James Potter

@jamspctter​

Jesus Christ, she’d be furious if she wasn’t so relieved. 

“James Potter, that’s the absolute stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” She pinched her eyes shut in a display of exasperation she was sure wasn’t new to James. “I actually don’t think I have words for how stupid that was.” Be angry, be angry, her rational brain told her- he had lied to her, he had hurt her, he had disrespected her, but all she wanted to do is laugh, and it took everything in her to bite it down. “I just…. I don’t even know what you’d thought that would accomplish. Was it supposed to make me feel guilty? Or jealous? I’d love for you to explain that to me.” She was trying her best to sound upset, she really was, but she was sure she wasn’t stopping the grin on her lips, because wasn’t this just so quintessentially James? It was almost sweet when she thought about it- Merlin, she hoped no one here knew Legilimency. 

James looked at Lily with big round eyes. Almost akin to that of puppy dog eyes, as he became unsure of whether Lily was truly upset at him or the off chance that maybe she wasn't. Either way James was going to play it up, the big eyes and the pouty lips it was all how he felt but amplified to a max. Amplified to match the dramatics of James Potter. "No never guilty, I would never make you feel guilty. Jealousy on the other hand...was my aim," he released a long breath looking down at his hands as he fiddled with his fingers. "I thought -- or we rather -- that you would see me with her and be upset. Then again if I think about it, I don't actually know what the end goal would be because there is no way I think you would kiss me out of pure spite and profess your attractions. So like you said it was stupid, completely and utterly idiotic," James rambled on his eyebrows slanting downward as he continued to almost cower to Lily. If anyone had known better (or known at all) they would have said James' animagus was that of a dog.

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Edgar couldn’t help but huff with disbelief as James mentioned that he was a good kisser. He grinned, “Well that’s not what Rita Skeeter had to say.” He couldn’t believe his romance game had been deflated by false words from some gossip queen. “Lily Evans? Never saw that coming.” he said sarcastically, knowing how James sometimes allowed his glances at her to linger longer than they should have. Well, at least that’s how Edgar had interpreted them. Edgar was going to joke about how not everything during the events turned out terrible but James was right and to play it off would be disrespectful to all those that had suffered lately. 

“Well, friend date.” Edgar clarified, “We’re just friends and both needed dates so why not?” He took another deep sip of his drink and coughed as James brought up the kiss. “It’s fine.” He laughed. “I’m not going to allow a drunken decision to affect our friendship for the rest of time. I hope you’re also okay with everything?” || @jamspctter​

James couldn't help but laugh. "Did Rita Skeeter kiss you? What does she know?" He rolled his eyes, that nights gossip column living in his brain. It had been on his mind longer than normal considering he knew how many people read it, and what they wrote about him wasn't in the best light. He managed to become distracted by it again when Edgar used sarcasm in his voice, and he playfully responded with a glare. "Oh shush Bones, and yeah I'm okay with everything. You're a great guy, and I again would have rather kissed you than some one like -- I don't know -- Lucius  or Severus," James made a disgusted face before laughing.

where: East India House, Wizarding London   with: @jamspctter​​​​​​

Picking up his champagne, Remus eyed his friend with a cheeky grin. “This is probably really expensive you know Prongs.” Turning the glass anti-clockwise toward him, Remus feigned something close to expertise as he stared at the liquid. “The rich don’t drink prossecco as you well know, seems a waste to down it just for a compeition.” Normally Remus wouldn’t knocn back prosecco just because someone tod him they could do it quicker,but this was not someone, this was James Potter and bruising his ego was on the line. 

“Right well okay then, on the count of three. One, two.. THREE!” He shouted, gaining the attention of a few party goers as he began to tip the contents into his mouth.

@luhpxns​

James smirked as he stared at Remus. He always had enjoyed a good healthy competition with his best friend. "The rich only drink wine you can't pronounce and that is older than my parents combined," he joked with a laugh as he took the glass trying to match Remus' energy with that of a conceited rich kid. "If I do so say myself Remus, this is a poor man's drink," he made his accent more posh as he swirled the liquid in his cup. Then looked at Remus with a mischievous gleam in his eye.

