[center]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/7Aoygm4l.png[/img]

[img]http://i.imgur.com/FWMorlL.png[/img] [img]http://i.imgur.com/xp0eIcQ.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/qpk2y0k.png[/img]

[h2][color palevioletred]Zoe[/color]
[color 00a99d]Ernest[/color] | [color cyan]Sander[/color] | [color 8A3DFF]Emma[/color][/h2]
[img]http:// i.imgur.com/3R5vYYi.png?2[/img] 
[hr][color=silver]𝕋𝕦𝕖: 𝕊𝕖𝕡𝕥. 𝟚𝟚, 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘   / /   𝔹𝕒𝕝𝕕 ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕀𝕤𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕   / /   ℤ𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕘'𝕤 𝔼𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕖: 𝕄𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕓𝕒𝕣   / /   𝟚𝟚𝟘𝟘[/color][hr]

[sub]Collab with [@Lasrever] [@RedDusk] [@Diggerton][/sub][/center]

[hider=Mistakes were made.]
So this one just needed some lime juice and Baileys. Layer the juice on top, then slam it back and...

Ernie's hand smacked onto the bar, grasping around for anything to distract him as his eyes bulged from the vile taste. This was, oh god, this was a really bad idea.

Seconds ticked by painfully before he was able to swallow the heap of curdled cream in his mouth, following which he sucked in a deep gasp and half a bottle of cranberry juice to erase the taste. Gross. Entirely gross. He didn't know why he thought that was a good idea. Shaking his head at his misguided curiosity, Ernie started rinsing off the shot glass.

Sander appeared then, strolling out from one of the connecting corridors, hands deep inside the pockets of his oversized hoodie. There was a fresh bruise on the left side of his jaw, its color stood starkly against pale skin. Despite the injury though, he looked relaxed enough as he took a sit at the bar, offering Ernie a quiet smile. 

[color=00a99d]"Jesus, do you need ice for that?"[/color] Ernie's hands were already moving towards Frostbite ingredients.

"[color cyan]For what?[/color]"

Ernie paused. [color=00a99d]"I'll take that as a 'no' then."[/color]

"[color cyan]Huh? This?[/color]" -Sander gestured to his face, then shrugged -"[color cyan]I'm fine.[/color]"

The signature blue cocktail and a bucket of ice were both pushed towards Sander. [color=00a99d]"If you say so, buddy."[/color]

Sander stared at the bucket for a few moments, obviously at a loss of what to do with it, before turning over to sip from his cocktail. 

The next person to arrive wasn't exactly easy to miss, not that she was trying to be. Zoe approached the bar before noticing the others, pausing at the sight of Ernie. If she'd been in a charitable mood, or still busy lamenting her actions, she probably would have avoided him. Sander, she didn't know much about, but screw it she was in the mood for something interesting to happen. So Zoe sat down, directing a taunting grin at Ernie.

Because really, what was he going to do about it?

Sander regarded the new comer with curious glances over his drink. He knew of her, yes, had seen her at the flag and seek game, had noticed who was with Christmas during Wisford. He had just never had good reason to speak with her in person, though.

A cautious glance flickered towards the smiling ginger. Was she...trying to be friendly? How did she usually smile? Unconsciously, his guard went up, the persona of an amicable bartender firmly rooting itself in his behaviour.

Ernie blinked. Attempted a small smile. [color=00a99d]"Do you want something?"[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"Not really."[/color] Zoe shrugged, faintly disappointed that he wasn't taking the bait. She glanced at Sander's drink, directing a polite nod towards him before turning back to Ernie. [color=palevioletred]"Just don't have anywhere better to be. You got anything decent back there?"[/color] 

[color=00a99d]"A lotta high-end stuff that could probably melt a hole through your liver. Got a preference?"[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"Just... whatever works."[/color] Zoe thought for a second, remembering the chandelier incident. Didn't really want to repeat that one too soon. [color=palevioletred]"Maybe nothing too strong. I can't hold my drink too well."[/color]

The buzzcut Aberration turned and feigned examining the shelves to hide the shit-eating grin he was failing to suppress. This was a good chance to compare Sander's alcohol tolerance to a normal human being. A chance for revenge too? Not that she had done anything directly to him. He just didn't like her that much.

Ernie started her with a Burnt Orange, something citrus-y with a decent hit of Grappa. Should hide the taste enough.

Accepting the drink without suspicion, Zoe didn't appear to catch on to Ernie's actions in the slightest as she took a sip. After a second, she nodded appreciatively. Even if she wasn't his biggest fan, she could appreciate being served a decent drink regardless. [color=palevioletred]"Tastes good enough to me. Thanks."[/color]

When Emma entered the bar, she didn’t expect to find Ernie, Sander, and Zoe, a group she wasn’t particularly fond of. Between Ernie being Ernie, Sander being a roided out blood berserker, and Zoe’s vague beef with Callan she wasn’t exactly looking forward to having to deal with them. 
 
But, at the same time, they did see the half of the battle that Emma missed, and there was still the question of Hazel that rested on Emma’s mind. She’d been locked up again, which can only mean… well, she did something. 
 
So, Emma resigned herself to taking a seat. She offered a small wave to the others, [color=8A3DFF]”Hi.”[/color] she offered cheerily, with no indication of her apprehension.
 
However, Emma wasn’t the only one to enter. Behind her came Determination, who followed hesitantly, taking a seat beside his master. Emma gave the golem a slight nudge, and after a moment of hesitation he offered his own, [color=580ACC]”Hello.”[/color] 

[color=00a99d]"Hey,"[/color] Ernie nodded, fixing himself his own drink. Couldn't let those two have all the fun and if three people who actively disliked him were going to be his bar buddies for the night then he'd need something strong too, [color=00a99d]"Something for--"[/color]

If he was actually drinking something at the moment it definitely would've been spat out. He gawked at the shadowy creature, unable to muster anything to say.

Zoe kind of did a double-take at Emma's approach. Emma and her... friend. Zoe hadn't really seen the things much. She wanted to question why the hell Emma was taking one of her summons around with her, because the only reason Zoe could think of was as some kind of threat. At least until the thing talked. Somehow, that just made it more worrying.

Sander had been focusing on his drink, only glancing up slightly when the girls approached. However, Emma’s strange companion gave him pause. He hadn’t been around her long enough to know if this were normal behaviours for her, but given the surprised looks from the other two, the presence of this shadowy…thing was probably recent. 
 
Regardless, Sander did not make any comment, instead just settled for watching the creature act from the sideline with a curious look on his face. There was no scent coming out from it. Around him, Ernie was Mudslide, Zoe was sharp and tart, and Emma was sweet, but when he focused on the creature, there was just…nothing. Like it wasn’t even there. 
 
It reminded him of Callan’s shadow monster. The thought made his fingers twitch, his mind unhelpfully bringing back the blinding burn of its claws. 
 
Sander knocked back his drink, fitfully chasing the memories away. 

[color=8A3DFF]”Yeeeeah…”[/color] Emma said, smile turning into a half smile. [color=8A3DFF]”He started… doing this after DC. I’d say you get used to it, but…”[/color] Determination himself remained quiet, looking down towards his hands, which were folded on top of the bar. 

[color=00a99d]"That's uh...okay, cool,"[/color] Ernie nodded rapidly and wondered if it was going to be a permanent fixture around the estate. Emma hadn't poofed him for some reason. Questions for later, [color=00a99d]"You here for a drink too?"[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Couldn’t hurt.”[/color] Emma commented idly. [color=8A3DFF]”It’s been a… weird day.”[/color] Emma said, a not so subtle reference to her new found companion. 

More nodding. Ernie poured out a quick White Russian for the girl (extra Russian, if the vodka's packaging was anything to go by) and a tentative glass of orange juice for the tulpa. Another Frostbite slid to Sander.

Emma gave the boy a nod, [color=8A3DFF]”Thanks.”[/color] she said, taking a long sip. 

Determination, however, looked at his drink with a bit of apprehension. He then looked at Emma as she took a sip from her drink, finally deciding on imitating her, knocking the glass back into his own mouth. For a moment his mouth drooped, as if he was trying to decide how he felt about the drink. And then he took another sip, and another, and finally found a small smile planted on his face, suddenly deciding that he liked orange juice.

Snapping out of her stunned silence as she watched the thing drink, Zoe laughed nervously. [color=palevioletred]"Tha-- that's a new one."[/color] It definitely didn't seem to be hostile, at least. But it could drink? Did it even digest things? Zoe wasn't sure Emma would know, and more importantly didn't think she wanted that information.

After a moment, she glanced over to Emma. [color=palevioletred]"Do you take that thing with you everywhere or something?"[/color] Even knowing it didn't seem aggressive, Determination's presence made Zoe visibly uncomfortable. If only because she had pretty much no way to fight it.

