Ilyna keeps the mug close to her mouth after her sip, enjoying the warmth of it. "Thank you for the invitation," she says, but she does not say anything else as her curiousity is piqued after Jason's question to Halisi gets a disgruntled reaction from Vasquez.
#RedrockAgency – October 27, 2020
Jason cocks an eyebrow, studying the good doctor for a moment. "Melon baller." he says expectently. "Do you know what it is?" he asks, and his tone implies that there is very much a correct answer to the question. He peers over the top of his mug, eyes narrowing as he awaits her answer.
Halisi 's expression is puzzled, clearly feeling like she's missing something as she looks between Jason, Vasquez and Cynthia. "It's... a device for creating balls out of melons? For... fruit salads and such? Unless there's some other definition I'm unware of. Why?"
Li 's digging around the presents comes to a temporary halt when she nudges the cup of hot chocolate with her knee, just barely avoiding spilling. "...oops..." It seems to remind her of the cup's existence since she pauses to take a sip.
Ilyna raises a brow at the question. She doesn't know what a 'melon' is, but Halisi's answer fills in those blanks. Her attention is taken away from Jason when she hears Li almost knocking her mug over, and she looks over at her; her smile immediately back on her face as everything appears to be fine. "Are there many presents with your name on them?" she asks, knowing the answer.
Jason's eyebrow pops right back up and he very sassily swings his attention over towards Vasquez, silently- and very smugly- staring her down. It's not until Li bumps him that he snaps out of what seems to be a victory staredown and sniffs knowingly at the air. "Yeah. That adds up." he says calmly, attention turning back to Halisi as he takes another sip from his drink, once again peering at her over the rim of his mug, watching
Jason's eyebrow pops right back up and he very sassily swings his attention over towards Vasquez, silently- and very smugly- staring her down. He allows what seems to be a victory staredown linger for a number of moments. Only when he seems to deem his self-proclaimed victory suitably rubbed-in does he turn away, sniffing knowingly at the air. "Yeah. That adds up." he says calmly, attention shifting back to Halisi as he takes
another sip from his drink, once again peering at her over the rim of his mug, watching her with that same smug look.
Halisi frowns in confusion, looking first to Vasquez and then to Ilyna as if they might have an answer. She can't help but feel like she's being accused of something. She just has no idea what.
Vasquez shakes her head to herself, letting out a sigh and offering the new arrivals a polite smile. "Don't mind him, he's an idiot. Go ahead and take off your coats and boots. Get comfortable. I'll put this with the rest of the food." she says, lifting the container from Halisi a bit. "Dinner is all ready, so we'll start with that." she continues to instruct before starting to head back towards the kitchen.
Much like in the shared offices, there's a few hooks by the door to hold clothes without necessitating a trip to the locker room (and to account for visitors).
Ilyna nods back to Li, but she doesn't speak until after hearing Vasquez' offer. The melon baller question still remains on her mind. "Oh?" she says to Li with a grin. "Then we better not waste any time getting ready for dinner." She walks over to the jacket hooks by the door, leaving her half-empty mug by the edge of the counter, and begins to take her outerwear off.
Jason gives a loud, defensive scoff at Vasquez' dismissiveness towards his sound detective work. Not that he's serious, of course. Probably. Though Halisi has removed a whole lot of limbs... When she begins glancing about for answers, he snickers to himself, offering a small shake of his head. "Nah it's-... just a stupid bet we had." he lies, not wanting Halisi to get offended that he may have just accused her of being a serial
killer. Or not wanting her to know that he's onto her... "Linda owes me a six-pack." he continues, shooting a glance her way as he follows her into the kitchen. "Isn't that right?" He gives her a playful nudge with his elbow as he seeks out a refill to top off his mug.
Halisi raises an eyebrow, maybe unconvinced, or maybe just confused by the odd bet. Regardless, she sets down her cup on the dinner table and joins Ilyna by the door, starting to remove her winter wear. The Christmas hat stays, but the scarf and gloves go off, and then she unzips her coat, shrugging it off. Underneath, she's wearing the same green sweater with a silver snowflake design on it that she wore when visiting Leah. It's paired
with a gray skirt and black leggings. As well as, as it turns out when her boots come off, thick red Christmas socks.
