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"Well, I'm inclined to do it more, now," Rangi said, smirking. "Maybe I just like it when people are mean to people who are mean to me. My ego might be fragile, you know?" It certainly wasn't. Rangi was hard pressed to even say she had an ego. Confidence was a little different, and, besides, she rarely had that much confidence in herself. "If that's what you're worried about, I could just go around and steal all the calendars I see in restaurants. I'd totally be willing to take that bullet for you because I'm such a good person and for no other obvious reason." A hint of a grin gave away her words, as playful as they were. "Uh, giraffes are the best, actually."

She followed him down the hallway past a row of lockers and into a classroom, the overhead florescent lights flicking on. She'd never been in a classroom this big or nice growing up. There were even counters, a full cabinet of microscopes, drawers full of tools, and several large tables set up around the room to seat the kids. She gave an impressed whistle. "Damn, I haven't seen a science program this funded since I went to university. And even then, it's debatable." She ran her hand along one of the desks, before heading up front. "I think I'll stick to science, though, even if they don't work out." She picked up one of the dry erase markers and drew a very crude picture of a person on the white board. "Of course it will be! Everything will be on the exam! Now pay attention," she scribbled another doodle onto the person, in the middle of their chest, then jabbed at the picture, "what do we call this, class? Anyone?" Pretended to scout out the invisible group of students, before pointing to Efe. "You! In the front. Any guesses?"

Efe laughed too, a hearty, upbeat sound. "I think you're the first person who's ever called me sweet for calling someone else an asshole. But sure, I'll take it. And you know what? You should. I've got some clout around Lunar Cove." He did not actually have any clout around Lunar Cove, he thought, but he kept up the light tone as he continued. "Hmm. I don't know if I believe that. There's got to be loopholes, right? Not that I condone taking advantage of loopholes. I'm a civil servant. Protocol is strict and clearly outlined," he hummed. "Look, if there has to be a calendar, I just have to...make sure it doesn't end up in the restaurants my parents frequent. Or Pizza Joe's kitchen." He wrinkled up his nose.

Efe sighed, looking back to the photograph. "Yeah, I guess I was always pretty tall. I wrestled for a while, but then I also bowled. We had this werewolf on the football team, and he was better than everyone, so." Efe laughed, shaking his head. "Giraffes are pretty cool, though. Maybe they were just jealous. On account of you being able to reach the high shelves," he suggested. "That's very safe and conscientious of you. If the science courses don't work out, you can do vehicle safety ones. But don't worry. We're safe in here today. I'm picturing the big scary hunter car pulled over in a snowbank." Efe clicked his tongue. "You can't be a squeamish firefighter. Those don't go together," he said, flicking on the lights to a science classroom. He looked down at the desks, deciding he did not want to try to squeeze into one, so opted instead to sit atop one of the lab tables. "Take it away. Will this be on the exam?"

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"Hey, me neither!" Rangi raised a brow. "Well that's just blatantly not true. I would've come if you'd asked. And I bet Ben would've come. And Dilan, obviously. All your other friends and stuff. And I can't lie, I'm a fae."

Rangi smiled, proud that she'd actually been able to make Bri smile. At least she could still do that, make someone smile. "I know, it's very surprising," she teased, putting her hands on her hips as she watched Bri examine the room. "Pffftt, far from it, but I do have some tricks up my sleeves every now and then." She trotted over to the couch, then and plopped onto it, spreading herself out and leaning against the arm sideways. "It's nice to have a place to hide, anyway. I know I do."

"Not really. I don't exactly grow old anymore," She pointed out with a small defeatist shrug. "And even if I did, you've heard the eulogies. No one would even be here if Dilan hadn't forced them to. Heck, I wouldn't even be here," She reasoned.

Though as Rangi grabbed her hand, her eyes widened. "And we're moving," She observed, letting Rangi take her hand as she began to lead the both of them toward the back. "The owner of the Cathedral used to be a Funeral Director? Why does that not surprise me?" The corner of her lips lifted ever so slightly as they wandered around back. "But, dang. You're kind of the best, you know that Rangi?" She admitted as she gave the other girl's hand a thankful squeeze.

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Rangi: Ya know, that's totally fair. Rangi: She sure does. Rangi: Wait, really? Me? I mean, sure! I can't pass up cake.

