Flower Child With A Rock And Roll Soul

“Thank you. I like my job, it’s just the Wizengamont is taking so long with these cases, too long. I understand the decisions are important, but people are dying.” She takes a drink to try and calm the spiraling anger, before squeezing her eyes shut for a moment.

They nod. “That’s human nature, love, even the muggles take forever to come to decisions. Unless the people making the decisions are directly affected, they don’t think about the ‘unfortunate casualties’ as humans, just numbers on some report.” They shrug before taking a sip of their own drink. They’ve seen too many people’s injuries and lives get ignored for being different, for not following society’s rules, to know that the ones in power don’t care about anyone but their own. Most of the people in power, at least.

I am a delight, thank you. You’re also a delight. [ she nods ] Yeah, she’s not shy about  talking about  it. I assume she told you?  [ she nods again, though pauses this time first ]  She  mentioned it. I know most  of her pack, we’re close. I got offered a spot, if I want it. And I kinda’ want it.

Aww, thanks sunflower. [ they laugh ] Yeah, first conversation with her, I think. It was an odd conversation all around. [ they nod slowly, processing what Tilden is saying, and then grin ] I think that would be pretty rad! She’s the only werewolf I know, well, that I know of, at least. Would you still be able to do the radio show? You should be able to, right, except maybe on the full moon?

[ she manages a small, slightly forced smile ] Happy comes second in things like this. I’ve never dated anyone that  made me truly, genuinely happy, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t happy  enough.  I tend to only be happy with people that I can’t have a lasting relationship, for one reason or another.  [ her smile becomes more genuine, and she blushes a bit ] Oh good. 

[ they wince as Flora talks, trying to figure out where they misspoke and backpedal ] Sorry, ignore me. I’ve had maybe too much to drink, or, or possibly not enough? I tend to ramble about sappy shit I don’t know anything about, dating and romance and all that bollocks. [ they wave a hand around abstractly, and then lean over to plant a quick kiss on Flora’s cheek, before taking a swig of whatever drink someone left at the table next to them ] So, how’s the shop? Did you decorate for the holidays?

“Honestly, I don’t really want to be set up on dates with anyone’s coworkers, I don’t really have time if I am going to be the youngest Wizengamont Member soon.” She takes a drink and leans closer to Billus. “I’m kind of stuck as a glorified secretary, but if I’m going to do what I need to do I can’t be distracted with some girl.” She leans back in her chair and closes her eyes. “ I’m sorry, I’m drunk, that’s not appropriate to put on you. We’re at a wedding.”

They listen to her, amazed at the ambition that she has. They never had that, not really, just kinda coasting through their work being content with their lot. Bilius winces in sympathy at her dissatisfaction with her current job, which turns into a smirk as she apologizes. “Don’t worry about it, darling, I don’t mind. We’re at a reception, which seems like the perfect place to drink and complain about being stuck as a ‘glorified secretary’ when a badass like you should obviously be much higher.” They shrug with a grin. “Besides, I’ve never put much stock into what society considers appropriate, that’s far too dull.”

Doesn’t it? Very romantic. The flowers are giving my throat a little bit of a tickle, but eh, it’s all in the name of love.

Well, maybe try not to hold the flowers right next to your throat, then, hmm? [ they smirk ] Although they do wonderful things for your image, I must say.

“He works with them.” She takes the drink offered and smiles. “Thank you,” she takes a drink before continuing. “He works with them, and I’m pretty sure I know all the witch lesbians he knows, and have already been out with most of them.” She shrugs and takes another drink.

“You’re welcome.” Bilius takes a swig of their own drink as they listen. “Ah. And, do you want to be set up on more dates with your brother’s coworkers? Or are you just doing it to appease them so you can do your own thing?”

“Now everyone is going to want to set me up,” she mutters staring into her glass. “It’s not just going to be Sarah and Edgar anymore. Mom, Dad, I’m sure Charles will want to set me up with some sweet muggle girl.” She sighs before downing her glass and turning to one of the waiters for another drink.

Exactly. They could at  least  have the decency to hate me for my politics or something, like come on. [ she shakes her head ] No. Yes. Well, kinda’. Has she ever talked to you about getting turned into a werewolf? Like, if you’d ever want to.

[ they smirk ] I know, although I prefer people not hating you because you are a delight. [ their eyebrows raise slightly ] You know she’s a werewolf? Uh, no she hasn’t, although I’ve never thought about it, to be honest. Has she -- are you thinking about that?

Connections help the shop, which helps my family, which helps me. I suppose that’s more than  most  can hope for. I want my  family to have the best possible chances to succeed. Which I know  isn’t all that romantic, but sometimes that needs to be  enough. [ she chuckles ] Well I like you.  And  if I do end up marrying Ben,  I  will see to it that you’re absolutely  adored by the entire family. As  you should be.

Connections don’t mean shit if you aren’t happy about them. I’m not being un-supportive, I know family is important. I just want to make sure you’re, well, happy. [ they shrug sheepishly at Flora ] It’s not about the romance, it’s about you being comfortable in your own life. I just don’t want you to make a choice you might regret. [ Bili grins ] Aww, I like you too. I don’t need to be adored by anyone else.

Gladys paused and stared down at her drink in thought for a moment. Looking back up at Bilius after a moment. “It does seem wrong now that you say that… though the gumdrops at totally worth it.” She nodded eagerly. 

They shrug. “I mean, as long as it tastes good, that’s all that matters. Although I still think it might taste better with a little booze in it, if you’re feeling adventurous.” Bili winks at her, tapping the pocket of their jacket. “Or not, your call.”

You might be the only person that ever has. Right? And they don’t know anything about me or who I am as a person. [ she nods several times and downs the rest of her drink before ordering them another round ] Can I ask you a random weird question? You still talk to Agnes, right?

[ they shrug ] That’s because everyone else is ridiculous. I know, people need to stop forming their entire opinions of someone before they get to know them properly. [ they tilt their head and nod slowly, a curious look on their face ] Yeah, I do. Why? Is something up?

They nod. “It just doesn’t capture– capture… I don’t know, their truth? Does that sound silly?” They blush. “Oh, thank you! It’s one of the ones I got at– at the shop you took me to.”

“No, that makes sense. You plan and pose for a photograph, but someone’s perception of how you look in a drawing? That’s more freeing.” Bili grins. “I know, I recognized it. The blue floral button-up vibe is nice. We should go out again sometime.”

They smile. “Yeah, especially during the holidays when *everyone* is have drinks. Although I had a peppermint hot chocolate that was absolutely divine even without any alcohol, I’d recommend it to her.” They smirk. “You’re both going to need a drink next year with a tiny little sprog that probably doesn’t sleep, cuteness be damned. At least according to Arthur’s experience.”

“Ooh, that sounds delightful. Maybe I’ll bring her some of that.” He laughs. “Probably. I’m gonna’ have to swing by and pester Arthur for advice. I’m flying blinder than a bat without his glasses.”