Part 1 of a multi-part short story. Set in an AU where Lara and Sam develop a bit of an alcohol problem after Yamatai. Inspired by the Evanescence song of the same name. Special thanks to Reasons Lost for editing this for me!

Some of you may be wondering why there aren't three chapters right now. While it's true that I originally uploaded Had Enough in here, I felt that it simply didn't fit in with the tone I wanted to give this anthology. You can find Had Enough re-uploaded as a standalone instead.

All feedback is appreciated!


It all started out innocently enough; it was almost like a ritual. Lara and I would get together to have a drink. I took to mixing Lara with vodka. For some reason the warmth of alcohol settling in my stomach combined easily with the way she warmed my heart. They made the bitter feelings seem distant. It allowed us to stave off the tears and, in an almost ironic sense, dulling the pain helped to sharpen our minds and our focus. After that one drink we'd be able to go about life normally, as if nothing ever happened.

Eventually, getting together for the occasional drink turned into getting together every night, and one drink became several. We never meant for it to get to that point, it just took more to take the edge off.

The nightly ritual became an after work ritual for me. It was easy for me to get a job in a department store, the camera floor specifically. I've always been good with people, and better with cameras. Nine to five, and they started me a pound above minimum, plus commission. It wasn't as easy for Lara; archaeology isn't a universally applicable skill. But honestly, I wasn't sure if Lara was even trying. Day after day continued to pass and she showed almost no sense of urgency in finding gainful employment. It wasn't until a month after I'd found my own job that I decided to broach the topic.

I saw her sitting on the couch, beer in hand while watching TV. I walked up and gently wrapped my arms around her from behind.

"Hey, babe?" I asked quietly, looking down at her puzzled expression, "Have you thought about how you're going to pay your part of the bills? Maybe looked at any jobs?" She frowned for a moment, and set her beer down. I remember wondering if she had expected to live off of me, or my trust fund, and feeling guilty for even thinking it.

"Right," she said. "Bills." She sounded like she'd just remembered some distant, unimportant idea, and lifted her beer for another sip. "I'll sort that out." I believed her.

"By next week?" I asked, sliding my hands up and rubbing her shoulders slowly.

"By tomorrow, even." My face must have betrayed my confusion, and when I opened my mouth to speak Lara slid a hand behind my neck and pulled me into a kiss. I could taste the alcohol on her breath. "Don't worry about it," she let me go, but I didn't move. I knew from experience that just one beer wouldn't make anybody's breath that heavy.

"Sweetie...how long have you been drinking?" She didn't answer right away. Instead she looked down at her drink.

"An hour, maybe?" she said dismissively.

"...And how long have you been awake?" I asked slowly. Lara paused for a moment to think.

"I don't know," she shrugged, "...why does that matter anyhow?" I stepped over the back of the couch and took a seat beside her.

"Lara...it's only one in the afternoon."

"And? It's not like I have any obligations today." When I still looked uncertain she set her drink down with a sigh, "Come here…" I leaned in closer to her and she wrapped her arms around me. I closed my eyes and rested my head along the crook of her neck, allowing myself to be comforted by her warmth. "I'll take care of everything by tomorrow, alright? Don't worry about it." I nodded lazily into her.

"Alright."


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