Lads Night Out

[Sirius Black]

Tonight was the night!! After the eventful party he had thrown now him and Corbett could enjoy a drama - less night of women looking and prospective futures. It was intimidating! Sirius joked a lot but deep down he was worried he would never get over Nessa and that worried him. He wasn't gonna live the rest of his life alone that's for sure so the sooner he started his search the better chance he had.

He's dressed to the nines as usual. His tie is the one he bought when he and Corbett went shopping in London a few weeks ago and he's got on darker colors as they always brought out his eyes more. No one ever really saw a man in trousers and freshly polished loafers in a night club but Sirius didn't rightly care what the rest of the sodding world thought. He knew he looked dashing and that was all that mattered.

Leaning against the outer brick of the pub waiting for Corbett Sirius looks down and checks his watch every two seconds because he was a Black and patience wasn't his thing. "C'mon ya git where are you already?" Huffing Sirius only peeks up to take in the night life and the streets were packed with witches and wizards their age. They were definitely in it for a night of madness that's for sure!!

( corbett. lupin. winthrop.)

[Brandon Corbett]

Well this was a much needed night out for drinks and soul searching after the other night at Sirius' party. Brandon didn't expect to say a whole lot that night, but boy did he stick his foot in his mouth. But he couldn't just take it after the women at the party had been downplaying the idea of the two men trying to get on with their lives. However, his words weren't intended to hurt Jackie but more likely to burn Sarah for her constant scolding at his character. A man can only take so much berating from that woman until he breaks. Brandon didn't regret a single word spoken that night. He just felt empty after seeing Jackie's reaction. He knew at that point that it definitely was the end between them. It couldn't have been more obvious when she left and he felt no inclination to go after her.

He sighed heavily while buttoning up his bottle green collar shirt over a white tee, leaving only a few toward his neck undone. He wore dark blue jeans and a pair of suede high-top sneakers. Unlike Sirius with his more fashionable and formal appearance, Brandon liked to kick it back and appear more casual. Ties were for formal events and work. They were also a contraption women invented to drag men around like a dog! Anyway, he was about to leave when he noticed that Sarah had been gone all this time. She was quiet since the party. It seemed like she was avoiding him at all costs, which gave him little peace for the time being. However, one of these days she was going to implode and he would be the first to feel her wrath.

Quickly leaving his apartment, he noticed that he was going to be running a couple minutes late and hurried. Seeing Sirius up ahead of him, he briskly walked up to the man and stopped to catch his breath. "Forget about the time, let's go do this. I need a drink and fast!" He smiled, leading the way inside the pub toward the bar. "Scotch on the rocks and make it a double."

[Sirius Black]

Sirius is seconds away from unfolding in apparating to Corbett's flat himself to hurry him along when the man himself nearly runs into him apparently eager to get the nights festivities underway. well alright then!! Sirius was on board with this! He wears a cheshire cat grin as he follows Brandon into the pub his eyes immediately taking in the prospective lasses. Too tall. Too bony. Too much hair. Too much make up. Hell! Did women these days not know how to look presentable!!

Whatever. Keeping the snarky grin in place Sirius not even hearing what Brandon ordered steps up beside him and shouts out "What he's havin' mate!" The bartender sets to work on their drinks so Sirius turns his head toward his pal shooting him a funny look. "Rough night? We just got here! I didn't think you'd be the sort that liked getting sloppy so soon." He rests his elbows on the bar top and leans over to grab a few cashews tossing them back and catching them in his mouth. He chews as he tosses a look back over his shoulder to look at the crowd again. "Some real rough lookin' ones here tonight. We might have our hands full on this search." Finally looking back he really sees how stressed out Brandon looks. As much as the two were known for poking fun at each other for the majority of their friendship Sirius knew when to ease up.

"Hey look. If you're still sore on the other night don't be. Sarah is a real witch when she wants to be and you know she's gonna be that way until at least one or both of ya are settled. And Jax and you are splits ya? Let's just make the most of tonight." and then only cause he couldn't be serious without a little jest he adds " 'sides I can't be seen with a wet diaper all night so pull yourself together!!"