He shot back the liquid swallowing it as if it was nothing which was for show, it truly hurt him going down but he wasn't going to admit that. "Well then, about fifty more of these and you'll have to carry me back home. What do you say? I promise I won't try to kiss you."

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The blonde felt a sympathetic smile forming on her lips, love was always a tangling task one of the reasons she had been so ready to leave her crush in the dark until she had met Amos. “Well while you’re being patient you can set your focus elsewhere, friendships or Order business or getting a new hobby,” Laurel suggested lightly, she wasn’t entirely sure how strung up he was on this woman but a distraction was a good start, it was what she had done, though she hoped he was more successful than she had been. “I don’t think you were missing much,” She replied, looking around at the crowds, “No doubt you would’ve been bored out of your mind smoozing with all of these folk.” Nodding her head in agreement, she was hoping things would end peacefully and happy tonight after what had happened to Benjy. “Oh yeah?” Her head turning towards him with an amused look, “My only suggestion would be to start dancing on some tables but I don’t think this is the crowd that’s going to join me, so any ideas?”

Fabian raised his eyebrows, surprised that James was drinking something supposedly dangerous at an event like this. When James leaned in close to whisper what it was, Fabian immediately broke out into a laugh as he heard, shaking his head. “Alright, well played,” he replied with an amused grin, bumping his shoulder lightly against James’. 

“Something tells me one firewhiskey won’t do much to you, but you know how one always leads to more.” At least, Fabian knew. After all, how couldn’t he? Gideon was his brother. “Again?” he asked, suddenly curious. “Sounds like there’s a story behind that.” There always was, wasn’t there? He was interested, but only if James wanted to talk about it. He didn’t feel too nosy asking James the follow up question. If anyone could deftly avoid a question and send the conversation effortlessly to a new topic, it was James Potter. 

James laughed, finally giving in with a flick of his hand. "Alright, I'll have a drink. Edgar Bones by the way, I kissed Edgar at the Yule Ball. A good kisser but sadly not my type," James joked not ashamed of it at all, Edgar was a close friend and out of everyone he could have kissed that night he was happy it was someone like Edgar. "You've had to do something like that too huh? I'm just hoping I don't make a complete twat of myself especially in front of..." his eyes drifted off to look at Lily before looking back at Fabian realizing he had just done that. "Not that you've made a twat of yourself, I just assume you've also done wild things at parties," James rambled on hoping to save himself from what he thought was an embarrassment on his part.

Adairia laughed at his second comment, knowing how James liked to tease her about she’d be able to find herself an older, richer, pureblood man with no troubles. The idea, as charming as it might be, was far from her list of priorities. “I told a lady who made a comment about my dress I was colourblind. It was hilarious to see her face decompose and apologise.” She was not, of course, but it was funny to think about messing with people. Maybe that’s why James did it so often.

"Not following the rules and messing with people? A woman after my own heart," James placed his hand on his chest throwing his head back in a dramatic fashion. Moments like these were why he enjoyed coming to balls and parties that weren't run by him and the other Marauders. "Maybe I do have a type, anyways-- tell me, is it just me or do you think this is going to all end up in some weird catastrophe? Such a surprise wedding, or maybe even a surprise murder? It feels like that's all these events are for -- murder," James a bit too much to drink, just enough to make jokes like he had just done.

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Sebastien tossed back his head and laughed as he was twirled around, drawing a few stares as he was pulled back and allowed James to lead them. Of course; the other man was a pureblood through and through, not just a high class halfblood like himself-he would know how to dance properly. He wondered if James liked these stuffy styles of dancing or if he’d rather let loose in the latest fashions. He swayed slowly in time with James and sighed softly, resting his chin on his friend’s shoulder as he divulged his woes. “Well, I told her. And we kissed. But she ran away. I am hoping to see her tonight, But I know not what will come of it. When we kissed…I knew that not all hope was lost. But I knew the road ahead would not be easy either.”

James listened intently as Sebastien talked, ignoring the stares the two men were receiving from the others who weren't dancing. "The fact that you guys kissed is a very good sign, at least I think it is? If I see her I'll be sure to let you know, I think it's important you guys do talk about it," he rested his own chin on Sebastien's shoulder and sighed softly. "But what do I know? Ask Marlene and she'd tell you to avoid my advice at all costs," he laughed at himself, knowing she was probably somewhere agreeing with him. "I told Lily the girlfriend I had was a fake one to get her attention," James sighed loudly wanting to change the story just as Sebastien had done. “Which I don’t know how that helped whatsoever.”

