Quinn's Bar & Restaurant [IC]

[SortOfBeautiful]

It was extremely difficult for Brooke to keep track of what was even going on at the bar, but she was sure that Brian had most of it handled. So, she kept her attention on the wait staff and made sure that they were wrapping up their tables at a decent speed so Joe could bus them fast enough to bring to Ethan. Those poor guys. Busing may have been an easy, brainless job, but it was also thankless and fucking exhausting. She’d been a dishwasher for a whole two days before the Quinn’s realized that she was better at talking than cleaning, so they moved her to waitress. It had been a natural fit, and a year or so later, and she was the head waitress on staff.

Dusk seemed to be doing well, and Brooke loved her positive attitude. She reminded her a lot of herself, so it was easy to like the girl. She laughed with Dusk and Joe about Coldplay, and glanced behind her to check on Avery and Jesse.

Avery seemed sweet as well, just a little hard to figure out. During breaks, she sometimes snuck off to talk on her phone, and even when Brooke had trained her the other girl seemed pretty reserved and quiet about her personal life. It was none of Brooke's business to pry, but then again...she was a nosy person by habit. And Jesse? Well, Brooke liked him, depending on the day. Some days he was annoyed and aggravated, and others he was in a joking, light-hearted mood. Or maybe it depended on the hour, not the day. But at least he had his good looks going for him, because, fuck. He was hot.

Last call came and went. And Brooke had to be patient to the few customers who still didn't get the hint and took their time eating and chatting. They weren't allowed to kick anyone out. If they came before closing, they were allowed to stay. But when the place was finally empty, the front doors were locked and a few lights were shut off to dim the restaurant even more, to show the public that they were closed.

With no loud music, shouting and singing customers, the silence besides the employees talking and dishes being bused was almost deafening. For now, it was cleaning duty. The busers would have to continue to clear and dirty dishes, utensils, and cookware. The waitstaff need to make sure that all the tables were in place, since there was no doubt that some had been moved around to accommodate smaller and larger parties. They were also in charge of refilling the salt and pepper shakers, ketchup bottles, and making sure all of the tables were ready to go for the morning shift. The cooks weren't required to stay for cleaning, but were responsible for getting rid of any left over food and taking out the trash in the alley so no rats came out of hiding overnight. And for the bartenders cleaned and wiped down their own areas. They were required to restock clean glasses on the shelves, and restock any bottles that had been emptied during the night. Everyone must sweep and vacuum their own areas. Brooke and Brian often helped when they could, but for the most part, they had to use the computer system the Quinn's had bought to help split the tips. They weren't split evenly, but by tickets and receipts that were submitted after each customer.

Luckily, Brian had a computer at the bar that he could use, so he didn't have to go far. Brooke had to use the computer at the podium, where Sofia stood near the front entrance. Pushing a few buttons, her brows pressed together in concentration, Brooke pulled up each of her waiter's tabs so she could tally and organize their tip amounts to give to them tonight. Everything tipped in cash would go home with them tonight, everything tipped on credit card they would see on their paycheck.

Neatly, Brooke wrote in her girlish handwriting Jesse, Avery, and Dusk's name on an envelope, and distributed their cash and change in each envelope.

"Hey, Brian!" Brooke called out from across the restaurant, for practically everyone to hear. "Are you hosting the party tonight at your place? Because I think the waitstaff is going to need a few drinks after they see their tips tonight."

 

[Lachiyous]

Ethan Demas

Friday Night. 11:55pm

Soap. Soap and suds. Water. With sponge. These were weapons he could wield. In the Restaurant Industry, oft times. Why. The most distinguished position of dishwasher could be...overlooked. Presumably. Because of just how. Taxing. It could be, on one's mind. The challenges many had faced in even hoping to master. Were almost. Insurmountable. Very few succeeded. It was true. But for those few. A glory, untold.

Well. That's how it should have been, right? In truth. Bottom of the totem pole. There were very few that couldn't perform the duties of. Dishwasher. After all. Who in their right mind, didn't know how to scrub, rinse, and dry a dish? It usually was a problem of liking, or for that matter. Tolerating. A chore so monotous. At least for more than twenty minutes tops!

Ethan, on the other hand, didn't mind washing dishes. Not one bit. In fact. He kind of liked it. This job was only part time for him. That is, he wasn't here very much. Yet, when he was present. He gave his all. Whether it was as a busser. Or taking care of the dishes. Slacking wasn't really in his nature. And should he continue on. The pathway. Toward becoming an Architect -- he was in his third year of five. Well. He'd have plenty of time to showcase that effort. In the design. Of a many extraordinary. Thing.

Task at hand. Soap and suds. Water with sponge. Yes. Once to it. No monsterous pile of unsavory plateware and silverware from JOE...

Scrubbbbbb. Scrubbbb.

No continuous supply of greasy pots from RHYS, SID, and José...

Fluuuushhhhh. SOAK. Bubble.

Not even loads of unclean beverage glasses from BRIAN and TARA...

SPONGE. Riiiiiiiiiiinse. Shimmer!

....could seek to discourage the young man. Not in the least. He took it all like a champ. When he was attentive. And on his game. These. All of which. That needed to be. Cleansed. Did not stand. The mite of a chance. Really. And he kept up. Kept at it. It was what was expected of him. What was required. He wasn't about to disappoint anyone. Not if he could help it.

It was only. The moment. When he had seemed to catch up. With the constant influx. Of all that needed his attention. That is. His fellow employees. Stopped bringing him. Anything that need be washed. Perhaps. It was time for him to. Venture back out. And bring things back himself...

A towel. Running the length of the sinks. Counter top. And immediate floor. Rest assured, it would always be maintained. Under his watch. Okay. Gloves off.

Pushing. Through the doors. And making his way. Across the hallway. Unto the main floor. He immediately saw the boss's son, JOE. Bussing tables. And approached him quickly. "Thank you for your help, my friend," he offered politely. His manners from the Mid-West ever present. "It's very much appreciated!" Smiling, he transferred the load that JOE was compiling. Into his own tub. Before letting the guy back to his duty at hand. He knew on a night such as this. It was best not to linger. That's not how jobs were handled efficiently. At least in his experience.

Glancing around. He spotted a healthy. Gathering. Of customers still around. And at the front of the Restaurant. SOPHIA.

Hmm!

He turned quickly. Tucking his lips. Inward. In concentrated effort. And headed back. As SID came out, making her way to the bar.

Gahh!

Pant. Pant. Deep breath. Okay. It's okay. EVERYTHING, was...okay. Blink, blinking. Feet to carry. Him. A little further. Hold this tub. Steady now. Concentrate. Don't bump anyone. Don't disturb anything. Head on straight. Eyes focused. Nothing else matters...

Once he cleared his way across the Main Floor. To the back. He unloaded the tub. Set up his sinks once more. And began anew. Back here. Alone. In the company of none. That's when his mind...wandered...to the stunning SOPHIA...
========================================================================
Friday Night. [Between the Here and the Now]

Crisp air. Not so much though. For it to be. Unbearable. No, not with...her present.

He couldn't help but smile. At her absolute. Radiance. There was just something about her. The way she carried herself. Who around. Or not. Could argue with that?

SOPHIA twirled about. Gracefully. On one skate. Laughing at the. Growing attention, she was receptive of. In her bundled up coat. Fuzzy pink gloves. And knit hat. He was in awe. That's when she reached out. For him. Beckoning, to accompany. Her. He sloshed about. Almost clumsily. Toward her direction. In the center of the rink. It's a miracle he didn't mow her down! The smile that she presented him with, hinted at nothing but pure joy.

Astounding. He gave to her what he thought she might like. A single flower. Violet. The expression on her face -- eyes passionately alight, mouth open wide in lovely surprise -- told him she appreciated it. Her hand upon his cheek. Gentle. Intimate. Her other hand. Took his. And slowly, guided him. Across the surface. Of the ice. So that they may move. As one.

And people cleared. Out of the way. For the couple. It was so...grand. So much fun. His heart was. Bursting. To full capacity. And yet he felt, so. Light. This experience, it was like he was gliding. So smoothly. No longer concerned. About falling. Not now. Not with her by his side. She was his strength. A beacon of light.

Spinning. Together. Hand in hand. The world stopped. It was just the two of them. Perfect. And he'd give anything for it to last forever.

And he'd give anything for it to last forever.

And he'd give anything for it to last forever...
========================================================================
Friday Night. 1:35am

Blink. Blink. Blink. Blink.

"Huhhhhhhhhh......."

Splaaaassshhhhh. Drip. Drip. Drip.

Before he could clear himself of the effects. From SOPHIA. Thoughts. An image. Of SID snuck in there. Not entirely difficult. Especially in his current.

Vulnerability...
========================================================================
Friday Night. [Between the Here and the Now]

Thump. Thump. Thump.

His heart. Beat. Erratically. Both, because he was afraid of. Heights. And SID was here. With him. All the way on top. Of the cliff. Looking over. The ocean. It was her idea of course. To come up here in the first place. Cliff diving wasn't for everyone. That's for sure. And he couldn't help but wonder. If perhaps. He should have declined.
Until he gazed at her...

She embodied pure. Electricity. Energy, even. There was a thrill to her olive eyes -- something caught between fierce passion. And crazed enthusiasm. It was intense. And he found himself...melt. Beneath her piercing stare. And flush some. That's when he noticed the supplement of fuschia all along the ground. Covering everything. No wonder she liked it up here. Gorgeous.

He smiled some at that. She made a gesture. For him. To come closer. As she stood. Along the very edge. Small. Hesitation. Crossing her arms and gripping her t-shirt. She lifted it up. And. Over, her head. And grinned when he moved to her. Immediately. Gesturing at his own clothes, she began. Undoing. Her shorts. He followed suit. Accordingly. And in record time.

Pressing her body. Close. Unto his own. Arms around his neck. Her lips found his. Intimately. And shared a kiss. Tingles.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

She smiled up. To him. Laughed. And then jumped off the cliff.

Down.

All.

The.

Way.

Into.

Splaaaaaaaaassshhhhhhhh. The water!

Holy crap. How the--! What the--! Huhh....those lips. That kiss. Tingles. She had been so CLOSE. Just....it felt...

