On Her Majesty's Secret Service ( Invite )

Tiffany had, as usual spent far too much time in the bathroom getting ready for tonight. Mostly to avoid the gaze of one Gerard Hunter.. Q.C. and Miss Moneypenny who had been giving the 'OMG YOUR GOING OUT WITHOUT MEEEEEEEEEEEEE????' eyes that where so very hard to not feel guilty for. She was worried, stressed and near panicking as she did her makeup and hoped that Gerard wouldn't hear the conversation she was having on the phone with Mel every chance she got telling her that everything was fine and to not panic.. but how could she relax when Gerard might walk in any moment and find out! Breath.. she needed to breath even though her breath hitched a bit as she wiggled the ring onto her finger, the last few weeks she had been busy doing 'wedding arrangements' which... wasn't entirely the whole truth.

You would think that just having the job of getting Gerard from home to the venue would be easy right? Getting him there and without being suspicious.. well that might be a bit more tricky as she just had to hope the others would pull though with getting everything ready. Tiffany had been to surprise parties before and quite a few had been in a word.. disasters and so as she arranged her hair with the help of 'Miss Twill's Miracle Curl Potion' Tiffany went over the list of what was to be done in her head '1. Get Gerard Dressed, 2. Warragul Downtowner, 3. Function Room, 4. Don't Panic.' You could tell Mel had been the brains behind this one. Tiffany was well on her way to breaking 4 even before 2 and 3, just lying to Gerard was terrible enough, she had said they where going for dinner.. well that part was certainly true.. she just hadn't mentioned the band, drinks, spy costume's, and that she'd invited everyone to come with.

Tiffany hoped Gerard wouldn't be upset, but after all a man only turned 50 once and it was, after all, a big deal! "Gerard love, are you ready to go?" she asked, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach, purse, dog.. shoes.. pat dog.. pat dog again.. feel bad.. give Miss Moneypenny a kiss.. whine.. dog biscuit.. more pats.. now where was Gerard? Oh dear they where going to be late and everyone would be waiting for them! Of course they where running early but with Tiffany's flair for the dramatic anything that could possibly go wrong was surely going to happen and Gerard's birthday party would be totally ruined.. of course it would be all her fault to boot!

They were getting ready to go out. It was obvious and so it was Miss Moneypenny went into full on TAKEMEWITHYOUPLEEEEEEEESE mode with Tiffany ranging from the sad eyes to the whine of doom. The fact that Tiffany would pet her occasionally gave hope that she might get to go with them. That was until the dog biscuit came out and Miss Moneypenny knew that meant there was no way she was going to get to go with them.

Normally, when the dog biscuit came out, Miss Moneypenny took it, trotted over to her bed and burrowed under the covers with her companion cube, a gift from Mel not long after they made peace with each other. This time it seemed the pattern would remain the same as she burrowed under her blanket and set the biscuit next to the cube.

However, while Gerard may have not been there to hear the whispered conversations and the plotting that had been going on. Agent 001cent Miss Moneypenny was and she heard the magic word. Cake. Cake was involved and, thanks to Mel's stay there, the puppy was as addicted to cake as Mel, Cara and Ebby. So, there was a bit of circling and fretting until the companion cube was also under the blanket with the dog, Miss Moneypenny's muzzle facing the living room with just the tip of her nose sticking out. From there, she watched as Tiffany's focus became making sure her out fit was fine and Gerard was ready. Once Miss Moneypenny saw for sure that her new mum was sufficiently distracted, the sound of background soundtrack could be heard...... At least in the dog's head!



And with the first notes, she was on the move. Slowly she crept out from under the blanket, one eye on the couple getting ready in the bedroom, the other making sure there were no obstacles in her way. Her blanket remained as if she was under it, thanks to the position of her companion cube and the dog biscuit she had accepted earlier which was now propping up a section of the blanket. From there, she jumped up on the arm chair that was positioned right next to the end table near the front door where Gerard kept his car keys. Reaching over with her paw, she pressed the button that unlocked the door. From there, she jumped down and silently, she made the way to her doggie door, slipping through and around to the car.