“Did you ever think that maybe you’re just annoying regardless?” Granted no, he wasn’t wrong. The majority of her family especially her oldest brother - Dougal - always kept a warely eye on James these days. While some of her family such as Con were more forgiving and free, that didn’t stop the disapproving glances James wagered. “Can you blame them?” Marlene spoke simply with quirked eye brows at him. James was the first and only partner Marlene willingly took home to her family. Soured the Scottish highlands with and showed every inch of her home island, the McKinnon’s had welcomed him with warmth. But the McKinnon’s were often like the dragons they cared for, fiery, misunderstood and unforgiving. Similar to a pack, their connection for one another was unyielding and when someone wronged one of them, they wronged them all. And Marlene as the youngest and the only girl, the protection her family could often rage could turn even the strongest of tides. Still, with how long Marlene and James had been together, they’d grown found of him despite of themselves. Which only made it more bitter when things came to their crashing end. “Yes well when she’s drunk enough- you just give her time. She’ll probably hit you over the head before hand with a glowering glare only to pair you off  later.” Shaking her head lightly despite herself, Marlene blew a puff of air from her cheeks as she took a long sip of the alcohol in her hand. “Despite how useless her attempts would be that is… Speaking of which, where is the famous red head? Surprised you’re not trying your luck yet again. Or have I already missed the undying devotion of love tonight?”

Though she’d already turned to leave, the witch reluctantly paused in her tracks at his words. Jaw tightening hard, a sadness sunk onto the edge of her features as she turned her head back to look at him. Despite her pinched face of anger, regret and sunken shoulders, Marlene was simply tired. Tired of the raging war that felt like a storm swirling through her chest whenever the pair exchanged words. The sunken sadness behind her hues was undeniable, no doubt to the likes of James; even if he’d been in Marlene’s opinion utterly useless at understanding her feelings up until this point. “You think I enjoy this?” The witch spoke down hearted, as she pulled her gaze up to him, her fingers tightening around the edge of her dress as she looked at him with what felt like a storm flickering in her eyes. “What do you want me to do James? Stand here and play pretend? Pretend that everything is just fine and exchange conversation about the fucking Quidditch league? No.” She spoke words blunt, tone spark and defiant. “No I’m not going to stand here for the benefit of you, just to make you want? Feel less guilty? I’ve faked smiles enough to know you’d see right through it anyway and I’m tired. You can say whatever you want, it doesn’t change anything because you never change. You always pick yourself over anyone else. Or perhaps it’s just me you do that to. Aren’t I lucky?” A bitter edge to her words, the witches jaw tightened as her hand grasped tightly onto her cup, willing herself not to simply smack the smile off his face right there. “And no.. I don’t think you understand why I’m mad. Because if you did, you wouldn’t be standing there asking me to exchange a normal conversation, when all I really want to do is hex you across the room.” 

@starryeyxdmckinnon

James listened to her closely. The reason he had fallen for her many years ago was because the spirit she held. Which coincidentally came back to bite him in the ass. The two of them were stubborn, only to match each other in temper at times. "Clearly you didn't miss anything or I'm sure I'd be more annoying then you find me right now," he gave her a forced smile and topped up his cup again. James hadn't planned to drink but with this conversation he wanted nothing more than to be buzzed.

"Do it Marlene, hex me then -- get it out of your system. I promise you won't get in trouble," James turned to face her and opened his arms wide. His face serious, there was no jokes there. If it made her feel better than he was open to helping. "I mean obviously don't kill me please, but you can stain my clothes. Dye my hair a different color. Anything," he scoffed shaking his head. "Though I'll let you know that I do have a change of clothes so if you ruin this suit it won't be as pleasing," he stood up facing Marlene.

“Yes well James, you plan on doing alot of things and then change your mind so who’s to say what you mean anymore.” Marlene uttered with a small quirk of an eye brow as she poured an extra splash of fire whiskey into her glass; Merlin knew she’d probably need it. In truth, Marlene wasn’t sure what to do or say anymore regarding one Mr. James Potter. While there was an element that wanted to brush off the past and believe that things could in fact change, how was she supposed to believe that when his actions indicated otherwise. She was tired of putting her trust into him when he evidently didn’t respect her enough to keep a promise however simple. Or even if the respect was there, then his words simple counted for naught. What kind of friendship held no trust? 

