maskormenacelogs | these are hard times

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these are hard times

WHO: JEFF and SASHA
WHERE: Casa Ludgate-Graham
WHEN: Evening of 3/29.
WHAT: In which we probably shouldn't trust Jeff around teenagers making kind of bad decisions.
WARNINGS: Underage drinking/alcohol.

[ The house is eerily quiet when Sasha teleports herself just at the entrance, slipping off her shoes and then moving forward so she can peer around corners to see if Will or April are around. Maybe even Grey? But the further she ventures, aside from the dogs that greet her and the sound of the hamsters in their cages somewhere. Sasha calls out eventually for either April or Will, but once there's no response she concludes she is the only person in the household and isn't quite sure what to do next. The polite thing to do would be to exit the house, but she's not ready to go back to her place and instead wanders around the place to try and soothe her nerves.

Sleeping is still difficult; she either sleeps very little, disrupted by vivid imagery or sleeps too much which feels just as awful. She feels worse for not telling Laurie what's been going on and leaving her in the dark about it and maybe, just maybe, she does need to speak to someone about what's happening at home to alleviate some of this sharp tension and the guilt she's amassed. It's why she's here... perhaps talking to Will can help. It usually does.

But the longer she lingers in the house, the more she feels out of place and incredibly small in such a spacious place. Eventually she wanders into the kitchen, peeking around at the fridge and pantries for a quick bite before she gets going. Instead of nabbing something healthy like the available fruits or snacks, she finds a tall bottle of unopened whiskey and stares at it long and hard before she opens it up. A little bit of alcohol will probably help ease her to sleep, so there's no harm in having some now. She's never really understood what all the fuss is about anyway in this world. She sniffs it curiously at first and then takes a long sip, making a slight face as she underestimated how strong its taste is. ]

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[Jeff isn't a very good guard dog, apparently. He hadn't heard anyone enter the house, hadn't heard the dogs moving about or even the call out for the two owners, in fact he'd been fairly oblivious to virtually everything beyond the music blasting in his headphones as he did a mild work out in his room. This is just a quick half hour session of stretches and body weight exercises, enough to warm him up and prepare him for a gym session later on, but it's apparently enough to have people wandering about the house. At least the dogs would have barked at a stranger, if a stranger were even capable of getting into this well protected house in the first place.

Even once the headphones are out and the faintest noises of movement from the kitchen are heard, he assumes it's Will or April returning home. The place is a lot quieter these days with only a few of them remaining, but at least the animals keep it lively even without the presence of humans.

When Jeff does finally venture out of a snack shortly after Sasha's arrival, decked out in sweatpants and vest top, he seems more interested in his quest for protein than the surprise appearance of a guest. Picking his way through the dogs, he heads for the fridge, only offering her a small nod of greeting like this is all no biggie. Sometimes it's just better not to question who's coming and going in this house, or why.]

Going for the good stuff, huh? [He means that damn good bottle of whiskey she's attempting to drink right now.]

[ Her senses are a lot more dull these past few days since her return. Being constantly tired doesn't help either, so she doesn't even hear or sense Jeff's presence until he's near the fridge, near her and speaking to her. His voice startles Sasha and as she's taking another sip she nearly chokes, splutters and manages to swallow the whiskey without spitting a drop of it out.

The bottle near slips from her hands, but she manages to grab onto it more securely and she pivots around to face Jeff, her face red. Caught red-handed. Whiskey-handed. ]

Good evening! Oh! Haha... oh... where did you come from?

[ Is she in trouble? She can't tell. ]

I was only taking a little bit!

[If she is in trouble, there's some pretty delayed telling off, because Jeff's all for digging around in the depths of the fridge, trying to decide on favourable food.]

Take as much as you want. Just uh... [A pause as he withdraws his head from the fridge, milk in hand because apparently a protein shake is the choice today.] Go easy on it. Whiskey isn't the most forgiving of drinks.

[Assuming that she's not too familiar with the whole drinking thing, but he could be wrong. Whichever way, he's busying himself with shovelling a few scoops of powder into his shaker of milk and then mixing it all up.]

