#⟨ 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 . ⟩ ; calliope .

[hoggleswart]

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓:        oh,  i  did  it  wrong? 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍:    the  burren  quidditch  campgrounds,  pre-game. 𝐅𝐎𝐑:        closed  to  minette  merrythought    (    @hcldmybroom    )

＂    there’s  nothing  wrong  with  recognising  when  you  need  some  self  -  improvement,  darling.    ＂      truthfully,  whether  they’ve  done  whatever  it  is  they’re  doing  correctly  or  not  is  entirely  lost  on  millie.  they’re  far  more  invested  in  charming  the  colour  of  their  nails  to  suit  the  theme  of  the  day;    green,  or  red,  set  to  change  depending  on  which  team  is  in  the  current  lead.  thumb  brushes  imaginary  dust  off  knuckles,  barely  even  sparing  minette  a  second  glance  until  another  thought  strikes  them.  one  they  find  far  more  interesting.      ＂    hey,  didn’t  you    &    flint  used  to  be  a  thing?  i  feel  like  i  read  that  in  a  tabloid  somewhere.    ＂      gaze  finally  turns  then,  curiosity  blending  in  with  wicked  glint.      ＂    between  us  two,  how  much  did  ya  bet  on  them  falling  off  their  broom  before  sunset?    ＂

[sybxritiic]

callie's lips curled into a knowing smirk, entirely unfazed. ❝ oh, sweetheart, ❞ she muttered with an fake pout. ❝ you're really not good at this. ❞ her voice was soft, but there was no mistaking the hint of satisfaction in her tone. she wasn't deterred by any of andromeda's protests. if anything, the lies were encouraging. ❝ a million different reasons, huh ? ❞ she echoed, dragging out the words as she tugged the younger woman's panties to the side. ❝ that's cute. ❞ callie shifted closer, automatically rubbing against andy's swollen clit while staring down at her. ❝ we both know that's not true, ❞ the surgeon murmured, voice dipping lower. ❝ you want me to fuck you right here, right now, out in the open where anybody could just walk in & see you desperately trying to ride my fingers. ❞

"aren't you supposed to be smart?" the words lacked their usual bite; andy hated that callie could talk to her like that - and she hated that it got to her even more. "you know what i mean." she huffed, clinging on to the annoyance she felt like a lifeline. at this rate, she'd be better off doing something less detrimental to her health, like jumping off the roof. "no comment." calliope would make up her own mind, she knew, but that didn't mean she was liable to confirm or deny anything. when she felt her leg between her own, andromeda gazed up at the woman. "there could be a million different reasons for that." there might not be any point in denying it, but that wasn't going to stop her. ignoring the jolt of her hips pressing forward at the contact to seek callie's hand, she continued. "i want you… to shut up."

[hoggleswart]

LOCATION:      Madam  Malkin’s  Robes  for  All  Occasions,    Diagon  Alley. STATUS:      Open      (    @startertms    )

It’s  a  quick  enough  crime.    The  kind  where  if  a  person  blinked,    they  might’a  missed  it.    Gum  bubble  pops  loudly,    nose  wrinkling  in  disgust  as  Millie  realizes  the  flavour  is  all  gone  and  in  one  swift  movement,    dueller’s  hand  is  removing  it  to  stick  to  the  nearest  set  of  robes  on  display.    The  shop  owner’s  fault,    in  their  opinion,    for  not  having  a  trash  can  closeby  for  customers  to  use.    Only  when  eyes  scan,    a  quick  check  that  she’s  in  the  clear  does  Millicent  notice  there’s  been  a  witness  to  her  vandalism  and  posture  instantly  straightens.    For  a  moment,    they  consider  still  trying  to  play  the  it  wasn’t  me  card,    though  truthfully?    They  have  neither  the  time  nor  the  inclination.    Instead,    deep  breath  is  taken  in,    coy  smirk  tugging  at  left  side  of  mouth.        ＂      What?      —      They  were  ugly  anyway.    If  anything,    I  think  I’ve  improved  them.      ＂

[hoggleswart]

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓:     what  did  he  say  to  you? 𝐅𝐎𝐑:     closed  to  minette  merrythought      (    @hcldmybroom    )

