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The Club
Topic Started: Feb 7 2010, 08:25 PM (1,438 Views)
Mateo Cisinerros
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Cisinerros #4/ Thing 1
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Around the room there are levitating dance platforms where the performers dance, with the booth-like seating being for reserved parties. There are frequent spur of the moments dance contests, and of course, Karaoke singing every Friday night. VIP rooms are separate and can be accessed through a door on the side (be sure to speak to the receptionist at either the Entrance Lounge or the Floor Manager in charge to rent one out).
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Lara West
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Stepping into the bustling club, Lara instantly decided this was probably a bad idea. She was completely out of her comfort zone, hardly used to the loud music and flashing lights. She'd also not really been around so many people in a while since they'd returned home from the hospital, except for her birthday party and that was just family. She'd locked herself up in hers and Will's flat mourning.

Tugging selfconsiously on the hem of her top, Lara took a tentative step further into the club, casting a glance about for the bar. Still she needed to get out, thats what her family kept saying - that she shouldn't lock herself away. So for some reason, Lara had decided to go against her usual grain. Used to just curling up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate, Lara found herself slipping out of the flat whilst Will was at work and heading to La Botella Verde with the intent of perhaps drowning her sorrows, or at least distracting herself from the mix of emotions she'd been feeling the last couple of weeks. Losing her son and on a couple of weeks later, getting engaged. Her head was spinning. Lara didnt know whether to be mourning or excited.

She hadnt come all the way out here to just to turn round and head home. She might as well have a drink. Heading over to the bar, Lara found a spare bar stool and climbed onto it, catching the eye of the bar man. "Um... could I have a shot of... something and a rum and coke."
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Hunter Cameron
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Hunter was having a good day. Actually, he was having a great day. He'd spent the morning out on a film location with Brad, which was a lot of fun. A lot of people found film and being on sets of a film--especially a documentary--really boring, but Hunter actually found it fascinating to watch Brad work. It had always been interesting to him, even back when Brad was just in school and showing him new techniques by filming pointless things in their apartment. So going with Brad had been fun.

They'd managed to relax and spend some quality time together after that, and he was planning on going to Brad's place that night after his shift instead of his own. So it was a good day.

The woman who had just sat down at the bar, however, definitely looked like she was having the opposite of a good day. She ordered her drink, and Hunter quickly made it and gave it to her. "Having a good time tonight?" he asked her conversationally.
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Lara West
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Lara sat quietly at the bar, distractedly fiddling the strap of ber bag, sat on the bar before her as she waited to the bar man to make up her order. She didnt know what she was doing in a club on her own. She'd never been in a club alone. Offering a small smile of thanks as she slid the money over and accepted her drinks, Lara eyes the small shot glass of... well she wasn't sure what and downed her very first shot, face scrunching up as it hit the back of her throat.

The barman spoke and Lara regarded him across the bar. He seemed nice enough and she shrugged, nursing her glass in her hands, shaking her head slightly. "Not really...I don't know... I guess, I just needed to get out of the house and sort out my thoughts... figure our a few things." Lara took a sip of her drink and gave the guy an apologetic look. What did they always say about bar men being great lsiteners? She didn't even know him. Surely he wouldn't want to hear her worries and problems... Still, Lara found the words tumbling.

"It's been a crazy mix of emotions this last six weeks. I... lost a baby six weeks ago." She felt her eyes prick as she thought of II. "He was three days old and then two weeks ago my boyfriend proposed. My head's just all over the place at the moment. I'm Lara."


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Hunter Cameron
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The drink the woman had ordered was a strong one, and she downed it immediately. Hunter was pretty positive she hadn't had a great day. It was one of the things he loved about his job, though, that he could listen to people and even attempt to help them out a bit. It was kind of like therapy with alcohol, which sounded oxymoronic, but he really didn't think it was.

"Understandable. It's nice to get out every once in a while," he said. Luckily it was kind of a quiet night, and there was another bartender working the shift with him, so he didn't have much to do. That meant he could chat with the woman more.

A minute later, he understood a lot more about why she was there. Lost a baby and the boyfriend proposed. That was enough to make anyone's head spin. "I'm sorry," he said. "That...definitely sounds like quite the mix." And for someone who was so young. She looked like she was about twenty years old, maybe even a little younger. It was a lot to be going through at any age, especially one where things were confusing enough without serious life changes like that.

"I'm Hunter," he introduced himself while taking her empty glass and refilling it. "Nice to meet you, Lara. That's about enough emotion for ten people to handle, so I bet it feels pretty good to just get out for a night." He couldn't even imagine how painful it must have been to lose a child, and he couldn't even imagine going through that while also going through something as exciting as getting engaged.

"How are you holding up tonight?" He wanted to talk with her, to see if he could make her feel any better or even just be a sympathetic ear as someone who had no relation to the situation at all.
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Lara West
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Lara continued to nursed her empty glass, staring into it as if it'd give her the answers to her problems and sort everything out. Her throat was burning. It was strong stuff and she wasn't used to it. Not used to shots at all but perhaps it would make things clearer.

She'd been running through the events of the past couple of weeks over and over in her head, trying to move on from losing II and accept it, and just embrace her excitement at being engaged to the man she adored and loved. Perhaps alcohol and chatting to a complete stranger was the way to go. A completely unbiased opinion. The barman was right. It was goot to be out.