Swallow. Deep breath.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Swallow again. Licking his lips. Closing his eyes. Deep breath again.

Juuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmppp!

Down...

Down...

Down...SPLAAAASSSSHHHHHH!

SPLAAAASSSSHHHHHH!

SPLAAAASSSSHHHHHH.....
========================================================================
Friday Night. 1:59am

SPLAAAASSSSHHHHHH.....

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Puddle.

SPLAAAASSSSHHHHHH.....

Huh? Blink. Blink.

The...the sink. Was on. Water was....overflowing, from all three. Reservoirs. Onto the floor. Puddling. His sneakers were wet. His apron. His jeans. Everything. Soaked.

No. No. NO! What had happened? The water was getting everywhere. Stop it. Please! Gahhh...

He reached to turn the faucet off. And. Stop the bleeding. Dabbing towels. Rags. Anything he could find that was. Dry. All around. And threw a panicked look. This way. And that. For the mop and bucket...

Fret. Perspiration. No bueno.

 

[Bevatoria]

Tags: None directly.

It wasn't immediately, of course. Nathaniel 'Nate' Osken had always been more deliberate and careful in his planning then he let on. Being a musician didn't mean that he didn't prepare for life, and Nate had his guitars laid out in his closet, ready to go. He was in a safe neighborhood, so he didn't lock them up or anything too extreme like that.

Which didn't mean leaving them in his car. Safe or not, he was a musician and guitars were ridiculously easy to peddle. A fact which had helped him more then once during his travels....

But that was about when he realized something was amiss. Not during his blessed downtime spent watching Sportscenter, checking his Facebook, updating his Myspace and twitter accounts with his next show - I'll be at the Jones' on Ninth and Martin Avenue between 4:00 and 7:00, check it out! - Or calling his beloved sister, hearing her voice and making sure she knew that he missed her.

"Love ya too, sis. Say hi to Ma for me when you see 'er." Flipping his phone off, he sighed. It wasn't as if Nate wasn't happy living in Seattle, but there were many times that he missed home, the lush green fields...but not the simpler life. Complications made life fun, and as he placed his phone down on the counter. While not ready to hit the sack, he wasn't one to leave his preparations for late at night, or right before he left. Preparation meant more fun later, not having to worry, and he went to check the guitars he'd need for his gig tomorrow at the coffee shop. No twelve string, he mused sadly, and he put his extra strings in, his picks, and double checked this cases. All good. Lumbering over to his backpack, he sighed as he zipped it open, looking for his music, the many sheets which detailed his sets, the lyrics, the words which seemed to come out new each time he sang them, with each chord he played.

He was surprised to find his familiar folder empty. Nate cocked his head, digging deeper into the bag, wondering if they'd just fallen out. Nope. Nothing there. It wasn't as if he didn't have other music, as he didn't bring it all everywhere, but it was apparent that whatever he'd brought to Quinn's that day wasn't in his bag.

Which meant it was still at the restaurant.

Son of a....

He briefly entertained the thought of cancelling his gig tomorrow, meaning he could probably just leave the music at Quinn's with no real harm done. The staff there knew him, and made sure he was taken care of. But even as Nate thought it, he was already in motion, grabbing his car keys. He'd have to book it to make it there before everyone was gone, but even if he was after closing, he was pretty sure someone would let him in.

Or at least he hoped so. Being improvisational only went so far, and Nate really needed his music, as he shut off his lights and headed out the door into the night, jacket being shucked on over his shoulders. Looking down, he was at least somewhat grateful he hadn't changed out of his day clothes yet...his dark blue short sleeved button up shirt and jeans probably would go over better then his ratty grey shirt and pajama pants.

Not that he hadn't performed in worse, but still...

 

[Vailyn]

Tara Seong - Tagging Everyone at Quinn's (Indirectly Dusk, Sofia)

It hasn't been a typical day or week, let alone month for Tara but she wouldn't have it any other way. In fact, it seemed as though everything was falling into place. She's found a new city to call home, a job she enjoyed while she established a new network for performing, bought her first house and finally managed to jam with some great musicians! She's just set the word out about her place and looking for roommates and it looked like she may not even have to advertise to fill up the space.

It's all coming together! She thought with contagious delight!

Before Tara could draw Avery and Logan together to talk about the Church, Joe stepped up to claim Logan's Blowjob. He did it right. Without using his hands, Joe swooped down to take the shot glass in his mouth, gripped it with his lips and downed the shot with one smooth toss of his head.

"Hey Brian! Don't get too excited, that's the only blowjob I'll be giving," Joe joked.

Tara laughed out loud and snickered when Brian tossed back his shot the usual way. She was too busy laughing to hear what he said but she was sure it was a smartass comment! Brian's hand slid along her back before patting her jean clad behind. She leaned into his hand when it stayed there. A thrum of sensual flirtation shot teasing awareness up her spine.

Tara cheered when Ryan came up to bat and downed his Blow Job the right way. Still chuckling, she caught Avery's attention and motioned for her to come over. Tara pulled up a fresh glass, scooped ice into it, shot water into it and added a slice of time and sprig of mint.

"Sorry about the shots, Logan. I didn't realize that you don't drink. Though, you would think that I would notice as a bartender, huh?" She winked at the mysterious musician and put the cool glass of water in front of him. She's met all sorts of artists over the years and she could tell that Logan had an interesting past. She wondered if she'll ever hear a part of it? Several customers called for her attention with orders.

"Hold your horses! I'll be right there." She shouted with a cheerful smile. Tara met Avery and Logan's curious eyes. "Look, I really want to talk to you two about my house, the Church, but it's insane in here right now. Can I catch both you at the end of the night? We should be closing soon."

They nodded. "Great! Let's talk then."

"Wait, Tara. We're not the only ones interested. I found this note at the piano. Here." Logan said before Tara could run off. She took the note and read it.

Heard you are looking for roommates. Need a place to live. Will sell my soul and first born. Talk to me after the set.

- Sid <3​

"Ah! Thanks! I didn't see this earlier." Tara grinned at them and stuck the note into her pocket before hustling to take care of the orders that piled up like magic. Being busy didn't stop her from pulling several pranks on her fellow bartender. She managed to slip ice down Brian's shirt and smack his rascally rear end a few times. As the night drew closer to an end, Brian swooped in to deal with a ill mannered customer and she felt a twinge of guilt for pulling the ice prank. It wasn't the first time a loud mouth dumbass had called her names but it was never a fun disturbance to deal with.

"You heard me, you're done. In fact," Brian clapped his hands and raised his hands above his head yelling, "LAST CALL. You Don't Have To Go Home But You Can't Stay Here."

Tara went to give Brian a one armed hug and rose up on her feet to give him a grateful smooch on his cheek. "Thanks, Farthead. You'll always be my hero!"

Whatever annoyance and minor flash of anger that the unrepentant asswipe had caused by his surly attitude was wiped clean by a soothing joy that settled into her heart. She's not looking for a home anymore. She's found it and formed a new family of sorts.

"Alright, gang! You heard the man! LAST CALL! If you want a drink, order now or forever hold your peace!" Tara called out loudly to the crowd. Groans, well phrased whining, some half-hearted insults, laughter and receding wave of drink orders filled the length of the bar. Closing down took on its own familiar pace, soon drinks were made, delivered and the whirlwind of cashouts and credit payments were wrapped up.

Somewhere in the middle of that madness, Sid sneaked in behind the bar and helped herself to a glass or two of soda. Tara turned her head to look at her and said, "Sid, I just got your note a little while ago. I have a room for rent if you're interested. Let's talk after closing."

The spunky woman just stared at her for a moment and Tara was starting to wonder if she said something weird when a smile lit on Sid's face and totally changed her demeanor. Tara couldn't help but grin back at her. "Woah! You're totally hot babe, Sid! You should smile more often! So let's talk later?"

Sid nodded. "Sure thing, Rocket."

Tara was in the middle of clean up when she heard Rhys make a request.

“Hey Ms. Seong, how about a Dirty Birdie for the hardest working line-cook I know?”

She smiled at Rhys and nodded. Tara started to mix the drink for Sid and kept an intent eye on Rhys. She thought she had seen him holding something in his hand. The mystery was solved when he presented a beautifully carved rose and gave it to Sid. She had to stifle her laughter when Sid looked at Rhys like a fish out of water. The silence between them grew longer.

Ut oh! Better break it or they're both gonna die from holding their breath!

Tara slid a Dirty Birdie in front of Sid, placed a tumbler with some water in it next to it and said cheerfully, "Here you go, Sid. One drink from our head chef and a glass for your rose." She glanced over at Rhys. Yup. Still silent as a tomb. "Wow! That's beautiful, Rhys! I didn't know you could do fancy tricks like that with food. A man with many hidden talents. I approve."

Knowing that there wasn't anything else she could do to help out, Tara left to finish closing up the bar and doing her share of clean up. She passed Jesse on her way to the kitchen as he was getting ready to vacuum. She didn't think twice before teasing him, "You missed out on some Blow Jobs earlier."

Her brown eyes laughed at him and she left before he could respond. In the kitchen... well, Tara found a frantic Ethan turning off the facets and a mini flood in the works. "Hey, let me get the mop and bucket. Why don't you sweep the water towards the drain? If you pull the plug in the sink, it'll stop overflowing." It seemed that the calm words and direction gave Ethan time to pull together. She left him sweeping the water to grab the mop and bucket.

"Brooke, if you need me, I'll be in the kitchen for a bit. I'm helping Ethan clean up some water." She told the head waitress as she came out of the utility closet.

Between the two of them, Ethan and Tara cleaned up the miniature flood in short time. She handed the mop and bucket over to Ethan with a smile. "Here you go. The rest is all yours. I'm going to see what else I need to close up."

When she returned to the bar, she found out that Brian had finished their list of closing duties and most of the crew plus extras were hanging out by the bar. "Sooo... Who wants to check out the Church and party at my place tonight? I need to tempt my new roommates with my awesome house. It can be a housewarming and open house. I may as well kill two birds with one stone. Everyone can come over to check out my new house. Avery, Logan and Sid can get a grand tour. We can all take it easy and party a bit before the night is over. It's not far. Just a few blocks."