"    nothing  that  was  remotely  worth  listening  to.    "    millicent  doesn’t  elaborate.  it’s  entirely  possible  they  don’t  know  the  answer;    the  man  at  the  bar  had  been  talking  their  ear  off  for  so  long  now,  they’d  almost  started  weighing  up  the  pros    &    cons  of  maiming  someone  in  public    (    surely  a  court  would  sympathise    )    when  an  unexpected  savior  arrived  in  the  form  of  minette’s  interruption.  consider  them  in  the  other’s  debt.  it  isn’t  a  place  millie  ever  likes  to  be  with  people,  but  she’ll  take  the  hit  just  this  once  if  it  means  escaping  an  endlessly  dull  conversation.    "    inane  chatter  all  starts  to  sound  like  white  noise  if  it  goes  on  long  enough.  i’ve  learnt  to  zone  it  out  when  i  need  to.    "    finger  taps  three  times  against  near  -  empty  glass,  expression  becoming  momentarily  contemplative  before  they  straighten  up  in  their  chair.    "    but  i  suppose  you  know  all  about  that,  given  your  past  dating  endeavours.      ⸻      drink?    "    head  tilts  towards  the  server  waiting  for  their  next  order,  generosity  extending  in  the  hopes  it  would  settle  their  score.  

[hoggleswart]

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓:                     ＂         don’t   look   at   me   like   that.         ＂                  ft.      mililcent   bulstrode         &         pansy   parkinson.               (      @witchbiitches​.      )

＂         I’m   not   looking   at   you   like   that.         Whatever   that   actually   is.         ＂                     Denial   might   be   believable,      if   it   wasn’t   for   coy   smile   tugging   at   lip   corners.         Millicent   has   never   been   one   to   hide   their   true   intentions   and   they   doubt,      even   if   they   were,      they’d   be   able   to   with   Pansy   after   all   these   years.         The   pair   knew   each   other   far   too   well.         Sharing   a   common   room   and   a   home   long   enough   will   do   that.         Eyes   roll   in   mild   defeat   not   even   half   a   beat   later   and   shoulders   drop,      along   with   previous   act.                     ＂         It’s   just         .   .   .         I   noticed   you   and   Madam   Zabini   looking   very   cosy   earlier.         ＂                     The   curiosity   seeps   through,      itching   to   ask   who,   what,   where,   everything.         Manicured   nail   circles   the   rim   of   her   mimosa   glass   before   picking   it   up,      taking   a   sip.                     ＂         Spill.      Did   you   talk   about   anything   interesting?         ＂

[hoggleswart]

there’s  an  odd  satisfaction  to  be  found  in  unnerving  people.  millicent  has  always  been  on  the  peculiar  side.  as  a  child,  it  bothered  them,  but  as  an  adult?    —    they  embrace  the  strange;  revel  in  it  in  fact,  happy  to  explore    &    provoke,  especially  when  their  peers  offer  such  amusing  responses.  they  all  had  to  get  their  kicks  somehow,  right?  ＂  i  am,  aren’t  i?  it’s  a  pity  not  everybody  is  as  observant  as  you.  ＂  the  words  are  taken  as  a  compliment,  whether  minette  meant  them  to  be  or  not.  being  something  is  better  than  being  nothing  after  all.  millie  prides  herself  in  the  acknowledgement  that  they  aren’t  easily  forgotten  once  met,  regardless  of  whether  others  find  that  to  be  a  good  thing  or  a  bad  thing.  ＂  unfortunately,  i  think  the  good  part  is  a  pretty  specific  requirement  when  it  comes  to  alibis.  nobody  wants  to  find  themselves  waking  up  in  azkaban,  merrythought.  imagine  the  lack  of  skin  care  routines  they  offer.  ＂  the  bulstrode  clan,  or  at  least,  the  one  she  hails  from,  are  born  to  survive  in  any  environment,  but  even  they  had  to  have  some  limits.

her laughter dies down at the lack of response and considerably blank stare being returned by millie - they wasn't joking. oh dear. whilst minette was eccentric with her own humour, it was rare that she ever ventured towards the morbid topics unless absolutely plastered from tequila; and right now she was more sober than tipsy to comprehend the ease of the words dripping from millicent's lips. "you are something else, miss bulstrode," shoulders relax and a laugh slips from her lips - less nervous this time - as she shakes her head. leaning back in her seat, the keeper hums in agreement and purses her lips: "hey, i could still be an alibi, just not a good one."

