[hr][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/MzIHaGw.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/JgL3zQi.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/FaCzAxe.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/1Hvat1r.png[/img]
[img]https://imgur.com/IYihMs5.png[/img][img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/b3RmLjg4LjdhYmJmZi5UR0Y1YkdFZ1NIbGhZMmx1ZEdoMWN3LjA/sabrina-destiny.regular.webp[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/lIteEPX.png[/img][h1][color=f49ac2]Edict[/color][/h1]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/DP7VoTG.png[/img][h1]Sabrina Vanburen,
Henri Han.[/h1]
[/center][right][b]Interactions:[/b] Yes.[/right][right][b][code]Cool ass house.[/code][/b][/right][hr][hr]

“Alright, I’ll be right back… Linqian, was it?” Sabrina turned her head towards Linqian. “You said you were going to help?”

[color=CD5C5C]"Yes to both."[/color] Linqian turned to Henri, pointing a finger at him. [color=CD5C5C]"Don't do anything stupid."[/color]

[color=ffe63b]"Yeah, yeah,"[/color] Henri held up his hands with a grin, carefully taking a seat on one of the sofas. 

Linqian didn't entirely trust him, but from the looks of things Edict and Britney were going off somewhere together (gross) and she could probably leave him with Layla. Probably. She walked over to Sabrina, smiling slightly. "I work in a bar, so carrying drinks is my speciality."

“Noted,” Sabrina answered as she led Linqian through the kitchen to the “wine cellar.” She threw the door open to reveal a fancy case of different liquors. It had wines, whiskeys, vodkas, and even some weird stuff. Sabrina walked over and traced her fingers across the case window, and then opened it. “Great, my alcoholic sisters didn’t waste it all in one night.”

She grabbed two of the requested drinks—white Wine and Scotch—and handed them to Linqian. “We don’t really have much beer because my sisters aren’t the wine-drinking types,” Sabrina awkwardly chuckled. “But, we have a wide selection of other things, so… help yourself.”

[color=CD5C5C]"I can see that."[/color] Linqian held the two bottles she'd been handed carefully, while looking around with slightly widened eyes. Of course, she saw a large selection of alcohol everyday - but never anything this fancy. She knew what the expensive shit was… and this was it. It really made her not want to drink it, even if Sabrina told her to help herself. [color=CD5C5C]"Doesn't surprise me with what I know if Trisha- y'know what, I'll share the Scotch with Greyson for now."[/color]

She held up the bottle, still looking around at the selection. "Then after maybe I'll be up for trying some of your more interesting drinks…"

“Are you sure?” Sabrina asked with a shrug. “ really no skin off my back if you want to try a bottle or two. This isn’t [i]anything[/i] to a Vanburen.”

[color=CD5C5C]"Must be nice,"[/color] Linqian muttered, biting her lip to clamp down the more visceral reaction that jealousy threatened to bring out. She needed to not snap at someone as rich as Sabrina, who she'd only just met. As much as her financial situation fucking sucked, she would hate having sixteen half siblings even more. Still, she'd stick to the Scotch… because if she had the same drink as Edict she could maybe control where he sat a bit. Primarily away from her brother. But the option of something else for after was tempting… 

[color=CD5C5C]"I'll have the Scotch first, but no harm in bringing another bottle in case I want to swap right away."[/color] She said louder. She looked through the case, gaze pausing. It wasn't an unusual drink, to her, but it was one she hadn't had since Jinhai graduated from his bachelor's and they bought some to celebrate. She pointed to a bottle of Baijiu with a smile. [color=CD5C5C]"I'll have some of that as well, since you're offering."[/color]


Sabrina shrugged as she grabbed the bottle, and carried it herself along with the other drinks. “Let’s head back,” Sabrina slowly sauntered back to the others. However, she had a question, “So… I hope it’s not an intrusion on your business, but Sycamore is trying to put an end to the murders, right? How’s that going?”

Linqian couldn’t help but laugh at that. But she didn’t have any issues with answering the question, it wasn’t like they’d gotten anywhere at all. [color=CD5C5C]”Awfully. So far we’ve followed one ‘lead’ that got some of us shot, and the meeting after didn’t even start before the PRA came down on our asses. We’ve learned shit all about it, besides ‘Father Wolf’ only targeting people when they’re alone- which I’ve known for fucking weeks. Nothing else.”[/color]

“Oh dear,” Sabrina rolled her eyes. “I was hoping you all would have made some progress by now… but I can say that maybe things will go up from here, yeah?” 

She shook her head.

“I… who is the leader of the Sycamore Tree Coven - if you don’t mind me asking?”

[color=CD5C5C]”It can only get better, coven meeting wise,”[/color] Linqian derisively. [color=CD5C5C]”Auri Auclair… Some leader. She fucked off when the PRA raided us before telling us shit. Not that anyone else could do the job. Britney, maybe, but people aren’t too happy with her.”[/color]  

“I heard..” Sabrina trailed off, “Well, I have plenty of resources, and I was [i]considering[/i] offering some help to Sycamore.”

She began, letting that hang in the air before she asked another question.

“How receptive do you think they will be of me?” 

[color=CD5C5C]”As Britney’s friend? Not particularly,”[/color] Linqian shrugged. It was difficult to say with how they struggled to even accept their own members. [color=CD5C5C]”As a Vanburen with plenty of resources? Well… They’re more likely to hear you out, so long as you distance yourself from Trisha. She was pretty fucking nasty when she left. But if they- we- could stop bickering for a bit, and you had some solid help, I’m sure they’d be receptive. Probably.”[/color] 

“Oh, Trisha won’t have anything to do with it,” Sabrina laughed. “Could you - [i]if you don’t mind[/i] - bring it up the next time you meet? ”

[color=CD5C5C]”Thank fuck,”[/color] Linqian smiled slightly. [color=CD5C5C]”Sure, I can try. Can’t promise anything… I’m less likely to get kicked out than the other two, but I’m not that popular either.”[/color] 

“Don’t worry,” Sabrina said, “I’m sure it’ll work out… do you all have anything you could use in particular? I’m no miracle worker but I do have my ways…”

[color=CD5C5C]”Well, I could use a [i]shit ton[/i] of cash,”[/color] Linqian joked, smiling more to make it clear she wasn’t being serious. Just in case. Much as she had money problems, she wouldn’t stoop that low. [color=CD5C5C]”Main thing we need is something to bring us together… You’d think a bunch of us dying would do that. Aside from that, leads. Literally any information about it. And maybe somewhere to meet. Auri’s banned us from her shop and Greyson burnt down the last place.”[/color] 

“Hehe…” Sabrina laughed. “I can’t help with bringing you all together, nor do I have any information - that is up to you all - but… I can easily give you all another lair.”

She paused.

“... Long as you all don’t, you know, [i]burn it down.[/i]”

[color=CD5C5C]”No promises,”[/color] Linqian laughed. [color=CD5C5C]”But I’ll try my hardest to keep Mr Pyromaniac under control.”[/color] 

“You’ll have to,” Sabrina shook her head. “The place I have in mind can [i]not[/i] be destroyed… but, let’s get back to the others, yeah? They’re probably worried sick.” She laughed. 

[color=CD5C5C]”Yes… I need to make sure my brother hasn’t done anything stupid while I was gone.”[/color]

[hr]

It didn't settle with her at all, watching Britney and Mr. Devola slink away. So, when Sabrina and Linqian went off to grab drinks, Layla stood from the couch and hastily said with a smile, [color=7ABBFF][b]“I gotta use the bathroom.”[/b][/color]

And she slunked off. Down the hall, where the lights were on and a bedroom door was left open. Murmured talking. This was it. Layla crept closer, careful to keep out of sight.

[quote=Mr. Devola][color=F5388C]“...hurt you. Because of what happened with [i]her[/i]...”[/color][/quote]

Layla immediately stiffened, despite feeling silly and untouchable. Were they… no, the couldn't be… Was Mr. Devola talking about [i]her[/i]?

Feeling a bit sick to her stomach along with incredible delusions of happiness, and knowing she absolutely couldn't risk getting caught, Layla slunk back, trying to hide her shaking hands.

[hr]

When everyone else left, and Layla made her way back on the couch, Henri turned to Layla with a massive grin. [color=ffe63b]"Soooooo… how old are you? Oh man, I don't mean that in a creepy way, just you look a lot younger than the rest! Like closer to my age… I'm eighteen, by the way. A lot younger than my sister, I know, but that's just how things work. Her and Jinhai practically raised me anyway! Anyway, I'm just surprised cause Jie always talked about the group of friends she was with like they were all the same age… hanging out, supporting each other, having wild parties. Studying. Did you have like siblings there? Or do you just look really young?!"[/color]

Henri said all this with a massive, friendly grin. Once he started talking, he really didn't know when to stop.

Layla sat there on the couch just trying to collect her thoughts, feeling her heart race while she couldn't shake the smile on her face. She felt ecstatic. She felt unstoppable. The logic simply didn't work that she could be in danger.

Mr. Devola spilling all her secrets? Were they really such bad secrets to begin with? And Britney was a [i]friend[/i], wasn't she? Layla didn't have to have her guard up around [i]friends[/i], right?

Despite the alarms of dread ringing around in her head somewhere, Layla felt the wonderful weight of a stoned feeling racing through her body, assuring her everything was fine. Made it especially hard to concentrate.

So, while Henri spoke, Layla slowly felt her body reluctantly slink towards that fight or flight feeling. A feeling of anxiety that one can get when their THC hits just a bit too hard. A dizzying euphoria that tied her down to her seat, waiting to face whatever dreadful fate awaited her for when Mr. Devola and Britney returned.

Was she scared of Britney?

With how she had witnessed Britney wield the Noble Vow, she wouldn't be surprised.

Layla took a long, deep breath, and tried to collect her thoughts as Henri looked at her expectantly.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Uh, not at all! I'm uh, twenty, I think. You know, these things you just kind of lose track of,”[/b][/color] She said with a laugh, trying to settle her nerves again.

For a moment, her face grew soft, staring at Henri. He seemed to really admire his sister, but wasn't included in the ‘know’. That was fine. She wouldn't say too much, then.

