All Work & No Play

[amongthethorns]

[Honestly, they're all exhausted - not tired but just worn out physically - after getting called all the way over here to help deal with a sudden rapid spike of missing souls which had been caused, unsurprisingly by an influx of demons. It was an odd thing and they still needed to pinpoint the origin of this matter, after all. Neither they nor the Paris Reapers could figure out what can caused an entire legion of Hells most foul to ascend on the city of lights.

Thankfully, with the five of them working pulled through just fine even if Alan was just a junior and Ronald was a rookie still. 

At least the hotel was nice even if they had to bunk up; two beds to each room. At least they had adjoining rooms so if they wanted they could throw the door between the two rooms open and interact.

Alan closed the field kit he'd been using to tend even their most minor of injuries; huffing out a tired but relieved breath. His chest ached just slightly and his shoulders slumped a little bit.] 

Well, that was certainly interesting if I don't say so myself. I know we've still got a few more days here in the city just to make sure things are well in hand an find answers, but what do we do for now? I mean - what do you even do in Paris?   

[He turned toward his bed where a rather large suitcase was tucking the field kit away. He'd brought a few things with him. They'd put all their belongings into this singular suitcase - fresh suits, documentations they needed when they went to Paris's dispatch branch for briefings and reports, a few other odds and ends.]

Comments

[amongthethorns]

[Ah, well it's Ronald and he can't lie to that face. That'd be just terrible! What kind of example would he be setting? Sure he could let Ronald give him a drink to chug as forfeit but then that's as good as admitting it anyway, right?]

We kissed. [Why yes his face is darkened by a blush before he motioned with his drink.] There is no need for an official anything. It was only a kiss. [His gaze is fixing on William and Grell.] Unlike you two, we're not bickering like an old married couple.

Grell - Truth or Dare?

[ochitashinigami]

Yeah... I mean... just a... [Eric is just sputtering now, but he takes a breath and regains his composure.] I mean, we're on vacation.

[likeits1889]

[ Cue a whistle. ]

Just a kiss, eh?

[ Look, Lisa! You can see the exact point where his heart breaks! But Ron's not gonna say anything. He's a good boy. But he is sideyeing Eric. Just a bit. ]

Right! [ And he gets up, heading back to the stash of drinks he'd brought. ]

Anyone need a top-up? I've got most anything you lot could want here. Night's still young'n all!

[dead_serious]

[ The air around them all had quickly gone from lighthearted to awkward in the matter of one go around. And William doesn't help that in the slightest. He pointedly looks at Grell, a frown creasing his brow. ]

I am not in denial. [ Then his eyes flick to Alan. ] Because we are not in a relationship.

[ But Eric...oh boy, that icy glare's on you now. ]

And this is not a vacation.

[ Ronald, you've escaped this time! But he's sure to get a glare sometime tonight. ]

[untodeath]

[ Grell positively COOS when Alan drops that juicy tidbit— and look at Eric squirm!

Oh, and he thinks that she and Will ought to be married, or some such. That’s enjoyable, as well.

With a wink to William’s glare, Grell takes one more mighty swig before setting the bottle aside, sweeping her hands through her hair, and sitting up pretty and tall!! ]

Well, then, we must make it twice as fun, hmm? Dare.

[amongthethorns]

Yes, well.

[He tossed his white wine back then clapped his hands together before moving to sit on the floor. He's about to get drunk and he can't stumble or fall to the floor is he's already there. Sound logic, Humphries.]

Ronnie, be a love and bring me something stronger. Something not frightfully bitter if you please.

[He hummed.] A dare for Grell.. let's see. Oh, I know. I dare you to show us the most unflattering picture you have of yourself. I know there has to be one/i>.

[ochitashinigami]

[Eric looks back at Will]

I didn't mean it like that.. we're away from home!