[hoggleswart]

𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍:   the   malfoy   manor   ball. 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄:   after  the  first  radio  announncement 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆:   @lmortem​

‘         Goyle.         ’                     It’s   not   much   of   a   greeting,      but   still   a   greeting   regardless,      tactile   hand   lightly   brushing   his   shoulder   as   they   approach   from   behind.      It   only   takes   Millicent   half   a   beat   to   step   around,      however,      meeting   old   classmate   face   to   face.                     ‘         Rumour   has   it,      something   terrible   has   happened   at   an   apothecary   in   Diagon   Alley.         ’                     They   lower   their   voice,      no   louder   than   a   whisper,      and   finger   even   taps   against   their   lips   afterwards   in   a   quiet   shush         .   .   .         as   if   he’s   the   one   who   brought   it   up.                     ‘         No   one   is   sure   which.         ’                     What   she   means   is,      no   one   knows   if   it’s   Draco   and   there’s   an   even   crasser   comment   on   the   tip   of   their   tongue         (      something   about   how   does   it   feel   to   maybe   be   the   last   one   standing?      )         but   they   manage   to   swallow   it   down   for   once.      Best   not   to   upset   Mr   and   Mrs   Malfoy.      They’re   already   potentially   going   through   it.         Instead,      she   casually   stirs   cocktail   with   straw,      allows   a   moment   to   gauge   his   reaction   before   asking.                     ‘         I   don’t   suppose   you’ve   heard   anything?         ’

[hoggleswart]

𝐅𝐓. :    @dramaqveens​​ 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 :    the  shrieking  shack.    

And  anyone  unfortunate  enough  to  truly  know  Millicent  Calliope  Bulstrode,    would  know  just  from  the  smile  curling  at  their  lips    &    the  glint  in  their  eyes  that  they’re  up  to  no  good.    It’s  the  same  expression  they  wear  when  they’re  taunting  a  competitor,   or  toying  with  Blaise  over  breakfast  coffee     :     the  one  that’s  a  sure  sign  she’s  about  to  do  something  purposely  wicked,   just  because  she  can.   Late  night  Halloween  celebrations  at  The  Shrieking  Shack  could  only  provide  so  much  entertainment  before  a  person  had  to  start  seeking  out  their  own.   You’re  a  vindictive,  little  creature  sometimes,   their  mother  used  to  tell  them.     —     and  she  was  right!            ‘     I  love  this  costume.   It’s  adorable.     ’          There’s  an  almost  sickly - sweet  tone  dripping  in  each  gushing  word  as  they  approach,   idle  figures  stirring  spiced  rum  and  cola  with  the  straw  in  their  glass.          ‘     Kind  of  a  popular  choice  though.   I’m  pretty  sure  just  saw  another  girl  at  the  shots  table  wearing  the  EXACT  same  thing,   but  don’t  worry.    I  personally  think  yours  is  superior.     ’

[hoggleswart]

𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍  :     the  wrock  en  seine  festival 𝐅𝐓.   :    @kxbellem​​

‘     Ugh.     ’          A  simple  word  and  yet,   it’s  the  only  one  Millicent  truly  needs  to  display  their  complete   &   utter  dismay  at  somebody  trying  to  dance  with  them.   Swift  elbow  quickly  digs  into  the  perpetrator’s  ribs,   helping  to  really  deliver  the  message  before  shoving  at  their  shoulder  to  get  them  a  fair  distance  away  before  they  spill  even  more  drink  on  what  was  previously  one  of  Millie’s  favourite  outfits.   What  a  damn  waste.          ‘     What  is  it  about  festivals  that  make  people  forget  their  basic  manners?   Absolute  animals.     ’          They  continue  to  voice  their  displeasure,   approaching  the  one  familiar  face  standing  out  from  the  crowd.   They  offer  Knox  a  cup  of  beer  as  payment  for  their  time.          ‘     Honestly,   Bellamy.   If  it  continues  like  this,   I  may  have  to  hire  you  as  a  potential  alibi  because  I  won’t  be  responsible  for  my  actions.     ’

[hoggleswart]

the  tension  in  the  few  silent  moments  that  follow  is  palpable,  hovering  in  the  air  around  them;    unseen,  but  certainly  felt.  it  would  be  unfair  of  millicent  to  blame  daphne  entirely.  they  themself  are  completely  at  fault,  coming  around  the  corner  too  fast,  attention  focused  on  their  reflection  in  a  nearby  shop  window  rather  than  the  pathway  ahead.  however,  blame  has  never  settled  very  easily  on  a  busltrode’s  shoulders.    ⸻    especially  not  one  as  bullheaded  as  they.  short  -  temper  only  ever  lead  to  irrational  reactions.    "    i’m  curious,  greengrass    …    "    sentence  comes  to  a  brief  pause,  tongue  curling  around  front  teeth  in  an  attempt  to  swallow  bitter  irritation.  at  the  same  time,  a  hand  lifts,  dusting  floo  powder  from  one  shoulder.    "    …    was  there  something  about  my  extremely  expensive,  one  of  a  kind,  couture  outfit  that  screamed  it  needed  something  a  little  extra  today,  or  did  you  just  see  me  across  the  street  and  think  hey,  there’s  millicent,  they  look  entirely  too  happy.  maybe  i’ll  go  see  what  i  can  do  to  ruin  their  morning?  because  if  it’s  the  latter,  congratulations.  mission  accomplished.    "

𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔   𝚝𝚘   𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔   𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚜   𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎   something   of   an   impossibility   eventually   .   mediwix   become   much   too   aware   of   the   side   -   effects   of   too   many   doses   of   the   wideeye   potion   .   it   doesnʻt   matter   if   theyʻre   overrun   and   understaffed   ,   no   one   is   much   help   when   they   canʻt   see   through   their   own   too   -   watery   and   too   -   red   eyes   .   even   daphne   ,   who   is   on   the   younger   end   and   usually   dependable   enough   to   work   through   many   a   long   nights   ,   gets   sent   home   eventually   .    (   and   maybe   daphne   is   getting   a   little   tired   ,   what   with   being   both   the   on   -   the   -   scene   response   and   the   one   administering   treatment   back   at   the   hospital   .   it   is   strange   to   let   her   magic   drape   over   these   people   who   might   have   flinched   to   see   her   draw   her   wand   if   they   were   back   in   school   .   it   is   tiring   to   have   spent   those   tense   first   few   moments   looking   around   for   her   sister   and   promising   to   herself   that   sheʻd   spit   in   the   potions   of   all   the   da   member   if   she   had   to   treat   astoria   at   any   point   .   ) which   is   how   daphne   ends   up   in   diagon   ,   shuffling   out   of   floo   pow   after   a   re   -   up   on   her   powder   supply   (   because   multiple   sleepless   nights   did   NOT   good   apparition   make   )   .   itʻs   the   sort   of   mindless   errand   that   sheʻs   still   capable   of   making   at   this   point   ,   movements   made   moreso   out   of   muscle   memory   than   any   true   sort   of   intention   and   with   half   -   lidded   eyes   from   a   potion   long   since   wearing   off   .   which   ,   of   course   ,   makes   it   all   the   more   difficult   for   her   to   move   out   of   the   way   when   someone   bumps   into   her   in   the   alleyway   .   and   ,   because   nothing   goes   right   after   one   too   many   shifts   ,   the   bag   of   powder   slips   down   to   the   cobblestone   and   explodes   across   both   herself   and   her   assailant   .   daphne   looks   down   at   the   mess   ,   frozen   .   a   moment   passes   .   then   another   .   and   then   ,   from   the   depths   of   her   soul   ,   comes   a   heartfelt   ,   ❝   son   of   fuc   —   ❞

[hoggleswart]

‘     Congratulations.     ’          The  praise  is  delivered  within  seconds  of  Millicent  sliding  into  the  seat  beside  their  newly - appointed  partner  in  crime.   Of  course,  this  isn’t  a  position  they  necessarily  applied  for.   They’re  probably  not  even  aware  they’ve  been  bestowed  such  an  honour,  but  they  will  soon  enough.   The  explanation  lingers  right  there  on  the  tip  of  the  former  Slytherin’s  tongue,  voice  lowering  to  deliver  it.          ‘     I’ve  decided  a  most  unfortunate  accident  is  set  to  befall  the  next  bard  silly  enough  to  serenade  me  and  you,  my  fellow  comrade,  you’re  the  lucky  duck  who  gets  to  be  my  alibi.  Help  me  avoid  the  dungeons.     ’          Their  proudest  achievement,  Millie  is  sure.   Chainmail  glistens  in  the  weak,  spring  sun  that’s  trying  to  shine  down  on  them  and  they  shift  to  get  more  comfortable,  apparently  intent  on  staying  despite  the  lack  of  invitation.          ‘     That’s  if  you’re  up  for  the  challenge.   What  are  you  like  under  pressure?  Do  you  crack?     ’           Possibly  a  lot  of  questions  for  what’s  surely  just  a  harmless  daydream,  but  then  again,  with  Millicent’s  reputation     —     who  knows?

𝙲𝙻𝙾𝚂𝙴𝙳   𝙵𝙾𝚁   :   @ddudleys  /  @pclearwaters  /  @tempcsted​ .