Vasquez replies with a dry "No, I definitely don't." as she shifts the dishes on the counter around to make room for Halisi's addition, removing the lid as well.
Li wasn't paying any attention whatsoever to Vasquez' instructions, but as Ilyna says they should get ready for dinner she follows over to the door, leaving her mug on the floor by the tree. She takes off her jacket and then starts to struggle a bit with her boots, quiet noises of effort sounding as she works one of them off.
Cynthia empties the last of her mug before getting up from the couch, joining Jason in scouting out the possibility of a refill. As it turns out, there's only about a cup's worth left over in the pot on the stove. Upon realizing this her attention turns to the man next to her, eyes narrowing.
Ilyna is wearing a long dark-red dress underneath, the same one she wore at the wedding almost a month prior. "You shame me by how festive you look," she says light-heartedly to Halisi after hanging up her coat. She could blame the limited time she had to prepare, but the truth is that she didn't really spend any time looking into the dress code for Christmas events. She then crouches down to help free Li from
Jason nods sharply. "Sure do." he insists as he heads right for the stove. He sets his mug down on the counter just as he realizes he has some company. He narrows his eyes in turn. "You-... uhh-... you like this stuff...?" he asks awkwardly, indicating the pot of wine with a tilt of his head as he tries to figure out where her intentions are.
Li is saved from almost falling over by Ilyna's timeline intervention, silently accepting her help with the boots.
Halisi chuckles quietly, shaking her head with a smile after glancing down at her own clothes. "This is your first Christmas, no? I think you can be excused... this once." she assures, the tone of her voice, and the still-lingering smile nothing but teasing. "Besides, that's a lovely dress." she adds a bit more quietly as her smile softens. She seems to remember something, and as Ilyna crouches down to help Li she digs around in her
purse, pulling out two extra Christmas hats, taking the opportunity while the asari is low to sneak one onto her head. "There! No more worries about being festive enough."
Cynthia crosses her arms. "It's not too bad." she says with exaggerated disinterest. "Figured I might as well take care of the leftovers." she adds while studying him, making it sound like it'd be an act of charity.
Vasquez shoots a brief glance towards Jason and Cynthia before shaking her head and retrieving her mug of hot chocolate, sipping it as she checks in on the food again, as if something might have gone wrong in the last few minutes.
Ilyna smiles. "Your forgiveness is much appreciated," she says with a chuckle. She is about to free Li from the second boot when she feels the hat being put on her head, to which she raises an eyebrow. She does not put up any resistance, however. "You really thought of everything, Halisi." She delays a bit in case Halisi also intend to put one on Li's head, but eventually the boot is off and she sets them both
Jason looks to the pot of wine, studying it for a moment with a couple of nods. "Yeah..." he agrees. "It's-... alright." he continues, shrugging dismissively. He merely stares at the pot for a few seconds before glancing back over his shoulder to the guests before looking back to Cynthia. "But that's not-... no!" he disagrees, as if he couldn't possibly put that sort of burden on her, "You're a guest. Don't feel like-...
psh-..." Trailing off, he casts a glance over towards the other two guests by the door. "Should probably-... you know, leave it for Halisi to finish off. She likes this fancy shit." he decides before cocking a thumb towards the fridge, "Plenty of beer for us..." What self respecting soldier would choose fancy spiced wine over a good old fashioned beer? His gaze slowly turns back to Cynthia.
Halisi lets out another laugh. "Of course. It's an occupational necessity." she says. The asari's instincts prove correct as Halisi places the second hat on Li's head.
Li grumbles as the hat briefly robs her of her vision before Halisi adjusts it. As soon as both boots are off she disappears back to the tree without a word, sitting down and sipping her chocolate before prodding one of the presents.
Cynthia nods a couple of times in agreement after following Jason's gaze to Halisi. "Yeah. Yeah. Right." she agrees while looking at the pot. "Let's get some beers." she says, making no effort to move.