[color=8A3DFF]”Well…”[/color] now how was she going to explain this one? [color=8A3DFF]”When he started talking he… told me he’d rather stay here. So yeah, it looks like he’s going to be staying with me now.”[/color]

Determination kept drinking his orange juice.

It'd 'rather stay'? So it had opinions. Likes and dislikes. Ernie shuddered inwardly, remembering the serial killings Lily had inflicted on the poor thing at D.C. If it disliked something too much, would it act like a human and retaliate? This was 'I, Robot' levels of potential bad.

[color=00a99d]"Well, you're always welcome to hang around here, Determination. Det. Deet?"[/color] He'd figure that one out later. Ernie looked to the little gathering at the bar, [color=00a99d]"But since we've got a couple of people here, anyone wanna do shots with me?"[/color]

Zoe shrugged. That was probably a 'no' to getting the thing to go away, then. Fantastic. Deciding it wasn't worth pushing the point or thinking about the wider implications, she turned back to her drink, shaking her head at Ernie's question.

[color=palevioletred]"Nah. Don't feel like getting too drunk tonight."[/color] Though it would be clear from the slight blush on her cheeks that the redhead had a little more of a buzz than she realised. A look at her own glass, which... well, it wasn't empty, but had she been drinking that quickly? [color=palevioletred]"Could do with a refill before you start, though."[/color]

[color=00a99d]"The responsible type, huh?"[/color] Ernie happily poured the redhead another liver-buster, [color=00a99d]"I can respect that."[/color]

Accepting the drink, Zoe laughed. [color=palevioletred]"Not sure I'd go that far."[/color] Really, Zoe was anything but responsible when it came to her own health. Dying young wasn't too far down her list of priorities, anyway. She just needed to get over the damage last time had done to her dignity. And her face. Although saying that, she wasn't much of a drinker anyway. [color=palevioletred]"It's just a control thing."[/color]

And her control hadn't been great recently.

He nodded sympathetically. [color=00a99d]"Yeah, gotta know your limits. How much do you usually have on a night out anyway?"[/color]

A night out? It had been a while, but... she smirked. [color=palevioletred]"Whatever someone else is willing to pay for? Dunno. Not much. It all seems to hit me at once, so if I take my time I can see it coming before then. Should have a pretty good idea when to stop with this stuff, anyway."[/color] But the rest of it wasn't really an option while she was being careful. [color=palevioletred]"Shots are a no-go today, though."[/color]

All at once. This was the part where he was supposed to feel bad, right? Ah well. [color=00a99d]"Fair enough. Emma? Sander? Det?"[/color]

"[color cyan]Shots are...[/color]" - Sander began, remembered the way the liquid had burnt as it went down. Then again, he didn't really have anything to do. He did not want to return to an empty room. At least with this, he wouldn't have to deal with it sober. -"[color cyan]Sure.[/color]"

A moment of feigned contemplation. Emma had already decided she could use the drink. [color=8A3DFF]”Sure. I’m in.”[/color] for Determination there was a moment of actual contemplation. [color=580ACC]”What is a… ‘shot’?”[/color] at that Emma gave Ernie a long glance, [color=8A3DFF]”Maybe it’d be best if we kept him away from the alcohol. I’m not sure what it’ll actually do to him, if anything.”[/color]

A clap of joy from the bartender. [color=00a99d]"Alrighty then!"[/color]

He got to work comfortably, producing a deep red liquid in twelve shot glasses.

[color=00a99d]"Made some for you too, Zoe, in case you change your mind. Are we toasting to anything?"[/color]

Sander only shrugged as he reached for a glass, though he did wait for others instead of drinking it straight away. 

Still deciding against the shot, Zoe chuckled drily. [color=palevioletred]"To not being dead yet? Isn't like we've got much to look forward to."[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Sounds about right.”[/color] Emma said to Zoe’s suggestion, raising her glass. [color=8A3DFF]”To not dying?”[/color] 

"[color cyan]To not dying, then.[/color]" -Sander complied, mimicking Emma. 

[color=00a99d]"To not dying,"[/color] Ernie repeated, and knocked back his glass. Tastily sweet with a pleasant burn. Freaking strong too. Ernie'd be feeling that in a few minutes.

Raising her own glass with them, Zoe took a long drink and said nothing.

Sander knocked back the drink in one gulp, then quickly reached for another. He didn't start on the second one though, instead just craddling it in his hands as if admiring the color. 

Emma also knocked back her own glass. [color=8A3DFF]”So…”[/color] she decided to cut right to the chase, [color=8A3DFF]”You guys saw the other half of D.C., right? I’d… heard one of the guards talking about Hazel. What exactly happened out there?”[/color] she said as reached for another glass, taking it quickly in one gulp.

Ernie sipped from his second shot, appreciating the taste. D.C. huh? So that's why she came to the bar.

He looked to the vampire and shrugged. [color=00a99d]"You were closer. Wanna give the deets?"[/color]

"[color cyan]Uh.[/color]" -Sander blinked -"[color cyan]What's a deet?[/color]"

[color=00a99d]"Short for 'detail'. It's like what all the [i]teeeens[/i] say,"[/color] Ernie answered sagely, reflecting on his cringier early days at West. He finished his second and reached for a third.

"[color cyan]Alright.[/color]" -Sander accepted the explanation easily, reaching over to get another drink -"[color cyan]What do you want to know, exactly?[/color]" 

[color=8A3DFF]”Why my roommate, er, Hazel, is locked up again would be a good start.”[/color] Emma said, as she reached out to grab her third and final drink, not quite finishing it just yet.

"[color cyan]Is she alright?[/color]" -Sander asked, voice suddenly careful. 

[color=8A3DFF]”I dunno. They wouldn’t let me in to see her, hence why I’m asking you guys about what happened.”[/color] Emma explained before finally knocking down the last shot.

"[color cyan]Oh.[/color]" -That was all Sander managed, before he slammed back another shot, looking vaguely uncomfortable. After a moment, he finally began -"[color cyan]I...hurt her.[/color]"

"[color cyan]I'm sorry.[/color]"

[color=00a99d]"You were protecting Cal,"[/color] Ernie's voice hardened, [color=00a99d]"You don't have to apologise."[/color]

Emma sighed. [color=8A3DFF]”As much as I hate to say it, Ernie’s right. Hazel’s my roommate, so I’m trying my best, but I know that she’s dangerous.”[/color] Emma said, perhaps a little unexpectedly due to her earlier defense of Hazel. [color=8A3DFF]”I’m just… trying to make sure there won’t be any problems… and asking for my own peace of mind.”[/color] Emma said, trying her best to give an understanding smile.

“[color cyan]She’s…I mean…Hazel. She isn’t okay, you know?[/color]” -Sander frowned down at his drink, recalling the off scent of Hazel’s blood. He was not sure if he wanted to disclose this, but since Emma was Hazel’s roommate, he thought she deserved to know –“[color cyan]Her…She’s always so…different. Wrong.[/color]” 

[color=8A3DFF]”Yeah, I know.”[/color] Emma admitted reluctantly. [color=8A3DFF]”I mean, I live with her. I’ve seen it. At first she seemed like… a grown child. But it’s becoming a lot clearer that she’s dangerous. I’m not sure what’s to be done… how to send her in the right direction. Whatever they did to her… it messed her up.”[/color] Emma tapped the bar impatiently. [color=8A3DFF]”I think I’m going to need another drink.”[/color]

"[color cyan]Drug.[/color]"

Ernie passed Emma an orange-coloured martini. Yeesh, no need for such a hurry. [color=00a99d]"What, she's an addict?"[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Wait, you mean those pills she takes? I think the Institute gives them to her… I think. I figured they were… I dunno, happy pills or something.”[/color] she said as she grabbed her new drink, giving Ernie an appreciative nod.

"[color cyan]She's taking something, yeah.[/color]" -Sander confirmed -"[color cyan]It made her very...odd.[/color]"

[color=00a99d]"Does that...collar thing have something to do with it?"[/color] Ernie finished his last shot.

[color=8A3DFF]”Not sure. The collar seems important. Before the battle she took it off and made sure I hung on to it.”[/color] Emma said, taking a small sip from her drink. [color=8A3DFF]”You’re not a half-bad bartender, Ernie.”[/color] she commented idily.

"[color cyan]He's quite good.[/color]" -Sander agreed -"[color cyan]...at this.[/color]"

Ernie's chest puffed with pride at the double compliment. Puffed a lot actually. Wow, it was definitely kicking in.

[color=00a99d]"Thanks! I practiced a lot,"[/color] he grinned and added a faux-annoyed, [color=00a99d]"You sayin' I'm not good at other stuff, Sandman?"[/color]

"[color cyan]I haven't seen.[/color]" -Sander shrugged again, looking down at his drink. 