He made her think of her old ties in the coven. It made her smile in a forlorn manner.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“I did have close family in her circle of friends, a cousin that was older than me, bridged the gap, you know, that sort of thing. His name was Nick. Nicholas. He's been gone about, ah, ten years now.”[/b][/color]

She smiled, starting to unwind a bit at the thought of sweet memories, and Mr. Devola's influence came back full force, paralyzing her sweetly to the couch.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“You know, Henri… I think I could eat a whole house. I'm famished. What's your favorite food? I like any fast food myself. It's totally terrible, I know, but I… it's tasty.”[/b][/color] She admitted sheepishly.

"Ohhh, I'm sorry for your loss. It's difficult. I lost my parents ten years ago too, though I don't really remember them," he rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish smile.

Layla gave an understanding look. [color=7ABBFF][b]“That’s terrible, I'm sorry to hear that.”[/b][/color]

Henri continued. [color=ffe63b]"Oh, I'm starved too, if it's food you want I can hook you up."[/color]

He raised his eyebrows, grinning mischievously. Linqian had stupidly left her handbag right next to him so he crouched down and opened it. Thankfully for Linqian the gun inside was completely covered by her clothes, with the remaining tupperware and beer at the top. Henri grabbed both along with the chopsticks, swiftly closing the bag without revealing what else was inside. "Here!"

He sat back down, right beside Layla, and opened the container. Inside was a noodle dish, similar looking to chow mein with loads of vegetables in it. He held it and the chopsticks out to Layla. [color=ffe63b]"Go on, have some. Jie made it, I swear it's amazing. Do you know how to use chopsticks? If not I'll show you, it's pretty easy! And let's share this before they get back!"[/color]

He shook the can of beer, before opening it with one can. He took a long drink and grinned. [color=ffe63b]"Oh yeah, my favourite food- uh, don't tell anyone, but it's fast food too. If Jie finds out she'll kill me that I didn't say her cooking."[/color]

Layla gave a hearty laugh, looking a bit dazed as she stared at the dish. It really did look amazing, it made her mouth water just staring at it. Henri was really okay sharing this? And Linqian had made it? Layla's smile only widened, her cherry-coated happiness turning to hungry enthusiasm.

She looked at the chopsticks held up to her as she moved closer to the held out dish, and hesitantly took the utensils. She had only seen others use these, and didn't really have much experience herself. Dismally, she attempted to pick up [i]anything[/i] in the container, and only managed a single noodle, which she slurped up.

Her eyes widened.

It was [i]delicious.[/i]

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Your sister knows how to cook. It's no wonder she wouldn't let you praise any other food, as good as fast food is…” [/b][/color]She said, then let out an exasperated laugh, holding up the chopsticks.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Chopsticks, uh, aren't my strong point. How do you hold them, again? And please, have some yourself! All that walking around the festival is [i]tiiiiring[/i], right?”[/b][/color]

[color=ffe63b]"Yeah, she really enjoys cooking, I missed eating her food when I was at college!"[/color] Henri laughed, watching her use chopsticks and realising he'd never explained it to anyone else… he went back into his sister's bag, and thankfully there was another pair. Perfect. He pulled them out and turned back to Layla. 

[color=ffe63b]"So, if you hold one between your finger and thumb,"[/color] he demonstrated, putting one chopstick between his pointer finger and thumb. He curled his other fingers so it rested on his ring finger. Then he put the other one between his pointer finger and thumb too, rested on his middle finger. [color=ffe63b]"And the other one like so. Then you use your first two fingers to move it."[/color]

He demonstrated by going in for some noodles, moving the top chopstick with his middle and index finger and grabbing a large amount of noodles. He stuffed it in his mouth and grinned, swallowing it quickly. [color=ffe63b]"Yeah walking around was exhaustingggg, I went around the whole festival like twice… I'd never been before, so it was pretty cool, but tiring! Nothing that can't be fixed by food, though! Did you get to see much of it?"[/color]

Layla watched carefully, mirroring his moves with her own chopsticks. She adjusted her hand so the chopsticks lined up a bit closer to the right places, and she tried again. After a few empty attempts, she managed to pinch a few more noodles, which she heartily ate with a smile.

She bobbed her head along to the music playing as she took another biteful, listening as Henri spoke. As he mentioned the sights of the festival, Layla made a playfully pained face. Nothing could get her down at the moment, after all.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Well, to be honest, not really! We were about to head to the haunted house, but we were uh, stopped. By someone who doesn't really [i]get along[/i] with our group of friends.”[/b][/color]

[color=ffe63b]“Damn, that sucks, but there’s always next year!”[/color] Henri said. 

She ate another mouthful, then motioned for the can of beer, hopeful that Henri would share a bit of that as well. Her head tilted curiously as she swallowed some vegetables.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“If you don't mind my asking, how much of Linqian’s group of friends did she talk about?”[/b][/color] She tried to laugh off her prying.[color=7ABBFF][b]“She talked well about us, right?”[/b][/color]

[color=ffe63b]"Oh yeah, her and Ge- uh Jinhai, you know her twin, my brother, who was also in the group- talked about you guys all the time! Always good stuff!"[/color] He took another drink of the beer before holding it out for Layla to take. Layla eagerly took a sip and returned it. [color=ffe63b]"Who did she talk about… well I asked about it all the time, I loved hearing about them. She'd mostly talk about some guys called Sully, Drake and Jasper, oh and Greyson- oh! That's this Greyson! Ge got a funny look on his face when she mentioned him, must've been cause he's so cool. And he'd always talk about Britney, and Jack, Sloane and Anya… oh Jie would get a weird look on her face when he mentioned the last two! Like she'd eaten something real sour. Normally she had, I think."[/color]

Henri took another portion of noodles after dropping a lot of information very haphazardly. [color=ffe63b]"Oh, they did complain about this guy called Leon. Dunno I once overheard Jie saying he had a 'stick up his ass' or something. They'd always talk really well about the whole group! I think they both missed everyone a lot."[/color]

Layla's eyes warmed at the mention of familiar names. She found herself nodding along. The great Sycamore. Yes, the great, truly. Sully got along with everyone, Drake had an endearing hero complex, Jasper was an [i]artist[/i]. Her eyes widened at the mention of Greyson - Mr. Devola. Yes of course, a cornerstone of the Sycamore.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Yeah, everyone calls him Greyson, but I met him when I was really young, always called him by his last name, myself.”[/b][/color]

Layla's expression turned to a mix of fear and uncertainty, with just a glimmer of hope when Henri mentioned Britney. Her [i]friend[/i]. At the mention of Jack, Layla actually turned her face away, eyes closed and chin up in aloofness. Sloane and Anya, well. Sloane, it had been years since Layla had really spoken with her. And Anya seemed to be on Layla's side when Layla suggested a change in leadership.

[i]At Void's suggestion.[/i]

Then Henri mentioned Leon, and Layla's face took on a unique completion as she nodded eagerly. Leon was good. Yes, he may have had a stick up his ass, but he had been trying to [i]help[/i] her. 

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Leon… that's a special one there. I have a lot to owe to that big guy,” [/b][/color]Layla said with a calm smile.

She chuckled. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Wow, she really- they both, really talked well of us. That's, well, nice to hear. It's been a bit of a rocky road to get to this point, but some of us would give up anything for the other, ya know?”[/b][/color]

She nodded to herself.[color=7ABBFF][b] “I guess that's what being friends is all about. Doing anything you can for them, right?”[/b][/color]

She took another portion of the noodles. There was only a little bit left now, to her shock and theatrical horror. It was [i]so[/i] delicious. She wished the container had a never-ending bottom, so she could just eat this forever.

Yes, the perfect thought. Eating Linqian's food for an eternity. Layla sat there, holding her cheeks as she murmured sweetly to herself, totally lost in her daydream of eating delicious food forever.

Before she snapped out of it.

The container was empty. 

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Ahhhh, that was so tasty.” [/b][/color]Layla said with a huge smile, placing her chopsticks in the container.[color=7ABBFF][b]“Now I'm not dying. Thanks, Henri. You and your sister and lifesavers.”[/b][/color]

[color=ffe63b]”Glad you enjoyed it! Maybe I can convince Jie to cook for you sometime… Oh man, when she has time to make a proper meal it's amazing,”[/color] he grinned, putting his chopsticks and shoving the container out of the way. 

[color=ffe63b]”I get it with the friends thing, though. It’s why we’re back here. After Ge was killed… Well, I think she wanted to be around people she’d been through a lotta shit with. Not to get all sappy ‘bout my sister, but she’s really done a lot for us- me over the years. Like, she thinks I don’t know, but she’s working two jobs just so I don’t have to. She never lets me do anything… But it’s nice to know she’s got you guys! That, y’know, you’re all a big group that’ll look after each other.”[/color] 

His expression swapped from strangely neutral at the mention of his brother’s death, to full of sunshine again. 

[color=ffe63b]”Everyone’s going through shit, yeah, it’s the people you’ve got around you that really help you get through it. I dunno where I’d be without her, that’s for sure! I’m sure she’d do a lot for you guys too.”[/color] 

[color=CD5C5C]"What’re you saying about me?"[/color] Linqian reappeared, holding two bottles of alcohol - Sabrina was right behind her. She placed the white wine on the centre table, while keeping hold of the Scotch. Her gaze flickered over to the empty container, lips twisting down onto a scowl. She glared at Henri. [color=CD5C5C]"[i]Han Huanyi[/i], that was my fucking dinner."[/color]

[color=ffe63b]”Shouldn’t have left it unattended!”[/color] Henri replied cheerfully, leaning in towards Layla to say in a hushed tone, [color=ffe63b]”she’s using my full name to pretend she’s mad, but she’s not.”[/color]

Layla nodded quietly as Henri spoke, suppressing a burp as Linqian's dinner settled in her stomach.

[color=CD5C5C]"You think I can’t hear you? I’m not mad, but I’m annoyed."[/color] Linqian rolled her eyes. 

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Well, uh, it was really quite tasty, Linqian.” [/b][/color]Layla said shyly. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Sorry about that!”[/b][/color]

Linqian grabbed her bag from beside Henri and looked around for a glass. Finding one, she took a seat a fair distance away from her brother - in the opposite corner of the practically circular couch. Her bag went at her feet and the bottle of Scotch stayed in her hand. Her thinking was that it would force Edict to sit next to her (and not near Henri), or at least go through her to get a drink. 

“We can just… buy some pizza,” Sabrina shrugged as she poured herself some scotch whiskey. She had a seat. “Or Uber something. Whatever you’d like, on me.”

