[Burning Beard] Tell me, did you sail across the sun? [Iago]

“Sorry to bug you at home. Your lawyer’s here and says he needs to speak to you right away.”

“What’s he want? Can you tell him I’m asking?”

The curiosity was too much for the blonde witch as she waited for Daisy to return. Daisy was Delaney’s newest hire at The Burning Beard, and this far hadn’t been able to really impress her as an experience server. “And?” Delaney asked, as soon as Daisy’s head reappeared in the green flames. “He won’t say, except that it’s urgent.” Hmm. What could be urgent enough that it couldn’t wait until the following morning. “Thanks,” Del gave Daisy a wave signalling she could go and the head of the pixie-haired woman disappeared with a small ’pop’.

Straightening up in front of the small fireplace in her apartment, Delaney ran through situations in her head to determine why her lawyer would need her this urgently. There was that issue with the branding of Blind Pig...  But how was she to know that a wizarding establishment in Denmark had already claimed that name as their own for their newest concoction only a few months prior. Delaney knew that Mr. Lester could get her off with a slap on the wrist. So why was he so keen to see her? Unless... Had she finally secured the contract for her three top selling brews to be distributed into Ireland? Delaney threw on her tan overcoat, grabbed her purse, and tapped the lock with her wand on the way out of her flat.

Half a block down her street after checking that the coast was clear she turned on the spot. Delaney reappeared about a block from The Burning Beard down the back alley that was frequented by Ministry Workers apparating and disapparating to and from work. She was lucky today that the alley was empty as she appeared from nowhere down a particularly brightly lit section. If she got caught by one of her regular customers she could be stood chatting for longer than she had time for today. Delaney turned the corner into the surprisingly mild October afternoon sunlight and followed the familiar path to the place she owned. The place she loved. The place she poured her heart and soul into.

What could he want?

It was half past one, and the bar was quite empty save a few stragglers risking the tail end of their lunch break. Del caught Daisy’s eye the moment she entered and made her way over to the entrance to the kitchen. “He’s in your office,” Daisy pointed to the closed door. No time for questions as to why the girl hadn’t been able to convince him to explain himself, Delaney swiftly pushed open the door and stopped in her tracks. Mr. Lester was not in her office.

“Iago?!?!” Del exclaimed, rushing over to her friend with a wry grin on her face. “You didn’t write to tell me you were coming?” She questioned, hearing the door softly shut closed behind her. “It’s incredible to see you,” and Delaney did what she rarely did- went in for a hug. There was an unspoken connection between her and Iago that made her feel comfortable enough to do it. As she pulled away she surveyed his features with a smile. “Are you home for good?”

Though his business at the Daily Prophet had taken him far longer than expected, Iago still had a few hours before he absolutely had to return to Italy. And if he was in London, there was one place he definitely could not leave without stopping, especially since he was quite certain that the proprietress would flay him alive and use his blood in her next brew for the audacity of not paying her a visit while he was in town. It had been years since the two of them had seen each other, the last time being at his wife’s funeral. She’d held little Perdita for him while he placed the last of the roses on the casket, his hands trembling. And they were again, now, with anger rather than greif, the conversation with the Journalist having brought back pained and unpleasant memories. He supposed that was the other reason he found himself in the office of Delany Mullen, after having sweet talked his way past her ditzy little waitress. Another time, Iago might have lured the woman into a broom closet for a bit of fun before sending her off to fetch her boss, but Iago was a different man now… though not all that different, as he leaned out the office door, enjoying the view of the waitress’s rear for just a moment before closing the door behind him.

And if Darling Dela was going to make him wait, well Iago figured it wouldn’t hurt to try out some of her latest works… he eyed the door that led from her impeccably kept office to the back room, knowing exactly what she kept back there. Running a hand through his shock of brown hair, Iago’s willpower held out for all of thirty seconds, though in fairness he wasn’t trying very hard. The door opened soundlessly and he confidently walked in, checking out what she had stored away as he snagged some of the tasting glasses off the shelf where she kept them. Little had changed back here since he’d been gone, where he used to sit and critique her brews. He poured himself a small glass of the first, smelling deep before sipping it, nodding appreciatively. There were two kegs off to the side, where she liked to put her personal stash, or her current works in progress. Those he would save for last of course, helping himself to some of the peanuts to cleanse his palate.