[color=00a99d]"I cook good. I clean good,"[/color] Ernie counted on his slightly sticky fingers, [color=00a99d]"That's triple threat shit right there. How 'bout you, Det-uh-mation? Do you do stuff?"[/color]

Determination, up until now, had been staring at his now empty glass of orange juice. When his name, or what was close enough to his name to be recognized, was called he turned slowly. He pondered the question for a moment before finally landing on, [color=580ACC]”I… do what Emma asks me to… and I exist.”[/color] he said slowly, pondering over the words. [color=580ACC]“I think I exist.”[/color] he quickly corrected, not quite ready to tackle the existential horror that was his current state.

Wow. Ernie was not sober enough for that kinda talk.

[color=00a99d]"You think therefore you is, right? Right, Emma?"[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Cogito ergo sum. Sounds right to me, although I’m no expert on the matter. You’re alive enough to think about existence, so that’s gotta count for something, right?”[/color]

Once again, a wave of absurdity hit Emma. They were in the middle of a very ridiculous conversation.

[color=580ACC]”I… will think about that.”[/color] was Determination’s response.

[color=00a99d]"And thinking is good for existence. You're doing a great job, buddy,"[/color] Ernie pushed another glass of juice to the tulpa with a sloppy thumbs up. [color=00a99d]"Coggy toe uh-go sum."[/color]

He started preparing some more cocktails.

"[color cyan]I don't think that's how it's spelled.[/color]" -Sander blinked. 

[color=palevioletred]"Definitely isn't."[/color] Zoe finally spoke up, having decided to focus on finishing her drink for the whole 'unstable teammate' discussion, and shot Determination a grin. [color=palevioletred]"Nothing wrong with just hitting what someone tells you to hit, right? Worked for me so far!"[/color]

She laughed, oddly unreserved and at least a little drunk - she hadn't really been kidding about being a lightweight. [color=palevioletred]"Doesn't really matter if you aren't made of fleshy bits anyway. Only difference is I can't go getting in a fight with you."[/color] Or Emma, by extension, which she seemed slightly disappointed about.

[color=8A3DFF]”Well, I guess we should count ourselves lucky than.”[/color] Emma said as she took another sip from her drink. [color=8A3DFF]”Wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of… well, y’know.”[/color] 

[color=00a99d]"I mean, you could still fight 'im without meat-melting. Or are you one of those people that don't enter a fight if they don't know for certain that they'll win?"[/color] Ernie commented idly. Cocktails were getting poured faster than the group was drinking them.

Zoe gave Ernie a look. Seriously? Wouldn't the last two battles have shown she was anything but. [color=palevioletred]"Nah, I'm just... not a complete dumbass, you know? Besides, I shouldn't have any reason to pick a fight now,"[/color] her expression darkening for a moment, [color=palevioletred]"should I? We're all [i]friends[/i] here. Unless you can think of one yourself."[/color] And Zoe's eyes had lit up slightly at the concept, locking her gaze with Ernie. Determination could probably stop her, but quickly enough? That was debatable.

[color=00a99d]"Ewwwww no. Fighting always messes up my bar,"[/color] Ernie whined, oblivious to any hostility, [color=00a99d]"Buncha jerks always wanting to glass each other, act like top dog. The floors are always sticky enough, why do they gotta get blood and shards and shit on it too? So unfaiirrr."[/color]

His mini-project was finished. Seven highball glasses, all in different colours of the rainbow, all with a different combination of the strongest liquor Ernie could find in the mini-bar. He pushed the arrangement to Sander with a little snicker and refilled everyone's glasses.

[color=00a99d]"I don't want anyone scaring poor Deter-mation here anyway. Look at him, he's been drinking his juice so well! Does he even have a stomach to digest with?"[/color]

Sander looked interested in the display of color in front of him, taking a few minutes to examine each glass before downing one after another in rapid succession. The burn of alcohol was most certain stronger in these ones too. 
 
“[color cyan]Yeah. Fighting is…bad.[/color]” -Sander commented, licking his lips to erase the last remnants of the drinks. 

[color=8A3DFF]”I’d prefer to keep out lil’ unit from coming to blows.”[/color] Emma said idly, continuing to sip from her drink. [color=8A3DFF]”As for Determination’s stomach, or lack thereof… well, big guy?”[/color] the shadow golem looked up from his drink, giving what could best be interpreted as a vague shrug. [color=8A3DFF]”Well, there we have it. More mysteries.”[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"Each to their own."[/color] Zoe glanced at her glass, pushing it away. It was empty, but she didn't feel like having any more right now. Probably wouldn't be sensible, would it? She didn't remember being [i]this[/i] easy to get drunk, but it at least wasn't too bad yet. [color=palevioletred]"Guess we've all done enough fighting for most people by now."[/color] Came with having magic powers, she supposed.

[color=00a99d]"Sushpicious,"[/color] Ernie muttered, sneaking a glance over the bench to look at Determination's seat. No liquid had passed onto the stool so that was something at least, [color=00a99d]"Yeah, shit gets real tedous when you're the guy cleaning after everything. Zoe, Sander, aren't your powers super messy? How do you deal?"[/color]

"[color cyan]My power...absorbs. I'm not messy.[/color]" -Sander frowned, as if that statement had offended him. 

[color=palevioletred]"Anything gets on me, I can melt it off. Don't usually waste my energy 'til the fight's over, though."[/color] Besides, she'd always figured being covered in blood helped discourage anyone from fucking with her. Looking from Sander to Ernie, she shrugged. [color=palevioletred]"Suppose the mess doesn't really bother me."[/color]

[color=00a99d]"Like a tampon,"[/color] Ernie snickered at Sander's comment. He pushed three more glasses each to Zoe and Sander, [color=00a99d]"Man, you gotta tell me this shit ahead of time. Coulda saved me from a shitty Wisford shower."[/color]

Blurry memories brought a frown to his face.

[color=00a99d]"Shitty shouting match too."[/color]

"[color cyan]I'm not going to clean blood off you, Ernie.[/color]" 

[color=00a99d]"Whaa, whyy?"[/color]

"[color cyan]Powers are not for...stuffs like that.[/color]"

[color=00a99d]"After everything I've poured for you. Zoe?"[/color]

Zoe shook her head. [color=palevioletred]"More trouble than it's worth."[/color]

Emma went to take another sip from her martini to find it emptied. [color=8A3DFF]”Speaking of drinks.”[/color] Emma said, gently clinking the side of her now empty glass. [color=8A3DFF]”What’s with the obsession with cleaning anyways, Ern?”[/color] Emma asked cheerfully.

The bartender shrugged and poured her another. [color=00a99d]"It's just better, isn't it? Nothing to get worried about if everything's clean. It's quieter that way."[/color] No one to piss off.

Emma gladly took hold of her new drink, taking a long sip. [color=8A3DFF]”Sure? I guess I’m kind of a messy person, so… well, either way, you do seem to have a certain… talent for cleanliness. Maybe you should sign on as a maid here?”[/color] Emma teased, hoping that the jab wouldn’t be taken in the wrong way.

Ernie deflated at that. [color=00a99d]"Nah. The lady-maid said I was better off as an actor. Have to improve stuff myself instead of sitting around on an island. Price of power of changing the world."[/color]

He took a large swig of his own drink.

[color=00a99d]"Abes can't sign on here anyway. Not 'trustworthy' enough."[/color]

At that Emma took another sip of her drink with an exaggerated glumness, [color=8A3DFF]”And here I was all ready for you to parade around in that frilly dress.”[/color]

“[color cyan]It’s a reasonable assumption.[/color]” -Sander supplied, unhelpfully. He did look slightly amused when Emma suggested a dress, though.
 
“[color cyan]I don’t think he would have looked good in a dress.[/color]”

[color=palevioletred]"That... is not a mental image I needed."[/color] Despite her earlier resolution to stop, Zoe seriously considered downing one of the drinks Ernie had pushed towards her. Putting it down, she looked at the boy, nodding to herself. [color=palevioletred]"Definitely not. And, uh, mind taking those away, Ernie? Could drink more, but I don't really want to."[/color]

Sander’s comment sparked a small laugh from Emma, which unfortunately coincided with her taking a sip from her drink, leading to a slight spill on the bartop. [color=8A3DFF]”I dunno man, I think Ernie wouldn’t do a bad job filling out one of those dresses. He’s got a bit of an ass on ‘em.”[/color] Emma said with a coyly with a raised eyebrow, reaching over for Zoe’s abandoned drinks. [color=8A3DFF]”Finder’s keepers.”[/color]

Sander did not respond to Emma's comment. However, he did lean slightly forward, very clearly looking at Ernie's ass.

Ernie, on the other hand, coughed out a mouthful of his cocktail. He thumped on his chest and reached for a washcloth, all the while trying to tame the flush growing on his face. [color=00a99d]"Why are you looking at my ass?"[/color] he croaked.

He spotted Sander out of the corner of his eye, to which he scowled and tried to shoo him like a fly. [color=00a99d]"Stop that."[/color]

The blood mage blinked, then withdrew quietly.