"But," She held up one finger. "The place isn't fully furnished and it's definitely bring your own drinks and food. I do have a ton of space and entertainment center with built in surround sound. What do you say?"

 

[SweetAsSuga]

"Hey Avery, I saw Tara gave you a screaming orgasm. How was it? You think you'll call her in the morning?" Brian's teasing caused the flush on Avery's cheeks to darken.

"Only if she promises to do it again." The witty comeback, coupled with the teasing wink surprised Avery. Where had that show of spunk come from? With a quick thanks to Tara for the drinks, a promise to do shots with the boys after her shift, and a quick agreement to talk with her about the rooms she had available, Avery quickly returned to her tables.

The rest of the night passed in a blur and, before long, it was time to close. Her section was a complete wreck as she had had to rearrange tables for the larger groups that had come in after the Coldplay concert. Moving as quickly as she could, motivated by the fact that her feet her killing her and all she wanted was to take those damn shoes off, Avery pulled the tables apart and began to rearrange them until they were in the right order.

From the corner of her eye she noticed that Sid and Rhys had left the kitchen, seemingly finished closing up shop. Everyone else was bustling about, trying to finish closing, conversation flowing through the air. Everyone seemed so at ease with each other, like they were more family than co-workers. Avery couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of the kinship. She had left behind everything, everyone, she knew. And now, now that she finally felt she'd reached a place where she could start over, she was too afraid to share much about herself. Why get comfortable in one place if she was going to have to pick up and leave at a moment's notice? Avery couldn't risk someone letting slip they knew her if Dean ever came around asking questions.

"Hey, Brian! Are you hosting the party tonight at your place? Because I think the waitstaff is going to need a few drinks after they see their tips tonight." Brooke's voice rang through the silence that had settled on Quinn's, catching everyone's attention. Avery looked up from wiping down her tables. Shit, did that mean the tips had been bad tonight? She desperately hoped not, especially with the hell that those concert goers had put them all through tonight. Plus, Avery had to pay the sitter and her motel bill with that money. Taking a deep breath, she reassured herself that everything would work out in the end.

As she finished cleaning up her section, Avery heard Tara's voice inviting everyone to her new place instead. Perfect, Avery wanted a chance to see what type of place Tara's house...er church, was and how it was set up. Plus, she really needed to check and make sure Tara, and any other housemates they might have, were okay with her moving in with a two-year old. Avery desperately hoped that people wouldn't mind sharing a house with a little kid, because if they didn't want Dylan in the house...church than Avery would need to figure out some other living arrangement. One thing was certain, she couldn't stay in that motel forever.

"I'm game for going to the church." Avery said, leaning up against the bar. "It will be nice to see the layout. Plus," she leaned in towards Tara and lowered her voice, "there is one thing I want to run by you. Something kind of important."

 

[ArcticAvenue]

Brian Pulaski

If you ever want to see a single man sweat, suggest that the party is going to his place unannounced. As soon as Brooke suggested they all head on out to his apartment, he began to rundown in his head what they could expect to find. Of course his clothes are probably everywhere, and the sink is filled with weeks of dishes; but the real concern is if certain books were hidden and certain DVDs stuffed in the closet.

Then Tara saved his panic.

With a pat on her bum, he cheered, "Alright! Then it's going to be your party, pooper. Wait ... Party Pooper!!" He turned back to the register and finished up the last of his numbers before getting the drawer ready to head back and the split of the tips can begin. "What do you say ... girls host the parties guys bring the drinks, right? The liquor guy dropped off some moonshine samples. Between that, and I can grab a couple six packs too. I just hope this monastery of yours is easy to find for the taxis, because these samples may pack a punch."

The night usually finishes quickly. The bar is always the last to get a rush, last to clear, and last to clean. Having Tara back there helped. Having Sid back there didn't help. A bar is made for one person, not three. Moreso when the third isn't tending, cleaning, or helping. Moreso when the third looms and judges. Brian is unafraid with his hands, something he picked up when he was a player and doesn't always realize he is doing it. Tara gets the most of it, Brooke too, but usually he gets a dirty lookfrom newbies the first day (like the first time he made a grab for Sofia) and he could probably guess Avery and Dusk didn't seem to mind or he is getting better at keeping his hands to himself. Sid though realizes, even calls him Goose. So as much as he is sure it wouldn't be so bad, he tries his hardest to not touch her. Damn hard. Maybe if she made a lick of sense to Brian it would be easier having her around.

Still, he tries, he tries with all of them. "Hey Sid, mind breaking a glass while your standing here? My hands are full and haven't got my quota in." He gave her a wink and pulled the register drawer ready to be locked up. Everyone was starting to hover. The end was near. Brooms were getting put up, mops finding a home, and tables left for the next day. "And I don't know about the rest of you, I am ready to get the hell out of here and have a drink."

 

[KattDclaw]

--------------

 

[SortOfBeautiful]

Why the fuck was closing the damn restaurant always as hectic as running it? People were over by the bar, Brian clearly distracting them all, and messes were being made when they should have been cleaned. At least the wait staff was on top of it, she noticed. Avery had cleaned up her section in record time, as well as Dusk. And Jesse? Well, he was just hard for Brooke to keep tabs on. The other good-looking, blonde staff member had been working upstairs, and really, Brooke was just too lazy to head on up there to check up on him. He'd been working for the Quinn's long enough though, and the trusted that he could get the job done without her looking over his shoulder.

When Tara had mentioned she was going in the kitchen to help out Ethan, Brooke couldn't help but roll her eyes. How long had the guy been working here now? How hard was it to wash dishes? If he couldn't keep up, she didn't know how much longer he would be working there. Not like Brooke would ever say anything. As serious as she took her job, she could never rat anyone out. How could anyone feel good about making someone lose their job? Their source of income? No, she couldn't do it. But what she could do was be hard on the guy. Being easy on the new kids never seemed to work well. The senior staff members were tough on them during the first few months, and it was always kind of fun to see what they could take. And what their breaking points were.

Sid had stormed of somewhere, but Brooke didn't pay much attention. If the other girl had been harsh with her earlier, Brooke hadn't taken it that way, or cared to take offense. Maybe she was going outside to take out the trash, or have a smoke. Either way, Brooke didn't care. They were almost done finishing up, and they really had to get the lights off and doors closed soon. Not that Brooke was in charge of that tonight; Mr. Quinn had left that responsibility for Sidney and Brian.

Peeking her head in the kitchen, she found Ethan in there with a mop. Tara was already gone.

"You okay in here? I heard you had a spill." She raised a brow, looking around. The kitchen actually looked...much better than she she had expected it to look like. Maybe Ethan really did things have under control, after all. "Make sure no dishes are left in the sink, Mrs. Quinn will flip." She warned him, then held the door open wider. "Once you finish up, maybe stick around. Tara's having some people over." She invited him casually, but didn't stick around to have a long conversation with the busboy; she still had a few things left to do.

Walking back over to the podium near the front door, Brooke picked up the phone and called the taxi company. She knew that some employees, like herself, didn't have a car. In Seattle, anyone that lived close usually took public transportation anymore. The parking fees were just outrageous, and the traffic was even worse on those one-way streets. When she finished, she walked over to the bar, where it seemed the majority of the staff had been gathering around.

"I called a few cabs, they'll be here in ten minutes." She announced as she reached behind her and untied her apron from her waist. She folded it carefully, so the contents in the pockets didn't spill, and she wrapped the strings around it and placed it on the bar. She'd have to remember to take it to her locker before she left.

"Tara, how brave of you to host the party tonight." Brooke grinned, shaking her head. She would have loved to post a party herself, but...living with her older brother didn't exactly help her any. "Sid and Rhys managed to survive the rush tonight, I think they deserve a few drinks too. And Ryan, for breaking up that fight." Brooke spun that blonde head around, her ponytail whipping behind her head, when she heard the loud honks outside the restaurant. Apparently, the cab company was there earlier than expected.

"Shit, they're early." She mumbled, wiping her hands on the back of her jeans. "Is everyone about done and ready?" She asked, looking for Sid and Brian, since they should have been working on the last steps on the closing checklist.

 

[Bevatoria]

OOC: Timing this so Nate makes it slightly before the cabs, if that's all right.

This is also way shorter then I wanted it to be, but I'd rather not force out words that aren't coming. I hope you all will allow me this indulgence. And whoever wants to reply can to let him in.

...you are going to let him in, right?

IC:

Nate didn't exactly barrel down the road back to Quinn's, but he was...well, a little frustrated with himself for making such a stupid mistake. It was probably the first time he'd 'forgotten' something there. The first time, it hadn't been a mistake, at least not the kind he didn't have to ask permission for. The Quinns were pretty good to him, and part of him wondered what it'd be like to work there permanently, like Tara, Brian, Avery, Sofia...the whole crew. He'd always been a drifter though, ever since he left home, and being on their payroll wouldn't change that.

The night sky was quiet, and he figured he liked it that way as he pulled into the almost empty parking lot. With a slam of the door, he made his way to the employees entrance (OOC: or the main one, I suppose), rapping insistently on the door. It was past closing time, so he hoped someone was paying attention.

"My 'pologies. I forgot my music here, so I was wondering if you'd be so kind to let me in to grab it..." With a soft smile, he walked in. "Thank you kindly." He made his way quietly through the kitchen and into the bar area, where it looked like some were surprised to see him.

"Just forgot something." Ambling up to the stage, he quickly searched for his folder, finding it neatly hidden away under the piano. "Ah, there we are."

 

[ArcticAvenue]

Brian Pulaski

"Alright, kiddies," Brian shouted, "get your asses out of here so we can lock up. Brookie got some taxis for you lazy butts. Last one to Tara's Monastery is an asshat!"

This is when the flurry happened. As hard as they all worked, getting everyone to leave was quite easy, which is good because Brian had to take the long route there. Once he did the last half-assed pass through to make sure everyone was gone, he was out and got the doors locked. He made the quick jog to his flat, dropped his pants so he could wear far more comfortable shorts, then load up a cardboard box of the chilled legal moonshine he got from the liquor guy. The guy had a run on the stuff, as cool of a concept it is, no bar is buying it -- who was any good at pouring shots out of a mason jar.