Pour me one, would you?

[ She's not about to argue back, so Sasha quietly shuffles over to a pantry to retrieve two glasses and pours Jeff one. She opts to leave the bottle of whiskey on the counter so it doesn't look like she's trying to hoard it, bringing over the two glasses to the table and setting them down so Jeff can grab his when he's ready.

She stands there awkwardly, her face lit up like a lantern and arms glued to her side. Her fingers twitch, though. ]

I... I am so very sorry for intruding. I thought... well, I should have used the doorbell! I promise I wasn't going to steal anything!

[ Maybe just a few sips or more of the whiskey. ]

What? You're not intruding. You're one of Will's kids, that gives you like... instant access whenever you need it. Unless you just murdered him or something, which I'd appreciate you telling me so I can get a head start on the running away screaming thing.

[That whiskey bottle is getting eyed, Jeff eventually deciding to reach for it and, with a shrug, pour an overly generous portion into his protein shaker. Milk and whiskey is totally fine, shut up. It's like a post-workout cocktail! He'll still have that drink that Sasha poured him too, but that'll come after.]

If you hang around you'll probably catch him. I doubt he'll be gone much longer.

No! I would never hurt Will!

[ The colour in her face drains a little as she waves her hands back and forth nervously. Does she look like a murderer? Actually, she hopes he never explains because she's had enough bloodied, dead people to last her a lifetime. ]

M-Maybe I should go? I don't wish to disturb you...

[ Although she's reluctant to go back to her place. She's spent far too long in her own room that she might start clawing at the paint in restlessness if she spends another minute in there. It's her fault, she knows, but right now her own room doesn't feel so much as the safe space it's supposed to be. ]

Um...

[This kid sure could do with relaxing, maybe some more booze would do her some good. Or maybe he should stop having booze as his primary thought process for virtually everything ever.]

I'm cool if you wanna stay. I mean, I get if you wanna leave though. Hanging around alone with a forty year old guy could be kinda uncomfortable. Or lame. Or boring. But if you wanna watch some crap on TV and drink a crap load of crap while you wait for the others to get back, then stick around.

[Downing that whiskey protein shake.] I wouldn't mind the company... place has been pretty quiet since everyone else got ported out.

Edited 2016-04-01 01:13 (UTC)

[ She begins eyeing her glass on the table before she looks back at Jeff apprehensively. ]

Is it just you here now?

[ The dogs are wandering about, with a couple joining Jeff and Sasha in the kitchen. She supposes the raccoons are somewhere in the household, too. ]

Where's Grey?

Yeah. Uh, Grey vanished not long ago. Will and April have their 'wait a month' rule though so... I guess we're all just kind of waiting to see if the Porter brings anyone back. [And just like that, Jeff is reminded why he shouldn't keep getting attached to people, because they all just leave and he's left alone. Boohoo.]

I'm sure he'll come back. It's just quiet while we wait.

[Out of all the lingering beasties, Sharkbait is the one that sticks near to Jeff the most, and for that he earns a brief head pat, having to bend just to reach that short little doge.] At least the dogs won't be getting ported out, huh?

He's really gone?

[ Her expression falls almost immediately; she had liked Grey and found some to be something of a kindred spirit. There aren't that many people in this world who understand what it's like to live in a confined space where it's hammered in your head that the outside world is dangerous, even if it was true.

Feeling sorry for Jeff, she slowly makes her way over to the table and seats herself into one of the chairs, pulling her glass close. Since it looks like Jeff isn't about to lecture her about the "dangers" of alcohol, she takes a cautious sip. ]

That's true... but then someone has to watch out for them when we get ported out. And the cat, the raccoons and hamsters.

[Rather than lecture, he joins her, depositing his empty protein shaker on the counter and reaching for his own glass of booze, along with bringing the bottle along too. He takes a seat opposite, bottle placed between then while the glass stays in his hand, sipping at it thoughtfully.]