"I've always been the quiet, shy one sat in the corner at parties but by fiance drew me out of my shell." Lara explained with a shrug before adding a little sheepishly. "I can't say I've actually ever been out out, on my own before. Only ever really with him. It's a little daunting." Although, by the looks of things, she'd picked a quiet night to go out as there were only a handful of people in the club. Still, she was glad of the company of the barman. He seemed safe enough to talk to and she quickly found herself opening up to him.

Lara nodded at his sympathy. "I keep bouncing from one emotion to the other. Found out I was pregnant last summer and my boyfriend was non too pleased but eventually pretty close to the end of my pregnany, he started to come around to the idea." She hated to think of all the arugments she and Will had had over those nine months, the night spent apart, the not knowing if she'd be bringing up their baby on her own or with him as a family.

"Then we had a few problems during the pregnancy and I went into labor prematurely and we had a little boy. William Geoffrey Marrid or II for short. Barely the size of a bag of sugar. Spitting image of his dad though." Lara could feel her eyes welling up thinking of their son and took the refill glass greatfulling with a small nod of thanks, pausing a moment before knocking it back. "He survived three days. II got sepsis and didn't make it." It still felt so free to think about it. His little face looking so tiny and peaceful and beautiful when they'd held him for the first time. "Then it was my birthday when we were in hospital and Will... my boyfriend and our families had planned a party for me two weeks later and didn't want to cancel it and he proposed... and I said yes." A small smile was fixed across her lips as she thought of how petrified Will had looked as he waited for her give him her answer.

How was she holding up tonight...? "Not good. I'm spent a lot of time moping around the house and Will's at work and I didnt want to go to my family..." They'd been wonderful but they didnt need her dropping onto their doorstep every time Will had to work. "I just didnt want to be alone and I can't face being stuck alone in that flat with the empty nursery just down the corridor for long periods of time. Sorry, Hunter. I'm sure you have work to do...?"

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Hunter Cameron
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Hunter was a bit surprised to learn that Lara had never been out clubbing on her own before. Granted, it was something people generally did with friends, but she'd only been out with her fiance. "Well, I think it's a good thing for you to strike out on your own, then," he said. "I think it's a good experience for anyone to have . Besides, you get to meet a ton of interesting people," he said.

"I'm so sorry for your loss," he said sincerely. "Sounds to me like you could use a short break from life for a while." Sure, it wasn't healthy to take too long of a break away from reality, but a night here or there was definitely worth it and pretty helpful.

"But congratulations on your engagement." He figured that was at least something that she and her fiance had to look forward to.

"Well, it's not very busy here tonight, and I do love meeting new people. So please, chat away," he said. "I can definitely relate to just...not wanting to be alone. In fact, I moved in with my ex because of it," he said with a laugh. It was to the point where it was funny now, and he could joke about it. "So really: nothing wrong with just going to a club and making some new friends. So tell me about your fiance: how did you two meet?"

He glanced at her empty glass. "Want a refill? Or something different? We've got some great specials on the menu tonight."
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Lara West
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Lara was aware there were a lot of things kids or people her age would have done that she had been too nervous to try alone, given she often been too shy to mingle. But as she'd said, Wll ha given her that boost of confidence and look how far it had brought her. Hunter was right. It was a good experience. "Exactly. I want to move forward, keep coming out of my shell. So far slowly and step by step but it's a start." She remembered Will taking her to a pub on one of theri first official nights out and Lara gettin very tiddly on rum and coke."I wont have Will with me twenty-four seven holding my hand." The though of meetig people Lara her nodding with a smile. "I need to meet new people. I think I've gained more confidence, enough to be more social at least."

A break. Well she and Will were going to Rome but really a break even the occassional day or evening to herself did sound a welcoming idea. "I think youre right. I need some me time as well, some time to relax. And thank you. We havent' got a date set yet but we're both excited."

Lara was glad to have someone to talk to, a stranger willing to hear her rabbit on. It was like a shrink with alcohol. "Your ex?" Her eyebrows rose curiously. "What're they like? Im guessing you're friends then if youre living together?" Otherwise that might be a little awkward. Hunter was inviting her to tell him about Will and Lara couldnt keep the smile from her face, playing fondly with her enhahement ring.

"Will Marrid. Pureblood. High status family but such a down to earth, fun loving, wonderful guy." Lara was besotted. "He found me. Accidently of course. My family and I moved to France when I was little and move back in the last two years into this lovely manor house." Liam ha picked it. "My family were coincidently at Will's dad's wedding and I opted to stay behind. I was reading on the grounds and Will snuck out of the wedding, went for a walk and wound up sneaking onto out property." She laughed. "Turns out he used to sneak through the grounds when the manor had been empty. We hit it off instantly."

He second drink had quickly disappeared and Lara was greatful for the offer of a refll. She didnt even care that only two drinks and her tongue was loosening. "Ooo a special, please. Surprise me...Got anything fruity?"

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Hunter Cameron
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Hunter nodded. "Exactly. I mean, I definitely remember being too uncomfortable to do...almost anything." Merlin did that seem like a laugh now. "Right after I got out of school, I was really awkward and wasn't extraordinarily social. So I went to college, met people, started going out to clubs, performing places..." He smiled. "I'll probably even start seeing you as a regular here. And you'll meet tons of awesome people. I'd recommend some places for you to go, but as my accent might suggest, I'm not from around here." He was still learning the area, although he'd already been to a fair amount of clubs and bars.

