2019-08-01 - The Milkshake Isn't A Sex Thing

Eve and Eli had a bit of a lazy morning, made their way out to Safeway, and then came back to set up the grill. Hamburgers, hot dogs, a few different sides. There is a little bit of everything on the roof today. Potato chips are in a bowl, beer and soda are in a cooler with lots of ice in it. You can be sure there are edible somewhere, but maybe they're under some shade. Eve is letting Eli work at the grill, she helpfully put a 'Kiss the Cook' apron on him at some point, giving him a few kisses while they worked to get the roof ready for their guests. At some point Declan and Dahlia arrive and are led up to the roof and are offered refreshment.

Eli is in good spirits. It's not often that he just stands around and smiles, but it's that sort of day. He's flipping things on the grill and enjoying a beer in the warm sun. He also enjoys the kisses - this is better than mistletoe! "We should bring the speaker up here." He mentions to Eve. Music! Roof dancing? He focuses on the grill while he waits for the guests to be escorted up to the 'party'.

Dinner was a good idea. Dahlia'd had a few days to completely set aside everything that was riling her up. Properly bottle it up and put it on a shelf for another day. Declan likely picked her up from Justin's house and they headed over this way. She's dressed in a pair of black, hip hugging jeans and a sleeveless, forest green button down. Trying to look a little nicer and put together than she had been lately. Eve gets a hug and Eli gets a quick one as well. "This all looks great. I'm glad we were able to get together."

Declan carries a big jug of sangria. Peach sangria. It's ice cold. He wears a pair of designer jeans, loafers, and a black tank with short sleeves. He's probably spent too much time on his hair. "Hey guys," he says when they make the roof. He winks at Dahlia, stands to the side, and finally puts the jug down. "Can I help with anything?"

Eve is wearing a strapless pale green linen sundress, it's kind of short, but she has a pair of lacy bloomers underneath so it isn't quite as shocking. She beams at Declan and Dahlia when they arrive, clapping her hands before she moves to take the sangria from Declan. "You're right about the speaker, babe. One second." She put the sangria with the rest of the drinks and makes her way to the steps, skipping down them quickly. "Tell Declan and Dahlia about the milkshake!" She calls out, disappearing briefly into the apartment. Yes, they're in a really good mood today.

"The milkshake isn't a sex thing." Eli clarifies in case anyone was concerned by the ambiguous comment, he grins and flips a couple things on the grill, returning Dahlia's brief hug and flashing a smile toward Declan. So many smiles today! "Good to see you both. You look good." It's the plural 'you'. They both do look good. Eli is wearing tan knee length shorts and a short sleeved button and collared shirt that he has left untucked. It seems to be dotted with little penguins sitting under an umbrella on the beach. Weird. "I was carrying a couple milkshakes up the stairs in glass cups the other day and tripped on the last step - I'm clumsy as anything the last while. It was pretty sad, milkshake went everywhere. But, a friend of Eve's brought us more. And then a friend of Eve's friend brought even more. We had milkshakes for days."

Declan chuckles a little at Genevieve's reaction and hands over the drink. "Fair warning, it's a bit strong. Wrist tipped too much." He smirks briefly and turns towards Eli. "Milkshake?" The explanation earns a chuckle. "Are you sure it isn't a sex thing?" he wonders. "Milkshakes for days... mmmmm. I bet the richness got to be a little much after awhile, though." He looks over at Dahlia, then back. "Yeah, we look alright. Mostly she looks good, and I look decent. Wait. Maybe that should be reversed."

"Sound a like a pretty good return on the milkshakes though." Dahlia laughed, flashing a grin. A touch of a smirk to Declan. "We just keep each other around so we both look pretty." A tease as she leaned against one of the tables that were set up lightly. "You guys are in a pretty good mood." She observed. "It's nice to see. It's been a hellish sort of week and a half or so."

Genevieve makes her way back upstairs, bluetooth speaker in hand. She waves it around bouncing happily before she sets it down and sets it up. "We found our .." She considers for a moment, shifts a look at Eli and then shrugs. "We talked through things, it was a rough few days there, but.." She shrugs a bare shoulder, moving to pull out chairs for the guests. "Strong sangria is my jam, I can get messy and then take advantage of the cook later. Who wants cheese on their burger?" She gets it out of the cooler, ready to unwrap some slices to help Eli out at the grill.

"Oh no. Don't take advantage of me." Eli deadpans, as though he'd be truly suffering from such attentions. He chuckles at Declan's assessment of the relative attractiveness. "Sorry I didn't manage to catch up with you for lunch this week, Declan. I feel like our schedules weren't happy with us. Hopefully we can make it happen in the next few days." He swings his gaze between the other couple. "And it's good to see you two looking happy. It has been a bit rough around here at times. Something to be said for having someone to support you and - distract you at times. Too easy to spend time dwelling."

