We Like To Party

Even if Shinobu didn't see it, the resemblance was emblazoned on Cassie's soul. She couldn't unsee it.

She consciously shut her mouth and composed herself. "I'm gonna get us a snack..." She said quietly, and excused herself from the theater to scurry off to the tables in the back for some reprieve from the company and for food.

Meanwhile, on the screen, Taylor was working a nasty single leg crab on Angel's battered leg. Angel's expression and the sound of her screams were both presented loud and clear in high definition. Jess could hardly watch.

"Daaaaaaaang."

Alaina was still fuming when she got to the theater. Normaly she would be glued to the match, but she was so distracted by Mamouru that she needed a drink.

"That back stabbing, womanizing sack of shit...." Alaina muttered as she poured herself a small glass of whiskey. She didn't want yo cause a scene and she figured a strong drink would help her relax.... and cover the fact that she is a terrible liar. She gave him everything and this is what he does? He told her he was fucking other women as casually as she would talk about buying sneakers!

Sadly for Alaina the whiskey was firing her up, not calming her down. Her body language was already betraying her as a scowl was afixed to her face, in stark contrast to the usual cheerful expression she had.

It was turning out to be quite a night!

... Perhaps in more ways than one depending on who you happened to ask.

Fortunately, Avery remained blissfully ignorant of the drama that threatened to cast a shadow over their night of celebration. With so many new and familiar faces, it was simply impossible for the fiery redhead to keep up. However, if that fact actually bothered Ave it certainly did not show. She was transfixed, like most people in the room, on the action unfolding on the big screen. She smiled, finding herself reliving the adventures of that fateful night.

The spectacular battle played out marvelously before their eyes, but it paled in comparison to the actual experience of witnessing Taylor and Angel go to war firsthand. Avery's attention eventually drifted from the screen. She scanned the audience for Taylor herself, though she quickly realized the object of her endearing gaze was unmistakably missing from the party.

Weird.

The contemplating gesture eventually brought Ave's attention upon another person of interest. The tomboy made her approach, stepping up from behind the Amazon and gently easing her arm over Alaina's shoulders, "Can you guess who was just flirting with Akashi?~" Ave batted her eyelashes and flashed a coy, silly, grin. Had they really been flirting? Admittedly, she was in no position to argue with the dubious and persuasive influence of the liquor currently coursing through her body.  

It only took a moment for Avery to take note of Alaina's sour disposition; she certainly knew that look. "... Oh, shit. What's wrong, dude?" Ave's smile faltered, she eased up on her distraught colleague with a look of concern.

Alaina got a mild laugh out of Avery's words as she came over. Alaina was a bit like that when she was younger.... minus the flirting with women part. "Heh... nice." Alaina said, trying to sound happy, but failing to do so. She sighed as the noise from the match didn't even register. It was just background noise.

However, Avery was here and showing that she was worried. Alaina knew at this point that hiding her inner turmoil was useless. She took a deep breath before speaking. "Guess who just got dumped by her boyfriend after he told her he'd been screwing around behind her back?" Alaina finally said gulping down the rest of her glass of whiskey. "I just.... its a party and I don't want to drag everyone down ya know? I am cool just hanging out if you want to get back to everyone."

Avery blinked, "Wow. What a dickbag."

Who breaks up with someone at a frickin' party? What the hell is Mamouru thinking?

Admittedly, Alaina's circumstances were out of Avery's control, but the passionate redhead still felt her emotions seethe. Despite her contemptuous train of thought, she found difficulty in allowing herself to become too judgmental; it likely wasn't her place. On the other hand, Alaina had welcomed Avery wholeheartedly since the two became acquainted. The self-described Amazon came off as extremely good-natured; perhaps, even to a fault.

Whatever the circumstances, Ave wasn't about to leave Alaina hanging in her time of need.

"Heeey, you're not dragging anyone down, alright?" She'd claim a nearby shot glass as she spoke, filling both it and Alaina's glass. "I'm not going anywhere, especially if you need someone to talk to," Avery let the offer hang in the air a moment. She didn't want to seem too presumptuous. "Or if you'd prefer we both just forget about that jerk, that's fine too." Finally, she raised her glass out to Alaina with a sympathetic smile, "Either way, I got your back."

Alaina smiled genuinely. Ave's show of solidarity meant a lot to her. Ave was an energetic sweetie. Alaina figured she was lucky to still have people like that in her life....even if one such person just stabbed her in the back.

"Thanks, I mean it." Alaina said to Ave as she drank more whiskey. "Forget him ya know? Its his loss, n' I don't care how many women he bangs because he's missing the total package right here." Alaina said, her intoxication becoming more pronounced as she drunkenly pointed at herself hopping up and down slightly, in turn making her breasts bounce. "I am lucky to know people like you Ave. If you ever need anything just let me know, I owe you for this." Alaina got up and gave Ave a big, bear crushing hug. She was still angry but much less so. Still, when Alaina saw Mamouru she wasn't quite sure how she would react.

If the whiskey had its way... she would ama-bomb him through a table.

Joining Alaina in her shot, Avery downed her whiskey with a quick motion. Her freckled visage scrunched almost immediately, "Ugh, that's teeerrible! Pffth!" The redhead's expression continued to sour against the harsh burn. It turned out whiskey wasn't exactly her liquor of choice.

Did she even have a liquor of choice?

In truth, her prior experiences with alcohol were juvenile at best. Even in Japan, Avery wasn't legally allowed to consume alcohol, but it seemed that little fact was being quietly overlooked at this party. Avery appreciated that. Despite her young age, she was quite comfortable with the concept of taking care of herself. She liked to believe she was fairly responsible. That particular outlook was up for debate, however, if she actually forced herself to suck down any more of that vile whiskey.  

Avery's momentary displeasure quickly shifted into helpless laughter; Alaina's drunken antics didn't help! Finding herself wrapped in an impromptu bear hug, the tipsy redhead gave a girlish squeak. With her cheeks thoroughly flushed, Avery patted the Amazon's back meekly and managed to stubbornly choke out her playful disdain, "... Ughh, you're crazy! How can you even drink that stuff!?"

Alaina was further cheered up by Ace coming over although there was still a complex mix of sadness and anger simmering below the surface. Alaina gave Ace a hug, the whiskey continued to kick in.

"Whats up? Ace this is Avery Shields, she is staying here hanging out ad training just like I am but she ismalready damn awesome! Avery this is Silver Ace, crazy good ass kicker!" Alaina said, offering up introductions that were a little different from her usual. Everyone else seemed to be happy, when she was the only one having a bad time from what she could tell.

Alaina decided to tell Ace of her most recent development. Whiskey however may have altered her explaination just a little. "So I just found out that captain fuckstick broke up with me and was cheating on me with other women. He said that he didn't want to lead me on anymore and ended it because he cared for me. Can ya believe that bullshit?"