[Jackie Lupin]

After the train wreck of what her cousin entitled a 'party,' Jackie and Sarah had declared that a night out, just the two girls, was exactly what they needed. It was actually nice to be able to catch up with Sarah after all this time. They weren't enemies in school by any means but they had both run in different circles of friends and also they were in different houses so the two of them never had the chance to spend time together. The more and more time Jackie spent with the former Slytherin, however, she realized just how well they meshed. Whether it be the melting pot theory or something else entirely, Jackie was just fortunate to find that someone was, more or less, in her predicament as well and looking to enjoy themselves.

So after she receives Sarah's owl about the meeting time and place, Jackie sets to work prettying herself up. It wasn't that she didn't dress nice in her day to day clothing, but rarely did the girl go out out which implied something a little more... sexy in her appearance. She didn't roam too far from her idea of comfortable. She adapted a lace look in her little black dress for a night club setting (because who knew where they'd be going tonight) but even if it were just a pub, it was late enough to dress a little more scantily. She pulls her hair up, leaving a few tresses to fall naturally but the look goes well to reveal the lacy neckline of her dress. Smokey eyes and a touch of gloss to her lips along with some matching diamond earrings pulls the look together as she announces to herself that she's now properly dressed and ready for the evening ahead of them.


As promised, Jackie apparates just a block away from the pub of Sarah's choosing. Her heals click on the cobblestone streets while she hurries herself not to be late. Fortunately, when she does arrive, she's the first of the two of them there. Slightly chilled from the evening breeze, Jackie tries to ignore the rising goose bumps to her arms and legs. Knowing that a drink and being indoors will be all it takes to warm her up, she does well biting down against her chills. Her head twists a bit, trying to peer over the dozens and dozens of people crowding the streets tonight to see if she can spot a familiar face in the crowd. With next to little luck, Jackie resigns in her search, crossing her arms to preserve some warmth.

[Sarah Winthrop]

Avoiding isn't quite the word of action that Sarah was going for toward Brandon since the party. More like ignoring him because he was being a little brat and couldn't handle his own emotions nor the jabs she had toward him. He may have been a bit too truthful with his words, which yes she had mulled over the thought of moving on with her own life and accepting the challenge. But she had a little too much pride on her shoulders and couldn't decide whether to take the advice or make the mongrel suffer for trying to make her feel bad. No way could he penetrate this hard shell exterior of hers. Sarah's skin is too thick to be bothered by his tactful words.

But nevertheless, she needed to get out of her apartment and enjoy an evening out at the pubs with a friend. Jackie and her were becoming quite close these days and she found her company to be thrilling. Sarah never really had close friends back at school besides Brandon. Girl friends were very slim since she was a recluse. But since bumping into Jackie on several occasions, she's really seen her in a different light. So after sending her a note, she returned to her room and got ready. For a warm summer night, she had to dress appropriately and yet very fetching! So she chose a dark red one shoulder draped evening dress that went a few inches above her knees and a pair of silver renata evening sandals. Sarah left her curled chocolate locks cascade over her bare shoulders. She was minimal on her make-up and did a basic cat eye look and red lip gloss.

Hearing Brandon stir around, she was quick to leave after finishing. With her clutch in hand, Sarah went off to meet with Jackie near the place she instructed. It took her only a few minutes to arrive and see Jackie waiting for her already. "Well look at the cat's meow! I think we both did really good. Are you ready to have fun this evening?" She smiled while looking over Jackie's overall appearance. "Let me just say, guys eat your hearts out. Let's go over here," she giggled, making her way inside the pub and glancing around. The place wasn't that bad and was crawling with handsome men. The women on the other hand looked a bit... too wild and desperate. But not these two! "So shall we start with a drink first and make our way through the crowd? We'll be able to scout some lookers if you know what I mean," she winked.