"I'll take some, sure," Declan replies. "I'll pour you some sangria. Rest in peace, cook." He winks over at Eli. He almost asks another question, but stops and just heads over to do his thing. After getting Eve a glass, he turns to Eli and Dahlia. "Did you guys want a cup?" he starts pouring one anyway, maybe for himself, and answers Eli, "Don't sweat it, man. I'll text you. We'll get there."

"Cheese and Sangria for me, yeah." Dahlia nodded to both Eve and Declan, pushing a hand through her hair lightly. "Distractions are good." A smile towards Eli. "I'm certainly feeling better than I have been. Talked with Justin a little...about some of the weird stuff that's been going on. So, progress." She stretched carefully before claiming a seat. "Speaking of getting together, Eve - I wanna take a day trip up to Seattle for some clothes shopping soon. Wanna come with?"

Eve's eyes light up at the prospect of girly shopping, setting the cheese by Eli so she can gush in Dahlia's direction. "Yes please. I need to pick up some winter clothes. I kind of spaced on where I was moving myself to and I have one sweatshirt. I'm getting the vibes that Eli is gonna spank me if I keep stealing his clothes, so.. I should get some warmer ones of my own." She moves to take the sangria glass, taking a drink. "Shit, this is good." She walks toward Eli and holds out the glass carefully so he can get a sip too. "Eli here is thinking of somewhere he wants to go, and I think he and I are gonna take a weekend trip somewhere new, maybe crazy."

"The question is whether you actually consider that punishment or you're just trying to bait me to get exactly what you want." Eli remarks regarding the spanking, eyebrows raised toward Eve when she brings the glass over. He accepts it and takes a sip, giving it an approving nod. "I'd love a glass of that, Declan." He adds. Food is pretty much ready, so he starts adding burgers to buns. "We've been dealing with our own madness, but sounds like a lot of weird shit is going on in the town right now. I ran into a crowd at the park the other day - if it wasn't this city I'd have said they were properly crazy. But, I don't really believe in crazy around here any more." He smiles toward Eve again and nods. "Yes, I'm still thinking about a place. Somewhere other than Seattle for us. That's pretty much the only place I've ever gone."

Declan pours two more, quieting, and takes a sip from one. The sip earns a nod and a shrug. He walks over to Dahlia and hands her glass over first, then Eli is given his. "Yeah it didn't turn out half bad. I started it last night. I like it two days old better, but this batch is pretty good already." He moves closer to Dahlia and takes another sip. "I bet Dahlia can tell you all sorts of cool places to visit down south."

"Then it's a date. We'll link up soon. I need some new outfits for my side gig." Dahlia chuckled. "And winter clothes should be hella cheap since it's the middle of summer." She accepted the glass from Declan and took a sip. "Mm, I love it. If there's any left over we'll have to compare." She agreed. Thinking it over a moment, Dahlia nodded again. "I could probably hook you up with a place in LA for a weekend. There's tons to do there. Most places in California really. Definitely should look there for some possibilities."

"Side gig? Are you working two jobs?" Eve squints at Dahlia and nods, giving Eli another kiss on the cheek before she moves toward a chair. "I'm not gonna tell you if I actually consider that a punishment, that's for me to know and you to speculate on." She has a cheeky grin on her face. "He told me he found condoms and panties in the park. Knowing my Eli like I do, he was properly scandalized." She takes another sip of sangria, watching him start to assemble the food. "Squirt some ketchup on mine for me please?" She pouts in Eli's direction and then turns to Declan. "We need this recipe. I love Sangria but I haven't had it in years."

"I'll speculate." Eli agrees, rolling his eyes at the other comments and preparing the burgers - including ketchup for Eves. "I wasn't exactly scandalized. I was thinking that leaving your underwear in a public park was somewhat in bad taste. Doesn't bother me if people want to fool around there, but don't leave your mess for the kids to come play in the next morning. Anyway, we tidied it up. I'm thinking whoever was there was past the point of thinking. Either pretty drunk or really high." Eli looks over toward Dahlia and Declan, nodding. "I was thinking about California. It's not too far to get to and likely has a lot to see and do. Less rain and more heat."

"If I gave you the recipe, you'd never ask me over again. Magicians and bartenders never reveal their secrets." Declan gives Eve a wink. "I'll give it to Dahlia, though. If she becomes my evil apprentice." He turns to Eli and nods. "Yeah, I've always wanted to make it out that way for a vacation." He turns back to Eve, smiles, and adds, "I'm kidding. I'll text it to you. But you've got to tell everyone it's mine."

"Yeah, just something to do to break up the monotony that bartender can have sometimes. " Dahlia grinned. "And the money ain't too bad." Taking another sip of the sangria and winking to Declan. "Well we all know I'd make a great evil apprentice." She giggled. "Maybe we can take a vacation out there some time." She offered to Declan and nodded to Eve and Eli. "I'll do some poking around and let you know if I can get you a hook up. I think you'd enjoy it."

