19 Tea or Whine?

Meanwhile, upstairs

The four sat on one sofa, the sitting order was Alaric, Alice, Nikolai and lastly Tsuki. Alice did not want the mood to turn awkward so she asked, "Do you guys want some tea or wine?".

Alaric: Some tea would be nice

Alice let out a gentle smile and replied: Good choice, they're mine

Alaric grinned and answer: Hmm then I'd love to explore more of anything that's yours

Alice blushes hard and cleared her throat before turning to the other two: You both?

Nikolai and Tsuki: Wine please!

Hearing the both being in synchronous, Nikolai and Tsuki each turned to the side and blushes

Alice: Seems like Mr. Li is not the only exploring

Alice winked at Tsuki before proceeding to walk toward the small bar section where they had in order to get the drinks. Seeing that Alaric got up and rushed to help her.

" You can sit here, why did you come here? My hands will not suffer, you know?" Alice asked Alaric once she saw him next to her.

"Hehe so you heard what my friend said?" Alaric replied.

" Yeah, their chemistry is not so discreet. Anyways Mr. Li you can go over there, I can handle this, it will just take a second." Alice told him.

Alaric wanted to spend more time with Alice and knew he'd be a third wheel if he came back so he remained stubborn, "Miss Wang, I think something is wrong with me"... " I cannot tear myself from you.".

Alice rolled her eyes before responding, " Then would the great Alaric Li help me with this tray of cups over them while I bring this tray of drinks and snacks over there since you cannot tear yourself from me.".

Alaric let out a small chuckle before helping her.

When they came back, they found:

Tsuki: Oh cool, I am very interested in martial arts. I did not know that you are an expert!

When Tsuki becomes interested in something her eyes brighten and sparkle just like a full moon shining it's brightest toward someone's heart at the moment.

Seeing her expression, Nikolai could feel himself getting hot.

He was having an internal crisis: Why are you so pretty, cute and cool Tsuki? If only not Ace being my best friend you would be under me now. Ace you really are cruel. F*ck what am I thinking I don't like girls like her. Calm down Nick you are just fluttering because this is new, no, no innocent girls.

Seeing him being so quiet when their conversation was going well and not noticing the other two who came back, Tsuki scooched closer to Nikolai and grabbed his hand before asking out of concern, " Umm Mr. Wu are you okay?".

Nikolai finally comes back and realizes how close Tsuki was, her hands were on his!!! Did this little girl think he is a saint.

Nikolai knows that his reputation is bad so Tsuki should have some ideas unless she feels that friendly comfortable vibe with him, she should not have done so. Thinking in this direction, Nikolai was a little relieved but deep down he felt hurt.

Seeing one of his best friends being like that, Alaric knew exactly what his struggles were and decided to save him.

Inside "Haha I can totally get a new car for free with this act of help."

"So how are you guys doing?" Alaric then began to set the cups and so Alice at the same time would not have to carry the tray while standing for so long.

The question really brought Nikolai back and he responded "Great, I did not know you girls learned martial arts? Honestly that is great, you can learn to defend yourself unlike lots of the rich Misses that I have met."

Alice chuckled at the statement and responded sarcastically, "Hmm yes we learned it to defend ourselves in case of emergency situations. Honestly, even if you have 100 body guards certain cases can happen that would rely on your own strength."

" You are correct, a true woman like that is certainly the sexiest. " Nikolai complimented and grinned before beginning to pour out the wine and take a slow sip.

His Adam apple bobbed slowly as his lips turned slightly red with wine when he put the glass down.

Alaric eye brows twitched seeing his friend's behavior. Feeling irritated he was about to say something but Alice in a light hearted tone interrupted, " Of course, if not how can we be on guard with the dangerous wolves out there?".

Alice was half joking and half serious as she smiled but gave a warning glare toward Tsuki. Her bestie on the other hand was so gone with the thin red wine stained lips. Alice who could only curse inside and talk to her later.

The four then began to sit down and talk and bonded.

The energy was just right, warm and fun. As there is more wine in her system, Tsuki tends to lean on Ace who sits next to her.

Being drunk is human's most honest and purest state of being, any desires risen we ourselves often act upon them then.