Trad Oak & Diamond Frost - Vale drink trip
Diamond left the combat class still slumped. She was utterly useless, and nothing infuriated her more than being useless in front of the gun wielding chump. But alas even with the treatment, her spells in a magnitude that would actually affect the aquatic grimm took too long to cast for their aim to be true. Likewise her shadows can only effectively reach that far before she had to make them too thin.
The rest of the day dragged on in similar manner, with her computer in that class just refusing to boot up. She dragged herself to the gardens, wanting to just disappear for a while so noone would bother her with even more emotional baggage today.
Trad sat waiting for sometime but no one ever came back to the dorms. Was there a party or something? Whatever they were up to he was tired of sitting around. He's nerves will still on edge after talking with Ozpin and now waiting to meet his teammates just killed him with suspense. He needed a smoke and bad.
Getting off the bed Trad briskly exited the dorms to avoid running into anyone. Soon as he was outside he reached into his pocket and pulled out his pack, which he found to be empty. Cursing this day he knew going back in would just put him on edge more, then he remembered the gardens where he met that character Diamond. It might not have worked before, but maybe a walk through the garden would relax him.
Strolling around trying to keep his mind off everything, his eyes caught sight of a familiar black hat walking around as well. The upset expression on her face made it seem like she just had a close relative die. He knew she wasn't one for conversation, but the last time they talked it seemed to help, why not try again? “Well looks who's here? If I didn't know better I'd say you live in these gardens.”
It didn’t take long before the thug spotted a familiar mane of blond. “You just choose the same time to come around as I do.” she shrugged, “Violating my sacred grounds.” she huffed. “Sorry, shitty day.” Diamond apologized, rubbing her eyes. “Ruined a friendship, was useless at class, that kinda shitty. I don’t think a smoke is gonna cut it today, I’m thinking about going to the town and getting wasted. And how are you today?”
Trad shook his head, “No need to apologize, my day hasn't been the greatest either. Missed my mission and lost my team.” He considered her offer for drinks. Getting wasted before meeting his team might not give the best first impression, but at this point he didn't really care. “Normally I'm not big on getting drunk, but I'm out of cigs and in desperate need of a pick me up… What the hell! Lead the way.”
Wordlessly Diamond thrown over her pack in a silent offer. Now she was a little curious about how one goes about losing their team, but figured it’d be something to talk about over a glass. “I hope you don’t mind Althesian stuff. Can’t go home but can do that.” she grinned.
One airship flight and wondering what was a bunch of oafs doing at the lake later, the duo started walking in the direction of diamond’s pub of choice. Her bad luck held consistent though, as the mother of all downpours started bombarding them with
even more water. Cursing under her breath, she pointed to the nearest establishment. “That will have to do!”
Of all the times to not have his shield on him, it had to be when they needed an umbrella. Without questioning it Trad ran into the bar Diamond pointed to. “This place doesn't seem too bad.” He said looking around and wringing out his pony tail. There was nothing big or flashy about this bar, wooden tables and chairs occupied by everyday workers looking to get away from their troubles. Just what the doctor ordered.
Spotting an empty table next to a fireplace, Trad nudged Diamond and motioned toward it. “That looks like a good spot.” They made their way over and took the seats closest to the fire, helping dry off the two soaking sods. The waitress didn’t waste anytime getting to them so they could order their drinks. When they arrived Trad spoke first, “So… This ruined friendship. Anything you want to talk about?”
Putting her coat on the hanger, Diamond grabbed the menu hungrily from the waitress. “Not until I have a glass in my hand, possibly in my stomach. Ah! Good. Bring us a round… a bottle of this, please.”
Blinking a few times, the waitress regained her composure and left for the desired liquid. Setting in one of the seats next to the fireplace, Diamond sighed in relief. “At least the place looks nice. I got a favorite already but this looks like something worth revisiting.” she observed, along with the position of most security sensors, but she kept that for herself.