[Brandon Corbett]

Brandon didn't give much of a glance around when he entered the pub. Drinks were needed first to bring out some courage in him. When the bartended handed them their drinks, he turned around and took a swig so he could get the view of the ladies there tonight. "It's more like a rough couple of days, but I like to start a bar crawl out with a drink. Plus my tolerance is much higher than yours," he grinned, taking another drink of his scotch while still looking at the women present. There wasn't a soul in sight that could catch his eye. They wore heavy make up, skimpy outfits, and had no class whatsoever. They might as well have been on the corner making a day's paycheck. "I think a drink was definitely needed with what we have to look at in here."

Turning around in his spot, he faced the bartender instead of the crowd behind him. He grabbed for some popcorn instead of the cashews and munched a little. It's not that he wasn't interested in moving on, but his choices were limited there. Also he couldn't help but still think of her. She was better than all the women present at the bar. Averting his eyes toward Sirius, he let a laugh slip out with an agreeable nod. "I think you're just about right there mate. Sarah will never change unless I'm hitched because then she's reassured that another woman will make my life just as miserable as she has been making it. I doubt that though. In her case, I hope she finds a man that compliments her just well enough to quiet her snarky tongue."

Women really were troublesome. It's no wonder they out-live men more these days because of the stress building up. Brandon would like a life he could live that wasn't as stressful. Just quiet and comfortable with every day at ease. He sighed quietly, thinking about Sirius' last statement. "Yeah... I guess we really are." Even though he didn't really want them to be done, but there was no turning back now. He drank down the rest of his scotch and ordered another. He was going to enjoy the night and in order to do that, he had to get sloshed! "Who ya calling a wet diaper?! Besides everything is fine and dandy, let's have some fun. I think you need to catch up Black. I'm a drink up on you and the night has just started." He smiled again, nudging the man beside him and raising his drink to toast. "Tonight we find us some nice lasses and kiss our old bachelor lives gone!"

[Sirius Black]

Ya right Corbett could out drink him! ! They would see about that. To prove his point Sirius knocks back his drink and then his second, waving the bartender on for another round for the two of them. "Come on mate. Don't want to slack off already do ya?" He laughs his usual rowdy laugh as Brandon talks about Sarah and her nitty habits. She was over bearing and motherly Sirius knew that but she also had a sharp tongue andd could be hurtful if she didn't cool down with getting involved in the boy's life styles. It was their choice if they wanted to meet a nice girl and settle!! So Sarah could kiss his you know what!

He ignores the way Brandon sounds from deciding his and Jax's state of relationship. It was over...... ish. Sirius didn't really believe that if the way the two have been acting was anything to go by but as a good friend he kept his lips zipped and decided that it was Jackie and Brandon's overall decision if they would work things out. Raising his glass, Sirius clinks it with Brandon's, grinning widely. "Yes! Goodbye single hood hello uh.... fatherhood?" Woah maybe that was pushing it a little but whatever. They'd get there too he was sure of it.

He knocks back his next glass and slides off the stool to start their search. Immediately sirius freezes. Hell. Hell hell buggering hell. What were JAX and SARAH doing here?? This wasn't going to help the guy's lady issues at all. Oh hey Sarah lookin' good there but uh. Anyway!! Sirius quickly spins back around and puts a hand on Brandon's shoulder steering him in the other direction of the pub. "Hey Corbs why don't we go check the front end again? Maybe we missed a couple of lookers."

[Jackie Lupin]

Not used to the short dresses like the one she's wearing now, Jackie flushes at Sarah's greeting, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, peering up at the other girl sheepishly but also quite hopeful. "You think so? I don't know if you noticed, but I don't really make a habit of showing off my legs. I like dresses! Just... have you seen what I'm wearing? I still can't even believe I'm wearing it." Sizing up Sarah's own outfit though, she smiles, feeling more comfortable knowing she wasn't the only one going all out tonight. "You look great, too! Sure, let's get drinks first." She'd need a drink, anyway. Or anything to help soothe her nerves and brace herself to work the room at large.