Just before he was out the door, he realized he stunk. A long night, a lot of running around, and a lot of stale beer took its toll. Since he was home he thought, "Why Not?" He pulled off his shirt, threw on some deodorant, the popped on a new t-shirt he had lying around that wore loose so he wouldn't look like a douchebag.

Out the door finally, throwing the box in his truck, he headed off to the directions he got from Pooper earlier. It wasn't far, but too far to carry the box by foot. Besides, if he needs a place to crash, the nunnery probably had a couch.

Pulling up to the place, it seemed like things were really hopping. Clearly, he is the last to get there - which is fine, but they are probably pissed they are still sober. He pulls the box full of jars and walks up to the front door. Kicking it open, he steps inside and yells, "Who's Everyone's Favorite Asshat?"

 

[Vailyn]

Tara Seong

Quinn's

Tara nodded to Avery. "Sure thing. Why don't you come with me? I want to get to the Church first and straighten it out a bit before people show up. That will give us a little time to talk."

She turned her attention to the rest of the group and raised her voice to be heard by everyone. "Avery and I are heading out first. I'll see you at the Church. Remember it's BYOB and if anyone brings food stuff to cook, I'll be happy to show you my frying pan skills." Tara flashed a smile as she wrote down her address on two bar napkins. She handed one to Brooke and Brian. "You two are in charge of directions. Try not to get lost!"

With a cheerful wave, the two women left together in one of the cabs that Brooke called in for them to use. The Church wasn't very far from Quinn's but Tara thought they could both use a little break from their feet. Once they settled into the cab and she's given the address to the driver, Tara turned to Avery with a smile. "God! It feels good to sit down. Whew! I'm glad you're interested in a room. Today feels like my lucky day for plans coming together. Did you want to talk about something? Here's our chance before the masses converge."

The Church

http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large-5/old-brick-church-judy-sprague.jpg

"Welcome to the Church! I keep trying to find another name to call it but I think the Church is going to stick." Tara said, laughter in her voice. The cab pulled up next to the renovated building. "Let me give you a quick mini tour. I think the back mini-apartment will be perfect for you and Dylan. It's in the back part of the Church."

Six brick covered steps lead up to the shadowed building with a simple porch light that lite the front doors of the old stone church and cast a warm welcoming to turn away the night. There are two large and ornately carved wooden double doors set in the tower to welcome people. Only the set on the right worked. Through the doors, there is an small foyer with three doors. The door to the left goes up to the bell tower, the main archway leads into the house, the first door to the right takes a downward turn to the basement and the other door opens up to a coat closet.

The archway opens up to a hallway that leads to the living room. There are two doors set on the left, one door on the right and a double archway with half swinging doors. On the left, the office takes up the first room with a mahogany desk, office chair and built in shelves in the surrounding walls. A quirky wooden frog sign named what hid behind the second door, a cheerful half bath. Between the doors is a small staircase leading up to the loft that overlooks the living room and the Tara's master bedroom suite.

The swinging tan doors open in either direction and gives view to a huge open kitchen and dining room. It had the usual appliances, four breakfast counter stools and a long dining table that seats six. The closed door on the right is an empty bedroom suite.

The spacious living room sprawls open at the end of the hallway. Three large, beautiful stain glass windows fill up the far wall. Two benevolent and majestic angels framed a simple but enthralling sun shining down from the heavens. A stairway on the left leads up to the loft and the open space is given to an American Chickering baby grand piano. A lovingly restored classic wooden piano with burnished brown woods and lovingly carved adornments. A large flat screen tv took center stage of the living room with a stereo system on the right and a shelf of movies and music on the right. Two long and comfortable nut brown leather couches faced the entertainment center in side angles. Side tables made of different woods was on each end of the couches. On the right, a downward stairway dropped into the basement and the door opens up to the bi-level family rooms that the pastors used to live in. The bi-level apartment in the back of the Church has a tiny kitchen and sitting room on the first floor, two bedrooms and a full bath on the top floor.

"And that ends the whirlwind tour! Unless you want to take a peek downstairs? My other spending spree was to make a soundproof practice room out of the open area. There's a bedroom suite down there too." Tara paused for a moment as ideas chased one another. "Want to help me in the kitchen? I think I have some veggies we can chop up for finger food and maybe I can make cheese toast? Everyone likes cheese toast right?"

The clear and perfectly loud doorbell rang.

"Ha! Looks like we have company already! Let's go welcome them in."

 

[SortOfBeautiful]

Everyone was ready. Or so it seemed. Well, they better be, because Brian was ready to lock up and Brooke was ready to fucking drink. Actually, in truth, Brooke wasn't the heaviest drinker. Sometimes, all it would usually take was a glass of wine or two to knock her out and put her to sleep at home. But hard alcohol? Well, she definitely wouldn't be sleeping anytime soon. If anything, she'd be more...lively. And she could use a little boost to her spirits after a night on shift like tonight.

Spotting Nate, Brooke smiled over at him and waved. When had he come back in? Damn, she really must've been out of it.

"Hey, Nate! You came back just in time; Tara's having a party at her place. You're practically family, you should come! There's a few cabs out there, just follow us." Brooke insisted to the musician, encouraging him with her bright, warm smile. She didn't know him all that well, only really ever talking to Nate when complimenting his music, asking him questions, or talking about work-related things. He was a bit too quiet for the cheerful blonde waitress, but he played good music and had a Southern Accent. So why the hell not?

Turning, it was hard for Brooke's smile not to grow when Joe was asking everyone about the party, trying to get information. So, he was interested. Her pink lips curved, and that smile grew. It wasn't often that the staff got to hang out with James and Mary Quinn's only son, with herself being the exception, having hung out with him off and on over the years whenever he was in town. But the poor guy needed to have some fun! She knew that he studied too hard in college, and worked too hard, for free, at the restaurant to keep his parent's off his back about showing up and helping out more. How Joe ever had time for a social life, Brooke didn't know. But what better time, than now?

"Wanna share a cab?" She asked, Joe, and that big smile of hers already revealed that she knew what his answer would be.

When it came to the opposite sex, Brooke liked to think that she knew when a guy was flirting with her, or liked her. And maybe even a part of her knew that Joe may have had a tiny crush on her. Or maybe it was just attraction. Shit, she felt it herself. But...she had eyes. She'd be blind if she didn't think that Joe, or any other guy at Quinn's wasn't attractive. But Brooke getting involved with any guy right now was a bad decision. Danger. It would only end in disaster, and while flirting with the boss' son was even worse...well, Brooke was so damn used to it over the years that it only came natural to her when she was around him. So long as he, and every other guy, knew that Brooke Bailey wasn't looking for a relationship. Sometimes that worked out perfectly with men she fooled around and flirted with, sometimes not.

Grabbing Joe's arm, Brooke waved to Brian and Sidney who were to close, and they headed out the door not too long after Tara and Avery had. The second they stepped outside, Brooke gasped. The cold Seattle air hit her like a wall, and the goosebumps filled her arms. The noises of the city - buses passing, cars honking, drunk concert-goers still talking loudly and singing in the streets - were everywhere, but Brooke couldn't be distracted. Their cab, along with two others, were waiting for them.

Brooke let Joe get in first, while she wished she would have brought at least a hoodie, or something. Anything to keep her warm tonight. She didn't even have a change of clothes to wear to the party, but it wasn't as if those blue jeans and tight Quinn's bar t-shirt didn't look good enough on the long-legged blonde. After Joe got in the backseat, Brooke followed and slipped inside with him. Just as she leaned over and reached for the door, she found Ethan stepping out of the bar, looking around. Was he coming? Was he looking for someone? Brooke felt bad. He'd only been working at the restaurant for a few months, and seemed to be having a hard time fitting in. Or at least, from what she noticed, he had a hard time speaking to the girls. Brooke, who was practically an expert at befriend all different...breeds of people, still had a hard time figuring it out. Well, now was a better time than any. Maybe the rest of Quinn's employees could see a new side of their quiet, clumsy dishwasher.

"Ethan!" Brooke called out to him from the cab, trying to get his attention. When his eyes followed her voice, she waved him over. "Come on, hop in! We're going to the Church! Well, Tara's house, er, whatever! Come on, get in. You can ride with us." She insisted, unwilling to take no for an answer, and it read on her face. The stubborn blonde was going to win, and she grinned victoriously when he started walking over.

"Can you scoot a little? Ethan's coming in with us." She told Joe, waiting for him to move against the opposite door so she could slide her rear all the way to the end with him to give Ethan room to get in the backseat.

It wasn't until Ethan was actually in the back of the cab with her and Joe that Brooke realized how awkwardly....tight and crammed it was back there. Elbow to elbow. Thigh to thigh. Fuck. Brooke forced a smile to prove it wasn't a big deal, and she shifted a little while trying to get comfortable, unknowingly sitting between two of Quinn's only virgins.

The car ride was quiet, and awkward, to say the least. Brooke tried to twist and lean toward Joe, the friend she was most comfortable around, but that just meant lifting her ass a little higher against Ethan's leg. And that wasn't helping anything. But luckily, it was a short cab ride to the Church, and Brooke couldn't get out of there fast enough.

"Shit, maybe we should have brought something." She grumbled as she stepped out, thinking way too late. Hopefully Tara had food. Or someone else was bringing booze. So distracted in that back seat, it had been hard to think about much else.

The first to arrive, Brooke hurried up the front steps and knocked on the door, only to soon be greeted by a cheerful Tara.

"Holy shit, Tara! I feel like I need to be wearing church clothes." Or a Halloween costume.

"I forgot to bring something though, I'm so sorry. But I brought these two, does that grant me entrance?" She grinned, motioning for one of the guys to get in first.

 

[DrStein]

Logan stuck around, sufficiently intrigued to see this church. He got a cab by himself to the address Tara said and stood outside for a moment, just taken in by the sight. It was a clear night, and the moonlight gave the place a quiet dignity and air of sophistication. As a spiritual man himself, Logan felt an affinity for the place, even if it represented a faith different from his own. He touched the talisman on his chest in silent thanks. Another group had arrived just ahead of him and he waited outside, admiring the church while they made their greetings and went inside.

