The mugs didn't stop.
Raphael kept them coming, shoving the next into Sapphire's hand every time she tried to protest. Her face was flushed deep red now, eyes glassy, words slurring just a little more with each sip. She slouched in the creaky wooden chair, her head dangling slightly over the edge as she giggled at nothing in particular.
"I think…" she pointed at the ceiling, then blinked, "I are in two."
She burst into laughter at her own joke, clutching her stomach, shoulders shaking. Raphael raised a brow, clearly amused.
"You think you're what?"
"In… two," she repeated, then waved her hand. "Forget it… s'not funny when you don't get it."
He leaned in slightly, eyes narrowing. Time to extract some information he thought
"Right. So tell me, Human… what exactly is your relationship with Lord Typhon?"
She blinked, then paused, processing.
Her smile faltered just a little.
"That… tall, broody, overgrown man?"
Raphael nearly choked on his drink.
Sapphire gave a lopsided grin. "He scolds me. All the time. Like I'm a child. But then—" she hiccupped, "—then he looks at me like I'm not."
A silence stretched. Her smile faded into something softer, more unsure. "I don't get him…"
Raphael tilted his head. "Do you want to?"
Sapphire didn't answer as she held her head, groaning softly. "I think… I'm going to be sick."
Raphael chuckled under his breath, clearly amused. He tossed a few coins on the table for the drinks and stepped around to her side as she slumped further into the chair.
"Don't even think about it, human," he muttered as she tried to stand on her own and wobbled dangerously.
"I'm fine," she insisted, grabbing the edge of the table for support—only for her knees to buckle slightly.
"Sure you are," he said, catching her with ease before she collapsed. She blinked up at him, eyes glassy, cheeks flushed from the alcohol.
"I hate you," she mumbled.
"Mm. You'll thank me tomorrow." He looped her arm over his shoulder, steadying her as they made their way toward the tavern exit.
"I won't."
"You will."
"…Still hate you."
Raphael smirked. "And yet here you are, drunk off with me."
"I'm not drunk…"
"Right. You're wasted," he teased as they stepped out into the night. "A very wasted human who's about to throw up on my boots."
"Just… don't let me fall," she whispered.
He glanced down at her, voice low. "Sounds fun"
***
Raphael steadied Sapphire as they reached the manor doors, her steps wobbly, laughter light and tipsy. She leaned on him, mumbling something about stars dancing, her cheeks flushed.
They pushed the doors open.
Lord Typhon stood there, back straight, arms behind him. Beside him, Eugene stiffened.
Sapphire blinked, her smile fading the moment her eyes met Typhon's. His face was unreadable, but his jaw was tight, Cold.
Raphael cleared his throat, lifting Sapphire slightly.
"She needed air," he said dryly.
Typhon said nothing.
Only his eyes — sharp, grey, glinting with something unspoken, locked on Sapphire slumped against Raphael.
Sapphire looked down, suddenly aware of her state, pulling away weakly.
"I'll take her to her room," Raphael added.
"No need," Typhon's voice was clipped, icy. "I'll handle it from here."
Raphael raised a brow, amused, and gently tried to hand Sapphire over.
"She's all yours," he muttered with a smirk.
Sapphire, head lolling slightly, blinked at Typhon through glassy eyes.
"I can go by myself," she slurred, trying to stand upright without support.
She took one step
Then promptly tripped on her own feet and fell face-first toward the floor.
Typhon's hand shot out, catching her just in time. His arms were firm around her waist as he straightened her up, jaw clenched tightly.
"I said I'm fine," she mumbled stubbornly.
"Clearly," Typhon snapped, voice sharp with restraint. "You're doing an excellent job proving it."
Still leaning against him, she managed a glare, cheeks burning. "Better than you carrying me…"
He didn't answer.
But his grip tightened just enough to keep her steady, the tension between them palpable as he turned with her in his arms and began leading her inside, the heavy doors closing behind them. Raphael stood behind, silent… watching.