Looking up, she waited hoping for enough time to carry out the rest of her plan. Fortunately Gerard was obliging and she ended up hiding on the floor of the back seat. So far, so good.

Meanwhile, back in the bedroom, Gerard was all dressed but for some reason, one of his cufflinks had disappeared. He had a feeling that he must have dropped it last time he wore them and would have to look under the bureau for it. However, there was no time for that now as they had to get to the Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner and he selected another pair. He was in the process of switching out for another pair when Tiffany came looking for him. He turned to look at her and simply smiled for just a moment as music filled the air...... Well, at least for him...



"You look beautiful," he told her, "As always," he finished with a smile before offering his arm and heading out of the bedroom, picking up his car keys as they passed the table and went out the door. Once at the car, Gerard opened the door for Tiffany, but before he opened it enough for her to enter the car, he looked at her and grin. "You know, we could just head into Melbourne, quiet dinner for two somewhere romantic?" he teased her, knowing she would not fail in her promise to attend the dinner for the Blue Bird's owner. The pause was just long enough, however, to allow a small furry earth dog to scoot past the couple, in the car and into the back seat, where she settled, unnotticed on the floor, hiding for now.

Tiffany was not skilled at lying, nor at keeping secrets which was why she was sure that trying to keep Gerard's party a surprise would all be ruined due to the fact that she just couldn't lie to Gerard. The best she could do was to avoid the issue entirely.. where it not for the event fliers and information Mel had printed up Tiffany was sure that Gerard would never have agreed to dress up for what he thought was a dinner for the council or somesuch. Tiffany of course had heard of the local business awards but as for the council she had no idea if there was indeed any awards nor if her own business would be eligible. Tiffany just had to hope that Gerard would not find anything amiss in the lack of news coverage on said 'awards' in the local paper. Tiffany was used to sneaking out, normally at home she would have to be careful to not let the wooden gate latch stick but now it was more a matter of avoiding a certain dog lest sight of her moping eyes and last minute pleading lead to such a upswell of guilt that Tiffany wouldn't enjoy the night at all in the knowledge that dear Miss Moneypenny would be all alone.

"Oh you" Tiffany spoke as she laid eyes on her Gerard, it felt like a whirlwind romance to know that she, Tiffany Fumberger was here, ring on finger to a man who was a million times more then anything she had ever in her wildest dreams imagined! While Mel had said she should try and get Gerard into a tux Tiffany hadn't been up to the task and so she just smiled hoping it wasn't too obvious that she was nervous as she took his arm and walked with him to the door, stopping only to get the keys and her purse. So far so good, Tiffany thought as she waited for Gerard to open the car door only to have him suggest a alternative arrangement. Panic in her expression she shook her head "No.. no most certainly not!" before second thoughts made her consider the possibility that Gerard might take it that she didn't wish to dine with him in such a way.. because of course she did! Where it not for all the arrangements she had made it might have been a perfect idea. "I mean of course I would love to Gerard.. but.." but what? Tiffany was drawing a mind blank "..next birthday I promise" she hoped that would do and unaware of the opening it had made for a certain double-o-dog Tiffany was left to chastise herself the whole way to Warragul.

Waiting for Gerard to open the door she noticed none of the cars where there, panic setting in before she remembered Mel saying that they should use the back McDonald's car park next door to stop Gerard seeing what was going on too early. Now it was just a matter of not panicking or passing out before Gerard opened the car and they could go inside where hopefully..just hopefully everything would be perfect and everyone would be there. Tiffany had been to too many failed parties to think that everything would go off without a hitch but right now she had to hope that Gerard hadn't had his heart set on the quiet, romantic dinner for two.. because it was more like dinner for two dozen and more inside! Or well.. nobody, Tiffany just had to hope that everything would just go to plan.

