Magic SNAFU

ooc: saved for deathSknight


BUUZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUU..

Jema slammed her hand down on top of the radio alarm and groaned softly face down in her pillow. Her head was pounding and it felt like she had two giant bales of cotton shoved up her nose. Rolling over the black and red haired witch stared at the ceiling for five minutes before looking at the clock.

10:30 in red LCD screamed at her cold fogged mind.

"SHIT!!!" Bolting out of bed, stumbling a bit and then running into the bathroom Jema realize she was half an hour late for work. Normally she didn't bother to use magic for something as simple as her clothes and hair, but then she'd never been late before either.

"Perfec..AACHOO!!" Before her spell was finished she sneezed, she was dressed nicely but her hair was one big frizzy mess. Grabbing her brush she ran it under the water and then began to try and tame the wild locks. The phone rang and she hurried to pick it up.

"Jema where are you? Do you know what time it is?" Her boss' put out voice carried though the phone.

"Sorry Mr. Johnson. My alarm didn't go off this morning. I'm already headed out the door right now."

"Hurry up young lady, we've got a ton of clients to handle today." The phone line went dead and she grumbled softly.*

Having seen what went wrong with her hair Jema just grabbed a muffin, her coat and purse and briefcas. Outside things went from bad to worse. Her car battery was dead and no matter how she tried her magic continued to fizzle. It also began to rain, but luckily her umbrella was in the backseat. Running under what cover she had Jema ran for the bus and managed to get her arm in the door just as it was about to close. "Sorry," she said to the driver. Paying her fare she found that it was standing room only. With a sigh she found an open ring and hung on. By the time she got down town the entire bus was glad to have the 5'7 witch off the bus.

Six sneezes later she'd conjured two loud obnoxious blue and purple flamingos, had turned the driver into a clown and filled the bus with rose scented bubbles. Apologizing once more she turned and headed down the busy sidewalk. Thankfully she wasn't that far from her job at Broomsticks, Newt's Eyes and Cauldron. They were a large firm handling all the financial and legal needs of some of the oldest and most powerful magical families in the Los Angeles area as well as a few celebrities.*

Just as she was nearing the newsstand at the corner the witch let out another sneeze and formed a patch of ice under her heels. This sent her on a collision course with the tall man standing there with a paper and a full cup of coffee. A tangle of limbs, papers and two briefcases later Jema was trying to stand. Coffee ran down the sidewalk and into the gutter. The newspaper was completely soaked through, but thankfully, both their briefcases were still shut.

"I am so so sorry." She sneezed again and the ice vanished. "My magics are on the fritz." Managing to get to her feet Jema was silently thankful for her coat, at least her clothing was still fairly drive. Gods above she was going to be lucky to still have a job after today if she couldn't get things under control. “Here let me help you up,” Jema held her hand out to the man.

Chris de Muerte

Chris was rather engrossed in the article he was busy reading and of course using a small amount of magic to divert the raindrops from him as he seemed to take shelter close to the news stand as he sipped his coffee. The impact took him completely by surprise, he tried to regain his balance, but a leg got in his way and he fell onto his back with a body falling on top of him.

"I am so so sorry."

A sneeze followed the apology

"My magics are on the fritz."

Chris looked up at the rather striking lady as she started to get up, then looked down at him

“Here let me help you up,”

A hand was extended to help him up, Chris looked sceptically at her figure and high heels and gave her one of his most charming smiles

"No offense dear lady, but I doubt you will be very steady after that spill and of course heels isn't one of the most opportune footwear to help somebody up with"

He did take her hand out of civility's sake, but got up quite well on his own power, he wiped the water from his face and was wondering why she didn't seem to recognize him yet. He used the same spell and diverted the rain from them both, even if they were standing in the middle of the sidewalk.

"You seem to be in quite a hurry, where are you off to? Work?"

