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home of the embers high science department and guidance counselor's office

[emberssciencedept]

thefaqulty​:

THEY THANKFULLY END up having to handle no pests at all, something Robyn takes great relief in, despite having volunteered to do it for the two of them in the first place. As equipped as they are to handle it, briefly entertaining small talk and then pushing away afterward is the last thing they want to do now that Silver’s put the idea of being someplace quiet ( and preferably alone ) together in their head. Happily, no one approaches, perhaps something about the two of them together looking a little closed off and exclusive as they walk arm in arm, like they’re preoccupied and busy, pushing people away. Though Robyn’s seen a few interested glances from other colleagues, there hasn’t been any follow-through, which is how they both like it.

The two of them manage to move past the dining room and kitchen without interruption, and Robyn only clings tighter, closer, anticipating whatever quiet place Silver finds for them. They describe one they’re thinking of, being more familiar with this house than Robyn is, and as he listens, Robyn can’t help but feel a few shivers start to travel down his spine from how low his partner’s voice sounds now. He attempts to keep a straight face. “Sounds… acceptable,” he says blankly, forcing calm unaffectedness to blanket his expression, a slightly obvious effort on their part considering how well Silver already knows him anyway. In the end, Robyn decides to let his words give him away. “You’re certain we won’t be bothered there? I’m starting to think I’d rather have a spot entirely to ourselves, with absolutely no danger of anyone else walking in.”

...

Mercifully, there’s no need for Robyn to deal with any unwanted pests, which they’re not necessarily surprised about, but grateful for nonetheless. The two of them do have a way of putting out a facade that decidedly says do not bother us, naturally on their own, something that is only magnified when they’re together and they do want to go unbothered, which is much of the time in truth, especially for Silver. There’s a reason they work so well together, after all. It makes it all the more satisfying after Robyn attempts an unaffectedness, when they do give in and admit their true desires, desires that Silver thoroughly agrees with, but can’t help but tease anyway.  

“Hm, you’d like to be entirely alone? I think perhaps I’d like that, as well,” they hum, keeping their voice a little too low for it to be entirely appropriate, as they head down the hallway. They’re fairly certain that at this point in the night, it’s unlikely that anyone else has made their way so far from the crowd yet, but that doesn’t mean they won’t entertain the idea now that Robyn’s admitted to wanting to be entirely alone, by pushing the suggestion a bit further. “Not a problem. If there are any unwanted guests, there’s always one of our hosts’ offices for a bit of uninterrupted quiet time. Or perhaps a guest bedroom.” They glance at their partner, unable to resist seeing their reaction, even as they come to a stop at the doorway of said sitting room. And it is empty, fireplace lit, lights at a warm, cozy glow, likely all Dawn’s doing for the atmosphere of it all, which they can’t help but silently thank him for. “Acceptable, or would you prefer to explore other options, Robyn?”

[emberssciencedept]

thefaqulty​:

GRIFFIN NODS, HAPPY to reassure Dawn on that front, partly because they’re friends, partly so Dawn never doubts himself and stops doing what he does –– Griffin would never survive social functions with the faculty without it. “It does, so don’t you ever worry about it,” he says one last time to close that off, and takes another satisfying sip of his drink. He’ll give that one to Slate, though; man always knows how to choose his liquor.

Dawn’s addition to the topic of gifts and the upcoming game this night’s meant to culminate in has Griffin’s spirits lifting even more, though. He tilts his head, considering a version of Dirty Santa (Or was it Naughty Santa? Either way, they both sound bad.) that doesn’t involve somewhat maliciously silly and/or semi-useless gifts. “Well, I think that is pretty good to hear. Makes me feel a bit more excited for it now,” he says honestly, shrugging slightly with the slightest grin on his face. “I’ve always had terrible luck with stuff like that. I think once at my past job I ended up with like… a used picture frame or something.” He shakes his head. “Picture frames are already pretty meh on my end, but old and used? Come on.”

...

“Well, thank you, I really do appreciate it,” Dawn nods, genuinely grateful for Griffin’s kind words. It’s nice to know that the effort to make something meaningful of the party is successful, and that his part of things is noticed. Impossible not to worry just a little that everyone has a good time, though, especially his coworkers who are a little less social, or a little less inclined towards enjoying this sort of party. He thinks it says a lot that they do this year after year, and that everyone actually shows up, the only ones who don’t always seemingly genuine conflicts or unfortunate circumstances that come up unexpectedly.

