Fun in the Sun (open to all)

[Leanna Mazal]

[Puzzles]

Lea smiled as Nora responded to her and Flick's compliments regarding her hat and always enjoyed being around Xander's Grandmother especially when they all gossiped and as she accepted the drink from Seamus, grinned at her.

" You must also try the Purpleberry Daiquiri, Nora, its one of Seamus's specialities " she suggested as she finished her 3rd coconut and motioned for a refill only to receive the Daiquiri instead and looked at her bar manager for a moment almost missing the back and forth between Xander and Flick.

Catching the gist of what was going on and the underlying flirtation and genuine emotion between the pair as they talked about Jack and his six kids especially when Flick sat next to him. " I wish you two would just admit that you like each other " she commented looking at them both before continuing to drink her cocktail with a playful glint in her eye as more food was brought to the table.

" As promised more food and well I wouldn't be a good bar owner if I didn't provide plenty " she stated and helped herself to some of the popcorn shrimp.

[Xander Dorset]

[Puzzles]

Lea smiled as Nora responded to her and Flick's compliments regarding her hat and always enjoyed being around Xander's Grandmother especially when they all gossiped and as she accepted the drink from Seamus, grinned at her.

" You must also try the Purpleberry Daiquiri, Nora, its one of Seamus's specialities " she suggested as she finished her 3rd coconut and motioned for a refill only to receive the Daiquiri instead and looked at her bar manager for a moment almost missing the back and forth between Xander and Flick.

[Puzzles]

Nora smiled as Leanna attempted to convince her to try another drink. It was almost as if she was a bartender or something. "Purpleberry daiquiri sounds rather exotic," the old woman mused as she swirled her coconut. She was tempted to call Seamus back and ask for one, but with age comes some self-restraint... sometimes. "Now that you've piqued my interest, I'll have to try one... But really, dear, one drink at a time is enough for me. I'm an old woman, and I need to pace myself - or so my doctor continually reminds me, the grumpy curmudgeon." In her prime, Nora could out-drink a seasoned Klingon warrior, (in fact, she had on four different occasions), and she wagered that she still could if she put her mind to it... Except the hangover the next day might kill her.

"Speaking of grumpy curmudgeons," Nora began, peering around Leanna, "What do you think my grandson and Flick are discussing?" Nora knew that good manners dictated that eavesdropping is unacceptable, but she was unabashedly listening to the entire exchange between the two of them. Her question to Leanna was more an invitation to gossip than an actual inquiry.

At first, Felicity felt only exasperation when she recognised the expression of confusion on Xander's face and she realised he wasn't aware of who Jack was. When understanding dawned on his face and he began to speak, the exasperation faded and was replaced by something else. A look that was dangerously similar to genuine affection flickered across her features. She managed to stop the eye-roll, but the smile wasn't as easy to hide.

She wondered just how many lucky souls Xander saved on a regular basis to have forgotten the name of the man he'd helped heal on the Orient Express. When she realised he was still talking she refocused and had the good grace to wince. "Well, I didn't mean to, I swear. I just couldn't say no... How could I say no to that!? And I didn't correct him when he assumed I was saying 'yes' for both of us."

Xander caught Felicity smiling and had to struggle to hide a grin of his own. She has a nice smile when she's not smirking at me... Not that her smirk is that terrible to look at either... He kept his face as neutral as possible as she scrambled for an explanation, raising only a single eyebrow afterwards in an 'is-that-the-best-you've got?' expression. He was going to make her work for this.

"Capital idea, Lea," she declared as she followed the ladies' example and moved toward the table. "I could use more pirate juice." This was all very stressful. She sat down in a chair next to Xander and leaned over, placing her hand atop the armrest of his lounger. Her expression was serious then as she looked at him, a small frown-line appearing between her eyebrows.  "Please say you'll come, Xander." All sorts of empty threats fluttered through her mind; swearing she wouldn't talk to him again, or swearing she'd have lengthy conversations with him three times a day, depending on which he'd find most irritating. But she opted for a sweetener instead. "I'd owe you one...?"

Xander patted Felicity's hand where it rested on his chair, then let his hand settle on top of hers as he leaned forward, bringing his head close to hers, to drawl. "Actually, Felicity, I think you mean that you'd owe me six." He slowly tapped one of his fingers on the back of Felicity's hand as he continued, "One... For... Each... Of... Those... Kids." Each word was punctuated by a tap from his fingers, and after the last he let his hand linger for a brief moment before he slowly slid his hand off of hers and onto the armrest again.

Catching the gist of what was going on and the underlying flirtation and genuine emotion between the pair as they talked about Jack and his six kids especially when Flick sat next to him. " I wish you two would just admit that you like each other " she commented looking at them both before continuing to drink her cocktail with a playful glint in her eye as more food was brought to the table.

Xander choked on the sip he was taking out of his coconut, and nearly spit out his rum all over the front of his sweater. As it was, however, he fared only slightly better and ended up falling into a coughing fit as some of the alcohol accidentally trickled down his windpipe. When he could speak again, he looked at Flick with slightly watering eyes, then turned back to Leanna with a disbelieving expression scrawled across his face.

"What? You're talking about Felicity and I?" His voice was full of incredulity as he looked back to the woman next to him. He scoffed and donned an easy-going smirk as he resisted the urge to laugh. "Don't be ridiculous. Felicity can't stand me." He smiled, as if proud of the fact that he knew exactly how to press every single one of her buttons.

