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

[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.

[mirrite]

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.

[mirrite]

[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.

[incompletely]

You're doing your best, though. Sometimes that's all anyone can ask for.

[ That might not be the answer he was looking for or expecting, but that's that, Marcus. ]

I'll think of something -- ah, how about... I can make something for you in the kitchen, one day?

[ Funny, how he never used to cook for others, and now...it's one of the best things he can do for other people. At least, that's what he thinks. ]

[mirrite]

[Wow Tenn you can't just go saying things like that! You might actually make him emotional.]

Hah! You know how to make an offer a guy can't refuse. How's this: if that's how you wanna pay me back, make me something from your world and you've got yourself a deal.

[Yeah, that's a sentiment Marcus understands well. It's part of why he's spent twenty years cooking for Phil...]

[incompletely]

[ Accept it, Marcus!!! ]

It's a deal, then. I can do that, no problem at all.

[ Is it time for his omurice to make a comeback.... ]

I'll even make some for Phillip-san, too.

[mirrite]

[Now he actually laughs.]

Man, at this rate, he's really gonna end up spoiled. Well, he needs to eat more anyway, so it's not like I can complain.

[incompletely]

I'll at least be taking some of the work off of your back, so I don't mind at all.

[ It's the least he can do. He really does want to show Marcus that he appreciates his kindness. ]

[mirrite]

Do it too often and you'll make me lazy.

[This is not a real complaint, however.]

Now, speaking of favors, want another drink, or should I fix you up with something non-alcoholic this time?

i forgot the alcohol part HAHA

[incompletely]

Maybe something non-alcoholic...

[ His cheeks are kind of flushed, and he's slightly more slouched over, now. Maybe it's starting to kick in!! ]

I like the way you made it. Not too sweet -- just right.

no more for Tenn...

[mirrite]

[Yeah, he sees the beginning of that buzz setting in there. Not that he would've said no if Tenn had wanted another, but he's glad that Tenn has enough self-awareness not to let himself get completely blitzed.]

Coming right up. I guess this counts as making myself useful too, huh?

[incompletely]

Sure does.

[ He at least seems...happier? Part of it is because of the buzz, but he was smiling even before that, so that's a win for Marcus! Probably. ]

Are you making yourself somethin', too?

[mirrite]

[He'll take it as a win, because there have been so few of those lately...]

I hadn't been planning on it, but you know what? Why not. Mine's gonna be the hard stuff, though.

[incompletely]

I think you've earned it.

[ Like, after all that? After bartending for people here regardless of how he must be feeling?

Go ahead, Marcus. Live your life. ]

Just don't go trippin' over yourself like some people, 'kay?