All the better that his admission of adding in some genuinely good gifts has Griffin looking forward to that part of the night more so now. The thought that he’s ended up with an old picture frame at a past party has him shocked that someone would decide to gift that, even for a silly game. “That’s just sad. If you’re going to throw an old picture frame in the mix, at least make sure it has a funny picture in it. Or, better yet, a picture of the gift giver, that at least would get a laugh,” he says with a shrug. That actually would be a good idea for a Dirty Santa gift, funny and pointless, but amusing enough to actually give everyone a genuine laugh. If the gifts aren’t going to be good, they should at least bring a few minutes of joy, at least that’s what Dawn thinks. “We’ll just have to make sure you end up with something good this year, even if it means you have to get a little cutthroat. Steal from me if I have something good, you know I don’t mind. Actually I’d want you to, if it means you end up with something nice.”

[emberssciencedept]

thefaqulty​:

TOUGH NOT TO scoff back at the way Silver talks about whatever dessert experiment they’ve made, waving their hand and speaking like it’s obvious they’re here to amaze the others instead of actually feed them something good. Aven tries to hide the smirk, shaking her head as her rather condescending friend talks about their colleagues and likens them to first time chemistry students (at least once the drinks have settled into their systems). “You’re so fucking mean, Silver,” she says wryly, one corner of her mouth lifting upward in amusement over just how terrible they can be. “And I don’t know why I’m still surprised.”

She sips from her glass at that, before shaking her head one more time and continuing on. “But okay, I get it. I can’t imagine it, but I get it.” Hard as she tries to envision what sort of dessert this could be (does it involve a fountain, or fucking fireworks, or some kind of baking-soda-volcano-esque mechanism), she just can’t seem to. Silver Ostro’s mind words in all too mysterious ways. “I’m sure you’ve had to test it out a couple of times to get it right, though. Gazel must be sick of it by now.”

...

The corner of their mouth quirks up slightly to match hers too at her comment about just how mean they are. Perhaps it’s true, but they don’t particularly care if some people out there think that their honesty at the reality of any given situation is something cruel. The people that they do care about, such as Aven, have long figured out how to put up with their honesty, and, if they do say so themself, actually enjoy it. Case in point, Aven’s reaction, and her admission of how it shouldn’t surprise her at this point. “I only speak the truth, Aven, you know this by now,” Silver says with a shrug, before taking a little cheeky sip of their drink.

“All the better, half the awe is in the surprise of the spectacle, and I care much more about your reaction than any of our future drunken colleagues,” they continue on, which is the truth, of course. They would enjoy their kitchen experiments even without an audience, and they do, but there’s no denying the satisfaction that comes with seeing the people they like marvel over and enjoy their creations. It comes much easier than people marveling over their scientific and technological creations, after all. Food is a universal language, even for someone like them. They let out a little laugh, rolling their eyes. “Oh, certainly. You’d think it was a chore to try out a delicious creation, from those sighs of theirs by my penultimate attempt. Well worth it, though.”

[emberssciencedept]

thefaqulty​:

SILVER SAYS IT like she and Aurelia are the only ones to be thoughtful enough to bring wine when they obviously aren’t, but Aven appreciates the gesture anyway, she supposes. She’ll be real and say Aurelia may have insisted on something a little more substantial than just that, and it was Aven herself who’d figured they should settle for just this — but at the very least, it is pretty high quality wine; Slate wouldn’t settle for less. She doesn’t comment on that, though, and instead latches onto Silver’s thoughts about this being an awkward affair, and she figures she might as well give Slate some credit for planning this party tonight of all nights. “Less awkward now that we don’t have They Who Must Not Be Named here with us,” she says, snorting slightly, not even bothering to be subtle about who she could be referring to. Now, having them around would make it an awkward affair for sure.

Ever the tight-lipped fellow, though, Silver still maintains the tease for their latest dinner experiment. Half of the show is in the surprise, they say, and remark that it’s apparently very modern, new even for them, and that makes Aven narrow her eyes. “Is that so? There a visual aspect to it?” she starts, trying to imagine what the heck it could even be. Silver always has a way of talking about their kitchen creations that makes Aven forget they’re even discussing food. “Something like those funky science experiments you do on the first day to wow the kids?”

...

The thought of their bosses at the party tonight is nearly enough to give them anxiety just considering it. “Certainly less awkward without either of them to infringe on a jolly time,” they hum in agreement. If that had been how things went tonight, Silver certainly would’ve found an excuse to leave early, or perhaps even to not show up at all. Not the most courteous, yes, but they have even less desire to interact with either of their upper level bosses than they do with half of the faculty who are here tonight, which is saying quite a lot for several reasons. And they know for a fact that comparatively they get along better with both of them than many of the others, but they’re also self aware enough to know it’s simply because of their own professional status from before they took this teaching position. 

