Seatmates in the senate, seatmates din sa inuman. It was Tropang Angat's Christmas Party, though they were incomplete, it still went through. It was a small gathering with delicious food. Teddy hosted and with him hosting meant na hindi mawawala ang alcohol. There were more bottles of Smirnoff and Soju than the amount of Cordon Bleu in the now empty tray. Risa and Antonio were seatmates as per usual.
"We should have another party kapag umuwi na si Atty. Leni. Kailangan kumpleto tayo." Teddy said.
"Oo nga... Bonding natin and kamustahan na din." Risa said as she drank some Mule.
"Parang for that to happen kailangan na natin tumigil uminom kasi baka hindi na tayo makagising bukas! Ang dami mong binili, pare!" Tonio said which earned laughs from everyone, including Risa.
They then talked about their plans and possible chances for them to run again in the next elections. Risa took a mental note— even how foggy her mind already is because of the alcohol— to convince Tonio again for the midterm elections when they're both sober.
"Kamusta naman, Ris? We know it's been hard the past months." Alex asked.
"Wala sa kanya yan!" Tonio butted in when she was supposed to answer. "Eto pa! Walang inuurungan 'to!" He rested his arm on Risa's shoulders and laughed.
Risa laughed, and well, it's a lie to say na hindi comfortable position nila both cause it was. A little closer and she'd be making Tonio her backrest.
"It's hard but okay na din. May nagagawa naman kahit ang toxic minsan but para sa atin at para sa mga Pilipino lahat na 'to diba?"
She felt Tonio's hand brush and caress her arm.
"We're always here for you, Sen. Alam mo yan." Teddy said.
"Salamat sa inyong supporta palagi! Happy!" Risa exclaimed and smiled.
The others then talked about other things. Chismis sa politika, personal lives, and all that but Risa and Tonio had their own world.
"I'm so proud of you, Ris."
Risa stared at him blankly. Tonio is not the kind of person to express his feelings or personal thoughts especially when it involves emotion so it was a surprise to her.
"Sorry. Just had the urge to say that cause you really don't get enough credit with everything you do." He continued.
"All in a day's work naman and for the betterment of the Philippines naman ang lahat. I just hope that all the blood, sweat, and tears are worth it in the end."
"It will be, Ris. It will be."
They sat in comfortable silence after that. Tonio's hand were still on Risa's shoulders and they both know they miss each other.
The baddasses in the senate. The pair that is seen as a threat to some of the Majority Leaders.
He scooted his chair and is nearer to Risa than before. It was easier for his arms to be on her shoulders and more comfortable but that earned a questioning look from Risa.
"What are you doing?"
"It's Christmas, it's cold and we're both single, so I think we should definitely use this opportunity to share some body warmth. Alam kong giniginaw ka, sino ba nagsabi sayo na mag sleeveless when alam mo na it's cold around this part of the year?"
"Akala ko kasi indoors ang party... and are you asking me out?"
"Did I ask you out?" He questioned. "Do you want me to ask you out?" He continued.
"Ewan ko sa'yo." She got off his arms.
Risa started opening another bottle of Soju which he stopped.
"Tama na yan, Ris. Maya maya nanaman. Ang pula na ng ilong mo pwede ka ng kapalit ni Rudolph. Risa the Rednosed Reindeer!"
"Ang annoying mo, alam mo yun?" She rolled her eyes.
Tonio chuckled, "Risa, the Rednosed, Redcheeked, and the most beautiful senator, do you wanna have dinner with me?" He asked.
