Dickory

Dukes

"Is there a particular dress code?" Nines queried as Reed buttoned a black shirt, opting for a pair of dark jeans to wear with it. It was New Year's Eve, and the DPD was having their annual party at the Dukes nightclub in town. They didn't hire it out or anything, just let the club know they were coming, so the bar had extra stock. It was the same thing every year, so the club had been expecting the call. They'd turn up at seven to kick things off slowly, giving the older staff the chance to sip a few drinks and make merry before gradually sneaking off. As things started to liven up, they'd generally wish the younger staff a Happy New Year and slink away to Jimmy's for a quieter evening. Reed was almost disappointed that he was still counted as the younger crew, so he'd be stuck in the club with the pounding music and Tina dragging him around from pillar to post until at least midnight. Usually four or five in the morning.

"Not really, most people dress smart-but-casual...You know, a nice shirt and slacks or whatever." Reed ran a hand over his neat stubble thoughtfully, examining himself in the vanity mirror. He'd only trimmed it that morning, so it was good enough for a night of drinking. "Anyway, get dressed. You'll have a great time...Probably..." he added thoughtfully, unsure whether clubbing would really be Nines' scene. It wasn't really even his scene anymore. He probably wouldn't go if not for Tina nagging him about it via text. She'd complained multiple times that she'd been dumped by him and he was spending all of his time with Nines. He sort of felt bad because it was pretty much true. He hadn't had a night out with Tina since around the time Nines started working with him, not since that one time with Aaron and the others. Even then, he'd sat opposite Nines and barely talked to her.

"I'm sure it will be...eventful," Nines agreed almost reluctantly, slipping into a dark turtleneck and slacks. Chloe and Elijah were heading to The Maple Hotel, having been invited by Joanna to the party there. Reed would have gone with them if not for the DPD event. Is it sad that I'd much rather just stay in and lie on the sofa with Pips and a dumb movie? Shit, I'm getting old...Nines drove them there in Reed's car. He wasn't planning on drinking and even if he did, the alcohol wouldn't affect his systems. Elijah hadn't quite found the right balance yet.

"Gavin! Gavin! Gav-Gav-Gav-Gav!" Tina squealed over the pulsing music as they entered the still fairly empty club. So far it was only staff from the DPD inside. Regular folks would probably start turning up later. Reed accepted the tight embrace as Tina clung to his neck and squeaked in his ear. She was light as a feather as she lifted her feet, clinging to him gleefully. Judging by her pitch, he assumed she was about five drinks in at this point. Luckily, Miller was there too, laughing affectionately as he peeled her off. It seemed he was pacing himself and keeping an eye on things for now. "It's been ages! You need to try one of these!" Tina insisted as she pushed her own drink into his hand.

"What is it?" Reed asked warily as he sniffed it. It smelled sweet and there were three different colours in it. It was pretty, like a sunset. Nines was also looking at it curiously, accepting the glass as Reed offered it. His LED pulsed red as he sipped and drew back, looking at the beverage as if it had offended him somehow. Reed laughed, wishing he had camera eyes like Nines so he could record the look of sheer disgust and befuddlement. He'd never actually seen Nines look like that before. "Too sweet?" he asked teasingly as Nines stared at the coloured layers, his LED spinning yellow as he analysed.

"The amount of alcohol in this beverage is truly alarming. You should not consume it," Nines warned as Reed took back the glass. He snorted in response as he took a sip himself. There was a little burn on his tongue. It didn't seem overly strong, but it's a cocktail. It's probably hidden under all the juice. He led the way to the bar, where he lounged beside Tina and signalled for two more. The bartender was human and fixed their drinks without using measures before pausing across from Nines. "Uh, thirium?" The young man waving obligingly towards a row of blue bottles. Nines left it up to the barman to decide. The drinks were already paid for by the DPD, so they didn't need to worry about prices. Explains why Tina's so phcking tipsy.