“Of course, there’s a visual aspect to it,” they scoff with a wave of their free hand, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world––which it is to them. But she does hit the nail on the proverbial head about the why, even if she hasn’t realized it. “By the time dessert is served, everyone here will be much to drunk to appreciate the science behind things like flavor and texture. So, yes, precisely like those ‘funky science experiments’ I do on the first day to wow the kids. Drunken adults might as well be first time chemistry students, anyway.”

[emberssciencedept]

thefaqulty​:

UNABLE TO RESIST, Robyn casts a very quick sideways glance at Silver, only to see that they’ve raised their eyebrows up rather high after his particularly suggestive pause. He looks away immediately, neck and chest warm under his black turtleneck and dinner jacket, and distracts himself with his drink once more, just in time for Silver to do the same beside them. Easy enough to know what they’re thinking, easier still to imagine the smirk they’re likely hiding behind their glass right about now, and Robyn knows they shouldn’t be considering what they’re joking about considering at all, if only because it’s a gathering made up entirely of workmates — but they unfortunately cannot lie and say they’re fully opposed to it.

Nevertheless, as soon as Silver straightens up and moves to offer their arm, Robyn doesn’t hesitate. The stem of their glass still firmly held in one hand, they place the other in the space Silver has left open for them, fingers curling around the crook of their elbow. “Lead the way,” they say, squeezing slightly, relishing the feel of their lover’s arm under their hand. “Tell me once you’ve spotted someplace sufficiently quiet. I’ll handle the pests.” The both of them know well enough that it’s never easy to move past groups of people in a gathering like this, but Robyn doesn’t want to have to saddle Silver with the responsibility of politely extracting themselves from possible conversations when they’re already in charge of looking for a place of respite now, does he?

...

Just as they suspected, the moment that Robyn looks at them, they’re all but lost, blushing wildly, needing to look away as soon as it happens, distracting themself with their drink. It just makes their own smirk grow, hidden behind their own drink, too. They choose not to push further just now, since they are still surrounded by their colleagues, not having had time to get to that peaceful place Robyn has requested yet. They can continue once they have some privacy, after all. So for now, they just enjoy the feeling of Robyn taking their arm, fingers curling around the crook of their elbow, before they head off into the crowd. 

Silver hums in agreement to their suggestion, ever the perfect team. They appreciate his willingness to handle the pests when it’s clear he wants to do anything but talk to anyone else just now, but they’re hoping they might be able to find some place for them before they have to deal with anything like that. They successfully manage to wander out of the large main room where most people are gathered without being interrupted, doing their best to skip past the dining room and kitchen, where even more people are, their thoughts on the usually quieter den closer to the back of the house they’ve been in on a few occasions. “There’s a fireplace in the other room, a lovely sitting area around it, it’s always much quieter than any place near the food or drinks, how does that sounds to you, darling?” they ask, keeping their voice low, partially so no one else takes their idea and ruins the moment, but perhaps mostly because they know what it can do to Robyn. 

[emberssciencedept]

thefaqulty​:

AS ALWAYS, DAWN redirects the praise to someone else, insisting that it’s Slate who’d done most of the hard work, and while Griffin can and does believe that, it’s definitely still Dawn he owes his continued presence in these things to. And Dawn seems to know it himself anyway, remarking that he likes to think it’s him making sure the parties aren’t just about “mandatory fun.” That makes Griffin chuckle; he can’t think of anything more accurate to describe it than that phrase.

“That’s precisely it, though,” he says, jumping on right away so that Dawn is immediately reassured; Griffin wants him to know that he does a great job of maintaining a calmer, chiller air even in big events like this. “Parties usually tire me out, but yours always end on a more relaxing note, as you yourself have said. Folks like me appreciate it.” Dawn’s always been so humble, and it’s very much like him to put the spotlight on Slate, especially since the cooking and drinks might have mainly been him, but there’s a reason why this guidance counselor’s near and dear to many, not just to the students but to fellow faculty too. “Anyway. Got any hints on what kind of presents you have in store for the game later?”

...

It’s nice of Griffin to agree and reassure him that it is his touch that makes the parties actually that enjoyable, even for those who usually don’t like parties as much as others, and he thinks it must have some truth to it, considering everyone is actually here. He’s not quite sure it would be the same if Slate took charge of every aspect, as much as he loves him, which only proves in his mind why they work together so well as a team and as a couple; opposites compliment well. “Well, thank you, Griffin, I appreciate it. I’m glad that it comes across how I want it to. The only thing that really matters to me at parties like this is that everyone has a good time and feels like they can relax, so I’m glad it works,” Dawn thanks him with a smile. 