“Well I wouldn’t be so sure of me, I can be a judgy bitch when I want to be, depends how stupid you plan on being this evening.” The witch spoke simply her lips pursed as she quirked an eye brow lightly. “I think my mother is still holding out hope I’ll find a ‘delightful young man’, I blame the Dumont in her. I think the french aristocracy can rival even that of the United Kingdom’s in it’s arrogance. I’m already planning to ask Peter to be on stand by just in case, I just haven’t seen him yet. Don’t worry- I’m sure she’ll find you at some point to try and wager you off to someone as well no doubt. She always liked you.” 

“Yes well- it’s not exactly on the top of my priority list to argue with you again. And when I can’t trust you and you prove that countless times, what do you expect is going to happen? That we’re going to join arms and dance into the sunset?” Marlene retorted with a light frown. She wanted to point out that he knew her. Or he should have known that by now after all these years. Trust and loyalty were one of the highest priorities to Marlene and when it was broken it wasn’t an easy thing to gather back. “It’s fine. You stay- I should get some fresh air regardless. There is enough expensive perfume in the air to cloud a quidditch pitch.”

@starryeyxdmckinnon​ 

James was hit with a wave of exhaustion, long nights of working and then this ball. He was tired both physically and emotionally. Everything going wrong was his fault, if he hadn't broken Marlene's heart as he had done so many countless times he wouldn't be in this situation. James knew this was the case but he couldn't help but feel exhausted at their constant bickering. Yet he knew he deserved it, and he knew winning back Marlene's trust was going to take more than compliments and ass kissing. He had to earn it, just as he had done in the past. "I'm surprised your mom still likes me, thought maybe she'd hate me just like a majority of your family does. Seems I have a knack for annoying the McKinnon's," raising his brows and laughing, James took a sip of his drink.

This situation did hurt. She was what he considered a good friend, James hated the animosity he thought he could feel come off of them when they were around each other. "Please don't leave," it came out almost pathetic, but he needed to at least attempt something. He couldn't watch her leave, not again. "Look you can if you want, and I get why you're mad at me. I'm not expecting you to change your opinion on me, I deserve it very much so," James thumbed his cup. “Just thought a normal chat wouldn’t have been that bad,” he shrugged staring down at his cup. He finally brought himself to look up at Marlene knowing she’d have choice words for him.

.

“I’ll consider myself lucky,” Laurel mused, nodding her head in gratitude as she accepted her drink. Gingerly taking a sip, she let her gaze fall to him questionable, “And does this date you have already know how you feel? Better yet, does the date that you wish was your date know how you feel?” Seems that she wasn’t the only person here dealing with complicated romantical relationships, though for his sake, she hoped his was a lot easier to figure out than her own. “Hey, that’s the spirit, I can’t believe this was the type of thing they used to play match maker to their children,” She smiled, hoping to have the tone lightened now, though she was utterly confused on why purebloods had to even play match maker with their children. Of course she knew it was to keep things ‘pure’ but the ordeal was very out of date. “Thank you, well I’m sure I’ve got a few but I’m trying to ignore the staring,” Laurel laughed, taking another sip of her drink. There was only one who’s attention she wanted to catch so anyone else she wasn’t too bother. Besides she had a feeling her Veela blood was making so many people stare as well. “Nothing exciting yet, just trying to enjoy the night, though it is still early in the evening. Anything can happen.”

“She does, I just have to understand to be patient,” James shrugged looking down rather ashamed about the amount of attention he gave Lily. The last thing she -- or any woman honestly -- would want was someone like him. Clearing his throat he looked back up at Laurel laughing about her comment. “It’s kind of interesting. I knew about things like this but clearly my immediate family wasn’t invited,” he looked around to the couples dancing with raised brows. “Yeah, I won’t be surprised if an outdated purist ball has any big dramatic happenings, hoping it’s not of the murder variety,” he released a tired, long sigh. The aurors had enough on their plates as is, and the last thing they needed was another unsolved crime. “I think you should make this party more exciting.”