"We could go to Disney if we go to California." Eve gazes at Eli, and she adds. "I'd make a great Disney princess." She nods sagely, tucking her feet up on the chair so she can drink her drink. She takes the hamburger offered, taking one more sip of the wine before she sets it aside and picks up her burger. "So you two look pretty satisfied with yourselves. We weren't trying to hook you two up, but it's kinda happened, hasn't it?" She tries to look innocent, taking a big bite of her sandwich after she speaks.

Eli gives Eve a 'you really think anyone is going to buy that' look when she says they weren't trying to hook the pair up. He just shakes his head and takes his own food and drink and crashes down into the chair next to Eve. "Disney would be fun. You would make a fine Disney Princess. And I'd make an excellent - um - comedic relief side character? Like Lumière or Olaf." He suggests. He takes a big bite of his hamburger and then washes it down with sangria, looking pretty comfortable and content amongst the small group.

"A vacation? I think if I left and went there, I'd be bound to stay," Declan says with a shake of his head. He turns to look at Eve. "Kind of?" he turns to Dahlia. "Did it kind of happen, Dahlia? I think that's putting a bit mild." He turns to Even and smirks at her. "Eli, you aren't comic relief, man. You're a reluctant, hot hero. If you go as Olaf my head will be in my hands. Lumiere... maybe. Maybe. He's alright."

"Fair enough," Though the look in Dahlia's expression said that leaving this place might not be such a terrible thing. Then she laughed softly. "Kind of, sort of." She winked, relaxing in her seat. "I can't even remember the last time I watched a Disney movie." She admitted. "Though I agree that you're a little more than the comic relief and Eve would make a pretty princess." A grin was flashed before taking a bite of her burger. "I envision a Belle type. Maybe it's the hair."

Eve transfers her legs over Eli's lap, he probably could rest his plate there and nothing would come of it. "Oh come on, Eli. You're a Prince Eric if I've ever seen one. If I had a red wig.." She trails off, grinning in his direction. Her eyes shift to gaze at Declan, shaking her head. "Prince." She glances between Dahlia and Declan, a slight smile quirking her lips. "Or the slight accent. Belle was French, the best Disney princesses are French." She might have an opinion on that. "I'll just be glad for a beach, a few days of sunshine, and maybe some mischief."

"A lot of the Princes don't come across as very bright. Mostly just a lot of body and not nearly enough brains. Maybe that's a good look?" Eli glances around the group, including Declan, to gather opinions on that. "I mean, even when I was a kid watching The Little Mermaid I was screaming at the screen for Eric to not be such a dumbass. He was just ... I can't even." Clearly between the booze, sunshine and his strong feelings about Disney characters, Eli is a bit more animated than they've likely seen him before. It's in there, just takes time to come out. "You know, I liked Flynn Rider. Not sure I've got his swagger though. Declan could pull that off."

Declan bumps Dahlia's leg with a grin. "Yeah, she'd make a good Belle." He turns to Eve and narrows his eyes a bit. "Maybe... hm. Yeah, the red wig would go over pretty good, too." Mentions of a 'prince' earn a wider smile. He turns to Eli and laughs for a moment. "Most of them are pretty dumb, yeah. As for swagger? Man, that's easy. If you can learn eight languages, you can swagger. I'll show you how. Right now, if you want." He looks between the two women, still grinning.

Dahlia's eyes were bright with amusement. "Oh yes. Let's let Flynn here give Eric some swagger lessons." She winked with a grin. "I think both us princesses want to see it." Because clearly the only princess Dahlia could be, going off looks alone, was Snow White. "I believe in you Eli."

"Eli with swagger? C'mon, if you make him any more sexy I'm gonna have to eschew panties when we're home alone." Eve pouts dramatically at Declan when he offers to teach Eli some moves. She does pull her legs from his lap, tucking her feet on her chair again. "I mean, I believe in him too. I'm in so much trouble." She picks up the sangria and takes a decent gulp, she's gonna need more alcohol. She shares a look, and a grin, with Dahlia. "I believe in you too, baby." She winks at Eli, waiting to see his response.

Eli takes a healthy drink from his glass, setting it aside. "I think you might all be giving me too m much credit. I also think Eve quickly forgets how awkward I was like ... the first three times I talked to her. Bless he for patience because I think most women would have given up. I feel pretty good amongst present company, but I don't think I could pull anything off with strangers." He swings his eyes over to Declan. "But, if you can teach I need to learn. Especially if it means that Eve is going to start wearing less clothes."

Declan grins wider and wider. "Cool. Get up here then, man. Let me show you how it's done." Declan stands up and sets his drink and food aside. He moves for a clear space and gestures for Eli to come closer. "So first thing, it's not all confidence. You just aren't going to be confident all the time. Not possible. It's about movement and burning through the initial awkward. So, like this:" his head dips a little, brows narrow slightly, his lips tilt just a tad. His arms cross and... there's a gentle flex. "Hey," is spoken a little lower than normal. He stares at Eli the entire time, meeting his gaze. Declan's done this hundreds of times, but for anyone paying attention the hairs on the back of his neck to stand up a bit. Nervous tick. There's a slight blush. The act ends a moment later. "Go ahead. Try."