[hoggleswart]

＂  you  seem  to  have  given  this  poison  business  an  awful  lot  of  thought,  bellamy.  has  someone  made  an  enemy  of  you?  you  can  tell  me,  i  won’t  judge.  ＂  far  from,  though  twisted  smirk  makes  it  difficult  to  tell  whether  they’re  joking  or  being  entirely  serious.  it  was  always  a  tough  call  with  millicent  and  for  good  reason.  they  rather  enjoyed  being  somewhat  of  an  enigma  to  their  peers.  hand  plucks  the  potion  vial  from  shop  shelf  regardless  of  previous  warning,  placing  it  within  basket  while  eyeing  the  other  products  available  to  buy.  ＂  and  where  i  might  i  find  these  other  options?  ＂  question  is  asked  with  what  appears  to  be  genuine  curiosity.  knowledge  is  power,  especially  in  topics  such  as  these.  besides,  it’s  always  good  to  have  alternative  resources.

"hands on? mmm," knox gave a small pout but shrugged. "suit yourself but poison's much more delicate in my opinion." she watched with little intrigue as the other examined the options on display. "i wouldn't find it here though. as much as knockturn loves to advertise itself as being quite deadly, i think you'll find better options in other places."

[hoggleswart]

previously  pilfered  coffee  is  swiftly  retrieved,  two  delicate  fingers  pressing  down  on  saucer  to  draw  it  in  while  well  -  groomed  brow  lifts  in  mild  amusement.    ＂    darling,  you  appear  to  be  highly  overestimating  the  level  of  investment  i  have  in  your  so  -  called    …    fumbles.  be  them  in  bushes  or  somewhere  else.  those  seven  minutes  are  truly  none  of  my  concern.    ＂    and  though  it  isn’t  true,  their  ability  to  feign  indifference  is  a  remarkable  talent  they’ve  managed  to  perfect  over  the  years.  millicent  is  an  expert  at  schooling  expression,  even  when  in  the  presence  of  someone  who  knows  her  as  deeply  as  theodore;    someone  who  understands  all  too  well  she  flourishes  best  when  enjoying  another’s  anguish.  knowing  people’s  business  is  what  kept  them  young.  smirk  soon  turns  down  at  the  mention  of  another  scandal,  facade  slipping  enough  to  suggest  disapproval.    ＂    of  course    …      the  fever  dream  that  is  draco    &    the  weasley  girl.    —    is  that  real,  or  did  he  simply  lose  a  bet  i’ve  not  been  told  about?    ＂

hardly   jejeune   to   her   ways      /      neither   of   them   are   indolent   lambs,      +      perhaps   this   is   best   made   manifest   by   the   way   he   reads   her         —         serrated   edge   of   her   smirk,   faux   -   sweetness   to   questions   that   prompt   an   overexaggerated,   histrionic   roll   of   honey   -   brown.         “         i   never   said   there   wasn’t   a   fumble.   just   not   in   a   bush,   millie.      jesus.      i   know   you   struggle   to   believe   it,         ”         +      there   it   is,   the   beginnings   of   a   back   -   and   -   forth   game   teased   in   simpering   tones      +      nectarous   condesension         …         “         but   i   have   some   couth.         ”         how   wonderfully   easy   it   is,   though,   to   EXIST   in   her   presence      /      to   toss   barbs   they   don’t   mean,   to   poke   holes   in   wounds      +      smooth   salve   over   injuries   anyway.      (      what   are   friends   for,   if   not   to   make   you      wish      you’d   ordered   a      french   75      with   your   breakfast   omelette      ?         )         “         anyways,         ”         all   too   casual   as   he   peruses   a   menu,   doesn’t   so   much   as   glance   up,         “         at   least   i   wasn’t   tonguing   a   ginger   on   the   dance   floor.         ”

[hoggleswart]

the  ministry  gala  was  always  an  odd  experience  for  millicent.  for  the  most  part?    —    they  agree  with  damien.  there’s  nothing  quite  as  sickening  as  the  lavish  sight  of  the  rich  using  every  opportunity  to  wave  their  wealth  around.  the  inner  child  in  her,  the  one  who  used  to  steal  bread  and  pick  pockets,  could  never  have  imagined  a  world  like  this  existing  when  they  were  younger  and  that  should  bother  her,  she  thinks;  to  know  how  good  others  had  it  while  they  struggled.  it  does,  sometimes,  but  the  need  to  be  included  always  proves  stronger.  they  want  to  exist  in  that  world.  they  want  to  bathe  in  the  luxuries.  ＂  not  all  the  budget,  i’m  sure.  they’ve  got  to  keep  some  money  set  aside  for  all  those  campaign  bribes.  ＂  manicured  nail  circles  the  rim  of  champagne  flute,  eyes  drinking  in  all  the  extravagance  one  more  time  before  turning  to  look  at  the  other.  ＂  and  can  you  imagine  how  much  they  spend  covering  up  the  latest  karkaroff  scandal?  i’m  sure  this  is  just  the  tip  of  a  very  expensive  iceberg.  ＂

