there's no wrong way to consume alcohol

[justimprobable]

WHO: Clara justimprobable and Bela cleptes
WHERE: A classy bar in De Chima
WHEN: January 2nd
WHAT: Cocktails and pretty ladies
WARNINGS: N/A

[When Bela gets to the bar - a dimly-lit but upscale establishment with soft jazz playing from crackly speakers - she'll see Clara sitting at a little table, an untouched glass of water in front of her. She's got on a short dress with a modest neckline, her hair is in a low chignon, and she looks a bit anxious about something. But as soon as she sees her acquaintance, she gives a little wave. There's warmth in her smile - which is good, since there's little elsewhere on her person.]

Glad you could make it!

Comments

[cleptes]

[A wiser person would have waited before going out for a second night, not long after partying for New Year's. But Bela wasn't such a person and Clara was too lovely to say no to. She's wearing a simple shift dress and court shoes, nothing like the very fancy outfit she had on a few nights ago.]

I couldn't refuse such an invitation. [Bela returns the smile and sits down on the chair opposite of Clara.] You look gorgeous.

[justimprobable]

As do you, Miss Talbot.

[She twirls a piece of hair and gives a small wave to one of the waitstaff, signaling that her guest has arrived.]

How were your holidays?

[cleptes]

My holidays were great. I got to relax and unwind without having to worry about getting up early in the morning. [She laughs.] Of course I'll have to go back to work soon enough. I need the money.

How are you?

[justimprobable]

Oh, I'm fine.

[Her smile shows no deception. She's here to forget.

The waiter moves over to their small table, and Clara orders a vodka tonic with extra lemon. She's still not sure how she plans to go about drinking it, with her frozen physical processes, but she wants to have a good time and keep Bela from suspecting anything's wrong with her.]

[cleptes]

Just fine?

[She orders a glass of white wine, giving a nod of thanks to the waiter. When they leave, Bela leans in a little and rests her arms on the table. Clara was an interesting person and based on what she had told her so far, Bela knows that she has had adventures.]

No gossip? Everything the same as before?

[justimprobable]

[No, in fact, everything's changed. The hot gossip is that I've died and no longer have a heartbeat or the need to sleep. Except, that would be a bit awkward. They're just getting to know each other.]

Well, I did get my own spaceship, that's changed. It's very impressive, looks like a retro diner. I'd show it off to you if they'd have Ported it in with me.

[She smiles, trying to feel as bold as she did over the network. Bragging about your new ride is totally a date thing, right?]

How's the artifact business going?

[cleptes]

What a shame that the spaceship didn't come along with you. I'd definitely love to see it.

[If Clara was looking to impress Bela with her new ride, it certainly worked. ]

Oh, it's still going. January is probably going to be a slower month as people are still recovering from the holidays, but I'm not worried about that. I was thinking of doing a sale of sorts, you know?

Apart from that I am still saving towards moving out of Maurtia Falls. It can get dangerous and I think I need a more permanent change of scenery.

[justimprobable]

I've been feeling the same about Heropa. The air's too humid, it doesn't feel right.

[And it's doing awful things to her hair.]

I quite liked the mid-Atlantic while I was traveling last month. Thought maybe I'd settle outside of one of the big cities, if I had the money.

[cleptes]

Now that would be a lovely idea. Still close enough to get to the city and yet far away enough to maybe have some peace.

[Whatever made Clara happy.]

It feels strange to talk about making plans in a world that isn't even our own.

[justimprobable]

You're still set on going back, then? [It's not said with any surprise - just interest. Clara still isn't sure what she's hoping for.] I know a lot of people who aren't, 's the only reason I ask.

[The waiter chooses that moment to come back to their table, and set down their drink choices.]

[cleptes]

I have things to tend to back home. Which is likely true for everyone here, but I can't help being concerned about my life; the longer I stay here, the longer it keeps me from doing what I need to do.

[Bela picks up her drink as soon as it's put in front of her and takes a sip.]

Do you want to go back?

[justimprobable]

[Clara goes through the motions of doing the same, but the drink doesn't pass her lips.]

I know I will, eventually - my future's fixed, so I've got to be there for it. But until then, I'm not complaining about the wiggle room.

[cleptes]

Then I think you should make the most of the wiggle room you have, Clara. Whatever you feel that you want to do.

[If Bela was in her shoes, she would do the same.]