AN: Yes, I know I have no excuse. So I just won't make up any. But I am trying though. Really.
I hope you guys will bear with me.
Lotsa popsicles and ice cream bars to everyone who reviewed last time: Feeny, Qwi-Xux and QbertEnhanced. Thank-you :D
The Consequences of Alcohol
Penelo opened her tired eyes, blinking heavily in the bright light of the morning. She groaned. Her head throbbed as though she'd been attacked with a sledgehammer. Images of last night filtered through her mind. The last thing she remembered was heading off towards the Cloudborne Tavern. She and Vaan had just fled from the scene of their crime, the home of high Bhujerban Chancellor Salim, skipping and laughing, giddy off the highs from a successful raid.
She rubbed at her temples and winced. The whole room spun then stabilized. Frantically, she scanned the room. Penelo breathed a sigh of relief. Good. She was not in Bhujerba, but in Rozarria. She recognized the particular style of pottery adorning the walls; they usually fetched a high price in the markets.
Penelo squeezed her eyes shut again, but the sun left a distracting bright swirl of orange yellow flares to stain the darkness. Exhausted, she laid there, trying to overcome the feeling of sickness creeping up her chest, when she suddenly realized something was amiss.
She looked down at herself. She was wrapped in a thin white sheet that barely disguised the fact that she was naked underneath. Her breathing quickened. She blushed hotly then, slowly, disbelievingly, Penelo turned and looked beside her. A stark naked Vaan snored contentedly under the covers, drooling on the pillow.
As realization dawned, her eyes grew to the size of saucers and she did the first thing that popped into her head. She shrieked.
There was a loud yell and a kick – she wasn't sure who – and a second later, Penelo found herself tumbling off the bed and seeing stars. Her butt made a painful acquaintance with the cold hard floor but she was consoled by the nice yelp of pain Vaan gave as his head collided with the head board. Trembling, Penelo stood up and grasped the sheets tightly around herself.
Vaan ogled at her for a moment, wide eyed and mute, his mouth agape in shock. Penelo stared determinedly back, willing him to say something.
Anything.
Vaan coughed nervously. His gaze dropped and his eyes flitted madly around the room, looking everywhere but directly at her. "Um..G-good morning." he stuttered, gulping audibly.
A strangled noise escaped her throat as she hastily folded her arms across her chest, thoroughly on the verge of having a panic attack.
That was it. No drops of liquor were ever passing through her lips again.