Emily followed Mary through a sea of people, doing her best to avoid their flailing arms and legs. She wasn't sure they'd reach their destination without incident, but soon Mary had elbowed her way through the crowd and was shouting instructions to a stoic bartender. Emily thought it wise to hang back rather than attempting to join her friend and proceeded to people watch.

She didn't want to admit that she was looking for anyone in particular, and just hoped no one would ask. She half-hoped she'd see Tristan walking through the door-at the very least she'd hopefully be able to sort out some kind of reaction. She hadn't seen nor heard from him since the wedding, and even most of that was a nightmarish blur of half-formed memories.

It seemed several ages passed before Mary was making her way back from the bar, carefully carrying a pair of drinks.

Mary: "I went ahead and had a couple shots at the bar. I figured that was the fastest way to the dance floor."
Emily: "So let's see, by my calculations it takes you no fewer than three shots of liquid idiocy before you'll join me, so I have to dance on my own for at least another ten minutes."
Mary: "Damn straight, woman. But I'll be just over here so if anyone tries to grope you inappropriately-"
Emily: "As opposed to the appropriate sort of groping."
Mary: "Yes, exactly. So if they try anything, I can easily kick their ass for you. Assuming, of course, you don't beat me to it."

Emily: "I'm glad you've got my back, Mary. I shall go enjoy the musical offerings of DJ Italic Squirrel until such time as you're unaware enough of your surroundings to join me."
Mary: "Is that really his name?"
Emily: "That's what the posters say, so I can only assume."
Mary: "Wish I'd thought of it first."
Emily: "You'll come up with something even cooler and neither one of us will ever have to worry about money again. Until then, I'm going to go dance."

Emily made her way to one of the less densely packed areas and attempted to lose herself in the beat of the music and flickering lights. She was just beginning to enjoy the slight buzz from her earlier drink when she spun around and felt her fist collide solidly with someone's face directly behind her. She briefly considered blaming the mishap on the annoying blonde girl beside her, but quickly discarded the idea when she faced her victim.

James: "Christ all mighty, Emily! I'd hate to see how you greet people you don't like!"
Emily: "They get a slow and painful death. What are you doing here?"
James: "It is a public club still, right? We're 'clubbing', just like everyone else here."
Emily: "James, are you PMSing?"

James: "Wh… huh?"
Emily: "You've been a pain in the ass for the past three weeks when you even bother being around."
James: "I've already gotten this from Mary."
Emily: "Ok, you know what, I get it. Something happened and you don't want to be friends with us anymore. That's fine, I understand and can deal with that. Just… stop showing up everywhere acting like King Asshat!"

James: "Do you want to draw up a list of places you frequent so I can avoid them, or shall I?"
Emily: "Whatever is easiest for His Highness."
James: "Which one of us is being bitchy again?"
Emily: "Don't make me punch you in the face again."

Tristan: "Poor James, getting beaten up by the delicate Miss Emily. I have to say, you do have it coming."
James: "You're just jealous."
Tristan: "Hardly."
Emily: "Where's Deanna tonight?"
Tristan: "She had to work. Where's your-"

Mary: "Tristan!"
Tristan: "Mary?"
Mary: "I'm so glad you're here!"
Tristan: "Me? Why?"

Mary: "I've needed to see you for weeks now."
Tristan: "You're scaring me."
Mary: "Oh please, how can I be scaring you? Anyway, come with me. We need to talk."
Emily: "Mary?"

Mary: "It's ok, Em. You and James go beat each other up in the parking lot. I just need to talk to Tristan for a few minutes."
Emily: "You're scaring me, too."
James: "And me."

Mary: "Good. Maybe you need a taste of fear once in a while. Not you, Em. James."
James: "I think at this point I'm going to take Emily over to the bar and get us a drink."
Emily: "I was just going to suggest it."
Tristan: "Can I come?"

Mary: "You have a full drink in your hand right now. Come on, it's not a bad thing."
Tristan: "So you say."
James: "Good luck."