"What?" Gerard asked her grinning, knowing full well what she meant and grinning more when she turned down his offer so determinedly. He knew Tiffany took her work seriously, sometimes too seriously which is when he'd try to convince her to take a few minutes and just sit or let one of the capable staff handle things and breathe. So he was neither surprised nor had his feelings hurt when she said no to the suggestion of taking off on their own. If work required her to attend the dinner, then attend she would and him with her. "Can't blame a guy for trying when you look as beautiful as you do," he told her, looking a bit confused as she promised next birthday. "Birthday?" he said, thinking and then realizing, "Oh, it is, isn't it? Hadn't even thought about it," he admitted. Which was usually the case for Gerard. Remembering others? Sure. Remembering his own? Usually not.

The drive did not take long and once the car was parked, Gerard got out and came around to open door, offering his hand as he did. Meanwhile, in the back seat, 00onecent was waiting for the right moment to make good her escape. She knew it would come. She didn't live with these two not to pick up their habits. Sure enough, once Tiffany was out of the car and on her feet, Gerard took advantage of the lack of others around to kiss Tiffany before pulling back and smiling while he closed the car door, making sure the vehicle was locked. The kiss was all the tiny Agent 00onecent needed to make her break out of the BMW and straight to the door of the building where someone conveniently was going in, so did she.

Meanwhile, back at the mush session vehicle, the couple made their way across the lot and to the door themselves.

There was only three things that could get Meliae Ashton into a dress, the first was a wedding, the second a party and the third a convention with a cosplay theme. Today was very much a case of the 2nd with Gerard's 50th the main event of the day. Of course it was also a chance to catch up with the rest of the Hunter, Fitch-Hunter clan who had all been invited to converge at the top secret location in wait for the birthday boy..well okay man to arrive. Leaving it to Emma to check the table displays where to Tiffany's design Mel had eyed over the part of the room that had been turned into a impromptu stage for the band, Mel was a bit concerned with the prospects of Silencio without Nathan to carry them but Marcus was right that they had done a good cover of the James Bond theme once upon a time. With time counting down Mel was about to sneak out to check that nobody (read Marcus) had left their car in the wrong place when a small, rather familiar dog went trotting into the room.. humph.. that wasn't to the plan but Miss 99 took it as a cue that the guest of honor would soon be approaching.

With Ashleigh safe in Ethan's hands Mel went to the bar to grab a Martini (shaken not stirred as Mythbusters had proved was the only good way to enjoy the drink) and headed for the door. Wondering if either would recognize her with her rather odd haircut and colour thanks to Sleekeazy's Hair Potion. Walking past the worrying site of Ethan's Mother deeply engrossed in conversation with her own she held her drink up to Gerard's Dad in toast and warning as she slipped on a pair of dark glasses she'd found at the op shop alongside the dress and walked out of the room and into the lobby, posing as she held the drink while grinning at a rather flustered looking Fumberger as a certain Hunter, Gerard Hunter approached. Leaning against the open door she tried not to sigh at the sight of Tiffany fretting and waiting for her target to come into range she offered her drink "For you, Mr Hunter" she spoke in a thick attempt of a Russian accent. Mel had clearly been playing too much Goldeneye the last few weeks. There was only one question left which was... would Gerard figure out who she was.. and would he flee or go willingly into the temple of doom (woops wrong series), Mel of course had prepared for any eventuality, which was why she had a toy water pistol tucked in the belt of her dress to ensure Hunter, Gerard Hunter would not be escaping the fate they had so carefully arranged for him.

When they thought about how they would get to meet their intended daughter-in-law, Doris and Robert never thought it would involve a theme party for Gerard's birthday. But it did and they both thought it was a great idea, especially now that Robert would not only get to meet Tiffany but his game partner, Mel as well. So it was they had landed in Melbourne earlier that day and then drove to the inn where Tiffany had suggested they could make reservations. They had, for both them and Christopher and Donna as well. Coming up with costumes was not a problem once Tiffany said what the theme was and so it was that M was waiting with Q for Hunter, Gerard Hunter, to show up for the surprise party.

Doris thought everything looked great and greeted Robert and Moria warmly. It had been a long time since they had seen the couple, back in the beginning days of Muggles United, though they had kept in touch. Funny how time had led their children to become friends as well. Mel looked rather cute as Agent 99. However, the arrival of Miss Moneypenny was a bit unexpected as the terrier trotted in like she owned the place, looking for anyone she knew. Where the dog went turned out not to be the major attraction as they turned to face the door and watch as Agent 99 offered Agent Hunter a drink. Too bad Agent 99 didn't study her mark better and realize a russian accent would be a reminder of past events........

