Absit Omen RPG

Rufus wasn't certain that he'd startled Lix so much more than than he had. But he had and exceedingly so. There was that fine, hair split moment to break out into a full blown mischievous grin for his success in his deception, however, chose against once Lix's brain kicked in. It was evident when those gears went into recognition mode, that Lix was finally catching up as to whom her personage was precisely.

What Rufus felt when her marvelous and wonderful hugs came through was receiving them from one of your best friends that you hadn't seen in ever such a long time. Which was evident in this case, considering he'd been an awful friend of sorts post the times spent as bedmates. Not the issue at the moment, not at all -- it was enjoying living the moment, being tightly hugged, causing him to oof! slightly, a chuckle leaving his lips. He appreciated it all, taking it all in, savoring the exchange, returning the favor with squeezing bear hugs for Lix.

"Glad to know I'm able to keep you on your toes still, literally and figuratively speaking, Healer Mordent," Rufus quipped with the long at last smirk showing itself. "Makes for an interesting conversation piece when you're not accustomed to seeing one of your bests." A few fingers moved the the strays hairs and tucked them gently, neatly behind her ear after one final for the moment squeeze. "Speaking of which, you look yourself like you're ready to pop off to the beach or somethin' of the sort. Me, though? I've got the gig[1] in tre days and I've got to get over to Pigs to meet with a distributor shortly. Kinda figured tho' it couldn't be all bad walking by Mung's and seeing if my very good friend is doing well off."

All smiles.

"She is, isn't she?"

1.	A Murder of Crows

"And as we set to drinkin we sing and dance and roar -- And we become far merrier than we ever were before," Rufus sang in a quasi huff, the forming smile on his face becoming more evident, even as the worries in his heart about making it in time to flag down his runner for the upcoming show this week. He knew what he accounted for wasn't going to nearly be enough, even with 3 day closing - much to the dismay of his patrons - of Pigs Can't Fly. They could grab from the storehouse inside of Fiddler's Green if it came to it, but Rufus was going to keep from that mindset.

And so, this meant heading out to Muggle London round noon time as Paddy minded the pub and the band while they continued setting everything up. In jeans, a light jacket, random wrock shirt (disenchanted, mind you) he'd blindly pulled from his closet, sunglasses to cover his eyes, Rufus blended well enough as he slipped from wizarding world to Muggle London. His wand was holstered safely inside of the jacket as he moved amongst the Muggles, humming and giving polite smiles to any who might give back a remark.

He was passing by the corners where Purge and Dowse sat, a tinge in his heart as he thought of the moments spared there with a former flame in mind. They'd been more fling than serious and well, now she was happily with someone else, wasn't she? A lingering of sadness, longing was there but it lasted only a moment or three more as the thoughts became materialised right before him. He hadn't wished her to show up right at that very moment, but there she was in all of her glory. Elixa Mordent.

A grin.
"Oi! Mordy Dents!"

His feet stepped towards her, a few Muggles tilting heads towards the brogue before them. Rufus was genuinely happy to see her and half hoped she was too. Even if no longer an item for each other, there had to be amicable feelings, right? At last he was in arm's length of the witch and patted at her shoulder.

"Hey there, stranger..."

Rufus' brain racked to stay attentive, but damn, was Jules Deville, (Devil more like, his brain mused) making it pretty damn hard with the removal of jacket and assertion of drinks. But he wasn't going to disappoint her, not by a mile. So, the tumblers placed rather assertively into his hands went to the liquor cabinet and poured two glasses full of the good amber liquid before returning to Jules.

"Is this an early Valentine's Day gift? Cos, I wouldn't be at all mad at you if so."

Jules' tumbler went back into her hands and with a soft clink of the glasses touching one another, Rufus raised his own tumbler, drinking the contents slowly, eyes watching the scarlet woman in front of him curiously. Sure, they'd spent time in the sheets before, there was no doubting that, but he was perhaps a little more than curious what she had in mind for this evening than the good ol' rumble tumble. Rufus soon grinned, lowering the glass.

"What made you think about coming here? Haven't missed me that much, have you, Dev?"

There was an unmistakable grin creeping to his lips when Jules asked what exactly was the motivation behind the rush. Ask Rufus Delacroix between food and sex and it became a brief predicament. In this situation, Jules Deville was definitely the one to be chosen. Leaning forward, Rufus stroked an index finger down her cheek, neckline, grinning wickedly. "Oh, you're particularly feisty, fiery today, lass; I love it," he drawled out, his voice intentionally gravelly, gaze unfaltering. Rufus finished the shot, soon tossing the pair of glasses to the dirty tub for someone in the back to clean.

