"Pick your poison."

Dozens of glass bottles scoured the shelves as light hit them from above at an angle only God would provide. The alcoholic drinks were formerly hidden behind countless books. In the front of it all, Blake stood with her hands on her hips. She was overwhelmingly proud of her collection.

Yang sniffled twice like she was getting emotional. "It's so beautiful."

Like she'd seen it a million times, Ruby casually swiped a bottle labeled butterscotch vodka. She always had more of a sweet palette. The glass was half full as she presented the drink to Weiss.

"This and apple cider is beyond your wildest dreams," Ruby said, trying to convince her to try a sip. "If you like sweet drinks, this is the one for you."

Weiss eyed the delectable bottle, almost swearing she could smell it. "Do I want to know how this is possible?"

This was the first time she'd stepped into Blake's room. Naturally, there were tons of books. And her secret katana majestically laid above her bed. It was an interesting choice, especially since Weiss remembered that Ruby had a slanted poster of a scythe above her bed.

The question caused Blake to smirk. "I have a fake ID, but it wasn't needed thanks to Ilia's older brother."

Now, Ruby was in the kitchen and yelled over her shoulder. "We owe him!"

"I know!" Blake called back and sighed.

She had yet to figure out how to pay him back. Besides actually giving him their money.

When Yang spotted her favorite beer, she yelped. "Dibs!"

Like a child with candy, Yang giddily grabbed it. She noticed her girlfriend stared at the bottle as if it was taunting her. To give her a sip, Yang pried the cap off with her teeth while Weiss watched with her jaw dropped.

"What?" the blonde asked like that was normal and offered the bottle. "Want a lil?"

Curious, Weiss gulped one sip as the liquor slightly burned her throat. "It's not terrible," she said, clicking her tongue to explore the bland aftertaste.

"I think that's the best I can get from you," Yang loved that twisted expression on her face. "Do you wanna try some wine instead?"

She's got a lot to try, Yang thought. I hope she likes at least one thing.

It was then that Blake knocked down a couple of books and revealed some large wine bottles that looked expensive. "What do you like?"

"I'm not sure," Weiss admitted honestly. "I've only tried red wine and that contraption just now."

Blake nodded in understanding. "Feel free to pick whatever you want. I really don't care. There's plenty to go around."

Since she'd given her permission, the faunus grabbed her own plain beer bottle. Since there was an overwhelming selection, Weiss didn't know what to do. Until she heard her name called from the kitchen.

"Weiss!" Ruby shouted in excitement. "C'mere. I made you a glass!"

Interested, the girls slipped into the kitchen and sat at the dining table with their respective drinks. Since the party was in an hour, the girls decided to pregame in case the alcohol there was a flop like last year.

"If you want more let me know," Ruby insisted as she sipped her fancy glass drink.

While her friends leaned in with anticipation, Weiss sipped the liquor. A surprisingly pleasant burst of flavor showered her tastebuds and soothed down her throat. Azure eyes widened by how shocked she was and how much she liked it.

"This is really good," Weiss said and sipped again. "I guess I like fruity drinks."

We found what she likes so soon, Yang thought. She has similar tastes to Rubes.

"Glad you like it, princess," Yang commented and took another swig of beer. "I'm having this now since Sun doesn't typically have beer. He likes white claws. They're not the same."

The comparison made Blake shudder. "White claws are basically carbonated water," happily, she gulped down what appeared to be green wine. "Try this."

When Blake passed her glass over to Weiss, she gave multiple sips.

"This is good, too. A bit dry."

Yang was bemused that she liked such bitter wine. "It's a mom's drink," she said teasingly as she eyed Blake.

Weiss looked puzzled, so Blake elaborated for her roommate.

"It's chardonnay," Blake said and took another swig. "Ignore her."

While the girls continued to drink, Ruby refilled her glass. "We need some ground rules for tonight."

Yang almost scoffed from following a plan. "Listen to yourself. Rules on a party night? Really?"

"Yes, really!" Ruby yelped and slammed her hands on the table. "The one rule is simple: no one is left alone!"

That made Yang wink at her girlfriend. "Looks like you're stuck with me, ice princess."

That was the plan, anyway, Yang thought. She hasn't drank before so she won't leave my sight.

"As long as you don't annoy me, this should be fine," Weiss replied with a coy smirk.

Almost finished with her small drink, Weiss decided to pour some chardonnay into the glass. Blake watched, glad her friend found something else she liked.

"She's already preparing," Yang said jokingly and grabbed another beer bottle. "Is that all you wanted to talk about, Rubes?"

