AFTERPARTY III: Never Have I Ever Been Quite This Drunk

[mirrite]

[There's absolutely nothing celebratory about this drinking party. "Party" isn't even the right word, not really-- it's more like a "drink until you forget and/or black out" session for anyone who wants to participate, and even the bartender isn't immune from that much. Please forgive him if your drink isn't mixed quite right; he's trying his best under the circumstances.

There's food, too, if anyone wants to attempt to stave off a hangover tomorrow, or just get something in their stomach after the events of the day: stirfry from Makoto, vegetable soup from Nageki (mediocre, but hey, a genuine effort was made and that's what counts), and some tea for those who would rather abstain from the harder stuff. (Is that even many people tonight? Probably not.)

Come on by the bar if you're hungry or want a drink, or even if you just don't want to be alone right now. That much, at least, is something that can be guaranteed tonight.]

Comments

[edamamepon]

[ Early on, after washing the kitchen floor and coffee grounds off of him, he can be found in the kitchen. Wok in one hand, he's cooking with the automatic movements of someone who has made this dish far too often to be staring that hard at it. If anyone wants to bother him, try not to sneak up on him or he might spill.

Much later --when the food preparations are done, mess cleaned, and even his coffee isn't enough, he won't be able to sleep. So he'll be at the bar again. How many drinks has he had? (take your pick from 1 to someone should walk him back). Anyone that approaches will get a muted offer for him to pour them some. ]

I found some wine in the back, if you want a glass.

[ Like the last party, he'll be smoking outside at various times throughout -- outside the lodgings, the bar, or anywhere in between.

wildcard anywhere from the lodgings to bar, really. Even the park. ]

fairy sweet park;

[biyishuangfei]

[ Huaisang was out and about, taking a walk at one point because staying cooped up in one place when he was feeling miserable wasn't his idea of a fun time. ]

...Oh, you're out here too?

Re: fairy sweet park;

[edamamepon]

[ Being cooped isn't Makoto's either. Staying in one place too long alone makes it too easy for him to check out, to slip back into himself too far.

But he's still a little surprised to see someone else out here. To be polite, he butts his cigarette into a cup before raising the bottle of wine he's brought with him to the park. Noticeably, there isn't a whole lot left. Still, there's a sad smile directed the other man's way if he can make it out in the dark. ]

I am. Care to join me, Huaisang?

[ Makoto will stick to what he wanted to be called, fluently, but he can't remember the last time he addressed him directly. ]

[biyishuangfei]

[ He won't return it just yet but he will definitely come closer and a little quickly to the other man. ]

Yes, I don't mind at all...

[ This was probably one of the first times he's ever joined Makoto following a trial, as far as he could recall anyway. But, he wasn't really bad company in his opinion. ]

How long have you been out here?

[edamamepon]

[ Makoto glances at the sad, half-smoked cigarette abandoned in his cup of ashes. ]

I'm not sure. Needed a change of scenery.

[ His gaze shifts back to his new companion again, offering up the wine bottle if he'd like some. Regrettably, Makoto's cup has long since been relegated to an ashtray. The more he drank, the less qualms he had about drinking directly from the bottle. ]

Same for you?

[biyishuangfei]

[ There really wasn't all that much left in the bottle, so ... it was probably fine. Huaisang began to reach for it. ]

...You'd be right. There's really not all that much fulfilling about staying cooped up in one place after a trial like that.

[ After even the killer was caught, he was still restless, and miserable. At the very least by now he's gotten himself more put together so he's definitely out of tears, but it was a very exhausting trial. Too bad he didn't know of the shit that'll occur tomorrow ]

[edamamepon]

[ Makoto lets him have it, won't stop him from finishing what's left of the wine. He's had enough to settle most of his nerves and still walk, a comfortable level of drunkenness that loosens them but doesn't pull too hard at his words quite yet. ]

Yeah, you're not wrong there.

[ A sigh. ]

But we did it at least. I'm glad we were able to bring your friend justice, even if it doesn't... feel much like a victory after all of that.

Still... I don't really want to remember him like that. [ Makoto's gaze slips from Huaisang, drifting across the park. ] It helps to talk about things, to remember the good, if you're up for sharing any of it.

[biyishuangfei]

[ He'll end up taking some of it, finishing it off relatively quick. Which was probably why he didn't allow himself to grab a drink earlier; he's a very irresponsible and terrible drunk. Nobody needed to see that.

He was bad enough when he got tipsy. ]

...Well, during our time when we studied abroad in the Cloud Recesses, Wei-xiong and I got in a lot of trouble because we tried to find ways around the rules. Or I'd ask him for help in my studies because I wasn't really the greatest student. Those really were the best times of our lives.

Wei-xiong really was a one of a kind prankster.

Though I think for a lot of people, when they're younger, that may be the same for them.

