ultra-grounding' that had left him trapped amongst the grounds of his old school. How many times had he wished to walk down the road and jump on a train to the city? To watch the houses and roads with all the cars and trees and cows zoom by? Who could ever get bored of such a wonder?

By the time the train had reached Caulfield Marcus had managed to turn his copy of The Global Voice into a hat, he'd done the crossword (badly and with many wrong words and spelling mistakes) read alll the comics and the editorials, rolled his eyes at the letters to the editor and mused over the for-sale wondering whether or not it would be wise to buy a male dragon.. but then again the last thing they needed was a entire brood of baby fire lizard-dragon-hybrids yammering in his head. It was boring waiting at each stop as people got off but soon enough the train got to where it was going and they where free to wander around the most livable city in the world. "I told Gman we'd meet him at the stairs.. he and Mr Ashton had work or somesuch.." Marcus said as they walked past the SBS building aka the BIG TV building and lead the way to the stairs where he flopped down, glad to enjoy the sunshine amongst the clamor of the city. It was a comfortable wait until he caught sight of Rob and Luke heading towards them with Gerard behind them. Looks like everyone was here.. and most importantly Luke had managed to get here without Prick muscling in. Marcus was rarely ever in the mood to go ten rounds of 'who Rick was shagging lately' over his beer. It tended to ruin the mood.

"Hey Luke! How's it going Mr A! Yo Gman!" Each person requiring their own 'custom' greeting as Marcus jumped up to better see. It was hard being a short guy after all. "I'm amazed you managed to get here without Prick.. " Marcus said to Luke before looking truly horrified at the news that Rick Wright.. better known as Right Royal Prick.. had a girlfriend? "You've gotta be joking" wonders truily never ceased. In his head he was already drawing up the bets for how long the poor woman would last before fleeing. Though on the other hand he couldn't help the tinest bit of pity for 'ol Prick for always managing to stuff it up with every woman he met. Maybe he really was getting soft? Mel had teased him that the country life would ruin him but Marcus had so far continued to insist that he'd die before getting old and boring.

Speaking of boring Marcus rolled his eyes at Mr A and Gman.. "Just remember.. first one to start going on about work gets lit on fire" he said with a grin, one only had to hope he was joking. His lucky green lighter was in his bag after all. Speaking of work it was a bit of a surprise that Marcus caught sight of Ianto.. aka Lambytoes out and about. Marcus was surprised the guy was still alive to be honest after meeting his 'wonderful' sister. Talk about little-miss-head-in-the-clouds. The girl was so unpleasant he had to give a bit of sympathy to Ianto to have grown up with it. "Hey.. whatcha doing in Melb Lamby?" Marcus had been getting lazy on keeping up with the gossip, without Windex pouring the latest news down his ear whether he wanted it or not Marcus had been more then a bit happy to roll over and let the world happen for awhile without being in the middle of things. Marcus had gone to ground a lot lately, with Chloe's birthday and the accident at Gumbuya Park he'd figured it might be worth lying low awhile. That and of course things where busy with exams coming up and all that. Funny how you tended to forget about them till they snuck up on you. Marcus himself was probably supposed to be studying right this moment, he was honestly a bit nervous to be finishing his final year of Uni next year. It had seemed only yesterday that he'd enrolled so he guessed it was a good thing that Ianto had proven to be less of a git these days and more good at doing stuff other then making a mess and blowing things up. Sometimes Marcus even mistook him for a human being and not a bunnyfaced git. "How's your sister? Turned her into a cabbage yet?" Marcus half joked. Actually that wasn't a bad idea... would certainly make sense of that whole Cabbage Patch Kids thing at least!

Mon Oct 31, 2011 4:29 am

"Hello, Robert," Ethan returned his 'if she ever said yes he'd be a great father-in-law's' greeting. "Got some new materials in you might want to check out when you're in town again," he added, knowing the new books that had arrived earlier in the week contained some that Robert would definitely enjoy. "Oh!" he added, almost forgetting, "Mel sent these." With that, Ethan pulled out an envelope containing a quantity of the latest photos of the cutest, most adorable, most darli.....

*hurriedly throws in commercial for newest brewery*
*smacks Ethan upside the head*
*Ethan mumbles 'sorry'*
*rolls eyes at these 'new father types*

....little girl who just happened to be Robert's granddaughter.