After a minute or two of waiting made his way to the front door and let himself in. Tara and her other quests were talking in the main room, and he smiled at the interior. The turn of his mouth was a slow process that slowly seemed to light up his entire face the more it grew. "Well, color me impressed..." he said loud enough for the small group to hear.

"This is an interesting coincidence. So interesting in fact that I have to take it as an omen instead of a coincidence." He set his guitar case aside and slowly meandered around the room in the general direction of the party. He was like a cat checking out a new space, cautiously testing and memorizing the dimensions, layout, everything. As he did so, he pulled out his wallet and fished around for a moment before producing a black card with cold lettering. He held it out for inspection. "You see, I'm an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church. And I suspect Coyote is trying to send me a message." This was the most explicit he had ever been about his faith without being asked a question first. Something about the moment stirred him soul though and encouraged him to speak up.

He let everyone inspect the card as he surveyed the room again. "How many rooms are you opening up? Because I am most interested. The chance to room and jam with another musician always appeals." He continued speaking in the same smooth, slow manner he always did though this time his words were more colored by optimism than usual. Typically he sounded more droll and quietly amused, as if literally nothing bothered him.

 

[JadeKnight]

The reaction from Sid wasn't quite what Ryan expected to see. After all, she usually had something to say about everything, as far as he had seen. The silence was a bit deafening to him for the short time it lasted, combined with the blush of embarrassment. He gave a little chuckle when Sid did make a snide remark and run out from behind the bar. He leaned back for a moment, stretching his shoulders.

Deciding it was about time to head home, Ryan moved from the bar stool. He stopped when the suggestion of the party be held at the new church that Tara had bought. He knew there was two churches in town, and where both of them were, finding the place wouldn't be that hard. It did sound like something better to do than heading back home alone. He smiled and chuckled when Brooke thanked him for the fight break-up.

"Not a problem. I thought I should make myself useful tonight."

He glanced towards the door when he heard the horns honking for their pickup.

"Well, see you guys at church."

Ryan gave a wave before pushing out the door. He looked towards the taxis for a moment, contemplating getting in. It wasn't far to the church, so he decided to just walk. He was halfway to the church when the rain started, soaking his shirt. It didn't bother him at all, enjoying the cool rain. He arrived at the street corner where the church was located, just in time to see Brooke, Ethan, and Joe walking to the front door.

He wondered for a moment if he should have brought something, but shook his head for a moment. He walked up to the porch behind the others, his shirt soaked and sticking to his upper body.

"I hope I'm not too late."

 

[SweetAsSuga]

Avery climbed into the taxi after Tara, the cold night air causing her to shiver and wish that she'd brought a jacket along. As it was, all she wore were her work jeans and the dark plum v-neck t-shirt that had been sitting in her locker. The cotton t-shirt was feeling a little tighter than Avery remembered and hugged her curves like a second skin.

Tara's easy manner put Avery at ease and she felt herself relaxing into the taxi's warm interior. When Tara asked if Avery wanted to chat about something, the words slipped easily from Avery's lips. Though she didn't tell her co-worker and future housemate - churchmate? - about all the skeletons in her past, Avery found it easy to divulge the fact that she would not be moving into the Church alone. For her part, Tara took the news about Dylan in stride and, upon arriving at the Church, offered Avery a tour.

Wandering around the vast space, Avery could see the love and care that Tara had put into making the Church a home.

"This is perfect." Avery smiled at her new roommate as she looked around the small apartment that had originally been intended for the pastor's family. Already Avery could picture Dylan curled up in the little living room playing with his trains while she made dinner in the quaint kitchen. This would work, Avery just knew it.

The tour completed, the two women settled into the main kitchen to get the food read.

"I think cheese toast is great." Avery laughed at Tara's questioning look.

As they got everything ready, Brooke arrived with Joe and Ethan in tow.

"Hey guys." Avery waved to them before returning to the vegetables she was chopping.

At the moment, everything felt...right. Avery wasn't worried about tomorrow or the days after that. She was enjoying living in the moment for once in her life. Everything was turning out as she hoped. She and Dylan would have a real home and she was surrounded by co-workers that she was really starting to get comfortable with. Knock on wood, nothing could go wrong.

 

[KattDclaw]

-----------------

------------------

 

[Bevatoria]

Easy peasy. Nobody had touched his stuff, which means either they knew it was his, or, in a strange way, that they didn't know and had assumed it was supposed to be there. No harm done, as he tucked the folder with the paper under his arm. Aside from getting let in, it seemed the place was abuzz with...well, something other then cleaning things up and getting folks out of here. A slightly familiar voice broke his reverie, and he turned to see a female face looking at him.

"Hey, Nate! You came back just in time; Tara's having a party at her place. You're practically family, you should come! There's a few cabs out there, just follow us."

It was Brooke, one of the bubbly waitresses. He smiled politely, considering the offer. "That's mighty kind of you to offer..." he started, frowning not at the offer, but in thought. He did have a gig tomorrow morning, and he'd just come back here to get his music. That was it. The thought about getting to know these people better was tempting, and he'd tried to talk himself out of being alone earlier...

Fuckit. He'd done stupider and managed to play coherently the next day. And if he didn't, well...he'd just have to ask the Quinns for more gigs. "Awright." He said. "But I might not, um...indulge myself as much, seeing as I have to drive home."

Or crash on the couch. Either way.

Following the cab was the easy part, as he pulled in gently behind to find a spot to park. The hard part was...well, convincing himself that they'd come to the right place. He stood outside, blinked in the rain fall, and shrugged. If Tara really wanted to prank him all she needed to do was pull a string or two on his guitar, he figured, and ambled his way inside. It appeared he was one of the last to arrive, if not the last, and while he took in the crowd of people...his gaze went to Tara first, and he gave her a nod, while also appraising whether he was 'allowed' to be here.

Not that he had much doubt, but Nate had been a little leery of being invited to others' parties before. At least to those of other musicians. But Tara wasn't really a musician in the sense that she wasn't a complete and utter asshole like many were.

It was probably why he wasn't professional, either.

 

[Vailyn]

There was no rhyme or reason to the way everyone showed up at the Church. It wasn't all at once in clumped groups designated by taxi cab space and it wasn't a slow trickle of ones and twos. Not that Tara knew exactly how the foyer and kitchen became full of people. All she really knew was that she opened to door to find Brooke, Joe and Ethan standing in a loose huddle of the not so appropriately dressed for the sudden cold and rain.

"Hey, guys! Come on in. It's gotten cold tonight."

"Holy shit, Tara! I feel like I need to be wearing church clothes." said Brooke as she came in first with Joe and Ethan following behind.

Tara chuckled at her comment and conflicted expression of curiosity, interest and what the freak. "God no! Not for my sake. Come in out of the drizzle freeze."

Joe smiled as he crossed the threshold and let out a whistle. "Wow, the place looks awesome, Tara." She grinned happily.

"Thanks! I never thought my first house would be a renovated church but it's really beautiful and just what I wanted. Come on, the kitchen is on the right through the swinging doors. Avery and I are making some late night snacks."

Just as Tara was about to close the door, when Ryan appeared out of the darkness and stepped into the cheerful porch light. Unlike the others, he was half soaked from the spastic rainfall. "Woah, Ryan, did you walk here?"

"I hope I'm not too late."

"Nah! Brooke, Joe and Ethan just showed up. Everyone is in the kitchen but you may want to use the bathroom. It's on the left side of the hallway."

She half turned to point it out to Ryan and turned to see Logan stepping out of a cab. "Hurry up and get in, Logan!" With a sudden shift of humor, Tara sang out to him a popular jazz song line:

"Baby, it's cold outside."

The petite Asian leaned against the heavy wooden door with one arm resting against the side and her hip cocked. Logan moved in his slow and steady fashion, stepping out of the cab and pulling his guitar case out with him. He shut the taxi door and walked into the Church with a thoughtful expression on his face.

"I think everyone is in the kitchen. Let's go join them."

As she lead Logan through the wide archway and swinging doors into the kitchen area, he said loud enough for the small group to hear. "Well, color me impressed..."

Logan set his instrument case down and prowled around a bit like a curious kid in an unexpected toy store. Tara gave out instructions for where the plates and glasses are for someone to pull them out of the cabinets while she checked the cheese toast in the oven. Logan's sudden appearance and voice at her side made her jump a little when asked, "How many rooms are you opening up? Because I am most interested."

"That's great! It would be fun to have another musician as a roommate. There are three rooms available and Avery has taken one of them. Do you want to take a look at it? It's the next room on the right when you leave the kitchen."

"The chance to room and jam with another musician always appeals."

"Yah! I loved our spontaneous jam tonight. The three of us mixed really well together and it didn't take much work for us to blend our styles. I haven't done that in months and missed it. I've grown up surrounded by musicians and artists my whole life. It was a bit strange to go without creative sharing while I got used to being in Seattle."

A loud commotion sounded out from the foyer as the door was kicked in and a familiar voice obnoxiously announced himself, "Who's Everyone's Favorite Asshat?"

Tara excused herself and walked into the hallway just in time to see Sid smacking Brian a good wallop on his rear end and chomping into the church dripping rain bits onto the wooden floor.

“I brought chips and bean dip. I think Goose brought us some fresh preserves from his farm,” Sid called out and dangled her plastic grocery bag. She zeroed in on Tara and walked through the swinging doors with an exclamation, “Holy shit fuck. How the fuck can you afford this place and work at Quinn’s? You got a sugar daddy on the side? What’s his number?”

Pushing Sid into the kitchen, Tara laughed as she grabbed Sid's arm and pulled her over to the kitchen counter. "Hey, who said being a musician means I have to be poor?" She joked as she ran get oven gloves and pull the cheese toast out of the oven. Just in time too! The tops were starting to get that dark brown burnt look but that's exactly the way Tara liked it.

The doorbell rang. Tara grabbed a hand towel, called Sid's name to gain her attention and threw it at the spunky woman as she left to answer the door. "You look like you need that, Sid-Rose."

Tara hustled out to open the door and found Nate waiting outside. "Nate! I'm glad you're here. Let's go join the others in the kitchen. I really loved our jam today. I want to talk to you and see if you're interested in making it more official. But we can talk later." she chattered as she lead him to the kitchen.