"And don't yell 'party foul' every time you spill a drink!" Ruby yelped, thinking her sister said that a lot last year.

Yang sat there in disbelief, like Ruby's words were foreign. "I'm startin' to think you don't know the rules of party foul. Everyone needs to know that I acknowledge my mistakes loudly, so they know I'm not too drunk."

"That has the opposite effect!" Ruby exclaimed.

Yang flailed her hands as if to snap her sister out of it. "You have to say party foul so it's not an actual party foul and more socially acceptable, get it?!"

In frustration, Ruby groaned and took a swig of beer from her new bottle. "You are the reason I drink."

Jokingly, Yang batted her eyelashes. "That's what every girl wants to hear."

Once again confused by their conversation, Weiss asked. "What's a party foul?"

Oh my god, Yang thought. She's so innocent. It's adorable.

Blake smiled widely as a flood of memories washed over her mind. "Like what Ren did last year," this earned a few snickers. "He accidentally broke a lamp while he was intoxicated," she leaned in and whispered. "Don't tell anyone that. It's supposed to be a secret from Sun. He thinks Nota did it, but he can't get mad at her."

Yang felt the need to add another example. "Or when Pyrrha was pushed into a window and shattered it," she gulped another mouthful of beer. "Poor Sun had a lot of explaining to do to his parents."

"He was so mad," Ruby said, thinking fondly on the memory. "For such a chill guy he almost blew a gasket."

More laughter.

Weiss processed their words and simplified it. "So it's when a drunk person messes up, yes?"

"Yeah," Yang agreed. "But there are unwritten rules for party foul like any social situation. Like actively acknowledging it to show others you aren't that drunk."

Ruby sighed as she felt her cheeks run hot. "No one follows those rules but you!"

Abruptly, Weiss hiccuped and hastily covered her mouth. Now that the girls heard the sound, they got a good look at her face. It was redder than Ruby's hoodie.

"I- I didn't mean to do that…" Weiss mumbled and shyly glanced away from the girls.

Dramatically, Yang put a hand over her heart and pretended to die in her seat. "That was… too cute for me to handle…"

"It happens," Blake reassured and finished her glass, feeling the warmth spread over her body. "How're you feeling?"

"I'm feeling good," Weiss said honestly and sipped a little beer from Yang's bottle. "This is great. Thanks for letting me try whatever."

The genuine comment earned wide smiles. Normally, Weiss was a little closed off and didn't admit her true feelings, so her friends were elated.

"My room is always open for business," Blake finished and looked grossed out. "That- that came out wrong."

More giggles.

In her slightly hazed state, Weiss noted the atmosphere was relaxed. The girls didn't hold their usual sharp wit or focus. Rather, they were misty and calm. It was a different side to them that she was thrilled to be a part of.

"You guys are all great," Weiss said in an attempt to convey her true feelings. "You've been through a lot. I'm proud of you."

Yang giggled from her good-nature and held her hand on top of the table. "She's the affectionate drunk!"

Exhilarated, Ruby slammed her bottle onto the table. "The best drunk of all!"

When I think she can't get any cuter, Yang thought. If I lick her she might melt.

Briefly, Yang considered testing her theory and decided against it. Even though it was extremely tempting and a viable theory.

Now that Weiss had loosened up a bit, she asked a question she wanted to for a while. But didn't know how to bring it up.

"How's therapy going? I'm happy you're going."

From how much she cared, Yang squeezed her hand. "It's wonderful, ice princess. Me and Rubes only have one session left, but it's helped us a lot, right Rubes?"

"Yeah!" Ruby chirped in glee. "We decided to get more sessions with Maria. The money is worth it. And we wouldn't have realized that without Ms. Goodwitch."

Weiss gave her a delayed nod. "She's great, too."

"We were worried," Blake said genuinely and then adopted a teasing tone. "Weiss here worried way more than she let on."

"Shut up!" Weiss yelped and crossed her arms in a pout, which earned a sly smirk. "I don't care."

Despite being intoxicated, her stubborn spirit was still there.

"Admit you care!" Yang said jokingly.

"No."

Mischievously, the blonde launched a tickle attack. Several yelps and giggles resounded from Weiss as she tried to smack her hands away. It was futile because Yang was on a mission.

"Admit it!" Yang said in between giggles. "Admit you're a total softie!"

"N-never!"

When Weiss was almost out of breath from the tickling, Yang decided to lean away.

"I think we're ready."

Stay dandy,

~Toto