Gerard was enjoying the evening so far. After all, he was with Tiffany, why wouldn't he? While chamber dinners and charity fundraisers may not be a person's first choice for evening out, it was always better with someone special with you. Opening the outer door for her, Gerard, looked toward the room where the dinner would be to see an unfamiliar woman standing there as if waiting for someone. He would have paid her no attention if not for the fact she addressed him and offered him a drink she was holding. While she didn't look familiar, the accent was enough to remind him of Demetria Shockanova, a russian attorney he had fought against in the British Wizengamot a few years ago, winning the case. Her client, who was the head of the russian equivalent of the death eaters, ended up serving time in Azkaban and was still there. He was not happy about her losing the case and his last words to Gerard as the aurors took him away was that he would get him for this. Add to that the fact that lately, there seemed to be a bounty on Judges and attorneys in several countries, including Australia and well, can you blame him for what was about to happen?

So of course, seeing a gun tucked into the waistband of the woman's dress, hearing the russian accent, Gerard reacted instantly, putting himself between Tiffany and the armed stranger while swiftly retrieving his own weapon from the holster under his jacket. "Take the gun out with just two finger tips and drop it."

Had he been listening, he would have heard two things. Laughter from the dining room and the sound of one mother headdesking.

Marcus had never really been into the whole spy thing, maybe it was that it was that all the secrets and double crossing was a bit too close to home but he preferred his characters to be clever and outrageous rather then sleek and dashing. No surprise then that his idea of Spy's was stuck in somewhat of a 1970s throwback where the decision had been between big hair and acme bombs. No guess there which of the two he had gone for. Marcus had adjusted well to the quiet life for the most part, the odd game of exploding cricket and occasional issues around the school where enough to keep his wits sharp and to be honest he needed the peace and quiet at his final year studies where more hectic and complex then he'd realised going in with the whole stupid plan to study. It seemed such a minor thing at the time when he'd first earmarked the idea and admitted it to Rowan and now grades willing he'd be graduating at the end of the year and able to step to the other side of the desk. Marcus was sometimes eager and couldn't wait and yet other times he was terrified at the thought of responsibility.. bumming around fixing things was one thing but being a teacher meant he would no longer just be the guy who hung around the place fixing things. That job would go to Ianto and while he had hated the guy and thought such a thing would be a disaster life had mellowed him somewhat to the idea and things where good as he innocently looked over the buffet with Lady Macbeth on his shoulder and a plate in hand.

Yes, okay they where supposed to wait for Gerard to show up but he'd been busy and missed lunch, a guy had to eat yourknow! So too did firelizards it seemed. "Humm.. what do you think?" Marcus asked Lady Macbeth as he scooped out a couple of bits of meat and some potatoes onto his plate before grabbing some gravy and extra meat for his small companion. With the evil deed done Marcus was looking around for Rowan trying to decide if it was wiser to avoid her in case she took offense to his pilfering of the party food when there seemed to be some commotion coming from the other end of the room. Trouble? Well that was as good as a gold engraved invitation to a Hobson! Edging his way though the group he almost choked on a potato to see Gerard pointing a gun at Mel. "Geezus Gman!" Marcus said before making a 'ouch' expression at Doris' reaction to the whole thing. Where it not for the chance of one of his best mates getting shot the whole thing could have been downright hilarious.

For all the times Mel had been accused of having her head in the clouds as a kid she'd always been very firm about keeping her feet on the ground in reality. It helped when you knew every face around you was someone you'd known either from work, family or friendship. A good mixture of the old and new faces right from her parents to those she had met for the first time (in person anyway). Mel had never really thought much on how entwined her life had become with the Hunters, she hadn't even known about her Dad's connections until after meeting Gerard and indeed if it wasn't for Ethan she'd probably have never found out how much Gerard's family had been involved in helping her Dad start Muggles United downunder. That didn't mean that her and Gerard agreed on everything of course and quite a few debates had come from debates of what movie to watch or if it was or wasn't appropriate to carry a gun for self defense. Mel herself had never seen much point in guns outside of the odd bit of rabbit control and her Dad of course was adiment in it's use for dealing with her 'potential problem boyfriends'. Clearly it hadn't worked but from the smug happy glow around her Mum these days it seemed all past transgressions where forgiven the moment Ashleigh had arrived.