Leyla: I could do that, yes Leyla: But Idk if I want to? 😇 Leyla: Idk if you've noticed but Dilan likes to go big Leyla: They seem fun don't they? Leyla: You wouldn't want to come with me would you?

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"Ugh, you're drinking light beer? It's a party, c'mon! Grab some good stuff!" Rangi encouraged, but she wasn't going to force it on her, of course. Rangi didn't know Kitty all too well, but she knew that her and Mason were close as well, and that was enough for her to feel a little soft and perhaps protective of the younger girl. "Only if you want, though. Totally no pressure." Rangi's smile strained, for a moment, and she took a long sip of her drink, nodding. "Great, doing great, right now, for sure." She was doing so great right now. The ever important right now. Swallowing, she added, "Yeah, sure, no-- no problem. I uh, have more of them. Old ones, from his collection. If you want 'em. He kept trying to get me into X-Men and I just think...they'd be better off with you, ya know? If you want 'em."

Kitty liked parties. Granted, she was more of a fan of a kegger or a bonfire, something in an old house or a field. But this was fun. She guessed. It could be worse. Most of the events in town were fun until they weren't, right? Like, that was just the way that the cookie crumbled, or whatever.

It was weird to have a funeral for a birthday party, but she wasn't gonna judge, that much. At least it was a decent excuse to drink. Kitty had been nursing her beer, and she was about to get up and probably just head back to her parents when someone bumped into her, causing a little bit of spillage out of the longnecked bottle. "Oh hey, damn, oh," she mumbled, noticing that it was Rangi. "Hey, no, it's cool. Just a little bit."

Kitty snorted. "Thanks, I know it's gonna cost you a pretty penny to get me another Bud Light," she teased, motioning towards the open bar. "S'cool of you, though. How are you, by the way. Uh, and thanks. For the comics."

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"Okay, nerd," Rangi snorted, shaking her head. "I can't believe you're actually trying to figure out logistics for this. But hey, if you make it, I get a cut, it was my idea after all." Whether she was being genuine or joking, no one could say. She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I kinda figured. You're not really the double fisting kinda guy. Where'd you last see her? Think maybe she slipped out to, I dunno, take a smoke break? Get some fresh air?" Rangi stood on her tiptoes, despite being able to already see over most everyone's heads. "Maybe she's at the appetizers table. That's where I'd be at a party like this. Well--" she motioned to the bar with her elbow-- "and right here. Two best places at any party. The snacks and the booze."

Yes, hearing Rangi speak certainly confirmed with Ben that she was well into her cups, and he hummed in consideration to her words. "I've admittedly not quite found a way to do it easily, it's true," he said, giving her a small smile. He couldn't help but laugh, though. "I'm trying to picture it. I think it'd look rather awkward, certainly. The cup would have to have some sort of gyroscope to prevent spillage, and it would either need to be placed near the pad at the elbows or the grip, neither of which are particularly convenient." It would certainly be an interesting invention, if someone could make it work. He couldn't imagine there was much need for it, though, and necessity was the mother of invention. "The hospital wheelchairs weren't my favorite, no. I was rather grateful when I was cleared to use crutches." At the mention of Bri, he felt his eyes softened as he glanced around the room. "You know, I was just about to look for her. Hence the juggling act. I thought I would give her some time to mingle before cleaving myself to her for the night."

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"Wow, really? Do you put that on your resume? I bet prospective employers would love that," Rangi teased, shaking her head. While Rangi was always aware of her height, it never really bothered her, but it was hard to ignore the difference between the two as they walked. "Hmm, ya know, I think I'd rather you didn't die again. One time seems like enough." And maybe Rangi just didn't want to lose someone again. Not that her and Ronnie were close friends, but it still made her heart chill a little at the thought of anyone else she knew dying. People around always seemed to die. She squeezed Ronnie's arm a little tighter before looking down at her. "You were changed outside of a public bathroom? Fuck, that's...ew?" She tried to joke, sticking her tongue out. "Yeah, well, we can definitely make sure something happens, can't we?"

"I've got more of them, if you want," Ronnie said, grinning. "I'm really good at making excuses. It's, like, a skill." She appreciated the way that Rangi slowed down, even if Ronnie did have to lengthen her stride a little bit just to keep up. It wasn't fair that the other girl was taller than a giraffe. Like, so unfair. Ronnie didn't think that her company was particularly fine, actually. The more people got to know her, the less they always seemed to like her. Really, as shitty as it was what happened to Professor Boring, it was probably for the best that Bri wasn't around as much. She'd kick Ronnie out eventually, once she figured out that this was as good as it got. Selfish, stupid, kind of worthless, rude, and kind of a fucking child. All of Ronnie's most redeeming qualities. "My company is pretty great," Ronnie said in juxtaposition to her thoughts. "But I'm fantastic at the something happening. Cross my heart and hope to die. Again." She made the gesture teasingly. "Way better outside of a public bathroom, too."