Nodding at Jules, Rufus extended a hand, giving Jules the personal escort from the bar through the kitchen, eventually leading upstairs to his private quarters. Once inside, the bag of food plopped onto his desk and he gave a brief incantation to keep it warm - it'd hold for the most part, after all - before eyeing Jules once more.

"How's this for a rush, fiery temptress? Too fast, too slow? Just right?"

A chuckle as Rufus approached Jules, wrapping his hands around her waist, right above the hips.

"Because I feel like I'm looking at a meal better than the damn pho."

The whiskey was being poured methodically, replacing the martini, two glasses given. Raising his glass, Rufus swirled the contents before drinking his down, smiling at Jules in high amusement. Naturally, Rufus was interested enough to hear and wonder what Jules had under her nails. Those nails definitely matched what could occur if there was refusal or game afoot, no?

"Resolutions, hm? That outfit definitely says you have more than one up your sleeve, hm?" Rufus remarked, a smirk creeping upon his lips. Pouring another glass, Rufus drank the second a bit slower. "I've dinner in the back and would hate to see for it to go to waste, especially considering the rice noodles in that pho isn't going to hold forever, hm? So, if it's me y'lookin' for -- of which, by that outfit, I have a feeling it is, then what say you to comin' on up? We're about to close shop, after all."

The glass thunked against the wooden bar, Rufus raising an eyebrow.

"Aye?"

Most of the staff was well accustomed, versed in the regulars of the establishment, but unfortunately for Ríona[1], the new witch hired a month ago, was still clearly learning the ropes of the place. She had a friendly enough face, a smile to warm up the grumpiest of faces, the witch could pour herself and others a clean drink, but where Ri was the best, the witch was a fighter. Rufus had seen that personally before hiring her. A mean scissor cut proved that – unfortunately for the one annoying her, but had made Rufus think twice on double crossing her. The witch approached Angus, that breadwinner smile all over. “Dia duit! Evenin’! Is this y’first time to Rover’s? Looks like it,” she chatted warmly enough. “We’ve Guinness on tap, a few lagers, ales. A good cider Stateside along with the firewhiskeys, butterbeers. The whole kit an’ caboodle. Our menu’s pretty good too. I like the bangers and mash, but if you’re daring, the curry and lamb shepherd’s pie or the fish and chips paired with sambal yoghurt is amazing. ANNNNND now, I’ll shut it,” she responded, knowing her boss was watching from nearby.

And indeed, Rufus Delacroix, was.

He was proud, no doubt, but he was curious likewise about the new patron. Always fight for the new customers – try not to lose them to others. After all, Rover’s prided itself to making sure the customer had a full belly from pint and meal. Ri’s smiled never faltered, hoping that she hadn’t overwhelmed Angus. Godric help her, Rover’s if so.

1.	fc: elizabeth olsen; Ríona Connolly; npc.

The pub was for the most part dead the day after New Year’s save the regulars who either wanted to drink their sorrows new for the year or the few bums who were about to have their final call of sorts. Both sets were about to be ushered out regardless. Pigs Can’t Fly was still on a holiday break until tomorrow evening, the third. Paddy and that staff deserved it considering how hard their arses worked up towards the holiday season. Both establishments were stable enough with their own monetary gains, Rover’s finding a little more friendly competition once Margo opened up Death and Co. as of late. Still, everything was good and Rufus was grateful for it.

Currently, said proprietor was heading back from a Vietnamese restaurant on the Muggle side of London. Laden with a sack filled with hot pork spring rolls, chicken pho, tofu coconut curry for someone in the kitchen, and a papaya with prawns salad. The aromas were absolutely killing him in less than pleasant ways, but Rufus knew once he made it back in, he’d devour what was there without an iota of mercy. What he wasn’t expecting was Jules Deville returning to his establishment and certainly not the wardrobe attire for the evening.

Passing through the delivery entrance, Rufus was whistling[1] as he dropped off the curry, nodding his head to the ‘thanks, mate!’ given, smile on his face. Eyeing the crowd through the window as fish and chips were floating off to a table nearby, Rufus paused at the sight of the blue dress and the flaming red hair that he hadn’t seen since the incident from Mungo’s. His stomach grumbled but his eyes and body said entirely a different set choice of words. Hm. Placing the plastic sack down whilst muttering a warming spell, the Irishman headed off to Jules’ form. The martini was in mid mixing when he took from his bartender’s fingers the martini shaker, soon pouring its contents into its respective glass.

“Out of all the Irish joints in the Isles, you’ve got to be the one who orders the martini? F’shame, Deville. . .” he drawled, smirking. “And dressed to the nines, t’boot. What’s the occasion? Didn't miss a New Year's invite, did you now?”

