context: new year's yatch party with: @quiettriage
He tugs at his tie, too tight around his neck. Not enough to undo it, just enough to make his life a little easier. A low whistle escapes his lips before he can see her face and, though he instantly regrets it, AJ doesn't let it show. "Aren't ya cold in that?" he shakes his head, kisses his teeth. "Ya can't be getting sick on us."
the low whistle catches her off guard, sharp enough that she stills for half a second before looking up, only to realize it’s him. of all people. her expression settles quickly, guarded, careful. “the alcohol helps,” she says lightly, brushing it off even if there’s a chill she refuses to acknowledge. “i’ll be fine. i promise.”
she shifts her weight, arms folding loosely, keeping just enough distance between them. “besides,” she adds, tone casual but closed, “my date already offered his jacket if i get cold.” something sebastian had said, half in jest, half not. her gaze flicks back to aj, steady now. “so i’m covered.” a beat. "enjoying yourself?"
If one were to calculate the amount of trouble AJ would have saved himself and others by shutting up more often, the number would be large enough to seem fake. Shamefully, he's never listened to that particular piece of advice.
"Yeah, I bet." The alcohol, such as the one in his hand, which he is decidedly not sharing. Her date. That's one way to slip a key detail into the conversation. AJ nods. "Take the jacket, we need ya in one piece."
How ironic would it be if their medic was too sick to tend to their injured? Not enough for AJ to say anything amusing about it. He's never been a funny man.
"What's there to not enjoy?" Besides the stuck-up company, the overpriced drinks, the stiff clothes. "Nothin' like a good party to send the year off, right?"