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Edgar called over the bartender and ordered himself a drink whilst James spoke. He nodded along, knowing exactly how events like these worked. You always came as a friend group and by the end of the night everyone has gone their separate ways. Hell, Augustus lives with him and he hadn’t even seen him yet. “Oh? Who may be so lucky this time to get a kiss from James Potter?” He teased. “No I’m kidding, why do you say you messed it up?” He sipped his drink almost immediately after the bartender had put it down. “I came with Rowena. She looks stunning but I haven’t seen her in a while.” He kind of felt bad for losing her but it’s not like he had done it on purpose. He made a promise to himself that he’d seek her out after this conversation. || @jamspctter​

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"Hopefully Lily Evans," James mentioned with a soft smile. "Though you were a pretty good kisser so she might have some competition," he joked, becoming comfortable about the situation when he heard Edgar throwing around the same jokes. "I just did something dumb, that's all -- Rowena? Nice, she looked very nice from what I saw. A fine date if I do say so myself," he resorted back to being his normal energetic self hoping that he could get back into that mindset. "This whole ball feels off. I don't think it helps that every event we've had has ended in catastrophe. Also before I forget, I hope we are okay with everything that happened I haven’t been able to properly talk to you."

where: bar area, east india house

who: fabian and @jamspctter

In order to look like some sort of a respectable adult, Fabian knew that he couldn’t head immediately to the bar to loosen himself up. Not to mention, he didn’t want to get too loose at an event such as this. Still, a few drinks at a party weren’t out of the question. Particularly a party where he could all too easily get caught up in stuffy conversation he only wanted to avoid. He’d just departed from Gideon after his brother ran into some other acquaintance, leaving the two of them to talk.

The bar did not disappoint because not only did it have alcohol, it also had a friend. Well, once he managed to spot him, anyway. “James!” he greeted with a grin. “I believe I did say next one’s on me, but I’ll be astonished if this isn’t an open bar.” He was well aware how pure blood families enjoyed flaunting their money, having grown up in his household. His mother was always trying to buy him new things when the old things he kept were still in perfect working order, if a little bit well worn. “What are you having?” he asked instead, figuring he would just go ahead and make it two. Best way to find a new favorite was to try something someone else was having and hope for the best. Sure, sometimes it turned out that the person had awful taste, but in that case, swallowing it down wasn’t too difficult. 

@fabianprcwett​

It would be a lie if James said seeing Fabien didn’t perk up his mood. The more he saw people he was comfortable with, the more this night didn’t feel like a disaster. He then realized what he had asked and he couldn’t help but laugh. “Well if you’re sure this is a dangerous drink,” he looked at the male with wide eyes before looking down at his drink. “It’s called...” James leaned closer to him so he could whisper. “Water,” he playfully gasped and leaned back in his chair pretending to be shocked. 

James broke into laughter and clasped his hand on Fabian’s shoulder. “No man but if you truly want to get me something just a fire whiskey is okay. I’m trying to be sober so I don’t do anything stupid,” this time around, he thought but didn’t say out loud. “Might kiss someone again,” he rolled his eyes and sighed loudly. 

CLOSED STARTER WITH @jamspctter

where: main bar at east india house when: the solstice ball

Edgar was having a jolly time with his mates, Gus had disappeared and suddenly Sersh was off somewhere too and he found himself alone at the main bar for a moment. Looking to his right, he spotted a familiar face that caused him to blush. After about a minute or two arguing with himself if he should say hello he smoothly slid down the bar till he was standing next tot James Potter. “uh – hey.” Is what he could manage. The two of them had been pretty drunk when they had kissed at the Yule Ball and whilst it wasn’t the worst kiss in the world it definitely was an awkward one and a conversation with James afterwards explaining that that’s simply not how he felt about Edgar was just as odd. Edgar just wanted to make things right, friendly again between them without this awkward feeling chasing them for the rest of their lives. “You here with the lads?”

James looked over to Edgar giving him a soft smile. He knew how awkward it had been since the Yule ball and he always had wanted to try and talk to Edgar about it but life always seemed to get in the way whenever he tried. Tapping his glass of water he sighed and shrugged. "Not really, I mean we all came together and I've talked to them but no -- we are all kind of doing our own thing. Nope lad, my heart was set on one person but I think I messed that up so," he held his glass of water up to Edgar in a mock cheers and took a sip. "How are you? Come with anyone?"