Just a pity that in her overconfidence Mel had just risked Ashleigh losing her mother, Mel had found her toy gun at the two dollar shop and not thought at all of the danger it could poise. Because Gerard would hardly bring a weapon to dinner would he? Mel stiffened and froze as Gerard stepped in front of a protesting Tiffany with his pistol pointing at her. Over aware of the fact that there was nothing but a small piece of finely crafted metal stopping a bullet ripping into her body set her mind reeling as she moved slowly, overcautious as she did as she was told. She knew Gerard was a pretty stable guy but she'd also been there moments after he'd been forced to use that very gun to take a life. Sometimes she felt he'd never quite let go of all that. Placing the toy gun on the ground she gently kicked it towards him, like him she was unaware of the laughter and jeers because while it looked funny it only took one mistake for it all to turn tragic. "Gerard.. I'm going to say this once and once only..." Mel said slowly as she pulled off the dark glasses. "..if it wasn't your birthday I would kick your arse so hard you'd be sitting in a ice bucket for weeks". No she was not happy at all to end up on the end of a gun belonging to her former roomate. "That and well.. I'm pretty sure pulling a weapon on your employee could be grounds for harassment" crossing her arms she angled a eyebrow at him, no she would not let him off this one. She might not be Tiffany Fumberger but that weapon was going to go, she wasn't above withholding Ashleigh from visiting if that was what it took for him to let go of the past and admit that no person outside of a spy movie really required to bring a concealed weapon to dinner.

Gerard's mind was trying to work a mile a minute to figure out why and how anyone connected with Shockanova would be in this small town, where he was going to dinner with Tiffany. Logic couldn't provide a reason as the stranger dropped the weapon and removed dark glasses to reveal....

"Mel?" he asked confused, hesitating a moment but then quickly slipping the safety back on and lowering his own gun. "Mel?" he repeated, the sounds of OMGOMG and laughter beginning to seep into his concious. "Bloody hell. What in the bloody hell are you doing here and since when do you have an accent?" Quick thinking on his feet when presenting a case? Definitely. Quick thinking when trying to find the right citation to aid the legal fight? Absolutely. Quick thinking and quick to realize he was the victim of a surprise birthday party? Uhhh... no.

"Sorry... But your hair... the glasses.... and a dress? You never willingly wear dresses, ever! But what? why?" he asked, as he slipped his arm around Tiffany and pulled her close to his side. About then another familiar voice rang out. "Marcus? You're here too?"

About that time, a very familiar voice sounded from behind Marcus, laughing so hard, it was a wonder his father could speak. "Happy Birthday, Gerard. Happy Birthday."

Gerard just looked further into the room and slowly took in all the get ups and gear. The barrister had no choice but to facepalm and shake his head. "I'm an idiot, aren't I?" he asked trying not to laugh but finding it hard to not join in with the others.

Tiffany was still blushing when they arrived at the venue, flustered at the thought of what was to come against the words Gerard had said on leaving. How he managed to make her feel like the only woman in the world was beyond her.. but she was glad he did. Kisses in the carpark, a arm around her as they walked inside to the muffled sounds of voices and Mel waiting for them at the doorway with a drink in hand. Little did she know that Gerard's impression was quite a bit different until everything went wrong. Tiffany had little more time then for a sharp intake of breath as Gerard stepped forward and was saying something to Mel and while Tiffany couldn't see everything she cowered as Gerard pointed a gun at Mel.. "Ohmygod!" Tiffany knew her eyes never lied and it was Meliae... so why was Gerard acting like they where in danger? This was clearly all her fault and she gulped as she tried to keep back tears. "Ohmygod..ohmygod...ohmygod.." she knew organising a big party would be a mistake and now Gerard and Meliae where both going to hate her for whatever had caused this rift between the two. Tiffany couldn't understand, they had always been such good friends even to the point where she had thought they would have made a wonderful pair. Indeed most of the town had thought as much which was why she had always thought that being a frumpy old woman would have no such luck to ever get a man as fine as Mr Gerard Hunter Q.C.