Jackie's eyes blink owlishly wide as she notices just how crowded the club itself is. There isn't a foot of space she can walk where she isn't brushing someone's side or bumping shoulders with someone else. Ever the polite witch, she's constantly muttering 'excuse me's' or 'sorry's' to each person she makes contact with. At one point, she finds herself uncomfortably sliding up against a man's chest just to catch up with Sarah but he seems to enjoy it, the little flirt, smirking down at her with this dark look that has her shuddering inwardly. Oh, gross. Jackie uses her hands to push at his chest, fleeing the scene and breathing a sigh of relief when she catches up with Sarah again. How embarrassing. She felt like a little girl needing constant attention but this night scene was never really her thing and she only hoped she would warm up to the idea before the night was over. Everyone else here certainly seemed to enjoy the atmosphere.

As they approach the bar, Jackie tilts her head curiously, eyes squinting through the smoke and dim lighting, catching sight of a familiar head of gelled hair. It couldn't be... could it? "Is that Sirius?" She blurts out, loudly so she could be heard over the music and the dozens of other people talking. It had to be. She'd recognize her cousin anywhere. He looked like he was talking to someone, too, but from this distance, Jackie couldn't make out who it was. She didn't come here to bother her cousin, though, and merely looks to Sarah for confidence and direction. What next? Drinks? Her stomach twists at the very thought. She was such a light weight! Tonight only spelled out disaster in her mind. Merlin bless her.

[Sarah Winthrop]

"I see what your wearing and you look damn good!" Sarah commented with a sly grin on her face. They will have the guys heads turning when they enter the pub. "Besides this is a night out at the bars and your dress is appropriate for it. You'll see what the other women are wearing and well it won't compare with how hot we are looking." It was true because Sarah has spent a lot of her time going to bars and most of the women looked like clowns with skimpy dresses that showed a lot of skin. Nothing sultry or appealing about it. She couldn't stand how women would let themselves go out in public with such a revealing attire. At least these ladies had class and will flaunt it tonight.

She expected the crowd to be tight knit like this. There was no space to just easily walk in and make it to the bar counter. But she tried to weave a path with Jackie behind her, hoping she didn't lose the woman. They were practically in a sea of sweaty men looking for their prey of women to talk and have drinks with and possibly more. Sarah wouldn't have that happen to her and Jackie this evening though. She'll make sure that nothing goes wrong tonight. They are just going to have fun and live it up! Besides there has to be some gentlemen in here with enough swag and class to pick them up. They had standards you know?!

Overhearing what Jackie had said, she looked over her shoulder in the same direction and wondered as well. It definitely looked like Sirius, but the man he was with didn't appear to be someone she knew. "If that is Sirius, then we should probably avoid him or he'll ruin our night," she teased. "But I'm surprised he's here with a friend. Who would hang out with the troublemaker at this bar? He must've bribed him. I feel sorry for the lad," she giggled. "Anyway, let's not get carried away. I think lemon drops should be our first round." Ordering them both drinks, she handed Jackie her glass and clinked it with her own. "Bottoms up!"

[Brandon Corbett]

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Brandon may have just acquired more respect to Sirius for downing his drink and getting another. However, Sirius spent no time savoring the flavor, but when you're out at the pub it doesn't matter. What matters is having a good time and something good to look at too! The more he thought about it now as his mind drifted from the thought of yesterday's party and Jackie, the more he was becoming relaxed and actually enjoying the good mood everyone was in. He could enjoy this every now and then. Actually they should make it a habit to have a guy's night out every week, just not every day or his wallet and liver would scream at him.

He laughed at Sirius' comment toward fatherhood and shook his head. "I don't think we want to set our sights that far ahead. Fatherhood scares the living crap out of me." No he wasn't looking forward to being a father any time soon. He was still young and wanted to enjoy the most of it before really settling down. Imagine Brandon, a father?! Sirius, a father?! Their kids would have issues or they would be the best kids in the universe taking after their fathers. He downs the rest of his second glass and calls for a third. The effects still not taking place, but he was feeling real good. It could only get better from now on.