Laughing a little when Lara asked about his ex, he said, "Oh, we're not together anymore. It was one of those 'we're both in really bad places which led us to take things too fast when really we shouldn't have been together at all' types of things." Well, if that wasn't a convoluted explanation... "We sold the house, and I used the money to come and move here to get some help with some potion troubles. I'm actually back together with..." He would have said 'a different ex' but that definitely wasn't giving Brad enough credit. "My first love," he finished, much more satisfied with that description. "And he's...amazing. Everything I could want."

Hunter was a little surprised at just how much weight this 'pureblood' thing seemed to carry around these parts. Of course, there weren't that many American Wizarding pureblood families. Actually, he wasn't sure if there were any at all. He did find it funny that this high society looked down on people who weren't from an entirely wizarding society, but he'd grown up in a world where high society meant "completely, purely Muggle."

"Well, sounds a bit like fate to me," he said of hers and Will's meeting. "You two were probably meant to find each other." He really did believe in things like that.

"And hey, did you say 'Marrid'?" he asked. "Does he have any relation to Andromeda Marrid? I actually just got a job with her." Small world, definitely.
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Lara West
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Lara coul hardly believe that the confident man before her, working behind a bar where any manner of customer could come a'drinking, had once been awkward an not very social. "That's what I need to do. Get out more, meet new people, do things... only I'm not entirely sure what I'm good at."

She'd never really figured out her talent. Sure she'd had hobbies - she like to sing along to music in her bedroom or when she was tending to Barty, she was starting to enjoy dancing with Will, she loved to read and she wasn't too bad at cooking although she was no culinary chef. Problem was, she'd never had the confidence to persue any of those things further. "Performing? So you sing? Dance? How did you learn you coul do those things?" Hunter was right. After tonight and at least knowing she now knew Hunter behind the bar, Lara would be sure to come back. She nodded, a little excited and nervous also at the prospect of meeting new people. "You'll have to introduce me to a few of them next time I'm in and yeah... I had wondered at the accent. Where abouts in America are you from. I love it. I can't say I've ever been though."

Lara listened intrigued as Hunter explained about his ex. "The kind of thing you generally see on Muggle soap operas?" she questioned a little in amusement. "I think I know what you mean. I cant say I've ever had an ex. Will was and is my first boyfriend." And she wouldn't have it any other way. Her eyes furrowed as he mentione some potions trouble, looking up from her drink curiously but it was Hunter's choice if he wanted to divulge further. "Your first love? That's rather romantic. I'm really happy for you. Looks like we're both destined for our first loves then." Her gaze flickered only slightly when he mentioned his ex was a he. Lara'd never made a gay friend before, so this was a first for her. "How long have you two known each other?"

Fate. Lara nodded with a small smile on her face. It felt like fate. It really did and she couldn't be happer. "It's scary to imagine, if I'd decided to go to his father's wedding would we still have met but at the wedding? And if so would we still have fallen in love?" There were so many what ifs, Lara just had to push them aside and embrace the here and now.

"Marrid? Yeah, I did and Andy's, Will's big sister." Lara's eyebrows rose curiosuly at the mention of Andy giving Hunter a job. "Really? I didn't know she was advertising for anything... What was the job?"
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Hunter Cameron
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"Well that's the fun in life," Hunter replied. "Trying things--even if you're not good at them." He shrugged. "And if you never try, then you'll never see. Who knows: you might have some amazing, undiscovered talent. And usually the worst that can happen is that...you realize you're not a child prodigy, but you have fun doing it anyways." That had always been his idea on life, really.

As he spoke, he mixed her up a drink. It was carbonated and electric blue. "Ok. Well, here's one of the specials: it's blue-raspberry flavored. A bit less strong than the stuff you've been drinking. Really sweet though."

Lara asked about his performing background, and he said, "Well in school I did theater, and that's how I found out that I was good at that. I did a lot of costume design when I wasn't in the plays, but I always liked singing and performing. So when I got out and was in fashion design school, I would generally perform some local places. I'm from Hollywood in California, so there were always tons of places to do that," he explained. "It's definitely worth a trip over there sometime."

He had to say that he was sincerely amused at Lara's comparison of his relationship to a soap opera. "Yeahhh, it was pretty much that dramatic," he laughed. "But damn you're lucky that the first one worked out for you." That was rare, but he liked seeing it. It kind of gave him some hope for society in a world where it was almost more common to get divorced at some point than to stay married for life. "And thank you. I'm pretty happy myself," he said with a soft smile. "Brad and I...well we met at this school event when I was 18. That was...Merlin, that was seven years ago. He went to a different school than I did, but the two were having a kind of joint event sort of thing. Didn't see each other again for a year when we happened to run into each other at a bar. So technically seven, but really more like six."

Lara was wondering a bit about her fate with Will, and Hunter replied, "Yeah. It's crazy to think about how many things could have gone differently. I mean, Brad and I were getting closer again before I came here, but then...he happened to get a job in London, and out of all the places in the world, we just...happened to be in the same cafe at the same time and found each other on the other side of the world. If that's not fate, I don't know what is." He shrugged. "Personally? I think that life puts certain opportunities in your path, and even if you miss it, it'll give you another one if it's meant to be." He had to believe that. After all, that's what happened with him and Brad. "So I'm betting that even if you and Will didn't meet the way you told me about, you still would have met. And you can take that seriously, because I literally can't lie: that's my bit of a potion problem." He generally didn't tell that to people, but he got a really good, trustworthy feeling from Lara.