"Brian, I hope you brought alcohol like you promised or this may be a very quiet party!" Tara looked around the room and saw faces that she knew but she didn't really know anyone very well yet. The only person she's spent a lot of time talking to is Brian and she didn't know if that qualified. Most of their friendship was based on short comments about their lives, a lot of silly jokes that are growing more ribald over time and the ongoing grope war.

Sid tossed her snack and booze offerings onto the island counter as Brian placed his box of liquid death to the mix. Tara came up behind Brian, pinched his unguarded butt cheek with one hand as she leaned into his side and looked at what he brought. Her eyebrows raised. "Moonshine? Are you trying to kill us? Is it legal? Are you trying to get us trashed? It's a good thing we're not we're not playing Spin the Bottle, 5 Minutes of Heaven or Hell, or Truth or Dare."

 

[JadeKnight]

Ryan smiled for a moment at Tara's comment about using the bathroom.

"Yeah, I got a little wet out there. Thanks for letting me use the bathroom to clean up. I won't be more than a few minutes."

Not wanting to track any more water that he already was, Ryan slipped off his shoes and left them by the front door. He flexed his soak-covered toes for a moment before retreating to the quiet of the bathroom, closing the door as he turned on the light. He placed his hands on the edge of the porcelain sink as he stared at himself in the mirror. He took a deep breathe for a moment to calm himself.

Though he seemed calm and collected on the outside, he was nervous on the inside. He didn't participate in parties very often, but those he had were with his army buddies. Getting drunk wasn't the problem, but it was going to be dealing with other stuff. He had seen Sid smoking pot before, knew the smell by heart. Well, as long as he didn't smoke any, he should be fine.

"Nah, everything will be fine, as long as the police aren't called."

He doubted anybody was listening at the door, but if they had been listening, they might have thought he was a little crazy. The shirt stuck to his skin for a moment before releasing with a soft sucking sound. After carefully squeezing the wet material out, he laid it out over the edge of the sink.

Having spotting what he thought was Tara's hair-dryer, he determined it would help dry off his pants. After slipping off his pants, he took a few minutes to dry the wet denim to the point of being worn comfortably. Setting the hair-dryer back where it had been and redressing, Ryan used the towel to dry himself off. Long fingers ran through his short, dark hair, flicking droplets out.

"Much better."

A shirtless Ryan soon appeared in the kitchen with everyone.

"Hey, how are the snacks coming?"

He saw the bean dip that Sid had brought and made a face.

"Plain bean dip? I think we need a bit more for the party. Do you mind?"

He had spotted the chopped vegetables and cheese on the counter. Grabbing a nearby mixing bowl, he dumped three cans of bean dip in, followed by a handful of cheese chunks. Placing the bowl in the microwave, he set the timer for forty-five seconds before turning to the others. He pulled the bowl out of the microwave after the deep, mixing everything together with a spoon. Ryan set the party mix on the counter with a smile.

"Go ahead and try that."

 

[ArcticAvenue]

Brian Pulaski

Brian didn't need to fake it. Didn't need to fake anything. Following the ladies down the hall to the kitchen carrying the box of drinks, he still felt the warmth of Sid's hand on his backside ... and that just makes a guy want to smile. He wandered through the church halls looking around and listening to the conversations and descriptions taking in the impressive building. Somewhere between the compliments and the amazement, Brian just slipped in "Yeah, Tara, you did really good here." It was genuine, it was heartfelt.

But it wasn't Brain, and it didn't last. "To bad that now you are going to have to be a bunch of nuns here from now on."

Ryan took on the bean dip and started on snacks, so that was Brian's cue too. "Alright ladies," he called, "men have the kitchen. Give us the space." Moving around Ryan to make sure he had what he needed, Brian cracked the fridge and started to dig around inside. Bent over and digging through the stuff there he joked, "Geez, nuns sure do buy a lot of cheese and hot dogs. Any fruit or juice or ... Ah-Hah!" He pulled out a jug of lemonade, three oranges, and a can of that non-name energy drink that you can get for 3 for $5. Another grab to the freezer and he had ice, and frozen orange juice. "Score!!"

He dug around the cupboards and found stacks of glasses and what he really wanted, a nice big pitcher. He poured a little of the lemonade into a glass, testing it's tartness, and exaggerating the response. Tart was good for what he had in mind. He dumped a tray of ice into the pitcher, filled it fairly well with the lemonade, cut the oranges and squeezed them in too. Then with a toss, popped a jar of clear liquid from the box, spun it in his hand, cracked the lid, and poured half the jar into the pitcher. Grabbing a large spoon he got to work stirring the mix.

As he was working, he looked around at the crowd here, and it was a good crowd. So many of the rookies, so many of them needing this time to get to know those who were now in a way part of the family. Ryan was working away, like he has something to prove; but he probably does, he probably ain't that far from having some mad skills in the kitchen. There were the musicians, Nate and Logan, whom were good guys as best Brian could tell but he hadn't got much time to get to know them, maybe not just the kind of guys that Brian normally hung out with. Ethan was, well, Ethan. Kid Joe might be a good guy, he was pretty cool before he headed out and good to see him and all; but you never know with young guys.

Alright, maybe he is a bit unfair to the other guys at Quinn. Half his job is putting up with douche bags who think they are superior because a bar between us. Maybe that's why Brian hasn't had a bro since his ex fucked one. In truth, though, Brian hasn't really had a girlfriend since his ex either; and he's getting old enough these days to realize most guys aren't just guys, but competition.

Brian took a swig of the cocktail. Smooth, sweet, and with a light kick, a good way to start a night of drinking. "Jesus!! I needed that drink. Come on, nuns. Give it a try!" Next he knew glasses were filling and the pitcher emptied.

He started pulling the other jars out, spinning them so the labels were clear, not that it needed help. "So, the rest of these are basically brandy, but 80 to 100 proof brandy. Perfect for shots but sucks for putting the stoppers we use on the bottles at the bar. They are syrupy sweet, but the names don't lie. The fruit in them are real fruit too, but before you dig them out and eat them you can bet you won't be able to remember much the rest of the night."

Getting a good look at the jars he smiled, "Let's see if I can pick a flavor for y'all. Boys?" He said looking to the other guys in the room, "I ain't going to pick for you because the moment you think I think you need a fruit drink is the moment you will punch me." He slid jars across the counter, "but here is the straight stuff which is fine and all just not that interesting. There's blueberry, the strawberry. Joe, I expect you to eat that strawberry in there; it's like the worm in tequila if you were from the midwest."

Sliding another jar across the counter, "Brooke gets Blackberry. Its unique, and will make for a memorable night, that's for sure. Because knowing Brookey, once she goes Black, she'll never go back." Somewhere along the line, Brian looked on Brooke as a sister of sorts. A hot, blonde sister, but sister none the less. Or maybe a cousin. She's sweet, good hearted, and silently the two made it through what shit storms come and still keep digging away at the daily grind of Quinns. Maybe the kind of distance cousin that is still family but you still have an outside chance with.

"Avery," he said with a bit of a smirk. "She gets Apple pie. It's sweet, a bit of spice, and surprisingly strong. It doesn't have the fruit in it like the others, but that's because it doesn't need to entice, it just is. Still, one drink and you wonder what is hidden in there, what could be behind it all." With a quick shrug and a wink, "I just figured you bake a mean pie."

"Sid gets Cranberry," he said sliding the jar her way, "because it's tart, bold and nothing goes better with Goose than a sauced cranberry." It was corny, but it was Sid. The hard nut, the tough girl, the one that probably is equal parts someone you wanted to know everything about, and someone you would punch if hitting a girl was alright. On those quiet nights alone in his place, Sid finds his mind; and he begins to wonder that hard exterior that she shows is no different than the fake one he shows. Maybe he thinks cranberry because in the bogs where they are grown, when they are ready, they rise to the surface.

"That just leaves our hostess." He stepped next to Tara, putting his arm around her. "She opened her doors for us. For some of you she opened up her home. She sweetly stands next to be here for the her fellow co-worker. She is quick to sit down with the guys in the band, she cleans the kitchen when not asked, and she can keep up with the best damn bartender in all of Seattle. So here, in this cathedral she brought us too, I give to you no better drink that describes our Tara -- no better makes us think of her -- no one flavor that could do less to sum up who she is."

Reaching into the box he pulled out a jar and placed it in the middle of the counter.

Cherry.

 

[SortOfBeautiful]

Brooke was sure to stand next to Avery in the kitchen, thanking her vegetable-cutting efforts by sneaking pieces from the cutting board and popping them into her mouth. She was fucking starving, and having not eaten anything since her lunch break, she'd take anything she could get. And she knew well enough that if she planned on drinking, she better get some food in her stomach, fast.

When Ryan came in, Brooke smiled and nodded her hello, and only watched with curiosity as he took Sid's bean dip and added his own little flair to it. Brooke had no idea how it would taste, but after he put it in the microwave it sure smelled amazing.

"Oh my god, I have to try that." Brooke left Avery's side and went to try the chips with bean dip. That blonde waitress could eat anything and everything, and luckily her daily exercise routine helped keep her ass in shape. That, and she could thank her genetics for a good metabolism. Upon opening the bag, Brooke was the first to try the chips and dip, and with her mouth full, she smiled at Ryan and gave him the thumbs up. And then she took another.

When Brian arrived with the drinks, Brooke could have kissed him. She was more of a coke and rum or a tequila kind of girl, but...booze was booze. And she was always willing to try something new. And Brian? Well, she had known him for just about four years now, and she was pretty confident that she could say or do anything around him, and they'd still get along just fine.

Stepping out of the kitchen to let Brian put his little cocktail concoction together, Brooke figured it was probably best that she get out of there anyway before she ate everything. She busied herself with looking around, trying to decide if some of the decorations and furniture around them were Tara's taste, or if they belonged to the Church before she'd moved in.

"This place has a lot of character, Tara. It's beautiful. I'd just...be worried about it being haunted, or something." Brooke laughed, nervously, mostly because things like that scared the shit out of her. So, what? She believed in ghosts. She blamed all of the Ghost Adventures episodes she watched on her days off whenever it was raining.