[dead_serious]

[ William's icy stare will stay on Eric for a moment more, just to be certain the reprimand was clear to him. Once certain he makes a mildly intrigued glance between Alan and Grell. This could be an interesting dare. He's certain she must have tons of photos of herself, if her social media posts are any indication. ]

https://hairmotive.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/80s-Layered-Haircuts-for-Long-Hair.jpg

[untodeath]

[ Initially, the look that she gives Alan is one of disappointment. Her head cants off to the side, a hand planted firmly on her hip. ]

Why would I keep a poor photo of my—. . .

[ Oh, BUT THEN, SHE REMEMBERS— and she’s completely given it away, so she relents with a sigh.

With credit to their fabulous hammer space, she materializes a photo album! Flipping through its old dusty sleeves, before long, she gives a declarative AH❤️!

Climbing down from her perch and relocating herself to the armrest of William’s chair, she lays the book flat for all to see: a group photo of their Dispatch department, from a party... in 1984.

Yes, they’re ALL dressed in the latest style (for the time). ]

Ugh. See that? An excellent depiction of Madonna, if she were less Like A Virgin and more Bloody Mary. [ She says, tapping over her image. ] And that hair ? Problematic. But, damn, were we feeling ourselves.

[ Speaking of feeling themselves... on the opposite page, there’s also some Polaroids of Grell, wearing that same outfit, but missing various of the more crucial pieces. There’s a lot of leather, but way more skin. Of course, William will be getting an eyeful, where he’s been restrained to. ]

[amongthethorns]

[Alan had, had his reasons for asking. Now he was sitting forward looking at the picture with a hum. He remembers this and he hates it. Death but he looks horrible. Those jeans, the dirty annoyingly yellow sneakers, the god awful sweater . At least his hair had looked nice?]

I guess that qualifies. I remember that hair style. I can understand why you didn't like it though I'm certain we all have regrets from the 80's. Goodness knows. I'm certain we'll have more.

[He sat back.] very well your turn to pick someone.

[ochitashinigami]

[Eric scratches his head] I don't need a picture. I looked cool. [He mutters.]

[dead_serious]

[ William's about set to shove Grell off his chair when she holds out the photo album. Luckily for her, it catches his attention quickly enough. But, oh god... that outfit he's wearing. The color, the shoulder pads, even the hair... ]

How you ever got me to dress that way, I will never understand.

[ Thankfully, this decade has been better when it comes to men's casual day wear, because-- ok now those other photos of Grell have finally been noticed and, yup, she's getting shoved off! ]

[untodeath]

[ The pastels... oh, why!! It has her laughing already, but once he pushes her off, she topples over with something of a scream-laugh?!

Well, until the album hits the floor, and the photos slide out. She just picks herself up to look at the mess. ]

Oh. [ A tick of the tongue, as she scoops up the first bundle of photos - and gestures them William’s way! ]

Alright, Sir, for that— truth or dare?

[amongthethorns]

[Alan laughs softly.] The shoulder pads were a bit much back then weren't they? You'll never catch me in those again that's for sure. I'd look a bit strange with such boxy shoulders.

[It would look rather comical with his small frame for his shoulders to jut out so much. He wrinkled his nose.] At least we had a good time. I can say that much even if we did look utterly ridiculous.

[ochitashinigami]

"You looked fine." Eric says softly to Alan.

comes back late without starbucks

[likeits1889]

[ Cue an appreciative whistle as he circles is seat, peering over Grell's shoulder to get a better look at the pic. ]

Blimey, questionable times those... questionable times... the blooming hell were we ALL thinking, eh?

[ Says Mr Still Casually Fashionable with his denim on denim getup... but that HAIR, Ron. The mess of it all. Not at all as stylish as his usual look. ]

But some of us still looked better'n most, I'd say.

[ Though the shoulders DO look goofy on Bill... but at least Alan looks decent. ]

It'd be another age'n a half 'til all that comes back in style... and I'd be glad for it!

you're fired, knox

[dead_serious]

[ They all look ridiculous, in his opinion. Thankfully, the reaper work attire has remained mostly the same since he came to work there.