On the subject of gifts for the game later, his smile turns a little guiltier for a second. “I know it’s not necessarily how the game is meant to be played, but I couldn’t help but put in a few nicer gifts. I think we all deserve something that we could actually appreciate,” he says, with a little shrug. If it were entirely up to him, he probably would’ve gotten individual gifts for everyone, instead of having the mischievous game, but he knows that playing is half the fun, especially when it’s later in the evening and most everyone’s had a few drinks. “And maybe I do like watching everyone fight over the actual good gifts. You can’t deny it’s entertaining to see who ends up the most cutthroat every year.”

[emberssciencedept]

thefaqulty​:       

SILVER DOESN’T ARGUE back, which is just as well, considering how concerned Robyn can be about keeping up appearances in situations like this, never wanting to be the first to go unless it’s absolutely necessary, and in this instance, not at all wanting to have to break it to sweet Dawn himself before the event he’s certain they’ve worked hard to prepare for can even begin. No, rather, it’s the next comments that Silver has decided to fixate on, and Robyn can’t help noticing that they’ve genuinely started to feel a bit warm, even warmer by the second, with every little tease and joke Silver levels at them. Certainly makes them want to tease and joke right back.

“Just any quiet corner will do? How vulgar of you, darling,” they whisper, still looking straight ahead, knowing how dangerous it would be to stare straight at their partner, no doubt loosened up quite a bit by the alcohol now, and see what sort of expression they have on. Momentarily returning to seriousness, Robyn continues, “Really, anywhere’s better than out here with all these people. I only have so much learned extroversion in me.” They’ve long accepted that even they have their limits; it’s no secret that their own twin brother is far more of a natural at this than they are. “We can look around, and if there’s no other option left, then…” Robyn allows their voice to trail off perhaps a little too suggestively at that, before bringing his drink back up to his lips. Of course, they wouldn’t dare step into Dawn and Slate’s guest bedroom willy-nilly — they aren’t teenagers after all — but the thought is rather funny.

...

Another of their hums leaves their lips as Robyn decisively looks straight ahead, not sparing them a glance, clearly for his own sake. They know full well that vulgar as the suggestion is, if Robyn were to just turn their way, they could easily have them agreeing to most anything in moments. Not that that’s something they’re trying to do in the middle of Slate and Dawn’s party, but they do always love to see how their teasing makes Robyn react, even if they can’t follow through on doing anything about it until much later.

It’s impossible not to let their eyebrows raise sky high as Robyn trails off perhaps too suggestively for the occasion and how many people are around. It would be an utter lie to say that the drinks hadn’t loosened them up enough not to consider the possibilities, something that has, perhaps, happened before a time or two in other instances, although never at a party made up entirely of their colleagues. They follow suit, partially to distract their thoughts, partially to hide their smirk, taking a little sip of their own drink, before looking back at Robyn, observing them. “Well, in that case it seems like we should begin our search for some peace and quiet. I’d hate to force anymore extroversion. Shall we?” they ask, finally standing up straighter, more space between them for a second, all so that they can offer their arm to them. 

[emberssciencedept]

thefaqulty​:

DAWN RETURNS GRIFFIN’S slightly mischievous smile with a knowing one of his own. How very much like Dawn to owe it all to coincidence, when it’s clear that this had been a choice — and an entirely deliberate one at that. Which is something he eventually admits to anyway, indirectly implying that the presence of certain people at this year’s party might end up dampening the mood for many of the guests involved, if not straight up everyone — wouldn’t do for a relaxing year-end party if people felt like they had to keep looking behind their backs or checking on their behavior every so often.

“Huh. I guess sometimes, the planets just align,” Griffin says, continuing the charade anyway. …Right before swatting away an invisible fly and moving on, choosing this time to focus on Dawn’s other point. “But, yeah, no, I am, though. Thanks for checking in,” says Griffin, nodding and stuffing his hand back inside the pockets of his trousers, the cheeky smile from earlier shifting easily into a genuine one. “But you know I’d never miss a party thrown by you.” It’s true. Dawn always knows how to get a good atmosphere going; things always feel a little more wholesome with him at the helm somehow.

...

Maybe it’s not something that he should have purposefully done when figuring out the timing and the guest list for this party––scheduling something specifically to make sure certain people can’t attend is kind of against everything he stands for––but the staff holiday luncheons are enough on that front, he thinks. He doubts Coin and Snow would have a very good time here, either, and there’s no use in making everyone on edge on one of the few occasions they should all be able to let loose together and be happy with no obligation. So he just nods along with Griffin, gives a little smile, and lets the subject pass for now.