"Nothing wrong with less clothes." Dahlia grinned, sharing a look with Eve before focusing on the two men. She is simply delighted as she watches Declan put on his little act. Giving him a quick little look over before her attention turns to Eli. Quiet for now, waiting to see how he does. Or what he does.

Eve shakes her head stubbornly. "He wasn't awkward, he was endearing." She insists, watching him and Declan as the latter gives a lesson. She too turns her attention toward Eli, watching him carefully to see what he does. If he looks in her direction she'll give him the double thumbs up. Go get em babe!

Eli climbs to his feet and walks over to stand before Declan, smile on his lips and rolling his shoulder to loosen up like they're about to wrestle. Much to the disappointment of everyone, that's not what they're doing. His blue eyes watch the other man's face, nodding and listening to the instructions. Makes sense. He watches while Declan carries out the movements, the man's body language, the eye contact and the voice. He finds himself leaning forward a little, a little bit uncertain what to say until Declan breaks the act. He swings his eyes briefly toward Dahlia with a 'you have your hands full' look. He takes a breath and nods, trying it himself.

He's likely not hopeless, but it might take some practice to smooth things out. He tries to emulate Declan's easy motions, but everything is a bit too deliberate and when he lowers his voice he goes way too low and he winces at his own attempt. Then he's laughing. "Shit, shit. I'd have whoever I was after running away thinking I was going to attempt some Klingon love ritual with them."

Declan keeps it together through most of it. Until Eli mentions... Klingons. He smirks. "Look, you did pretty good. It's like any other physical thing, right? You do it enough times..." his head lowers, tilts, eyebrows narrow just slightly, and his hand reaches up to touch Eli's shoulder. There's the slightest brush of his fingers while he bites his lower lip. "It comes natural," is said slowly and with a patient gravitas. A real smile follows while he straightens. "You'll get there. Then panties will go flying. Hopefully just Eve's, for your sake."

Dahlia had that Cheshire-like grin on her features. Oh yes. She definitely had her hands full, but clearly there were no problems with that on her hand. "I dunno Eve. We might have to end up running away together if Declan keeps up like that." She's teasing of course and there's a laugh to go with it. "It wasn't a bad first attempt Eli! You'll have to practice on Eve some and then give us another demonstration next time."

"Anyone who attempts to steal Eli is in a lot of trouble. Not that I could do anything violent, I'm horrible at that, but I'd frown really hard." Eve watches Eli when he tries Declan's movements, a slight smile on her lips. "He can practice on me anytime, but it's a lost cause." She'd mention something about panties and Eli, but she's shy. "Look at him though, he's so adorable, swagger is wasted on him. He is perfect how he is."

"You make it look easy." Eli complains when Declan slips back into it, briefly meeting the other man's eyes before he's smiling and turning back toward the two women. He looks to Dahlia and adds - "I think I have enough points on the Kinsey scale to appreciate Declan, but not enough to want to do anything about it. You'll have to keep him entertained. And I certainly wouldn't want Eve to be frowning really hard at anyone. I'm much more happy when she's smiling and intend to keep it that way." He makes his way back to his seat, the swagger lesson completed for now, leaning over to briefly kiss Eve's lips. "If you're happy with my swaggerlessness, then all is well."

"Not sure I could break Eve's heart like that," Declan tells Dahlia. "I mean literally. I really don't think I'm capable of stealing this poor guy away." He winks over at Eve and chuckles, then follows after Eli so that he can sit next to Dahlia. He picks his drink back up and takes a swig. "What's the Kinsey scale?" he asks after a lull, looking around at everyone.

"Yeah you two are cute together. I'd hate to see you split apart." Dahlia agreed, finishing off her cup. She gave Declan's knee a little squeeze when he sat by her, leaning over and murmuring something to him. Settling back in her seat, she shrugged. "I have no idea what a Kinsey scale is." She admitted with a laugh - looking over towards Eli for the answer.

"He won't leave so we're probably pretty safe." Eve might be teasing, but the look she gives Eli is anything but. She leans into the brief kiss, and then settles her legs back across his lap when he settles down. "You've got swagger, you know you have swagger, but for some reason I'm the only one lucky enough to see it." Her cheeks get pink and she seems comfortable, sangria in hand, head tilting up toward the sun. If she knows what the Kinsey scale is, she's not sharing.

Eli looks a bit uncomfortable, clearly not expecting to have to address his offhand comment. "Ah, I'm not really an expert. Basically it's a sexuality scale. If you're a zero, you're entirely into the opposite gender. If you're a six, you're entirely gay. The idea is that there are other points between those two. Even if you're bisexual you may still have a leaning in one direction or another." He shrugs and loses himself in his drink for a moment before getting up to get himself a refill. "That's your awkward science lesson for the day." He says with a quick grin. "Does anyone want more to eat? Still more burgers here."