Looking towards the two boys, Zoe smirked. [color=palevioletred]"Hey, if you two want privacy all you gotta do is ask."[/color] It was obvious that she found Ernie's discomfort entertaining, and she didn't even bother pretending to hide it. [color=palevioletred]"I'm sure they've got spare outfits somewhere around here if you [i]really[/i] want one."[/color]

[color=00a99d]"Rack 3 in the biggest laundry room,"[/color] Ernie bragged, [color=00a99d]"I know everything about that place."[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"Sounds to me like you've been looking."[/color] Zoe looked at Ernie, laughing. Seriously though, if he knew where they were... in a moment of what was either drunken brilliance or stupidity, Zoe's face lit up. A wicked grin on her face. [color=palevioletred]"Go fetch one, then. I dare you."[/color]

Emma took her final sip of her drink before continuing onto one of Zoe’s. She was [i]definitely[/i] starting to feel it, but years of partying had prepared her for this situation. But the prospect of Ernie in a dress, though… [color=8A3DFF]”Yes… yes! I endorse this.”[/color] Emma said, cheeks noticeably starting to flush slightly, although that was due more to the amount of alcohol she’d consumed than the thought of Ernie in a dress.

Endorse. Wasn't that a dolphin's body part? Ignoring the strange vocabulary, Ernie left with a bow and a snapped reminder to [color=00a99d]"wipe that shit up while I'm away!"[/color] A few minutes later he returned with a pressed, knee-length dress, albeit lacking in the headdress and stockings. However, he made no move to put it on.

[color=00a99d]"Dare was to 'fetch' a dress, not wear one,"[/color] he snickered in drunken smugness.

[color=palevioletred]"You know what I meant. Shame for you [i]not[/i] to, after all that effort."[/color] Again, Zoe didn't really need the image, but her desire to embarrass the shit out of Ernie far outweighed that. [color=palevioletred]"What if we... I dunno. You can dare me something after. Anything, 's long as I'm not gonna get shot."[/color] Yeah, that seemed like a good idea, at least in her current state of mind.

A more sober Zoe would have realised it was anything but. [color=palevioletred]"That way, it's like... a game. All of us can do it."[/color] And she had absolutely no qualms about volunteering the others whether they liked it or not.

[color=8A3DFF]”Truth or dare?”[/color] Emma suggested slowly. The game didn’t have a good ending last time she tried it, but something gave her a feeling… no, maybe it was best not to jump to conclusions about the moral fiber of Unit B. She was, however, just drunk enough to stuff her qualms away and dive headfirst into what could very likely be a shitty situation. [color=8A3DFF]”I’m down.”[/color]

"[color cyan]Okay.[/color]" -Sander wasn't sure what the game was all about, but he could make a guess. Either way it didn't sound so bad.

The dress was embarrassing, no doubt there. But fuck, if it meant getting the opportunity to make these people do some really dumb shit...

It wasn't like he was gonna remember most of this in the morning anyway.

[color=00a99d]"Truth or dare then!"[/color] Ernie proclaimed with another slam of his drink and stripped down to his boxers. He'd put on enough weight in the past week to make the piece a somewhat snug fit. But his arms were bare and his legs were cold and the chest part was a gaping void and he didn't even know if he was wearing that apron-y part properly. Ah well, it wasn't as bad as a Hazel situation.

[color=00a99d]"This is..."[/color] he stretched his legs experimentally, [color=00a99d]"Feels weird."[/color] Looking around at his drinking pals, Ernie decided to go around the circle. [color=00a99d]"Truth or dare, Emma?"[/color]

Emma snickered as Ernie put on the dress, watching carefully. [color=8A3DFF]”Damn. Gotta say, you wear it better than the maids.”[/color] Emma said with a not-so-subtle tone of sarcasm. When Ernie picked her first she gave a small sigh, taking a long sip from her glass as she mulled over the dilemma. She’d never been great at truth, but at the same time it [i]was[/i] Ernie, and she had no idea what he’d make her do. She put down her drink, landing hesitantly on [color=8A3DFF]”Truth.”[/color]

Perfect. There had been a question bugging Ernie the entire time. A stiff finger pointed at Determination accusingly.

[color=00a99d]"Does the big guy ever need to use the toilet? Seriously, where the fuck is that orange juice going?"[/color] Ernie blabbered, a look of horror slowly dawning on his face, [color=00a99d]"Oh my god, does he even have peeing bits?"[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Wow.”[/color] was all Emma said at first. Maybe she [i]had[/i] totally misjudged the guy. She’d thought Ernie was some kind of manipulative dick, but… this wasn’t at all what she’d expected. Determination, for his part, gave a slight glance towards Ernie before quickly turning away, offering no explanation. 
 
[color=8A3DFF]”I mean, no, he’s never gone to the bathroom… to be honest this is the first time I’ve seen him drink anything, since he doesn’t seem to need it. So I have no idea.”[/color] Emma glanced back at her summon, who once again offered only a shrug. [color=8A3DFF]”And no, he doesn’t have ‘peeing bits’. He’d be clothed if he did, I promise.”[/color] Emma added as a quick afterthought.

A skeptical squint followed another lean over the counter. Sure enough, the tulpa's nether region was smoother than a baby's butt.

[color=00a99d]"Fair enough,"[/color] Ernie sipped thoughtfully, [color=00a99d]"Your turn to ask Zoe then."[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Yep. Alright. Zoe, truth or dare?”[/color]

Zoe thought for a second before nodding to herself. [color=palevioletred]"Dare."[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Ohohohoh. Alright. Not much of a drinker, right?”[/color] Emma said with a coy smile, [color=8A3DFF]”I believe these were yours.”[/color] Emma pushed her two remaining drinks, the ones that she had previously taken from Zoe herself, towards her with a raised eyebrow. [color=8A3DFF]”Chug.”[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"Those two?"[/color] Looking at the drinks, Zoe didn't seem keen on the idea, but it wasn't as though she was gonna back down from such a simple dare. One at a time couldn't be that hard, even for her. [color=palevioletred]"You got it. One."[/color] The nearest one first, not downed particularly quickly, but not too much of a struggle as she placed it back down and moved to the next. It was clearly a little more difficult for the redhead to get the next one finished, but eventually the empty glass was triumphantly placed back on the bar. [color=palevioletred]"Two!"[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"So much for sobriety, huh?"[/color] Zoe grinned at Emma, well aware that she wasn't going to be approaching any good decisions for the rest of the night. Honestly, even if she'd had any kind of alcohol tolerance, it was starting to seem like pretending to be responsible  might've never been possible in the first place.

[color=8A3DFF]”Wow, handled like a champ. Maybe I should’ve gone harder, huh?”[/color] Emma said with a toothy grin. [color=8A3DFF]”Either way, you’re on Sander now Zoe.”[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"Gotcha. Truth or dare, Sander?"[/color]

Sander pondered for a few moments, fiddling with the empty shot glass in his hands. Truth was questions, and he wasn't really comfortable with questions. Finally, he nodded -"[color cyan]Dare.[/color]"

[color=palevioletred]"...Man, I suck at thinking of dares."[/color] This would be easier if she knew anything about Sander. He seemed pretty quiet, she supposed? That was about all she had. Well, embarrassment it was, then. [color=palevioletred]"Song. Sing something-- something romantic. Like a serenade."[/color] After a second's more thought, she grinned and pointed over the bar at Ernie. [color=palevioletred]"Serenade our little maid buddy here for a minute, I'm sure he'll love it."[/color]

Ernie rolled his eyes but remained silent in favour of downing another glass.

Sander blinked in surprise, glancing back and forth between Zoe and Ernie, who was, for some reason, wearing a maid outfit. 
 
“[color cyan]O-Okay?[/color]” -He stratched his head, taking a few moments to think of an appropriate song. He hadn’t been really interested in music back then, and after the Facility, he hardly listened to anything anymore. But there was still one song he vaguely remembered, as it was one of his mother’s favourites. She used to have it playing in the car all the time. 
 
Memories flickered, and Sander grimaced slightly, thankful for the haze of alcohol clouding his thoughts. 
 
“[color cyan]What is love…[/color]” -He began, voice scratchy and off beat, but he supposed his audience wouldn’t mind –“[color cyan]Baby don’t hurt me…Don’t hurt me…No more…[/color]”
 
It took just a couple of minutes for Sander to complete the performance, leaning slightly against the bar as he did. It was quite obvious that certain bits of the lyrics were replaced with random words, and Sander abandoned the entire last half of the song, unable to recall the complete lyrics.   

It had only taken the first three words for Ernie to realise what song Sander was performing. Of course by then the buzzcut boy had already toppled to the ground like a felled tree, a disastrous combination of drunken sense of humour and incoordination. The mouthful of alcohol he'd been drinking had been spat onto his own dress. The rest of the glass suffered a similar fate.

Ernie spent the duration of the song shaking on the ground, almost completely asphixiated from his own laughter. It took almost a half minute after the song for him to regain his senses.