As Ethan also greeted Luke, he heard his cousin's familiar voice as Gerard made his appearance. "Just got here ourselves," he told the other three, as Marcus then gave the 'no shop talk' lecture. Good thing Ethan gave Robert the heads up on the books before that. It seemed Marcus spotted another familiar face in the crowd, the assistant caretaker from Gippsland.

Mon Oct 31, 2011 8:29 am

While tomorrow would bring a day of soul searching at the news of the violence happening in the city for today it seemed utterly impossible that the city could be anything but the peaceful slightly quirky Magical Capital of Australia. "Ah.. impeccable timing as always" Robert said as he turned around to greet his mate. "I read about the court case.. fine work you did getting the Gov to take to heel.. hopefully now they might do the right thing". However there was other important things to attend to such as raising a curious eyebrow when Ethan mentioned new books "Ah.. excellent Mel keeps telling me I should get one of them Kindle things.. but call me old fashioned if I think a book shouldn't require a battery". Yes Robert was still trying to stand fast against the future... even if it meant getting a smack for making one too many jokes about his daughters iPad the last time they had come around to visit. Robert didn't get why, after all it was just a computer without a screen so whatever the big deal was clearly escaped him. No he was quite firmly behind reading his books on dead trees thank you so very much. "I heard Infinity Blade Awakening was very good.. but low and behold the damn thing is a iBook.. whatever that is" Robert grumped before being distracted by a envelope. Robert didn't even have to open it to know what it contained since Mel would force them on him every chance she got. Opening up the envelope a bit he laughed at one of the more amusing photos before tucking them away safely in his jacket "Moria no doubt will love them" he just said, he was very much finding it hard to get used to the idea of being a grandfather, Mel had always been his little girl. No doubt she always will even when Ashleigh would be old enough to get into her own kind of mischief.

Annoying as he was Robert had to owe to to Marcus to stop him from going down that thought track, it was enough to make him feel old. "Now that is hardly fair Marcus, why I hear it on good authority that you have never done a day's work in your life" Robert joked. Of course he knew Marcus was a heard worker, it had been something of a coup to get him on board since he'd managed to escape from that curse his father had put him under. It seemed a fine day for surprises and meeting new people as well as a young man made his way over. Robert didn't have to guess much to think that he must have been a wizard by the way he appeared rather out of place in the crowd. Nobody much looked twice though, after all with the punks and goths who hung around Flinders in their own groups it was hardly a irregular scene to see a man dressed in such a fashion. Melbourne like all large cities was tolerant in that way. Waiting for the others to introduce themselves first Robert offered a hand in greeting to the young man "Robert Ashton.. I'm guessing you must be Mr Parker?" Robert had at one point glanced over some of the budgeting and caught the mans name. "Well I guess if there's nobody else coming we should head inside?" Robert stated with a nod towards Marcus, it was his party after all.

"Cool, cool" Luke said hearing that they weren't late. In a way he was a bit embarrassed about having gotten so caught up in the protest he'd almost forgotten about the beer thing all together. Laughing at the mention of his brother Luke shook his head "Nope.." his expression turned rather serious "he's too tired up with his new girlfriend" Luke himself wasn't sure what to make of it. With Nathan overseas and Rick seemingly tied up in his love life to such a point where he didn't even come to Abby's birthday Luke was feeling a tad lonely and disappointed in his older brother for not being around. "No joke" Luke just said, he didn't feel like much going into the details however as there where others around and he hadn't managed to get much out of his brother about her. Far as he knew it was a 'her'. It wasn't like Rick to have not shared every last detail about his latest girl right down to cup-size and a rating from one to ten.