Jema nodded as she bent down and handed him his briefcase while retrieving her own, "Yes, work that I will be lucky to keep at the rate I am going." Pushing the few curls of her hair that had slipped free during the fall and struggle back up, Jema took a quick survey of herself. Thankfully she was no worse for wear which was decidedly a good thing. Looking at the man she had knocked over, the young witch was relieved to see that he was no worse for wear either. There was something slightly familiar about him, but she couldn't place it. Any of the clients Jema had had direct contact with she knew on sight, so it couldn't have been work related. That was probably for the best though. Her boss would turn her into a statue for having knocked a client over, even if it was off the clock at the time of the incident.


"I really need to be going, once again I am very sorry for crashing into you like that." Jema dug out change to replace the ruined paper and handed it off to the teen behind the newsstand counter. "Enjoy your non ruined paper," and just like that she was hurrying off. Though this time she was doing her best to avoid coming too close to anyone.

It didn't take long though for her to get to the office, the security guards out front just waving her in. Jema immediately ran for her office, managing a small spell to dry any remaining water on her person and to fix her hair. Grabbing a notepad Jema was about to open the door and head down to Mr. Johnson's when he came through the door, looking less than happy.

"Sorry I'm late, my magic is on the fritz as well as my car so I had to take the bus in."

Her boss just nodded, "Well don't let it happen again. I need you to get all the paperwork ready regarding the de Muerte family Estate. Chris will be in today, to go over the last of the documents regarding his parent's estate." Carl looked her over, "And make sure you look your best. After all we do have an image to maintain."

"Chris de Muerte?" Jema had heard the name, but couldn't put a face with it.

Carl looked at her as if she'd sprouted a second head, but then he remembered Jema wasn't from the area. "His family was and actually really is one of the most powerful mage families in the area. He's the sole heir to it all." He didn't have to tell her that it also meant he was an important client.

"i'll get right to it sir. AACHOOO!" Another sneeze and this time it was a small purple fire lizard. Carl just waved the creature away.

"Make sure you take something for that as well."

"Yes sir," Jema hurried past him and headed to the file room. The file pixies were extra helpful with the locating of the paperwork as well as bringing her a cup of warm lavender tea. It took about half an hour to make sure everything was gathered up and to have a second cup of tea. Jema could feel it getting the job done, but it was still going to be a long day of work. On the way up to her boss' office Jema stopped to look in a mirror and make sure she was presentable.

ooc: was out of town for NYE weekend sorry for the delay.

Chris de Muerte

Chris took the new paper that she handed to him and he watched her scurry away, talk about chance meetings, he knew that women generally threw themselves at him, but crashing into him with ice under their feet? He chuckled as he stepped back under the virtual protection of the news stand, the owner eyed him carefully

"Are you alright Mr de Muerte?"

Chris nodded, not taking his eyes from the article he was reading

"I'm quite alright thanks Al, she only caught me by surprise"

Chris finished the article and frowned, this did not bode well for the company, some sort of up and comer was busy buying out companies and it was well established companies at that. With that dark frown still on his face Chris walked into the reception of Broomsticks, Newt's Eyes and Cauldron

"Excuse me sir, can I help you?"

The question brought Chris out of his brooding and he noticed the receptionist, he slipped on his dazzling smile and used a bit of his magic to add that little spark that made women stare at him.

"I'm here for my eleven o clock appointment"

The receptionist who of course have seen all types of magic, just can't help but stare at Chris

"You're...Chris de Muerte"

Chris nodded

"Yes I am, could you perhaps direct me to where I should be? I've never been here before"

The receptionist gave him directions in a dreamy type of voice and Chris just chuckled to himself, magic sure has it's uses at times. He followed her directions and came to the closed door of the Carl Hoeft, he knocked and a voice called him inside, he entered and grinned at Carl, who smiled back at him and got up, they shook hands like old friends.

"Chris, I haven't seen you in a long time, how was college?"

"Not too bad, they have some close minded fools there, I have a mind of going back there and apply for a position"

They both laughed and sat down

"I'll just buzz the lady that is going to work on your files"

Chris looked at the old family friend as he got busy, he grew up knowing Carl and yet through all these years, Carl still looked the same.

"Coffee?"