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"It could've been! Was it any good?" Rangi snorted, leaning her elbow on the counter and stirring her drink with the little plastic straw that it came with. She always wondered why drink straws were so stupidly small. How did people even use them to drink? "Yes! I am and I do!" She lifted a leg and pointed at her foot. "My own two feet! Don't worry, I'm not stupid enough to drive drunk. I prepared for this." She waggled her brows again before taking another long sip. Her house wasn't exactly close to the place, but she figured the long walk in the cool air might do her some good on the way home. If she didn't pass out before then.

"Low-key, yeah, that's a nice vibe. After that disaster of an elephant party, low-key sounds like a good idea." Rangi had managed to stay out of most of the drama, though she'd still been very oddly surprised-- but not upset-- when Elif had basically stuck her tongue down Rangi's throat. She had a strange feeling that it wasn't about her, but she hadn't minded being used, she supposed. "Blah, it's fine. I'm totally--" she choked on the word because fae couldn't lie, and in no world was Rangi even remotely fine, despite how much she wanted to pretend she was-- "living life." She gave a thumbs up. "Yes! We should go skate! I haven't been in too long. Did I already say that? I think I already said that."

Rangi laughed again, a bit louder this time. "God, it sure didn't. I mean, I feel bad for her, I guess-- we sort of bonded over the whole murder thing, but she's still a bit of a brat." She leaned closer and actually whispered, "And by a bit, I mean a lot."

JC cocked his head to one side, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Uh huh. Was that, like, a Tony the Tiger impression, or...? I'm kidding. Are you sure? You drinking enough water? I'm really not the fun crusher, despite popular opinion. But stay cool. You got a way home later?" Maybe everyone having a nice time was a good thing, he thought. Maybe a few hours of forgetting their shared worries was a good thing. Sure, he would have preferred to do as much at a non-funeral-themed party, one where he was not afraid people were going to pounce on one another. But here they were.

"I'm all good. Keeping it sort of low-key. We have bad luck with big public gatherings, so tryna keep my head on straight," he replied with a shrug. "And yeah. It's been a minute. A lot of shit happening, I guess. I should have checked in. But yeah. Of course. We hung out lots. Laid on the floor of the ice rink and everything." He laughed. "Yeah, yeah. It's fine. You still got some time. You wanna go skate? But, no, they don't. I think we just gotta fit it in things where we can find them, you know? How have you been otherwise?"

At the mention of Dilan, however, JC sort of wrinkled his nose. "Huh, well...let's hope she doesn't try going at anyone again. That didn't really go her way during the White Elephant. And I don't know if she's gonna wanna...lose any more clump of hair. Some of ours grows back when we're done, at least." He gestured at himself, a rather grim wolf joke.

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"Hmmmmm," Rangi pondered, lips twitching up in thought, "you know, I think I lost count. Who cares, anyway! It's a party! Happy New Year and all that!" She let out a laugh, leaning against the counter and nodding fervently. "I mean, you are the big one in charge, the head honcho, the queen of queens! Which, I'm sure is, like, super stressful. But don't worry! I'm going to behave tonight, I promise. Cross my heart and hope to die." She did a quick motion over her chest before giggling and taking another sip, finding herself endlessly amusing. At least, she thought it was funny to say, what with the being a banshee and all. "Yeah, ya know, you defs don't seem like a big party gal to me. Sorry to say. Did you like parties when you were younger? Is it something we grow out of? Uugh, I don't wanna get old like that. My mom and dad make me wanna just--" she drew a line across her throat with one finger-- "ya know? Like, who wants to get so old you literally forget your kid's birthday."

An amused brow rose up at the titles Rangi had decided to call her, and the bow which struck oddly out of place, "M'lady? Boss lady?" she questioned with a little trill of a laugh, "Rangi, how much have you had to drink?" While she wouldn't stop the girl from having fun, concern couldn't be helped either, especially since this was not how she knew Rangi to act. "Mine was about three or four people before yours, definitely won't be beating yours," she reassured if such a thing was even needed. "I'm alright," she added in reply to the questing asked, and unable to lie she continued, "Not exactly my preference for a party or theme, but others seem to be having fun."