"Hey Marcus.. remember the time we lit the Headmasters bed on fire?" Luke replied brightly, clearly they where going to have to add a second rule for 'no reminiscing over old pranks' "Man that was a hoot.. " Luke still had to laugh, sometimes he missed those old days when there wasn't much more to think about then the next gig and what to do on the weekend with all their free time. Sure there had been study and exams and whatnot but compared to a life of mortgage repayments, life insurance and magazine subscriptions.. well there was good things too.. Rebecca and Abby but sometimes he couldn't help but reminisce for the days when it had been all about the band and having fun. Still it wasn't as if his life had gone completely boring once he'd hit 30. Just hanging around with Marcus was bound to bring back a bit of the old times and interesting people.. such as the chap who was walking over towards them. "Hi" Luke said giving Ianto a smile "man that outfit is wild.." Luke said with a smirk as he wondered what Rebecca would do if he'd turned up in such a costume. She'd still not forgiven him for dressing up as Edward last Halloween. It had been a good laugh though and Luke was just happy to go along with whatever was happening.

Tue Nov 01, 2011 3:08 am

Gerard waved back in greeting to Marcus then shuddered as Marcus mentioned Luke's other brother by name. Yes, it was a good thing Luke had managed to make it here without him. At Marcus' warning, Gerard tried to look innocent which was no easy feat as Robert brought up the recent case that had finally ended. He shrugged and nodded at Robert's compliment. "Well, it took all of us that were involved, really," Gerard reminded him and he too could only hope that the right thing would be done.

As Marcus greeted Ianto and the others said their hellos, along with Gerard, Gerard's mind was switching to the protests going on not that far away. It seemed things were still peaceful and he hoped that they would stay that way, If not, once again his work, and others, would be cut out for them. He hadn't liked the rumblings he'd been hearing on ideas for handling the protestors and could only hope they were just rumors.

Thu Nov 03, 2011 4:08 pm

Ianto was waling past as marcus spoke to him asking why he Ianto parker was in melbourne he was sure it strange to see him in a Muggle setting as he was very outspoken with is views on muggles but now seamed so stupid and just wrong for one such as him self to say such things.
"i just heading to this Muggle show case thing sounded like it would be a good learning experience and what not and it Ianto Mr hobson" Ianto chose to call him mr as payback for the Lamby comment when a man addressed him until the end mr parker Ianto looked over his shoulder expecting to see his father he was relery called mr Parker and recently he no longer thought of him self as a parker any more Ianto looked back
"OH me right Yes, Parker, i prefer to be called Ianto" Ianto advised that man He said parker like it was a dirty word with out even thinking about it anymore the hate at his mother father and sister grew with ever moment and more so with his sister around now.
"My sister with best luck i hope she is back in wales, and i will never lay eyes apone her again" Ianto knew that she was most likely planing anther thrip to his place to brake him and drag him back to that family.
"Are you all going to the Microbreweries Showcase too. I am hopping to get some in site to the Muggle world" Ianto decided to voice the true reason for his being here his wish to be come more Muggle friendly, there was no sense in lying any more he was walking away from the wizarding lies and trying to make him more like the other half bloods.

Mon Nov 07, 2011 10:30 am

Rolling his eyes as Ethan and Mel's Dad got talking about stuff Marcus smirked at Luke before just staring as the whole story of how Prick had as far as anyone knew been tied down into a life of boyfriendhood. "Man that's even weirder then Gerard and Tiff.. speaking of which GERARD WHEN ARE YOU TWO GETTING MARRIED??" Marcus shouted, he'd been planning to wait until they had gotten past the 'one way in, no way out' stage of the night but hey, he was impatient and being around all these guys who where married was starting to freak him out a bit that he'd gotten into a level of responsibility that meant well.. growing up and stuff. If he was going down there was no question that he was going to try bringing as many mates down with him as possible.

Because that's what mates where for right? That and making threats of grievous bodily harm of course. "Oh C'mon Mr A.. I told you those stupid birds had it in for me" Marcus explained yet again for why, during his summer stay manya-many years ago he'd utterly failed in his single job of putting the chickens away each night. Not that there hadn't been much amusement for the others in watching him chase the damn birds all over the yard trying to get them to go in their pen. It seemed a night of reminiscing too as Marcus laughed at Luke's reminder "Ohyeah.. only it was a exorcism right?" He couldn't quite remember but there had been some logical excuse behind it of course.