Besides, she actually did know Andy; she was her future sister-in-law actually. "Really? That's great! Well, we're opening up a fashion boutique. She does the business and finance end, and I'm designing the line."
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Lara West
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"I guess I've just not had the courage to go out on a limb and try new things," Lara shrugged, thinking back to how she used to often be found just sat out in the ground with a book. Since meeting Will, she'd been out to a club and pub or two, to a few weddings and parties, even if she did stay more at Will's side. Then there was that boat cruise she definitely wished she'd never agreed to go on. "I could be a talents dancer or have the voice of an angel... although I cant be sure about either of those." She laughed, thinking how she was taking dance lessons with Ralston.

Sat at the bar, Lara watched as Hunter bustled about the bar mixing up her drink, intrigued by how skilled he prepared it and how at home he seemed behind the bar. "It's bright blue!" He observation came out as something of an exclamation of excitement, eyes round as they took in the concoctuion. Lara'd never had any sort of cocktail or such colorful mixed drink. She was more used to ordering something mixed with a soft drink. "Raspberry flavored?" Lara reached for the glass eagerly, taking a sip and letting out a sigh of content. "That, is wonderful! Thank you."

She was intent to hear how Hunter used to perform. It sounded exciting. Theatre didnt really surprise her and the mention of costume design sounded intriguing. "You design clothes?" She shouldn't have been too surprised. He looked well dressed. "So a bit of an all rounder then? Do you still perform? I'd be interested to see." Her eyes widened to hear he was from Hollywood. It sounded so exciting to her, having not been further than Spain but she did have her trip to Rome on the way. "I'll definitely give visiting America some thought. It sounds like a sea of opportunity and adventure."

Maybe she was lucky her irst crush was her true love. "I'm only twenty though. Is that too young to be in love and getting married?" She was glad to hear Hunter was happy. Genuinely nice people deserved to be happy and Hunter was one of those people. "School sweethearts. You guys met the same age I was. I was eighteen when Will and I met, her was turning nineteen." It was a wondeful story, how Hunter and his boyfriend Brad met. "That's fate. You went a whole year without seeing each other, then fate brought you back together."

She was surprised to hear how even though Hunter and Brad were getting close, Hunter had come to London. But it sounded really did sound like fate that they'd both ended up in London at the same time. "It's like love story," Lara nodded with a warm smile. "You two were certainly lucky. That's an optimistic take on things but I cant say I dislike it. It's a rather romantic idea." Lara loved the idea that regardless, fate would have brought her and Will together. That they were destined for each other. "Can't lie? Like Veritaserum? How...?" She was rather curious but again it was his business to tell her.

She was amused to hear he was going into business with Andy. It really was a small world. "A fashion boutique? I had no idea but that sounds brilliant. Let me know when it opens and maybe I'll become one of your best customers." Lara could definitley see Andy running the business and Hunter had design experience. It allfit. "I guess it's about time I spruced up my wardrobe a bit with stuff that wasn't just for fancy events."
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"Well, the worst that can happen is that you're not good at it," Hunter pointed out. "And then you can move on to other things...or you could even continue doing what you're doing because if you love something, you don't necessarily have to be good at it in order to enjoy it." If people only did what they were good at, the world would be a boring place indeed, and he doubted people would actually be having much fun.

"And hey: you never know until you try. So maybe I'll see you here the next time we have karaoke night," he said with a grin. Not only was it good to turn new customers into returning patrons, he'd like to see Lara again. She was fun to talk to.

It really amused him to see how excited she got over the blue drink. He supposed it was because he worked in bars, but he was much more used to seeing people expect drinks with strange colors and even stranger names. "Yep, blue and raspberry flavored. And if you like the different-flavored stuff, we've got a pretty extensive drink menu. I'd recommend trying everything at least once...although not on the same night," he clarified with a laugh. Merlin, would that be a disaster in the making.

"Yeah, that's what I went to school for. I love it. So I'll be looking to see you in the store... I'd love to help you pick out some stuff, although it probably won't be open for a while, seeing as we don't even have a set location yet," he laughed. "Although I do take on independent clients every once in a while, either for custom wardrobe design or just consulting. Basically, I could either make stuff just for you or go shopping with you and help you style your wardrobe." It was always quite a bit of fun to take on consulting clients, and it usually turned into new friends.

"But generally, yes, I like to do a bit of everything. I've also done some interior decorating work. But I generally prefer the entertainment industry... Not really sure why. Everyone always talks about how it's so corrupt and superficial and yeah, there are parts of it that are like that, but it's so...social. It's basically all about who you know and making connections and promoting yourself while being able to do something you love with complete creative control." He shrugged. "Not many jobs are like that." He realized he probably got carried away and added sheepishly, "Sorry... Sometimes I don't exactly know when to stop talking."

Lara wanted to know if he still performed, and he nodded enthusiastically. "Anytime I can. The employees here have it great, really: we get to do the sort of jack-of-all-trades thing, so I have nights where I'm just performing instead of behind the bar. I do some stuff that I've written, but mostly just cover songs and generally more of Muggle bands. What's your taste in music?" he asked.