[color=00a99d]"Sh-she...oh my--pfft--jesus..."[/color] God, where to even begin with this? [color=00a99d]"Snrk...she said [i]romantic[/i], Sander..."[/color] he gasped. His cheeks were starting to cramp from all the grinning.

"[color cyan]It has the word 'love' in it.[/color]" -Sander crossed his arms, suddenly defensive. 

[color=00a99d]"What? Dude, do you even pay attention to the rest of the lyrics? What if the whole sentence was something like 'I [i]love[/i] kicking dogs'?"[/color]

"[color cyan]It's not 'dogs'. It's like...cogs or something.[/color]"

[color=00a99d]"I..."[/color] Ernie squinted in clear confusion before giving up completely, [color=00a99d]"Forget it. You're the worst."[/color]

Once she stopped snickering - or tried to, at least - Zoe spoke, her words accompanied by an increasing amount of pointless hand gestures. [color=palevioletred]"Hey, hey, 's fine. Not really romantic, but it'll do. Gotta ask Ernie now! Round the circle."[/color] Although Ernie had sort of done a dare by now, courtesy of her, she wasn't sure if it counted as part of the game. [color=palevioletred]"Everyone's gotta go, right?"[/color]

Emma watched the scene with muted amazement before finally bursting out in a delayed laugh, seemingly taking a moment to process what just happened. [color=8A3DFF]”I, for one, thought it was beautiful.”[/color] she finally commented, enthusiastically applauding Sander. 

[color=00a99d]"Nah, nah, nah, [i]this[/i] was my turn,"[/color] Ernie gestured at the dress he was now dabbing down, [color=00a99d]"We go other way round now. Sander, truth or dare?"[/color]

"[color cyan]Uh.[/color]" -Sander blinked, slightly confused by the sudden change in order. But he just shrugged and complied -"[color cyan]Dare.[/color]"

It wasn't like he knew the rules anyway. 

[color=00a99d]"Hmmmm,"[/color] Ernie pretended to think about it before he leaned over to Emma and not-so-subtly whispered, [color=00a99d]"Heyo, can I borrow Determination for a bit?"[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]"I mean, uh... if he's cool with it?"[/color] she slightly-more-subtly whispered back, [color=8A3DFF]"Hey, uh, big guy, wanna help Ernie out real quick?"[/color] the golem got up with his usual sense of alacrity, almost as if he was still being ordered around as usual. [color=580ACC]“Okay.”[/color] he said after a moment of thought, walking towards them.

[color=00a99d]"Cool,"[/color] the buzzcut boy grinned and turned to Sander with a challenging point, [color=00a99d]"The race of the century! Me and Det versus you and whatever power schtick you got. Two laps around the manor."[/color]

"[color cyan]I...I can't use my power for that.[/color]"

[color=00a99d]"C'moooooon. A dare's a dare. It'll only take a few minutes and I'll never ask again."[/color]

Sander blinked, considering. He did enjoy races. But what Ernie was asking for was a bit too…much. 
 
“[color cyan]I can do this without my power.[/color]”

[color=00a99d]"Urgh, but that's boring. Alright, new dare,"[/color] Ernie shimmied out of the stained dress and shoved it in Sander's direction, [color=00a99d]"Put this on for me. It's too windy."[/color]

"[color cyan]This doesn't fit me.[/color]" -Sander frowned, but he took the dress nonetheless. 

Ernie ignored his protests and pulled his phone out of his folded clothes. [color=00a99d]"Shhhhhh, it wasn't supposed to. Now be a good maid and ask Zoe truth or dare. Determination, carry me."[/color]

He jumped into the tulpa's arms.

Sander sighed, but he didn’t appear to be completely against the idea. His shirt came off easy enough, then his jeans followed, but he kept his boxers on. The blood mage stood there for a few moments, stark naked save for his boxers and held the maid outfit up, fumbling with the laces and straps. He ended up undoing all of them before slipping the dress on, as it was the only way the outfit would fit. 
 
It wasn’t really comfortable though, as the front was a bit sticky and the fabric felt scratchy against his skin. But Sander digressed. Afterall, wasn’t this part of the game?
 
“[color cyan]Alright.[/color]” -Sander frowned, adjusting the loose front of the shirt –“[color cyan]Uh…Zoe. Truth or dare?[/color]”

It took a moment for Zoe to realise what Sander was doing. Oh. Okay, he wasn't leaving. He was just gonna... okay. Sure. Fine by her, and it wasn't as though she minded. If Zoe had been more sober, she might've had the decency to look away and at least [i]pretend[/i] to give the guy some privacy, but she'd gone well past that point by now. All part of the game, right? As he finally turned to face her, she grinned widely.

[color=palevioletred]"...Dare? Yeah, dare. Somethin' good."[/color]

"[color cyan]Uh.[/color]" -Sander looked down at himself -"[color cyan]Do you want to wear this?[/color]" -He gestured at the maid outfit. 

[color=palevioletred]"You daring me to? Take it off, then."[/color] Zoe got out of her seat, pulling her vest off over her head. Pants too, though much like Sander she kept her underwear on for decency's sake. It only took a few seconds, and although really she could've just worn the dress on top of her clothes, that didn't seem to be in the spirit of the challenge. 

If she'd been sensible about it, she would've waited until he already had the dress off, but by the time that occurred to her it was a little too late. Still, she didn't seem even a little self-conscious about her state of undress as she waited for Sander to hand the outfit over.

[color=00a99d]"Man,"[/color] Ernie snapped a quick picture of Sander before he removed the dress, [color=00a99d]"If I'd known it was gonna turn out like this I woulda brought more outfits."[/color]

A glance at Zoe's undressing derailed his train of thought and he gawked at the sheer leanness of her body. For a brief moment it seemed he forgot what the redhead's power was. A curious finger reached out to poke her in the stomach.

[color=00a99d]"Woaaaahh, are those real?"[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"One hundred percent."[/color] Zoe smirked, [color=palevioletred]"If you're ever wondering what I do all day, that's the results right there."[/color]

[color=00a99d]"Really?"[/color] He didn't stop poking. Brent would how to get them washboard body parts, right? Ernie would have to ask him in the morning, [color=00a99d]"I wanna be you when I grow up."[/color]

While Ernie was occupying Zoe's attention, Sander struggled to get the dress off him. It was harder compared to putting it on, because some of the straps kept getting caught in his hair. Eventually though, he managed. However, as he held the dress in his arms, Zoe's partial naked body caught his gaze. 

He looked, of course. Because Zoe was [i]really[/i] worth looking. 

[color=palevioletred]"Nice of you, Ernie, but could you stop now?"[/color] As she spoke, Zoe glanced over to check Sander's progress with his own outfit, pausing when she realised he was already looking in her direction and-- [i]Was he checking her out[/i]? Looked like it to her, because it definitely wasn't the same thing as Ernie's slightly strange fascination with her abs. 

He didn't have the dress on anymore, and the more sensible part of Zoe told her to just take the thing and say no more about it. Sadly, that part wasn't in the driving seat right now. So, escaping Ernie's prodding and walking over to Sander, she raised an eyebrow. [color=palevioletred]"Enjoying the view, are we?"[/color]

Ernie went back to his drink and whined as she left.

Sander closed his gaping mouth with a click; he didn’t realize it was open in the first place. The night air was suddenly too cold on his skin, and it only got worse with Zoe’s proximity. He turned away to look for his original clothes. 
 
“[color cyan]Sorry.[/color]” -He quickly mumbled, holding the dress out for Zoe.

[color=palevioletred]"Don't worry about it."[/color] The point where she should have stopped - probably [i]would[/i] have stopped if any number of things had been different. If she'd known Sander better, if she hadn't spotted him looking, if she was less completely drunk. As she leaned forward to pick up the dress, she grinned, speaking quietly. [color=palevioletred]"I didn't say I minded, did I?"[/color] 

With that, she stepped back with the dress in hand, examining the straps and laces as she tried to figure out how the hell she was going to put this thing on.

Sander withdrew his hands quickly like he got burnt, before turning around to walk back to the bar, where all his clothes were. His face felt hot, but he blamed it on the alcohol. It took a bit longer than usual to put on his clothes, his fumbling fingers refused to cooperate. He blamed that on that alcohol, too.

Ernie watched Zoe, obviously amused by the difficulty she was having. Come to think of it, he'd never seen her wearing anything outside of shorts and stuff, had he?

[color=00a99d]"Having trouble there?"[/color] the buzzcut boy hopped down from Determination's arms and offered outstretched hands, [color=00a99d]"I've had to help a lotta girls back into finnicky stuff on nights like this."[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"Li'l bit."[/color] It would take Zoe a while to figure out the dress normally, never mind considering the state she was in. But as soon as her brain absorbed the rest of his sentence, her expression became suspicious. [color=palevioletred]"...wait, what's that mean?"[/color]

[color=00a99d]"Take clubbing outfits for example,"[/color] Ernie rambled on obliviously, straightening out the dress for Zoe to climb into. [color=00a99d]"Man, sometimes those dresses have like twenty-five buckles all over the place. Really annoying figuring out which part goes where. Wouldn't want a girl going home with half her undies in the open. But even worse than that are those bikini-like ones with all the criss-crossing so ya don't know which hole is for what."[/color]

The outfit was held out and he gestured for her to get in.