Vasquez makes her way over to Ilyna and Halisi. "Aren't we looking festive?" she says through a faint smirk as she eyes their hats. She takes a sip of her hot chocolate, turning her attention towards Li by the tree. "No shortage of enthusiasm, huh?"
Ilyna chuckles as she watches Li return to the presents before standing up, adjusting the hat slightly to sit better on her head. "That doesn't make me any less grateful," she says to Halisi before Vasquez joins them, returning the grin at the comment. "Yeah," she says, looking past her at Li. "She can tell that a lot of them are for her."
Jason furrows his brows, giving a number of rapid nods. "Mmhmm. Mmhmm." he hums an agreement, but he seems in no hurry to move either. He shifts his weight from one foot to the other, chewing on the inside of his cheek for a moment. There's a long pause as he comes to terms with the fact that she's not budging, ridiculously serious look on his face as he stares a hole through the pot. He knows a stalemate when he's seen one. A
worthy opponent. "Wanna split it?" he suddenly asks in a hushed tone, shooting a sidelong glance towards the others, as if they should hurry before Ilyna or Halisi try to stake their claims in it as well.
Cynthia just shifts in place, arms remaining crossed. Jason's suggestion garners a look of consideration, chewing on the inside of her cheek as she thinks. She casts a furtive glance towards the others and then nods faintly in agreement, reaching up to scratch her neck to mask the gesture. "Deal." she says firmly, snatching the pot and starting to pour up the mulled wine, diving it slowly in plain view for Jason. They cannot
Vasquez gains a faint smile, still watching Li pick at the bounty of gifts. "Everything she's been through? She deserves it." she says with a slightly sheepish shrug. "She's a good kid." she adds with a nod. Her gaze turns to Ilyna, eyebrows furrowing briefly as she hesitates. "And... she's lucky to have someone like you looking out for her." she says, placing a hand on the asari's shoulder and giving it a squeeze. Her voice is
quieter and her expression laced with discomfort despite the sincerity of her words - or maybe because of it. Still, she keeps her gaze on Ilyna to make sure she knows it's sincere. Maybe she's compelled by lingering guilt over her reaction to learning of her condition.
Halisi remains silent, hiding her smile behind a sip from her mug as she listens to the exchange. She soon heads off towards the kitchen, perhaps looking to give Vasquez and Ilyna some space. Or perhaps looking to refill her dwindling supply of mulled wine.
Ilyna keeps her eye on Li at first, nodding in agreement. "Yeah," she says. The next words draws her attention back, however, and she looks unsure. Despite her pushing it aside to encourage Li earlier, there is still lingering discomfort; the hand on her shoulder doesn't help that. "Thank you, I...," she begins, frowning. Could be she is looking to the asari for guidance? Comparing herself as a future mother to
her? Either way, Ilyna doesn't feel she truly earned that compliment. "It isn't easy," she says, lowering her voice. "I doubt myself every day, worry that I'm not doing enough for her, but...." Ilyna is quiet for a second, then casts a brief glance over to Li. "Just look at all the presents for her under the tree, everyone pitched in to make it a day for her to remember, and that's... how it always is. I'm
lucky to have you, and Jason,... and everyone else, because I would be lost were I entirely on my own."
Jason casts a couple of suspicious glances back towards the others. When Halisi starts their way he shoots a look Cynthia's way, urgent whispers of, "C'mon, c'mon!" as if the bank manager is about to walk in on them drilling out the safety deposit boxes. He shifts closer to Cynthia, shoulder-to-shoulder to use his body to block line of sight and holds his mostly-empty mug still for a refill.
Vasquez lets her hand fall away when she picks up on Ilyna's discomfort, rubbing her own neck with a slow nod and the faintest hint of a wince. She idly traces the scarring on the inside of her cheek with her tongue as she listens to the asari talk, attention on Li to minimize the awkwardness. "Any of us would be, Ilyna. But you're not on your own. We've got your back." she says, her response quiet but firm despite the renewed
Cynthia hastily finishes the pouring with a steady hand, putting the pot back down and swiping up her cup. "Done. Scatter." she whispers, slipping away just in time to leave Jason with the newly arrived Halisi.