It was interesting that she brought up being too young to be that seriously in love and getting married. "I don't think so," he said. "I don't think love really goes with your schedule: I think you have to go along with its schedule." He smiled. "You know, my boyfriend had the same questions about that when we were first together. It's actually why we broke up the first time: he wasn't sure if he hadn't seen what was out there or if, well, he could really be sure about us when we were both so young and hadn't really experienced much of life yet. But I personally believe that once you know who you want to be with for the rest of your life, you know, and what's the point in waiting after that?" Those sorts of thoughts had been heavily weighing on his mind lately...but not in a bad way. Actually, in a really, really good way. "So I think it's great that you and Will know so soon, and I'm sure the two of you are going to have a long and happy life together."

Of course, it made his smile widen when Lara compared his and Brad's story to a love story. "We were lucky," he agreed. "I mean, I'm definitely not letting him go twice, so...how about a toast?" He had a glass of water with him (not allowed to drink on his shift), so he raised it to Lara. "To trusting fate and not waiting?"
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Lara West
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Lara had to admit that Hunter had some very valid points. You didn't know what you were good at unless you tried and at the same time, if you enjoyed something enough, what did it matter if you were good at it of not? "You're right. I mean, I enjoy singing... although I'm not sure I'm nuch good at it and dancing... well I need to learn to loosen up a bit more."

The idea of a karoke night had her pause. She'd never stood up on stage in front of an audience and sung. Lara wouldn't know what song to choose, or if she'd have the guts to go through with it but she knew she wanted to branch out and try new things. "I... well, maybe you will although I'm not sure if I'd have the confidence. Might need a couple of those expensive cocktails down me to psyche me up." Quite a few, she was sure. "You'll have to let me know what the next karoke night is. I'd at least come along to watch."

Lara took her blue, raspberry drink, almost wishing she had her camera on her to document the sight so she could show Will when she got home. Everything on the drinks menu at least once? Lara's eyes widened, blinking a moment as the pondered this idea. "I guess... I have a challenge ahead of me but not tonight of course. Maybe just the first few."

She sat back on her bar stool, sipping her drink, enjoying listening to Hunter tell her more about himself. The store sounded like a wonderful business idea. "Well, I guess these things take time to set up but once it's up and running, you can be sure to see me. I'd love some help picking stuff out.I cant say I have many friends to go shopping with." That was one of the downsides to being shy. Making the odd acquaintance but not always such close friends... yet with Hunter, it felt as if they were already quite easily slipping straight into friendship. "You really are a man of many talents."

Lara was quite happy to listen, it took her mind off of the mixed up thoughts and worries that had been floating round her head when she enterered the club. And really, she did find Hunter fascinating. Despite saying he'd used to be shy, he sounded so confident now to her and so happy in himself. "No, no... it's fine," Lara shook her head with a warm smile as Hunter apologised for talking on. "It's clear you're passionate about what you do. It's no crime to enjoy talking about it. I'm enjoying hearing about it."

It really sounded as if he'd struck gold finding a job there at the Botella Verde. Meeting new people, having a chance to perform. "Me? Taste in music? Uh..." Lara'd never really thought much about it. "I guess... it depends what kind of mood I'm in. I prefer Muggle music most, not so much rap or rock... Some R'n'B orsome older tunes. Maybe some ballards. Song that make me think." Really Lara wasn't into just one type of music. She liked a whole mixture, either liking or hating a song when she heard it. "I love the song Truly Madly Deeply. Will serenaded me with it on my nineteenth birthday."

Love had certainly found Lara a lot earlier than she'd ever expected it would, bringing Will into her life. It was good to hear though, that she wasn't the only one to have the relationship fears and questions that she did. Brad apparently had had them as well. "Will. It's Will I want to spend the rest of my life with. Hands down. No one else..." Not that she'd ever been with anyone else but that was besides the point. She didn't even want to see what else was out there. "I really hope so." Lara really hope Hunter was right. "And by the sounds of it, you and Brad will remain together forever. I doubt fate would draw tou two apart now."

A toast sounded like a good idea. It would certainly give her a boost. Lara waited for Hunter to grab up his glass of water and picked up her own glass. "To trusting fate and not waiting! Hear, hear!" Taking a sip of her drink, Lara couldn't help but feel how choosing to come to this club must have been fate as well.

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Hunter Cameron
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Hunter smiled when Lara said she'd probably need a couple of cocktails to loosen her up before doing something like karaoke. "Most people do. It's not exactly uncommon to get drunk people singing karaoke. Actually, watching them is half the fun." He couldn't lie and say he didn't enjoy watching the severely untalented (or severely wasted) people try their hand at singing in public. "So you should definitely come by...even try it out." He really wanted to encourage Lara to step out of her comfort zone just a little.

"And of course you're not trying the entire drinks menu tonight. Wouldn't want to send you back to your fiance too wasted," he said good-naturedly. "But if you come here enough, you'll get through the menu fairly quickly. How about just one more for tonight?" he offered. That would probably be more than enough for her, but she could definitely handle it.

He was glad to hear she'd be stopping by the store. As was his nature, he'd already begun picturing various designs for her: something classic enough so that she'd feel comfortable with it but with a modern, bolder twist to update the look. "Then I guess I"ll just have to be the friend you go shopping with." It wasn't exactly unusual for Hunter to make friends quickly and easily, and he was definitely clicking with Lara, and he could already tell they'd be close. In a way, he was really glad he was meeting so many great people in England. Sure, it would make it much harder to go back to LA, but after one of his and Brad's most recent discussions, he was thinking they were probably going to try to keep a place in both cities.