"No thanks Carl"

"Dreadful weather we're having today"

Chris remembered the lady that crashed into him earlier and he smiled

"Not really, this beautiful lady whose magic is on the fritz due to a cold, basically ice skated into me a bit earlier"

Chris chuckled in good humor

"From what I heard, you don't have much problems in the lady department"

"Kind of true yes, but this one was just...different you know? She was in such a hurry that I didn't even catch a name or anything"

Carl started to piece things together and just as he was about to say something there was a knock on the door

"Come in"

Jema on the other hand was already headed back from the file room, a large stack of papers in her arms. she was surprised to find a gathering of witches all huddled together.

"Whats up?"

"Don't you know?" Chris de Muerte is in our office," one tossed over her shoulder.

"Jema you really need to read the gossip colum sometime. Chris de Muerte is one of the handsomest Mages alive."

"Not only that he's rich too."

"He'd had to be to be our client. Shouldn't you all be working. I have to get these papers in to them."

They all turned as one. "You're going in there?! You have to tell us what he's like when you're done." Jema shook her head and pushed her way through the crowd. Gods this was exactly why she didn't pay much attention to the social scene of L.A.

"Mr. Hoeft I have everything needed for Mr. de Muerte right...here." Jema had been looking down at the stack of folders in her arms when she had first walked into the office. Seeing the man she had run into earlier, her mind quickly put two and two together and the young witch stopped just short of swearing. At that moment she wished for the floor to come alive and just swallow her whole. If all people for her to run into why did it have to be one of the firm's clients?

"Jema, this is Chris de Muerte. Obviously you two will be working together. Since you've been handling his family's holdings for the last few months, you might as well join us."

"Yes sir," Jema was hoping her face wasn't inflamed with blush as badly as she was picturing it to be as a chair wheeled itself over as she sat down. The dark blue blouse she was wearing pulled tight over her chest and Jema was thankful she was wearing slacks as she crossed her legs.

Could this day get any worse?

Chris de Muerte

Chris couldn't believe his ears when her voice spoke from the door and then when she came into view he just knew that Fate didn't let her bump into him for no reason. Well well well, what an interesting day this is going to be, he smiled inwardly and then just to break the ice he smiled at her

"Jema, good to meet you, I hope I'm not heaping too much work on you, I know next to nothing about the business' paperwork, so I'm warning you before hand that you are going to have to listen to a lot of questions and explain a lot of things to me"

"Oh I'm sure she'll be a big help Chris, she is one of the brightest I have, she'll sort out your problems and questions in a flash"

Chris could feel his eyes wander, but then again which hot-blooded male's wouldn't admire Jema. He smiled at the thought and turned to face Carl

"So where do we start?"

Yes this day could get worse, because he was being nice to her. Jema actually could have dealt with some anger at the moment. It would have at least made the situation a little better in her eyes.

When he asked where they should start she looked to Carl who was sipping his own coffee. "Let's see going over your father's will. Most of which I'm sure you already know whats comming to you. There are several property deeds to sign for as well as some artifacts that our company has been keeping for your family throughout the years."

Getting up she thumbed through the papers seperating each stack. "Most of this doesn't require any signatures, but I'm sure you'll want to have copies made for your own personal records, sir," Jema directed that statement to Chris.

Chris de Muerte

Chris nodded and leaned back into his chair

"Before I start to splash ink on paper let's get the biggest problems out of the way then"

He steepled his fingers and looked over at Jema with an unfathomable look in his eyes, he could sense that she was on pins and needles, but he was not going to act any other way.

"Since we seem to be the only people that is needed"

He could feel the sharp pang of loss shoot through his mind again, he did love his parents dearly. With a slight shake he caught himself and looked back at Jema

"Jema please be so kind and read the will for us and also I would like to know what artifacts are kept here and what they're abilities are"

Jema licked her suddenly dry lips, hopefully she could make it through all this without sneezing. Sifting through the papers she pulled out his parent's will and sat back down.

"The last will and testament of Santino and Nicole de Muerte. Being of sound body, mind and magics, the following are our final bequeaths. All stocks, holdings, properties under the de Muerte named are to be handed over to our only son Chris de Muerte." Jema's eyes scanned the page slowly, "You've also inherited your father's seat on the Mage's council if you wish to hold it. You have two meetings to decide on that. Everything you're parents owned is now yours, with the exception of the land in Northern California. Your mother requests that it be left to local community for use as a park and communing area."