There'll always be one of us around for them. This house will never be entirely empty. [Jeff's certain that even if Will, April and himself ended up going, they'd have someone else living here by then, and if not, they can always count on someone taking the animals in.]

I guess it's yet another reason for you to drink, huh? Assuming you had a reason to start with. ... Not that you need one.

[Jeff's reason is usually "Because I want to." The joys of being an adult.]

[ When it becomes clear Jeff couldn't care less about underage drinking, she takes another sip of the whiskey and this time a longer, bigger one. Of course, when she swallows she makes another face as it runs hot down her throat and leaves her nose feeling all tingly and strange for a moment. ]

Whoa.

[ Rubbing at her nose, she debates answering Jeff's question honestly. She doesn't know him all that well and Chilton's words are not too far off in the back of her head, reminding her Chilton's wary of Jeff enough to caution her.

Though a friend of Will's is a friend of hers, right? ]

Um, no... well, maybe! I don't really drink when people get ported out, but lots of places and people don't let me because I'm not twenty-one.

[ She peers into her glass. ]

Plus it helps with sleeping sometimes, doesn't it? That's not a bad thing...

[There's no way he can resist a smirk at the face she pulls after taking a sip. Alcohol newbies are the cutest, with their gasps and chokes and dumb faces.]

It can help with sleeping, sure. It can help with a whole bunch of stuff. [Don't listen to this high-functioning alcoholic, Sasha, he's a terrible influence.]

This your first time on whiskey?

It is... I've only ever had wine and beer before.

[ They're so anal about "minors" and alcohol here that Sasha feels as if she's missing out on something quite delicious. Though the whiskey leaves a strong aftertaste and her throat continues to tingle, it's good. ]

Is there a certain way you're supposed to drink it?

Well, it helps that you've started with the high quality stuff, but it might be a little strong. [Especially if she's used to wine and beer.]

Not really a right or wrong way to drink it, it's all about taste. If you like it how it is, then great, but there's nothing wrong with adding some spring water to take some of the edge off. Ice dumbs the flavour, but personally I got nothing against a cold whiskey.

[Jeff often takes ice in his drink, but he tends to save that for the cheaper brands. This stuff? He's definitely having neat.]

How old are you? [Not judging, just curious. He's not sure he ever knew her actual age before.]

[ She nods to convey her understanding and takes another sip, this time managing not to make a face. ]

Me? I'm eighteen. [ He knows Reggie, doesn't he? ] The same age as Reggie.

... are you going to tell Will?

That you're the same age as Reggie? I think he already knows.

[Purposefully obtuse? Him? Never.]

Er...

[ Looks like she's not going to get in trouble for not only the drinking, but the fact she kind of stole Will and April's bottle at the same time. Kind of. Is it stealing if you're still in the house? ]

Um, so... [ She lets one of the dogs rest its head on her lap and she strokes it gently. ] How did you and Will meet?

[So much stealing happens around here that it's just another day in the household for them all. It's not stealing so much as permanently borrowing, anyway.]

Me and Will? [Wow, he actually has to think about that one for a second. It feels like forever ago.] Well, uh. I think the first time we ever spoke was when he texted me about my abs. First time we met face to face was that month's registration. We agreed to be gym partners and now here I am. It's not exactly a thrilling story...

[ Not sure if Jeff is pulling her leg or that's the real story.

For a moment she stops stroking the dog's head, but it lift its head as if to say "Hey, continue!" before she's scratching it behind the ear. ]

Oh... I never knew that!

I didn't know Will went to the gym either...

Wow, don't let him hear you say that. The guy's been going to the gym with me for close to a year now. He might not be as devoted, sure, but he's got a little something going on under those plaid shirts of his.

[Forever supporting his bro, in and out of the gym.]

I'm very sorry! I didn't mean it like that!

[ Although she doesn't exactly stare at Will's arms or chest... Jeff is more noticeable anyhow. ]>

That is good, however! Do you have personal trainers? I hear they are very expensive and strict, but they help you get fit and healthy.

[He better be more noticeable, he puts enough time and effort into trying to perfect dat body.]