By the time he’d made his way to the last two, he could hear her voice out in the main room. One was a German style beer, and probably was the end of a run, so the other would be a new project if he wagered a guess. Grinning, he helped himself to a glass before pouring one for her as well, returning to her office and setting them down on the desk, leaning against it.

The last time she’d seen him, his hair had been down past his shoulders, and his clothing much more rigid then the relaxed comfortable man who stood before her. Italy had been good to him, his skin having a healthy glow about it, and the smile on his face speaking volumes more than his words did. Any worry he had about her recognising him went out the window as he held out his arms for her, glad to have her back in them, holding her tightly. He’d never say how much he’d missed her, but the tightness of his grip on her revealed as much. “And hello to you too, Miss Mullen. Is that any way to greet your lawyer?” he teased, pulling away and greeting her with a kiss on both cheeks, before holding her shoulders at arms length and smiling at her brightly, though his lips twisted into a bit of a frown at her question. “Not yet. But I was in London for business and couldn’t leave without seeing you.” he looked away for a moment, letting out a soft sigh and then back at her, his smile back. “But soon I hope. Though my uncle says even more has come out about my father’s activities… and they still haven’t caught the Arsonist. You could of course unchain yourself from your desk for a weekend, and visit Italy… you might find some inspiration there. And November on the Mediterranean is far more pleasant then dreary London.”

Delaney felt her face fall slightly when Iago told her that he wasn’t yet moving back to the United Kingdom. But she knew that his commitments in Italy were too great. “Unchain myself?” She laughed aloud, giving Iago a playful push on his shoulder. Del knew it was true. She needed a holiday. And there was no doubt in her mind she’d find inspiration in Italy. However, taking a vacation was easy enough to fantasize about, and a totally different thing when it came to actually leaving. She’d planned numerous trips over the past few years that had never come to fruition thanks to her own procrastination. “I should come for a visit, you’re right,” Delaney finally said, giving her friend a warm smile.

She was over the moon excited to see Iago, not that she could ever accurately explain it in words. Delaney and Iago shared so much that they had an unspoken understanding. She would be there for him as long as he needed her, and vice versa. It was just easy to be friends with Iago. Del respected him more than she respected anyone else, and for good reason. The loss he’d endured and still managed to keep himself in one piece and a functioning member of society was incredible. She’d never dealt with even half of what he’d gone through, and for that she was thankful. Delaney didn’t have the strength that he did. She still couldn’t believe he was here! After all those years...

“So tell me everything...” her voice trailed off as soon as she spotted the two taster glasses sitting on the desktop. “Ohhhhh which keg did you get this out of?” She picked up one of the glasses and took a swift sip. Her entire demeanour relaxed as the smooth liquid ran down her throat. Delaney smiled up at Iago, standing almost a full head shorter than him. “This one is my newest creation. Nine Niffler Stout,” she announced proudly. “Have you tried it yet?” Delaney raised a brow at him, unsure how long he’d rummaged around in the back room before she’d arrived. She didn’t mind it in the slightest, she trusted Iago more than most of the people she had in her life. Besides, if there was ever a problem that she needed solving that would involve both extensive brains and brawn, she could always count on the Welsh man stood opposite her.

“Tell me, how are Perdita and Phineas?” Delaney asked earnestly. She missed those two little cuties. Iago had sent her photos over the years of course but it wasn’t the same as seeing them in the flesh and being able to squeeze their rosy little cheeks. The last time Del had seen the twins in person was years ago when Iago was still living in London. She took another sip of the stout. Delaney was sure this concoction would be a massive hit. Maybe even as big as Sheep Shagger, which to date she was selling fresh kegs weekly to nine different bars all across the mainland. She had Iago to thank for a lot of her business success when it came to The Burning Beard’s brand expanding across the country. His business sense was incredible and he was extremely convincing. Delaney appreciated everything he’d ever done for her to get her to the comfortable position she was in now with her venture.

Iago grinned, feigning falling back as she hit him. “I tried to find the chains, but obviously you’ve hidden them quite well.” he teased back, smiling when she mentioned coming for a visit. Lara could easily go spend a weekend at the Costello’s Vineyard. He knew she grew uneasy about strange people. It was why it had taken him this long to seek out a Governess. But it had been Lara who had pushed him to do so, after all. “I’d love it. And honestly, the kids love meeting new people. Not that their Godmother should be a new person to them...” the last part was said nonchalantly, though it would certainly be news to Delaney. It was something he’d decided on about a year ago, but hadn’t quite brought up to her yet. It was something he’d though better to bring up in person.

