“Shirt… Shirt… Shirt…” I muttered, looking through my bags while Clara sat in front of the computer screen, fixing her make up. It’s no mirror, but if it works then it works. Meanwhile I was trying to find a nice shirt to wear, it would be so much easier if I wore them more often, but I guess Leona always handled that for me. I pulled one out of the bag and waved in front of Clara, waiting for her opinion on it.

“Uhh. That’s way too dark. You want something like…” She trailed off, grabbing a nicer looking shirt from the barely tidy stack of clothing. “... This.”

I sighed and slipped it on, and began to look for my socks. One of the more fun aspects of my getting prepared, of course it always ended with me putting an old pair on. After another half hour of faffing around I was finally ready, and we looked for Jet, Ross and Veronica. Jet was standing there with a begrudging look on his face, despite free drinks and the prospect of seeing chicks make out he still didn’t seem too keen.

“Cheer up, buddy. There’s straight girls too!” Clara told him, smiling from ear to ear.

“Better be... I’m only going for the free alcohol. Get my mind off of the lovesick puppy... Oh, speak of the devil.” He growls, as Ross enters the room.

I roll my eyes, and Clara sighs and shakes her head. He could just… Ignore Ross. Maybe? I don’t know, but he needed to sort his issue with him out. Clara turned and walked away, quite possibly for some pre-game chatter with Veronica, leaving me and Ross to ourselves.

“So. You two all ready?” I asked, cocking my head slightly.

“I am.” Jet says, probably very thirsty for vodka by now.

“Two bars in a one week. God damn, you people love to party." Ross says with a grin on his face. He's dressed up almost identically to the last time he went to a bar, just different colors and not so tight pants. At least he was in better spirits. Maybe being around other gay men would draw them all to Ross and not to Jet. At least then both of them could get a chance to relax.

“Awesome. Well, we’ll leave in a moment. I just need to make sure I have my car keys, and what the likelihood of you two ending up in bed with people are.” I joked, fishing the keys to the shitty rental car out of my back pocket. “Now off we goooo”

I marched out of the Den, my gaggle behind me and piled them all into the car, driving on to the bar, where the contest to see who could get the most numbers would begin between Clara and Veronica, a competition that would shake the world for years to come. Conversations drifted in and out amongst my passengers, but for the most part everyone was surprisingly quiet. After a half hour of driving we finally reached our destination and I kicked everyone out.

“Alrighty. Since I can’t drink I’ll be the designated driver. Now have fun.” I told them, before leaving them and going to comfy seating area.

I notice Jet made a beeline straight for the bar, ordering vodka shots in a matter of seconds. I should probably keep an eye on him so he doesn’t do anything stupid. At least when a guy tries to flirt with Jet, Ross practically tears that man apart with a glare before smiling and shoving him aside to talk with a shy blond sitting beside Jet. Well then.

The music picks up and Ross takes the blond's hand with a smile, seeming to invite him to dance as the two swing out and onto the dance floor. The recruit is easily moving to the beat, just gently holding his partner's hands as they seems to engage in a little shuffle-step together. Truth be told, I hadn't seen Ross so happy since he had joined the brotherhood. It took a toll on all of us, but at least Ross could still let go for one night and enjoy himself.

Jet’s POV

I slammed down yet another empty shot glass on the bar counter.

“Might as well give me an entire bottle at this point.” I smirk at the bartender. “Three more.”

“You’ve had enough.” He says gruffly, but I slip him a very generous tip courtesy of Adam, of course. He pockets it and pours the shots.

I down them quickly before my eyes scan the room, which is little more than a hazy blur at this point. People are dancing, but most are just kinda talking with each other. Flirting, I guess. I had already tried that game a few times within the past hour, got slapped each time. A dark-haired girl sits beside me at the bar. Well... she didn’t seem like she was a lesbian. Okay.

“Hey there.” I grin, getting her attention. She barely looks at me.