It’s easy enough for that smile to turn into something less mischievous as Griffin goes on saying he’s never miss one of Dawn’s little parties. “Well, thank you, I’m honored you think my parties are worth the effort. In honesty, Slate’s done most of the hard work tonight, but I like to think I manage to actually make sure it’s relaxing in the end. Mandatory fun doesn’t quite feel like the right vibe for celebrating making it through another semester,” he says, with all fondness for his partner. It is true, though, and he knows Slate is aware enough too after being with him for some time; sometimes it’s hard not to take it too seriously and remember what the point of it all is in the end. 

[emberssciencedept]

thefaqulty​:

IT’S ALWAYS STUPIDLY hilarious when Silver plays along with her caustic barbs, denial clear in their words, but obvious mischief much, much clearer in their tone — even in its blandness. Positively dripping with Christmas cheer, they say, and Aven almost chokes on her drink for how ridiculous the thought is. She can’t think of anyone more un-Christmas-y than Silver, even knowing how bad she can get about the holidays herself.

Of course, what they do have over her is their ability to contribute significantly to cheery events like this. Knowing Silver, it’s obvious to her that they do it more for the opportunity to mess around in the kitchen and get people to taste how good their creations are than for actually, genuinely spreading the holiday spirit, but that doesn’t change the fact that they’ve got that one advantage, and she has absolutely nothing to show for. “Oh, damn. All Aurelia and I did was bring a bottle of fuckin’ wine,” she remarks dryly. Their assertion about the dessert does make her curious though. “Willing to give me a sneak peek, or am I supposed to just be surprised like everyone else?”

...

The corner of their lips twitch up ever so slightly at her clear amusement at the thought of them with any sort of real Christmas cheer. It’s not that they dislike the holiday––in fact, they appreciate it more now than they ever have, now that they have someone they love in their life, a family of sorts––but they grew up in a very practical household, and had no reason to change the tradition of, well, practically nothing once they were on their own, family gone. Compared to their attitude twenty years ago this is their version of Christmas cheer, ironically enough, despite the teasing.

Silver waves their hand vaguely at Aven’s lamentation. “Please, a bottle of nice wine is all a party like this truly needs. Without the alcohol this would be an exceedingly awkward affair for all of us,” they hum, with a sagely nod. They certainly wouldn’t be half as comfortable at a party like this without the liquid courage, anyway, but that’s not the point. They make a show of considering her request for a sneak peek, before answering. “Half of the show is in the surprise, I’m afraid. But I will tell you that it’s a new creation of mine, something very modern, new even to me. Only Robyn’s tried my attempts at it thus far, so we can only home it’s as delicious as it is spectacular tonight.”

[emberssciencedept]

fridcylights​:​

Nelly never turned down the chance to go to a party. And she loved to dress up, and get festive. The holiday season was always her favorite. Well, if you don’t count Halloween, but this is a close second for atmosphere. No, Nelly loved shaking out her red dress and putting in her earrings that looks like ornaments and wearing a Santa-hat at every chance she could get (fashionably, of course). So Slate and Dawn’s annual party was a highlight of the season for her.

He turns just in time for Dawn to wrap his arms around her and give her a tight embrace, making her giggle and return the tight squeeze. “You look very handsome yourself.” She says, picking a fuzz off of his shoulder when they pull apart. “Oh, I’m very glad.” Her hand touches her chest. It was the third batch she had made, stressing greatly over how perfect they were. She was finally pleased with the outcome, and would meet the host’s standards. “You guys have outdone yourself this year. I envy your party-hosting abilities.”

...

The hug is warm and comforting, a nice little tangible reminder of what all of this is for, not that Dawn could possibly forget. “Thank you, Nelly, I really appreciate it,” he says waving off the compliment with his hand, although he did put a little bit of personal effort into the sweater, one of his own creations, not that anyone needed to know it. Not his top priority by a longshot with this party, but a little extra touch for his own enjoyment and Christmas cheer. He’s put much more effort into the decorations he’d made for their vision, the holiday cheer that he had helped create in Slate’s always pristine home. 

“Please, I know any holiday party you could throw would be just as grand, but thank you so much. Slate’s been working on it nonstop, of course. Too much, but you know how important this is to both of us,” Dawn says giving her a smile that says just how much work his partner has been putting into it. “I’m just glad you’re here now. I know I should keep making the rounds but I could use a few minutes of pause with a good excuse. Let’s get you a drink. We’ve got punch, and cocktails alike, whatever the mood for tonight.”