"Thank you," he replied when she complimented him about his jack-of-all-trades nature. "I'd like to think so. And who knows...maybe you'll turn out to be a woman of many talents." He shrugged. "See, normally this is where I'd say 'I'm sure you are...' and all that, but I can't because I don't know it to be truth. Which reminds me, I forgot to tell you about that because I honestly don't mind sharing." He figured Lara seemed pretty trustworthy, and he was generally pretty good at picking up vibes from people or so he believed. He had definitely come a long way from the more naive person he'd been when he'd first been given the potion so he was much less likely to tell people, but he'd tell Lara. Intuition, he believed it was called. "Basically my father was a little..." He stopped, unsure of what to say (or what he'd be able to say). What was his father. "Well, he was very upset when I told him I was gay, and he also hates magic...even though he's a wizard. Basically he's a really conservative Muggleborn who believes that anything out of his 'ordinary' shouldn't be around. So I was basically doubly screwed in terms of being in his good graces." It still did hurt a little to talk about despite the fact that his tone was essentially nonchalant at this point. "When I came out and introduced him to my boyfriend...Merlin, that was about five years ago...he basically felt really, really betrayed, like I had just been lying to him my whole life. So he essentially took it upon himself to make sure I ....couldn't lie to him ever again." As he spoke, he mixed another drink for Lara, this time a fruity red Sangria. "He died a year later before I could get any information about an antidote from him, so I've been looking for someone to help me cure it ever since. England was just sort of...the next stop along the way. Although I am, in some ways, glad I came here."

He smiled and handed her the drink, taking the glass from the other one. "This is less strong, so it might be a good one to end the evening on," he said. The bar was clearing up, so he had no other customers to tend to, which was just as well because he wanted to hear about her taste in music. "Truly, Madly, Deeply is a really sweet song," he said. "Your fiance has good taste. I do like ballads as well, but I tend to go more for classic rock in terms of performing or even stuff that's more modern. I like bits of everything. But we definitely have some things right up your alley for karaoke nights," he put in.

He just nodded to her firm beliefs about Will being "the one." He definitely knew how that felt. "I'm sure you and Will will be together forever...and I can't lie," he grinned. "As far as me and Brad? Well, I'm pretty sure that's gonna last too. I mean, I'm planning on proposing to him." That was the first time he'd ever said the words aloud, although he'd been thinking about it. He'd talked to a lot of people about getting back together with his ex, and a lot of them were quick to caution him not to rush. "I mean, so many people are telling me 'why rush' because they're trying to warn me about things like getting back together with exes generally not working or something...but I already know, so...why wait?"
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Lara cringed at the thought of drunk people sinking, much more at the thought of how her singing might sound after a few drinks. ”I’m not a terrible singer but I doubt I’ll be recording any albums anytime soon. Merlin only knows what a few cocktails might do to my performance.” She’d done the whole singing into her hairbrush, in front of the bedroom mirror thing but never in public. Maybe that should change. “Maybe I will. If I end up embarrassing myself, that’s healthy too, right? And I might even drag you up with me.”

Glimpsing the drinks menu on the bar, Lara was definitely sure she wouldn’t physically be able to get through the whole thing in one night. ”I’d be paralytic. Chases are, Will would spend the whole night rolling me back onto my stomach in case I was sick.” She laughed, remembering back to the first time they’d been out drinking together, when he’d introduced her to rum and coke. ”He did that the last time I drank too much.” The thought of returning to the bar and Hunter’s company, made Lara grin, especially the offer of another drank. Her electric blue cocktail had sadly depleted to the final few drops. “I’d love one, thank you and now that I know I have such a wonderful friend to chat to, I’ll definitely come back.”

The store sounded like a wonderful idea and Lara would be sure to be a frequent customer. ”I would love it if you came shopping with me. I usually only have my mum or aunt. My mum buys me stuff that’ll make me fit in at business parties and my aunt... well let’s just say the stuff she buys me has very little material...” Lara was interested to see what sort of clothes Hunter might suggest she try on. She’d never really had many friends to go shopping with, only family and she doubted Will would enjoy trawling the clothes rails.

“A woman of many talents...” Lara mused over the idea with a small smirk. ”Time will tell but I really hope so. It’d be nice to find I have a talent in something special at least." Her expression however became serious as she listened to Hunter’s explanation about why he could only speak the truth, eyebrows raising to hear his father’s reaction to him being gay and his reaction to magic despite being a wizard. ”He... he did that to you?” His own father... Her tone was one of disbelief. ”Have you checked for a journal? Any papers he might have had... old friends of his? Maybe he wrote about how he did it or told someone about it...” Although, if he did this to Hunter five years ago, chances were Hunter had tried most things. She couldn’t imagine never being able to lie... even just little white lies. ”I’m glad you came here too. I’m also glad I chose this club on this night.”
Lara took the new drink curiously, noting the definitely change of colour – electric blue to a fruity red. She took a sip and then another. ”Mmmmm delicious..” A gorgeous fruity sangria. Hunter was right, it did taster less strong but no less satisfying. The mention of ending the evening though had Lara sigh. ”All good things must come to an end at some point, I guess.” She turned to take in the rest of the bar, suddenly realising that most of the customers had gone, just a few – herself included - still remaining. Lara couldn’t help but smile fondly at the memory of Will serenading her on her birthday. ”The song was perfect. I think I’ve liked a few classic rock songs... as far as I can remember and some modern stuff. As I said, I need to branch out and experience new things maybe sample some new music.” She was still a little apprehensive at the idea of standing up on stage and singing in front of a bunch of strangers but hopefully it would do her some good... give her more confidence in the future.

