commander

party

Torra

Nala walked down the stars calmly, like she hadn't just ended such a commitment. I loved her, and I thought she loved me. She didn't have a reasonable explanation from ending things. I didn't do anything wrong. Still, she walked happily, a pep in her step. She smiled for the crowds, laughing and having a fun time with everyone.

Sasha separated from Andi and Nala, grabbing two glasses and filling them. "Here. You need this." Sasha passed me a glass and took a sip of her own. "How are you holding up? Nala talked to me." Sasha told.

"What did she say?"

"Something about how her mother and Elliot weren't good to her, she didn't want you to be the same." Sasha blandly informed before taking a long sip of her drink.

"She broke things off, because she was . . . scared?" Nala, of all people was scared of something that had no chance of happening. "I need to go talk to her."

"You shouldn't. She's trying to go talk to her mother, start filing some holes in the story." Sasha advised. "Her mother already doesn't like you, wouldn't make bad things worse."

"She doesn't like me?" I was kind of surprised. She pretended to be kind, making her shallow, but she at least tried. I think.

"Thinks you're too old. Pretty sure I caught something else in Tononor about how 'she's too petite for his ruggedness' or some shit. Anya has no idea who Nala is." Sasha said, her breath already smelling a bit of alcohol.

I watched Nala for a bit, though her mother never came up. At this point, Nala hadn't touch the drink in her hand, only lifting up to her lips, never sipping.

Nala

I watched as Andi and Sasha were slowly whisked away from reality, their drinks doing exactly what I wanted: altering reality. I was smiling, laughing every time Andi tripped over her boot laces, but couldn't even start on amusement, let alone enjoyment. I poured the alcohol onto the ground, mixing with the other puddles of mysterious liquids, going to find a pregnancy-safe drink. I bumped into somebody standing up straight. They turned around quick, swinging their elbow fast. Luckily, I managed to duck before my cheek had a nice bruise.

Cody, the elbow-swinger, quickly apologized. "I had no idea you were right there. I couldn't listen to one more word about metal chains in armor to enhance quickness."

"Bye Roan!" I waved, immediately knowing that Cody was talking to Roan.

"Why aren't you . . .?" Cody began to ask why I wasn't drunk.

"Shitfaced? Why aren't you?" I replied. "Couldn't risk ruining your . . . physique?" I flirted.

"Right on the money." Cody confirmed. "Why aren't you? Couldn't risk ruining your physique?"

"A very attractive man said, and I quote, 'right on the money'." I repeated. Cody smoldered handsomely. "What exactly did you do to earn Napoli ambassador? I'm guessing a sexy smile could only get you so far."

"My sister volunteered me. She said 'I would bring Napoli out of the mud'." Cody quoted. "I don't exactly know why she did though."

"So it isn't on your own merit you are now ambassador?" I was going to make it increasingly difficult for Cody to prove himself. It's what men want. To prove themselves.

"She volunteered me to be considered a candidate. I continued the brief campaign solo." Cody corrected, walking towards me and towering over my head.

"Well then, please excuse me. I need a moment with a friend." I excused myself before walking over to Andi, who looked green from dancing and vodka.