Layla gave an excited gasp.[color=7ABBFF][b]“Pizza?! Again?! Sign me up.”[/b][/color]

[color=CD5C5C]"I'm good with anything, so long as it's edible."[/color] Linqian poured herself a glass of scotch and drank half of it in one go. The alcohol burned as it went down her throat, but it was a nice feeling that followed. The warmth of the alcohol and instant relaxation it brought led her to finishing her first glass in seconds, pouring another one. An additional benefit of keeping hold of the Scotch bottle like a hostage to keep her brother safe. [color=CD5C5C]"You weren't talking shit about me while I was away, were you?"[/color]

"Noooo," Henri held up his hands before turning to Sabrina with a grin. "Ooo, I vote for pizza!”

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Pizzaaaa.”[/b][/color] Layla echoed.

[color=CD5C5C]"You just ate my fucking dinner,"[/color] Linqian glared at both of them.

"Heyyyy, I'm suggesting pizza cause I know you like it," Henri defended himself with a shit eating grin. "Pizza's easy, everyone likes it."

“... We can order other things, you know?” Sabrina said as she pulled out her cellphone. “Everyone in here don’t eat pork? [i]Anything[/i] you all [i]don’t[/i] eat? I can order a couple different pizzas… maybe just a bunch of cheese pizzas?”

"Something covered in meat!" Henri said immediately. "Wait, that's the pizza I want, not something I don't eat. I mean, I eat pretty much anything, but if it's got too much veg on it what's the point? I was forced to eat soooo many growing up. Supposedly meat's expensive, but it's so much better than vegetables. Whenever we got pizza it was always what Jinhai wanted first, then me… so it was always covered in vegetables! Awful!"

[color=CD5C5C]"I'm not drunk enough for this,"[/color] Linqian muttered, even though she was the only person in the room used to Henri's inane tirades. She finished her second glass of scotch and poured another one. [color=CD5C5C]"... Maybe some cheeses, a vegetable one and a meat one? Keep everyone happy or whatever."[/color]

“See, that’s all you had to say,” Sabrina laughed… awkwardly looking to the side and typing in a few different things before she dramatically placed the send-order button. “Alright, it should be here in about twenty minutes. I got pizza, wings, mozzarella sticks… Maybe I should have gotten some dessert, too…”

[color=CD5C5C]"It's fine, this is a party, not a fancy dinner,"[/color] Linqian waved her half empty glass. [color=CD5C5C]"Pizza is plenty."[/color]

"Ohhhhh but some cookie dough would've been real nice, or some cake-" Henri started.

[color=CD5C5C]"Yi-er,"[/color] Linqian glared at him. She then looked over at Sabrina tiredly. [color=CD5C5C]"Sorry about him, he's… a teenager. You know how they are. Always pushing the boundaries."[/color]

"I'm just asking for dessert!"

“I know a good ice cream spot that does Doordash…” Sabrina shrugged. “...  But my generosity ends there, unfortunately. What flavors do you all like?” She asked.

[color=CD5C5C]"You don't have to indulge him,"[/color] Linqian said.

“I could go for some ice cream myself you know…” Sabrina answered.

"Mint choc chip!" Henri cheered, completely ignoring his sister. "Thank you sooo much… Sabrina?"

“Yup, Sabrina Vanburen,” She answered. “It’s a pleasure to meet you a second time.” She smiled.

"You too!" Henri grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry, I ain't good with names, and there were quite a few."

“Britney calls me Bean, if that’s easier,” Sabrina answered. 

Layla blinked as she listened.[color=7ABBFF][b]“I uh, can help with the order if it's too much. This is quite the big party after all,” [/b][/color]She said, smiling sheepishly at Sabrina.

It was no lie that she was eagerly looking forward to the party food headed their way though. She stood from the couch, found a glass in the kitchen, shrugged a bit, and poured a bit of white wine for herself.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“What a treat… Uh, [i]Bean[/i], I think you're spoiling us.”[/b][/color] She said with a wide grin, staring at the wine as she sat before taking a sip. It was crisp, fresh, and made her smile even more as she sat there in a giggling mess on the couch.

[Maybe later idk. Depends on if you want to respond or not]
“Oh!” Sabrina suddenly said, “Would anyone like to get out of your costumes…?”

Sabrina awkwardly paused.

“... I mean,” Sabrina coughed into her hand. “My abstraction allows me to change someone’s clothes with their permission. I can change you all to something else? Maybe a different costume? Maybe we can have a whole pajama party…”

"Oh, a pajama party! Sounds like loads of fun, I'm in!" Henri jumped up, before looking at Sabrina in confusion. "Wait, whats an abstraction?"

Sabrina’s jaw dropped. 

“Nothing,” she answered. “I said I have plenty of clothes you all could change into… you just need my permission. That’s all.”

"Ohhh, I see," Henri nodded, seeming to be completely fooled. Linqian was very glad in that moment that her brother was, in fact, a fool. "I would love to change outta this outfit, it's cheap and itchy."

[color=CD5C5C]"I'm good,"[/color] Linqian said. She'd been panicking for a moment, ready to grab her brother and drag him back home, but it was fine now. [color=CD5C5C]"I put in all that effort changing into this toga, I'm not getting out of it."[/color]

“Yeah, I’m shocked you just… bared it all there for a moment,” Sabrina laughed. “Well, some are just more bold than others, I presume… ha…”

[color=CD5C5C]"Well, you know what they say, if you have it, show it,"[/color] Linqian smirked. She didn't have many qualms when it came to stuff like that… and was more than happy to talk about it now that she was multiple drinks in. 

"Jie, that's not what they say. It's if you have it, flaunt it, and they don't mean about…" Henri giggled. "Stripping."

[color=CD5C5C]"Whatever,"[/color] Linqian shrugged, finishing off yet another glass. And pouring herself another. The first one had been enough to push her to that point of tipsy when she had no inhibitions about drinking anymore. [color=CD5C5C]"Point still stands. I'm hot enough, so what's there to hide?"[/color]

“I mean…” Sabrina’s demeanor returned to that somber one. “You’re [i]confident.[/i] That’s all that matters.” She shrugged. 

Layla's eyes were glowing as she sipped her wine on the couch. A pajama party?! It had been [i]years[/i] since she had indulged in anything so fun, so simple, so… free from the worries and burdens of life.

She watched Linqian hammer away her drinks, and couldn't help the giggle that escaped her throat. Linqian seemed to he enjoying herself, despite having her dinner devoured. That was good.

Her eyes turned to Sabrina.[color=7ABBFF][b]“If it's alright, I'd like to get out of this bee costume. Pajamas sound really, really nice right now. Can you uh, hook me up, Bean?”[/b][/color]

Her gaze flicked to Henri. Did he… Was he in the know about abstractions? From his comment earlier, Layla had to assume no. So, her head tilted as she added, [color=7ABBFF][b]“We can use a different room, if it's easier.”[/b][/color]

[color=CD5C5C]"Yeah, use a different room,"[/color] Linqian half waved her glass, eyebrows raising slightly. She wasn't sure how to signal that her brother was Blind, but hopefully him saying he didn't know about abstractions would be enough. 

"Oh yeah, I'm a guy, you shouldn't be changing in front of me!" Henri piped up, nodding.

Sabrina flatly looked at him.

She reached into her pocket and - created a black sheet in her hands - seemingly pulled a giant black cloth that would bulge out of the pocket of this dumb bee costume. She quickly threw it at Henri, and it covered him.

"Gwah?!" Henri let out a confused sound when a black sheet was thrown over his face from nowhere. 

She laughed for a moment before she faced Layla and said, “We can go into the kitchen real quick, the guest room is… occupied.” She glanced at the room Edict and Britney were talking in. She quickly led Layla to the kitchen… and then she stuck out her hand, and Layla’s stupid bee costume was replaced with some probably more comfortable pajamas.

Layla heaved a sigh of relief, shifting around and flapping her arms a little in the new pajamas. A striped pale green and white color. Soft material. She smiled, [color=7ABBFF][b]“Oh wow, Bean. These look so nice!”[/b][/color]

"Yeah, they're taking their SWEET ASS time in there!" Linqian said, raising her voice loud enough for Edict and Britney to hear her. She finished off her… well she'd lost count of the number of glasses, but another glass of Scotch. Shit was surprisingly good when she got into it. "Better hurry up before I finish the wholleeee fucking bottle of Scotch."

“There. Like the color? Need any adjustments?”

Layla softly shook her head as they made their way back to the living room, giggling at Linqian's outburst. Her eyes glanced at Sabrina. [color=7ABBFF][b]“No, no, these are perfect. I feel much more in the spirit for a slumber party now, thank you.”[/b][/color]

“Anytime… Let’s head back,” Sabrina calmly walked back over to the living room and back to the party.

[color=f49ac2]”I don't think anyone wants to see my [i]magic staff[/i], Linqian, so you better put the fucking cap on it and have a little [b]FUCKING PATIENCE![/b]”[/color] Greyson called out and down the hall, a playful tone in his voice.

Layla had sat back on the couch with her wine, and half spat out the contents of her mouth at Mr. Devola's rebuke.

[color=CD5C5C]"Get that out in front of my brother and you know exactly what'll fucking happen to it! Save that for later, yeah?"[/color] Linqian shouted back, rolling her eyes and laughing loudly. [color=CD5C5C]"I'm afraid the literal cap's already fucking off, and there's maybe about, hmm, half left?"[/color]

That was a lie, of course, she'd only had about five glasses. But there was no harm in making him worry. 

Layla stared down at the Scotch bottle, a plan forming in her head. Yes, a great plan. the best plan of plans. With a grim playfulness about her, Layla dutifully peeled off the rest of her wine glass before approaching the scotch bottle. The bottle was cracked open once again, and another glass was poured for herself, filling her wine glass up to a crazy amount.

She stood there triumphantly, holding her glass up to the hallway, and yelled. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Less than half!”[/b][/color]

She tossed back her glass, and her face held the most exquisite reflextiveness that only a non-drinker could possess as she held the brew in her mouth, and swallowed, tears beading in her eyes. A hissing groan escaped her lips as the world swayed, and Layla sat back down, her hurrah at a standstill momentarily with the mix of wine and Scotch in her system.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“They'd… better hurry up… or I'll drink… all of it.”[/b][/color] She said shakily, raising her free hand defiantly before it flopped back down on the couch, and the world swayed.