"This gets increasingly ridiculous every year, doesn't it?" He speaks out loud to no one in particular. A shrug, a swig of his drink and he finally faces who he chosen to speak to. "The whole of the Ministry's budget must go to this."

@hoggleswart / any!

[hoggleswart]

one  perfectly  -  manicured  finger  gently  circles  the  rim  of  half  -  empty  wine  glass.  it’s  a  slow  and  precise  movement,  contemplative  even,  while  gaze  continues  to  scan  surrounding  crowd  with  the  kinda  look  that  can  only  be  described  as  ill  intent.    ⸻    like  a  hunter  seeking  out  its  prey.  ＂  the  man  in  the  red  looks  a  little  too  happy  for  my  taste.  it  might  be  fun  to  burst  his  bubble.  ＂  one  of  life’s  greatest  pleasures,  in  their  opinion.  eyes  soon  blink  back  towards  tempest,  however,  and  the  slight  curl  of  lip  can  surely  only  mean  trouble  as  fresh  thought  settles.  ＂  but  then    .  .  .    i  can’t  help  notice  you  haven’t  complimented  how  nice  my  hair  looks  today.  ＂  they  pout,  as  if  truly  saddened  by  the  lack  of  praise.  ＂  and  not  one  word  about  my  outfit  either.  i’ve  tortured  people  for  less.  ＂

venus flytrap thoughts aside, it is fascinating to watch millicent. as if through patient attention a puzzle could be truly solved. tempest would typically prefer to be observing from afar for this particular subject, not too keen on getting the up-close personal look, but the situation had taken what it needed without asking for her opinion. today feels as though it's one of those days they hold their hand out over the flame and only flinch back when it starts to burn : and who would they be if they didn't push their luck here? if they heard a doorway begging to be pried open and didn't respond in kind? they chuckle, and it's dry more than anything, taking a moment to run their gaze over millie's face, watching them survey the crowd. "never too late for a new grudge. anyone in particular catch your eye?" they tap the galleon twisting through their fingers against the knarled wood of the table twice in succession.

[hoggleswart]

eyes  narrow  in  the  moment  that  first  snipe  reaches  their  ears.    millie  shouldn’t  be  surprised.    previous  action  was  practically  daring  somebody  to  say  something  and  maybe,    subconsciously,    that’s  what  they  wanted.    disruptive  personality  is  always  trying  to  find  some  sort  of  scandal  to  mix  themselves  in,    even  if  they  have  to  be  the  one  to  CREATE  it.    isn’t  that  what  keeps  them  young?      ＂      is  that  a  fact?    because  i  don’t  see  a  sign  anywhere  telling  me  i  can’t.      ＂      head  tilts  high,    as  if  proud  of  the  response.    it  isn’t  entirely  incorrect  after  all,    though  that’s  most  likely  due  to  the  owner  not  realizing  such  specifics  were  necessary.    their  mistake,    in  millicent’s  opinion.        ＂      what  really  shouldn’t  be  allowed  is  those  robes  in  the  first  place.    call  it  a  crime  against  fashion  and  i’m  the  people’s  defender.      —      besides,    do  you  only  ever  do  the  things  you’re  allowed  to  do?      spoiler  alert,    that’s  going  to  make  for  a  lot  of  unexceptional  life  experiences.      ＂

"Sure, 'cause people usually love having someone's saliva on their robes", muttered Gabrielle, who, to her credit, ordinarily tried very hard not to pick fights. It's just that life had a way of throwing such idiotic curveballs at her. Like making her the unwilling witness of the lowliest type of vandalism when she was just trying to get some nice, professional clothes. ( Gabrielle wasn't categorically against vandalism, if it was for an interesting result, but come on) Once she had her witty little retort out of her system, she shrugged and did the closest thing to not talking she could find, namely, saying something so obvious, so commonplace, she might as well not have said anything, which is why she answered, "I don't think that's allowed."