It was good to see all the guys together, even if Nathan was overseas and Rick......... had a girlfriend. But then again change was as good as a holiday they said and so he just gave Ianto a dry look as the guy called him 'Mr Hobson'.. knowing full well that the name drove him around the bend. "Well first rule of getting Muggle is they don't call themselves Muggles.. well apart from Mr A here eh?" Marcus smirked up at Mel's Dad before waiting to do introductions "Mr A's the head of Muggles United..well here in Victoria Anyway, Luke.. old mate.. Sub-Editor of The Global Voice Australia.. and of course The Doctor and Gerard you know" Marcus grinned, weird as the incident in the library was Marcus was still tickled pink to have THE DOCTOR! amongst his friends. "I figure she'll probably have a house drop on her... no offense" Marcus just said with a smirk to Ianto at the thought of his sister. Had it been Chloe however it would of course been a very different matter and there'd be someone bleeding for even suggesting it.

Nodding that they where here for the Microbrewery Showcase Marcus couldn't help the smile, the thought of all that beer just waiting to be tied out was something that had been keeping him looking forward to the event for MONTHS "Yep, and I for one plan on getting totally sloshed" of course he was joking, that level of drinking was saved for parties and get togethers like Poker night. Someone had to make sure they all got home after all.. well okay Mr A and Gman could probably do that in a pinch. Speaking of which, none of them where gonna get anything if they didn't head in to the event. "Yep, Mr A's right.. C'mon Ianto we'll make a Muggle out of you yet!" Marcus said as he hunted around in his bag to find the tickets before leading them into the Atrium (better known as the big blocky building made of weirdly shaped bits of glass) where the entire area had been set up in a attempt to fit as many mini-bars, bbq tables and displays as possible. It was clearly the grown up equivalent of the children left alone in the candy store moment' as Marcus exchanged his tickets for a pint glass, vouchers and a showbag. This was going to be awesome!

Mon Nov 07, 2011 10:57 am

Ethan couldn't help it. He winced at the mention of iBooks. Any normal word preceeded by a lower case letter 'i' caused that reaction in him. "It means they are electronic books, only available from the Apple Corporation's application store on their devices," Ethan explained and he was fairly sure it was only readable on their brand of devices, too, unless you converted it on normal computers. To say Ethan was not an Apple fan was an understatement.

At Marcus' question to his cousin, Ethan had to admit, he was interested in the answer to that one. He had not seen Gerard that happy in a long time and suspected Marcus was on the right track with his question. "Yeah, let's have the lowdown, Gerard," Ethan added to the questioning with a smirk.

Ethan listened to the tales of pranks past and shook his head laughing, especially at the idea of their setting the headmaster's bed on fire. They were definitely a handful in their school days and Ethan was fairly sure he was glad he was not the librarian there during that time. With Ianto joining them, it just meant the more the merrier to Ethan. However, at Marcus' comment he was going to get sloshed, Ethan simply told him, "You'll be pouring yourself onto the train home, then," grinning as he did before greeting the newcomer. "Glad you're joining us, Ianto," Ethan told him.

Making there way in, Ethan looked around at the various displays and decided he would try the Mildura Brewery which turned out to be a honey wheat.

Sun Nov 13, 2011 12:39 pm

"Ah.. Apple" Robert just said nodding as Ethan winched, it was good to have at least one soul who shared his dislike of the 'so simple even Dad can use it' products as forced on him by one Meliae Ashton whenever she bought something new. It was the only reason he'd given up his old Nokia black and white screen phone when she'd handed him her old 3rd generation iPhone. Though much as he wouldn't admit it he didn't mind being able to play angry birds on occasion. "You and the other fifty odd thousand eh Gerard?" Robert replied thinking of the activists who's emails he on occasion got reminding him to add his signature to one campaign or another. Mel had been telling him that Muggles United could use such a tool but so far he was resisting it on account of the fact that it was but a small jump from that to a Facebook group and that would require a account..and well you saw where that was going right?

There was a telling smile on Roberts face when the others started to gang up on Gerard, "She is a good woman that Tiffany.. a good cook" he stated with a straight face, of course had it been Mel well.. he'd have other words to say regarding such a arrangement in warning. Thankfully as far as he knew Ethan had been wise enough not to go down that road, he blamed Moria for ensuring that his daughter would refuse to marry. Moria was enough to put anyone off the idea..which was of course why she was not here. Much as he did honestly love his wife there was however that longing at times.. usually around dinnertime when eying off another lentil casserole that wished he'd married someone with a bit more flair in the kitchen so to speak.