William re-situates himself in his chair, shaking his head. It isn't until the others remain quiet for a spell that he realises Grell had chosen him. Maybe he's had a bit much if his mind is lagging, so to speak. ]

Dare.

[ Yup, that gin is getting to him. ]

\o/ time to pick up the partyyy

[untodeath]

[ Grell had busied herself with picking up the photos - but a couple of pages in, she decides that she just slightly too drunk for this, and ends up scooping them between the pages just enough to deposit the album back into hammerspace.

But, before she rids of it, she whips out her phone to snap a picture of that throwback photo. ]

Shall we put on the coffee, darling?

[ Grell snickers, whilst tapping the edge of her phone daintily against her lips. ]

In the meanwhile~... You must allow me to give you a makeover — and snap a photo!

[amongthethorns]

I think you're just trying to sweet talk me.

[When had he finished his wine off? Ah well. He's just going to get another drink. One of those ones Ronald brought with him didn't seem too bad, so he's just twisting the cap off and settling only now he's leaning on Eric a little.]

I hope it'll be a bit longer than that, Ronnie. [He snorted.] A makeover? I need to see this. If you do it I'll get up and make sure everything is prepped for coffee whenever you like.

[ochitashinigami]

I wouldn't mind some coffee too.

[Ah but now Alan is leaning on him and he's distracted again. He tentatively drapes an arm over his shoulder. Because that's what buddies do, right?]

[likeits1889]

Coffee, eh?

[ Oh, he's got his eye on Eric... and pff that's so totally blatant. Buuuut the mood got heavy enough as it was earlier so he's not gonna call anyone out. Just the smallest knowing smirk thrown his way before he gets up from his seat. ]

I'd be more'n happy to give you a hand with that, Mister Humphries! Just point me in the right direction.

[dead_serious]

[ William has to shake his head at all the youngsters taking Grell's coffee comment literally. Even he, as foggy as his mind has gotten from the drinks, realised she was teasing him for picking dare - something sober William would have never done! Unfortunately, though he may have caught onto that bit, he's blissfully unaware of what kind of makeover Grell intends to give him. ]

Rather tame choice for you, but fine.

[untodeath]

What’s this, is everyone curbing off the drinks already?

[ Though Grell is clearly amused by this, she shakes her head at them in disappointment!! ]

I think you might be starting to show your age.

[ Wait, she almost missed that— did William just... agree?! The dumbfounded blink she gives only lasts a split second, before she’s on her feet! ]

Really? Well, then, I suppose we ought to get started - but you’ll still need to think of something for the next person, darling.

[ In the meanwhile, she’s going to retrieve her oversized makeup bag from her luggage! ]

[amongthethorns]

[He's clicking his tongue to the roof of his mouth before giving a shrug of his shoulders before ticking his reasons off on his fingers.]

Firstly, Age has nothing to do with it, Senior Sutcliffe.
Secondly, Mister Spears must be a wee bit sauced to agree to a make-over from you.
Thirdly, Of the four of us I don't drink often so this is going to be an interesting evening.

[There's a pause as he glances at his fingers. Fourthly? Was it fourthly? Whatever, he motions with his hand dismissively.]

And Finally, since I normally make coffee at the office - even if we don't drink it now it wouldn't hurt to have the coffee pre-prepped for making since some of us; namely me, will likely be wishing they were quite deceased in the morning.

[Cue him motioning to Ronald his other hand patting Eric's knee briefly. He might be beaming like a proud parent. He also might be a teeny bit drunk.]

See? My sweet Ronnie understands me. What a good lad. Trained and mentored him properly - why I practically raised him. William leactures his work ethic. Eric takes him to pubs for drinking and flirting lessons, I reckon. I teach him everything else. Now, I get to teach him how to brew a proper coffee.

[ochitashinigami]

"You make wonderful coffee." He squeezes Alan's shoulder, but I'm sure Ronald can figure it out." Just when Alan is leaning against him. "As for the bars, Ronald and I are just amusing ourselves.