[color=CD5C5C]"What the fuck?!"[/color] Linqian considered jumping up and grabbing the glass, but then couldn't be bothered to. Whatever. She rolled her eyes, leaned forward and grabbed the bottle of Scotch. She hugged it against her like she was cradling a child. [color=CD5C5C]"I'm keeping this, alright, fuck- you just drank way too much. I'm not watching you when you choke on your own fucking vomit!"[/color]

“... You know I have another bottle,” Sabrina flatly noted. “My sisters are alcoholics.”

Layla half-laid there on the couch, waving a hand as nonchalantly as possible. [color=7ABBFF][b]“I'm fine, I'm fine.”[/b][/color]

A few moments passed before the Scotch started to hit her system, mixed with the wine and the Pink Lux. Layla drew herself up on the couch, glass held carefully in hand, before her eyes locked on Linqian.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Linqian, Britney's my friend, right? Bestest of friends, riiiight?”[/b][/color]

She paused, before she set her glass down and crawled over to where Linqian was sitting, holding herself up by the couch.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“You're my friend, right? Riiiight, Linqian?”[/b][/color]

[color=CD5C5C]"What the fuck?!"[/color] Linqian shook her head, tilting herself away from Layla. She did not like dealing with drunk people like this. The drunk people she liked dealing with were a all over her in a completely different way- and that was fine! Normally she was just as drunk. [color=CD5C5C]"Yes, yes, I'm your friend!"[/color]

Layla stared, glowing at Linqian. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Really? Really, really?!”[/b][/color]

Layla was just a radiating ball of joy after hearing Linqian's words, like everything in the world was right again.

[color=CD5C5C]”Yes, really!”[/color] Linqian twisted away, setting her glass down on the table. In a quick, very much not sober decision, she opened the bottle of scotch and took a big drink. Then she hugged it against her body, twisting away from Layla just in case she tried to go for it again. "GREYSON! BRITNEY! Come sort out your fucking- just come fucking in here right the fuck now!"

[color=ffe63b]"Can I take the sheet off yet?"[/color] Henri said quietly, confused about the whole thing.

“I got you…” Sabrina said as she walked over and lifted the black sheet off of him, and neatly folded it into a square, and left it on the table. She sat back down on the sofa, put her feet together and her hands over on top of that. 

[color=f4eb93]”... Hey now, we were just fixing the sheets!”[/color] Britney laughed as she walked out… holding Edict’s hand.

Layla turned and stared, half in the grip of trying to gun for Linqian's bottle, jaw dropping at Britney and Mr. Devola. Namely their hand-holding.

“Please tell me you weren’t…” Sabrina groaned, and got a wink in response from Britney.

[color=f4eb93]”Oh my goodness,”[/color] Britney began, giving everyone a wide smile. [color=f4eb93]”We step out for like [i]oooooooone[/i] minute and it turns to straight up pandemonium!”[/color]

Edict was still holding Britney’s hand right up until he managed to put two and two together. Linqian, the bottle, boozed up Layla…
[color=f49ac2]”Linqian, what the hell!? She’s still not old enough! God dammit, fuckin’-”[/color]
Moving to his coat, Edict pulled his channeler from the pocket and palmed it, but figured it’d be a bit too subtle for the group. He could at least give them the courtesy of not bullshitting them tonight.
So he slipped them onto his forehead, up and away from his eyes but still touching enough to cast.
[color=f49ac2]”Layla! Homegirl, let me see the cup. You’re drinking my booze all up, and it ain’t fair.”[/color]

Layla Instinctively pulled back, moving to hug her cup, [color=7ABBFF][b]“Noooo, it's miiiiine.”[/b][/color] She waved her hand at Mr. Devola in a weak attempt to keep him from her precious glass.

She piped up, not realizing she may be throwing Linqian under the bus with her next sentence. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Linqian said I can have as [i]much[/i] as I want!”[/b][/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Are you fucking with me?! What the hell?! I didn’t let her fucking drink it, she just took it, look I’m preventing her from drinking any fucking more!”[/color] Linqian gestured to the Scotch bottle that she was holding tightly against her chest, like it was the child she’d always wanted. Linqian’s scowled, shooting a heated glare in his direction. [color=CD5C5C]”You fucking go into another room to get all fucking lovey dovey and suddenly it’s all [i]my[/i] fault one of the two minors are drunk, fucking hell, Greyson, go fuck yourself.”[/color] 

She then spun around to glare at Layla. [color=CD5C5C]”And you- I said you could have as much as you wanted? I did? Fuck [i]off[/i]. I wouldn’t waste expensive fucking alcohol on a kid- fuck, does my brother look drunk to you, I’m a responsible fucking adult- I’ve actually raised a child, fuck!”[/color] 

Layla shivered in spot, getting absolutely throttled by Linqian’s words. [color=7ABBFF][b]“B-b-b-but…”[/b][/color]

[color=ffe63b]”Uh, you let me have a beer earlier,”[/color] Henri very unhelpfully said.

[color=CD5C5C]”[i]Huanyi[/i], keep your fucking mouth shut.”[/color]

Sabrina facepalmed.

“... There. Is. Another. Bottle.” She shook her head. “And it’s fine if Layla has a drink or two… long as it all remains here.” Sabrina pointed both of her index fingers downward.


[color=f4eb93]”Oh lord,”[/color] Britney rolled her eyes. [color=f4eb93]”Everyone. Chill out over some fuckin’ drinks…”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”It’s not fucking about the fucking drink,”[/color] Linqian hissed, using her free hand to point at Layla then Edict. [color=CD5C5C]”It’s about the false fucking accusations.”[/color]

Layla pouted, clearly at a loss and oh-so-very-wounded in her daze-like state. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Bu-bu-but, you said at the island I could have some.”[/b][/color]


[color=f4eb93]”Look,”[/color] Britney began, letting go of Edict’s hand to raise both of them, [color=f4eb93]”Everyone just chill. We don’t need this kinda energy right now.”[/color] She rolled her eyes again.

Layla simmered down a bit, eyeing Britney and Linqian, before her smile returned as she beamed at Sabrina. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Beaaaan, you're the best. Of [i]course[/i] it’ll stay here, where else would it go?! I'm not gonna go tromping around in the back yard with the Scotch…”[/b][/color]

She got sidetracked, eyes widening in disproportionate and slightly sloshed glee. [color=7ABBFF][b]“But maybe if we make a toga line-”[/b][/color]

“... I’m good,” Sabrina said.

Edict frowned at the situation. He hadn’t really wanted Linqian all pissy like this, but that’s how the booze worked. Turning to Sabrina, he held his hands up and shook his head.
[color=f49ac2]”I guess another bottle probably isn’t the thing we need, since [i]some people, Layla,[/i] can’t manage a whole lot of responsibility when they’re given the chance. Big difference between a drink or two and guzzling an eighth by herself.”[/color]

He grabbed the drink right out of the drunken girl’s hands, sitting down next to her.
[color=f49ac2]”Now, for the sake of a good night, I’ve got homegirl here. Linqian?”[/color] he said, frowning.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Noooo…”[/b][/color] Layla said, watching Mr. Devola take her drink.

[color=f49ac2]”I’m sorry for getting accusatory. If I had a magic wand, I’d wish that comment away, but now I can only apologize. So, please forgive me, and can I please have the beer I paid for back on Cracker Island?”[/color] he asked in a slightly playful tone.

[color=CD5C5C]”Fine. Apology accepted.”[/color] Linqian pinched her nose, taking a deep breath in. She really wanted to enjoy tonight… fuck. She’d lost it and she’d sworn at her brother too. Double fuck. She uncurled herself from the fetal position she’d ended up in around the bottle of Scotch, putting it back on the table. [color=CD5C5C]”Let me just get it-”[/color] 

Linqian froze as she bent over and looked through her bag. There was no beer. She then looked up and spotted the empty can… right beside Henri. Stay calm. Stay fucking calm. Gritting her teeth, she grabbed the two bills Edict had paid for them and held them out instead of the beer. [color=CD5C5C]”It looks like my [i]darling[/i] little brother drank it, so here, a full refund. I guess you’re just going to have to drink all this fancy as fuck alcohol rather than the cheap ass beer I wrangled from my ot- my boss.”[/color] 

Edict grinned wildly at the development, and he rumbled his communication spell across to Henri. It was a very simple image: A fistbump. He held his hand up to Linqian..
[color=f49ac2]”Don’t worry about it, dude. It’s… Honestly the money is worth the giggle.”[/color] 

Henri’s eyes widened at the fistbump - he couldn’t respond! He glanced at his sister, who wasn’t looking at him, so he subtly moved one of his hands into a thumbs up. So cool!

Layla had to giggle a bit. But then she felt bad. As bad as one could get under a rainbow sun. The beer she had shared with Henri was, in fact, Mr. Devola's. The realization elicited a small gasp, and Layla raised her hands to her lips.

[color=CD5C5C]”Seriously?”[/color] Linqian raised her eyebrows. She didn’t really want to accept the money, because it felt like it was for free, but he was refusing to take it back. What should she do about that? Linqian shrugged and put it back in her bag. Then she picked back up her glass, shifting around the sofa to get to the Baijiu she’d picked out. She poured herself a glass, and then paused. [color=CD5C5C]”Ah, does anyone want a glass? It’s considered rude to drink this alone back home.”[/color] 

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Meeeee!”[/b][/color] Layla said without thinking.

[color=ffe63b]”Me, Jie, I want to try Baijiu!”[/color] Henri grinned.

[color=CD5C5C]”Anyone [i]except[/i] Layla and Yi-er,”[/color] Linqian forced a smile at both of them. She held up the bottle. [color=ffe63b]”It’s pretty strong, meant to be a toast and then drink thing. I’ll drink it alone if not- isn’t like there’s anyone to know any better.”[/color] 

[color=ffe63b]”Jie, you just explained the whole thing, so we all know better,”[/color] Henri pointed out. [color=ffe63b]”You could’ve just had a drink.”[/color]

“It’s my bottle technically,” Sabrina chuckled at the whole thought. “But sure,”

“Never had that before, but I’m always down to try a new thing!” Britney chipped.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Aww.” [/b][/color]Layla said, a slight pout to her face before she simply leaned back, eyeing her old glass Mr. Devola currently held hostage. Eh, maybe if she was patient enough, she'd get it back. For now, she let the world spin while the ‘adults’ enjoyed.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“What's the ETA on that pizza, anyway?”[/b][/color] Layla asked, a grin creeping over her face once more.