Robert had been working in the wizarding world long enough to not feel insulted by the 'Muggle' term, indeed he found it quite empowering thus the 'Muggle and Proud of It!' slogan he'd been fond enough to have printed on tshirts and on campaign signs over the years. He laughed a little at Marcus' face when he was called Hobson before greeting the young man "Ianto it is" he agreed before listening to the others talk, clearly there was no love lost between Ianto and his sister but it was not his business and so Robert kept his mouth shut. "Well you know there's only one world mate, just a lot more then most folks would figure is what I always say" Robert explained as they made their way inside, waving to a couple of familiar faces Robert looked around to find the Grand Ridge team, his pocket was full of business cards because while there had been a 'no work' rule he couldn't help but do a little advertising amongst the brewers.. the herb business was good after all and being reminded of the beer evening had gotten Robert thinking about trying out some varieties of hops to see if they would grow so far south.

Luke snorted when Marcus went straight from the weirdness that was Rick doing anything conventional straight though to yelling at one of the other guys that he ought to be getting married. Funny how fast it was that life went, he could remember when it would be teasing each other for who was still a virgin and couldn't hold their drink.. now they where men with jobs and responsibilities and well.. in the case of Ianto some really questionable fashion sense. It was quite funny listening to the others bicker, Luke had never had the chance to see Mr Ashton and Marcus in the same place, the story about the chickens making him think of the 'tales of horror' Mel had shared about the few times Nathan had gone to dinner with her parents. Apparently learning where eggs came from first hand had not ended well for his brother who to this day still refused to eat them. Or meat at that, however that particular horror story belonged to Rick and Rick alone.

Luke had tried to warn Nathan that it was a bad idea to get a job at the slaughterhouse when Rick offered. While Nathan had been underage there was no question that once he'd been assigned to moving buckets of 'goo' and arrived home that night white as a sheet that well.. Nathan had never quite been the same since. Luke shook his head at the others antics "Really Marcus.." he of course didn't have the luxury of being able to get drunk, lest Abby see him in such a state. They had agreed when Becca had first fallen pregnant to always keep their bad habits out of their daughters life. So far so good he thought. "So how's Mel doing Ethan.. getting used to the steaming alright?" Because while Marcus could play the drunk card he could then play the 'Who's a Daddy'. That and Luke still remembered the excitement and sleepless nights when Abby was born. Of course he also remembered the sheer terror at the prospects of being a Dad. Rebecca of course had wanted children but he knew that Mel would make a great Mum by how she was with Abby.

Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:32 am

That Gerard was relaxed and looking forward to spending time with the guys was not even a question. That Gerard expected the question of his romantic life to come up and, specifically, how attached he was planning to become, probably should not have been a question in itself but rather expected. Gerard forgot who he was meeting up with. It was not expected. Good thing they hadn't reached the first brewer yet and he was trying one out. It would have been lost and resulted in one choking Queen's Counsel.

Oddly enough, Gerard was quiet before answering. "Depends on if she'd turn me down or not," he finally answered. Yes, apparently, he was sure of what he would like but not sure if she would too. Hard to believe the man graduated law school in the top percentile of his class at Oxford isn't it? Unfortunately, having been burned once or twice in the past few years since becoming single again had left him a bit unsure in that area.

Fortunately, the conversation turned to Marcus and his dealings with Robert's chickens in days gone by and then into Muggle Blending 101 for Ianto. Sometimes, you just can't resist saying something and when Marcus commented about Muggles not calling themselves that, Gerard grinned. "Well, us Muggles usually don't know we are Muggles. "

Mon Nov 14, 2011 2:30 pm

Ianto listen as Marcus was laugh at about his name and the the house on his siter
"Nahh That would not work , she would simple stand up and lecture it on how dare it have fallen on her, i'd feel sorry for the house" Ianto Smiled as he spoke
Ianto was a little confused chicken and farm and he hadn't even had a drink yet.
"well then what do muggles call them selves, if not muggles" Ianto asked not knowing how to address a Muggle if not as a Muggle it made no cents to him at all those muggles.
As they entered the event Ianto received his glass and other things he knew not what to do with them.
Ianto proceeded to examine the show bag and it con tense But was quickly destrated by a man a very attractive and built man in a rather tight top walking past the group.
"I think i'm ganna like this place" Ianto said as the man disappeared from sight.
Ianto approached the frist stand and looked at the many things displayed there not knowing what any of them where.
"You know umm never mind" Ianto was now begin to recognise just out of place he seamed here in what was the muggles world Ianto turned to see if he could see the exit.
"Maybe i should umm" ianto looked more and more confused as he searched.
"don't really belong here" Ianto mumbled

