#pre-skyfall

You: He wrecked his brain, trying to come up with an intelligent answer, but the alcohol was still making it rather hard to think. "Ah," he said, biting his lip, "that would be, uh... well, I wanted to matter. To have my skills be used for a greater good. I found I had no future in the navy. Wasn't where I belonged. So I figured I'd try my luck here."

Stranger: "I see," he gave a nod. This answer was evidently one which was under the influence of the alcohol, though he supposed that it was close to what his sober answer would be. "That's all, then? No other influences, anything of the like?"

You: James was silent for a little while, figuring there was probably something else, but he couldn't come up with anything. Then he shrugged. "Does it really matter? I'm in now." He longingly stared at the glass so close near Tiago's lips before tearing away his gaze again, looking out the window. "No matter what happened today... I do intend to give this job my all, you know. I may have said some stupid things but you'll have to bear with me; I can be rather stupid sometimes. A little rash. Hotheaded. That's me."

Stranger: "You are correct there, I suppose. Once you're in, there's no easy way out of it all, really. And no need to worry about that," Tiago gave a good-natured chuckle, giving a slight shake if his head. "We all have our faults, our vices, and the like. It's just something that we must get used to, and they can certainly be used to our advantage, if used correctly."

You: He allowed himself to chuckle, too. "I suppose not today, though," he said. "I'm sorry you have to see all this. I promise it only gets out when I'm drunk. I'm usually not so fond of the whole talking thing." He wanted to curse himself, but vaguely remembered that Tiago had already reassured him quite a few times that it was alright, that he wouldn't hold it over him. Maybe he should just try and take the initiative back and make sure his last impression for the day would be a - as far as possible - good one. "If you're done with that drink you might consider going," he said, nodding at him, the words a little hesitant on his tongue because he really didn't want him to leave. "I'll go take a shower and go to bed. I'll see you at work in the morning."

Stranger: "Of course, of course," he agreed, finishing off the rest of his drink and getting to his feet. "I should probably be off to sleep, anyway, for it's going to be quite an interesting day of training tomorrow. Rest would be a good idea. I just hope that you'll be alright at work, for the training's going to be rather vigorous and the like."

You: James grimaced, getting to his feet - a little easier than before, but his footing not quite as stable as usual. He walked past Tiago and gestured for him to follow him, opening to door to the hallway. He leaned against the frame, watching him. "Yeah, I'll be good in the morning," he nodded. "Either way, for what it's worth... I had a good time tonight."