“Oh yeah,” Sabrina pulled out her phone, and checked. “It should be here in about five minutes… give or take.”

Edict pulled the drink back, downing the wine glass full of scotch in three clean, smooth gulps. He grinned at Layla, finally handing her back the [i]empty[/i] glass.


Layla looked at Mr. Devola, then down at her empty glass, then back up.[color=7ABBFF][b]“Welllll, at least my plan worked.”[/b][/color]

She shot Linqian a mischievous look. [color=7ABBFF][b]“And the Scotch bottle is all the better for it now, much lighter in weight. A worthy sacrifice!”[/b][/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Eh?”[/color] Linqian gave Layla a confused look. What plan? Honestly, she didn’t care. She just wanted someone to either have a drink with her, or everyone to say no so she could feel like she wasn’t going to have all of her ancestors haunting her dreams for daring to breach drinking Baijiu etiquette. She awkwardly shook the bottle as if that would help her, or anyone, understand. [color=CD5C5C]”Sure it did.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]”Hey, Layla, quit antagonizing. It’s not nice.”[/color] he gently batted her arm. Layla only giggled, hiding her face as she was found out.

Pulling himself up off the couch, he pointed his fingers at the two younger people from his eyes, the classic “I’m watching you” imagery. But he sat down next to Linqian and patted his legs.
[color=f49ac2]”I will drink the psycho chinese rice liquor. I hear it's strong as hell.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”It’s not that bad, this one's only 50%,”[/color] Linqian’s lips curved into a teasing smile. She poured another glass - since she hadn’t bothered to find any shot glasses, she was only pouring a small amount into the normal ones. She took her own and held it up in her right hand, clearly indicating for Edict to do the same. [color=CD5C5C]”You have to down in it one.[/color] [color=a22929]干杯...[/color] [color=CD5C5C]don’t try repeat it, just do it in English.”[/color]

Edict held up his right hand with the glass in it as expected; he’d seen a few different Asian drinking ceremonies, and while he didn’t know the intricate details, he’d certainly seen a man beaten to death for using his left hand.
[color=f49ac2]”A toast to… A magical evening?”[/color]

Layla watched on, eyes full of drunken awe.

[color=CD5C5C]”Right… to a magical evening,”[/color] Linqian narrowed her eyes at him questioningly, but decided to go with it… because drinking was more important. She tapped her glass against his, with hers just slightly lower, before knocking it back in one shot. It burned slightly as it slid down her throat, but it was a feeling that she was used to. She smiled, carefully watching how everyone else would fair with their own. 

Britney grinned, as she raised her glass of wine. “… Every day is magical when you are one of us!” She glanced at everyone here, before she said,

“A toast to friends, old and new,” Britney said. “May our adventures from here on be extraordinary!”

Sabrina tapped Britney’s glass, before she said,  “I really look forward to seeing you all again and getting to know you.” 

She paused, “Let me not get ahead of myself, let’s enjoy the night first and foremost.”

[color=CD5C5C]”Yeah, let's have a fucking good night, after all that shit at the festival,”[/color] Linqian grinned, clearly in a good mood again. Her mood swings, it seemed, were quicker when drunk (though she'd argue she wasn't there yet). She held up the bottle again, leaning forward as if to pour into everyone's glasses again. [color=CD5C5C]”Another? Technically your glass is never meant to be empty.”[/color]

"Is that why you came home drunk all the time when you worked at that bar… the uh, I don't remember the name. The place where most of the staff were Chinese too." Henri furrowed his brow as if trying really hard to remember. 

Linqian winced. That hadn't been a good workplace. [color=CD5C5C]”Yeah… but it did teach me to hold my alcohol.”[/color]

Layla wanted to try some. She [i]really[/i] wanted to try some. So she did the most logical thing. She slid off the couch and leaned her elbows on the coffee table, shooting the biggest puppy-dog eyes at Linqian. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Linqiaaaaaannnnnnnnnn…”[/b][/color]

It was clear Layla needed a toy of some sort. Perhaps if the pizza arrived, she would be properly occupied instead of feeling left out while the ‘adults’ partied. 

[color=CD5C5C]”What?”[/color] Linqian glanced over at Layla, eyebrows raising. The puppy-dog eyes didn't work on her - she'd spent the last ten years raising Henri, master of puppy-dog eyes. Layla's had very little effect on her. She didn't care if she was bored or wanted the alcohol. But it was beginning to feel like she'd gained another fucking little sibling, with all the annoyances that came with that. [color=CD5C5C]”You're not getting any.”[/color]

Layla intensified her puppy dog eyes to no avail. Linqian was an iron fortress.

"Hey," Henri 'whispered' at the same volume as his normal voice, following Layla's lead and sliding off the couch. He knelt beside her. "I've got a technique that always works."

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Really?”[/b][/color] Layla gaped, watching as Henri came to join her, physically and metaphorically. [color=7ABBFF][b]“What is it?”[/b][/color]

A shit eating grin pulled up his lips. "Call her Jiejie- it means big sister. It always works. Repeat after me, [I]Jee-eh Jeh[/I]."

He tried to draw out the pronunciation, but it wasn't quite right. It was difficult to describe sounds that came so naturally to him, being brought up with the language.

Layla gave an excited gasp, mimicking him as best she could under her breath. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Henri, you're a mad genius.”[/b][/color]

"Hehe, I know," Henri grinned, giggling.

She tried it. She put on her best sweet grin, scrunching her eyes, and said nice and loud for Linqian, [color=7ABBFF][b]“Jeeeee-ah Jeeeeeeee~! Please can we have some? Just a liiiitle bit? Pleeeeeease?”[/b][/color]

Shs raised her hands in a pleading manner, like a beggar asking for a scrap of bread.

Edict took a long sideways look at the two younger people as he held out his glass for Linqian to add more to.
[color=f49ac2]”Guys, come on… Moderation: You've both got your whole lives ahead of you where you can get shit faced whenever you want. Consider your current privilege, and be happy that Ms. Bean is kind enough to let you drink in her home.”[/color]

This was entirely uncharacteristic of Edict, who was usually the absolute worst influence ever. But with Linqian drinking, he didn't want to deal with the aftermath.

"Aww but I've only had a couple of beers! Layla had way more than me!" Henri pouted.

[color=CD5C5C]”Your pronunciation is off, anyway, not happening, come back when you've perfected Chinese,”[/color] Linqian laughed, before pouring Edict and herself another glass. She clinked his glass against his immediately, and knocked hers back. She was solidly drunk now, but it wasn't obvious - she was sitting and talking no worries. [color=a22929]"干杯.[/color] [color=CD5C5C]Fucking feels like I've got a second adult kid now. One was enough!”[/color]

She rolled her eyes, glancing at Layla, then Edict. [color=CD5C5C]”Didn't picture you as a fucking strict dad, though.”[/color] Wait, shit. That sounded like she was suggesting… they were parents together… no fucking way! [color=CD5C5C]”I mean of Layla. Hua-Henri's mine. Well not actually, but legally- fuck, anyway, that's why you've not had a bunch of Scotch, Yi-er, because I'm a [I]responsible[/I] parent.”[/color]

Layla just kind of melted there on her knees, staring up at Linqian and Mr. Devola. Did… did she actually mean it?

No. It was the feeling Layla was getting. A strict dad and mirroring mom. Patching over something in her heart that she had lost a long time ago.

Her eyes misted over, hiccuping back the tears that threatened to fall. She was just so emotional!

Edict glared at Linqian.
[color=f49ac2]”You know, he's kind of right though. Henri did drink quite a bit less than Miss Troublemaker over here. Besides, all young Warlocks need good memories. Let them split one?[/color] he suggested, face tilting slightly. 
He scattered an image across Linqian's Emotional Field of the two of Henri and Layla passed out on the couch, leaving the elders to have a nice relaxing evening eating pizza and watching movies.

Layla listened, blinking back the tears as she fist pumped the air. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Yes, yes, that's a great idea!”[/b][/color]

She paused, before her bottom lip stuck out a bit. [color=7ABBFF][b]“I'm not a trouble maker…”[/b][/color]

“Yeah, I agree!” Henri also fist pumped the air. “... wait, is Warlock some kinda slang I don’t know.”

[color=f49ac2]”Also, Layla? Isn't it just about time for your medicine again?”[/color] he asked, tilting his head lazily to look at the young woman.

Britney shot her gaze towards Edict.

Layla froze there like a deer caught in the headlights, her heart skipping a beat. Nothing quite explained this feeling. But it was true. The rainbow sun was fading a bit, and the embrace she felt, the security blanket was losing its hues of color. Had so much time passed already?

Her gaze dropped to the floor, hesitant and nervous for the briefest moment, before she swallowed and looked up.

[i]She could trust Mr. Devola, right?[/i]

The alcohol swirled around in her system, softening any logic she had into hot butter. Of course everything was fine.

She nodded her head, a somewhat tense smile on her face. [color=7ABBFF][b]“R-right. Yes, Mr. Devola. I suppose it is about that time…”[/b][/color]

She swallowed again and tried to relax. That's all she needed to do. Everything would be fine. And hopefully no one would question her about this. She was sworn to secrecy, after all.

Linqian raised an eyebrow. She knew [I]exactly[/I] what Edict planned to do, and she really couldn't care less if he was going to go smooth Layla's brain out more. Maybe it would make her quieter. Maybe he could smooth the loudness out. But she didn’t trust the image he’d shown her. It was appealing, sure, but her brother’s safety was more important than anything. Sure, he would be coming home with her… She glanced over at Henri, who widened his eyes and tried to look cute. 

Of course, it worked better than normal with the amount Linqian had drunk. [color=CD5C5C]”Fine. One between them. I’m pouring it.”[/color]

She got another glass, and poured a small amount in the bottom. A bit less than she’d been pouring for them, as she’d likely been pouring more than a normal Baijiu glass amount. She then held it out to Henri first. [color=CD5C5C]”Don’t even think about drinking more than half. I’ll know, and I’ll cut your allowance, got it?”[/color]

“Yeah, yeah,” Henri grinned and took it from her. Once the glass was out of her hand, Linqian poured herself yet [i]another[/i] glass and clinked it against his, before downing it. She then watched her brother with hazy eyes. Henri followed suit and drank half as best he could, expression scrunching up at the strength of the alcohol. “Ewgh, I prefer beer.”