[edamamepon]

[ Makoto is a less predictable drunk. Overly friendly when the mood hits him, words loosened, is where most drinking nights begin. Eventually a thoughtfulness usually creeps in, especially in heavy times like these. When it becomes too much, he finds himself alone.

It's not so bad with Huaisang. Grief, he understands far more than how to play this game. He listens intently, still letting his gaze wander out away from them. It's hard not to realize now that the two of them had known one another even longer than Makoto thought. ]

Sounds like he was a really fun person. I wish I'd gotten to see one if his pranks.

... Are those your favorite memories of him?

[biyishuangfei]

[ Strange how time could mess with one another's perception.

Meanwhile Huaisang felt like much has hardly passed, but he's undeniably been counting the days since their 'arrival' to this awful and strange place. ]

Yes, actually.

Following our time in the Cloud Recesses, we didn't get to spend much time together for quite awhile, unfortunately.

[ ... ]

Do you have any close friends back home?

[edamamepon]

[ That question cuts deeper than Huaisang probably realizes. Were they close? Somehow this place has taught him what that really looks like. Even his friends that he cared deeply about all kept their own secrets. So did he, really, so how could he blame them? But their last words still make it difficult for him to tell how much of their friendship was one sided. Had they ever really considered him a friend in the end? Whether they did or not, they were the only ones he had.

Makoto's expression goes distant a moment, taking a deep breath before answering. ]

Yeah, I did. At least, I considered them friends.

[biyishuangfei]

[ ...That was an interesting reaction. He couldn't tell why there was suddenly a clouded expression upon the brunet's expression following his question, but he knew that his question had prompted it. ]

...Oh.

[ Huaisang considered the words further. Past-tense, it sounded like.

So, he'll respond accordingly. ]

I-I'm sorry, if I brought up any painful memories.

[edamamepon]

[ Makoto shakes his head, offering Huaisang a smile. He's aiming for reassuring, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. ]

No, it's--It's not your fault. But I'm guessing you have other friends, too? Back home, I mean.

[biyishuangfei]

[ Rather noticeable...they're all tired here and doing their best. ]

Hmm...just Wei-xiong.

[ ... ]

A long time ago, maybe it was different. Maybe you might understand.

But really, that's just how it is sometimes. People change; they drift away. But someday, the chance to get to know other people and become their friends might come.

[edamamepon]

Oh.

[ There was a time when he'd had many friends. Their faces are a blur now, the memories smudged by the sudden, painful disintegration of those friendships. One day they were friends, the next they were strangers at best and enemies at worst. And whichever category they fell into, they all knew enough about him to make sure it hurt.

In the silence, Makoto bites at his cheek and regrets not bringing more alcohol to dull the heaviness in his chest. Or maybe it would make it worse? ]

I do understand. ... But sometimes their view of you changes, even if you didn't actually change at all.

[ There's a sigh, running a hand down his face because he's not sure what else to do with himself. ]

Making friends in a place like this, when back home I-- I don't know.

[biyishuangfei]

[ Or sometimes, they betray you because they believe the power and fame was worth it....something he didn't really need to say, though. ]

I'm not sure if I can ask you to make friends in a place like this.

But...Maybe someday you can try again?

Just because things went bad doesn't mean you can't start over with someone new. It can be hard, but I've been considering that trying again has to be worth it, since being alone doesn't seem to be worth it in the end.

[ He's still afraid of things going wrong and that will never change. But this was something he has struggled with for awhile now (WWX dying didn't help.) For him, who had always been so open to go through through decade of feeling alone...he didn't think he could continue to do so for much longer. Even if trust will always be an issue. ]

[edamamepon]

...

[ Makoto sits with that insight for a moment, expression drawing serious again. Someday is being optimistic. This place makes him feel as though he is walking in the pitch black towards a cliff without knowing when the ground will stop being there to support him.

Is it worse to walk towards it alone? ]

I've... actually started over before this place. I guess I can't help it, even if I never seem to get it right.

[ A head tilt in his direction, sad smile back in place. ]

But you know what? I think you're right. I don't know if making friends is the smart choice, but it's the right choice. I don't want anyone to have to be alone and I don't want to play into what Hamelin wants at all.

bar blends bar blends

[heroicact]

Not wine... yet. Just a little more...

[Jack has startled awake again somewhere in between Makoto heading out of the joint and Makoto rolling back in for actual drinking -- he's still on the extremely tipsy side of extremely tipsy but sometimes you can spend part of the evening sleeping it off and then just keep fuckin' going.

That is, apparently, the M.O. this entire weekend given all the goings-on. It really is. Jack appears to have no plans to be sober, though he's really just jonesing for more sweet drinks rather than straight-up wine. So.

After a moment, though:]

Ah, Makoto, Makoto. Bartender of bartenders. I must ask you about bartending.