The thought that one day she might have been Mrs Gerard Hunter Q.C. was enough to bring her to tears, gasping for breath on the edge of hysterics as Gerard and Mel argued, her chest was tightening as she felt a hand touch her shoulder and looked up at Kat in confusion as the girl went about casting a spell on her, instantly the pressure in her chest lightened and her breath started to calm "Th..th..thank you dear" sniffling as she hugged the girl tight for a moment glad that her and Anton had taken time out from their holidays to make his father's birthday. Feeling better as Gerard started to laugh Tiffany stepped forward to give her man a hug "Oh it's all my fault, I'm so sorry Gerard but people did insist and I thought well you do only turn fifty once" looking up at him she was doing her own form of the 'Miss Moneypenny eyes'. Glancing around at the assortment of family and friends who had all traveled down for the occasion she had her heart on her sleeve that Gerard would be happy with the surprise and not angry at her for keeping it all secret.

Mel had always known Gerard to be a smart man.. for the most part, however he did have a certain.. blindness to things outside of the usual sphere of logic such as trusting that Marcus' ideas where innocent and that what he knew from experiance was always the case. "Gerard" she said in a tone somewhere between disbelif and being pissed off "What the bloody hell are you playing at bringing that to dinner?" gesturing to the gun. "It was supposed to be a joke" she added crouching down to pick up the water pistol, aiming at Marcus she squirted him in the ear "See.. harmless" .. well apart from some whinging from a certain Hobson. "Now come on.. take that gun out and lock it in the boot of your car or I'll just have to shoot you till your forced to walk in their with crotch stains" she smirked as others arrived before rolling her eyes at Gerard's so called defense. "Really Gerard just because I don't go prancing down the street in six inch heels doesn't mean that I can't dress up on occasion.."

Ignoring the 'well duh' from Marcus that yes it was him Mel made a 'nawr meets eww' face as Gerard got clingy with Tiff. While they did make a wonderful couple it still seemed weird to Mel to see them together after soo long of hearing one talk about the other unaware that anything would ever come of it. "Your son almost shot me!" Mel said waving her arms at Gerard's Dad after the happy birthday's where made. "See this is what happens if you don't let them play computer games from a early age" nobody could ever say she was a bad mother now for exposing Ashleigh to Angry Birds from birth. At least there was one thing they could agree on and Mel nodded quite seriously agreeing that Gerard was a idiot, but seeing others in the room laughing Mel just shook her head at him bemused that he'd have such a hard time beliving that his friends would care to put on a big show for him. "I think this calls for drinks... and I believe you owe all of us one, Mr Bond", after all it was his night and the party (and embassiment once he realised they had combined efforts to make a full video and photo 'best of' slideshow) awaited.

With a sigh, Gerard quickly kissed Tiffany on the forehead promising he'd be right back and exited the building, with quick strides, he was at his car and securing the weapon in its case in the boot. Back in the venue, Gerard looked at Mel with one eyebrow raised. "Your definition of dressing up is usually new Docs! And dresses? Under loud protests except for Monty Python, but even that took some convincing!" he told her at his last attempt to defend himself. He did turn his attention to Tiffany who was apologizing profusely. "No! Not your fault but it's not my birthday, that's not till.... Today?" he ended his statement as a question when he realized today was April 26th. "Yeah, idiot" he admitted again with a half laugh and returning his arm to Tiffany's waist, hugging her too him. "Okay Okay, drinks are on me!" he assured me, "Now will someone get me a vodka martini, shaken not stirred. I need it after all this," he added as the couple followed the others into the room where the rest of the party waited.