[emberssciencedept]

fridcylights​:

His father never liked to host parties growing up, which he never thought as strange until he hosted one with Dawn, and could see how wonderful it felt when you show people such a wonderful time. What was the point of their money, and their home, if they weren’t going to share it with others?

It did mean he took it far too seriously, but he had Dawn to pull him back down and help him take his deep breaths. Or, in this case, hold his hand and force him to let go of his own tension. “Thank you.” He says, using his other hand to pat Dawn’s. “One of these years I’ll remember on my own.” He gives a crooked smile, but leans in closer. “But you know I have the best time when I’m with you.” He could only get away with saying these things in private. Slate sometimes still struggled with being emotionally affectionate when others were around. Thankfully, Dawn was always patient.

...

He knows that he helped open Slate’s eyes to the possibilities of throwing parties like this and the joy that they can bring. He probably should have known the moment they threw their first party just how seriously Slate would end up taking them from there on out. Not a problem, in fact it’s something that he finds endearing in that very specifically Slate Hardcreek way, but it is something that can get intense. A competition without the competition, one he’s only fighting with himself, to outdo what they did the previous years each time. So he doesn’t mind having to be the one to remind Slate that parties are about having fun, even the hosts.

The pat on the hand makes Dawn smile softly at Slate, just as much as his words make his stomach flutter. It’s the little private moments like this that mean so much with Slate, the honesty. “If you don’t, that’s alright. It’s what I’m here for, and what I’ll always be here for. Reminders, and giving you the best time you could have,” he hums, before leaning in and pressing a gentle kiss to Slate’s cheek. “I don’t mind playing arm candy for the rest of the party if it means you’ll have the best time.”

[fridcylights]

thefaqulty​:

FT. PISTA CLEARMARK & DEEZEE ASHFROST ( @emberssciencedept​ ) & ALDERA PITLEAF ( @fridcylights​​ ) | OUTSIDE THE GATHERING. late afternoon, early december.

AS THE DESIGNATED carpool driver of their little trio, it unfortunately falls to Pista to accomplish, perhaps, the worst part of coming to any major gathering outside of school — looking for parking. 

“Are we in a puzzle game or what,” he finds himself muttering, not to anyone in particular, though of course fellow carpoolers and best friends DeeZee Ashfrost and Aldera Pitleaf would hear it loud and clear, being stuck in the car with him. Every which way, up and down the street of this neighborhood, there are vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from mopeds to vans, from all the other faculty and staff of Embers High who could make it today, and Pista hasn’t seen a single free spot yet.

“Maybe I’m just blind, maybe all the cars are melding together. Holler if any of you kids see a spot please.”

–

Aldera was the driver once for the three of them. She figured her sobriety would be put to good use but driving her friends around, but her driving had caused such stress, that they would rather put Pista on driving duty than her. Which she didn’t mind in the end. Driving always made her anxious. Seems it just spread to her friends when they were in the car with her.

She looks around from her spot in the backseat, trying to help spot a place to park. Dawn and Slate seemed to like inviting the whole damn town with the amount of cars that were lining the the streets. Then again, there was always delicious and indulgent food at their house, definitely nothing she’d be able to make on her own.

“Maybe we can just park on their lawn, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind a bit of landscaping help.” She says dryly from the back.

[emberssciencedept]

At no point in this little carpool agreement has DeeZee been allowed to be the driver. Sure, he’s driven them both before, but the stress that he’s apparently caused them was more than enough, even without his endless appetite for indulging, to take him out of the running for carpool master, despite how much he loves driving. So, in the front seat, shaking his foot anxiously more than a little ready to get into the damn party and start eating and drinking, he’s nearly ready to suggest that they just park around the block and walk, despite having no desire whatsoever to put in the exercise tonight. 

“Yeah, immediately getting our asses chewed out by an already stressed out Hardcreek is exactly what we wanna walk into,” he says with a laugh at Aldera’s joking suggestion they just pull into the lawn. At this point, though, she might have a point, unless Pista is secretly a magician who can get his car into the tightest spot ever. 

“Look, down there! Just squeeze in there, you’re like a professional, surely you can manage it. And if you can’t, we can switch, I’m great at parallel parking in the worst spaces imaginable.”

[emberssciencedept]

thefaqulty​:

IT’S FUNNY. DESPITE not being an employee in Embers High, Aurelia always seems to get pulled into far more conversations, obviously significantly more at home in functions like this, than Aven does herself. Not that she minds, of course, when it gives her time to go off on her own and do what she does best — stick primarily to walls and attach herself to like-minded folk, mainly, while faculty and staff chat away and suck up to her wife in thinly-veiled attempts to get into Superintendent Snow’s good graces. She’d have gone for Slate on a normal day, but seeing as he’s one half of tonight’s hosts, she can’t exactly take too much of his time. She’d find Silver, except that fellow’s elusive enough to go through an entire faculty and staff function without detection, which she’s absolutely positive they’ve done before. 

