[center]

[color=silver][i][sub]A collaboration between [@Cerces22] & [@neoaj]&[@jetipster][/sub][/i][/color]
[/center]

Three tequila shots and numerous re-buffed attempts at conversation later, Chris sidled up to Cat and Cass just as their bottles arrived. [color=FFD700]“It looks as though I’ve found the real party then ladies.”[/color] he laughed with a blush in his cheeks and a raised bottle of Patrón. 

Cass was just about to down shot number nine, when the Hellenican Prince walked up.

[Color=fuchsia]"Well, I mean the heavy drinkers, the party hasn't started until after this one ends. But by all means, tall, dark and crestfallen join us at the international incident table. I am sure me and my drinking partner is just pissing some stuffy royal off right now. So come sit cause an international incident properly."[/color] Cass said with a devilish smile.

[color=00E330]“Honestly, this is my pre-game at this point,”[/color] Cat admitted, now taking down vodka seven number three. Her unstated goal was to at least square her sevens. [color=00E330]“I have sources in the castle who tell me they can get me to much more entertaining spots in the Acirian scene, so once we’re done with obligations here, I’m getting changed out of this walking ‘rob me’ alarm and probably going to see if they can deliver on their promise.”[/color]

[color=FFD700] “Well count me in,”[/color] Chris replied before draining his glass and pouring himself a tumbler of tequila. He watched the monogrammed ice cubes twist in his glass as he swirled his drink. [color=FFD700]“I’m definitely in need of a distraction. And I’m officially out of options here.”[/color] he finished gesturing to the whole room.

[color=00E330] “Welcome to the rainbow distraction corner, then!”[/color] Cat toasted, raising her glass to Chris. In honesty, Cat was happy to have Chris join their little party. She remembered him from when he came to Larne for a while and he was something of a role model. In more ways than one as it turned out. She was meaning to talk to him about what she could do with the Brunns making her the latest rainbow warrior against the cause of tradition and the kingdom that they knew. However, if Chris needed a distraction himself, then her own problems could wait. [color=00E330]“You are now free to say whatever the fuck you want, and not be judged, or have to tone it down, or… I dunno. Can’t think of a third thing.”[/color]

[Color=fuchsia]"If you are in need of a distraction you most definitely came to the right spot! But if someone else joins us we are going to really start to sound like a bad gay joke."[/color] Cass said raising an eyebrow. [Color=fuchsia]"But I have the feeling that none of us would truly mind that."[/color]

Chris couldn’t help but laugh at Cat’s bluntness and Cass’ wit. [color=FFD700]“To Team Rainbow!”[/color] he declared, clinking his glass in a toast with theirs. [color=FFD700]“So I just realised that I’m going to die alone, what are you two moping about?”[/color] 

[Color=fuchsia]"Hm? Oh well the minute my plane landed it seems the board of directors is trying to implode my company. Also, we share that sentiment, but unlike me I assume you have at least been on a date. As Miss Cat here is trying to spend her mini exile in a drunken stupor. Which as a quiet terrible influence I must insist we have another shot!"[/color] She said clinking her glass to Chris's. She felt the warm fuzziness of getting drunk start to hit here as she had what was probably her tenth drink of the night.

Cat nodded as she finished off her drink and went to work making number four. [color=00E330]"Yeah, you remember the Lark, right Chris? The rag with way too much power and a heavy anti-LGBTQ bent because the Brunns are bigoted assholes? Yeah, they involved me in such a scandal that my parents wanted me out of the country. So, that's why I am here! Jokes on them though, that plan is backfiring hard… Just gotta actually make that work out…"[/color] With the vodka seven complete, she quickly took another long sip.

How could Chris not remember the Lark. They’d printed some disgusting lies and half-truths about him after he’d come out and attempted to get his very degree revoked from Larne. [color=FFD700]”Well we are a mostly crew aren’t we?”[/color] he replied with a grin. [color=FFD700]”I understand your frustration Cat, I really do,”[/color] he said calmly with a hand on hers to lower her glass slightly. [color=FFD700]”Just promise me you’ll learn from my mistakes and not use this as a revenge mission…”[/color] He’d seen that determined look in her eyes from when she was a girl and knew that it would take more than a warning from him to get her to climb down. 

He turned to Cass. [color=FFD700]”As for you my Gaelic goddess,”[/color] he said sidling up to her with a faux husky voice [color=FFD700] “The men in hear are either blind, stupid, or both to not want a gorgeous, intelligent and successful woman like yourself.”[/color] He gave her a peck on the cheek and returned his attention to his glass. [color=FFD700]”Although why you’d settle for any of them is now completely beyond me.”[/color]

Cass laughed at Chris's attempt to lay it on thick for fun. She graciously accepted the small kiss on her cheek and grabbed a glass of wine to somewhat slow herself down.

[Color=fuchsia]"Chris darling, who said I was interested in any of these royals. Please, unlike most of them I am third born so not much reason for an arranged marriage when I have no political value to my country. I have the blessing to marry for love instead. And my standards are high as hell. Still doesn't mean I couldn't have fun in the next two months."[/color] She said with a mock innocent look.

[color=00E330]"I mean, that's my goal,"[/color] Cat admitted. [color=00E330]"That and keeping Ara from killing Erik before their big public marriage. But mostly fun… and some revenge. You know, me and Cass already have this great plan to take over the Lark and everything attached to it… actually that's gonna be pretty fun." [/color] 

Chris couldn’t help but snort tequila back into his glass at Cass’ mock innocent look. He grimaced as the alcohol burnt his nose as Cat’s words reached him. Revenge on the Lark would be fun. They’d practically outed him before he’d had the chance himself. [color=FFD700]“Well if there was ever a place to collect some selling stories for your bumper first issue this is it…”[/color] he replied with a nod toward the now drunk duchess he’d encountered at the bar earlier. He just hoped that none of the scandalous stories would involve him or his friends…

[color=00E330]"Nah, it won't be interested in the lives of royals. More like, you know, actual journalism,"[/color] Cat confirmed. [color=00E330]"Anyway, that's a ways off. Tonight is about this![/color] She slammed the rest of her fourth vodka seven to prove her point.

[Color=fuchsia]"Revenge for all the others who the Lark might hurt in their pursuits later. Right now we are stuck here, Chris you can join us if you would like in our scheming but first we drink!"[/color] Cass said finishing her wine.