The moment Gerard left Tiffany had burst out in tears leading to a all out pep session from the others so that by the time Gerard returned she was breathing again and hopefully not going to pass out, Gerard had been though a lot but Mel was sure having his bride to be die on him at his birthday would be pushing it all that bit too much. "It's okay Tiff.. noo my fault" giving her friend a quick hug she sighed and brushed her hair out of her face with her hands, the shorter length was annoying and somehow managed to get into her face more then when she'd let it grow. Naturally with the return of Gerard came a relapse into the argument "Maybe your worth getting dressed up for.. ever think of that?" elbowing him to pay attention to Tiff who was busy apologising for everything, Mel had a moment of guilt over that, after all it had been her idea to throw a big party and have fun. A pity that Agent Sourpuss somehow managed to miss the memo that yes it was his birthday and that meant suprise parties where always on the cards.

"You're just lucky Marcus didn't organise it" Mel said as she watched the future Hunters hug, it was amazing the transformation Tiff and Gerard had gone though after getting engaged, you wouldn't have thought they had only met a few years ago when it seemed like they had been together for years. Mel was a bit envious of that, she felt like there was still a million things to learn about being in a 'proper' relationship and the added pressure of having Ashleigh made her that much more afraid that if something went wrong it would be so much harder to let go and move on when there was a baby involved. Thankfully for the most part Ethan was easy to get on with and as long as there was another book and some coffee in the machine it seemed like they could get though anything. "Oh now you want your drink!.. Well I made you one but the floor got it" Mel said pointing to the stain that marked the death of martini number one, she didn't hold it against him that much and so following Marcus she grabbed a fresh glass from the bar for Gerard before seeking out a certain sexy librarian because she needed a hug. It wasn't every day you got a gun pointed at you by a mate after all. "Ethannn.. your cousin almost killed meee" she fake whined with a pout, nobody said she had to be mature about any of this after all!

Ethan had been enthused about his cousin's surprise party and even went so far as finding just the right shoes to complete his costume yet maintain his favorite style. If he had thought about it, he might have suggested Mel leave her water pistol on the table but it never occurred to him that if they were surprising his cousin, Gerard may just not realize who it was in the costume. As we have seen, Gerard didn't and so Ethan was not surprised when Mel returned to Ashleigh and him whining about almost getting shot by Gerard. "Well, would you believe it was this close?" Ethan told her grinning, holding his hands apart and trying his best to sound like Agent 86. However, he reached over and pulled his wife, his fiance, his girlfriend to him.

Light headed from holding back her tears Tiffany was not the most healthy of women and the moment Gerard kissed her on the head she was sure this was the end.. cue the water works! Gasping and sobbing she couldn't help the shuddering shoulders and ruined makeup even as first Mel and then Katelyn hugged her, forcing a glass of water (or so she thought) into her hand and quickly touching up her makeup as the calming draught soothed her tears and brought her breathing back under control. It was lucky that they had healers in the family or who knew what could have happened? Tiffany hated arguments and she never liked seeing her friends not getting along and so it wasn't until Gerard finally realised why she had been so high strung all day wasn't because of some silly dinner but the pressure of organizing all this and most of all keeping it a surprise to him AND Miss Moneypenny! Little did she know that her plan had not been so successful in that regard!

Now at least Gerard was laughing and the mood felt better, Tiffany was all too glad to have Gerard's arm to keep her by his side, red faced she couldn't help feel embarrassed as she followed the others into the room and found so many faces turned their way. Poor Tiffany had never gotten used to people paying attention to her, most of her life it had been a case of hiding away in the back corner while all the nice and wonderful things happened to other people. "I do really hope you like everything Gerard.. I was so worried you wouldn't" but what was not to like about the tables set and a buffet of roast meats, salads and of course the bar with it's row of pre-made martinis .. all shaken, not stirred of course. Tiffany herself could not abide the drink in question and so with Gerard happy with a Martini she herself decided on a pink champagne to settle her nerves as people came up to wish Gerard a happy birthday, Tiffany just had to hope that she didn't look too much a mess from the crying and all the rest, how embarrassing it would be to be in public with panda eyes and mascara tears when Gerard's parents had traveled all the way from the UK to be with them tonight.