Looking further down, Jema suddenly realized why Chris had looked familiar to her, she had met his father. While not near copies, Chris did favor his father in many ways. "Also you've been left the contents of the safe deposit box, you're father opened last year." Getting up once more Jema approached the desk and found the small sealed envelop containing the key to the box.

"Safety deposit box? I wasn't aware they had one." Carl looked at her surprise on his face.

"Mr. de Muerte came in just before closing not long after I started. While I didn't know who he was exactly I knew he was a client of ours."

"And you didn't report this the next day?"

"I thought you or the other partners knew. I know we have a very open door policy, but considering the importance of the client I assumed that you and the others were aware." That was a lie, Santino had specifically asked the Jema not tell anyone that he had been there.

"We'll discuss this later, continue." Carl sat back trying to compose himself.

"That's all for the will, sir." She picked up the inventory sheet for the antiques vault. "Your parent's personal vault contains the following, several crystal balls one of which can be used to store magiv, eight family histories, five magical books, two scrying mirrors; both are listed as being simply used for viewing. There are also several old family portraits. One key ring with 7 keys, all are tagged with the doorways the open in and around your family home. And one *SNEEZE* small cauldron. *SNEEZE* its not labeled though." gold and silver bubbles filled the air briefly before popping in a shower of sparks.

"Thank you Jema. Go and fetch the safety deposit box for Chris." Carl's tone didn't give her much room to wiggle out of it.

"Of course sir," stifling a few more sneeze Jema got up and left the office. Just as the door was closing she heard her boss speaking to Chris.

"I'm sorry about that, my boy. Had I know your father had been here I would have made sure that box was delivered to you after their deaths."

Chris de Muerte

Chris found that he enjoyed looking and listening to Jema, now that she was reading he had the excuse to actually look at her and be very blatant about it as well as she was the one who demanded attention. He was not very surprised at the will, it turned out to be exactly like he thought it would be, only the safe box was something that he didn't really know about and by the way Carl reacted he didn't know about it either. He was chewing on his bottom lip when Jema left and he looked up at Carl after his apology, he waved back the apology and smiled

"No problem Carl, don't even think to worry about it. I'm sure that dad had a reason to keep it secret"

He chuckled at Carl's frown

"It's just his style you know? He would pull something off like that and confuse everybody"

Chris abruptly got to his feet and looked at the neat piles that Jema made of the files and paperworks, then he looked back at Carl

"Can you maybe snap your fingers and give the young lady and me a room to sort through this in private? I can see from the notes on your desk calender that you are going to have a rather hectic day and I know I'll be keeping the lady busy for a very long time"

"Of course my boy"

Chris stopped Carl just before he could cast the spell

"Just let her return first, saves time, energy and magic"

Thankfully the crowd of witches had gone back to their jobs while Jema had fetched the box. Outside of the office, Jema took a deep breath and sighed. At some point today she was going to get reamed by her boss. The best she could do to defuse the situation was give their client the best of her abilities.

"Sorry for the delay. The interns from law were doing in the vault." Jema closed the door behind her and set the heavy box down. All she really knew about the contents of the box was that there was a large box bound and tied as well as a letter addressed to Chris. It wasn't that she had snooped, but his father hadn't dismissed her from the vault when he had been putting both items in.

"Was there anything else Jema?"

"No sir. All the stocks, bonds and properties for the most part transferred over into Mr. de Muerte's name immediately upon his parent's passing. Most of this is simply for his own personal notes as well as firm policy. A few signatures and he'll be set."

"Good. As Chris has been so kind as remind me I do have a very full schedule. I expect to be brought up to date once he has left and before you leave for lunch." Jema would have asked what he meant by that, but he was already snapping his fingers. When things came back into focus Jema noticed they were in one of the many private offices the firm. The only way in or out was magic so they afforded all sorts of privacy.

Realizing they were alone, Jema found herself blushing again as she looked at him. "I am really very sorry about earlier Mr. de Muerte, had I known who you were I wouldn't have left so abruptly." No Jema would have headed back home twice as fast and hid in her bed.

