Fourth over | video

[fiveagainstradley]

What's the City's legal drinking age? Because back home it's eighteen, and I've never been to a pub before, but I could do now, if it's eighteen here too.

[ He pauses, thinking. ]

Also, I think I'll be needing to find a job soon. I haven't got many qualifications-- I came here before graduating school-- but I'm good at maths and I learn quickly.

Comments

[nosympathy]

Seems to depend on who you ask and where you go. Not like there's an actual city government but for some reason everyone seems to use American morality as a guideline.

[fiveagainstradley]

So what's that then, eighteen?

[nosympathy]

Twenty one. But I don't think those in the Underground care much for the usual laws, so if you can survive dealing with them...or do like most do and just get a friend to buy it for you and drink at home.

[fiveagainstradley]

Oh. They must've changed it. [ He's from the seventies: a happier, drunker time. ]

I don't much want to go to the Underground, thanks.

[nosympathy]

[She remembers those years. Mostly fondly.]

Politicians and MADD mothers upset their little darlings were getting drunk and driving.

Can't blame you for that one. [Not that she has any problems going.]

[fiveagainstradley]

I can see how that would make mums angry. Well, I have neither car nor license, so there'll be no trouble.

[nosympathy]

Some like to see trouble where there isn't any. As long as you don't go overboard or cause any actual trouble, I doubt most people really care.

[infernoandhearth]

[He walks in, and settles down comfortably beside David.] You could have been doing any time, I told you. Nobody asks. Nobody has proof you aren't.

[And then he taps his shoulder. He wants his full attention.]

What would you like for your birthday, David? I can fetch you anything, you know. Aside from the usual, I mean.

[fiveagainstradley]

But I would know.

[ David looks over at Luke, still unused to seeing the growing visual proof of his cursed pregnancy. ]

Oh, I dunno. I don't really need much. Maybe some ice skates.

[infernoandhearth]

Oh David, it doesn't matter. Before I went to prison there wasn't even such a thing as a drinking age. Everyone just drank. It's sort of arbitrary, really.

[As a shapeshifter, and a god, Luke is able to keep some of the grossest aspects of pregnancy to a minimum, and he's been keeping the puking as secret as possible. This baby, small and new as it is right now, seriously kicks like a jerk, though, and occasional wincing is the hallmark of this pregnancy.]

Skates, then. I can manage skates. Would you like them magical, or regular?

[fiveagainstradley]

Do you want to go, then, later?

What would magical skates do?

[infernoandhearth]

Of course!

I'm not sure. I'd have to work something out. Maybe give you more speed, or make sure you didn't fall. Something useful like that.

[fiveagainstradley]

There's a girl who says she works at a place called the Blue Light. We could try there.

Not falling would be good. I can be dreadfully clumsy on ice.

[justamessenger]

No way! Is it your birthday?

[fiveagainstradley]

It is. December 20.

[justamessenger]

Happy Birthday! How are you going to celebrate?

[fiveagainstradley]

I was thinking of trying a pub since I'm of age now.

[verysmallpig]

Y-you have to be eighteen to drink?

[Piglet's assuming, of course, that drinking is merely drinking.]

[fiveagainstradley]

[ Holy cow, a talking ...something. ]

To drink alcohol yeah. You can have some with a meal when you're sixteen, but you have to be eighteen to buy any.

[verysmallpig]

... you're not allowed to have a meal until sixteen?

[This hardly seems right to the young piglet.]

[fiveagainstradley]

What? No, of course you are. Otherwise you'd never reach sixteen to begin with.

[hexuality]

I started working at a bar when I was seventeen, but you're legally an adult at seventeen in my world. So I suppose it's up to you?

[fiveagainstradley]

So I could just go in and no one would stop me?

[hexuality]

Depends on the person. Most people seem to stick to the rules of their home world, I guess? I don't want to be responsible for giving you the idea to do things if you aren't of age. I ignore rules when it suits me, too, but not always.

[fiveagainstradley]

But I am of age, today I am. If eighteen's the age. That's why I was asking.

[hexuality]

I suppose eighteen's the age just as much as seventeen was for me. You ought to come by the Blue Light.

[fiveagainstradley]

I think I might. Is that where you work?

[hexuality]

Sometimes, yeah! I used to be there all the time, but I inherited a business after a few friends left so I'm there more. But I still come by the Blue Light when I can—it was my first job, I'm sort of attached.

It's a lovely place, though. Jazz club.

[fiveagainstradley]

Then I'll go there. Thanks!

[hexuality]

No problem.

I'm Ginny, by the way.

[fiveagainstradley]

I'm David. Are you English?

[hexuality]

Extremely, yes. What gave me away?

[fiveagainstradley]

Your accent, mainly.

Do you like cricket? [ GOSH, David, stop asking girls If they like cricket. ]

[hexuality]

[She starts laughing.]

I've never played it myself or seen a game, but I had a friend here who was really enthusiastic about it. He explained it all to me in absolute detail. I love sports, though, so I didn't mind.

[fiveagainstradley]

Oh, is your friend still here? I love cricket, I was thinking of trying to get a game together in the spring.

[hexuality]

He left a long time ago, sorry. But I'd be interested in giving it a go if you'll have me.

[Ginny, you cannot apply Quidditch to everything.]

[fiveagainstradley]

[ Yes you can, Ginny. ]

You would? Brilliant! I've never played cricket with a girl before but I could teach you how.

[hexuality]

How hard could it be?

[fiveagainstradley]

Not hard at all! I'll teach you when the snow melts in spring.

[hexuality]

Sounds like an excellent plan.

audio;

[signatures]

Just ask the bartender wherever you end up.

If you tip well, I don't think they care how old you are.

audio;

[fiveagainstradley]

I'll do that, thanks.

audio;

[signatures]

You're very welcome.