She was sure Will was the one, regardless of arguments and breaking up for a time and all the bad luck they’d had over II. Lara couldn’t help but grin along with Hunter at the positive comments hers and Will’s relationship were receiving. Together forever... ”I really hope so, Will and me, and you and Brad. You sound perfect for one another.” Her grin widened as he stated he was looking to propose. ”You’re... wow. I mean, that’s great news! Congratulations! Let me know what he says, not that I think he’ll say anything other than yes. He’d be a fool to turn you down.” She couldn’t really comment about rushing into marriage. Glad as she was to be engaged to Will, there was always that worry it was too soon but then she loved him, so what did time have to do with anything? ”If they comment on getting back together with an ex, point out its fate that keeps bringing you back together.”
Edited by Lara West, Jul 12 2010, 12:28 AM.
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Hunter smiled. "You never know. Some people wind up loving it so much they consider a career change." As he talked with her, he started wiping down the bar, ever careful to make sure he was still focused on work. Luckily, no one seemed to be needing his attention at the moment. Hearing that she might drag him up there as well, he simply replied, "Sounds good to me. I love duets." Well, he just loved singing in general.

"Well, at least I know if you have too much to drink, you've got someone at home to take care of you," he replied as the conversation went on. He had to say he found it adorable that her fiance would take care of her like that. "Definitely bring him along next time. Maybe Brad can come by around the same time and you could meet him."

A moment later he added, "Or we could do a double date type of thing after we go shopping. I think it'll be good for you to go and find your own style--not what your mom and aunt pick out for you." Clothing was such an expression of personality and individuality that Hunter couldn't really imagine other people pushing things on him that was more their own style than his. Yes, he loved a good jacket or pair of jeans as a gift every bit as much as the next person, but ultimately he preferred to do most of his own shopping.

"You'll find your area of expertise," Hunter assured Lara. "We all do eventually." He almost laughed because this particular part of the conversation was making him sound much wiser than he actually was.

He honestly was expecting Lara's shocked disbelief after hearing about his father. Simply nodding, he said, "Yeah. It's still kinda hard to believe, but I guess I shouldn't have put anything past him." He shook his head. Every time he told the story to someone, he just got more and more confused as to how his father could have done something like that. "I've pretty much tried checking for everything. He didn't have any direct links to any contacts who might be able to help in the States, and most things I looked into were dead ends. I've basically tried every specialist I could get in touch with in America, s my next best option was to come here. My father had a couple of contacts that I figured I might be able to research further here, and I heard that the team at St. Mungo's was worth seeing." He sighed. "I've had one appointment there so far, and I'm going to look into speaking with...an Unspeakable." At that, he couldn't help but laugh. The statement sounded ridiculously oxymoronic.

Wanting to move on to happier talk, he nodded in agreement with Lara saying she was glad she chose that particular club and time to come in. "So am I. Another one of those fateful meetings, I guess." But she was right: all good things did have to come to an end, and they were near closing. "Well, I guess along with trying new things can come listening to new music," he said.

Their conversation moved to discussing their relationships, and really, Hunter felt they were both rather lucky. "I'd certainly like to think so." The idea that he and Brad were perfect for one another definitely sounded right, at the very least. It felt great to talk to someone about his plans to propose and even better when she reacted so enthusiastically. "Thanks. I'll definitely let you know." He was pretty sure Brad would say yes, but then again, nothing was a sure thing, especially given how cautious Brad was about them even moving in together. "And yeah, that's true: I mean, I just get this feeling lie it's right with him. 'Meant to be' sounds...so cliche, but in this case, it's completely true."
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Somehow, Lara wasn't sure she could see herself making a career of singing. Even she had to admit her hairbrush singing wasn't chart worthy. She waited patiently as Hunter worked, not wishing to get him in trouble and took a moment to sip her drink. At least she had a willing partner in crime to karoke with, although Lara thought she best warn him. "You do realise I'll probably make you look... Uh, sound bad," She ducked her head apologetically. "Thought I'd best apologise in advance. Of course, we'd need to figure out what to sing."

Lara was lucky to have such a wonderful fiancé as Will to look after her and she couldn't stop the grin spreading across her lips. "Iam lucky. I couldn't ask to love a better guy." The suggestion she bring Will next time was a brilliant one. They hadn't been out since they got engaged. They needed a night to let loose and have fun together and she really wanted he and Humter to meet. "Perfect. If you've got a piece of paper, I could give you my address and we could owl to make some arrangements. I'd love to meet Brad. We can all make an evening of it."

The prospect of actually going shopping with someone who knew what they were doing, who had style was an exiting one for Lara who usually just wandered through the clothes racks almost blindly. "Really? Maybe... Would next weekend be alright? The last shopping spree I went on was for maternity wear." Her smile faltered thinking of II. She knew she needed to find her own style, to figure who she was... Create her own wardrobe. "I would really appreciate you help... You expert input." And of course, he was right, she might as well broaden he musical horizons.