Halisi offers Jason a smile as she approaches, taking another sip from her mug. "I quite like this. It's been a while since I had mulled wine. I thought it couldn't hurt to see if second servings were on the table. If there happens to be any, of course - I have no intention of imposing."
Li looks up when she notices Cynthia standing behind her, watching the tree and the presents. "Who are you?"
Cynthia frowns. "Wh-... you don't remember me? That's cold, kid." she says, putting on a hurt face and clutching a hand over her heart. "After I got you all that candy for Halloween? Fuuuuhhhhhhigures...?" She grimaces a little. Saved it? "I'm Cynthia. Remember it, cuz I promise you I got you the best shit-... uh, no! No, not, uh-" she blurts out, eyes wide. "...fuck." Oh no. That's worse. "Best stuff! Stuff. Presents.
Ilyna nods, not taking her eyes off Vasquez even as she overhears the conversation at the tree; the tone of it more so than the words. The reaction to her evokes a small frown, and after some hesitation, she reaches out to briefly place a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...," she says in an almost whisper, but trails off as she struggles to find the words. "And neither are you," she continues
Jason swiftly turns right to leave but, oh no! That's where Cynthia is heading! He swivels around, as if to dart towards the fridge, but it's no use. Halisi is already upon him. Trapped! Like a salarian facing down a melon-baller! Having already begun turning towards the fridge, he ends up doing nearly a 270 degree spin to awkwardly face Halisi, propping up a lopsided grin to try and conceal his failed escape attempt. "Heyyyyyy."
he offers through clenched teeth, shooting a side-eye towards the back of Cynthia's head. So much for leaving no man behind. "Yeah. Yeah. It's-... it's pretty good." he agrees with a nod. Then another nod. Then an awkward pause. He shoots a glance over to the now-empty pot, studying it for a moment. "Unfortunately it doesn't seem like Linda made a whole lot..." Caught red-handed. Trying to steal second helpings from under
his guests' nose. He clutches the mug low and close to his body. As he catches a glimpse of Vasquez and Ilyna, he's very quickly reminded of his objectives for Operation: Sleigh Bells. Primary Objective: Make sure Li has a Christmas she'll never forget. Secondary Objective: Make sure everything goes smoothly. After the year they've had, Linda deserves a night free of concerns. And that means doing his part to make sure
everyone has a good time. He owes her that much. "...whiiich is why I saved some for you!" he lies, extending the mug to Halisi. Extending his other hand her way, he gestures for her empty mug, "Let me take care of that for you." he offers, giving himself a silent pat on the back for such a slick save. Idiot? Or AWESOME host-slash-husband, Linda?!
Halisi blinks, looking a little confused as she slowly exchanges her empty mug for Jason's half-full one. "Oh. Well... thank you...?" she says, offering a polite and slightly puzzled smile, not quite sure how to react.
Cynthia smirks slightly. She thinks for a moment and then shoots a stealthy, totally-not-suspicious glance towards Ilyna and Vasquez before leaning down to whisper. "You know, I could show you how to see what's inside without opening them. You got an omni-tool?"
Vasquez looks a little uncomfortable when she realizes that Ilyna has seen through her, brow furrowing as she looks down at her mug. "I-... yeah. I know." she says quietly. Her gaze turns to the asari, forcing herself to keep speaking. "And it, uh..." she clears her throat, nodding firmly. "It means a lot." Her expression is comically serious - almost a scowl - but the sentiment is genuine. For a moment she looks like she's going
to say something else, but then she draws in a breath and looks off towards Li again. As she notices Cynthia talking to her she narrows her eyes slightly. "That can't be good..." she mutters.
Ilyna gives a small nod as she listens, her attention on her. She has some trouble reading her expression, but she chooses to trust her words. She is about to answer when Vasquez looks off towards Li and Cynthia, and she follows suit; content to let the topic go for now. "What do you think they are up to?" she asks, narrowing her eyes in turn.