Chris de Muerte

Chris smiled at her, oh how much he loved to see a woman blush, it brought out their natural beauty so much more.

"Don't worry about it Jema, and please call me Chris, I'm so tired of hearing Mr de Muerte where ever I go"

He placed a friendly hand on her shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze, before lowering his hand and turning towards the papers

"Right let's get all the paper work out of the way and then you can start to tell me what is going on with the business"

He paused and gave her a long look

"You're in trouble with Carl aren't you? I could see it in his eyes and you did seem a bit pensive"

Jema let out a slow breath "Ok Mr de.. sorry Chris. And Carl is well he is my boss and you are an important client. I'm sure I will get a lecture about coming in sick and not making him aware of things. Your father however requested that no one be told about his visit that night. I was simply doing as he wished."

She found herself relaxing, though Jema was still a bit tense. Growing up in the country people were just people, family and wealth didn't matter for much. Living in L.A though was very different. "Don't trouble yourself though, I'm actually very good at my job when I am not sick, so job security isn't an issue." Looking at the papers she licked her bottom lip slowly, "If you want I can sort out everything you need to sign and make copies. It will save us time waiting for one of the interns or pixies to make copies and give you a chance to see about the security deposit box."

Gods she hopped, it didn't sound like she was babbling to him as much as it did to her.

Chris de Muerte

Chris nodded and sat down, before starting to read through the papers, it seemed all straightforward and he placed his briefcase on the table, opening it and taking out a pad with a pen and started to make notes, then signed the papers. Placing the papers he wanted copied to one side, after a while he looked up guiltily at Jema

"I'm sorry, when I start to get busy I tend to zone out"

He sat back in the chair and looked thoughtfully at Jema

"Well seeing that we are going to work together a lot, I think that getting into trouble for doing your work and of course a natural condition is just not right"

Chris thoughtfully chewed on his lower lip and then sat forward to start making notes again.

"Let's finish up here, make the copies I need and then I'll take you out for a lunch"

He glances up at her

"And as a valued client I'm not taking no for an answer"

He chuckles and continue to work through the papers, when he has everything sorted out he moved the stack of papers that he needed copied over to Jema and then looked at the safe box

"Get those copied for me please Jema? I would like you to be here when I open this up"

"Lunch?" With her? Jema stopped short of adding that last part since they were alone of course so clearly he wouldn't be asking anyone else. Before she could blurt out a no he was asking for copies to be made. "I'll be right back with those copies," Jema picked up the papers and turned. As she headed to rather bare wall a door appeared and she stepped through straight to the copy room. While using magic would have been easier, it was just habit of doing things the normal way.

Standing at the copier, Jema began to wonder why he had asked. It was obvious he felt bad for her getting in trouble with her boss, but at the same time lunch wasn't really necessary. She could hear her mother's voice in her head telling her that Chris was simply being polite and that it would be rude to turn him down flatly.

Copies made Jema returned to the office and the door vanished behind them. "Here you go." she put the originals back into their appropriate folders and handed him the copies. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather be alone to open the box? I mean obviously your father felt the need for privacy when it came to how this was given to you and I wouldn't want to intrude or anything." Keeping things to subject of work would for the moment keep her mind off his offer of lunch. Maybe she was just being silly. It was just lunch, a friendly offer and not some devious plan. Having had only two serious relationships and a few dates here and there had left Jema with little in the way of experience with men. Least of all rich, powerful and well known men.

Chris de Muerte

Chris was looking through his notes when Jema made her remark

"No, I want you present, I am sure that you did not crash into me by accident and that you are the one working with this just strengthens my theory that you must be present to witness this"

He picked up the letter and a silver knife appeared in his right hand, he used the unbelievably sharp knife to cut open the envelope and as soon as he was done the knife disappeared, he pulled out the letter and opened it

Dear Chris​

That brought a sad smile to his face, his mother always had a way to work with his father

We are afraid that when you read this letter, it means that both of us have passed away, the contents of this box is of such importance, that it could not be kept with us after we have received the warning of our deaths.