Don't need personal trainers, not when we have each other. We share knowledge and encouragement, just like any good gym partner should. You should tag along some time, come see how good Will's looking in a t-shirt when he's working out.

[ Is he...

No.

No, he's not implying anything. ]

I... I have a boyfriend? [ And Will is basically her dad? She takes the bottle of whiskey and pours some more of it into her glass before taking a huge gulp out of it. ] T-that's okay, I see enough?

[Oh my God, why is this kid so weird?! Does Will only pick up weird kids?]

I wasn't suggesting you date him, kid, I'm just saying you should see how hard he works. I'm sure your boyfriend won't mind. Hey, you could even bring him along.

[ Search your heart Jeff, you know the answer. ]

Uh... I don't think Reggie would...

[ Want to? He doesn't seem all too fond of Will or April and he becomes a lot guarded as a result. She can't imagine him tagging along anywhere where Will is going to be. ]

Your loss. [He decides with a shrug. Jeff's not even going to get involved in trying to drag together awkward family meetings, especially not ones in the gym. The gym is his time to shine, not have to deal with bullshit.]

How are you and that kid getting on? He's not why you're drinking, is he?

[Accusatory, like he'll totally kick some ass if it is!!!]

Huh? No! no, no... I'm not drinking because of anything!

[ Which is a straight up lie, but it's not because of Reggie. If it was because of him she probably would have been in the hospital for liver damage at this point. ]

We're fine... you and Reggie are friends, yes?

Girl, rule one of drinking is never lie about why you're drinking, otherwise you start going down a steep path. It may not be about Reggie, but it's not nothing.

[Jeff, on the other hand, drinks for no reason whatsoever, and Sasha really doesn't want to be like him.]

But yeah, I know Reggie. He's an okay guy. [A little too much like Jeff used to be though, and that's not a good sign.]

I was thirsty, [ she says rather quickly. ] It was the first thing I saw... and most places don't let me buy beer because they keep saying I'm a "minor".

[ Which is irritating as it's been almost two years. She'll be nineteen in July! How long is she going to be a "kid" for? ]

How did you two meet?

[Just giving her the most 'bitch plz' stare of all time, but he's not going to push the binge drinking for now.]

Probably the first time you brought him here. I mean, we've spoken a few times since then, but I wouldn't exactly call us friends. [Jeff doesn't like to use that term too freely.]

What about you? How'd you get with Prince Charmer? [Because what a little charmer Reggie is. Pfft.]

[ Why are so many people afraid to use that word? She's only hesitant when she's just met the person, not when it's been literal months. ]

Er...

[ His question gets a long pause from her, mostly because it's a bit of a ridiculous story. Teenagers fooling around with one another before some feelings got thrown into the mix and complicated everything. ]

We went on a couple of dates together and— [ She punched him on the network and then more feelings spilled all over the place. ] ... um, then we decided to try real dating?

That simple? I'm kind of jealous.

[He doesn't for a second believe it is 'that simple', but teenagers are always so shady about everything and he has no wish to argue with one. Best to pretend he believes everything she says.]

No marriage on the table yet? [But he can be embarrassing uncle and ask the dumb questions for the sheer awkwardness.]

Ahahaha!

[ It's an incredibly awkward, somewhat forced laugh that erupts from Sasha following his question. ]

We are just... trying our hand out at this! Dating... I do not want to marry him.

[ No offense. ]

Good. That's what I wanna hear. He's not the kinda guy you wanna marry. [Jeff knows how bad of an idea that is, considering he sees far too much of himself in Reggie and Winger isn't marriage material.]

Have some fun, mess around and then, if you ever wanna settle down, find yourself a guy who actually gives a shit.

Um, marriage is... a very long way off, isn't it? I-I'm not thinking about it.

[ Although Jeff's comment is slightly off putting, particularly the "find yourself a guy who actually gives a shit" part. What is that supposed to mean exactly? ]

He... [ She trails off, unsure at first. ] What do you mean?

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these are hard times

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