Sat Nov 19, 2011 3:51 pm

Marcus would on later think that it was probably a good thing that he hadn't waited until after they had gone inside to ask the 'big question' because while he'd been all up front about the beer showcase being a exercise in mateship, good times, responsible irresponsibility and all that in reality in his mind it was a intervention for one Gerard Hunter to deal with the overcoming plaguing issue that was Tiffany Fumberger. Clearly things where even worse then he thought as he just stared up at Gerard as if he'd just admitted that not only was Doctor a Time Lord but Gman was Zaphod Beetlebrox and they'd all just won a all expenses paid cruse to the restaurant at the end of the universe. IF TIFFANY WOULD TURN HIM DOWN?? "Oh my goat Gerard.. it's TIFF.. " Marcus slapped himself on the forehead to express just hot dumb his mate was being. "Tiffany Fumberger.. I mean c'mon TIFF" words could not express. Maybe if it was someone like Rowan Marcus might have understood, but Tiff, Tiff who he'd known for years to have no standards at all when it came to guys. .. well okay she'd certainly done better in seeing Gerard and all that but it was hardly like she was going to turn him down?

Okay so maybe he'd not had the best luck but c'mon he was Gman.. lawyer, successful.. owned his own exploding golf course... what more could a woman want? "Seriously man.. if she doesn't say yes I'll marry ya" he said it serious enough that one did just have to wonder how far Marcus would go to prove the point in question. In a way Marcus was still a bit scared at the prospect of getting married. Some days he woke up and was sure that the whole thing was just some crazy fucked up dream and he'd find himself right back in his old office looking at the same old roof and dealing with the same old people. It was like everything had changed this year and yet the core of it, the things that really mattered where still just as important as ever. Somewhere in the years in between Marcus had come to realise he wasn't just some 'guy' anymore, he'd come to understand responsibilities and consequences to consider himself a man of the world. Standing tall amongst his mates The Doctor, Gman and Luke.. oh and Mr A and Ianto too he guessed.

Mateship was important too, which was why he just grinned at Doc "Na-uh.. that's what you guys are for" a smug look that whatever happened they where stuck with him now. It was good to see Ianto out and being 'normal', the guy had never really socialized much with the rest of them, Marcus had always figured he was too stuck up to bother really. "Haha.. yeah" he said agreeing with the house analogy having remembered the great 'how thou shall treat thy luggage' lecture when he'd met her. Leaving the Muggles to explain the whole Muggle thing Marcus couldn't help but think back to his first encounters with the world beyond the gated community where he'd grown up. Pubs had been exciting, so had girls and all that. It was like having to spend your life in one small town and then finding a entire WORLD out there that you'd never even heard of outside of stories. .. actually Marcus realized.. it was probably a bit like being a Muggle and finding out about the magical world.. funny that! Either way Ianto was his employee and he wasn't about to let the guy have a hard time of it, so when Ianto started backpedaling Marcus was having none of it. "No way.. C'mon Ianto thats Coxy over there.. best damn brewers around.. HEY COXIE!" he said shouting out to the man well..manning the 3 Ravens stall. There was quite frankly a lot of men around, Marcus had figured that to be a natural part of the whole beer thing. It was no surprise at all that Marcus would make a beeline for the 3 Raven's stall, more a question of how long until he managed to get away from chatting to the guys and trying to con his way into getting more then his fair share of the days samples.

Sat Nov 19, 2011 4:09 pm

Had Ethan not already had a conversation with Gerard, he might have been as shocked as Marcus and the others at Gerard's response to 'the Tiffany question'. However, he also knew, as did Mel, how bad the failure of what Gerard had thought was a strong marriage had left his cousin, quickly followed by the 'never made it past the first date non-relationship relationship' had hurt him. Sure he was a rather successful lawyer and did recently assist in a rather big victory. But that was law. Even losing his first case had not been as painful. Should Tiffany say no, Ethan was not sure what it would do to Gerard.