"... huh," Declan replies. He scratches at his jaw and takes another sip of sangria. "I always thought of it as more complicated than that." He pulls out his phone and googles it, but shakes his head to more food. While searching, he leans over to Dahlia and whispers something back with a big grin. "I'm full, Eli. It was good, though."

Dahlia laughs at whatever Declan says to her. "Interesting." About the scale. "I've never really thought about it. I mean, I've been with guys and girls. Mostly for work things, but I prefer guys." She mused. "Nah, I'm good on food, but I might take some to go! Maybe make Justin a plate. I will take some more sangria though." She gets up as well to move over to the jug.

"More sangria for me?" Eve requests quietly, it's definetly having an effect on her. She's relaxed, comfortable, and quieter than she usually is. She watches the other couple whisper to each other and it makes her giggle softly, her eyes following Eli as he moves around explaining sexuality scales. "I always feel like the least experienced person in a room when it comes to these things."

Eve gets a smiling look at her comment, shaking his head. "I've read about it. Can't say I have a lot of personal experience or even any great insight." He gestures toward Declan while bringing the jug over to refill Eve's glass. "And I'm sure it is more complicated than that. Just one person trying to make sense of things. I guess the key point is it is a scale and not binary, right? That was quite the thing when this was first published in the 50s." With his glass and Eve's topped up he settles back in beside her, reaching a hand over to set just above her knee. His brow furrows a bit at Dahlia's comment, but he doesn't press her on it. "You can take some food for Justin. I thought he'd be coming over again one of these days. He must keep himself busy."

"Exactly. Scales are made to be...moved and all that." Dahlia agreed as she settled back into her seat. There's a fleeting look of amusement that flashes over her features when she notes Eli's look and also seems to connect a couple dots. However! She won't make the poor guy feel even more awkward, so she also just lets it go. "He wants to, I'm sure. And he's got a new friend too. Stefano. So we'll have to try and wrangle them for a hang out too. Stefano's new to town I think too. Would be good for their social circle to broaden a bit."

"I don't really think of it as being attracted to one gender or another. Just people. Individuals. I've never thought... yeah, that one gender is for me." Declan shrugs and holds out his cup for more. "But I can see how it'd be a big deal back then. Props to Kinsey. And I'm glad you like it, Eve." He takes a small sip and turns to Dahlia as she talks, but remains quiet for some time after that.

Eve is a little too tipsy for most of the conversation, especially about scales and sexuality. She likes listening to Eli talk though, and that's obvious as her eyes follow his movements around the roof. Tipsy Eve stares. She smiles as he settles back down, especially when his hand is on her leg. She turns to Dahlia and sees the look on her face, glances at Eli and connects some dots. Here is where tipsy Eve might have said something, but then she gets distracted by Declan, and instead just murmurs. "Thank you for bringing it. Peach. My favorite."

"That makes sense." Eli says in reply toe Declan's words. He's hardly worldly, so his amount of input on the subject doesn't go much beyond the things that he has read, so he doesn't delve much deeper into the topic than that. Instead he shifts the subject slightly, though at the same time his hand draws up Eve's thigh in a manner that's not likely entirely appropriate for when company is over. But, he's feeling pretty good after a couple glasses of strong sangria and a beer. "Anyone here run into a weird couple around town. Cruising around in a van with a full skeleton riding shotgun?" He glances around the group. "They showed up at the park the other day and ... freaked me out some. The guy kept taking pictures of me."

Dahlia chuckles softly as she watches Tipsy Eve for a moment. Sipping her sangria and then relaxing back to look up at the sky. She certainly doesn't care about Eli and Eve getting a little touchy feely. Though her brow raises at the talk of a couple and a skeleton. "Uh, can't say I have...who're they?" Glancing back over to Eli.

Declan salutes Eve with his cup before turning to Eli. He makes no mention of the touching either, but shakes his head at the description of the couple. "Me neither. Sounds pretty damn strange, though. Was he using a camera or his phone?"

Eve has a grin on her face, and a fresh glass of sangria. She watches Eli's hand but there isn't any move to shake him off or dissuade him from whatever his goal is. She's warm, just the right side of tipsy, and pretty happy right now. "You didn't tell me about this.." She says to him, taking a sip of her sangria. She lifts a finger to point at him, grinning. "It's because you're good looking, Eli. I'd take pictures of you too if I didn't have the real thing here with me." She turns to Dahlia and Declan, her tone matter-of-fact. "He is very good looking without clothes too."