“Hi. Gin and tonic, please.” She orders, glancing around the bar and trying to ignore me.

“You here with someone?” I ask, spinning an empty shot glass around in my hand.

“No.”

“Do you wanna be?”

Aaaand there’s another smack.

“I’m not into men. You do know what kind of bar this is, right?” She gets up with her drink and walks over to the lounge area, looking pissed.

I rubbed my now-aching cheek and folded my arms on the counter, resting my chin down. Ugh. Fuck this place. At least I was drunk off my ass. I could barely count my own fingers.

“I totally got that chick’s number. Just saying.” I hear a voice say as someone sits next to me. I slowly look up to see Veronica spinning in the bar chair with an almost-empty drink in her hands. She was probably really drunk too.

“Awesome. Good for you.” I growl, twirling the shot glass again in boredom. “Are we leaving soon?”

“Leaving? Pffft... we’ve only just begun! I already have ten numbers... dunno how many Clara has but.. uh.... should be able to get a bunch more within the hour.” She says smugly, draining the last of her drink.

“That’s soooo cool. Please tell me more.” I grumble sarcastically, face-planting into the counter.

“You’re no fun at all.” She pouts.

“Whatever.” I say flatly.

“Well. I’m sorry you’re not having a good time.”

“Is this supposed to make me feel better or something?” I hiss.

“No, I just legitimately-- nevermind.” She almost mumbles, and I turn to her. She’s too busy twirling her straw around her drink.

“Don’t play games with me.”

“I’m not? I came over because you looked like you were having a shitty time. But I’m more than happy to go back to flirting with more women than Clara can.” She shrugs.

“This was a bad idea. I think I’m gonna... hic... head home or somethin’...” I slur glumly.

“You… you should let Adam take you.”

I lazily look over my shoulder to see Adam chatting with a big group of people, lost in telling them some sort of story that he seemed really into.

“Ugh... I’ll just walk. Shouldn’t... shouldn’t be too bad of a walk...” I spin around to get up. I didn’t realize how drunk I was until I put one foot on the ground. It felt like I was on some sort of rocking boat. I immediately sat down. “Shit... fuckin’... better wait for this to wear off...” I hoped I wasn’t slurring too bad... “Sorry for bein’ a jerk n’ stuff...” I mumble, planting my head on the counter once more. I couldn’t even keep my head up without feeling like I was spinning out of control. After a few seconds, I manage to keep my head up and stare off into space for a bit, lost in my own drunken mind.

Suddenly, I feel a force grab me by the collar before my lips are pressed to someone else’s, and with my level of inebriation, I just kinda let it happen.

After a few seconds they slowly back away, and I realize it’s Veronica.

“O-oh...uhh...” I couldn’t figure out what to say. I notice she’s staring at me, eyes huge, face red.

“I-I’m sorry... I...” She stutters, before simply getting up and running off. Why did she look so fearful? Did I do something? Shit...

“Hey! Wait!” I reach for her, but she evades me and escapes into the vast crowd of people that seemed to wave and move like an ocean. Every sound that I heard was like I was underwater or had cotton stuffed in my ears. What had just happened? I look around for someone familiar before I catch Adam’s wide, shocked eyes. He very quickly averts his gaze and looks elsewhere.

Three smacks from girls not interested, and then someone actually kisses me and they run away immediately. Right after I was a complete asshole to them.

Emily wouldn’t have ran away. A lone thought buzzes into my mind. No, she wouldn’t. I ran a hand through my hair and planted my forehead onto the counter again, trying not to have a breakdown here. I had to suppress the thoughts of her. Please. My chest felt so heavy, like it was about to collapse at any moment.

Someone else sits next to me, but I don’t bother to look up at all.

I’m done.