The contents have been in the family ever since it started and will guide and protect you through the perilous path ahead. We have looked into your future and it was wrought with peril, deceit and loss, but there is a silver lining to this future, one that you can choose if you so wish.​

That was his mother's words, of that Chris was certain, the next paragraph was definitely his father's

Now reach into the box and take up what is yours by right of blood, may it hold you as long as you live

Love

Mom and Dad​

Chris was reading the letter out loud, he folded it after he finished and tucked it back into the envelope. He looked at Jema and gave her an uncertain smile, before touching his ring to the box, it slowly opened to reveal a ring laying on a white velvet cushion, Chris reached out with his left hand and the ring started to glow with a eerie red light, there was a strange humming sound and then a bright flash and the ring was gone. Chris frowned and then noticed a strange pressure on his right hand's middle finger, he raised his hand and the ring was nestled on his finger, like it's always been there. Chris cleared his throat and then closed the safe box

"Well then, it seems like we are done here"

He paused and then looked directly at Jema

"And I didn't ask you to lunch because you are the only one in the room with me Jema, I asked you because I want to go out to lunch with you, no other reason"

Of course it hadn't been an accident. Well not a normal one anyways considering her haywire magic had created the ice that had sent her tumbling into him. Then again the average witch or mage didn't put too much stock in simple coincidences. Jema stood back while Chris read aloud what were the last words of his parents. She was surprised how quickly her jumped back to the subject of lunch after reading their ominous message.

"Chris I don't," she chewed on her lip slightly, "really think its appropriate, I mean I work for you." Her stomach decided to put its two cents in with a rather loud rumble, she blushed and looked away from him. "However my mother would have a field day if she knew I turned down an offer to lunch just because I thought my boss would grow a second head and start breathing fire. So I'll accept your offer of lunch. I'll just have to put all of this paperwork away first and get my purse from my office. Can I meet you down in the foyer?"

Chris de Muerte

Chris was slightly amused at her reluctance, but he was glad that she did finally agree.

"I'll meet you in the foyer, but let me warn you beforehand, look for the ring"

He held up his ring for her to know what to look for, then he gathered up his papers and started to slide everything into the inside of his jacket, it disappeared without a trace and he smoothed over his clothing.

"But before I go I need to talk to Carl"

An intercom suddenly appeared on the table and Chris chuckled

"Oh I think I'm going to enjoy working with this firm"

He pressed the button and Carl's voice came over the speaker

"Yes?"

"Carl, Chris here, do you have a space? I would like to have a word with you"

"Sure my boy, if you are all done"

"I'm set, beam me up Scottie"

Chris looked over at Jema and gave her a friendly wink, before he disappeared in a snap

Jema nodded slowly and once Chris was gone she quickly gathered up the remaining papers and left the office. God if anyone saw her leaving with Chris she could just imagine the gossip storm that would start within the ranks. She filed everything away and then headed to her office, avoiding any questions from her co-workers by pointing out the reason for his visit to the firm and the fact gossiping was technically against office policy. In the safety of her office Jema had another cup of tea before taking her hair down and combing her fingers through it. By now the auburn locks were back to normal so she had no issue with leaving her hair down.

Grabbing her coat and purse she headed for the foyer. In the back of her mind though, she did wonder just what Chris and her boss were talking about. She knew he felt her boss had taken her to task unfairly, but the older mage was mostly bluster most days. Not to mention Jema could understand where he was coming from. After all there really was nothing stopping Chris from switching to another firm and had things gone beyond bad, it would have fallen on Jema's head for his departure.

Chris de Muerte

"So what did you want see me about Chris?"

Chris was standing at the window, looking outside, the rain have stopped, but was still overcast.

"You remember the young lady I told you about that crashed into me earlier?"

"Yes I remember"

Chris turned to face Carl, who was leaned back in his chair, drawing sparking images in the air

"It was Jema"

Carl stopped moving his fingers and the images fell apart

"Then I should have a talk with her, she is an extremely competent worker, but..."

