( video )

[likeboudica]

[ The video conveniently turns itself on when the front door opens; revealing Howl leaning against the frame.

Tessa's frowning. You would, too, if you could smell the alcohol. ]

Are you all right?

[ She steps closer and ends up hugging him for a solid minute. When she draws back, her face is a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. ]

It is one of those days, is it not? [ She looks up. ] At least there are no mistletoes.

Comments

video;

[mrsnose]

Indeed.

video;

[likeboudica]

Miss Sophie. [ This is so awkward. ] Are you— hugging people as well?

video;

[mrsnose]

No, no I'm not. [Not really awkward as much as - well. She's not jealous, that's ridiculous] It doesn't mean I can't be glad there is no mistletoe.

video;

[likeboudica]

[ Tessa finds it quite awkward. ] Were you here for that curse already?

video;

[mrsnose]

No, but I can't imagine it being any fun.

[conesoldstober]

[It takes Howl a moment for his alcohol-fogged mind to pick up what's going on, and by then he finds he doesn't have the energy to fight it and just hugs back, leaning his chin on her hair.]

Small mercies. I probably smell atrocious.

[likeboudica]

[ At least this way, with her head against his shoulder, she can't smell his breath. Small mercies indeed. ]

You do.

[ But that doesn't mean she can let go just yet. ]

video;

[likeboudica]

It was not, truly. We were all forced to kiss one another and could not help it.

[ Well. Some of the kisses were nice. ]

video;

[mrsnose]

There we go - not something I'd want.

[conesoldstober]

I didn't expect any of you to be awake.

[He can feel his heart beating up a storm in his chest and it still feel so bizarre and foreign to him.]

video;

[likeboudica]

At least the curse today is somewhat less invasive.

video;

[mrsnose]

Right...

So why exactly did you hug him?

[likeboudica]

I couldn't sleep. [ So she curled up in the living room with the book she's currently reading. ]

Really though, are you all right? [ She knows some people get drunk for no reason whatsoever (her brother and, allegedly, Will) but others to drown their sorrows and if it's the latter, she might wish to know about it, in case she can help. ]

[candothat]

[This is the sort of video that needs to be addressed in person. As such, Chekov goes to the living room, wishing he didn't like Howl so he could punch him (and, perhaps, wishing that he were the sort of person to punch other people in a jealous rage, which he is not).]

Tessa?

video;

[likeboudica]

I felt that I had to.

video;

[mrsnose]

I see. Well, I'm sure he enjoyed it.

[likeboudica]

[ Oh. She's glad for his presence and for the fact that the urge to hug Howl leaves her immediately.

So she's walking over to him and hugging him, now. 'sup. ] Pavel. [ Muttered against his shoulder. ]

video;

[likeboudica]

I suppose it may not have been terrible for him.

video;

[mrsnose]

I suppose not.

video;

[likeboudica]

I did not mean to hug him.

[candothat]

[Ah, well. Good morning to you as well. He hugs her back, naturally.]

Is there a curse today? [Please say yes.]

video; 1/2

[mrsnose]

video;

[mrsnose]

[Sheepish.]

I'm sorry - I am...being ridiculous.

[conesoldstober]

Yes, yes. Better than I've been in a while, actually. At one level at least.

video.

[rehashing]

Tessa. Your phone's on.