A quiet celebration.

[Jihadjoe]

"Sure why not, alcohol doesn't affect me anymore anyway."
Hale smiled for a moment. "A sad loss, I'm sure."

He stood up and walked over to the bar, ordering another drink for himself and a glass of wine for Kate. He paused for a moment, motioning for the barman to move a little closer. "Uh... everyone's next drink is on me. Tradition and all the rest..."

The barman nodded and took his credit card. Hale turned around to see Aurora moving her hand away from Sanders' face.

'More subtle please, A' he thought to himself as he watched the unfolding scene from a few feet away.

- - - - -

Jasmine sat down at a table and waited for Natalie to join her. The drink in her hand was sharp and strong, making her head spin just a little.

Over the last few months Jasmine had found herself enjoying Natalie's company. Friends were a rare commodity and a valuable one, even if they were the most unlikely candidates. Natalie's recovery had, in Jasmine's opinion, been going pretty well, but she was concerned that Nat might just be putting on a show of happiness for the occasion.

[color=#FFFFCC]'You're over-thinking it Jas, don't stress.'

---