He then held the glass, and the remaining alcohol in it, out to Layla with a grin.  

Layla grinned back, momentarily forgetting her trepidation at their shared small victory. She wasn't just holding a cup of Baijiu, she was holding the hopes and dreams of all minors when left to their own devices.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Bottoms up,”[/b][/color] She smirked, and toasted the glass in Henri's direction before tossing it back in one full gulp. The shivers that wracked her body after from the strong taste were to be expected, as well as the scrunched in face. It was [i]strong[/i]. In a completely different way than the scotch.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“T-to family.”[/b][/color] She cracked out in a hoarse whisper, gently setting the glass on the table. Then she crawled back onto the couch, and let herself deflate a bit, head spinning.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Thaaaanks, Jee-ah jeeeee.”[/b][/color] She mumbled happily, quite content to relax there on the couch until the end of time. Or at least until Mr. Devola decided to move forward with ‘medication time’. Or when the pizza arrived.

[color=CD5C5C]”I really wish you hadn’t taught her that, she’s really butchering it,”[/color] Linqian muttered at her brother, with a half hearted glare. 

“Oh, the pizza’s here,” Sabrina said as she got up. “Could someone give me a hand? I know I’m tall but there’s only so much I can do.”

Linqian was about to volunteer herself, putting a hand on the table to push herself to her feet. But as soon as she did she was hit by a wave of dizziness, swaying slightly. Ah, fuck. How many drinks had she had? Like… eight glasses… maybe. She immediately sat back down.

“I’ll help!” Henri jumped up, surprisingly fine after drinking the half shot of Baijiu. “I’m taller, so I’ll be able to carry even more! Let’s go!”

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Henri, you're my hero.”[/b][/color] Layla called from her deflated position on the couch, entirely focused on how, exactly, the world was swaying as she half-slumped there, comfortably.

While that was going on, Britney pulled out her cellphone… with a glass of wine in the other hand. She decided to change the song since she was still connected to the Bluetooth [i]and[/i], and nobody had protested yet. So, she decided to play a little something…

[hr][center][hider=Messages From the Stars - Rah Band][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfX6JxfND44[/youtube][/hider][/center][hr]

As Henri and Sabrina left the room to get the pizza, Edict nodded and slid his glasses on. He didn’t need to look at the girl or anything, rather it would be much easier this second time to just get things over with. He’d developed a power word specifically for situations like this.


[color=f49ac2]”Alright, Layla… We’ll clear some of the alcohol poisoning out too, bring you back to your senses a bit. Anyone else want a bump?”[/color] he grinned at Britney and Linqian.
[color=f49ac2]”Just kidding. This is for business, unfortunately.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2][b][i]”Pink Lotus’ Guiding Principle: Power Word Refresh.”[/i][/b][/color]
The spell crawled into her brain through the same opening as before; a backdoor installed since he figured this would be happening again tonight. Tendrils roamed around, though with no reason to suspect her, he didn’t check her recent memories to catch her spying. 
The effects of the spell bubbled up again, suppressing Layla’s fear and anxiety over her powers and reinforcing her feelings of friendship and love toward those present. In addition, he managed a quick scrub of the front part of her brain, cleansing the haze of drunkenness she was hitherto locked up in.

And then it was done, and Edict pulled his glasses up again before the pizza had even been paid for. He cleared his throat.
[color=f49ac2]”All done!”[/color]

Layla blinked. In an instant, she felt it, and it was. Over. It seemed easier for him this time. That was strange. Would it always be like this?

She took a breath to steady herself, feeling the smile creep over her features again, and a sense of relaxation that wasn't marred by drunkeness. This was who she was, wasn't it? Just a friendly girl among friends, strong, confident. Just friendly. Why had she ever felt so scared and anxious long before this?

The new information shone through her eyes, a new Layla, piece by piece, being formed.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Thanks. Uh, Mr. Devola.”[/b][/color] She said with a smile.

Britney’s eyes narrowed at Edict… However, she was silent. Dead silent.

In a [i]very[/i] delayed action, Linqian flipped Edict off. Anyone else want a bump, fucking asshole, as if. [color=CD5C5C]”You are never fucking getting in my head again, I’m not a fucking-”[/color] she gestured to Layla. [color=CD5C5C]”You know.”[/color]

Wait, shit. She glanced at Britney. [color=CD5C5C]”Pretend you didn’t fucking hear that.”[/color]

[color=f4eb93]”Oh no, I heard [i]everything,[/i]”[/color] Britney said, before she looked at Edict.

Layla blinked at Linqian, utterly confused. [color=7ABBFF][b]“What do you mean? You've… you've taken the medicine before too?”[/b][/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Fucking hell no,”[/color] Linqian lied with a very forced smile. [color=CD5C5C]”I’m just joking around. My life is fucking perfect, my mi-body healthy as shit, no fucking way.”[/color]

Layla tilted her head, before her eyes squinted for a long, long moment. She wasn't entirely convinced. Was Linqian- Jiejie, hiding something…? She let her silence hang in the air, hoping Linqian would continue talking.

Edict shook his head toward Layla.
[color=f49ac2]”Nah, Linqian’s never needed the help.”[/color] he waved her off, furrowing his brow at her reaction. A little snappy, not exactly what he’d expected.

Layla stared for another long moment, before she sighed and smiled, letting it go.[color=7ABBFF][b]“Alright.”[/b][/color]

Her gaze glanced from Mr. Devola to the front door, sitting up a little straighter in her seat. There were more important things to worry about. Like how delicious this pizza was going to be.

Britney smiled at Edict, baring her teeth.

[color=f4eb93]”... Greyson, could we have another little private talk?”[/color] Britney tilted her head more and more as she spoke each word.

Layla's eyes widened a little. She'd never seen Britney like this before.

[color=CD5C5C]”Heh, [i]someone’s[/i] in trouble,”[/color] Linqian side eyed him and smirked.

Edict quickly stood to join her, closing his eyes in vague frustration.
[color=f49ac2]”Of course, whatever you want.”[/color]
He didn’t bother reaching for her hand; Linqian was right. Clearly, even though it was for her sake, Britney didn’t want him using his magic so brazenly.

However, at this point, Sabrina came back inside the room with a stack of pizzas in hand, and Henri was behind her holding some food himself. She placed the stack on the table, and then separated each box into its own stack depending on what type of pizza it was. “I got pepperoni, plain, supreme, meat lovers…” Sabrina trailed. “And some sides like mozzarella sticks, wings, garlic knots, et cetera…”

She stood straight up, and then clapped her hands together.

“Dig in. You can take home what’s left over.” She shrugged.

“Thank you!” Henri grinned, grabbing a piece of meat lovers and immediately stuffing a large amount into his face. 

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Wow, this looks [i]amazing[/i]. Thank you so much, Bean!”[/b][/color] Layla immediately pulled out her phone and started snapping photos of the pizzas, before she got a cool idea and snapped a few candid photos of Linqian, Mr. Devola, Henri, Britney and the rest. For the memory!

[color=CD5C5C]”Really?”[/color] Linqian’s eyes went wide as she glanced over all the pizza. She started to mentally calculate how much everyone would eat. Henri had a large appetite, but he’d also had some of her actual dinner before… he’d probably eat about half a pizza. Edict had cleaned the plate when she cooked for him, so she estimated half for him too. Britney and Sabrina, she had no idea. Hopefully Layla wouldn’t eat much after having her noodles… Perhaps a pizza between the three, and a little more of another? If she only had one piece tonight, she could maybe take a whole pizza home. That could be her lunch for three days. Even half could last two.

Linqian reached out for a piece of plain mozzarella pizza. This would be enough to sustain her for the night. She’d gone on less. She took a bite, and immediately regretted it. No, it was fine. She ate another couple of pieces then stopped, putting the slice down. Intense nausea hit her. She gritted her teeth, and turned to look at Sabrina, asking in a strained voice, [color=CD5C5C]”where’s your bathroom?”[/color] 

Layla was halfway through a cheese pizza slice herself, looking up in surprise at Linqian. A chew and a swallow, before her brows furrowed. [color=7ABBFF][b]“You don't look good, Jee-ah jee.”[/b][/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”I’m fine,”[/color] Linqian waved her hand at Layla, pushing down the nausea. [color=CD5C5C]”Just need the toilet.”[/color] 

“It’s right there,” Sabrina pointed at a door that was at the start of the hall. “… Clean up when you are done. Please and thanks.”

[color=CD5C5C]”Don’t worry, part of my job,”[/color] Linqian managed to get out. She stood up with help of the table, swaying very obviously, before beelining for the toilet. Well, it was a very [i]not[/i] straight line. The bathroom door slammed loudly behind her, obviously not locked, and muffled retching could be heard shortly afterwards.

“Oh fuck, not again,” Henri said, gaze following his sister. He held out his hand towards Layla in case she tried to follow. “She won’t want you to go check on her, believe me, she barely let Ge in whenever she was sick. Shit, I’m making her sound like an alcoholic, it hasn’t been like that recently. She used to work at this place that’d make everyone go drinking… She’d never eat during work, then when she got home drunk would have dinner and get sooo sick.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry about this. She’ll be fine, I promise!”

Layla tensed a bit, staring at the hallway and bathroom door, before dragging her eyes over to Henri. What he was describing sounded awful.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“I… I didn't know it was that bad. That sounds… Really rough.”[/b][/color]

She bit her lip, hesitating, before gently shrugging Henri's hand aside and stood. The world didn't sway nearly as much thanks to Mr. Devola's intervention.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“I'm gonna check on her.” [/b][/color]She glanced at Henri, and frantically waved her hands. [color=7ABBFF][b]“I won't go in, I'll just knock.”[/b][/color]

And she took off down the hall.

[hr]

[color=CD5C5C]Fuck.[/color] Linqian leaned back against the bathroom wall after slamming the toilet lid closed, making sure to flush it multiple times. She’d give it a proper clean when her head stopped swimming… fuck, what a pain. She shouldn’t have tried eating. [color=CD5C5C]This always happens.[/color] Should’ve just drank herself into a coma!

She groaned, head falling onto her knees as her chest tightened. This was the bit she hated the most about drinking. The inevitable fucking shitty feelings that welled up as soon as she was alone. The crashing waves of hopelessness and despair that her sobriety held back.

