Originally authored on livejournal as Bingelybeep
Rating: T I think, may change, for drunkenness, swearing and a bit of sexual situation I would imagine, but I'm making this crap up as I go along
Spoilers: Very vague for The Show Must Go On, but basically if it was in the show, it might be mentioned.
Disclaimer: I do not own ER or any the characters or recognisable situations. This story is written and published for personal enjoyment and the love of the characters. No profit is being made.
Summary: Anyone wanna go get crazy ass drunk and pick a fight with some law clerks? (Reela)
Debt Collection
The pair walked into the Pit and were hit with the ever-present smells of stale beer, cigarette smoke and a faint undertone of urine. It wasn't too busy but crowded enough that they could talk without feeling overlooked.
Neela wrinkled her nose at the smell and once again though about starting up her on-again-off-again relationship with smoking. She wondered if anyone at the hospital would ever guess she smoked, probably not. It was a habit she had started as a teenager, her one and only form of rebellion other than one luridly memorable night when her older cousin took her out drinking. She cringed at the memory of throwing up absolutely everywhere and then trying to go to sleep in the middle of the street.
Ray glanced at her and caught the grimace. "Hey, it stinks but it's not that bad. At least the beer's cheap." He said cheerfully.
"I don't drink beer," she replied, in that monotone she had that seemed to suggest you were a complete idiot.
"God, you aren't one of those girls are you? If you only drink wine and mixers I hope you realise the damage you're going to be doing to my reputation." He said over his shoulder as he manoeuvred them to a reasonably secluded booth at the back.
"Oh don't tell me, you only drink beer and shots because you're a 'rocker', right? Please, a few of my cousin Janeesha's cocktails and you'd be on the floor. Men, so afraid if you drink anything that actually tastes nice you'll look gay."
"Hey! I'll have you know that I happen to have a high appreciation for the subtle flavour of a good brew. And I'm also very secure in my sexuality thank you," replied Ray, leaning back in his seat and taking up the whole of the bench he was sitting on. Somehow wherever he sat, Ray managed to splay himself out to cover all available space.
"In that case, let's play a game," suggested Neela, eyes lighting up in a way that made Ray very nervous. "We order each other's drinks all evening."
"In what sense is that a game?" asked Ray stalling for time while he thought out the pros and cons.
"OK then," huffed Neela, "we order each other's drinks and the first one to give in loses. No buying for yourself or letting anyone else buy for you and you have to finish everything you're bought. Deal?"
"What do I get when I win?" Ray was still trying to decide whether he could stomach a whole evening of getting drunk on bacardi and coke.
"Loser picks up the tab. Come on, is it a deal or are you too worried you'll lose?" The dangerous gleam returned briefly, "Or are you worried you'll like those girly drinks too much?"
Ray knew very well that he was being manipulated but somehow the idea of Neela thinking he was a wuss was too much. "You're on." And you're going to regret it. "Shall we start this little shindig off then?" he asked motioning to the bar. Ray got up cockily thinking about how much he was going to make Neela suffer and how much he'd enjoy seeing her try to squirm her way out of the game.
The bartender was so cliched it was frightening. Old, balding, fat and sweaty in a grimy blue button down shirt that had seen better days about ten years ago. Trying not to do a double take Ray smirked at Neela and made his order, "The lady'll have a guinness and a shot of sambucca, thanks." He tried to keep a straight face when he saw the look of horror that flashed across Neela's features.
Then she looked at him with a pretty good approximation of his smirk and, still watching him said, "And the gentleman'll have a peach magerita and a lime daquiri please. He likes the fruity ones."
Oh Jesus. Ray's face dropped. Not only was he trying to get drunk on cocktails with less alcohol than a gatorade, he was going to have to pee every half hour. And the bartender, who looked like he should be dueling with a banjo somewhere in the backwoods of West Virginia, thought he was gay and was giving him the worst glare Ray had ever received. Neela was going to be getting neat vodka for the rest of the evening if she wasn't careful.
FIN
I began this a very long time ago and then ER went to pot so I don't know if it'll be finished unless they start repeating the good old Ray/Neela episodes again. I do have another couple of chapters of this already typed out but unfortunately I locked the files as it's a communal computer and have since forgotten the password. If I can break it then you'll get the next chapters in a day or two, if not, don't hold your breath, lol. Thanks for reading.