“Well…. Beer saves me from having to bore you with the boring details again!” he smirked, picking up the other of the two glasses, though he didn’t drink just yet. “Nope. I was waiting for you. Though I see i can’t expect the same courtesy.” he teased, pinching her cheek and smelling it. “It was where you keep your new stuff, and i figured the German one was the end of a run, so i took a guess that this one was your most recent project. Glad to see I was right.” he took a deep breath, inhaling deeply. Iago always loved stouts, and this one smelled good, better then her last one, and that had been excellent, though he’d had a few comments for her on it. He took a slow drink, his eyes half closed in thought. “Good. you got the balance of flavors right in this one.” not that most people would have noticed the subtlety in the last one like he had, but this one was spot on.

“Though the porter you had back there is a little heavy on the front end. Still good, but next batch might call for some tweaking.” he always had to have something to say, of course. He smiled. “But I want a keg of this stuff on tap in my office. For busy days. Or when the kids won’t stop trying to eat my hair.” and of course that made her ask about the two of them. She really did love them, and that’s why he wanted her to agree to the other thing he’d come here for. “They’re sweet little angels whenever I have company, naturally. But hellions when they think no one is watching. My sister told them about snow, and naturally they decided to make some for themselves last week. Which involved throwing bags of flour off the third floor landing while i was in the Lobby with a Client and yelling ‘oh no Blizzard!’ as our only warning.” he couldn’t help but grin though, and as his client had grandchildren about the same age, he’d been more than understanding, laughing as they cleaned themselves off. Thank merlin for a quick fix with magic.

His hand went to his pocket, fingering the papers he had sitting there, glad he’d come and hoping she’d agree. “Though I will admit the Lawyer comment wasn’t entirely false. I did have some legal papers I’d like you to look over for me. Since they involve you. I know death isn’t exactly something anyone likes to think about…. But one always needs to be prepared.” he pulled the folded parchment out and handed it to her. There were two copies, and it only needed three signatures to be legally binding. His, hers, and a witness. The girl with the fine arse out front would do in a pinch.

Lara was in no condition to care for two children, and with her still in hiding on account of her activities during the war, and the mark on her arm, even she had agreed that this was a far better solution. And Gabriella… Iago barely knew his sister anymore. She’d stopped replying to his letters years ago, only a simple thank you note for the pictures he’d sent of the twins. In the event that something happened to him, Delaney was the only person he’d trust with his children. And 300 galleons a month from the estate funds would be more than enough a month to take care of their expenses; the rest being released to the children on their 20th birthday, aside from the money left to both Gabriella and Lara; though this paperwork was only covering Chain of custody, and what she’d get for assistance, and his requirements for them, such as Hogwarts.

“You know there’s no chance I’d wait to do a proper cheers,” Delaney said with a smile, moving her glass towards Iago to clink it gently against his anyway, even though she’d already taken a sip from her own. She giggled when he grabbed her cheek, a sound not heard by too many people. Del preferred to keep it that way. Approachable yet tough. And giggling like an excited school girl wasn’t tough in the slightest. The blonde witch waited with bated breath as Iago first smelled her new stout and then had a taste. Delaney put so much stock into her friends opinion and she really wanted him to enjoy it. She let out the tiniest sigh at Iago’s approval, and had to nod in agreement when he mentioned her newest porter. “That’s only my second try for that one,” she admitted, “and you’re absolutely right it needs some work. I wish you could sample it again in a few weeks after the third run through.” Delaney said with a false frown, knowing full well that Iago would be back in Italy when the next batch was ready.

Delaney’s mouth fell open moments before she was able to recover. Godmother? Her? She tilted her head to the side and gave Iago a wry smile after she’d recomposed herself. “I guess that is a message worthy of an in person delivery,” Del finally managed to say, her face breaking into a wide smile. Her mind was burning with questions she wanted to ask but listening to Iago’s story of the twins spreading flour around the house made her burst into laughter, imagining the two little ones laughing at the terrible mess they’d created. “I hope your client didn’t mind the playful mess,” Delaney smiled, chuckling lightly as the image of a pair of finely dressed businessmen covered in flower swam into focus.