Of course, Ethan was not expecting the offer of assurance Marcus made and had he been inside already drinking, would have definitely choked. "Uhm, Marcus, not sure that's really going to encourage him to ask her?" Ethan commented, resisting the urge to laugh at the expression on Gerard's face at the offer. "Might tend to scare him off further, even." Of course, Mr. Still Haven't Proposed to Mel Because He Feared She'd Kill Him Instead of Saying Yes didn't really have any better ideas.

Tue Nov 22, 2011 4:24 pm

For Robert it was more a wonder to know that Marcus was engaged then Gerard's utterance in playing it safe. Robert having been in married 'bliss' for over thirty years could only guess at the thoughts behind his mates decision and shook his head at Marcus's threat "Hardly possible Marcus, much as they wish I'm doubting that particular piece of legislation will be making it though the parliament so soon to even allow you and Gerard to be wed in bliss.." yes, much as he'd seen his country 'grow up' in some ways it was still the white male patriarchy that it had been since the day Captain Cook arrived. It was a good day though, while the rabble in City Square did not have much motivation compared to the mass protests of yesteryear they where a inspiration in their own way that the counter-culture from the days when he'd first met Moria still lived on. Of course many more had donned suits and gone about making their fortunes in stark contrast to the ideals held but Robert had come to find solace in working the land, after all there was no better therapy after a hard day of meetings then taking it out on the back paddock.

"You mean apart from the Muggles who've seen the Potter books around" Robert pointed out with a laugh, "Imagine that.. all that effort of keeping the world secret all undone by one woman and her books" Robert had been the first in his family to 'discover' the novels while flicking though the bookshop for his usual lowbrow fantasy novels. Truth be told it had been more then a shock to find the entire magical world detailed in such a way.. even if Moria had huffed and said it was improper and wrong for the books to be sold to Muggles like him. Whoever knew it was going to be such a sensation? "..anyway guess that's the nature of the beast.. truth always finds some way of getting out sooner or later" Robert stated as they moved inside to the Atrium where the brewers had already set up and seemed to be off to a good start for the day as Luke wandered off to try some of the most 'interesting' ale's after catching sight of one of his mates from work.

Wed Nov 23, 2011 1:26 am

Gerard knew Marcus was only kidding about his ~~threat~~ offer to marry Gerard if Tiffany were to turn him down. At least, he was fairly sure. Marcus was kidding, right? Gerard did laugh and nod his head in agreement at Ethan's comment back and almost choked again at Robert's comment. "If Tiffany were to say no, I'd just give up and keep busy with work," Gerard said, "So no need to apply as a replacement Marcus." That was the scary part perhaps, at least for some others maybe. Gerard would do just that. He had done it before and would do it again. Of course, first they had to convince him to ask her, not that he had not considered it. Truth be known, the man had been considering it a lot recently but he feared the rejection that could come with it. His mates did have their work cut out for them on this quest.

Fortunately, or at least Gerard hope it was fortunate in that it would distract the others from the what if Tiffany says no discussion, Ianto reacted to feeling out of place. "Ianto," Gerard told him, "You do belong. Anywhere you want to belong, you do and can. It might take a bit of work on your part to get used to it but it's okay, we all had to start somewhere." And from there, Marcus pulled the assistant caretaker toward a specific stand.

Sun Nov 27, 2011 8:35 am

Ianto was clearly be coming more and more disoriented the longer he was standing there he could here the other talking about him To him but was really not hearing anything it was use a picture around him of really bright lights and lots of people.
there was something about a marriage and Potter.
"Potter, Hate Him he was a prat" Ianto Mumbled Potter alway thought he knew so much and always made trouble and was the dame Muggle lovers favourite.
"if i had pull some of the thing he did i've have been expelled ya know" Ianto was specking out of habit not so much out of cognitive thought.
"Our world laid out for all to see no care for the pain it dragged up for those that lived thro it" Ianto was just finished specking when Gerard told him if he worked hard he could understand and would get used to life out here and then Marcus grabbed his arm and lead him over to a stand ran by aman that he seamed to know
"Coxie? um Hi " Ianto mumbled to the man be hide the counter as he place his glass down on the counter.
"Why are Muggle so obsessed with Potter" Ianto was very unhappy that he had to deal with potter and juggles all in one day.

