Raise a Glass [OPEN]

[lordshield]

Who: The XV Cast and You!
When: June 6th
Where: Curti Center, Jiminy's Juicery (bar)
What: After saving innocents from the Dream Width, some people just need a drink.
Warnings/Notes: Alcohol consumption, possible violence, whatever people do in bars.

Their first foray into the search and rescue business in the Dream Width had been intense, to say the least. Stressful, heartbreaking, exhausting, and enlightening were other words some might use to describe the experience. After a night of rest and a day to somewhat sort things and people out, the next evening brings about a mighty need to head to the local tavern. Some drink to forget, some drink to remember, some drink to relax. There are even representatives of the Bard's Guild providing live music. You can try to make a request, but chances are they don't know your foreign songs.

Maybe you were invited by one of the excitable young men from Lucis, or maybe you came on your own. There's enough room in the bar for quite a few people, so long as they're of age. Sit right at the bar, or pull up chairs around a table, the choice is yours.

[OoC: Make your own toplevel or tag around. Please put content warnings as necessary. Have fun!]

Comments

[lordshield]

The gleam died when it was his son that settled beside him, but Clarus wasn't one to launch into a bad mood at the slightest hint of trouble. Actually he somewhat was, but he'd refrain. Regardless of their disagreements, Gladiolus was his son and he loved him. the boy just didn't have the experience Clarus did...

"It is now," he noted as the younger man sat without permission. It didn't bother him, obviously Gladiolus was a stubborn Amicitia, as they all were, and he'd have his moment regardless. Clarus likely would have done the same, though he never dared intrude on his mother when she was in a foul mood. Ah the younger generation...

"Shots?" He repeated, motioning to the wall of alcohol before them.

[hashtagdaddy]

He let out a breath he didn't remember holding when his dad didn't immediately tell him to fuck off. Honestly, he'd barely had time to adjust to seeing Clarus in the flesh again and suddenly they were this close to trading blows.

Gladio's face softened, some of the tension he'd been carrying melting away at the invitation for shots, and he smiled at his father.

"Pick your poison, sir. If I'm gonna drink you under the table, I have to make sure you like what you're downin'."

[lordshield]

The elder shield could hardly help the snort that came out with that challenge from his son. "Cor the Immortal has never been able to out-drink me," he informed his son. "I doubt you will. I have been engaging in drinking games since long before you were even a thought. Rarely have I met my match."

But he planned to let Gladiolus think he might win at some point. Maybe.

He scanned the wall a moment before pointing to a short, wide bottle. "Bartender, ten shots of the gold label, please." He returned his gaze to his son and shrugged nonchalantly. "As a start."

[hashtagdaddy]

Gladio grinned roguishly and settled into his seat, more than ready to start the challenge. "Maybe tonight's the night then, Dad."

Five shots were how Gladio started most of his nights out with the Glaive, so he figured this would be a piece of cake. When the glasses arrived, he lined them up in two neat rows and raised the first one.

"A toast, to forgettin' the bad shit and enjoyin' what we've got here." Sure, it's a little sentimental but Gladio can't believe he's able to enjoy a drink with his dad again. And he really didn't want their fight at the house to ruin anything.

Their shot glasses clinked and he downed the first shot, placing the glass upside down on the table when done before lifting up the second glass. The alcohol burned pleasantly on its way down and without missing a beat Gladio looked at Clarus with a raised eyebrow. "Your turn, old man."

[lordshield]

"Maybe." Clarus had his pride, but he wasn't a prideful man. If Gladiolus beat him in a drinking contest... well it seemed like an unusual thing to be proud of, but the elder shield really would be. A strong constitution was nothing to scoff about. It also meant, from a more practical standpoint, that one would be more resistant to poisons. Hopefully Gladiolus never had to face such a threat, as Clarus hadn't aside from wild beasts, but it was nice to know regardless.

The toast was simple and agreeable enough, and Clarus knocked back the drink without flinching. He took a moment more to pick up his second glass, examining the amber contents before focusing back on his son. "To family; blood and found."

Down went the second shot, and once again Clarus paused before picking up his third. The longer they waited between, the better the alcohol could settle in and start to absorb in their systems.

[hashtagdaddy]

The second shot burned less and Gladio would blame any possible wetness in his eyes on the perfectly succinct and hearfelt toast his father had offered up. The days after Insomnia's fall had been difficult, and that was putting it mildly. He's known his father had to be dead and in the time he spent waiting to hear about Iris, Gladio's only thoughts centered on his blood family and on protecting his found family.

But here in this world, his father was alive and Iris was here too and he couldn't ask for more.

Picking up the third shot, Gladio took a moment to think on what his next toast would be. Deciding on a few words, he lifted his glass.

"To a good man, a great father, an' a damn excellent Shield." How could he not honor his father? With an earnest smile, he gulped down the third shot and again set his glass face down on the bar.

[lordshield]

One of the advantages, or disadvantages, to getting older was less sensitive taste buds. Of course the alcohol still wafted into his nose and threatened to clear his sinuses, but he didn't react to the elixir as he once might have.

The last bit got a bit of a wry look out of the older Shield. Some shield he was, him and his king both dead. But... he mentally reminded himself that they'd made their peace and knew that night would be their last. Well, they'd calculated it would be, anyhow. And their sacrifice was for their children. He knocked back the third without a word before reaching for the fourth, no hesitation this time.

"To my son, who has made me prouder than any father in this world or any other." Clink, drink, and down.

[hashtagdaddy]

Shot number four went down smoother than silk and Gladio regarded his father with warm eyes. Hearing that his dad is genuinely proud of him is ... special. As a man of action over words, his dad would often show that he was proud and that he loved his son (and his daughter, of course, but seldom did he say the words. And though Gladio never needed to hear them to know, having the words spoken to him means a lot more than he can convey.

For their last shot of this round, the younger Shield decides to honor those to whom they pledge their lives. "To the Crown."

He swallows his drink, thinking about the Crown's future and wondering about Altissia. Out of the corner of his eye he spots Ignis, and makes a note to talk to him.

Later though. For now he sets his glass down and gives Clarus a serious look. "Dad, what were you talking about before? At the house - about the Fall."