Her own area of expertise... Lara wandered what that might be. Maybe cooking... maybe she had an unduscovered talent for sport. Still, the way Hunter described it, Lara was giggling. "You sound like Yoda... Oh, wise one."

The news of what Hunter's father had done to him... Shocking! Lara couldn't image her parents doing something like that to her. "Did you two not get along? I mean, besides his not taking to well to your being gay." It was wrong. Hunter however seemed to have looked down every route, looked inti every option to try and find a cure. Lara wasn't sure what else she could possibly suggest. "I really hope that Unspeakable can help but, well... If you do find a cure, would you miss it?" She couldn't help but be curious.

Conversation turned to cheerier topics -Hunter's relationship with Brad. Lara was so excited for them and Hunter hadn't even proposed yet. "It doesnt sound cliche. It sounds romantic... Honest. You really are made for each other." She'd not met Brad or seen the pair together but the way Hunter spoke about him...they were a perfect match. "When you've found the perfect guy, you just ... Know." Lara certainly had.
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"There are lots of great duets," Hunter replied, a few instantly springing to mind when Lara brought it up. "And hey---you never know. We could sound amazing." He was just a firm believer that things were always better when looking on the bright side.

He was really glad Lara thought it'd be a good idea to do a double-date type of thing. He was interested in meeting Will after everything he'd heard about him from Lara. "Yeah, I have a piece of paper. Hold on one second..." Turning his back on his companion for a moment, he looked around until he found a pad of post-its and a pen, picked them up, and then handed the pad and a pen over to Lara.

"I'm generally free mornings and occasional weekends," he let her know. "Brad gets to set his own schedule, so unless he has a specific location shoot planned for any given day, he should be able to come along."

He nodded along with her suggestion of next weekend for clothes shopping. "Sounds good to me. I have Saturday off that weekend, so it's actually pretty perfect. Hey--what if we make the morning and afternoon a kind of 'shopping/makeover day' and then we meet Brad and Will for dinner?" Hunter was actually pretty sure that was a good brainstorm. Sometimes he had to hand it to himself: he had good ideas.

A much less exciting subject to talk about? Definitely his father. "No, we didn't get along," he said. "He was very...well. Yeah. We just didn't get along." He shook his head, figuring it would be best to leave it at that. He didn't like thinking about his dad if he didn't have to.

"If I did find a cure, I definitely wouldn't miss it," he replied. "I do think I learned a lot, but I also would prefer to be able to choose to tell the truth, not be forced into it. I think that part of the really commendable thing about people being open, truthful and honest is that it is a choice."

He was much happier when the talk turned back to their respective relationships. "Thanks. And yeah, you definitely just know." It was the perfect way to describe it.

Noticing that pretty much everyone else had cleared out at that point and he had to start closing up, he said, "Ok, so if next weekend works, I'll see you then? I can pick you up at your place around 10 for shopping?" he suggested.
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”I’ll have to trust your vast musical knowledge,” Lara laughed, hoping that if and probably when, she found herself up on stage next to Hunter on a karaoke night with a microphone in hand, she didn’t embarrass herself too much. ”After a few drinks, perhaps we will.” Or at least she wouldn’t mind as much if she sounded terrible.

The idea of a double date was a wonderful idea. Lara wanted to meet new people and get out more and this was a perfect chance to do so. After all Hunter had told her about Brad, she really wanted to meet him now but of course to organise a night out they needed to be able to contact one another. Scribbling her name and contact details onto the pad of paper she handed them back over. ”That’s the address for Will and my flat.” It still felt weird to think that she was living with him.

”Mornings and weekends, got it,” Lara nodded, making a mental note. ”My schedule is usually an open book. Must be wonderful for Brad to get to fill his own calendar?” Well then, weekends were usually best. She was sure that if Hunter was working evenings then he might appreciate mornings free for a lie-in. ”I’ll have to find out what Will’s schedule’s like.”

So next weekend they would go clothes shopping and then Hunter made a wonderful suggestion about making a full day and evening of it. Shopping, make-over and then the double date in the evening. That is the best idea I’ve heard all day!” Lara grinned, lifting her glass in a cheery gesture and taking a sip. ”You know I’m putting my trust in you wonderful fashion skills and taste?”

The topic of his father was less than cheerful. ”I can understand that. Well... my dad and I got along rather well but my stepfather, Liam... Let’s just say we’ve had our ups and downs.” And of course there was the fact that Will and Liam didn’t get along. She wondered if it would take much getting used to if he suddenly did find a cure. ”I can’t say I’d exactly blame you. I mean I prefer not to lie but there are always times when I do to protect others feelings, for example.” Lara couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be out of control of your own actions... or voice for that matter. ”Honesty is an important factor in a person.”

Conversation was soon back to much more pleasant topics, namely their other halves. She certainly just knew that Will was right for her and she couldn’t be happier. Talking to Hunter had certainly alleviated several of the fears she’d been having about getting married.

The club had seemed to have emptied while they’d been lost in conversation and Lara noting this, finished her drink. She’d have to make a move. ”Ten it is then. I’ll make sure to wear some sensible shoes if we’re going to be trawling the shops all day,” she grinned. ”But it’s getting late and I should probably be getting back home.” Setting her glass down, Lara rose leaning across the bar to give Hunter a tight hug. ”Thank you so much for this evening. I’m really glad I came and sat on this bar stool.” She shouldered her bag. ”I’ll see you next weekend.” Giving a small wave, Lara turned and headed out and home.

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