Brooke's phone vibrated in her back pocket. Fishing it out of the tight denim pocket, she looked down. Carson, her cousin. What favor did he want now? A job? Brooke couldn't really help him with that. She only needed one guess to know that he was problem having girl troubles or money troubles, both of which was the only time he ever reached out to her. Well, at the moment, she couldn't help him with either right now. Turning off her phone, she slipped it back into her pocket.

"Jesus! I needed that drink. Come on, nuns. Give it a try!"

Brooke didn't know how she felt being called a 'nun', considering she was far from it, but she went with it. When she made her way back into the kitchen, Brian's pitcher was already emptied, but glasses were already poured and Brooke took one for herself. She hadn't seen Brian make the drink, or see what he put in it, but she took a small sip anyway. Almost immediately, her eyes squinted, watering, and she could feel the sweetness and the bitter taste of the alcohol on the tip of her tongue.

"Geez, if I keep drinking more of this, I won't be standing for very much longer tonight." She looked at her glass, then up at Brian again. "What else you got in there?" She asked, leaning in toward Brian to take a peek. Whether or not Brian actually personalized the drinks, or was winging his picks with each person would remain unseen. Still, she rolled her eyes and grinned.

"Brooke gets Blackberry. Its unique, and will make for a memorable night, that's for sure. Because knowing Brookey, once she goes Black, she'll never go back."

Brooke's mouth dropped open, and she wasn't sure if it was to laugh or if it was just from the shock. "Now you're just starting rumors. I love all...flavors." Grinning, she took her 'gift' and cradled it in both of her hands. She wanted a taste so bad, but...where was the fun in that if she just started sipping away?

"How are we supposed to drink this, anyway? This isn't really a party if we're all just drinking aimlessly and getting drunk. We need a game. Never have I ever. Something. Spin the bottle? I like where Tara's head is at." Her smile grew, and she looked over at Joe. She'd been to a few parties with him while he lived in the dorm the past few years when she came to visit, and they'd even played some drinking games of their own. This would be nothing new for them. Except this new likely tradition of partying at the church.

"Come on, bring that food over to the common room where we can all sit." She motioned to Ryan, Avery, and Ethan, waving them over to join them.

 

[Lachiyous]

Ethan Demas

Friday Night. 2:24am

Thump. Thump.

Drip. Drip. Puddle.

Frazzled. Ruffled. And wet, it seemed. All over...

But one -- he -- must(and did) press on.

If perchance, someone starts bleeding -- go ahead and tend to that open wound!
If upon circumstance, something catches on fire -- go ahead and extinguish that crackling flame!
If by rotten luck, something starts flooding -- well...go ahead and get drenched, get awkward, and for God's Sake...remove the water!

No time for distraction. No(more) moment for error. Not now. Not the anytime soon. He got back to. It. The job. His tasks at hand, and most. Specifically. Undoing what he had mistakenly. Unleashed. TARA of course helped him out. Big time. Were it not for his. Intense -- albeit frantic -- disposition, she might have. Well, he possibly could have. Hm. As it was, his blue eyes. Mostly. Were downcast. To the point, wherein he almost couldn't see/hear her. Or SID. Even BROOKE. No...

focus.

Focus.

FOCUS.

Somehow. Found myself in a mess. Okay. Time to get out of it. No if's, and's, or but's. These people, this establishment. Everyone. Counted on him. Depended on him. Required of him, to. Do. To clean. To wash. To operate and function as a. Member. Of the team. Of the staff. Not the opposite. And most certainly not to...

Create catastrophes. Disturbances. Or anything else, the greater. Un-helpful. Un-appreciated. Un-acceptable.

No. Nope. Not with every fiber of his being. Using the mop and bucket -- upon TARA's assistance again -- Ethan re-established. Control. Finally. Sucking up every. Single. Moistened surface. Smoothing it all down. With. A towel. Then, finishing up. The last of the. Dishes. Quickly, yet. Thoroughly. No spots. No stains. Lovely sparkles and smiling shimmers. Every. Last. Item. Cleansed. All surfaces. Re-wiped. Re-dried. And re-assessing. The whole area. Scanned. Once. Twice. And then some more...times. It was only after a. Rigorous. Twenty some minutes, and the mite of all his efforts. That he saw all as it. Should be. And then some.

Good. Much better!

Phew.

Bringing the mop and bucket back to their rightful place. Inside. The utility closet. It was about that time. The part-timer made his way. Around. To the employee lockers, unto his own. Wherein. He took off his drenched Apron. Gahh. His black Quinn's Polo shirt was just as soaked, along with the front of his blue jeans. Even the New Balance sneakers he had on! Mind on a mission back there, he thought. Nothing. Of the apparel he had on. Not that toweling off any of it would have done much. Peering inside his locker, there was a spare Polo. That was it. It...would have to do.

With a second -- dry -- shirt now encasing him, sockless sneakers, and pants that he tried to hand dry as best and fast as he could....

Shiver.

Ethan exited the building from the rear. Coming upon. His ten speed bike. Click-click-click-click-cliiiiiick! Unlocking it from the lamp post, and. Leading it. By wheel. Toward the front of the Resaturant, where upon the. Road. Was located. Gotta stay alert. This hour. No telling wha--

"Ethan!" Who...? He blinked, squinting his gaze. Slowly. Around, before. The lineup of yellow taxi cabs overtook him. Huh? One of them, the door. Open. Someone...was inside. Waving? "Come on, hop in! We're going to the Church! Well, Tara's house, er, whatever!" Fe-male? Was, was she supposed to be someone he knew? He...didn't really have time to be out. Much longer. An Eight Thirty AM class dictated as such. Hm. Still. That voice..? Walk - wheeling over a little. Closer. To ascertain a better. View.

His crystalline blue eyes. Opened. Wide. As they in took. A grinning BROOKE, the blonde pony tailed head waitress, awaiting him.(along with JOE, whom he couldn't see) Therein. Ooo....boy! She spoke on, extending him the furtherment, "...in! You can ride with us."

Swallow? Blink. Blink.

Deep breath.

All. All right. Some, something about. Going...somewhere. She wanted him to go some...somewhere. Huh?

Swallow. Clear throat.

Deep breath.

He found himself at the back of the vehicle, and. Tied down. His own transportation. Onto its popped, open. Trunk. Or at least he thought he did(hopefully he didn't just leave the bike there!).

Blurr. Blurr.

The next moment, he was to be. Seated. Unto the Taxi's back. Crammed. And cozy like. Unpleasantly forced. Yet personably, intimate. Right? She -- BROOKE -- so much. So. Close. She was closer to close? Closer than the closest close...to him. (and to JOE, on the other side) Her posterior had pressed. Upon. His right leg, though. His attention through her smile...

BROOKE's smile...

Her smile...

...had him, the long. The gone. So, why put up the fight?
========================================================================
Friday Night. [Between the Here and the Now]

Sunshine.

Clear, blue skies. Not a one. Cloud. In view, anywhere. Very slight, the gentle. Breeze. To pass. Through.

Rolling hills of. Grassland. The boundless and bundlement. Soft. The kind of surface one could just. Lay upon....forever. If. If and only, there were. To be. Company -- an amazing someone -- to intake this lovely Summer day, and. Share it. Why, then. That would be absolutely....

Breathtaking.

She. The girl. The blonde coiffed, female individual. With vivacious eyes. In a strapless, vibrant. Teal. High low dress. BROOKE.

Breathtaking. He couldn't resist, the. Temptation. To just...stare. Wordlessly. At her. The whole place -- the Sun, Sky, and fields of Grass -- all seemed to. Radiate. Their perfection, through. Her. That is, because of her. Nothing seemed wrong. Everything was right. And when she smiled? Her nose wrinkled....

My Goodness. Can one just capture. It. all, now. Please...

Oh! He motioned for her to come. Join. Him, it had almost slipped his mind. The surprise -- a gift of sorts -- he had in store. She laughed merrily, and looped her arm. Together. With his, as he led her. Barefoot. Down and up, across the landscape of...

Vegetation. Until they reached a very small. Trickle. Of water. Babbling through. Just on the other side. Appeared, quite the many. Stalks. Of some kind of flower? The golden inflorescence. Reaching up high, to the. Heavens. They almost looked. Like. Little....

Concentrate.

Yes! She squealed, gleefully, right next to him. Unable to help. Breaking out into a run. Toward. These...lovely...living. Decorative. Plants. He smiled widely, as she crossed the shallow. Water. Leaving him, none too far. Behind.

As he came up, slowly. Picking up. Her position, from the. Rear. She stood there. Before them all. And stared in wonderment. Some of the flowers reached up, to greet her. At her own height. Others, soared. So much higher up. Here, in the presence of. And she seemed so. Elated. By them, by this...place. As he was, by...

Her.

She turned to him, when he finally joined her. Placing. One, a gentle hand. Upon the small of her back. Eyes alight, her expression. Enthrallment, of all absolutes. She bit her lip some, a moment, before. Pouncing on top of him! To which he could only. Surrender himself, to her. Fit of giggles. Grinning down at him, victoriously. Him smiling up at her. Her nose was scrunched up....cutely. And..

That's when she kissed him. Ardently. On his lips.

Breathtaking. Why, not so far away...even the colony of Sunflowers approved!

The colony of Sunflowers approved!

The colony of Sunflowers approved....

"Spin the bottle, kiss who it lands on..."

??
========================================================================
Friday Night. 2:48am [Tara's Church-Home, in Seattle, Washington]

".......hrm..r.......mmhm..."

Glossed over eyes. Gradually. Became receptive to. Some clarity...

Blink. Blink. Blink. Blink.

Pant. Pant.

Swallow.

Al-though. Where...in the heck. Was he? Think. Thunk. Closing down, the. Restaurant. Getting his bike, to. Noo...there was a cab. Yes, the cab! To take him to. Some place. Some...Church? With...with.

Clearing throat.

Wha..? Had he. Did he. Look, looking around. Was he at the--?

Faces. All of these faces. His co-workers. His searching blue irises, flitting about. All over, yet not really focusing properly. Why. Was he here again? And, in his hands. He was holding something. A glass. Some kind of beverage. Juice perhaps. But, everyone, they all were. Aligned around, seated. In a circle...

