It paid to have the memory of a con-man when Nate's new job revolved around tending to a large group. He did not handle all the elements of Haven business, but he did often touch base with members, agents, and contracted help, so keeping names to faces was a very useful talent. It also helped get Quin acclimated and give her a better idea of what Haven looked like outside of her office.

Quin was, as expected, torn on being out for the night. She saw the event as a good thing, but she lamented the loss of her coveted private time. "Having an event like this was clearly the only way I knew you wouldn't spend the night working off the clock," he teased. "And this is our first one, really, but it might not be a bad idea to let everyone gather, catch-up, and blow off steam once in a while. Besides, the ice cream and sweats will be waiting for you when you get home." He would have cheekily suggested other things waiting for her at home, but Nate had told the babysitter he would be back later in the night-- not in the morning.

Nate glanced over to the door as a new redhead entered the room. "Oh, a late arrival. That's Artair, our resident Scot, and now I think that covers everyone." He took a sip of his drink, sent over by the kindness of Devon. "So what do you say? Should we go be social or hit the dance floor? It is a party, after all."

Jack smiled sheepishly as she danced with Devon, the music fluidly switching to something they could definitely swing dance to.

“Quite duh get-togedder, Hadden,” she said warmly, dipping her head towards his, “Sigured you could use sun cun’any out here.”

Like all good things, the song came to an end.

“Could di’ you, no trou’le,” she threatened teasingly, motioning as if she would really don't dip him. Jack didn't actually know how to do it, she just liked to periodically tease Devon. Jack stepped back genially, releasing Devon and bowing to him.

>> “Quite duh get-togedder, Hadden,”

“I agree.” Devon nodded as a grin widened, “Though this isn’t my doing.”

>> “Sigured you could use sun cun’any out here.”

A slight blush rose to his cheeks as he nodded again, “Yes. Thank you. I would have hoped more would join but I guess not!” He chuckled as they moved through a few steps.

A shock of red grabbed his attention as Artair entered in a suit jacket. The midnight blue and the black suited him. Devon was glad to see he was doing better. Really, Devon was glad to see him at all..

The Scotsman shot a wave over to the dancing couple. Devon returned it with a warm smile. While Artair was at the bar with Selene, Devon revelled in his dance with Jack. She was strong and very precise in her movements. It was probably good she had taken the traditionally male pose considering the back had to stay so straight and the guiding movements were easier then. Even if they didn’t go in for a dip, Devon spun like a tornado more than once and bent like a bowing tree.

However the song had to end with smiles between the both of them. Devon returned the bow. “Thank you, Chief,” he said with firm pronunciation as if to stress the genuine quality of his meaning. “That was fun.”

Devon retreated as the music played on, finding himself back at the bar where Selene had a gin waiting for him. “Thank you,” he said quickly before sipping.

“Of course,” she practically purred the words. “It looked like you might want another.”

“Yeah that was a bit showy of me. Liquid courage helps,” Devon replied with a quick laugh and a nod.

“Mmm,” the cocktail alchemist nodded, glancing in the direction of Ranger, Sveta, and Artair. “I’m sure it does.”

Devon smirked, eyes narrowing at the woman. She in turn shrugged her shoulders and turned away, grinning all the while. Chuckling, Devon left the bar and hurried over to the chatting trio, drink in hand.

“Ah good to see you were coming after all,” Devon teased as he came up alongside Artair. “Ranger, I love the hat, and Sveta the symmetry of the dress with the cross pattern. Very nice! It’s great to have a social event for once isn’t it?”

(TAGS: "Chief" Svetlana Sergeyeva Artair Hawke Ranger )

Noel's guy spoke Russian. How refreshing. Even in New York, Sveta did not often run into people who spoke her native language; after so long, she was bilingual herself, so it did not really bother her, but it was surprising when it came up sometimes. And this guy did not speak it half bad, either. Sveta was both surprised and intrigued.

>>”Yes ma’am. I did a lot o’ work with EUCOM… The United States European Command when I was in the service. Army got me speakin’ Russian like I was a native. Hard t’ blend in if y’ show up an’ sound like a Texan fumblin’ through the language. I also speak Arabic. Same story.”

"Impressive." Sveta smirked, raising her drink at him. No wonder Devon collected him too. Useful.

Noel left to annoy the new kids; in exchange they were joined by Artair. Sveta greeted him with a smile. She liked the Scotsman, and they had their share of improv brawl before.

Devon, after putting on a show of dancing with Chief (which was fun to watch), also joined the group.

>>“Ranger, I love the hat, and Sveta the symmetry of the dress with the cross pattern. Very nice! It’s great to have a social event for once isn’t it?”

"Great" Sveta chuckled "Added bonus to see you dance, Mr. Hadden. How many more cocktails until you break out the disco moves?"

A laugh burbled out of the prawn at Devon's coy expression. Yes, more company would've been ideal, but here they were, cutting the rug... Jack nodded to Artair as he entered. She'd have to say hello later-on. The music ended, the two parted. Devon thanked Jack for the dance, and the prawn patted his shoulder, squeezing it lightly. Any time.

Devon bee-lined for the bar, and Jack rocked on her feet at the center of the dance floor. Dancing alone really wouldn't be all that fun. She also didn't particularly feel like returning to the group she'd just fled from, either, so she found a place at a cozy table the ran along side the dancefloor, wedging herself into one of the tiny seats, and then casually crossing one leg over the other.

She'd abandoned her drink... somewhere... she couldn't recall where. Or maybe she'd finished it? Oh well. Jack rested her head on one hand, surveying the other attendees. She could always go greet Artair... or maybe... attempt round two at trying to approach unfamiliar faces. But Noel was over there. The prawn sighed. Or she could just... sit at the table and stare off into the distance. That always worked. If she'd been smarter, she would've brought a book.

Sveta raised her drink as commented that Ranger’s language skills were impressive. The conversation between her and Ranger might have continued, but Artair took that opportunity to join them. He greeted Sveta first, as was proper, before before greeting Ranger.

Artair pointed out the obvious, in their first meeting they didn’t even so much as exchange names. All things considered, that could be forgiven. It was literally a waking nightmare. Ranger took his hand in a firm handshake when offered.

”Michael,” Ranger said in greeting, ”An’ y’ can say that again.” Ranger shook his head remembering that night… And then that Artair had said he owed him a drink, ”I do believe y’ still own me that drink.”

Ranger noticed Tempest approaching the group from further down the bar. He had caught some of him dancing with Chief. It had been quite the dance. Tempest pulled up beside Artair and greeted the group in turn. At the mention of his hat, Ranger tipped it in acknowledgement.

Sventa chucked and answered Devon’s question with a “Great.” before commenting on his drinking and…

”Oh Lord... not disco.” Ranger laughed. Then to Tempest he added, ”Nice dancin’. If the music comes ‘round t’ somethin’ more my style I’ll have t’ get out there.”