[color=00a99d]"But I've only had one girl with something as complicated as that so I just stole one of the bath towels and asked her friends to help her home in that. She wasn't cool with it in class that week but what was I supposed to do? She'd pretty much thrown up on everything else I could've covered her with!"[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"Okay, how many girls' clothes are you taking off?"[/color] Zoe had thought [i]she[/i] was bad for that shit, but the look she gave Ernie as she stepped into the dress showed that she was quickly reevaluating that assessment. Wasn't he younger than her too? He looked younger than her. [color=palevioletred]"I'm all for hooking up with people, but it sounds like you have a problem."[/color]

That, and thinking about it, it sounded even more suspicious. What the hell was he doing if they were too drunk to know how their own clothes worked?

[color=00a99d]"What, are you kidding?"[/color] Ernie looked at her with strong confusion. He thought the situation over as he started packing up the bar. Of course you'd take off drenched or vomited-on clothing, right? Plus, he was the only late-night impromptu laundry service in all of West. Drunk teens made for good pay, [color=00a99d]"They're the ones stripping before I can do anything about it."[/color] Drunkards always seemed to forget that 'give me your dirty clothes' wasn't the same as 'get naked'.

Wait, what was that last part about hooking up? Ernie neglected to address that part in his cluelessness.

[color=palevioletred]"What?"[/color] Zoe's shock wasn't fading - if anything, things were only getting worse. [color=palevioletred]"Dude, just cause someone's been sick on their clothes doesn't mean you can go feeling them up or whatever the fuck you're doing."[/color]

More confusion. He was supposed to wash clothing without using his hands or something?

[color=00a99d]"I mean, feeling's sortuva necessary part of the process. How else am I gonna get the muck off? Plus I don't think they actually mind if they're the ones paying."[/color]

Okay, that was it. Ernie was either a molester, or.... She looked him dead in the eyes, appearing completely genuine as she asked her next question. [color=palevioletred]"...are you some sort of hooker?"[/color]

Somewhere at the bar, Sander spit out his drink.

[color=00a99d]"...what?!"[/color]

Ernie looked horrified, mopping up Sander's spill as he processed the question. His time with the Senators had made it very clear to him what a hooker was. And he definitely was not that.

[color=00a99d]"Ew no! Hell, I learned how dresses work [i]from[/i] hookers. They're the ones that need the most help."[/color] A lotta really bad stains he didn't want to think about there. Ernie always kept a machine available for those late night ladies back in Reno.

[color=palevioletred]"Taking drunk people's clothes off, feeling them up, getting [i]paid[/i] for it..."[/color] Zoe counted the things off on her fingers. Despite the boy's horror, Zoe didn't seem convinced. [color=palevioletred]"You're either a hooker, a nymphomaniac, or a really strange rapist."[/color]

Rape? AGAIN?! Ernie looked to Emma for help before remembering what her reaction had been in D.C. If anything, she'd probably already prepared a grave for him.

[color=00a99d]"I..."[/color] he choked up in his panic, [color=00a99d]"...what was that second one?"[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"Nymphomaniac. Sex addict. Don't try and distract me with a fucking English lesson."[/color] Seriously? [i]That[/i] was what he'd picked up on? [color=palevioletred]"Point is, what the [i]fuck[/i]?"[/color] 

Sex...addict?

[i]What the actual fuck?[/i]

[color=00a99d]"I don't have...[i]s-sex[/i] with those people,"[/color] Ernie's face contorted in disgust, like it physically pained him to say the word, [color=00a99d]"And I'm no addict. What the fuck is with [i]you[/i]?"[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"You don't... Wait."[/color] Zoe's expression was pure confusion as she tried to rethink the situation. She didn't think she'd been jumping to conclusions that hard. [color=palevioletred]"Then what're you doing with them?"[/color]

[color=00a99d]"I wash the clothes they trash! Offer them my famous 'instant dryclean'. Sure, it's not instant and sure, it's not even proper drycleaning but they're usually too drunk to care anyway. West probably has no less than five parties going on per night so I go around and make some quick 'n' easy cash!"[/color] he protested, wiping down the bar with furious vigor, [color=00a99d]"God, you guys are fucking gross!"[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"Oh. [i]Oh[/i]! Shit, I'm sorry. Jumped to conclusions there."[/color] Zoe sighed, slightly relieved to find that Ernie wasn't as creepy as she'd thought. Even if the dry cleaning things still seemed slightly weird, it wasn't enough to be that bad. Deciding it was best to leave it at that, she focused on lacing up the rest of the dress with a frown.

Once she was satisfied, she stood up - oddly enough finding herself less comfortable with this than she had been parading around half-naked. The dress itself was a little tight, but nowhere near as bad as the situation had been for Sander - at least she'd been able to lace the thing up. It was just so... frilly. And pointless. And... ugh. Still, best to make the best of it.

[color=palevioletred]"So, uh... how do I look?"[/color]

Ernie looked her up and down. Honestly, she just looked like a tall girl in a strange dress. But he was still angry so...

[color=00a99d]"Even worse than Sander,"[/color] he pouted with crossed arms.

[color=palevioletred]"Thanks. Can I get rid of it now? I think I was more comfortable with my clothes off."[/color]

The buzzcut boy merely shrugged and turned to the vampire. [color=00a99d]"It's his dare."[/color]

"[color cyan]S-Sure.[/color]" -Sander said, giving Zoe a look before hastily turning away. 

[color=palevioletred]"Great."[/color] Zoe smiled, but it quickly faded when she remembered how much trouble this thing was to remove, clumsily fiddling with the straps and getting nowhere. There was a reason she'd needed Ernie's help to get in, and now she was pretty sure she'd tangled something up.

Still, she'd be damned if she was going to keep this thing on, lace or no lace. [color=palevioletred]"One of you mind giving me a hand with this? I... might be having a bit of trouble."[/color] And she wasn't thrilled about asking for help either, judging by the look on her face. Appealing to Ernie first, if only because he'd been the one to help her into the thing.

Ernie started to flush again. Seeing a half-naked girl was one thing. Helping her put clothes on was another. But taking them off? Wasn't that like...really intimate?

He looked away, seemingly extra focused on clearing the rest of the bar now. [color=00a99d]"No flexibility under all that muscle?"[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"I'm as flexible as I need to be. Just... cant be bothered figuring it out."[/color] Zoe shrugged, not really seeing an issue with what she was requesting. All they really had to do was sort out the lace - the rest, she could do on her own. [color=palevioletred]"Too much effort."[/color]

"Effort?" [i]Pleeeeeeeeeaaaassee don't make meeeeeeeeeeeeeee.[/i] "I didn't take you for the quitting type. C'mon, it'll be a good learning experience."

[color=palevioletred]"You think I'm quitting?"[/color] Zoe's expression was suddenly determined. Still didn't see what the problem was, but he was right, it was a challenge! Zoe didn't lose challenges. Nope. That was for other people. [color=palevioletred]"Fine, I'll do it later. Not-- not gettin' beaten by some dumb dress."[/color]

Which, sadly, meant she had to keep the damn thing on for now. [color=palevioletred]"Gimme another drink or something, then."[/color] If she was stuck keeping this thing on, then she needed it. Being sober was more than a lost cause at this stage.

Oh. That wasn't what he was...yeah, okay. That's fine.

With a weak nod, he slid another glass to Zoe. [color=00a99d]"Emma's turn then."[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"Yeah, sure."[/color] Zoe turned towards the other girl with a grin. [color=palevioletred]"Truth or dare, Emma?"[/color]

Up until now Emma had been keeping her head down, watching the display before her with quiet save for the occasional giggle and the more occasional outburst of laughter. Determination, meanwhile, free of his Ernie carrying duties moved back to his seat, returning to pondering whatever the creature spent his time pondering. 
 
[color=8A3DFF]”I… guess I’ll do truth again,”[/color] Emma said, [color=8A3DFF]”And I could use another drink.”[/color] she said with a small nod towards Ernie. He complied easily.

[color=palevioletred]"Truth, huh..."[/color] 

Zoe appeared to think for a minute, before shrugging. She wasn't exactly up to thinking of an original question, and didn't feel like prying into Emma's relationship was something she had any interest in doing. Didn't know enough about Emma to have any really good questions either, so she decided it'd be a good idea to just stick with one of the classics. [color=palevioletred]"Most embarrassing thing you've ever done?"[/color] Unoriginal, but hey, what could you do?