Brandon chuckled as he moved toward the direction Sirius was steering him to. "You think so? Well I trust your judgement, so let's go." He wasn't sure why the sudden change of location, but he began making his way through the crowd, only catching a brief glance at Sarah and not thinking much of it. Maybe it was the way her hair was fashioned that it didn't click or the attire since he was used to her in casual laid back clothes, pajamas, or scrubs. The woman with her was stunningly beautiful in her little black lace dress. "So I see the same women, but I've only captured a glimpse of a couple heading to the bar. Maybe the good looking women are finally making their way in! Should've known that women who take their sweet arse time and would arrive late unlike the other creatures we're surrounded by."

[Sirius Black]

Who blamed the guy?? Fatherhood scared the living hell out of any reasonable man. But Sirius knew he wanted kids one day -- lots of 'em! There would be dozens of rooms to fit them all that's how many he wanted. Hey he had a blood line to uphold so one would never cut it. Corbett was right though 'cause thinking of babies right now had him dizzy and it definitely wasn't the shots doing it!! Sirius sees Brandon turning and looking toward Sarah and Jackie and chokes. Nononono please don't recognize her.

Sirius lets out a deep breath when Corbett doesn't mention anything. "see mate? Patience is key! All the pretty gals are coming in now. Might want to freshen up a bit you look like a right slob. Don't want to embarrass us." Snickering he fixes his tie. When he looks back up his breath catches. Blonde hair. Lithe frame. It couldn't be could it? Then the girl turns around and no. no it isn't. C'mon Sirius he scolds himself. Time to move on.

Checking back over his shoulder Sirius gives himself a pat on the back. Thank Merlin!! The girls were just reaching the bar so it was a good thing he got Brandon out of there. Or maybe..... maybe he should spice things up. Get the two colossal idiots to open their eyes and realize things weren't any different between them. A wicked thought comes and goes and then the handsome dark haired man feigns another challenge. "Ya know what? You're right! I'm no where near as far in as you right now. Might need another drink. You wanna grab this round? I'll fetch us a booth or something close to the door so we can spot all the prospects ya?"

[Jackie Lupin]

At first Jackie thought Sarah was just being nice about the whole dress code ordeal but one look at the women once they entered the pub and she had to bite her tongue. It was atrocious the way some of these girls had on things that left little to the imagination. Jackie even gives a few of them icy glares as they stared down her own outfit. Well good riddance. They could learn a thing or two when it came to tact and class.

Although the men were handsome (well, most of them were) there was still an undeniable gleam of sweat coating some of them and she had to look away to hide the way she scrunched up her nose cutely in disgust. Truth be told, Jackie had already forgotten Sirius was here until Sarah mentioned him again. "Oh, yes. Let's not worry about him and his silly excuse for friends. I'm sure this is part of his search for a wife thing and I don't want to be involved whatsoever."

Lemon drops. What? The candies? The bartender sets the shot glasses before them and then Jackie realizes that no, they wouldn't be having any candy tonight. The liquid is bright and glowing and almost neon-yellow color. She eyes the glass apprehensively, biting down on her lower lip. "Fair warning. I don't handle my drinks very well." That's about the only warning Sarah receives, though, before Jackie is tilting back her head, exposing the column of her neck as she downs her first drink.

The liquid burns on its way down, leaving little goosebumps in their wake along her skin. Her body shivers once its settled and a healthy pink color rises to her cheeks. She smiles, proud with herself for making it through the first one without any protest, ordering her and Sarah a second round for the sake of celebrating. "Here's to many nights of fun to come. Bottoms up, Sarah!"

[Sarah Winthrop]

The idea of searching for a wife at the bar was really pathetic. Although she had a good telling at the party about her own love life and how non-existent it is, she still wouldn't pick a guy up at the bar. Sarah was sort of old fashioned and liked to know the guy first and befriend him before even thinking of pursuing a relationship with him. Isn't that how it's suppose to go? Perhaps she was too much of a prude and naive, but at least she wasn't going to trifle with men who in the end would be a waste of her time. Don't get her wrong, Sarah likes to look at handsome guys, but to woo her is another thing. She snickered at Sirius and his so-called companion. How very unfortunate for the two men.

