OPEN MINGLE: September 25-30

[imsorey]

[Although the month is drawing to a close, there's still plenty to do--such as clearing out the last few rabites, working on constructing portions of the new and improved base, sharing various information gleaned from the month's efforts, and make sure to have some downtime in between all of that. Getting a sun tan before fall fully sets in is important too!]

Comments

[aspearing]

[ Alisha can't help but pause when Rose announces what they're toasting to, pulling her drink closer to her afterwards. Was that something to celebrate? ... Well, perhaps. Like this, they're all together. It wasn't an opportunity that they would've had back at home. And... She's rather happy to help everyone like this - to further do what they can. ]

... To being here together. [ She agrees with a small smile. ]

Though, there's many other things we can celebrate to, can't we?

[sparrowfeather]

What else did you have in mind, princess? We have all night.

[ rose is already pouring another drink, though, bless her. it's strong stuff but her tolerance is pretty high, so she's good, but these two, on the other hand... ]

[aspearing]

We made it out safe, didn't we? Perhaps to that.

[ Alisha'll drink slowly, however. The alcohol tastes a little too bitter to her for her to want to drink it quickly. ]

[sparrowfeather]

Sure! To that, too, then.

[ she doesn't care what they're toasting to as long as they all get to drink together! bonding, okay. ]

Also, a bit of advice? I know it isn't exactly tasty stuff, so getting it over with in one or two gulps is the most quick and effective way to get a good buzz going.

[ thanks, rose ]

[aspearing]

[ ROSE PLEASE. Just... This Look. She'd wanted to do this to relax, but!! ]

That isn't why I wanted to drink.

[sparrowfeather]

Er... But that's the fun part?

[ she has no comprehension of this. ]

[aspearing]

I can't say that I see the fun in that.

[ She hasn't tried and drank enough for that though, so how does she really know... ]

[sparrowfeather]

C'mon, don't knock it till you try it. The Alisha I know is a lot more open-minded!

[ GIVE IN TO PEER PRESSURE ]

[aspearing]

Maybe a little wouldn't hurt.

[ She did promise to do this and all. But, she's not giving into peer pressure, okay... ]

[sparrowfeather]

Don't look so stressed out.

[ rose falters, reaching over to rest a hand on the small of her back, speaking again in a more reassuring tone. ]

Seriously. No harm done. You promised me you'd take a night off, right? So no frowning!

[aspearing]

[ Leans against that after a moment, offering a smile in Roses's direction. ]

You're right. This is why you suggested all of this, isn't it?

[sparrowfeather]

I'll be totally honest here. At first, I just thought seeing you and Sorey's first time drinking would be hilarious. That was it. But...

[ rose pauses, a rare, thoughtful expression replacing her grin. her hand doesn't leave alisha's back, and instead she scoots closer, sliding it up in a gesture that's something close to soothing. ]

I dunno, I just didn't like seeing you going all workaholic like that. You're always doing so much for everyone, always smiling, so I just thought-- I guess I wanted to see a different kind of smiling Alisha, a smile when you were having fun. Hell, maybe even a laugh! Everyone needs a break once in awhile.

[ oh no. oh no. rose doesn't usually get this sentimental-- it's the alcohol, isn't it. the only reasonable thing to do after embarrassing herself is drink more, obviously. ]

A-Anyway! Yeah, it is.

[aspearing]

[ Alisha sends Rose a rather stern look when she mentions the first part, but it softens when Rose starts mentioning the other bits of it. That was... rather sweet of Rose, actually. ]

... I'm used to doing what I can for others, that's all. Seeing others safe and happy - that's all I've ever truly wanted, back at home. That's held true here, as well.

Thank you, Rose. For looking out for me, in the end.

[imsorey]

[raising his glass to hers, clinking them together before taking a sip. it's strong enough that he makes a tiny face of surprise.]

There's plenty to celebrate, in my opinion. We could make a whole list.

[aspearing]

Agreed. Though, I'd like to hear your reasons, as well.

[ Ah... Was he not expecting the taste to be bitter? She supposes that Sorey probably didn't have much experience with alcohol... ]

[imsorey]

[wine and chocolate alcohol have very different flavors and he faces he's making indicate he is still getting used to it. but he makes less faces the more he sips.]

Let's see...Making new friends, learning new things, seeing other planets, discovering new technologies, finding new books to read...that's a good start, right?

[aspearing]

I'd say that it's a wonderful start.

[ She agrees with him. It's a rather hectic situation, but it's just like him to find the good in it all. ]

To discovering new things, and making new friends, then.

[imsorey]

[Drinking to that--in little sips, still]

We'll think of more as we go, I'm sure.

[aspearing]

[ Ever the optimist... Alisha decides to add her own bit to this: ]

For myself, while I'd like to be able to go back home-- I've been enjoying my time with everyone again.

[ It might be a little selfish, but it's not something she really had the chance to do when she had other duties at home to attend to. ]

[imsorey]

Me too. --Not that I want to keep you away from everything back home, but--it's nice to be able to spend more time together.

[aspearing]

No, I understand. Rather, the feeling is mutual.

It's the first time that I've gotten to fight alongside Rose, as well. You and her have more in common than I first thought. [ And... they're definitely Really different at the same time. It's really no wonder they get along so well. ]

[imsorey]

[laughing good-naturedly, because he knows what she means]

She's got a big personality, but she's got a big heart to match it. I hope you're getting along okay.

[he almost adds "she wants to be friends with you!" but he's not that far gone that he thinks that warrants a mention, so instead he just looks really really hopeful that they're getting along okay.]

[aspearing]

I won't deny that we've had a few rough conversations, but...

[ Well, just a few. Alisha and Rose are so different that that's probably inevitable. ]

I don't think that you have anything to worry about either, Sorey.

[imsorey]

--I wasn't worried! I'm fine. I mean, I'd like it if you got along, but you don't have to. You can fight if you want to. Or, maybe not fight...

[Pausing to scratch the back of his head and start over.]

I think you're both really great. I was a little excited to share that with both of you, that's all.

[aspearing]

It's not that we haven't gotten along, however... Rose and I are rather different from one another. At the same time, the more time I spend with her, the more I see that you both are rather alike.

[ Even though Sorey and Alisha get along really well. How peculiar, really. ]

... Thank you, Sorey. I'm also grateful to have this chance.