[color=8A3DFF]”Well shit, let’s see…”[/color] Emma gave an exaggerated huff before taking a small sip from her drink. [color=8A3DFF]”I’m a little spoiled for choice, unfortunately.”[/color] Emma tapped her finger against the bar, trying to pick out a specific memory. [color=8A3DFF]”Oh shit, I got it.”[/color] Emma leaned over the bar, glancing at the other three, suddenly ready to launch into storytelling mode.

[color=8A3DFF]”Now, mind you, I feel into what most parents would qualify as a ‘rough crowd’ in high school. I also went to a fairly… affluent school. I wasn’t rich per se, but I guess I handily fell into that ‘rich-wild-high-schoolers-pissing-away-their-education’ clique. Just for, uh, context’s sake… and so you know that everyone involved in this story is going to be [i]really dumb[/i].[/color]

Emma paused, taking a long sip from her drink.

[color=8A3DFF]”Anyways, this is, appropriately, going to be one of those first time drinking stories, so strap in. I think it was, uh, when I was a freshmen when my gir-“[/color] Emma stumbled over her words for a moment before landing on what she wanted to say, [color=8A3DFF]”When my best friend Riley convinced me to go to a party with her. Naturally it wasn’t the first time I’d drank, but it was definitely the first I drank in a crowd. Now, at this party, there was this girl… Britney, I think. And Britney was kind of a huge bitch. Me and Riley had some beef with her. I think it was over, uh…”[/color]

Emma sighed, apparently not coming up with an answer.

[color=8A3DFF]”Well, that’s not the important part. Let’s just say she it was on account of her being a bitch. Me and Riley go to this party, and we both resolve to get [i]piss drunk[/i]. I think Riley talked me into it because it was my first party and we just [i]had[/i] to go all out. Of course, when we start hitting that ‘very drunk’ point we see Britney, and I think she says some kind of jeer, or maybe we did, I don’t exactly remember. But Riley decides, and I quote,”[/color]

[color=f7976a]”I’m going to wipe the smirk off this bitch’s face!”[/color]

Another sigh.

[color=8A3DFF]”Riley always was a bit of a spitfire. But I digress, she decides on putting her dukes up with Britney. Which she does, and they start going at it. But now, the embarrassing part starts when Riley calls on me to back her up when one of Britney’s friends starts to get involved, and being the caring friend I am I do. But I am, by no stretch of the imagination, much of a fighter. And I was also [i]really[/i] drunk at this point. So I get up, put up my fists, and drunkenly charge… [i]right[/i] into Riley’s back, sending us both onto the ground. Of course, at this point, being a dumb kid that has gone far past the limit of how drunk I should be, I also lose my lunch all over her. And so endeth my career as a fighter, in a pool of my own vomit with not just Britney and her friends laughing at me, but the entire room.”[/color] Emma finished with a small bow, taking a much needed swig of her drink.

Ernie blinked, eyes wide open in total surprise. He guessed he should've known from the way Emma was handling her drink throughout the night's game but...wow. Apparently drunk idiots existed outside of Reno felons and bored West brats.

[color=00a99d][i]'Rich-wild-high-schoolers-pissing-away-their-education.’ Typical.[/i][/color]

Not now.

[color=00a99d]"This...is exactly why I offer laundry services,"[/color] he said slowly, a tentative smile on his face, [color=00a99d]"Do I need to confiscate that drink from you?"[/color]

The story intrigued Sander. Most things about high schools and youth and everyday life tended to, but he didn’t offer much commentary, instead just focused on nursing drink. He was tempted to ask more about it, but then again, Emma might ask for a story of his own. 
 
And he didn’t have anything to share. 

[color=8A3DFF]”No worries. I’ve gotten a lot better at holding my drinks,”[/color] Emma took a long sip from her drink to accentuate her point, [color=8A3DFF]”We’re back around again, aren’t we? Another round, Ernie? Truth or dare?”[/color]

[color=00a99d]"Mm,"[/color] Ernie hummed doubtfully, [color=00a99d]"I don't think you'd be surprised at how often I hear that."[/color]

The bar was completely cleared now, save for the glasses still in his companions' hands. Closing shop for the night. He wasn't keen on potentially getting accused of other weird shit anyway.

[color=00a99d]"This'll be my last one before I head off to bed. Truth, so I don't have to clean anything else up."[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Hmmm, alright then. Truth…”[/color] Emma took a moment, trying to dig up something that wouldn’t be overly confrontational, finally landing on the relatively mundane, [color=8A3DFF]”First kiss? Have you had one? If you have, give us the deets.”[/color]

The boy felt an instinctual shiver travel down his spine. Not much story to tell there. Wasn't something he wanted to tell anyway.

[color=00a99d]"Drunk girl who thought it'd be funny,"[/color] he murmured, his eyes narrowed, [color=00a99d]"It was gross. That's pretty much it."[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Gross? What, on account of her being drunk, or…?”[/color] Emma probed lightly with a raised eyebrow.

He raised his hands in helpless protest. [color=00a99d]"I dunno, it just was? Sure, she could've used a mint but in general just..."[/color] he grimaced sharply, [color=00a99d]"Being close to people I don't know like...[i]that[/i]? It's weird."[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Alright. Fair enough. No further questions.”[/color] Emma said, looking down at her quickly emptying drink. She felt a light tug on the hem of her shirt that she quickly recognized as Determination. [color=580ACC]”I am ready to go.”[/color] she was unceremoniously informed. [color=8A3DFF]”Gettin’ antsy big guy? Alright, feel free to head on back. I’m gonna finish my drink.”[/color] at that Determination gave a quick nod and a hesitant wave at the rest of the group before heading for the door.
 
[color=8A3DFF]”Well, looks like I’m almost out.”[/color] Emma said, considering the drink before her. 

[color=palevioletred]"It was fun while it lasted. "[/color] Guess that meant she really was stuck with the maid outfit now.

Looked like the game was over anyway, if Ernie and Emma were both ready for sleep. Although she didn't ask for another drink, having reached the limit of how much she could have before throwing up, she glanced over at Sander. Two was company, she supposed, even if it wouldn't be quite as lively. Besides, she'd admit she enjoyed tormenting the poor guy, cruel as it was. [color=palevioletred]"If those two are going to bed, mind keeping me company for a while? Don't feel like sleeping yet."[/color]

"[color cyan]Um...sure.[/color]" -Sander agreed easily, though he did shoot a few longing looks at the various bottles on the shelf. The alcohol had barely managed to make him tipsy, after all. -"[color cyan]Are you sure you don't want...change? The dress is a bit sticky at the..[/color]" -He trailed off at that, and looked back down at his empty drink.

[color=palevioletred]"Trust me, I've noticed. It's not the most comfortable thing in the world,"[/color] Zoe grimaced, pulling at the fabric, [color=palevioletred]"but like I said, I'm having trouble figuring it out. Probably should've done what you did and left everything open."[/color] If only Ernie hadn't decided to be helpful and do it all for her, she wouldn't have this problem. Not that she could really blame the guy for this one.

"[color cyan]I think it look better if you...close everything.[/color]" -Sander mumbled. 

[color=palevioletred]"[i]Oh[/i]. Guess it's got some kind of use, then."[/color] Zoe looked surprised for a second. That was interesting to say the least, and she stood up, looking down at the outfit with a grin. At this point, she wasn't sure whether she was coming on to Sander or trying to screw with him or both - but whatever it was, Zoe was as subtle as a brick. Gesturing at her outfit, she grinned.

[color=palevioletred]"So, everything look closed up properly to you?"[/color]

Sander suddenly looked alarmed, but he did look and that was probably a mistake.
 
“[color cyan]I…uh…That looks…yeah.[/color]” -He swallowed drily, the remnants of his drink sour and acid in his mouth –“[color cyan]It looks good on you.[/color]” 

[color=palevioletred]"That right? I've gotta say..."[/color] Zoe looked him up and down. It wasn't as though he was bad looking, and they weren't friends. Not like she'd have to spend any time around him later, so it wasn't as though he'd be able to get the wrong idea...

[color=palevioletred][i]You know you'll regret this when you're sober, right?[/i][/color]

But right now, Zoe didn't really care. [color=palevioletred]"You look pretty good yourself. Kinda preferred you without the shirt, though."[/color]

“[color cyan]O-Oh. Thanks. You too.[/color]” -Sander said quickly, recalling Christmas’ behaviours from that night he was drunk. Was Zoe feeling the same? In that case, she might begin acting strange soon, and Sander wasn’t sure he would be comfortable with that –“[color cyan]Are you okay? Do you want some water?[/color]”

[color=palevioletred]"Water..? Nah, 'm good. Great, actually."[/color] Zoe paused, appearing to think for a second. No, that wasn't right. [color=palevioletred]"What, you want me to go away or something?"[/color] She looked at the unfortunate vampire, a hint of concern creeping in to her expression. If he seriously minded, then it wasn't like Zoe would keep going. That wasn't really her thing.