"Neither do I. They can make fools of themselves." She wants nothing to do with pairing couples and hoping for a success story. She grins when her and Jackie finally have shots in hand and ready for drinking. "Well that's why I'm here. The perks of being a mediwitch!" If there was something great about being a witch and having healer abilities, is that you can cure hangovers quickly or any nausea that could come at the end of the night from being too inebriated. Sarah swallowed the shot quickly, feeling the slight burn and citrus-like taste from the shot. It was one of her favorites to start off with before she got into the heavier drinks, but since it looks like Jackie hasn't been out to the bars much, tonight she was going to be easy on the alcohol.

Another you say?! Sarah's eyes bright when another round of shots are ordered. Oh this was going to be a really good night. "Here here!" She cheers, taking another shot that had just been ordered. If this is how alcohol is going to effect Jackie, then her and Sarah are going to be good close friends. "What is this?! I think Jackie has turned over a new leaf and I'm liking it very much. We're going to have to do this more often now!"

[Brandon Corbett]

Nope. Not going to think about fatherhood. It was a mood killer. Instead he distracts himself with the sight of gorgeous women entering the pub through the doors. He must've seen at least several since they moved to the front. It was much better than when they had first entered. So his disappointment wore off and in place he was very happy. More like that drunken happy stupor that began to take place after having a few to drink of your favorite poison. "Don't worry, I got this. Besides slob is more of an over statement. I think you're referring to the rest of the wolf pack in here," he chuckled.

Brandon smoothed out the remaining wrinkles of his shirt from pressing closely to everyone to get to this spot. He ran his fingers through his short hair, just to fashion it from it's place before. One thing he didn't really have to worry about was gel in his hair and the possibility of it flaking or wearing off. "It would take a lot to embarass us. I mean if you compare us to the rest of the chaps in here, we're like boss when it comes to appearance and manners." That's right! No one could live up to the awesomeness that Sirius and Brandon were at. They were like a rare living breed of superawesomefantastical men who have swag and sir status.

"Another drink sounds good! I told you that you were slacking," Brandon teased as he left Sirius to return to the bar. It was getting a little more difficult making his way through the crowd as more people began to enter. The pub should expand their space a bit more and have a patio so that some of us wouldn't die of head and exhaustion! When he made it to the counter, he was one over from Sarah and had seen her out the corner of his eye after he ordered another round for him and Sirius. "S-S-S-Sarah?!" He blurted out, but quickly shut his mouth. This wasn't happening! And she was with another woman, but who?! He didn't stay long once his drink was served because he didn't want Sarah to know he was there. Taking the scotch on the rocks with him, Brandon scurried his way across the pub to booth where Sirius was at. "Bloody hell..... I think I just saw Sarah."

[Sirius Black]

Sirius reclined back in the booth enjoying his drink and his view of the ladies when Corbett came back looking as if he had just seen a ghost. Grabbing his new glass from Brandon Sirius shoots him a surprised look -- little did Corbett know he was the furthest thing from shocked!!-- and plays the innocent card. "You don't say! Winthrop is here too? Bloody hell so much for guy's night."

sirius extends his neck to get a better view of the bar and crows out a laugh. "Oh well she's not alone either mate! Got a friend with her." He wasn't going to tell Brandon that it was Jackie. No way that was all for Brandon to find out on his own! Sirius rubs his hands together eager for the drama to hit the fan. Tossing back the drink Brandon brought him Sirius gulps the liquid down cherishing the burn from the way it goes down easily. Ohhh ya that was a good one. "Come on mate. Might as well help yourself to another drink if Sarah is here. Who knows what's gonna go down ya know?"

It was now or never. Time to drop the big bomb on his friend and see how he reacts. If things went down from here then hell -- he'd help Corbett pull a gal tonight just to take pity on the poor sod. The guy never seemed to catch a break. Sirius pretends to look even more mind blown choking back a laugh. "Don't look now but I think Jax is with her!! Ya want another drink mate?"

[Jackie Lupin]

As much as Jackie was skeptical about this evening, she had to admit, it was actually turning out to be a lot of fun. Whether it was Sarah or the drinks she had to thank for that, it didn't matter. The point was she really ought to let her hair down more often. The opportunity certainly presented itself; what with her and Sarah now working the same job and having the same hours, they could easily get off late night shifts and go out to just enjoy themselves.