Fri Dec 09, 2011 2:14 am

"I'd say it's all the encouragement he'd ever need" Marcus shot back at Ethan with a grin before rolling his eyes at Mr Ashton pointing out the legal ramifications.. trust him to spoil the fun. Sighing at Mr Defeatist aka Gman Marcus wished he could give the previous friendgirls a right kick up the bottom for turning what should have been a man of the world to second guessing whether a Fumberger would turn him down. "Look mate, I've known Tiff for years and she is totally and utterly nuts about you man" Marcus was sure he was right about this, "You'll see.. I'll even place a bet on it that if she says no I'll stand in a shed with ten..no fifty bloody rabbits" yep he was laying it on thick all right.

Now it was just a matter of changing the subject and letting the idea stew for a few weeks, Marcus was sure that with just the right push...(read shove) Gerard would man up, and while he didn't exactly see eye to eye with Tiff there was no question that the woman was good for him. But youknow what they say about drowning a horse and so he let the matter drop only to laugh at Ianto's comment about Potter. "Envious eh? Reckon only reason why I never got expelled in school was that they couldn't" Marcus smirked, in many ways he'd been rather envious of the adventures of 'The Boy that Lived' but then again he probably wasn't alone. "Dunno if it's the kids fault that the books got published.. from what I read they where just as shocked as anyone" Marcus had really liked the books, being cooped up at school had made it difficult to get much of the wider picture during the war and while he knew it wasn't the most accurate portrayal he couldn't help but have been sucked in to the story of what went on in Hogwarts during that time. "I've always wondered how she knew so much about them though.." Marcus admitted with a shrug "though it's good.. I mean before the books you weren't even allowed to talk about Muggles and all that out in the open.. now people just think your losers for reading kids books".

It made him think of the essay he had to finish on the rise of the Deatheaters for Trends and Threats in Modern Magical History 301. To think with a bit of luck he'd be finishing his degree next year. Marcus was proud of that, he'd never thought he'd amount to much of anything and now look at him, a year or so more study and he'd be a Professor in his own right. Funny how after spending most of his life wanting to get away from school that he'd wind up right back there again. Listening to Gerard giving Ianto a peptalk Marcus nodded thinking about his own first disastrous attempts at Muggle living, thankfully he'd had good friends to teach him the ropes, just as they where trying to do for Ianto now as he introduced Ianto to Coxie and explained how the how beer brewing thing worked out. With beer glasses filled Marcus offered Ianto a toast before smirking "Well Potter's only the most famous wizard of the modern age.. and he was raised by Muggles so it only makes sense that they'd be fond of him" Taking a long sip of 3 Ravens he then raised his glass to his mates before leading Ianto back towards the others. "Good turnout today annit? Think I saw that guy from the beer guide sniffing around" Marcus was happy that the day had gone well (read he'd gotten to needle Gman about Tiff and had a entire night of beer to look forward to).

Fri Dec 09, 2011 3:59 am

While Ethan knew Marcus was right about the fact Tiffany was head over heels when it came to his cousin just as much as his cousin was head over heels over her, he also knew that his cousin never looked at himself as 'man of the world and international mystery'. It was more like he was a typical Englishman who just wanted to do a good job and live a quiet, happy life. Somehow, the fact that he was doing a good job and quiet wasn't quite showing up thanks to such fun as exploding *insert just about any Muggle or magical sport here* matches and just living but it was rather happy still did not get Gerard to realize that she just might say yes.

Ethan, however, was standing here with Marcus who had become 'Mr. determined to see all his mates married' and his first and only choice for the man he'd like to see become his father-in-law. Unfortunately, Mel had made her thoughts on marriage very clear the night she had told him she was pregnant. He let her know he was willing but if Marcus wanted to see another happy couple once he worked his matchmaking magic on Gerard and Tiffany, Marcus was going to have to work on Mel Ashton and convince her to propose. Knowing this, Ethan left the conversation between Marcus and ~~the victim~~ Gerard.

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