Her eyes followed the papers that Iago withdrew from his pocket. It was a lot to think about, and she didn’t have that kind of time to consider the implications of her decision. Delaney couldn’t say no. Iago and the twins meant too much to her. Of course she’d take care of them should anything happen to make Iago incapable, or worse. Thinking about how her lifestyle would have to change was a scary prospect. She loved the freedom that was living alone and having time off to do whatever (or whoever) she wanted. All that would change. She instantly reminded her that this wasn’t about her. This was about Iago’s children deserving a happy and healthy upbringing. Delaney would be successful if required, even if she was currently doubting her abilities.

Delaney momentarily wondered why Iago’s sisters weren’t up for the task, but decided that if Iago had determined Delaney was the right person for the job- there was obviously a reason. And that was good enough for her. She reached across her desk and grabbed a quill from its holster, turning back to Iago and holding it up with a wry smile. “Shame my lawyer isn’t actually here to review this document before signing,” Del grinned, taking one of the copies from Iago’s hands. She flipped through the pages, skimming through the small print within moments but making sure that the paperwork was legitimate. She trusted Iago completely, but there was always the chance that lawyers that wrote up documents like this could make small errors, and the blonde witch didn’t take chances. “300 galleons per month?” Delaney paused, looking up at Iago for confirmation. That was more money then she generally spent on her own food and drinks and minor shopping per month. She needed to clarify that point. There was absolutely no reason why Delaney wouldn’t be able to fully take care of both children on her current salary, she didn’t think an additional 300 galleons was warranted. Surely 100 would do? Delaney had been learning to live as simply as possible since breaking off from her family’s wealth and independently running her business.

“Everything seems in order,” she announced finally, smiling up at Iago. “How many pages require signatures? And I see that we’ll need a witness. I can get my head chef to oversee?” Delaney suggested, trusting that her chef would be the most qualified person for this job. He was straight to the point, and kept his nose out of everyone’s personal matters. Exactly as Delaney liked her employees to do. Unlike Daisy.

Iago was pleased that Delaney was still open to his constructive criticism, clinking glasses with her as he smiled. She mentioned a third run of the one he’d offered advice with and opened his mouth to protest, but stopped, closing it softly. “Dilly...” he murmured, going back to his school-aged nickname for her. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry I’ve been gone so long. I’m sorry I haven’t made more of an effort to see you… and I’m sorry I haven’t brought the kids back for a visit...” he looked down at the glass, swirling it around softly. “I should make more of an effort. I...” this sort of admission was out of character for iago, but he’d done so much soul searching while Detoxing four years ago, that through the pain of withdrawal he was forced to accept some uncomfortable truths about himself. But apologizing to Delaney, that was… not easy, but easier he supposed. “I’ll do my best to show up for it… But… you could also bring some and come visit.” he teased, smiling. In fairness, she hadn’t exactly made much effort either.

But the subject change was  what made him smirk, pleased with her reaction to his statement. He took another sip of the beer that she’d made while he watched the shifting emotions on her face with amusement. He grinned as she picked up her quill. He’d been certain that she’d make the right choices for his children if something ever happened with him. Not that he was expecting to, but neither was Isabella. Thankfully Delaney was quick to joke, pulling his thoughts back from where they’d been wandering. “Ah well, at least you know I know how to write up a business contract.” he teased. “And yes.. I’m quite certain about the amount. I love you. And I love my children. And unexpected expenses occur. I want them properly educated, both before school, and of course Hogwarts. But… I need to know that even if something unexpected happened, you three would be well cared for.” he smiled and finished the glass of beer.

Of course everything was in order, but Iago was glad that she thought so. “Your chef should work just fine. I trust they’re not as easily swayed as your lovely waitress? And the last three, a copy for you, for me, and for my will. You can keep the rest of the documents; I have my own copies back in Italy of course. And you can show your real lawyer of course, I don’t think he’ll find anything of issue in there.” he leaned against the desk, pleased that she had agreed. Of course there were other matters he wanted to discuss with her, but those could wait till after these are done.

