[SFW VERSION]
🌹 There's something wonderful in those who stare death in the face. Even in a world wracked by relentless calamity, flowers blossom between a sea of corpses, the shapeless crimson rivers marched over by mechanical instruments of mass...
For some, spirits are a blessing and a curse. For others, they probably shouldn't touch them with a 10-foot pole.
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"Praytell, does my Lord wish to join me in dabbling in the indulgence of spirits on this fine... fine day?"
Scarlet's so wasted, she can barely keep her eyes open. A full bottle of alcohol hangs loosely in her fingers, and she gently waves it around like a baseless flag, willing you to take it. The contents slosh around inside, looking about as appetizing as ever, but she's just chosen the wrong time to offer a dose of mind-numbing serum.
"Any other time," you tell her. "Sorry."
Scarlet looks taken aback, throwing her hand to her chest in a show of mindless surprise. "My word! Doth thou intend to have me imbibe alone?"
"I have work to do. And I don't need an even bigger headache."
"A few good swigs and all the headaches simply... wash away."
You sigh. "No and no."
With that, Scarlet defuses. She turns on her heels, heading for the door after having taken rejection more bitter than the likes of her spirits. "Hmph. Fine. If you wish to be rude, I'll find a new partner to share in the pleasantries of—" She stops to hiccup.
Bored, you lift your eyes to the door and slouch over your desk, just waiting for her to be gone for now. "Watch your step."
"Excuse—?"
Thump.
Scarlet's forehead stamps right into the wall next to the doorway. Guess that's what she gets for coming in here wasted and out of touch... again. She recoils, pulling her head back and shooting you a biting glare.
"I knew what... where exactly I was going!"
You nod slowly. "Mmhm."
"Good day!" she exclaims and... whoosh. She's gone. Gone like the wind, and soon-to-be gone like the contents of her bottle. Whoever she morphs into a drinking partner might just be your new favorite person. You like a good drink — in strict moderation, unlike her — but from now on, it seems you'll be dodging more of Scarlet's more desperate attempts at drinking together. That's like dodging a freight train, considering her mannerisms have been spiraling out of control lately for one reason or another.
You shake your head, silently recite a prayer for Scarlet's safety, and get back to the grind. Those calls aren't gonna make themselves, and one of them unfortunately involves Syuen, so you're bound to be in for a killer headache soon.
* * *
4 hours later...
Your phone rings. Right on time, too. You were seconds from falling asleep right on top of your desk for probably the eleventh time this week. The sound of the ringer startles you fully awake and you hurry to answer it in case you weren't aware of any other calls prior.