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"It's whatever you want it to be, Ralphie," Rangi said, her words slurring a little. "Hey, what can I say? I'm a natural at improve. Karaoke is so not my style, but I'll tell you another secret-- I like to sing and play the guitar in my free time. Which, I mean, for our job is like little to none, but! Sometimes I'll pluck away at it before bed. I've never played for anyone, though. I was gonna play for him on his birthday, you know. I was learning his favorite song and everything." The words kept pouring from her mouth, she didn't seem to be able to stop talking. Maybe she didn't want to. Maybe she felt like she was going to explode if she didn't let something out. Maybe getting drunk had been a bad idea.

At the mention or being alive, Rangi reached out and patted his shoulder. "Yep, real and alive," she nodded. "No funeral party, got it." She paused, then redoubled. "Vampires can become ghosts? Huh, I never knew that. Damn, I'm so glad I can't see ghosts. Can you imagine how many we have in our basement? Like, the literal basement where the morgue is. Bet it's real crowded in there."

Rangi followed his sightline and squinted at the older vampire. "He does? Aww. Wait, why not? But yeah, sure, sure, I'll meet him. I've always wanted Dracula's autograph."

Ralph raised an eyebrow before breaking into a laugh. "Hiya, boss. Is that a hug? I ain't washed my hands to scrub up just yet." He extended a palm, wiggling his fingers in the air. Perhaps humoring her, however, he allowed his eyes to widen as he threw in a few oohs and aahs for good measure. "No fooling? I couldn't even tell. You were a natural, ya dig it? Honor bright. You should do open mics maybe. Sometimes I do karaoke, but that ain't really the same thing. All the words are on the screen. But I'll tell you a little secret too. Sometimes I just sing whatever the hell I feel like."

He wrinkled up his nose, signaling for another drink for himself, although he had not yet finished the one he was currently working on. "It's a pretty...swanky thing, I guess. Very 1969," Ralph hummed. "I don't think I wanna have a funeral party, though, boss. I'm still here, and it would just remind me of all the ways I ain't. Besides, I plan on bein' a ghost, so I'll just sit around and listen to all the nice shit people got to say about me after I go for real." He flashed a smile.

Extending a finger to point, then, Ralphie was not even trying to be subtle as he gestured at a tall, older vampire across the room. "Him. The Count. He's got a crush on me, but I ain't gonna. No way. Do you want me to introduce you?"

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Rangi laughed, genuine and soft, probably for the first time in a long time. "You're so sweet for saying it," she nodded, "no need to apologize. Most people mean it as an insult. Death is, apparently, not a good perfume. I'll make sure to tell them specifically you said that, though. Promise." Rangi quirked a brow, the smile on her face growing a little. She crossed her arms and tilted her head, snorting. "Hey, listen, I'm fae, which means I can't lie, so if you're the best candidate for the calendar, then I have to vote for you. Sorry, it's just who I am." It was a tease, obviously. She could vote for whoever she wanted, really, but she liked the slight embarrassment that seemed to waft from Efe. She liked making people feel happy, and it was something she hadn't been able to do in a long time. It was her core, it was the reason she wanted to make sure loved ones who have passed on did so in peace, so that the ones they'd left behind could know peace as well, and find happiness beyond them. If only she could do that for herself.

Rangi snorted. "Shrimp isn't quite the word I'd use, but I also shot up like six inches in between primary and secondary school. People liked to compare me to a giraffe, which, jokes on them, I love giraffes." She nodded, sagely, following his gaze. "I wasn't excited about the notion of freezing to death in my little Subaru, or, ya know, gassing myself with carbon monoxide. If I'm gonna die, I'd rather die in a high school classroom," she teased back. She turned towards him as he started walking off, a little surprised someone else was actually interested in something like dissection. Of course there were other people that did, but they weren't exactly mainstream. She gave a half smirk, shaking her head as she started to follow. "Fine, but you better not be squeamish-- I won't leave out any of the gory details."