As it turns out, though, it’s them that ends up finding her first, and as soon as they approach, dry greeting in tow, Aven tilts her head, her eyes immediately widening in what can only be called feigned surprise. “Oh, the Grinch is here! It’s a Christmas miracle!” she says, voice pitching up just slightly, before dropping the act a second later with a laugh. “I’m kidding.” She steps closer, drink in hand. “You bring any science experiments for dinner later?” 

...

They’re not surprised to find Aven alone, despite knowing that Aurelia is, of course, also at the party. Funny that they both ended up with partners who are significantly better at this sort of thing than they are coming from a lifetime of practice that neither Silver nor Aven have. All the more reason to stick together at this party, especially since Slate, another of their shared protective measures at events like this, is very much preoccupied with hosting the entire event. 

Silver rolls their eyes, with all fondness, at her own quip back at them. Not the first time, and certainly not the last time they’ve been called the Grinch. “I don’t know what you’re talking about; I’m positively dripping with Christmas cheer,” they say blandly as ever, raising an eyebrow. They take a moment to survey the drink options, all while considering her question, before making their choice, starting with a nice red wine in an unnecessary attempt to pace themself. “Yes, but nothing too extravagant. I’d feel horrible if my own creations upstaged the lovely dinner Slate’s been slaving away on. Just a few sides to compliment his hard work, and a dessert that certainly will upstage the rest, but he’s not a baker so I believe it’s fair enough.”

[emberssciencedept]

thefaqulty​:

PERHAPS ONE COULD say parties are Robyn’s favored terrain, with the way they easily thread through people and conversations, in there one moment and out the next, effortlessly weaving from one into another, but it isn’t so much as a preference as it is an acquired skill. They’ve been at this their whole life, having come from a family that thrived in celebration and hosted lavish gatherings at the drop of a hat. But of course, they do have their limits, and it’s always good to take breaks and hang by the corners every once in a while, pretending to scroll through nothing on their phone just to look preoccupied for the moment, drink in hand.

It’s then during one such break that their partner finds their way back to them, a natural gravitational pull that happens always a bit later in gatherings like this, when they’ve both tired of putting on faces for the crowd. “A little touchy, aren’t we,” comments Robyn, voice low, before taking a sip of their wine, the drink providing them just as much warmth as the hand that’s snaked down their back. He can tell they’ve had a few drinks in them, to be initiating contact like this so boldly in public, but seeing as he’s on the same boat himself, Robyn lets his body ease into it. Moving closer as well, shoulders touching now, they cast their gaze out at the party and answer immediately after Silver is through. “Don’t be rude, Silver, we don’t want to be the first ones to leave.” He gives them a sideways glance. “Which isn’t to say I’d mind disappearing until then, of course. I’d like the temporary respite, in fact.”

...

Silver lets out a little hum at Robyn’s comment, but only moves a little closer in response, clearly a resounding yes, without needing to put it to words. There’s no shame in the gesture, after all, the pleasant warmth from the wine and Slate’s delicious cocktails doing away with some part of that which would usually be so prevalent for them. And Robyn responds in kind, too, leaning a little closer, shoulders touching, even as they reprimand their rudeness. That makes them scoff quietly, but they don’t deny that he’s right, they can’t be the ones to leave first, especially since this is Slate’s party.

But the idea of a little bit of quiet time in the midst of all of this is more than a little appealing to them, too. They don’t do nearly as well with crowds as Robyn, and they don’t have their instincts to even act as if they enjoy it all for more than a few minutes at a time when left alone with people they aren’t close to. So they’re more than happy to give Robyn the temporary respite he needs, too. “And where do you suggest we disappear to? I’m afraid I’ve seen too many people in search of reprieve heading for the back garden, and it would be a little uncouth to take a moment of respite in the guest bedroom,” they say, unable to keep from the teasing. “Perhaps we’ll just have to find a quiet corner somewhere and act as if we’re alone.”

[fridcylights]

@emberssciencedept for dawn & slate | the holiday party

Unfortunately, Slate has been stressed all week. They had hosted quite a few of these holiday parties before, and each year, Slate needed to make sure it was better than the last in some regard. Which was shocking, as he always claimed to not like his coworkers much, but perhaps it was more of a status thing, a flex, if you will.