Another waiter came with her bottle. “Fortunately they do have some whiskey.” she said, allowing a small smile on her face. “Well actually it’s 182 year old oak barrel made special family recipe sipping whiskey.” the waiter informed, “Very expensive and… refined.”
Oh, so that’s what it was, she didn’t look posh enough? “Oh really asshole? Well watch this.” she grumbled under her breath and emptied the glass in an instant, enjoying the taste of delicious house fire it left behind. “We’ll ‘sip’ the whole bottle, thank you.”
Trad hadn't realized how hoity-toity this bar really was until the waiter started talking about the whiskey. “Oh, refined you say? We apologize, we didn't realize how upper class this establishment was. I mean, I clearly didn't take notice of your other patrons.” Trad pointed behind the waiter to a man who was passed out in a pool of drool still with a glass in his hand. “Our money is good, that's all that matters. Now if you'll excuse us.” He waved the waiter off and watched him walk away offended and defeated.
With that out of the way Trad poured some of the whiskey into a glass and drank it down just like Diamond had, only he ended up having a rather large choking fit. “I’ll have to admit *cough gag* it’s been some time since I've gone out drinking.” any on lookers would have thought this hilarious, the large norseman being out drank by a small street girl.
“I usually go out to have ‘a’ drink, not to get shitfaced, but today is just worth it. I liked this stuff over anything else ever since I was fift- I mean, legal.” the thug said, playing with the glass in her hand. “I ditched Amy on a date. Yeah, didn’t work out too well.” she sighed, sinking into the chair. “Probably caught her in a bad mood as well. I’m not sad about the not dating her part but she’s the only person here that
really knows me. I hoped to keep on good terms but man did I fuck that up...”
“Hey, if you two have as much history as you say, I'm sure she’ll come around. Maybe she just needs some time to realize friends is all you two are, and that’s not a bad thing at all.” Trad was hoping his words were encouraging, but this sort of thing wasn't really his strong suit. “Besides, you're not the only one to let her down.” Trad poured himself another glass. “Remember that huge mission was freaking out about going on? I missed it.” He downed the glass and although he didn't choke this time, he's eyes shut tight as his face twisted trying to hold back the burning.
“There was an emergency back home, family was being threatened and I had to go stop it. But in my haste I forgot to request time away. School thought I had left for good and when I got back my spot on BAST had been taken.” He looked into the bottom of his glass picturing what his old team's faces must have looked like when they discovered his disappearance.
“Ow. Team killed by bureaucracy. Who knew?” Diamond winced. She never was one for doing things by the book. “Although It would appear getting new faces assigned to you is quite common.” she noted, taking another ‘sip’ before elaborating, “It’s only me and Oswald left from Moderation really. First we swapped Aurelius for emerald - who is the cutest little thing - and then tank nut for a rifle nut. I mean I get it, some people have family emergencies, some just realize this is too much for them, but come on! ‘Those will be with you for the next four years’ my left foot.” she said in a bad Ozpin impersonation.
The waitress from before came to ask if they’d be eating, which for herself Diamond politely declined. She was still sober enough to know she would most likely be throwing up later, and it would all go to waste. besides, it would make her get drunk less quick. “gosh, I want to forget today happened. I mean first that, and then of all things we fought an aquatic grimm in class - and I can’t bloody swim! I’m scared shitless of water bodies deeper than I can reach. I mean, it’s insane! Why would humans even go on sea? If an island can’t support itself without shipments of whatever leave it to the demons for gods’ sake! There is no point building seafaring vessels any more!” Diamond whined her frustrations out.
“Huh. I didn't realize everyone was being mixed and matched so much.” Trad put his glass down and rubbed his chin. Perhaps his situation wasn't as bad as he previously thought. “Emerald eh? She wouldn't have anything to do with you missing your date?” He couldn't help but tease. After all, pretty faces can sometimes be more than enough to make one rethink things.