"[color cyan]I mean...if you want.[/color]" -Sander shook his head, shooting Ernie a look -"[color cyan]But water would help a lot. If you want.[/color]"

Ernie, who'd been struggling to choke down his laughter by holding his breath the entire time, nodded mutely. A glass of water slid in Zoe's direction and he continued intently cleaning the bench, despite having already wiped it down about three times prior.

[color=palevioletred]"Oh, uh, thanks."[/color] Ernie was still here? Zoe looked at the glass for a moment, taking a long drink before sighing. [color=palevioletred]"There. 's that better?"[/color]

"[color cyan]Do you feel better?[/color]"

Zoe frowned. [color=palevioletred]"Never really felt bad anyway, so... I guess?"[/color] It would take more than a glass of water to sober her up at this point. After a second, she gave Sander a look that was mixed parts concern and confusion. [color=palevioletred]"...Are [i]you[/i] okay?"[/color]

"[color cyan]Don't worry about me.[/color]" -Sander lifted his empty glass -"[color cyan]I can't get drunk.[/color]" 

[color=00a99d]"Liquor tolerance of a goddamn grizzly bear,"[/color] Ernie managed to squeeze out, only coughing a little bit through it.

He grabbed a random bottle of high-end spirits and uncapped it for Sander. [color=00a99d]"Down it."[/color]

"[color cyan]Now?[/color]" -Sander frowned, but he reached for the bottle nonetheless. 

[color=00a99d]"I believe in you."[/color]

He couldn't get drunk? Sounded to Zoe like that was probably an exaggeration, anyway. What, he had some kind of super liver now? [i]Sure[/i].[color=palevioletred]"Yeah, rig--"[/color]

...Wait. What reason would there be to lie about that? None, as far as she saw, that would be worth the trouble. Which left one option - it was completely true. [i]Sander couldn't get drunk.[/i] Suddenly, Zoe felt like the water had done wonders for her sobriety. The expression that crossed her face was a perfect picture of instant regret, the redhead's already pale complexion becoming downright ghostly. [color=palevioletred][i]You've got to be fucking kidding me.[/i][/color]

Sander threw his head back to drink a gulp straight from the bottle. The burn was terrible, which prompted him to push the bottle away and took one long look at the label, wondering if Ernie gave him the toilet cleaner again.

"[color cyan]Are you sure you're alright?[/color]" -He looked up at Zoe's distressed expression, raising an eyebrow. 

Snapping out of it a little, Zoe looked at Sander, her moment of realisation passing. [color=palevioletred]"Feel like I might've come off a little strong."[/color] Understatement of the century, right there, but she'd have felt better if he hadn't been pretty much sober. She grinned, at least finding some humour in the situation. [color=palevioletred]"You probably think I'm a complete weirdo, huh?"[/color]

"[color cyan]Hmm?[/color]" -Sander paused a bit, tilting his head -"[color cyan]Why?[/color]"

Emma’s drink was rapidly disappearing. She shot Ernie a slight glance, but decided not to interrupt the moment. The buzzcut boy gave her a quick shake of the head and filled her glass with plain water instead. He was clearly struggling to hold in a shit-eating grin as he returned Emma's glance.

[color=palevioletred]"But it's--"[/color]Wait, so he [i]didn't[/i] mind? Zoe was just confused now, because she was [i]pretty[/i] sure she'd forgotten the concept of shame for the past few minutes. Not that the idea had completely gone away, but it worried her more to think that at least one of them would remember all this tomorrow. [color=palevioletred]"I mean... if you're not interested, you can say so. Don't gotta put up with my crap just 'cause I'm drunk, y'know?"[/color] 

"[color cyan]It's fine.[/color]" -Sander only shrugged before taking another swig from the bottle. He made a face at the taste, pushing it toward Ernie -"[color cyan]You didn't mean it. I think you were a bit tipsy.[/color]"

Wow. Zoe guessed she was lucky that Sander was understanding about this shit. [color=palevioletred]"Didn't... didn't think I'd be this drunk."[/color] Zoe groaned, looking over at Ernie and Emma as though just remembering their presence. Oh, shit. If it was possible for her to feel any more embarrassed than she did already, knowing she'd had an audience was the way to do it. She didn't sound hopeful, but...

[color=palevioletred]"'S it too much to ask that you guys never mention any of this again?"[/color]

Ernie looked like a deer caught in the headlights. It didn't seem like he'd be able to say anything without completely cracking up so he drank deeply from a glass of water instead, taking the time to contemplate an answer. It didn't help. Following a deep breath, he started to scratch at his face to hide the upwards turn of his lips.

[color=00a99d]"Mistakes...happen..."[/color] he managed, gritting his teeth to suppress the thunderous laughter that threatened to burst out. A rapid, mute nod would have to make do in the place of an actual answer.

Zoe looked unconvinced. And wasn't finding it nearly as funny as Ernie. God damn it. There weren't many things that would get her doing this, really, but sometimes you had to take desperate measures. Not violence, not aggression, those wouldn't do anything but encourage him - especially knowing they didn't really like each other. So instead, Zoe fell back on something she really wasn't used to. [color=palevioletred]"...Please?"[/color]

Huh. He didn't think she had that word in her vocab. Ah man, if she was gonna be so sincere about it...

Ernie sighed and gestured around the group. [color=00a99d]"Keep the maid shit and rape accusations between the four of us and you've got a deal."[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"I'm still sorry about that. Sounds like a deal."[/color] Zoe muttered apologetically, before nodding. If that was all it took, then it wasn't even a decision. [color=palevioletred]"I think... think I should go sleep."[/color] At least while she was still thinking straight.

The buzzcut boy nodded and waved her off. [color=00a99d]"Make sure you drink some water before you turn in for real."[/color]

[color=palevioletred]"Yeah. I'll do that."[/color] Bundling up her previously-discarded clothes, Zoe made her way out of the bar, hoping against hope that she wouldn't remember any of this in the morning.

With the flesh-melter finally gone, Ernie let out a loud exhale. That was one threat of death out of the way. He turned to Sander. [color=00a99d]"Any other plans for the night?"[/color]

Sander shrugged again, looking at the half empty bottle in front of him -"[color cyan]I think I will go too.[/color]" -The blood mage finally concluded, rising to his feet-"[color cyan]Good night, Ernie.[/color]"

[color=00a99d]"You too, Sander. Don't let the bedbugs bite."[/color]

And with another wave goodbye, only two remained at the bar. Ernie finally let himself go, cracking up and slapping the bar as tears of disbelief threatened to spill. Laughter shook his entire frame.

[color=00a99d]"Now [i]that[/i],"[/color] he snickered, [color=00a99d]"was a night."[/color]

Ernie’s display drew a small snicker from Emma. [color=8A3DFF]”You can say that again.”[/color] Emma took a sip from her drink, a little disappointed that it was just water, [color=8A3DFF]”I mean, those two aren’t great at subtlety.”[/color]

[color=00a99d]"Subtlety? Please. I bet she could've smashed a brick with the words 'you're super hot' into his face and he still wouldn't have noticed."[/color]

He took a sip of his water, his grin taking on a more cunning note.

[color=00a99d]"Or cared."[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Hmmm… yeah, Sander didn’t seem to be picking up what she was putting down. A little surprising too, I mean, Zoe’s pretty good looking. I guess she can be a little… abrasive.”[/color] Emma said carefully, making sure not to give Ernie too much.  

[color=00a99d]"Nah, nah, nah, nah, you're looking at it all wrong,"[/color] he shook his head wildly. Something diabolical seemed to exude from his aura now, [color=00a99d]"Why do you think I made him my Pretty Rainbow Shot Special earlier tonight?"[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Uhhhhhhhhhhhh…”[/color] was all Emma had at first, [color=8A3DFF]”Well, that’s none of my business. Dude can be interested in whatever gender he wants.”[/color]   

[color=00a99d]"Yeah, yeah, that stuff. Anyway the vamp's only here cos his boi Christmas isn't back yet,"[/color] the boy chuckled, [color=00a99d]"Zoe was going after a lost cause the entire time."[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Right. Well, no skin off my back. Sucks for Zoe, I guess, but that kind of stuff happens when a buncha people get drunk.”[/color]

[color=00a99d]"Awww man, I thought you'd find it funny. Whatevers, brah,"[/color] Ernie flicked through his phone, [color=00a99d]"Blackmail material, blackmail material. Drinks, accusations. Even a new friend! Overall a very successful truth or dare. Thanks for coming."[/color]

There it was.

Of course, Emma should’ve known. She’d been right about Ernie. Always another angle. [color=8A3DFF]”Right. Not a problem.”[/color] Emma said, draining her drink. [color=8A3DFF]”I think Determination’s probably getting lonely, so I’ma head off.”[/color] she said with a small wave, already starting to get up and leave.

[color=00a99d]"Mm, seeya,"[/color] he waved back lazily, not even looking up from the treasure trove on his phone.
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