"I'm turning into a little rebel, so it seems," she agrees, giggling through another shot. That probably wasn't a good idea; she was already starting to feel a little whoozy but no matter. Didn't someone once say the cure to conquering your drunken feelings was to drink more? She'd find that out tonight. Jackie swivels around playfully on her barstool, not even bothered that a man next to her was arm to arm with her. Well it would seem this drinking thing was loosening her up after all. "You know," she confesses, turning to Sarah with prettily flushed cheeks and darkened eyes, "I always thought I was a nice girl, but I guess I'm kind of a flirt! I've always had a boyfriend... maybe that's my problem. Maybe I'm just arm candy. What do you think?"

Jackie didn't think Brandon ever saw her as just 'arm candy' but with a few drinks in her, who knew what else could come spilling from her mouth? Sliding off the stool, Jackie grabs her glass with one hand, the other sliding up into the air as she lets out a silly laugh, swaying her hips in time with the music. "Come on then! I didn't get dressed up tonight just to sit at a bar and look pretty." Without waiting for her partner in crime, Jackie ventures further into the sea of bodies, trying to balance her drink in one hand to keep it from splashing over the side. When she reaches what she thinks is the middle of the dance floor, she twirls in delight, singing along loudly to whatever song was playing.

[Sarah Winthrop]

It seems we have a late bloomer on our hands. Jackie, a rebel?! Well get a couple drinks in a woman and she'll show you a whole new side of her. But of course alcohol had that effect on everyone. It almost was like a truth serum. This is when you really get to know a person. Sarah laughed at what she was now experiencing for the first time a very tipsy Jackie. She was right about how she doesn't hold her liquor well. A lightweight! Well a few more nights like these and she'll become a pro. Her tolerance to alcohol will heighten just like Sarah's, but she'll make sure they won't make it a habit. Mediwitches should drink to have fun and not to down their sorrows away no longer. It cannot be their crutch!

"Oh nonsense. You still are a nice girl, but one cannot help for being a flirt," she smiled toothily. Flirting was just a way to help ease the tension and also let the other know you're interesting. But there wasn't a time Sarah could recall she had ever known Jackie to be single during their school days. Her mind runs easily over the faces she vaguely remembers. Three to be exact, but most notably Brandon's. Sarah admits that the two were perfect together. There were no two people she knew that could compliment each other so well and actually have a future. "Maybe you were arm candy to someone, but I think you really had someone who thought more of you than just some trophy. But what would I know?"

Sarah wasn't the best person to give love advice. It was evident that she couldn't even move on from her past. But with harsh words and the realization that perhaps this was her time to really move on, she admitted defeat to Brandon and Sirius and decided to give it a chance. She ordered another shot for herself, keeping close watch on her friend as she gets up from the barstool and heads out to the dance floor. "Hey hey! Make sure to work it out on the floor!" In the meantime, her ears picked up her name and she glanced around, wondering where it came from. She only saw a glimpse of the back of his head, making his way to Sirius' booth and her suspicions grew. "That little git," she murmured, downing her Lemon drop and joining Jackie in the middle of the floor. She was feeling slightly uneasy, but should she let it bother her? Nope! Not unless... her eyes widened to her horror as she saw the side profile of Brandon's face. Crap!

[Brandon Corbett]

Of all the pubs to visit in this place, he had to end up in the same one as Sarah. They avoided each other at all costs, but wind up in the same pub! He didn't want to look back over at the bar because it was possible that she may have found him out already. So much for a low profile around that woman. Her hearing was just as sharp as her tongue. It was unavoidable! "If we can just stay away from Sarah, then maybe the night won't be so bad. I mean the worst that could happen is that she argues how idiotic we are for going through with finding us some good looking lasses. I'm in more trouble than you are mate!" And that is the truth considering his roommate and ex-girlfriend were becoming good friends! Two against one and soon enough Brandon will have the world against him.