If Eve was trying to get Eli to blush for the crowd, she has managed to do that with her matter of fact declaration about him. He closes his eyes a moment as though that will help him hide, but lets out a breath and pushes on. His hand doesn't really do much more than rest high on Eve's thigh, even after a few drinks he's not bold enough to do more than that with an audience. He clears his throat. "Be careful, Eve, or they're going to demand that I put on a performance and I haven't really worked all of the kinks out of my strip tease yet." He finally replies, pushing a hand back through his hair and shaking his head. "The guy was weird. It was a real camera, and expensive looking one. He was doing commentary like I was some creature in a nature documentary because I said I was a Democrat. Not because I'm good looking." Eli makes a face. "This is what I get for trying to meet people."

Dahlia grinned again. "Oh is he now?" A touch of a smirk at Eli and seeing him blushing. "I can see it. " She agreed, taking another sip of her drink. Her eyes sparkled. "I can give you some pointers on the strip teasing if you want." An innocent offer. Then she rose a brow again. "Sounds like the kinda person that might piss me off. But hey, not everyone can be a winner."

Declan bites his cheek and laughs a little at Eve. He returns his attention to Eli as he describes the encounter. "That's something," he says vaguely with a raise of his eyebrows. "Pretty damn strange." He turns to Dahlia. "Pretty sure he's not quite limber enough for most of the stuff you do." He glances at Eli. "Unless you know some male routines." Declan bumps her leg. He's definitely buzzed.

"We sleep naked, I peek a lot." Eve beams a smile in Dahlia's direction, before she sees Eli blushing. She takes his hand and squeezes it, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. "You're adorable, and don't let people get you down, you want to get out and meet people, you do that. You're not always gonna hit a home run." She blushes and then she shrugs. "I mean, sometimes you always will but that's mostly because you and I.." She might say more, but then she remembers that she's supposed to be behaving, so she clams up and takes a drink.

Is this behaving? That said, he's pretty sure the home run comment doesn't really need elaboration as to what she was getting at. He laughs and dips his head toward Eve, finding a place on her neck to kiss and saying something quietly to her before looking back toward the others with flushed cheeks. "I can hardly swagger, I'm pretty sure I can't strip tease with any sort of success. I mean, if I'm playing to the right crowd I likely can't go wrong - " And with this he squeezes Eve's hand. "But, I don't think I'd do much good under public scrutiny. Honestly, I've never seen guys strip. I've got to figure it's more about abs of steel, and that's something I'd need to spend some serious time in the gym to get up to par." More sangria. More. "If it's more about just hip thrusting I think I could do that." How much had he had? He leans back in his seat and looks over toward Dahlia with a lazy look, head tilting a bit. "Do you strip, Dahlia?" Such a casual question.

Dahlia started laughing again. "Can we get Eve tipsy more often?" She asked and then flashed a grin to Declan. "I dunno, I could probably figure something out! But I don't think anyone wants to see that right now. Well, except for you maybe." Winking towards Declan and then look back to the others. Giving another grin Eli. "I sure do. As of, like, a week ago? At the Platinum Cabaret that just opened. It's a lotta fun. I think I like it better than bartending. But it's good to have a variety." Dahlia had no shame in admitting it. "No male strippers yet...but maybe one day."

"It's not just about the body," Declan replies with a shrug. "At least, I don't think so. Guy strip teases... I think it's way different. There's a physical element to it, but," he doesn't seem to have the words, so he shrugs and finishes off his glass. His head is definitely buzzing after that. "I would. But yeah, we should spare them. Whoo, shit. I think I really did make that too strong." He looks at his cup.

Genevieve squirms and giggles when he leans in to kiss her on the neck. The quiet words make her give him a look, it's mostly a 'hey I'm innocent' look, but clearly if she's sober enough to give that look..

She makes a snorting noise, turning toward the guests. "C'mon. Tell me I'm right. If a girl says you have swagger, she's seen you naked, and she's had lots of sex with you. She wwould know. You're using that swagger to get there." She huffs out a sigh and then considers before she adds, "I like this sangria, if you bring it over, I'm gonna drink it. Wait.. you're a stripper? Are they asking you to strip? Did I miss part of our conversation?" She blinks owlishly, glancing from one face to another. "Wow."

"We should. I don't think they could handle us. " Dahlia agreed with a giggle, sliding her gaze back to Eve. "Yes I'm a stripper. I don't think anyone here is asking me to strip though." She mused with a grin. "I'm gonna get some pole dancing lessons from a co-worker. Since I've never actually been a stripper like that before."

"We should likely go watch sometime." Eli says, in that voice that you might use to support your friend who does open mic comedy or plays in a band. You know, gotta go support your friends when they're performing! He may think otherwise when he's sober, but with enough sangria in his system he's ready for an outing. He tightens his gaze on Declan and give s bit of a nod. He's not about to enter the stripping business, but he seems interested in the nuts (hah!) and bolts. He turns back toward Eve. "Is it swagger if I can only muster it when I'm alone with someone I love? If it is, then I'll accept that. But, no threat of me getting panties tossed at me at the Firefly."

