Demons and Diners

Champagne and Chances

"You're late!" PJ whisper-shouts as he approaches, two champagne flutes in hand. He pushes one at Chris, who's just smiling like a fool. "Dan, you look nice," I look down, staring at the floor by my feet. I notice he doesn't hand me a drink, as he did with Chris. "No, you probably shouldn't drink this stuff. It's a bit stronger than what you're used to, trust me." How...can he read my mind or something?

I'm about to ask aloud, but he answers for me. "Yes, but before you freak out, I'm not doing it all the time. Chris," he turns his attention, "can you not do that here?" I must look very confused, because Chris glances my way and sputters a laugh while PJ runs his free hand across his now-flushed face and takes a long drink of his champagne.

"I'm sorry, but it's so easy!" Chris tries to control a fit of giggles as PJ pulls him away, evidently to scold him. "Have fun, Dan!" Chris calls over his shoulder, smiling mischievously.

All the anxiety that my friends had kept at bay comes sweeping back in a tidal wave. I glance around, searching for any other familiar faces, and am sorely disappointed to find none. At least I don't look stupid, according to PJ...I meander over to the bar, hoping to look casual, and snag one of the many champagne flutes sitting out. No way I'm getting through this sober, I decide, taking a sip.

I almost choke; PJ was right, the alcohol is far stronger than I expect for champagne. But the warmth spreads in my chest and stomach is enough of a distraction, so I take another - much smaller - sip. I decide to just people-watch - demon-watch? - and try to guess which of the party guests is a demon versus a human. Some are easier than others, sporting the clear marks of non-humans, but others are far subtler; I try not to stare for too long for fear of being caught, but nobody seems to notice me, and I grow bolder as the alcohol takes effect.

Definitely a demon, nobody has naturally purple eyes. Uh, that guy's human, maybe? Okay, claws? Demon. Demon, demon, demon, human, demon. I suddenly feel very alone, grabbing another flute of champagne from the bar behind me. Guess there really aren't too many humans here, are there? The music floats around in the background, though I can't see a band or DJ booth, and it's soothing. I sway slightly, and I'm not sure if it's the music or the buzz in my bloodstream that triggers it.

A hand gently pulls the half-full champagne glass from my hands, and I look over to see Phil standing beside me, dressed immaculately in a traditional black suit.

"You may want to go easy on that, I haven't even given my toast yet," he's smirking, and I cross my arms, trying to act composed - though the sight of him is very distracting.

"I can drink when I like, thanks very much. And I can hold my liquor," I say the words, but my tongue is thick in my mouth. I really hope that wasn't slurred...but if he noticed, he doesn't say anything. Instead, I find his eyes traveling my body, and I'm suddenly very self-conscious. I knew this shirt was stupid, this whole outfit was stupid, I mean, who am I kidding? I can't pull off white pants...

Suddenly, Phil's lips are at my ear, and I shudder involuntarily. "I could pull them off for you," he whispers, and a shiver runs up my spine. Did he just...? Before I can say anything, before I can react, he's halfway across the room and holding a champagne flute of his own in the air. He's clearing his throat, and the rest of the room hoists their own glasses. I'm still paralyzed, the tickle of his breath in my ear and the words still running circles in my head. Was he...flirting? If my face wasn't red from the alcohol, it certainly was now.

"Thank you all for being here this evening. As most of you know, this is the six-hundred and fifty seventh anniversary of our founding, and we wouldn't be where we are today without each and every one of you. You know I'm not one for long-winded speeches," a few chuckles around the room, "so I'll keep it short and sweet - I owe everything we have to you, so please enjoy yourselves tonight. Here's to another year of prosperity, friendship, and community!" His voice isn't loud, despite the size of the room, but it carries. I find myself staring unabashedly at his figure; he is, truly, beautiful, and I can't shake what he said earlier. Fucking hell, I think I want that...