[the clink of glass against glass, and then Jin Guangyao follows Petre's lead. he downs the shot in one go, then immediately squeezes his watering eyes shut and covers his mouth with his sleeve to muffle the coughing fit that follows. this was inevitable, really, wasn't it.
hoarsely,] A moment, my apologies--
[he'll be fine. physically anyway. his pride is another matter entirely.]
[ He can't hold back the smile — it'd be a stretch to say he's making much of an effort — hand raised to reach over and lightly pat Jin Guangyao on the back. Is there some pride mixed in with the attempt to offer comfort? No one can prove this in court. ]
Yes, I'm fine, [spoken through another rasping cough, which is not exactly a convincing endorsement of what he's just said. still, Jin Guangyao places a hand on his chest and clears his throat, eyes closed, and regains his poise. there, see? he's fine! fine enough that he doesn't even look particularly rattled by being touched--though that could just be the liquor.
anyway, what were they discussing? ah, yes--] Sometimes the townsfolk will approach me with matters they wish to be raised with Churchwarden Mateus in advance of the next moot. It does tend to move the proceedings along a bit faster if I have provided him with a list of agenda items. [he reaches for his second vodka shot and curls his fingers around the little glass, but doesn't down it just yet; he needs to brace himself. and also, well:] As it is my birthday today, I think I will postpone putting the list together until tomorrow.
[it's not that bad tripping and smashing your face into a burst of sunshine, Jin Guangyao is discovering. figuratively speaking, anyway. he finds himself smiling with genuine warmth at Petre's reaction to his impromptu announcement, irrationally pleased. that could also be the vodka talking. speaking of which, he lifts up the second glass.]
No additional plans, [declared with restrained delight, like he is doing something daring by not having an agenda for the evening, and after lifting the glass to Petre, swallows down the shot in one go. government administrator gone wild! or something.]
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hoarsely,] A moment, my apologies--
[he'll be fine. physically anyway. his pride is another matter entirely.]
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You okay there, buddy?
[ He can't hold back the smile — it'd be a stretch to say he's making much of an effort — hand raised to reach over and lightly pat Jin Guangyao on the back. Is there some pride mixed in with the attempt to offer comfort? No one can prove this in court. ]
I forget not everyone's used to this.
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anyway, what were they discussing? ah, yes--] Sometimes the townsfolk will approach me with matters they wish to be raised with Churchwarden Mateus in advance of the next moot. It does tend to move the proceedings along a bit faster if I have provided him with a list of agenda items. [he reaches for his second vodka shot and curls his fingers around the little glass, but doesn't down it just yet; he needs to brace himself. and also, well:] As it is my birthday today, I think I will postpone putting the list together until tomorrow.
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Well shit, fuck that Churchwarden guy! Happy birthday, my man — you got any other plans? We're gonna need more vodka!
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No additional plans, [declared with restrained delight, like he is doing something daring by not having an agenda for the evening, and after lifting the glass to Petre, swallows down the shot in one go. government administrator gone wild! or something.]
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Well, the night's not ending until I get us both in trouble. [ He points, brows arched before any protest — ] The fun kind.
[ Here's to hoping the brothel isn't too busy tonight. ]