Really, he hadn’t planned on staying long. A drink, maybe two if he found something to pass the time appropriately while alcohol was consumed, and then get the hell out of there. Of course, his plans would never work out like he wanted them to because the life of Darius Delacreaux was never that easy. His third drink into the evening was when it happened, and it nearly made him groan. A turn from talking with one person found him bumping into someone else, someone he didn’t completely recognize at first. However, a blink, and an apologetic smile later - he wasn’t sure if his eyes were playing tricks on him or not - he finally placed who it was that he’d run into.
“Sorry about that.” And he was, but…. Damn it why did he have to bump into one of Audrey’s friends of all people. Of course this would be his luck, fuck all.
As for Ari, she was pleasantly buzzed -- the idea of afternoon drunkenness bothered her not at all, especially considering she had no work responsibilities whatsoever and the drinks were free -- and upon realizing exactly which tall, smiling stranger she’d run into, and she was smiling back even as his own expression faded from pleasantly apologetic to something like wary.
“Darius! Now here’s a nice surprise. I haven’t seen you in too long.” And Aud, she thought, would appreciate any information about the mage’s well-being that Ari could bring back to her. She took a look at the mostly-empty cup the man held and suggested, “Want another? I was just about to get myself one.” He would be, she thought, too polite to blow her off (most likely), and it seemed too good an opportunity to pass up.
“Ari.” A nod of greeting was offered in response to her cheery slew of words. Man, he always forgot how talkative she was until she started spewing out words again. It seemed a reasonable guess as to why Aud and her seemed like such tight pals. “Oh, uh.” A glance was given towards something off in the distance. Could he get out of this? Was there anyone around that he knew that he could fake needing to see? Unfortunately, a glance around didn’t off any easy escapes, and a mildly uncomfortable smile was offered.
“Uh, sure. Wine. Red. I’ve sorta been working my way through a few different kinds. Seeing if I can find anything new that I like.” Damn, why did his Ma always insist he be so polite growing up. Fuck all.
Her smile widened, perhaps in response to the obvious discomfort. Did he think he was about to be interrogated? Time would tell if that would indeed occur. But she’d at least get him to talk to her. “I like red wine,” she said cheerfully. “I found one good place -- stay right there.”
She trusted, as she scurried off, that manners would keep him rooted in place.
And indeed, when she returned a few moments later, two disposable cups in hand, he was still there, though she was sure, even through the slight buzz that came from a bit too much wine already, that he would have preferred to be elsewhere. Too bad for him -- what kind of friend would she be if she just let this chance walk away?
She handed him the cup and said, “It’s not quite crystal, but the contents make up for it. I was going to try everything, but this in particular has had me looping back to the same booth several times. It’s good to see you actually relaxing for once,” she added, once the cup was in his hand and she had tapped both together. “I was under the impression that you literally worked all the time, except when you slept.”