Delaney's composure weakened when Iago began apologizing.  "Stop," she finally managed to say, giving her free hand a wave.  "I can't even begin to comprehend what you've gone through over the past number of years.  Bringing the kids for a visit wasn't in the cards.  I get it." she said earnestly.  He didn't have to explain himself, or apologize.  "And you're absolutely right.  I should bring some and come for a visit."  She winked up at her friend in an attempt to lighten the mood.  "I'd love to see Italy."  And I know I haven't made enough of an effort, she thought inwardly, unhappy with herself.  Now that The Burning Beard was as stable as ever, taking a few days off didn't seem as daunting.  She wouldn't have few the same even a year ago, but things were different now. Her current employees (less Daisy) seemed extremely eager to prove their worth, and Delaney loved that they wanted to take initiative.  Some of their suggestions were almost good ideas. Almost.

"I love you and your children too.  But you know... I can't promise that I won't dress Perdita up in the prettiest little dresses and fit Phineas in a fine suit to parade them around while shopping..." Del laughed lightly.  Truth be told, Delaney had considered having children- for about a second.  But she always second guessed herself, her selfishness, and maternal abilities.  Iago's children were a completely different story.  She'd spent quite a bit of time with Perdita and Phineas when they were very young.  She was only realizing at that moment exactly how much she missed the twins.  "You know I'd do anything for you and the twins."

"Back in a sec," Del said with a smile, turning and swiftly pulling open her office door to make her way toward the kitchen.  "Oscar, can I have a quick word?"  She let her head chef follow her back to her office, aware that he was likely more than a little confused.  Announcing in front of the other kitchen staff that Delaney needed Oscar to sign some paperwork that would confirm her as Godmother of two young children was not something she felt the need to broadcast to the entire establishment.  "Iago, let me introduce Oscar Nash, our head chef.  Oscar has been working with me for a number of years, and I trust him completely."  Delaney beamed up at Oscar, hoping her compliments were well received.  She struggled to give compliments, so when she managed it- it was only ever the truth.  He was such a great addition to The Burning Beard, and she couldn't imagine how the kitchen would function without him.  Not to mention his talents!  After Oscar was hired, the entire menu was re-worked and customers have been raving ever since about the incredible fare.  "Oscar, would you mind being a witness to the signature of these documents?"

Without waiting for an answer (as if he could say no), Delaney began flipping through the pages, easily finding where the signatures were required thanks to Iago's organizational skills.  She signed her name a number of times and handed the pen off to Oscar to do the same.  "Your turn?" Del handed the pen to Iago without missing a beat.  She was anxious to get the paperwork out of the way and Oscar back to the kitchen so they could properly catch up.

Iago looked up when Della took that tone with him. She didn’t use it often, and it was always enough to startle him out of whatever he was doing. And he listened, which was rare when someone tried to give him an order, but not with the petite blonde in front of him. Iago smiled softly, nodding. “I guess we both got caught up in things.” he offered as a way of sharing the blame for their lack of contact. “I know they’d love for you to come visit. They really like your cards. And of course we could go bar hopping. Like graceful adults this time instead of foolish children looking to get blackout drunk.” at least he had been. What her intentions had been with that was anyone’s guess.

He laughed at the idea of trying to dress them up, picturing the hell that would ensue. Although… “you know, they might actually behave for you. Its only once they get comfortable that they turn into screeching devils. But you can do whatever you want with them, I’m sure that for the most part they’ll be relatively cooperative. Especially if you’re buying them stuff. Little mercenaries...” he smirked, but their conversations about the twins would have to wait. Business first, then pleasure.

Oscar was a relatively nice looking young man, and iago found himself watching him a little closer then perhaps he would have as his boss explained why they needed him. But to his relief, he didn’t seem to be interested in Delaney in that way. Good, that meant Iago didn’t have to ask Lara to dig into the man’s background so Iago could decide wether or not he needed to be chased off. He knew he was acting silly, but he couldn’t help but be a little over-protective. She’d always felt like a little sister to him. The man signed the documents easily, alongside Della, before Iago added his own signatures and then shook the man’s hand, thanking him. “She speaks highly of your cooking. I’ll have to order something to take home for the kids before I leave.” he smiled, watching the man leave, before giving Delaney her two copies (one for her lawyer) and pocketing his own.

“So aside from buisness what have you been up to, Del?” he asked. “And I swear if you say nothing, I’m dragging you back to Italy tonight for some well needed excitement.”