1.	The Minstrel Boy | The Coors

"So. How's the tiramisu? Any good? You've been oggling it as if it'd metaphor into some sultry siren or caffeinated blob monster."

Rufus had felt this speed date had been first and foremost interesting. Rufus knew Maiko fairly well enough -- she was a patron to Rover's on a moment's notice -- but never had thought to ask about family. So it had been a bit of a surprise when Kohaku had arrived into his establishment, asking for the proprietor. The meal had been good as always with Kohaku not giving any indication (vocal or facial) if he enjoyed his meal. Rufus supposed the other had, considering no news was good news, hm? Rufus hoped that he wasn't ruining this experience for the lack of conversation, but it also seemed he could not figure out exactly how to break the ice with Kohaku.

Thus, his comment about the tiramisu. Thank god that the dessert could give him an opportunity to speak up, out.

"Are you all right over there? You've been slightly quiet. I know there weren't any silencing potions on the food." Fail.

"Seriously, mate. Are you all right? I swear I don't bite (hard, he thought, a small grin there on his lips) -- say something, do something. You've got this Irishman thinking he's ruined the evening. What kind of interests do you have? Quidditch, reading St. James novels? Uh....madmen in blue police boxes? My cousin Addie's always talking about it. She dubbed me the 'Face of Douglas' instead of someplace called 'Boe'? I donno. She's still convinced this new guy isn't like the last one. Then again, I tend to just nod my head in quasi interest when she talks about it."

1.	aurelio voltaire's bitrekual!

_{one super late rufus because of ames, sorry love!}

---

"Different only hurt the cat went it got bloody nosy, last I checked, Jules," Rufus recommended with a nod, finishing off the first shot of the whiskey, soon pouring a new round for the pair. "I'm fairly certain that Haints is going to do just fine. As for you, you going to make it as well?" A chuckle escaped the wizard's lips, pressing the cool glass to lips to drink from again before lowering to speak a bit more freely. "Is there anything else I could do the lady for this evening or are you sated for now? Mind you, bantering (and flirting, his mind agreed) counts in that cause."

The arrival of a few interested patrons put a halt to the situation, soon leaving Rufus to attend to their matters before returning to focus on Jules. "Have any you any considerations yet?"

"Ah, the bottle I just placed up there? It's American, actually, and it just celebrated its first birthday. Sounds oddly nostalgic for them, I imagine. It's a firewhiskey brewed in the mountains of Tennessee, fueled by pretty hot fires. Has hints of fiery cinnamon and a slight sweetness of apple. Different for a firewhiskey, sure, but I've got a feeling it's going to make Ogden's and Blishen look like old men within months. Finish up th'scotch and I'll let you have a taste, eh?" Rufus replied cheekily, grinning at Jules in amusement.

"Don't believe I've noticed you before though. Then again, I'm usually behind the scenes, checking out the workers, the numbers. 'm Rufus; pleased to meet'cha." Turning, Rufus opened the bottle open, pouring himself a brief shot with a few ice cubes to drop in it, staring at the liquid when ice met the contents. A soft sizzle was heard; Rufus was impressed. Then again, he hadn't been the one pouring and distributing when celebrating in Tennessee. "That's different, no?"

Rufus had been out of the pub a few days when Jules Deville walked into Rover's, off on a mission Stateside to snag a few bottles of American firewhiskey in Rockwood as a trial run for Haints Distillery[1]. The taste testing and cookout the night before had been quite the adventure and Rufus was certain that Haints was going to give Ogden and Blishen a good run for their money. As for those bottles, a case was with Rufus as he eventually came through the back doors, smiling cheekily as he passed certain employees. "We did it, Pad. We've got ourselves a winner in the making," came the Irish brogue, placing the wooden carton down.

"Now. Onto the business."

One of the dark amber liquid bottles was carried with care, moving towards the bar area, eyes of various patrons moving to look at what exactly the owner had in tow. Placing it gently amongst Ogden, Blishen, Rufus grinned proudly at his new child of sorts and nodded towards the crowds behind him. His own eyes soon moved to focus on the redhead who sat center stage to the bar. “Evening, ma’am. Welcome to Rover’s. Might I interest you anything from the bar in particular? We’ve got a few new beasties, but all the old ones are here too. As for food, we’ve introduced cheese sticks with Guinness onion dip, prime rib with a smoky rub, as well as a chocolate lava cake with vanilla bean ice cream from Fortescue’s and your choice if’n you want a drizzle of various syrups. So – what’ll it be?”