"Baby, I think you've got swagger, and I've seen you swing that thing like a cave man. That is all that matters, and thank you for finally accepting it." Eve raises her glass in Eli's direction, making an attempt not to lose the sangria she sips when he mentions them going to the strip club. "I like Dahlia a lot, but I don't know if I want to see her naked." She turns her head toward her best friend, making a grimacing yikes face. "No offense sweetie."

Declan starts to laugh. At what is unclear. More than enough of it is hilarious. "Okay... first of all. She looks great naked. You'd get used to it in less than five minutes, too. She's really comfortable in... her own... skin." He tilts his head, trying to make sense of that one. "Wow. Anyway. Second, come here." He scoots or pulls Dahlia closer and kisses her. It's lingering, but no more than twenty seconds.

Dahlia laughed softly. "None taken. I haven't gotten full naked yet. First dance of the night I usually just go down to the undergarments. Second set I might lose a top. Lap dances are where I'm more prone to getting naked." She shrugged, though grins as Declan starts to defend her nakedness. "That sw-" Her words are cut off by Declan pulling her in to the kiss. A barely audible little moan as the kiss is returned and, if she didn't remember they were in company, might've climbed right up into his lap. She nips Declan's lip when the kiss ends and grins. "Well, I can get used to that."

"No? Declan says she looks really good." Eli points out, grinning. Declan's assurances likely weren't really needed, all present company could likely have determined that on their own. "I thought it might be fun. Don't want to weird anyone out though." He adds, shifting his eyes away from the other couple when they slip into a 'short' kiss. He doesn't really seem uncomfortable with it, just that maybe staring at them while they make out isn't entirely polite. "Swing it like a cave man?" He says more quietly to Eve, grinning and leaning in to find a kiss on her lips. His is more just an intimate touch, not lingering.

Genevieve isn't gonna smak her man, but she gives him a look, right before she bursts out laughing. She nods seriously when he mentions her words, returning his kiss beforee she leans in against him. "I don't think I've ever been to a strip club of any variety." She thinks about it, her wine muddled mind doing some backtracking and then she nods. "Nope, never have been. Are they fun places? I feel like it wouldn't be fun for me."

Declan kisses the side of Dahlia's mouth before pulling away, grinning as he does. His hand comes to a rest on her knee. "They can be fun, Eve. Depends a little bit. It's a fantasy, a place to get teased and have fun." He turns to her. "If it makes you feel any better, they aren't really my thing either. No judgments, though." He turns to Dahlia. "So do you guys share tips? I've always wondered about that."

Dahlia crosses her legs, leaning lightly into Declan's touch as she relaxes. "They can be a lotta fun. Had these two girls come in for a night out, they had a great time. Ain't no harm in trying it out once you know? Then you'll really know." She chuckled and quirked a brow. Like she was biting back some sort of comment and answered properly instead, "Nah. We keep all our tips and half the dancer fees. It's all cash. Pretty good gig."

"Been years since I went to one." Eli adds his assessment, shaking his head. "Not really my scene, but on the other hand, it was fun enough. The women tend to be beautiful and athletic. I didn't ever have a lap dance, that wasn't something I was as comfortable with personally. If you're not much into watching pretty women dance about then it likely wouldn't be a lot of fun." Eli's blue eyes fix on Declan for a moment when he asks Dahlia about tips, his lips opening but he hesitates when Dahila answers the question honestly, before he says - "You'd figure if they were doing a good job the tips would be taken care of by just one girl. Or they'd be paying a bunch extra to have them shared." Is there any more sangria? Eli is a bit unsteady when he gets up to his feet to pour himself some. He's in #noFilter mode.

Someone is giving Eve ideas. She keeps to herself for a moment, quietly sipping her sangria as the conversation flows around her. She looks from person to person and finally she answers Declan. "I get my fantasies covered at home though. Plus, I hate being teased, I mean.. it has it's place, but.." She takes a sip and then continues. "I'm all about the payoff." She ponders and then wrinkles her nose. "Maybe I'll give it a shot, we'll see."

It takes Declan a moment to realize what the hell is going on. "Wait. Okay, hah-hah." He shakes his head, laughs at himself, and pinches the bridge of his nose. After a long, happy sigh he turns to Eve. "That's more or less why I'm not much of a fan. I like to be teased, but not by what I can't have. It just makes no sense to me. But yeah, the other night was fun to watch. DJ was good, too."

There's a laugh at Eli's words, but she answers Eve."Well, I've heard the bathroom stalls have proper locks." Dahlia's eyes sparkle with mischief as Eve talks about a payoff and Declan agrees with her. "But, I love teasing, so I'm not the right person for this sort of talk. The teasing's the best part for me." As she finally moves to settle into Declan's lap.

"Maybe I'm letting you off too easily." Eli suggests to Eve at her talk of teasing, settling back into his chair with his refilled glass and considering her carefully. "The more the tease the better the payoff is at the end. Certain people, however, are very demanding." He swings his eyes back over to the other couple. "Must admit I have a weakness for well articulated demands." Uh huh. He wraps his lips around the rim of his glass and takes a long sip. "Here is the thing about bathroom stalls. I've been in enough over the years to know that's no place I want to be in any longer than necessary. Not a turn on."