Ross' POV

Being rejected is easy. Picking up the pieces of your heart is difficult. Thankfully, the lovely men and women of the Manhattan Den decided to visit a gay bar instead of a regular one. Naturally, I was thrilled and jumped along as soon as I could. Stepping into the exciting atmosphere I already felt more at home. Jet made a beeline to the bar and I watched him down a bunch of shots in one go. Well, at least he attempting to cope. Of course, one man tries to get his attention but I made sure to glares that asshole down and shove him away in warning. Every other guy around Jet seemed to get the hint and kept to other guys as I sat down next to a shy blond.

His name was Kenny and he had just recently figured out he liked men. Honestly, the kid was just the cutest. Probably college age and I never fool around with them, but I made sure the kid got onto the dance floor to have a little fun. I got to show off a little and many, many guys made sure to whistle for me as I spun on my toes three times in a row, sticking the landing and running a hand through my hair. Adam smirked at me from across the floor and I laughed and nodded back. Man, I was so glad we came here.

However, not everyone seemed to be having fun. I only caught the end of it, but Jet seemed to be shouting for Veronica who was running away from him. The leader was laying out over the bar and I had to excuse myself from the crowd to sit down beside him.

"Jet...are you alright?" I ask with genuine concern. "You uh...you don't look too I good."

His face is planted in the counter and he barely acknowledges my presence until I speak, then I notice he tenses up.

“Go away, I’m fine. Too many drinks is all.” He slurs, turning his head away.

"You look like you just had a piece of your soul carved out." I point out as I order a strawberry daiquiri from the bar and take a sip. "Talking might make you feel better."

“Yeeeaaah. No.”

"You don't know until you try." I attempt to reason.

“Well I don’t know what to say... hic... uh... I’m just bored as hell, man. Can we leave?” He groans, picking at the table.

"What about Veronica?" I press as I tip back my drink. "I saw her running away from you. It looked like you were calling out to her."

“It was nothin’. She kissed me and then ran, that’s it. Fuckin’... fuckin’ weird...” He’s really drunk, not able to keep his head up without swaying. He simply keeps his head firmly planted on the counter.

"She has feelings for you. Don't you see?" I chuckle quietly as I pay for my drink. "She likes you, but she's embarrassed about having those feelings. That's why she ran."

“Mmmmaaaaaaaan... fuckin’ girls, man.” He groans. “I don’t wanna girlfriend.”

I bit back a: 'Then why don't you just date me instead?' and shake my head.

"You don't have to have one. It's not a requirement, Jet. Why don't you ask Adam to take you and the others home? Pretty much everyone except myself and him are drunk and you've had far too much to drink."

“Nah, nah like... I can’t jus’ like... fuck... uh... Adam’s busy or somethin’... tellin’ stories n’ shit... fuuuuck...” His head sways back and forth, not able to focus on anything.

"Jet? Are you alright?" I cautiously place my hand on his back, just to make sure he won't fall over and die suddenly.

“Mmmmmhmmmmm... Is someone takin’ a picture? Like... a lotta pictures... flashy...” Jet’s eyes are looking at the dance area, but there are no flashing lights of any kind.

"No, not at all." I say, turning the leader towards me and snapping my fingers. "Jet. Jet, what's my name?" I ask.

“R-Ross... Uhh... I gotta... I gotta go...”

And suddenly, Jet heaves forward and pukes. Everywhere. He groans and holds his stomach before his eyes roll back and he starts to fall.

I grab onto him and hold him upright until I can maneuver the two of us away from the puke on the floor. I wrap my arms around Jet and hold him up, the man practically a rag doll in my arms. Thankfully, there was only a little gunk on my legs from when I split them apart as Jet hurled onto my seat and the floor. It was obvious this was at the level of alcohol poisoning. Or worse... was he still on those medications?

"Come on, buddy. Let's get you to the toilet. Then home. You need EMT lady Rowan or Doctor Arctic." I said as I got up to carry Jet into the men's restroom and help him to kneel over one of the toilets. "Do you still feel like throwing up?" I ask with concern.