There was a sudden knock on the door, and a soft voice spoke. Layla. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Jee-ah jee? You okay?”[/b][/color]

"Fine, fuck off," Linqian snapped, not really caring if it upset Layla. She just needed a moment alone… well she didn't fucking want a moment alone, but she needed it to collect herself. It was easy to make herself sound normal, voice not shaking even as she felt her mood dropping. Just in case, she reached up and locked the door. She frowned, forcing herself to say something else. "Pizza just didn't agree with me.'

Layla paused for a moment there at the door, then spoke again. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Alright… if you're sure.” [/b][/color]And she retreated, returning to the couch.

Linqian let out a slight sigh of relief, burying her head back in her knees. She needed to not fucking be like this. At least the nausea was a good excuse, no one would know she was curled up in the fucking bathroom trying to hold off a drunken breakdown that was long overdue. Jinhai, Henri being [i]here[/i]... fuck.

She should’ve gone back to the toga line. Dealt with the temporary embarrassment for something that would help her forget everything. She knew just where she’d be if she had - with Vashti, getting so utterly destroyed and she did the same in return. She’d be embroiled in a pleasure so violent that there’d be no room for thoughts in her mind.

But she was here, in Sabrina Vanburen’s bathroom, trying not to cry and trying not to throw up again. Fuck. It was fine. She’d get her shitty emotions under control, go back out, and drink herself into a coma.

[hr]

Britney led Edict back into the same room they had their conversation in, and she scowled as she crossed her arms and shook her head. She faced out the window, looking at the sky - or what little of it she could. [color=f4eb93]”Greyson… [i]Greyson[/i], what the fuck? Okay, I understood why you happy-pilled Ms. Deeby-Downer - and maybe that’s for the best - but I’m not going to sit here and let you mind-fuck all of our friends, okay?”[/color]

She shook her head. [color=f4eb93]”This stops.”[/color]

[color=F5388C]”What, with Layla!? I told you, it's for your sake - your safety!”[/color] Greyson paused, looking at Britney with dispondance in his eyes. He’d pocketed his channeler knowing how important it was that he distance himself from his magic when talking to her.

[color=F5388C]”Whatever you want me to do, fine! I’ve got no interest in arguing or-or… Or being a dick. I don’t wanna fight with you, Brit. Just… What? Who friend? Linqian?”[/color] he finally asked, eyes narrowing as the alcohol started to dissolve through his bloodstream.

Britney facepalmed.

 [color=f4eb93]”Look, Layla… I don’t care about, keep her high as a kite long as she’s not causing problems,”[/color] Britney began.  [color=f4eb93]”Linqian? I care about her. And I don’t want this to go any further than that, alright? That’s it.”[/color]

Greyson closed his eyes, nodding like a child caught in the cookie jar.
[color=F5388C]”Listen… Alright. No sex, nothing like that, but… Technically she’s my employee. I promise we won’t hook up, I won’t even look at her. Nothing like that. Purely professional. But… We did spend a night together. I know she doesn’t want anything serious and you know I wouldn’t either! But, it's important for me to have eyes and ears that aren’t mine, Brit! You know people won’t just let me in like that, it’s like I’m some fucking goon to most of them!”[/color]
He put his finger up, closing his eyes. Deep breaths.

[color=F5388C]”I will not hook up with her and I will not use my magic on her [i]without her consent[/i]. She’s plenty capable of denying me, and we had one night of nothing: But I know for a fact that she needs the extra employment, and I need the help. If you can’t accept that, then I will dump it for you because [i]you[/i] are what matters most to me. So make it clear as day to me right now how you feel, because a no from you means changes to a lot of plans.”[/color]

 [color=f4eb93]“Look, I mean far as digging in people’s head with your Pink-Lux,”[/color] Britney shrugged.  [color=f4eb93]“It’s not my place to tell you what you can do with your penis.”[/color] 

[color=F5388C]”I’m not [i]dig-[/i]”[/color]
Greyson gripped his eyes, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he took a deep breath.
[color=F5388C]”-You got it. No digging, no rooting, no nothin’. I was only in her head in the first place because we were in the middle of things; you know how it is. The Lotus Blossom must unfurl.”[/color] he gave Britney a sideways grin.

[color=F5388C]”Now, is that all?[/color]

 [color=f4eb93]”... Do you want to try my new herbal tea?”[/color] Britney asked with a devious smile.  [color=f4eb93]”If so, that’s all.”[/color]

A lot more thought and effort had to be put into the answer of this question than Greyson felt it deserved. If it were anyone else, the answer would be a no-brainer: [color=F5388C][i]Yes, I want your new herbal tea. I love tea.[/i][/color]
With Britney, new herbal tea could mean a leaf that constipates you and leaves you buckled over the toilet hurling shit out of your mouth. It could also mean falling asleep for the next forty-eight hours and losing contact with the outside world.

It could also be the best damn tea you’ve ever tasted in your life. There was a chance it was real tea, and it was good tea.

[color=F5388C][i]But why would she offer such a thing up right now?[/i][/color]
He took a deep breath, tilting his head back as he felt the alcohol pump through his system. It was in his brain… He hated it in his brain.
[color=F5388C]”Only if you’re drinking it too, Brit… And I pour…”[/color]

 [color=f4eb93]”Well, there goes my plan to lace it with laxatives!”[/color] Britney laughed.  [color=f4eb93]”Let’s get back out there; I don’t want Bean to think we’re fucking in here again. She’s probably [i]itching[/i] to dose the room with Lysol like she’s got a firehose!”[/color]

[color=F5388C]”Ahhh, same old Britney. I told you a dozen times you were meant for The Life. You’re like a razorblade.”[/color] Greyson proudly declared, ushering her back out to her friends and the cast of teens they’d managed to pick up along the way.

[hr]

After Layla returned to the couch, she felt a [i]ding[/i] in her pocket. Patting down her pajamas to find her phone, she pulled it out and saw a text from someone she wasn't expecting contact from so soon.

[code]I need your abstraction. Send one of your ghosts over. I'll be behind the Haunted House.[/code]

Layla's heart skipped a beat. How did Luna know about her curse? Well… Layla stopped and thought about it logically as she sat there on the couch. Luna was always known as a spy, wasn't she? Did they have intel on her?

…How far did that intel go?

And how was she even going to convince-... No, no she had to be strong. Her medicine told her that she could handle her powers, she would find a way to convince the entities somehow. If Luna needed them, it must have been serious.

Tilting her head in thought, Layla sent a quick text back.

[code]They don't play nice, but if you're sure, cut your hand a bit. It'll help them find you. I'll try to convince them to visit. No promises, okay?[/code]

Layla waited for a reply, which came a few moments after.

[code]Okay.[/code]

That was the confirmation she needed. Taking a breath to steady herself under the rainbow sun and sugar-pop joy, Layla stood from the couch once more.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“I uh, need a smoke break. I'll be right back!”[/b][/color]

A terrible lie, but she was hopeful her friends would only think Layla needed some air. If Linqian was faring poorly, it wouldn't be too suspicious if she suddenly felt poorly too. Slipping on her shoes, Layla opened the front door and stepped into the cold street.

Alone past the gate, Layla kept walking until she was out of view of Sabrina’s fancy house, and came to a stop under a street light. It felt a little awkward to be standing there in pajamas, but she figured people would assume it was yet another costume on this auspicious night. 

Layla raised her hands together, cupping them, before a tiny seed began to form. It grew, glowing white, before a single, thorny stem burst from the seed, bulb opening up into a beautiful crystal rose.

Near instantly, the light from the street lamp cut out, plunging Layla in darkness. She shivered there, her breath coming out in puffy white mists, before she felt a gloved hand on her shoulder.

Layla gave a strangled shriek, spinning around to see Mr. Riil standing there, trench coat and hat looking blacker than pitch. He tilted his chin up arrogantly, arms crossing over his chest.

[b]“You call with no sacrifices. You know what that means.”[/b]

Layla stammered as she stood there, then clamped down hard on her tongue. No. She wasn't weak. She wasn't scared! The medicine told her that she didn't have to be afraid of this!

Heartbeat pulsing in her ears, Layla clenched her fists and spoke.[color=7ABBFF][b]“I need your help.”[/b][/color]

Mr. Riil stared, then laughed. [b]“My [i]help[/i]? You think you're in the position to ask for [i]my[/i] help.”[/b]

[color=7ABBFF][b]“It's not for me, it's for someone else. Please, it's urgent!”[/b][/color]

Mr. Riil stood there, unamusement radiating off of him. Before he got an idea, and a wicked chuckle emanated from his chest.

[b]“Beg me.”[/b]

[color=7ABBFF][b]“What?”[/b][/color]

[b]“Beg. Me.”[/b]

Layla stood there, stunned. Would she really stoop so low? Would she really beg the entity that had near full control over her life and her bloodline?

Layla grimaced as she stood there. 

Luna was counting on her, wasn't she?

Layla’s grimace increased, and she quietly knelt in front of Mr. Riil.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Please.”[/b][/color] She whispered.

[b]“Louder.”[/b]

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Please!”[/b][/color]

[b]“Please what?”[/b]

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Please go to Cracker Island and find out what Luna needs.”[/b][/color]

[b]“I'm not convinced.”[/b]

Layla gritted her teeth and gripped the hem of Mr. Riil’s coat. [color=7ABBFF][b]“I'm begging you, please.”[/b][/color]

At that, Mr. Riil chuckled. A dark, arrogant chuckle. He gave Layla a soft pat on her head. [b]“Fine. I'll go and see her. Now go back to your party, [i]my dear.[/i]”[/b]

Layla held her breath until Mr. Riil disappeared, then blindly made her way back to Sabrina’s house. She let herself back in, took off her shoes, and curled up on the couch once more, trying to hide the tremor in her hands.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“I’m back… What did I miss?”[/b][/color]

"Not much!" Henri shrugged, glancing down towards the bathroom. "Jie's still in there but she texted me to say she's just worried she'll be sick again, and doesn't want to get it everywhere. Just been me and Bean and the pizza."

He held up his fifth slice with a grin. “Want anymore?”

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Maybe one more slice for now, yeah…”[/b][/color] Layla said, trying a smile as she reached for another slice of cheese pizza.

“We were just… relaxing,” Sabrina began. “Say, Layla… you were apart of the same group that Britney, Linqian, and Greyson were apart of, right?”