Sebastien’s face split into a wide grin when he saw his friend coming over, putting aside for a moment that he and Alexandra had kissed-right before she fled away into the night. He was searching for her again tonight, of course, but now he was distracted from his task. “Bro! I missed you, I have yet to receive an owl. Though, I have yet to send Achilles either. I do have news, but I wonder if now is the time for that?” He notices James struggling with his dancing and laughs a little, not unkindly, and offers his hands. “Want me to lead?” 

"Oh do tell? I also have news, it's just happened though so I haven't been able to send Snitch to you," James joked with a laugh knowing full well it wouldn’t be good news in the slightest but that it was step forward with Lily (or so he hoped). Sebastien’s mention of his off dancing skills only proved to irk him a bit, in the way that made him only want to prove Sebastian wrong. “Tell me your news while I make everyone around here jealous that you get to dance with me,” he smirked his parents had taught him ballroom dancing for situations like these. Where for once in their life they had to be the purebloods they were. Clearing his throat he took Sebastian’s hand and twirled him swiftly bringing him close and then cleanly starting to sway alongside everyone else. “Now bro, what is it you need to tell me?”

…

She snorted at the thought.  Marriage was fine, she supposed.  It would happen eventually, but she had yet to find someone worth her time.  “Gods help the person that finds themselves matched with me.  Suppose the easiest solution there is to simply not dance with anyone.”  She took a long sip of her own drink.  “Now that would be pitiful, wouldn’t it?  Still having to feed you all of the ingredients.  I gave you all the tools years ago, Potter.  I did my part – you tell me.  Maximum chaos without actually clearing the room – the good natured sort, you know?.  There’s no fun in it if the lot of them actually go home, yeah?  Consider this a final exam of sorts,” she chuckled, leading them to a spot in the room where they could plot without being overheard.  

The student may truly have surpassed the master when it came to James Potter, but what had been the point in all those months of troublemaking lessons if she still had to do the grunt work.  Respecting your elders and all of that.

@patriciarakepick​ 

James couldn't help but laugh, he did feel an odd sense of trying to make Patricia proud of what she accomplished with him and the Marauders. His eyes swept through the crowd attempting to pin point someone or anyone who would make a good target. "A final test? Okay, I already have something with Amos that includes Lucius so maybe..." his eyes fell on Severus. "A harmless small prank, nothing too much for him but what just something enough to get him back for my trousers," he watched him closely almost studying him. This interaction with Patricia giving him memories of when he was younger and they did the same exact thing. "May I ask for a line of help? Wondering if there was a way to get his trousers to fall?"

He looked at Patricia with hopeful big brown eyes knowing sometimes she always had the best ideas.

🦚

Amos was surprised to see James Potter approach him. They had never really spoken much before. Amos had naturally heard about James’ pranks at school. If he had been born later, Amos had often imagined he could’ve been a vital part of the Marauders. “Oh really” Amos replied full of intrigue. Amos’ eyes lit up and James’ proposition. Spending the evening annoying the purists? Music to his ears. “You know Potter, i’d heard great things about you- good to know they’re true” Amos beamed “sign me up- they look for too comfortable tonight- what did you have in mind?” Amos let his own mind wander, wondering what chaos they could cause and what targets they would pick. Lucius Malfoy being the first person to come to mind. That pompous prick always needed bringing down a peg. 

@jamspctter​

James smirked a bit, standing a tad bit taller when Amos complimented him. "Why thank you, happy to know our pranks have been talked about," he watched as Amos' eyes fell on Lucius and James took a long look at him. He never had a true interaction with Lucius Malfoy, and never really planned on it considering the way the other carried himself. He knew Lucius didn't nor would ever like him. "Lucius Malfoy? Okay, I'm down -- something that won't necessarily get us in trouble. A nuisance, maybe a charmed drink?" He looked back at Amos his smirk still very much evident. "Something that'll get people talking but won't get us killed," he tapped the table thinking, wanting Amos to have a say as well before he jumped in with anything. Also he didn't really know what to charm a drink with.