1.	NPC business located in Tennessee; haint = ghost

"Oh, pffft. You'll fit right through it just fine, Lix," Rufus reassured, grabbing Elixa's hand gently, shoveling mushroom, potato and bean on it before raising it to his mouth and his tongue, lips took it in. Munching as his eyes stayed fixated on the witch, Rufus couldn't help but still feel a bit smitten with this woman. This dangerous, alluring, gorgeous woman. No doubt this was how his father and mother felt when they eyeballed one another, save an Irish breakfast, Rufus thought to himself.

Then again, his mum probably had fixed Roddy[1] an Irish breakfast once, winning him over with food. After all, wasn't food an excellent way to make someone happy? Feed them and they're yours for a while?

"I've a few hours until the match an' all that -- not so keen in having y'run out on me so soon, luv," Rufus reassured as he snagged a smaller banger, plopping it into his mouth, munching away.

1.	Rufus' daddy~

There was a low, pleased groan and a remark of "Beagán a rá agus é a rá go maith, Lix, crim,"[1] as he shuddered to her handling of goods and the such.

"Nae, no plans for me just yet. I know Man U has a game[2] later on today with the lads 'cross the pond, so Rover's and Pigs[3] is going to be busier, noisier than usual. That won't be until later on today, tonight, so you're more than welcome to join in the festivities if you wish. If not, I've got Rover's to open within the hour provided Kieran hasn't opened up shop yet." Reaching close to what had intended to be their plate in joint consumption, Rufus grabbed a smidgeon of tater and shroom, stuffing it into his mouth, smirking cheekily as he munched away, swallowing a moment later.

"What, did y'have something in mind for us both, love?"

Ru's grin only seem to double.

"Because I'm not th' least bit opposed to the idea."

1.	Irish = Say little but say it well.
2.	Game Recap
3.	Rufus' pub in Muggle London

"Ay, m listening to you and taking a few glances on the way. It's hard, mind you, because of the way you keep moving about this room. And 'sides, ye saw my bum last night and now already today. I imagine that your focus went a bit 'skewed too. That all said, feel free t'keep the tee, but I best not be hearing about ye letting someone else in it," Rufus drawled out, leaning to give Lia a few chaste kisses to those gorgeous and divine lips before backing away.

"As for wanting everything,  I come included today, if it's any consideration.  Gimme a few minutes, love, hm? Feel free to go look around the room; I'll be back fo'ye in no time," Rufus reassured, heading out of the bedroom post dressing in jeans and nothing else, prepared for making Elixa's breakfast. She'd be given twenty, thirty minutes to peruse about until the man of hour returned with a feast. "Knock knock.  Breakfast for two, name under Mordent? Extra mushrooms, hold the bloody bits?" Rufus mused in a teasing, faux maitre'd voice. The unmistakable scents of bangers, fried taters,  mushroms, tea was there as he put the tray near them.

"The catsup's in th' pocket," came his sly voice, a naughty expression all over his gorgeous face.

"Said ye might be wanting him too."

"Sounds like I'll need my appetite."

Mercy, this woman was absolutely amazing, there were no doubts about that. Sure, there had been other individuals Rufus had spent under the bedsheets with, but Elixa felt different somehow. Almost as if she was providing for him a reprieve from the doldrums that seemed to be around lately. That, and he had no desire to hurt her feelings nor to disrespect the relationship between the two of them. After all, at the end of the day Elixa be was his friend -- and by their latest escapades, possibly a lot more.

He had been the acceptable host, allowing the witch to take advantage of the shower before himself, grinning while listening to her sing faintly to the wireless. Once she exited and began to dress up for the day, namely in his own clothing, Rufus smirked gently before moving to the sink. She looked amazing in his shirt -- a note to recollect upon when Elixa departed. His own form, mostly tanned still and quite nude for a moment until a towel wrapped around the waist, was clearly available for the viewing. Rufus listened to her feet draw near and smiled warmly as Elixa's arms trapped him gently. He chuckled to the suggestion of whether his brunches were as good as he was.

For. Shame.

"My dear apothecary lass... Did we forget in between the rounds that I spoke highly of the breakfast? Seems to me, I need to properly acclimate you to the standard Irish breakfast. Don't worry about the blood sausages -- I've never been really big on them. You like mushrooms and taters, bangers, egg, toast, butter, tea? Coffee, if not the tea? And if you want jams, I'll get them too. Anything you'd like, I don't mind at all t'get for you," Rufus remarked warmly, smiling softly to the witch.

"Jus' promise me this: You stay in m'shirt, ay? It'd be a right shame to see you out of it so soon."