I notice his skin is turning clammy and bluish, and I wasn’t sure if he was even conscious at this point. I put two fingers to his neck and only feel a faint pulse. Oh no, this was definitely poisoning. His body convulses and I quickly flip him on his side as his body throws up again, but this time he’s not conscious.

Oh shit. Oh shit oh shit oh shit. There's no time to lose. One Jet's finished throwing up, I pick him up and carry him out to where Adam was sitting. "Adam! We need to go, now. He's got alcohol poisoning. He needs his stomach pumped and professional care from Rowan and Arctic." I say in hushed tones to him.

Adam, who looked like he was just looking for us after someone had cleaned up, nodded.

“I’ll take him. You need to make sure Clara and Veronica don’t get too drunk either.” He says, grabbing Jet from me.

"Please...don't let him die." I beg as my throat begins to tighten up. I haven't let go of my feelings for Jet. I don't think I ever will, but I'll be damned if I sit back and let him die.

"He won't die. This is Jet we're talking about. He just had a few more shots than he could handle. I got this." Adam says in his ever-confident voice.

It makes me feel a little better, but not much else. "Alright. Keep me posted." I say with a nod as I head off to make sure Veronica and Clara are doing alright. We don't need anyone else getting poisoned by alcohol tonight.

Claras POV

“Reeeeelight my fiiiiiiyaaaaah” I sang, slurring the words in my fairly drunken state. It took 15 shots to get to this state, and I wish it took less. I stumbled down from the karaoke bar and watched with interest as Adam carted Jet away. I guess the Russian couldn’t handle his alcohol. I stumbled on further towards the sofas and fell forwards onto them, remarking quietly on how they smelt of sweat. “Reee…hic.... Fiiire”

A familiar figure sat down next to me, looking at me with a mixture of curiosity and worry. Can’t say I blame them really, I am fairly drunk. I ran through a jumbled list of names in my head, eventually settling on one that seemed fairly familiar.

“Heeeeeeey Robert…!”

"It's Ross." He corrects as he sighs and puts down some kind of electric blue drink on the coffee table after taking a sip and rubbing his eyes. "How are you, Clara?"

“I’ve got… Twelve numbers, two invites to their apartments annnnnd…” I trailed off, narrowing my eyes and counting on my fingers. “Three signed photos… People are weird. So I’m pretty good. How about you, Ronald?”

"Ross. Well, I had fun for a while. Then Jet got alcohol poisoning, Veronica broke his heart, and now my thighs smell like vomit. Peachy." He lists off, taking another long sip of his drink. "But, I'm glad you had fun."

“Your thighs smell of vomit? I think I can guess how that happened…” I laughed, patting him on the shoulder from my oh so awkward position. “Veronica broke his heart? Did he ask her out or something?”

"She kissed him and ran away. I'd say I feel bad, but I mostly feel jealous." Ross says with a sigh. "I feel bad he was so upset, but I wish he wasn't straight. Ugh, Claraaaaaa! Why do all the cute people have to be straiiiiiight?" He whines.

“I don’t know, Rose… Ross. I guess that’s just the way the world is. Word of advice, though. Chase after someone who isn’t an Assassin or Templar…” I told him, trying to sound coherent as best I can. “Or go after someone who isn’t fucked in the head like Jet and Adam.”

"Already did all those things." He huffs, downing the rest of his drink. "It's just so hard to find someone I could actually stay with...yanno. Er, well...maybe I'm just a loser who needs to get laid..."

“Oh hoooney nooo,” I told him, sitting up and hugging him tightly. “You’ll find someone, trust me on this. I was in the same boat as you for a while, but eventually I realised it’ll happen to me. No need in chasing after everyone I can.”

He hugs me tight and leans his head against my shoulder. "Thanks, Clara. I needed this. This and lots of fruity cocktails. Which were also good. You smell like one, too."

“Izzz no problem. Us guys have to stick out for one another… Like a cheerleading squad.” I slurred out, enjoying the hug.