Efe knit his brow at that. "Well, those people sound like assholes. Sorry for saying it," he replied flatly. "Unless they mean it in, like, a nice way, but if they don't...yeah, kind of sound like assholes. You should tell them that. Tell them I said that." A smile, genuine smile came, and ducking his head a bit, maybe in embarrassment or humility, Efe gave a low laugh. "I mean, I think 'eligible bachelor' is a nice thing to be in your twenties. I'm in my mid-thirties. I'm getting to a point of wanting to be more settled. But you're nice. And you have my calendar vote this year if you're campaigning. Just don't vote for me. Those calendars make my life harder. My parents live in this town, and they end up hanging everywhere." He sighed.

Turning back to the case, then, he gave a low grunt of recognition. "Yep. That's me. I used to be kind of a shrimp, huh?" He laughed again. "Fire safety is the most important thing in the world, yes," Efe added very seriously, clearly a joke. "Well, you did the right thing. Coming inside. I think I'm...impromptu caretaker. My contact here left, and now he's stuck. So I'm stuck." He nodded. "Kind of. That's interesting as hell, actually. I mean, I know light medical and first-aid, but...Come on. Science labs are this way. You can show me on one of the weird skeletons. I ought to know where the organs are since they're out here taking them." He cocked his head for Rangi to follow. "We've probably got a few hours to kill here."

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"Damn," Rangi said, "and here I was hoping to have a drink with someone hot tonight." She knew she'd seen this woman somewhere before, but in her current state, there was no way she'd ever figure it out. She probably couldn't figure it out on a good day, let alone now, with the world spinning around her and the loud noises pounding in her head. "What's someone like you doing drinking alone at a party? Not a people person? I get that. So much so, in fact, I work with the dead. A lot less talkative." She laughed to herself a little. It was funny because the dead practically did speak to her. Not in the way ghosts did to spirit raisers, but in the way that whenever she touched one, she saw whatever parts of death clung to them. Kind of like how she felt being near this woman, which could mean a whole swath of things, all of which Rangi was opting to ignore. She was getting better at that.

Aaliyah's bid for a replica of a Monet-- just a replica, certainly not the real thing, that wouldn't be legal-- would go through in just a few minutes, likely in time for the new year, and she was more than a little pleased by the fact. She was thinking of places to put it. Would she hang it in one of the apartments? Perhaps she could put it up in her office at Eclipse, just for a time. The walls were practically a revolving art exhibit. It might look nice, there.

She was lost in thought, bringing her drink to her lips when she was bumped into. Liquor spilled over her fingers, and Aaliyah frowned as she looked away from her phone and at the tall, drunk child that bumped her. Right. The girl that killed Lorelai Cavenaugh. Vicious little creature. Aaliyah just sighed. "It's fine. Don't worry about it."

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Rangi grabbd the drink handed to her greedily and sucked own half of it before taking a deep breath. Obviously Jake was feeling the dour mood, too. She could hear the guilt in his voice. She didn't know why he felt so guilty, it wasn't like he'd killed Mason, or had anything to do with it. It wasn't like he'd screamed for Mason and still been unable to save him in time. "Sorry about your windows," she mumbled as she put her drink down, furrowing her brows. "Shit, sorry. No drinks for you, then. Um-- they have soda, though. You want a soda?" She pointed behind the counter, then snorted loudly, shaking her head. "Of course I do! It's called my own two legs," she patted her thigh. "Walked here so I'm walkin' home." That was if she didn't pass out here first. Either outcome seemed fine with her. She just didn't want to be sober in any capacity, not when she had to face the dawning of a new year without the one person she wanted to celebrate it with.

While watching Rangi's interaction with the bartender Jacob came to understand her mix up. She was drunk and plastered by the looks of it. He was surprised he didn't realize it immediately now that he observed her. "Do you?" An amused and rhetorical question. "Jim!? Jerry!? Come on, Rangi.." He'd taken to learning as many people's names as he could back in July during the town wide games. Witches or not, if they called Lunar Cove home, he counted them among his people. "There you go!" The witch interjected excitedly, before the reminder of Mason. A weight stone of guilt and grief plummeted into the belly of his being. It was an awful feeling, that made Jacob want to join Rangi for that drink. "You and me both.." He sadly mumbled.

After a moment, Jacob sighed. "I'm an alcoholic. A recovering alcoholic. I can't join you for that drink, and I think you uh- you might be better off switching to water? You got a ride home?"