Chris raised his hand

"That is why I'm here, first of all you said yourself that she is the best you have, I would count it as a personal favor if you didn't give her any grief about today and I know you are irritated about the safe box, but she only acted on orders"

Carl sat back in his chair and looked at Chris with an appraising eye, then he nodded

"That is fine by me Chris"

Chris smiled

"Thank you Carl, I got to get going, I'm having lunch with said lady"

Chris raised a hand and cast a spell that he uses regularly, Carl grinned at the older, plain looking man that looked like a nondescript clerk. Chris walked out of the office and headed down to the foyer, nobody paid him any attention as he entered the foyer and stood at the bulletin board, reading the latest news as they appeared on the blank looking board.

Once Jema was in the foyer she began looking around. At first she had questioned why Chris had told her to look for the ring rather than him, but then it hit her. he was using a glamor spell to hide who he was. It was actually very smart considering his social status. It took a bit of long necking to finally spot him standing by the bulletin board and news and information came and went. Walking over Jema smiled softly, "Well at least we won't have to fight the sea of hormones to get out of here. Shall we?"

Inside though she was still very nervous, what if her sneezing started back up
? So far it had only been minor annoyances, but what if she managed to whip up something really frustrating this time?

Chris de Muerte

Chris turned to give Jema a small smile and offered his arm gallantly for her, together they walked to the door and as they were a few steps from the front door, Chris dropped the spell and walked down the street with Jema. Without really thinking about it he opened a portal and they were transported almost immediately to one of his favorite restaurants. The doorman jumped to open the door for them and they entered, Chris knew that people expected him to dine in the most posh and most expensive restaurants available, but he enjoyed this one as it was cozy, the food was fabulous and the cook was not afraid to make anything you asked for.

Also the staff didn't swarm all over him as they knew him for years, the head waiter approached them with a smile, his name tag declared him as Don

"Ah Mr de Muerte, it's been such long time since you last visited us"

Chris smiled at Don

"Been out of town, Don, had to study to follow my dream"

Don offered his hand and the sorrow there was genuine, Chris took Don's hand

"We were so very shocked to hear about your parents' passing, our deepest condolences for your loss"

Chris nodded his head

"Thank you Don"

Don slipped back into his smiling paramour

"Ah you have brought a friend...wait...you did not go and get married without telling us did you?"

Chris grinned at Don

"Don this is Jema, Jema Don, she works at Broomsticks, Newt's Eyes and Cauldron"

"Ah m'lady Jema it is so good to meet you, sir will dine in his usual spot then?"

Chris nodded and he smiled at Jema and guided her after Don

Jema wasn't overly surprised by Chris' choice of restaurants. She was actually glad, that way at least if her cold did catch up with her, she wouldn't embarrass him in front of tons of people. The warm welcome did settle her nerves though and she followed both men over to what was apparently Chris' usual table. Once they were seated she took a quick look around. "I've been meaning to come here, but work does keep me busier than I would like some days."

Not to mention Jema did hate eating out alone at fairly nice places. Don handed them their menus and left to go fetch them some water. Jema sat back and looked at Chris. He was handsome she would admit that. Not Hollywood handsome, but handsome in that way that came from being born good looking and not letting it go to your head.

Chris de Muerte

"It's actually a very nice place, it's been here since I ever can remember"

Chris chuckled

"I can remember the first time I came here, think it was my grandfather's birthday, I was three or four at the time. I got propped up on a chair and got handed a sketch pad and an Imagine Pencil, now let me tell you giving a small child an Imagine Pencil can be a dangerous thing..."

"He was such a serious young man, that night we had quite a good laugh at all the things that came out of that mind of his"

Don placed their glasses down as he made that remark, Chris looked up at him

"Spoil sport"

Don chuckled as he walked off, Chris turned his gaze towards Jema and smiled at her

"Dragons, fairies, witches, warlocks you can name it and I'm sure some sort of image of it was present in those drawings"

Chris leaned back in his chair and looked Jema over

"You know, you should wear your hair down more, you look beautiful with your hair that way"

"Thank you," Jema fought down her blush as she took a small sip of water. "I normally do or simply have it pulled back, but today was a very bad hair day. She took another sip of water and relaxed into her seat. Looking at both of them she asked, "any suggestion on what to have for lunch? I'm not that picky so i'm open to anything."