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

[reallyfishy]

Yeah, that's exactly it. This is a situation that puts extreme pressure on everyone involved. Not everyone's used ta that, and not everyone can cope. I'm still pissed at Hamelin fer bringin' so many kids inta this...

[That's not to say that all adults can withstand this kind of pressure either, but it just seems particularly cruel to bring children into this.]

I don't want that fer ya either. You've been through more than enough.

[incompletely]

Raven-san...

[ He lets out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. It's soft and a little shaky. You've been through more than enough. ... He really has, hasn't he. ]

I won't give up. No matter what happens. I have to keep going -- and you do, too.

[reallyfishy]

[Raven smiles at that.]

Oh it'll take a lot more than this ta bring this old man down. I'll be fine, and I know you will too.

[Obviously he can't promise that, but he's doing his best to keep spirits up all the same.]