"Spin the bottle, kiss who it lands on, then it's their turn." The what? Ethan zeroed in on the guy's voice. "If you happen to get the same person more than once I guess we start with a quick peck, then closed mouth, then open mouth followed by full blown making out.." It was JOE, the son of Mister Quinn! But...what was he. Talking. About?

Swallow. Concentrate! Please...

"Does that sound about right or have I missed something? Oh yeah, if you decide not to go through with the kiss then it's two penalty shots of the moonshine." KISS. Moonshine? A game...? He noticed JOE hold up a bottle before him. Hmm. Before long, the individual continued, "I'll even go first."

Ethan watched intently as JOE took a seat, his presumed place. Within. The circle, on the floor. It was then the empty bottle in the center. Core. And betwixt all, caught the young busboy's attention. JOE maneuvered it with his hands. Spinning. The glass container around, until...

The long neck and lip, slowly. Stopped. Pointing right before himself. Ethan! "Erm yeah, no way I'm drunk enough for that just yet," laughed JOE. "I don't think we know each other quite well enough either." The son of the boss then downed some beverage. Times two! "Whooo, ahem, your turn Ethan."

Okay. Spin. Uhm, kiss. Or drink.

Deep breath.

Smoothing his lips over, with his tongue. Ethan. Leaned up, on his. Hunches. His eyes just now acknowledging, the person. Female. Located to his left. BROOKE.

Blink. Blink. Blink.

CONCENTRATE!

Breathe.

The bottle, yes. Bottle in view. One hand extended, reaching for. It. Touuuch, and. SPIN!

Around, and.

Around, and.

Arouuuuund.

The.

Circle.

Over and over and over...as it halts. To its destination. He watches as the opening lags, to a. Crawl. Before shooting, its. Emptied hole, of an impression. In front of...a brunette!

'Sokay. Kiss, or. Drink, right?

Ethan pulled back, from his forward position, and. Slithered out. Of the circle(instead of making the much easier bee line), before standing.

Swallow. Deep breath.

And shuffling on over. Step...by...step, passing. Person...after...person. Outside the perimeter of co-workers, until. A brunette came into perception. A bare-chested one. RYAN....

He looked back to JOE for some support, or affirmation. His drink being set down as he considered his fellow busser. "Am I to understand -- is this some type of bonding exercise or something? I'm not sure I follow...." It was late. He was a lil' sleepy. But more importantly, for the life of him. He'd NEVER. Participated in this. SPIN. The. BOTTLE. There was really no basis of comparison for him. Not to mention, did he really. Drink(not that he had the clue that alcohol was even involved, as he had never even heard of Moonshine before!). "...but maybe I'm just out of the loop here? Still..." Getting down, and positioning himself next to RYAN. Why, it was at that moment. When he noticed the bottle wasn't pointing to this brunette at all. But rather, the next one over....

Hmm?

He cast his blue gaze on over. Slowly. To the person, upon RYAN's right side. Another dark haired individual. This one female. This one....

AVERY.

Intaking her countenance, in its entirety. Eyes. Widening, the mite for...

Her....

Oh, myyyyyy.....

It, it was late. He was maybe a lil' tired. Out and about, in the middle of the night. Instead. Perhaps. At home, asleep. For the early class tomorrow. But. But...what mattered now. What...what mattered now...

Whoaaaaa, AVERY...
========================================================================
Friday Night. [Between the Here and the Now]

Snap. Snap.

Craaackle, the flames flirted. Entwined. And danced, with. One -- each - other. Alive and wild, yet. Tame and encased, within. A fireplace.

Casting about, the only. Illumination. Within the dark of the room. Giving off. Warmth, and. Intimacy...

Yes. Exactly that. Under the fuzzy little. Blanket. She, with him. AVERY...tousled, shoulder length and chestnut waves. Tumbling, down. The side of her profile, as she faced him. Propped, up. On her elbow. He could see the some, of her. Alluring. Black floral net teddy, that had. Red bows, down her. Front. Peaking out, from beneath the fabric of the covering. Over top them both. Luminous, brown eyes peering at him. With such...life!

It could only be, by some. Miracle. Hand of God, even. A wish upon a very. Lucky Star. For any of this -- her -- to be possible. To be present. To be taking place. Truly. And, for that matter, yes. For all. Just...happening. How did he. How did he get so. Gosh. Darn...

Lucky? How was this unfolding, before him. Right now? Did she, did AVERY. KNOW. What something like this. What it could conceivably. Mean. To someone like him? To make a dream come true? How upon ever. Could, she. Be...privy? Things. It. They. Well...huhh. It just didn't work out that way, did it? It wasn't supposed to either, now was it? And yet, here she. Here he. Here they...

Were. Her lips curved, eyes lit up even more so. In exuberance. As she brought her face. Closer. To his, and. Pressing her lips, upon. His skin's surface, in. Many places. His forehead. His chin. Left cheek. Right cheek. The bridge of his nose. Atop each closed eyelid. Before finally...

His lips! Her hand upon him, caressing. His face. As the flecks of light, did the same to her own. Past her, closer. To the fire, lie. On the floor, just. The single of. One flower. Flower? Ahh, yes...

A red rose.

A red rose.

A red rose...
========================================================================
Friday Night. 2:57am [Tara's Church-Home, in Seattle, Washington]

"......."

His lips pursed. His lips pursed. His lips...were. Pursed...

For the kiss, of a. Lifetime. It was. He was. Wha..

Was?

Slow, slowly. The darkness of the past, dream. The light of this, moment. The transition between. And the residual. Shellshock, un. Dilated, his eyes.

Not...quickly, though.

As the person before him, transformed from. Blurred hue. Detailed form. To that of a person. Ethan curiously, helplessly, laid witness to AVERY before him now...

Gasp!

Avert. Eyes...now. Swallow.

Deep breath.

Glancing around the room. The circle. Everyone within it, except for. Him. He saw the empty bottle in the center. The bottle! Turning back to her, he couldn't help..

Swallow.

But wonder? Clearly he had no recollection, but had he. Had he. That is, to say. Did he actually...

K..i..s..s......AVERY?

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Oh dearrr....
========================================================================

 

[SweetAsSuga]

For the first time in a long time, too long actually, Avery felt that she could let her hair down. Relax and have fun in a way that she had always felt too guilty for. Before when she would try to hang out with friends, Dean was always there, telling her not to make a spectacle of herself. And, after Dylan was born, Avery had settled into the role of Perfect Mother, focusing all of her attention on her child and not making much time for herself. But here and now she was with co-workers, free of the shackles (not that she considered her son a shackle) she wore in every day life. This was her time to have fun, to be free and careless.

Damn this moonshine was kicking her ass.

Only three sips into the bottle and it was already working its magic as Avery settled into the ring of co-workers all set to play spin the bottle. God she hadn't played this in years. Not since her family had spent that summer in Burning Man when she was fifteen and she had her first kiss with Sun Rain (yes that was his real name. Avery wasn't the only one with hippies for parents) behind his parent's tent surrounded by the chorus of other giggling and teasing teens. The game brought back memories of a happier time and Avery was only too willing to join in the fun.

"Spin the bottle, kiss who it lands on, then it's their turn. If you happen to get the same person more than once I guess we start with a quick peck, then closed mouth, then open mouth followed by full blown making out, but it's up to you guys. Does that sound about right or have I missed something? Oh yeah, if you decide not to go through with the kiss then it's two penalty shots of the moonshine." Joe explained, taking charge of the already buzzed (at least Avery hoped she wasn't the only one already tipsy) group.

The bottle spun and Avery couldn't help the giggle that passed her lips as the bottle pointed at Ethan. Joe happily took a shot of moonshine. She watched as the bottle once again took a spin around the circle. Watched as it landed on...her!

Smiling at Ethan, who seemed to be in his own little world, Avery got on her knees so that she could reach across the circle.

"Alright, pucker up dish boy." She laughed. Maybe she was drunker than she thought. She cupped Ethan's face in her hands, pulling him closer. His eyes had the slightly glazed look of a man lost in a daydream. Placing her lips against his, Avery kissed him softly, her lips a whisper on his. She was just a bit too sloshed to care that this was the first man she'd kissed since leaving Dean. If she'd been sober, Avery would never have done it, but that was the nice thing about alcohol. Lower inhibitions meant no second guessing herself.

She could feel Ethan's lips move hesitantly against hers and, before he could get his bearings, she pulled away.

"My turn!" She said, reaching for the bottle. Setting it spinning, Avery wondered who it would land on. She didn't have long to wait, though, as the bottle soon came to rest on...Brian.

"Well, stud, show me what you got." Avery teased once more leaning forward. This time, she waited for Brain to take the lead.

 

[ArcticAvenue]

Brian Pulaski

Raising his fists to the ceiling, Brian yelled "Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!" With a glass of his shine cocktail down already, he had more than a little buzz going, and it was pretty clear everyone was already heading down a pretty good path.

He hopped up from his seat and walked agonizingly slowly over in front of Avery. With a flourish, he turned and sat down across her lap curling his arms around her neck. She may have huffed a bit by the sudden weight of him there, but laughter was unmistakable.

His brown eyes looked into hers, a smile growing wide and he teased, "go easy on my Avery. This is my first time."

He leaned in and softly pressed his lips to hers. He opened his lips slightly, sucking softly on hers. He lingered, tasting the sugary sweetness from the drink on her. He slid his hand down off her shoulder until it lie on her arm hovering just a short distance from the curve of her chest. Then he broke the kiss and leaned back, his face showing the excitement of the moment. He breathed, "Apple Pie."

Continuing to lie across Avery's lap he looked around the room sheepishly. "Let the great world spin, eh?" He leaned to grab the bottle and gave it a spin, still hanging on Avery.

The spin lasted too long, slowing too often towards a guy, speeding too fast past the gals. When it finally came to a stop, it pointed to ....

... well ....

no one.

It landed halfway between Tara and Sid, in a way that it didn't seem for sure which way you could make the call. Looking around the room, chewing on his lip animatedly he shrugged. "I guess I get a 3-some."

 

[KattDclaw]

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