He cleaned the entire house, then cleaned it again. He made sure everything was dusted and proper before he even thought about starting to prep the food. And as the party started, he could feel the tension only getting worse. Shoulders tight and fists clenched, he had to take a moment to step away from the party, to sit alone in the bedroom and focus on his breathing. 

The knock on the door had got him to lok up, exhaling through his mouth. “Yes?” Of course, it was Dawn who walked his way across the room. “I just needed a moment away from it all.” He says off handedly, as if this doesn’t happen every year. “Do you think everyone is having a nice time?”

[emberssciencedept]

Over the past few years of hosting these holiday parties with Slate, Dawn has found that half of his own hosting duties are actually focused on making sure Slate remembers to have a good time at the party, too. He works so hard to make it all perfect, to one up himself every year, and Dawn understands, does everything he can to help him bring his visions to life, and also make certain everyone can feel the care and love in the party, too, but sometimes––read: every time––Slate forgets that he should be enjoying it too.

Which is why, when he searches the laughing crowd for his partner, he’s not surprised to find him missing. Dawn immediately makes his way to the spot he knows he’ll find him, knocking before entering to find Slate hiding away in his bedroom, taking a moment away from all of the stress of making sure the party is perfect. 

“Understandable,” he nods as he crosses the room to come sit down next to Slate. As soon as he does, Dawn takes one of his hands, forcing it unclenched so that he can intertwine their fingers, try to release some of the tension he’s clearly holding right now. “I know everyone is having a nice time already. The amount of compliments is even less telling than all the joy you can feel out there. You did all of the hard work to make it happen, and now you also deserve to have a nice time, too.”

[thefaqulty]

FT. GRIFFIN CRIPES & DAWN HARDIN ( @emberssciencedept ) | AT THE GATHERING. early evening, early december.

GRIFFIN HAS NEVER been one for parties and big gatherings, and to this day, they’re still a little associated with memories of pre-sobriety that he’d honestly rather not remember, but being in Embers High has changed that outlook, bit by bit — plus, he wouldn’t miss anything Dawn plans for the world. He owes him that much.

“Seems like fate that you guys set this one right on the day Snow and Coin couldn’t make it,” he says now as he approaches his friend, hands in pockets but footsteps brisk, hoping to catch this half of the hosts unattended now before anyone else at the party can whisk him away again. A corner of Griffin’s mouth lifts up in a smile, a spark of slight mischief in his eyes as he considers how quaint tonight is going to be without those two hovering over the faculty and staff like vultures. “Perfect timing.”

[emberssciencedept]

Dawn turns and gives a soft, genuine smile, glad to see Griffin made it, even though he knows that, nowadays especially, parties aren’t necessarily his thing. The mention of Snow and Coin being decidedly absent, though, makes his let out a laugh, waving his hand vaguely.  

“Just a happy accident, maybe,” Dawn says with a shrug and a knowing smile. It wasn’t entirely intentional, he’s much too polite not to invite the heads of their whole operation to the party, even if he’s very aware that no one would be entirely excited to see either of them there. But his apologies that neither of them could make it were maybe a little less sincere than they might be for anyone else who’s schedule didn’t line up. Dawn just knows that none of the faculty would truly relax with Snow and Coin around, too worried about how they were coming off, and this is meant to be a party full of joy and fun, letting loose after a long semester of hard work. He wants everyone to feel comfortable doing just that. 

“I’d hate if anyone felt like they couldn’t be themselves outside of work when the whole point of this is to have a little bit of fun. Which I hope you’re also having.”

[emberssciencedept]

silver & robyn, a bit into the party, in the corner of the living room ( @thefaqulty​​. )

Perhaps it’s dramatic, but they feel it’s a miracle they’ve made it this far into the party without finding themself stuck in conversation with anyone they don’t want to for longer than a minute or two. It nearly has them feeling festive comparatively, which isn’t saying all that much, considering who they are and what their baseline enthusiasm for anything like this is, but it might as well be a Christmas miracle in their book. No need to attribute that feeling of success with the amount of alcohol they’ve already consumed––more than they usually indulge in, but then Slate does know how to make a delicious drink so it’s only fair tonight.

So their smile is a little cheekier than they necessarily mean when they finally catch Robyn’s eyes again after being separated for too long, and perhaps they lean in a little closer than they usually would in public when Robyn appears by their side again. But it’s no one’s business if perhaps they let their hand stay at the small of their back, a silent request for closeness they certainly never ask for in public. “It’s been a nice night, I’m afraid it means we’re doomed if we stay any longer,” they say, teasing just slightly, although it feels like a very real possibility for things to turn at any moment to unenjoyable with so many people here. “Is it too early to gracefully disappear, or are we obligated to wait until after that ridiculous gift game has happened?”