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"What!? What do you mean!? Of course it is!" Rangi gasped. Even if she did sort of agree about her own birthday, but she'd literally been raised on the idea that her birthday didn't really matter. Her parents certainly didn't care to celebrate it, but only because "birthday's didn't matter to fae, since they lived so long". Or something like that. She didn't really know anymore and she didn't care to ask them, either-- plus she still wasn't talking to them. "Oh, but yay! Drinks!" She turned back to the bartender and ordered two drinks, before handing one over to Bri. "Follow me, m'lday," she winked, before grabbing her hand and whisking them off towards the back.

"I know the owner, I helped him set up the funeral for his mom a few years ago, and he told me I'm welcome here anytime," she said as they rounded a corner into the back, where what used to be the church's sacristy was now converted into a small longue. "Though I don't know if this counts since the whole place was rented out. Whatever, tada!" She threw a hand up. "I think the wait staff usually uses it as a breakroom but it looks empty tonight."

Bri cringed the moment Rangi called her the woman of the hour. "Hi," She made a poor attempt of a smile as Rangi tossed her arms around her neck. "It's okay. It wasn't you. What you said just reminded of my birthday isn't really something worth celebrating anymore is all," She mumbled under her breath, giving Rangi a small squeeze back before her gaze drooped back down toward the floor. "Yeah. I'll have a drink with you," She gave Rangi a small nod at the thought. The corner of her lips lifted ever so slightly as she asked her quietly, "You do? Where's that?"

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"Excuses, excuses," Rangi 'tsked' as Ronnie slid her arm into hers. The girl was so short, though, that Rangi's hand rest easily on her bicep, making sure to not touch any exposed skin. She'd been drunk enough last time to ignore the flashes of death behind her eyes, but that was the risk with vampires. They'd all been touched by death somehow and Rangi was cursed to see it. It wasn't supposed to be a curse. It sometimes felt like a curse. She smiled easily, taking smaller steps so that the shorter girl didn't have to jog to keep up with her strides. "Hey, I'm also totally okay with not nothing happening," she said to her, "just, ya know, letting you know that it's not, like, required or anything. Your company is just fine."

"Listen, just because something's convenient, doesn't mean it's not true," Ronnie teased, not minding the ease of their conversation. She felt almost normal, getting back into some light teasing, some surface level banter. She really was good at this shit, once she got back into the groove of it. She used to have fun in New York. Having fun was basically her job, and, fuck, she was good at it. She didn't need the money she made; her parents footed most of the bills she had, but it was easy money. Go out, have a good time, take pictures of famous faces having an even better time, upload it online. Make out with strangers, do the train ride of shame across boroughs to get back to her apartment from wherever she stayed the night. Not text back because, damn, she didn't even save their numbers anyway. Ronnie laughed along with Rangi, saying, "Cute. That was cute. It'd be cuter if you came a little closer, though."

Ronnie hummed. Fuck it. "I'm not really a 'nothing happening' kinda gal," she said easily, moving to thread her arm through Rangi's. Goddamn, she was tall. "But, hey, consider me swayed. Bad movies and drinking's always better with company, especially when the company's as good as yours."

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Well, Rangi had been having a good night. She really didn't know what it was that made her balk so much at the sight of Ben's face, but at least now she could partially blame it on the fact that he was now in a relationship with the girl she'd once had a pretty big crush on. And maybe still did a little. Like, c'mon, Bri was hot, of course she did. She was working on it. She'd been a little busy with other things lately. Things she certainly didn't want to think about, things that also happened to make said guy have to use crutches. Rangi frowned. She probably should help him.

"Kinda hard to hold two cups with one hand," she said, her words still slurring. She picked up the spilled glass and set it aside, waving the bartender down to make another. "You think they make cupholders for crutches? How would that work? Oh, I bet they have cupholders for wheelchairs. The hospital ones are so subpar." She grabbed the other drink and turned in a little circle. "Where's the lady of the night, anyway? I assume that's where you're headed with your juggling act."

Ben had been keeping track of his alcohol intake for the evening, attempting to get buzzed but not outright drunk, so that, at the end of the night, he could ensure that he and Bri made it home safely. She'd disappeared, and he had every intention of going to find her, stopping by the bar to grab them both something before moving to find her.

Carrying two drinks and navigating a crowd while on crutches wasn't necessarily the easiest endeavor, but Ben was of the belief that it was one of those tasks that he could accomplish if he set his mind to it. He was figuring out the logistics when someone bumped into him, causing him to stumble forward slightly, the drink tipping over onto the bar.