[edamamepon]

[ Makoto nods, back to sipping his wine in the silence between them. Until, Jack speaks again and Makoto tilts his head in his direction. He's at the perfect crossroads of tipsy and melancholic enough not to care about watching his tongue. And it looks as though tonight, Jack is the brand of tipsy to pull the more whimsical out of him even if it means reaching for less used vocabulary in response and mirroring him in a sense.

His head tips into his palm, wine glass in the other hand. ]

Jack, Jack-- the virtuoso of barflies, what do you need to know about bartending?

[heroicact]

Ah, I couldn't-- take that compliment, I'm not worthy... I think.

[He seems a little torn on actual comprehension given that. Is that a compliment, really, in these times and with this lot? If he is the virtuoso of barflies then what on earth is Raven, goodness gracious, etc. Some of that seemingly manages to float across the hazy fluff of his brain; everything else seems to just tumble straight out his mouth.

Makoto does get a brilliant smile for his answering silliness, though, something that looks like it was knocked out; a little surprised but fuzzily pleased.]

Just one thing, maybe, two things? That is, coffee and drink, and drink and coffee -- may the two be combined? It seems like it should make something amazing...

[CUSTOMER REQUEST: COFFEE LIQUOR]

[edamamepon]

Yes? You've never had it before? [ Makoto doesn't need to be hinted at twice to be put to a task. ] How sweet do you want it?

[ He downs his glass, leaving it on the counter as he rounds the bar. There's a moment of looking no matter what Jack's answer is, since other people have been back here. Occasionally he'll duck out of view to the tune of lightly clinking glass and thoughtful hums. ]

[REQUEST ACCEPTED]

[heroicact]

My circles... favored wine? Tea for me... though I don't think you can mix much of a tea drink like that. I don't really remember.

[He would be wrong, but he has also apparently not gone terribly far off the beaten path when it comes to this sort of stuff. Perhaps surprisingly. There's a lazy fascination that's become habitual whenever he's perched at the bar, following the movements of drink-making like a curious bird moving against a strong wind.

Eventually he'll settle his chin on his hands and abruptly remember that there was a real question in there somewhere. Whoops.]

I like sweet, but. A few kinds, maybe?

[REQUEST UPDATED: COFFEE DRINK SAMPLER FLIGHT]

[edamamepon]

[ Makoto reemerges victorious... a few times actually since he only has so many hands. ]

Okay. Coffee shots it is.

[ After one last moment of sizing his selection up, turning them to face him, he seems to make up his mind with a nod. Sweetest first. Shaking the liqueurs and cream with ice, he looks over the rest of the lineup like he's still deciding what should be next. Makoto may not give it the most flair, but he's gotten used to eying the pour; the movements from bottle to shaker, and finally to glass becoming more practiced, efficient.

A lighter brown liquid is poured into two small shot glasses. Makoto takes a sip of his before nodding and sliding the other to Jack. It's too sweet to be his favorite, but this isn't about Makoto's tastes. That said, Makoto can still taste the amaretto and coffee liqueurs enough, but not too much, against the creamy base that he's happy with his attempt at a Toasted Almond. ]

Tell me what you think.

[REQUEST COUNTERED: ONE AT A TIME, BARFLY]

[heroicact]

I wonder how many shots are possible here... how many kinds of coffee, ah...

[He probably asked the right guy!!

Jack, for one, has no idea which varieties of coffee they have -- he really isn't even sure which coffee comes from the kitchens and which have been brewed by their enterprising coffee lovers. Actually seeing it live is an exception, and a treat, because the aromas are always something else.

It's even more interesting when there really is a show made out of it, and he shifts to clap gently once it's all swirled together, sniffing a little at his glass.]

Mm, different from coffee-coffee. [whatever that means!!! but he closes his eyes nevertheless to savor the swirls of coffee cream and other flavors, humming softly] Maybe... too sweet... wonderful, but sweet.

[He still downs it all, though. Considering his crimes against candyland this week, it's really debatable whether anything is too sweet for him, but he seems to be questing for something...]

[BARFLY BREAKTHROUGH: ANOTHER!]

[edamamepon]

A lot, actually.

[ He has had too much to drink to go into a lot of detail over them. But he is not drunk enough to forget the feeling of each taste. It's almost like coffee: the upfront flavor, the hidden notes, the texture, and even the less pervasive aroma.

So, he decides to try something more complex, an experiment of sorts. In his head, it'd made sense, though he worries it might be a little much for Jack. Now that the idea of this drink is with him, he can't help but want to take the gamble.

Into the shaker go rums, coconut and coffee liqueurs, followed by pineapple and lemon juice. He throws in extra grenadine to make it a shade sweeter, though less so than the Toasted Almond. Just like before, it's iced and shaken, poured, and tested by Makoto before he slides the very different, red tinged shot over. It's a good thing this one is just a shot, since the strength of the alcohol is far too easy to hide behind the more tropical flavors. ]

Okay, this one is a little different... but it's actually really good.

[ Yes, he did already finish his. ]