AFTERPARTY III: Never Have I Ever Been Quite This Drunk

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[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

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[Okay, the laugh that gets out of Marcus is a good deal closer to being more genuine than anything else he's managed this entire evening. Still dark and strained, sure, but there's actual amusement there, even if it is at Tenn's misfortune.]

Yeah, I shoulda warned you about that. That stuff burns on the way down.

[incompletely]

[ ...Yeah, he can't help it, that gets a dry laugh from him too. It's soft and brief, but it's the only time he's laughed all day. That was pretty goddamn funny. ]

The only other drink I had here tasted bad. This doesn't, so I got a little excited.

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[Hey, that's a good sigh, so he'll take it. And he's had his share of "chugging drinks way too fast" in his life, so it's not like he's being a hypocrite here.]

It's all about what you put in it. Put something sweet and fruity in, get something sweet and fruity out. I can tell you right now you won't want anything with whisky or bourbon in it unless you're a masochist.

[incompletely]

[ ...huh. He wasn't expecting to be interested in hearing about this, given, well, everything and how distracted he is. But he does tilt his head a little. He looks tired, but intrigued all the same. ]

I've heard those two are strong. Is that your preference?

[ did he just indirectly call marcus a masochist oh my god??? ]

[mirrite]

[WOW calling him out like that how dare!!]

You got it! I like the harder stuff, but it's definitely an acquired taste, and you don't need to be in any hurry to acquire it. Just look at Phil-- he still can't handle that sort of thing without coughing.

[incompletely]

That doesn't surprise me...

[ What part of it? Probably both. ]

So what you made me is considered light? It's good.

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Yeah, it was mostly just fruit-flavored liqueur. That's why it was so sweet instead of strong.

[... well, okay, if you have enough of it it is also strong, but!]

[incompletely]

[ Well then. He's going to have a sip of it. Slower, this time...and he manages not to cough! ]

I didn't know you were a bartender.

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[Good job! There, see? It's not that bad after all.]

And a cook, and an accountant, and a negotiator...

[incompletely]

...Are you pulling my leg, or.

[ What kind of persona game is this??? ]

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Man, I wish. I'd kill to have anyone else around that I could trust to do those things.

[You have not met the Salvation Front, Tenn.]

[incompletely]

Why are they making you do all of those things?

[ You're not even human!! ]

[mirrite]

Because no one else can, that's why.

[Tenn pls you've seen his master...]

[incompletely]

...I know Phillip-san is a little...

[ Careless...? ]

But everyone else is like that, too?

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They're soldiers, and they're good at what they do. That's what we need them to be... and that's also why most of the rest ends up falling on my shoulders.

[He's used to it by now, honestly.]

[incompletely]

So...you're like a caretaker, in a way?

[ Is that the right term for it? ]

[mirrite]

Or a mother, if certain people are to be believed...

[Thanks, Rowen.]

[incompletely]

Haha. That does seem to suit you, in a way.

[ There's a tiny smile on his face. Another small victory for them tonight! ]

You work hard to look out for other people, so I'm not surprised.

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That part definitely comes from experience.

[Likewise, there's more of a smile on his face than there's been all day.]

It'd be nice if it were a little more useful here, though...

[incompletely]

Isn't it, though? Phillip-san's here, after all.

[ ROASTED....... ]

[mirrite]

[OUCH. He's not wrong, though.]

... I walked right into that one, didn't I.

[incompletely]

Ah, sorry. I meant it more as a way to tease him instead of you.

[ Poor Marcus... Tenn takes another sip of his drink. ]

But I hope you found that at least a little funny.

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[The amusement in his eyes is a giveaway that the answer to that one would be a "yes."]

To be fair, it could go either way. Looking after Phil really is about the only useful thing I've been able to do here so far...

[incompletely]

[ He seems to take a moment to consider this. ]

No, I wouldn't say so. Marcus-san... Do you remember when Riku was found? What you did for me then is something I won't forget. His trial, too, and even right now -- the support you've been providing has been more than just useful.

So... I'd like to return the favor, too.

[mirrite]

[... ah. That? He was not expecting to hear that, in part because to him it was just the right thing to do, and in part because it's rare for people to acknowledge his efforts when he makes them. It makes him feel both glad and self-conscious all at once, which he tries to play off with a shrug of his shoulders.]

All right, I take that back: I guess I have been a little more useful than I realized. Don't go giving me a big head, though, because there's still a lot more I could be doing for you and Phil and everyone else here.

But if you wanna pay me back, it'd be pretty rude of me to refuse that offer. So... thanks.