Layla seemed to relax a bit at the question, leaning back into the couch with her pizza slice. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Yep! I was real young at the time, though. So it's not a surprise they still uh, treat me like a… Well, child.”[/b][/color]

“Oh man, I get that!” Henri piped up, munching on his pizza. “Jie still treats me like a kid even though I’m eighteen… I mean I moved out and everything! Sorta. Like I’m back home now, but that’s because of… y’know. Anyway! I think we should rise up against them treating us like children! Show ‘em we’re not!”

“I feel like there’s a reason for that…” Sabrina mused.

Layla felt her tension melt a bit more, giggling at Sabrina's comment, and half-heartedly pumped the air with her fist. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Yeah! We can handle responsibility like everyone else! The best way to show that, though?”[/b][/color]

Layla lapsed into thought for a moment, before her eyes sparkled. [color=7ABBFF][b]“We could polish off one of the bottles! Truly the epitome of responsibility.”[/b][/color]

“Yeah! I like your thinking!” Henri grinned, the alcohol he’d had completely destroying the tiny amount of common sense he had. “Showing we can handle our alcohol is truly responsible… but not the Baijiu. Jie will kill me if I drink all of that without letting her have more. Let’s finish off the scotch!”

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Scotch it is!”[/b][/color] Layla said with a triumphant whoop, beelining for the remaining scotch bottle and bringing closer to their side of the coffee table.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“I uh, don't want Jee-ah jee feeling even more worse than she already is, so yeah, we won't touch her Baijiu.”[/b][/color] She said with a beaming smile.

She cracked the bottle open, poured a half glass for Henri, and the same amount for herself, set the bottle aside and gave Hanri a quick toast.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“To responsibility!”[/b][/color]

“To responsibility!” Henri grinned, raising his glass.

Her eyes glanced at Sabrina cheerily, [color=7ABBFF][b]“You wanna join in on this toasting, Bean?”[/b][/color]

“... You’re definitely not showing a lot of responsibility right now,” Sabrina quickly laughed. “You all should be toasting to not vomiting all over my furniture. I dealt with enough alcohol-fueled tomfoolery from my sisters to last a lifetime, heh…”

[color=7ABBFF][b]“We'll be careful, I promise!”[/b][/color] Layla laughed. 

“To not throwing up all over your couch!” Henri laughed, knocking back about half of the Scotch in his glass. He winced a bit at the burn against his throat, before taking another sip. “Don’t worry, I learnt from the best, Jie,” he gestured down the corridor towards the bathroom, “[i]always[/i] makes it to the bathroom before spewing.”

[color=7ABBFF][b]“See? Absolute pro.”[/b][/color] Layla mused happily as she sipped slowly on her own scotch, careful not to rush this time. She was feeling much better after her medicine, after all.

Britney, and by proxy Edict, returned to the living room as Sabrina was dealing with the two younger adults. He stared at Layla, then at Henri, and shook his head at the both of them.
[color=f49ac2]”If there’s any kind of throwup on these couches by the end of the night, it better come from a person who can legally drink.”[/color] he barked at them, harkening back to his younger days as a teen getting harped on by the older Made guys.
Hypocrisy came naturally as breathing air.

Layla immediately felt the strictness in his tone, and felt a bit sheepish with her glass. Still, she couldn't help but smile. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Yes, boss!”[/b][/color]

Britney sat down next to Sabrina. [color=f4eb93]”Yeah, I can tell you two ain’t drink before… I know she’s going to be regretting her choices in the morning, ha!”[/color] Britney laughed as she threw a thumb Layla’s way. 

Layla vigorously shook her head, giggling, [color=7ABBFF][b]“Never, not at all!”[/b][/color]

“Heyyyy, I already promised not to throw up on the couch!” Henri grinned, completely unaffected by Edict’s tone - after all, he wasn’t really as scary as an angry Linqian (or the rare angry Jinhai he’d witnessed). “And Jie already avoided throwing up on the couch by getting to the bathroom in time, so surely it’s alright if I do it in her place! I won’t! But I totally could, she’d be fine with it, I swear.”

[color=f49ac2]”Henri, you know damn well she’d explode. Now, scooch a cheek and lemmie sit down.”[/color] he playfully bumped into Henri, jostling him around. As he did so, Edict got a bit closer and held him steady. Nice and close.
[color=f49ac2]”So she doesn’t know, huh? How long?”[/color]

“Ohhhh, of course she doesn’t know, how would I tell her that I have magic?” Henri whispered, leaning in closer and glancing at the others. “She wouldn’t believe me! It’s been, hmm, two months or so. Happened back in September, whoa, it was wild.”

[color=f49ac2]”Listen Kid… I’m gonna blow your mind. But we’re gonna keep it a secret, okay?”[/color] Edict patted Henri’s shoulder like a friend would. [color=f49ac2][i]”She’s a witch. I’m a Wizard. Everyone in this room knows magic. There’s a room in this house full of sixty thousand bees magically controlled by some dickhead somewhere out in the city right now.”[/i][/color]

Layla's eyes shimmered over her glass as she watched for Henri's reaction. He would finally be in the know.

“No way,” Henri’s eyes widened and his mouth fell open rather comically. He just stared at Edict for a while, seeming to be processing it. It was a lot to take in. “She… what? Is that what she meant about the bees- wait, so this whole time she’s- and Ge- uh, Jinhai- too?”

Edict waggled his eyebrows.
[color=f49ac2]”Jinhai was one of the best of us. Skilled and powerful.”[/color]
He spun his head slightly to look at the hallway, then back to Henri when he knew for sure Linqian wasn’t just hovering there.
[color=f49ac2]”Listen… I’m a Warlock first, okay? But, my business outside is… Unsavory. Linqian won’t want you hanging out with me. But, I think you deserve to know more about our world than what’s been hidden from you. So, let’s meet up some time, eh? I can tell you stories, take you to people to learn about your powers… What do you think?”[/color]

Henri considered it for a moment. He didn’t want to do something Linqian didn’t want him to… but she protected him too much! If she’d hidden magic from him this whole time, she wasn’t about to start teaching him it. He made his decision, looking at Edict with shining eyes. “Yeah, I’d love that! I’ve just been figuring it out myself so far, which is hard when I was living in dorms till last week- And I really want to hear more about what Jie and Ge got up to with their magic.”

Edict proudly smiled and patted his shoulder again.
[color=f49ac2]”I’ll show you everything I ever saw in high definition, Henri. It’ll be good for you. How about you give me your number, and when I know I’ve got a bit of free time I’ll give you a call and we’ll talk about what comes next?”[/color]

“Sure!” Henri grinned, before listing off his number just like that. “Oh, should I write it down, would that be easier? Also, I’m free like all the time, though Jie does want me to go to therapy… But right now, I don’t have anything on! So I’ll definitely be available. Well, I sometimes hang around her work, but I’m sure I can make an excuse and leave… heh, she’s too busy to pay attention anyway.”

Edict grinned and shook his head.
[color=f49ac2]”No paper. In fact, you’ve gotta learn to make sure that she has no idea we’ve talked ever after tonight. I bet you when you’re sober tomorrow, she’s gonna give you a big lecture about how you shouldn’t ever talk to any of us. She’s real protective of you, y’know, you’re all she has left, Kid. Be good to her.”[/color]

“I know,” Henri rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m gonna become responsible enough that she doesn’t have to protect me- but just now, I won’t tell her. Promise.”

[color=f49ac2]”Good, then you can start by not drinking anymore tonight.”[/color] Edict finished, finally sliding away and leaning his back against the couch to relax. However, meat lovers pizza hit his nose, and he tore open a box like a ravenous animal to devour the remaining slices of it.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Responsibility…”[/b][/color] Layla murmured under her breath. Mr. Devola was stepping back into his father-like role, and she quietly held onto her own glass, hand half hiding it. She preferred her own sense of responsibility, after all.

Henri pouted, but nodded slightly and put down his half drank glass of Scotch. It was perfectly timed, the sound of the bathroom door unlocking coming from down the hall. 

Linqian reappeared, looking a lot worse for wear. The skin underneath her eyes was flushed and slightly puffy, her lipstick smudged, and her hair now tied back in a single, messy low ponytail with a few stray curls falling over her face. She silently made her way straight for the Baijiu bottle, crouching down to grab it and an empty glass. With the bottle in hand, she slumped against the sofa near Edict, immediately pouring herself a glass and downing it without much care. Her goal was very clear - drinking as much as possible as quickly as possible. There was no way this group would be able to distract her from all the fucking annoying thoughts she was struggling to ignore, and she needed a little bit more to even engage in conversation with them again. 

“Jie, should you really be drinking more?” Henri asked. 

[color=CD5C5C]”Absolutely. I need to replace what I threw up.”[/color] Linqian poured herself another glass. Her nose wrinkled at the smell wafting over from the pizza, but she was just about able to ignore it.

“... Should you really now?” Sabrina rolled her eyes.

Layla stared for a long moment at Linqian before she shrugged, holding up her own glass with a smile. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Cheers, Jee-ah jee.”[/b][/color]

She took a small sip. Maybe this was what responsibility was. Going slow as heck with your alcohol. Fates knew she didn't want to mess up the refreshing Mr. Devola had given her.

She stared between Linqian and Henri. A smirk played at her lips. Now they all shared a secret that excluded Linqian, directly involving her own brother. Guidance was always helpful, and she remembered her own induction into the coven. Mr. Devola’s help was exactly what Henri would need.

Her mind drifted briefly, and she pulled out her phone. No response from Luna. [i]Just what was going on at Cracker Island now?[/i]

Layla repocketed her phone, reaching for a mozzarella stick. A single bite, and she sighed happily. [color=7ABBFF][b]“This is the best. Good food, good company.”[/b][/color]

[color=f4eb93]”... And good people!”[/color] Britney said with a smile as she poured herself some wine and raised.

[color=CD5C5C]”And good booze,”[/color] Linqian added, holding up her glass.

“And hoping this night doesn’t go south...”

Layla smiled, surrounded by friends. It was comfortable, like she was where she was supposed to be. She took a sip of her drink before passing a palm over her lips, lost in thought for a moment.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Well, there's a way we can test that theory about our night…”[/b][/color] A mischievous grin passed over her lips. Oh, they'd love this, surely.

[color=7ABBFF][b]“Truth or dare, anyone?”[/b][/color]

And the rest of the night continued like this, warm and friendly among companions.