I Have Been Chosen

Oliver 19

Saturday 7th February

Oliver spent the majority of the next day hanging out with Kara. All of the mental preparation he had made leading up to celebrating Zeke's birthday had seemed to disappear after last night, and now he had to regain it all again in time before they set off for the meeting spot.

Fortunately, with enough junk food and trash tv shows to distract him, Oliver gained enough energy to socialise on a Saturday at a busy bar. He returned home to get ready and change, finding choosing any outfit a challenge.

He had consulted the weather forecast, it was going to be fairly chilly outside, but he was promised to be indoors where it was warm for the majority of the evening. Besides, once he was drunk enough, he wouldn't care about the temperature or anything, to be honest. It was like when Oliver was drinking, all of his nervous habits disappeared like he was a normal functioning human who didn't have to wash his hands every time even such as his nail touched a bin or had to wear the same matching material socks; otherwise, he could not focus on anything else.

His eyes scanned his wardrobe, drawn to the more brightly coloured items of clothing as it was a special occasion and wearing something bold was the norm. Kara had already confirmed her level of effort into her appearance tonight, so Oliver could gauge what level he should be at.

However, he found himself just staring at one particular jumper, the burnt orange number made out of thin, soft cotton, so soft to the touch. Arden had gifted this to him. Oliver supposed it was his favourite, not because Arden gave it to him, no there were some gifts Arden gave that Oliver didn't particularly care for, but this one in particular... he remembered the confidence it gave him, how its softness felt protective like a layer of skin that was hugging you back... no wait that sounded horrifying.

Not wanting to waste any more time, Oliver chose the burnt orange jumper, regaining that old sense of self, finding his posture not so stiff but relaxed yet still straight and strong.

He took the bus to the city centre, meeting Kara, who was at the bus stop, waving at him as he got off and thanked the driver. They walked together to the meeting spot, a pub called The Drunkard's Keep. It was apparently just the band members meeting here, and then they were going to a club afterwards where Zeke's other friends were going to be.

The birthday boy himself was already there, along with Rheanna, Darren and Sasha.

Kara gave Zeke a massive hug before throwing her present at him at his head. Oliver's gift, as he had not known Zeke long enough, was to buy him a few drinks on him. After Zeke and Kara told Oliver what they wanted to drink, he went to the bar, ordering a whiskey and cola for Kara, an amaretto sour for Zeke, and then a mojito and a couple of shots of tequila for himself.

He returned, and Kara eyed the shots.

"Ooh, what did you get?" she asked. "Tequila?"

"Yep," said Oliver downing one. Kara was about to grab a shot, but Oliver snatched it away, drinking that one too.

Kara scowled.

"Wow, slow down there, Oliver," said Darren. "The nights only young."

"It is necessary if I am to socialise for this long in such a busy place," explained Oliver. "Trust me."

"Oh, Oliver's drinking! Oliver's drinking!" Zeke chanted, putting his arm around Oliver's shoulder. "What are you like when you're drunk? Are you fun?"

Oliver raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying I am not fun?"

"I dunno, would you do karaoke when you're sober?" asked Zeke with a mischievous grin. "Because that's what we're going to do when it hits seven!"

Oliver froze. "Kareoke?"