When the waitress came back he initially was going to decline food, but he was starting to get somewhat hungry. Maybe just something to snack on would be good. “I'll have an order of fries.” The waitress nodded and left.
“Someone who acts as tough as you, I'm surprised something like water scares you. “ Trad poured another glass but decided to savor it a bit this time. “I don't know, I can think of a few people who would love to be far away from all real society. A secluded island might be their dream, even if it isn't self sustaining. Who knows, maybe there's a group of fish faunus doing just that.” He relaxed in his chair more, swirling his glass before taking a drink.
“Key word, acts.” Diamond grunted, “Everybody has their demons, I more than most. I just make damn sure no one knows.”
especially Oswald. He oughta be the kind who wouldn’t take kindly to that. the ex-thief thought bitterly. Her mood was improving though - she wasn’t sure it was the warm fire, the warm drink or just talking about her problems, or the combination of all three. “Oh, by the way, I picked up a few skills after the last mission. Ice?” Snapping her fingers her eyes flashed a bright blue and a few ice cubes materialized from thin air and dropped into her glass.
“Witch craft!” Trad humorously acted horrified by the trick but quickly returned to normal. “That's pretty cool actually… pun unintended.” He found his joke rather funny, most likely due to his dulling senses. “Sometimes I wish I could do nifty tricks like that, even if they are rather simple.” At that time the waitress came with a plate of fries and set them in front of Trad. He thanked her and she once more walked off. “Well, I guess one trick I have is making food vanish in an instant.” He grabbed a large handful of the salty snacks and crammed them into his mouth, then chased them with another swig of whiskey. “Want some?”
“Pun appreciated none the less. And since you offered…” Diamond grinned, the color of her eye glow changing from blue to white as one piece of the potato meal shot from the plate right into the wall a few paces away from her. “Whoops. That still needs work. Or maybe less booze in the system.” she scratched her head nervously. “Speaking of tricks, I never actually see you fight. Mind a spar sometime later? Sometime sober...”
“Eh, I'm sure you've got it when you can aim straight. “ Trad grabbed another fry and a grin appeared as Diamond offered to spar. “Absolutely. But I'll have to warn you, it'll take more than ice cubes and fry launching to beat me, though I assume those aren't your main methods of attack.”
“Correct. More to fill up a gap I have at long range. But you shall see for yourself.” Diamond smiled, chugging another glass. Her vision was getting, well… unsteady at this point. “Ey, how good are you holding down your drinks? I think… Imma have trouble walking in oh, half an hour.” she noted with a stupid grin.
Trad leaned back in his chair and laughed, “I think I'll be good on that front, but things aren't exactly focused if you're wanting me to drive.” He attempted to stand and see how his balance was. A little wobbly but he steadied himself with the table. “Let's hope there aren't very many obstacles on the way back.” He dropped back in his chair, “and that the rain is gone, I'd like to see clearly.”
“I’ll drink to that!” Diamond cheered. Mission was going rather well. “But maybe we should reserve a cab - while I still can. Later I might just ask for a clowncar or a tank. I could blame the latter on going from memory.” she snickered. It felt like a lot longer than a week since she started here with all the changes.
When Diamond cheered her drink, Trad realized in all this drunken fun, they had forgot the most important thing for drinking with friends, toasting. “Here,” he raised his glass in the air spilling some of his drink on the table. “To our teammates! The old, the current, and whatever new sons of bitches we end up with next week!”
“Hear hear!” Diamond nodded. Their voices were probably getting a bit loud, because the staff was starting to give them the occasional eye, something the thief noticed even in her state. “Let’s do something for fun! Is that a dartboard I see?”
One nearly eyeless patron of the pub later, the duo found themselves on the street. “Well f* them.” Diamond spat.
“I knew we should have called after the third tie.” Trad shook his head at the situation, but almost lost his balance in doing so. “Well, I'm still sober enough to walk, but juuust drunk enough to want to keep going. What else we got around here?” He stumbled into the road and surveyed the area as best he could to see what was open. Most places were just closing up with a few open for maybe a few more hours. “Hmmm… I got nothing. Anywhere around here you know of still open?”