Eve looks shocked, her mouth dropping open as she stares over at Eli. "Demanding? Meee?" Say it isn't so, Eli. She scoots her chair closer to his and really, this time she puts her legs back in his lap, and she'll keep him from getting up. You are her leg rest now. "I'm open to explore more about this teasing thing, but honestly like I just said. I am very happy with what I get at home, so even going out to cat around and get teased elsewhere seems silly. I mean, I could follow Eli around slipping fives in his boxers if I feel like I'm missing something. I'm sure he'd appreciate it."

Declan adjusts so that Dahlia can sit across his lap. He settles a hand on both her legs and reclines, kissing her shoulder once. "Bathroom stalls? Dirty. But if you can turn your brain off... hot." He quiets, turning his attention up to the woman in his lap. His vision is still swimming a bit. "Boxers don't hold cash well... not that I'd know. I definitely don't know that. Ignore me."

"Maybe we'll have to try it out sometime. See how hot it can be." Dahlia teases Declan, plucking at one of his buttons before looking to the other couple and grinning. " I mean, they might if they're tight enough. I could be wrong. I don't wear boxers enough to know." She laughed. "This was a good idea. I'm glad we're here. This is fun, a great way to unwind."

Eli doesn't seem to mind the legs. In fact, he drops his non drink holding hand onto them and casually strokes up the length of them quite happily. He grins at the idea of Eve following him around and slipping him fives and then laughs at Declan's comment. "I'm still willing to let her try. Maybe if you tuck them in there properly they'll stay?" He shakes his head, watching the group. "I'm glad you both came over too. It has been a really good day. It's nice to have days that are good from top to bottom sometimes. I'm /also/ more drunk than I've been in quite awhile. I'm going to pretend I'm not going to regret that tomorrow." His hand slides up Eve's leg - though it's out of sight beneath her sundress, it's likely not too hard to see that it's crept back up to rest on her thigh.

Eve's eyes are drooping, her drink is loose in her hand. She is losing the battle with the sangria. She watches Eli through that haze, and smiles when his hand strokes her leg. She takes a deep breath, and just relaxes. Not even realizing that Dahlia has at some point climbed into Declan's lap. The power of a strong drink. "Oh, I love you Eli." There is only a slight slur to her words, hopefully it's endearing.

"What? A stall?" Declan asks, laughing. "Uhhhhh. Suuuure. I'll just bring along some heavy-duty cleaners." Laughing again, he turns to the other couple. "Yeah it was. We should do it again. Maybe next time," he smiles over at Eve, "I'll make it a bit less strong. Maybe a lot. As for hangovers... you're talking to a bartender, man. You want the cure?" He leans forward and gently bites Dahlia's back. "I'll text it to you. It's a good one."

There's a pleased little noise as Declan bit at her. "Maybe a lot less strong." She agreed with a laugh."Hey, text that to me too. It'll be good to expand my repertoire." She tilted her head back to draw him into another quick kiss before looking back to Eve and Eli. "Pretty sure Eve here is gonna need to be carried to bed soon and tucked right on in."

"I was thinking I should likely carefully escort her back down to the apartment before she passes out on us." Eli says with a quiet laugh, slipping his hand out from beneath her dress and leaning over to wrap his arms around Eve instead. "You two are welcome to hang up here awhile longer if you'd like. Don't mean to rush anyone out." He casts a skeptical look toward Declan but finally nods. "I'll look forward to it."

Eve thankfully sets down her drink and giggles when Eli gathers her in his arms. She stands up, very unsteady, and grips on to his shirt and the front of his shorts. Not in a lewd way, she just needs to hold on to his belt loop so she doesn't take a tumble. "Night." She says sweetly, her first few steps won't be all that steady, but the next few are a little better. Her voice carries as they walk toward the steps. "You know that thing you did with your tongue. I want to try that again." She gives Eli a sloppy kiss on the cheek, and starts counting the steps as they make their way down them.

Declan smiles at Eli's look, winks, and watches the couple move downstairs. "Wow," he says quietly when Eve is about halfway down the stairs. "I think I really overdid it, Dahlia." His hand creeps up her thigh and he winces. "Think she'll forgive me? Mostly my cure is... ibuprofen. I mean the whole milk and bananas help too, but." He bites his lip and looks pretty guilty.

"Sleep well you two." Dahlia watched them descend the stairs and then looked to Declan, shifting a bit and caressing his cheek. "It'll be just fine Declan." She assured him. "I doubt either of them are gonna be mad about it. Some things just take some fine tuning." She gave him a grin. "It was only your second time doing right? Well now you know better." Her hand slides up to run through his hair now before kissing his forehead lightly. "Whole milk and bananas. I'll remember that."