He looked over at Rangi, seeing that she was already rather tipsy, hearing it in her speech as well. He gave her a smile back. "It's no bother, really. My fault, most likely. I should have had a better grip. Or, perhaps, just one drink," he said easily, his tone light.

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"I'm great," Rangi said back with an over exaggerated gesture, drawing out the word great. And right now, she was doing great, which meant it wasn't a lie, and that was important. Maybe tomorrow she wouldn't be, but right now, in this moment? Rangi felt absolutely great. She smiled lopsided at JC, leaning against the bar to keep herself from tipping over as the world spun with her. "And what about you? How are you doing, mister wolf? I feel like it's been way too long since we hung out. Not that we ever really hung out. Did we hang out? Have you gone to the outdoor ice rink? Is it nice? I was thinking of going but, ya know, so many things have happened. Do things ever stop happening here?"

Oh, she was toasted. More than that, really. She didn't care. She leaned her chin in her palm as she swished her drink. "Ya know, I'm not sure, but I wouldn't put it past Dilan. I bet she has a list of everyone who didn't show up and everyone who did and has a lil checkmark next to everyone who's given a speech. That sounds like something she'd do," Rangi snorted.

"Hey, careful now." In truth, JC reacted with indignation when he was jostled, posturing himself a bit as though ready to butt somebody back. But seeing Rangi, his expression softened. He looked down at the beer bottle in his hand and offered a weak shrug.

"Nah, you're good. Are you good?" He raised an eyebrow, having seen and heard her slightly fumbling eulogy.

But it was New Year's. He was not here to begrudge people having a good time, even if they did imbibe just a bit more than usual. But Júlio César was not really having a good time himself. This whole party, theming and all, did not quite sit right with him. Faux-morbidity was only funny when it did not so closely reflect real life.

And in any case, after the back-and-forth at the White Elephant party over that cheap bottle of wine, he was not really sure he wanted to celebrate with anyone.

"They're not, like, keeping track of who does and does not give a speech, right? Are they going to lock us in if we don't?"

[faerietothe-otherside]

"Ralphie!" Rangi said, throwing her arms open as if to embrace him. She kept her distance, though. She didn't usually get close to people and she certainly wasn't a hugger. The last person she'd hugged was Mason. She thought that maybe she'd be okay with him being the last person she ever hugged, too. "You think so?" She leaned in, as if to whisper, despite her next words being at the same volume she'd been speaking at prior. "I'll tell you a little secret-- I went totally off the books with it. Had a notecard all written up and everything and just-- whoop!" she threw her hands up. "Tossed it aside."

She grabbed the next drink offered to her by the bartender and took a long sip. The world was beginning to spin but that was what she was looking for. If she blacked out, then she wouldn't have to deal with all the emotions trying to claw their way up her throat right now. "I don't think I've ever seen a baby blue casket. But hey! If you want, we can totally have a funeral party for you, too! I promise I won't improvise my eulogy for you."

She tried to follow his gaze across the room, but her vision was too blurry already, too many shapes and bodies and lights dancing around her. "Who? Is Dracula here?"

"Aye, just add it to my next paystub, boss." Ralphie was a few gin and tonics into the evening, but in truth, despite the liquid courage emboldening him, he had no intention of giving any kind of eulogy, unless someone physically dragged him up there. The exceedingly popular and exceedingly crowded bar counter was obviously the best place to hide. Still, flashing a smile, Ralph raised his glass, giving a nod of his head.

"That was a swell tribute you gave up there. I'll go maybe later when shit dies down a little, ya dig it? Less people throwin' tomatoes at me," he explained, leaning backward and offering a wrinkle of his nose.

After a beat, he spoke up somewhat wistfully. "I keep wonderin' what...what I mean is, I keep wonderin' what people said about me when they buried that empty casket back in 1969. I heard through the grapevine it was baby blue. What am I? A powder room?" He grunted.

Death itself did not bother him. He had lived it, of course. And he had, of course, worked in funeral homes and morgues for decades. But he missed people terribly. He missed his mother and his sister. He missed his pops. He missed Mason.

"Sorry. That's morbid as hell. I'm startin' to sound like a vampire, talkin' bout coffins. Been hangin' out too much with Castle Dracula over there." His eyes trailed to an older vampire across the room, one who did not know that was his nickname. Ralph extended a clawed Nosferatu hand and put on a funny accent. "I vant to charge my telephone."