“Know of, sure. Still opeeeennn… we shall see lad.” Diamond said, waving an arm with a pointed finger forward and wobbling in the direction. Intending to continue to her original destination, her confused sense of direction had her going in strange patterns, guessing the turns more than remembering. “I could have sworn Vale was not this big!” It took about an hour through which their condition worsened, until a moment of breathtaking clarity struck them: “I’m hammered!” she exclaimed after seeing the bar they originally left.
“I guess it's a sign.” Trad pointing to the sign next to the bar showing the way back to the airdocks they came from. “Least we won't have to rely on memory to get back there. Come on, let's get out before we get lost again.” Following their original path and using a few landmarks they stumbled back to the airships.
It was getting dark, AND harder to walk straight. Trad was probably having an easier time as his large build (and, undoubtedly, larger liver) had easier time processing the whisky. “Woo, scary neighborhood! hihi~” she giggled stupidly, but wasn’t incorrect. The scene was just like a place where someone would ambush you. Dark, only a few street lamps providing a speck of light, one of them flickering and making an uncomfortable buzz.
As if on cue, a flock of small nevermores approached from above.
“Diamond, I hope you have some sort of weapon on you because we have incoming!” This was just great, first he needed his shield for rain and now for an actual fight!
“That's it, I'm never leaving that thing in its locker again.” Trad thought to himself as he pulled up his scroll and punched in their location. His locker would take some time to get there but he was sure they could fend the nevermores off until then.
Before Trad’s locker could arrive, Diamond started
laughing at the question he asked. The four or so shadows she was casting at the moment form all the street lamps shot to the sky like very flat, deadly lances. Waving her arms, Diamond made the shadows not only skewer the black birds as they tried to flock them, but also slice them apart, covering her white coat in slowly evaporating black gore. The laughing fit she sunk into made her look a bit loony.
Just as she was done gutting the last nevermore, Trad’s locker slammed into the road next to them, sending her giggling all over again. “That was… like that time!” she said, a look of recalling particularly horrible memories on her face ending her giggles as suddenly as they started.
Trad almost didn’t notice his locker slam down watching the nevermore be eviscerated by the shadows. All he could think when he actually went to open his locker was that where ever they were going to spar was brightly lite.
One nevermore however had stayed behind sitting atop a street light. As soon as an opening was shown it dove at Diamond only to be met with a barrage of bullets painting its blood on the nearby building before it vanished. Trad lowered Gram which was in its assault form and let out a depressed sigh. “Really? I only get one? I thought we were both supposed to have fun.” He was attempting to lighten the situation as Diamond once more had an unsettling look on her face. Gram switched back into a sword and was sheathed away for later. “And now I have this to deal with.” He pointed at his locker smashed into the pavement. “I really hope these things have a call back function cause I'm not carrying it back.”
“Well you could always sleep in it and have it delivered in the morning.” Diamond grinned as they resumed their walk to the airfields. Fortunately as her walking become even more unsteady, nothing else attacked them. If she could remember why she went out in the first place, she would definitely call it a success.
As fast as they got there the two drunkards ended up back at Beacon outside the dorms. Their shenanigans must have gone on much later than they thought as the sky was now pitch black without a soul in sight. Trying carefully to open the door in quietly, Trad turned to his hammered friend. “Think you can find your way to your room or do I have to walk you back there as well?”
“I’ll be *hic* fine. Everyone’s probably asleep. Hopefully Glynda too. Tis past curfew.” Diamond frowned, waving Trad goodbye. Unlike the pre-mission hookups for a smoke, she doubted this kind of drinking would be appealing on regular basis.
“Right then. See ya in class tomorrow.” Trad waved bye as well and somehow made his way back to his new dorm. Passing by the others sleeping he grabbed an available bed, dropped his equipment next to it and passed out in an instant.
