(Untitled)

[balletrat]

*Meg is sitting on a stool, her back against the bar, watching the rest of the room; there's a half-empty cup of coffee in her hands.

She looks . . . on edge.*

Comments

[e_delmar]

Well, he doesn't mean to, that's for sure, but when he goes to get a drink from the bar, can't quite help it when his arm knocks into hers, spilling a bit of each of their drinks.

"Sorry, there, Miss Meg."

[e_delmar]

Ennis blinks a few times, looking at her almost like he don't believe her.

[balletrat]

It's beautiful, *Meg says, firmly.*

I'd take you to see it -

*An infinitesimal pause, before she adds, her voice exactly the same,* If I could, I would, I mean. As it is you'll have to get someone else to.

[e_delmar]

He hangs his head, just a little, and moves his arm closer, just a little, and nods, just a little.

"Sorry 'bout that, miss."

[balletrat]

*Meg shrugs, and offers him a small smile.*

Eh bien - I'm not the only person who's Bound, am I? Lots of us in the same boat.

. . . without it being a literal boat, 'cause then we'd all be awfully seasick.

[e_delmar]

Ennis doesn't snicker.

Okay, maybe he does. Just a little.

[balletrat]

*Meg looks serene.*

I just don't like to imagine what would happen if poor Bar got seasick. I mean - would all the drinks show up green?

[e_delmar]

. . .

Right, then.

"Ain't drinking nothing green."

[balletrat]

- you've never had absinthe?

*Meg is shocked, SHOCKED.*

[e_delmar]

Had it? He ain't never heard of it. He looks at her with a blank stare.

[balletrat]

*Meg is still staring.*

Dieu, Ennis - it's only the single most alcoholic beverage in all of time. You've never heard of it even?

[e_delmar]

". . .no?"

[balletrat]

That settles it, *Meg announces, with a decisive air.*

I'm ordering some - though, *she adds, fixing him with a stern look,* you don't want more than about a sip. Trust me on this.

*Bar, helpfully, has already provided a green bottle.*

[e_delmar]

He raises an eyebrow skeptically but waits and watches as the bottle appears, and glasses, and Meg pours.

[balletrat]

*Meg hands him a glass, ceremoniously, and repeats her warning:* Remember, not more than a sip. I'm really too small to carry you upstairs.

[e_delmar]

Yeah, right. A sip. Ennis drinks about what he would from a shot glass.

And promptly coughs and sputters.