Simon recoiled the instant the alcohol started getting poured, burning his nostrils in a manner that was worst even than when he'd walked in. His eyes closed and stung, his brows furrowing together. It seemed like the wasteland had it out for every enhanced sense the poor guy had. The smell alone was enough to tell him that the crap probably didn't taste any better either, and he simply stared at the caramel colored liquid through the smudged on the glass for a few seconds as if it were out to get him.
Well, the best way to adjust to it was to take the challenge on head first, wasn't it? Get it done and over with? At least then the guy would shut up. And what was wrong with boring? He sort of missed boring. He couldn't wait to get back to boring.
With that, he threw his head back, much as he'd seen a few of the other patrons do since his arrival, and tossed the contents of the glass down his throat. He managed to swallow it, but that didn't stop the coughing fit that ensued afterward. It burned, it hurt, it made his eyes water, and he was using every ounce of will he had to knock the bottom of the glass against the table a few times, his strained voice calling out between gasps for air. "Fuck, gimme-another-one."
Arlington watched everything with those too big, too blue eyes and that stupid fucking grin on her face. It was kind of funny, the way she just seemed so amused by everything around her. The drinks, the grumbling from Jericho and Simon, like the two were in some kind of pissing contest. She reached up and smoothed a hand through her hair,then nodded at Mary and what Ceara had told her, she was right. You can't get drunk if you throw up with the first sip. She herself finished off her Nuka Cola and reached for her glass.
Not much of a drinker, it tasted like burning, but she'd obey because it had been her decision to come and sit here with the cranky pair. Her glass tossed back, she coughed but even that was mostly soundless, except for the harsh noise and the wheeze at the end of it. Her attention lifted when Simon told Jericho to give him another one and she grinned again, that looked good for all of them gettling along.
Although she wasn't sure what to think when Nova came over and put a hand on Simon's shoulder. Oh well, lady has to make a living right?
Jericho watched them all like hawks after downing his own shot like it was water, and though Mary continued to crinkle her nose at hers, Simon taking the shot like a champ and then asking for another drew a raucous laugh from him. He slapped the other man on the back as he poured himself and the vault dweller another, grinning broadly.
"Attaboy," he said, clinking his glass against Simon's and knocking back another, "Betcha feelin' less like a slack-jawed vaultie already."
Not that Simon had been, of course, but Jericho wasn't going to be conceding any points just now. With his attention drawn to Simon, he didn't notice Mary setting her shot down, untouched, at least for the moment. It was unlikely she'd get away with shirking the rules for very long, but she was focusing on her noodles and water for now, apparently as immune to the merriment around her as Arlington seemed energized by it.
Then Nova was over at their table scoping a new Johnny, and Jericho laughed again. He had a gregarious streak that was not-so-deeply buried. It was closer to the surface these days.
"I think she likes yah," he elbowed Simon, smirking at Nova, "Maybe she'll give yah a discount."
Mary somewhat inscrutably scooched her chair closer to Arlington. Even with her unflappable cheer, she seemed markedly more sane than anyone else at the table. Ceara might've been sane as well, but if she was involved with the disgusting, loud, tan man, then there was obviously something wrong with her.