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[indent][color=darkgray] As she lugged her suitcase through the penultimate floor of the Bellagio, the hard gold plastic skidding along the tiles that likely had only seen the wheels of many a high-roller's suitcase on them before, Emilia did her best to take in everything. This was the lap of luxury, the cream of the crop, the... Yasmin of Bratz dolls. It sure was enough to make a girl feel like a princess.

It would have to do some work considering how Emilia felt on the ride up from Beverly Hills. All the emotions of the parking lot, of seeing Katie and Val and Nate and feeling all the negative energy hanging in the air, it took a lot of effort to not tear up then and there on the RV. She finally couldn't hold back as the RV passed through Rancho Cucamonga. Brandon had taken her on a date to a minor league baseball game there, and she thought about how painfully boring it was and it just came out. Breakdown number two on the day.

Thankfully Josie was right by her side to deliver the Ariana dosage she needed to keep calm. That's all Emilia had to do. Keep breathin'. She'd get through this. Who knows? Maybe this would be the thing that finally brought everyone together? The double barrels of orange soda managed to last the entire trip through such exotic locales as Hesperia and Barstow, through the barren Mojave Desert, crossing the line into the Silver State and then finally running dry upon entry into this fabled land of dizzying displays and drunken debauchery. 

Was she really willing to go through with all of it? Las Vegas was a long way from home. In more ways than one.

As she entered the palatial suite that would serve as their base of operations while in Sin City, Emilia was a bit lost in all the grandeur. She let her suitcase and backpack fall by the giant couch in the living room/dining room/front of the Titanic and flopped down in the sofa, letting the soft leather envelop herself. It was soft and cozy and welcoming after being in that RV for so long with the cushions carrying her tears all the way to Nevada. This felt like something else entirely. A new beginning.

Nate disappeared immediately and headed towards one of the rooms. Emilia wanted to ask him if Val had calmed down any during the ride, because Emilia wasn't going to dare risk that question herself at this time, but he was too quick. The sound of a shower could be faintly heard. [color=ffff1e][i]Guess that's going to be the boys side... and Val I guess.[/i][/color] Valeria seemed quick to confirm that thought. After claiming the box that rested on the dining table, she announced she was taking up residence in another bathroom and went through a door on the same side that Nate had claimed, effectively locking down that side of the suite for the next hour or so. [color=ffff1e][i]Probably for the best. She seemed to be in a happier mood after grabbing whatever that box was. Maybe we can talk later.[/i][/color]

Sami seemed to have a plan for coexisting in the place, and it consisted of a quick separation of factions and a healthy amount of booze. Of course, that meant he was going to be taking Emilia's new favorite thing in the whole wide world for his bed with this plan. The blonde was in no hurry to give up her plush cushions but then Sami started plinking glasses on the bar. A drink wouldn't be a bad way to start things, even if Leon didn't seem to care. He bolted for the balcony like a bull heading for a china shop. A Chicago Bull that... no. Not now. Besides he was gone in a flash.

That left four in the main room and it seemed like they were all in agreement that mojitos were the way to go. But as Emilia leaned over the couch, wanting to get a good look at Mr. Alejandro's bartending prowess in action, all she got was a blast of cold tension. Josie was close enough that Emilia could hear what she said under her breath at Ava's request for more alcohol than fruit. Emilia didn't care, she would take all the lime goodness on offer. But the glare that the Lady Esposito shot towards the couch, Emilia could almost see the lasers shoot through Josie and over her head. Ava went back to spinning herself right round right after, but it still sent a chill down Emilia's spine. [color=ffff1e][i]Oh my God... I didn't realize it was that bad... And we're sharing a bed... Dang it, I'm going to have to be the monkey in the middle, aren't I? Ugh, goodbye sleep. I guess I can suck it up for one night. For the crew and all. I'll be the buffer zone.[/i][/color]

Miss Seger finally pushed herself away from her cozy roost and started making her way towards the bar where the promised cocktails awaited. [color=ffff1e]"I'll take Val's drink if she doesn't want to come out and get it, Sami,"[/color] she offered. [color=ffff1e]"I'm still really thirsty after that long trip!"[/color] She took one of the beverages for now, waiting for the official go-ahead from Sami before she made a move for it. [color=ffff1e]"And here's to us! Finally getting out of California and seeing the sights and states on this super summer adventure!"[/color] She took a sip and did her best not to show just how strong the alcohol was sitting in her mouth. Sami did not skimp on the rum for these ones. Emilia was able to power it down and keep her glass aloft. [color=ffff1e]"Woo! Right? Now let's go! I wanna get chocolate wasted!"[/color] 

Josie and Sami would get the joke, although she wasn't sure if Ava would, or the others even heard. It was time to try and let go of the past. If only for one night. No tears in any beers, no cries in mai-tais. Just say thank you, next and keep moving on to the next one. Be it drink or whatever.

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