No matter though. He'll just ignore that she is here and stay at this booth, drinking and examining the crowd for potential women to talk with. Getting back out into the dating scene wasn't that easy when you were with someone you really loved for a long while. To get back in the game meant having to close that chapter and begin a new one. There were doubts if he could really do it, but it was worth a try. Brandon was quick to swallow his drink all at once, just to relieve his mind of the tension that surfaced quickly at the mention of Sarah and some friend she has with her. "I'm surprised she has a bar crawling friend with her. Usually she goes solo," Brandon smirks. But he glances over to the counter, following the bee line she makes to the center of the room with her friend.

At this point, he really could drown himself in a few more drinks and call it a night. But he would like to come home sober enough to hurry and avoid Sarah whenever she too came back. He must get ahold of himself! Brandon sighed and stood up, feeling his legs uneven on the ground. To make it worse, Sirius just blurted that the woman with Sarah is Jackie! Brandon stayed glued to his spot, unable to take his eyes off her and Sarah. One does not simply blurt that your ex-girlfriend is there and then ask for another drink. "What?! Why...when...? That cannot be Jackie?! She's... she's..." Obviously he was unable to form a complete sentence because he was taken aback at how freely she was enjoying herself. "Beautiful..." It slipped unconsciously, but surely Sirius had heard it and he felt embarrassed.

[Sirius Black]

Sirius needed to go into the match making industry. If there was one person who could wipe the floor with a job well done it was this guy. He'd be a booming billionaire!! It took one look at Corbett to know he was still stupidly love struck over his cousin. Nice but also sort of pathetic. So much for a wing man!! "Aw man Corbs I can't even look at ya you're makin' me sick mate. Wipe the puppy love look off your face and man up. Should we go up to them? Yes? No? Yes? Yes??" Without waiting for a reply Sirius stands up and knocks back another round -- hey how did that get there?! Magic ehehe.....

Finishing his shot he looks back at Brandon and finds the man rooted to his place. Embarrassing. The guy was a total embarrassment. All of the women around them were staring at Sirius' fine looks and Brandon's weird arse stare. Well there went any chance they had with a fine woman tonight! Way to go Corbett!! Huffy all of a sudden Sirius knocks Brandon's shoulder to wake the boy out of his day dream or whatever it was and rolls his eyes.

"Come on then mate. Might as well stay hello since your eyes are now permanently out of their sockets and whatnot. Might want to get your head examined at some point ya?"

[Jackie Lupin]

Late bloomer or not Jackie clearly learned fast. She was on her... well the number didn't matter at this point but she was far gone anyway and that's what counted most. It meant a lot to her though to hear that Sarah didn't consider her the epitome of a flirt. There were plenty of girls they had gone to school with that earned the title but to hear she wasn't one of them made her feel better. She had dated quite a few men back in the day: Joseph, Straw, her minor thing with Shadow and Cole but Brandon... Brandon was always different. Special. Trying to push the image of the stubborn man to the back of her mind, she orders a taller drink and takes a long, healthy sip to soothe her nerves.

Jackie swallows the growing lump in her throat at Sarah's next words. "Brandon was different," she agrees but then says, "but I think that he's looking for someone a little more... well, he's looking for a change. Let's leave it at that. Why else would he and Sirius be on this wild goose chase of theirs?" She laughs, but it's humorless and lost to the noise of the roar of the crowd. She was glad her and Sarah had become so close; having a friend through all of this made things a lot easier on her and more so, she's come to learn a lot about herself in this short period of time.

Once on the dance floor, the former Mihael made sure to live up to Sarah's words and 'work it.' With each sway to her hips Jackie can feel the momentum building and the music take its toll over her. She becomes lost in the crowd, smiling to herself, a pleased flush permanent now to her cheeks. Sarah was missing out. "Sarah, come on, there's-" She cuts herself off, her smile dropping as she takes in Sarah's expression. Hair a little tussled now and dress a bit askew, Jackie pays no mind to that, making her way over to the bar once more, peering at her friend curiously. "Hey what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost!" she teases her.