Jason gives a firm nod as he takes Halisi's empty mug. "Not a problem." he says, reaching out to set the mug into the sink. Something Halisi very well could've done herself from where she's standing, which becomes uncomfortably obvious to him as he does it, causing him to put a little extra effort into the task by giving it a quick rinse. Afterwards he swivels back to face Halisi. His gaze falls to the lost boon in her hands and
he lets out a sigh under his breath as he leans back against the counter, palms resting against the edge to prop himself up. "So..." he begins, deciding it's best to keep the conversation flowing rather than lamenting over lost booze, "How is everything going...?" His tone suggests that the 'everything' in question is more specific than he's letting on and, soon enough, that lopsided smirk of his crops back up.
Halisi joins Jason in looking out across the room, taking a sip from her newly claimed mulled wine. She either doesn't pick up on the prodding, or chooses not to pick up on it, letting out a quiet sigh as she ponders her answer. "Things are... good. I'm not sure I realized how much I needed some time off. It's been good to be able to focus on... something other than work. And it's wonderful to be here, of course. To... get the chance to
be a part of making this a special day for Li. And to just... spend time with you all." she says, glancing his way with a soft, appreciative smile.
Vasquez scoffs quietly. "Knowing Cyn, nothing good." she says with a shake of her head. "Might wanna check up on them." The suggestion is accompanied by a nod towards Li and Cynthia. She activates her omni-tool, prodding at the interface. It seems that the conversation is over.
Cynthia nods and crouches down next to Li, taking out her own omni-tool and activating it. "That's alright, I've got ya covered. Here's what you wanna do..." she says, showing her the screen as she starts to navigate the interface.
Ilyna lingers for a few seconds in case she has more to say, before nodding. "I'll do that," she says, heading over to the kitchen to grab her mug of mulled wine. It's not as warm anymore, but it's not lukewarm yet either. She casts a glance towards Jason and Halisi as she walks closer to the tree to silently observe Li and Cynthia.
Jason's smirk softens into a smile as Halisi speaks. He offers a few nods. "I hear that..." he offers in what ends up as more of a mutter than intended when she comments on being glad to have something to take her mind off of work. Of course that means something slightly different to her. Shifts at the hospital. Patients. For him, it means the Collectors. He had prepared himself for all-out war after they escaped that ship. He did
his best to stave off those fears of what that might mean. For him. For the people he cares about. He just prepared himself mentally. Not knowing when it would come, but pretty damn sure it would come. And then? It was over. It almost feels like they're living on time stolen back from the Collectors. Time they weren't supposed to have. But he tries to push those thoughts out of his mind, drawing in a small breath to
expel that tightness in his chest that crops up any time his mind wanders back to that pod of viscous liquid. Ilyna's swing by helps to reinforce his smile and he gives a playful dip of his head in greeting before focusing back on the woman beside him. "Well, we're glad you're here with us." he says as he meets her eyes, deciding to focus on those thoughts rather than the former. "I know it means a lot to Linda-..." he
begins before correcting himself with a small shrug, hands remaining perched at the edge of the countertop. "...It means a lot to both of us." he says sincerely.
Halisi 's smile grows a little. "I never would have thought a year ago that this is where I'd be today. On a world like this? All my closest friends soldiers? Certainly not what I imagined. But I'm glad to be here. Even with... everything that's... happened." she says, voice hitching slightly on the last bit. She lifts her mug to her lips, taking a long drink as she turns her gaze back out towards the others.
Vasquez 's gaze sweeps briefly across the room, and then she heads over towards the empty end before turning to her omni-tool interface again. After pressing a few keys she lifts her arm, a focused scowl on her face. After another keypress she lowers it again, studying the display critically.
Cynthia opens up a scanner program, adjusting a couple of settings slowly. "If you set it up like this, it'll see right through the wrapping and let you know what's inside." she explains, seemingly unaware of Ilyna's approach.