As he looked at her, however, he couldn't avoid catching her gaze and holding it for a few seconds as his jaunty grin morphed into something softer. Mormor made an amused noise at the back of her throat, and Xander started, immediately breaking their gaze and turning to the food that was just delivered.

" As promised more food and well I wouldn't be a good bar owner if I didn't provide plenty " she stated and helped herself to some of the popcorn shrimp.

Xander prevented the situation from progressing further by immediately turning all of his attention to the food - and immediately tossing a piece of shrimp into his mouth. "Mmmmm..." The sounds rumbled up from somewhere deep in Xander's chest as he savored the morsel, completely forgetting his embarrassment from moments before in the face of such culinary delights.

He filled his plate as much as he dared, then leaned back to take another leisurely sip from his coconut. He found himself reaching for the cool drink more often the longer he sat there, for relief from the heat as much as for the alcohol. He exhaled slowly and shifted in his seat so his sweater wasn't pressed against his lower back - which was beginning to become unfortunately sweaty.

[Felicity Ellis]

[Puzzles]

Xander patted Felicity's hand where it rested on his chair, then let his hand settle on top of hers as he leaned forward, bringing his head close to hers, to drawl. "Actually, Felicity, I think you mean that you'd owe me six." He slowly tapped one of his fingers on the back of Felicity's hand as he continued, "One... For... Each... Of... Those... Kids." Each word was punctuated by a tap from his fingers, and after the last he let his hand linger for a brief moment before he slowly slid his hand off of hers and onto the armrest again.

[Puzzles]

Six!? The mere thought of owing Xander six favours should have terrified her, but that notion was miraculously chased away with each tap of his fingers. She could feel goose bumps prickle her arms, and the dimple in her cheek deepened as she watched closely, a completely mischievous expression on her face. "That's just greedy." She became aware of the absence of his hand on hers and she drummed her own fingers against the armrest. "Three."

She was also aware that they were almost flirting; she was clueless, but she wasn't dense. She could understand that it might look as though they were skirting the blurred line sometimes, so she shouldn't have been all that surprised at Leanna's next words.

[Puzzles]

" I wish you two would just admit that you like each other " she commented looking at them both before continuing to drink her cocktail with a playful glint in her eye as more food was brought to the table.

Xander choked on the sip he was taking out of his coconut, and nearly spit out his rum all over the front of his sweater. As it was, however, he fared only slightly better and ended up falling into a coughing fit as some of the alcohol accidentally trickled down his windpipe. When he could speak again, he looked at Flick with slightly watering eyes, then turned back to Leanna with a disbelieving expression scrawled across his face.

Except she was surprised. Caught completely off-guard her wide eyes and shocked face turned to look at Leanna, her mind trying to figure out the exact meaning behind her friend's comment. She frowned, surprise morphing into a bewildered expression. She kept her mouth resolutely shut for the moment, and leaned over to the table to retrieve a napkin. Wordlessly, she handed it to Xander, who seemed to be choking in a manner that reminded her of the time she'd inhaled her coffee in the White Rose Café, right around the time she'd found out that he'd written his first crush love songs. She returned his disbelieving glance.

"What? You're talking about Felicity and I?" His voice was full of incredulity as he looked back to the woman next to him. He scoffed and donned an easy-going smirk as he resisted the urge to laugh. "Don't be ridiculous. Felicity can't stand me." He smiled, as if proud of the fact that he knew exactly how to press every single one of her buttons.

"It's true, he's exasperating," she said in earnest agreement, the smile reemerging quickly with the return to familiar territory, "And obviously he can't stand me either, as evidenced by his request for six favours just to go to one dinner with me."

As he looked at her, however, he couldn't avoid catching her gaze and holding it for a few seconds as his jaunty grin morphed into something softer. Mormor made an amused noise at the back of her throat, and Xander started, immediately breaking their gaze and turning to the food that was just delivered.

She'd crossed her arms against her chest while speaking, giving the impression she was grievously insulted by his reluctance to go to Jack's with her. But the facade cracked, she was either too tipsy or had enjoyed their 'negotiations' too much not to return his smile, at least a little.

Her eyes flashed to Nora, and while Xander moved to busy himself by piling his plate with as much food as possible, Felicity leaned back against her chair, thoughtfully watching the two women. She eyed them both, giving a look that left no doubt as to what she was thinking. We'll talk later.

Reluctantly, Felicity pulled her attention away from her unusual but always interesting group, and focused on eating. And getting more pirate juice, which she was growing very fond of. She selected a couple of grilled chicken kebobs from the nearby spread and sat back with a satisfied sigh. "Lekker munch, Lea," she complimented as she balanced her plate on her lap. From the corner of her eye she spotted Xander shifting in his chair and wondered if he was starting to struggle with the heat. "Feeling positively tropical yet, Xander?" She asked archly, using his earlier choice of words against him. "You know you could get into the spirit of things, there's plenty of near-topless folks floating around here..." She spied Jack across the room and waved, his festive shirt unbuttoned and flapping about as he served. She glanced at Nora and Leanna with a gleam in her eye that promised all kinds of trouble

"What do you ladies think?"

[Leanna Mazal]

Lea grinned at Nora's comments regarding the cocktails yet had a sneaking suspicion that Xander's Grandmother could easily drink them all under the table given the chance but at the same time respected her wishes.

" I understand Nora but the night is still young after all " she replied playfully as she took another sip of her new drink.

When Nora then asked her what Xander and Flick were discussing, she knew that the older woman was curious and wanting to find the gossip as it wasn't exactly a secret or something that couldn't be shared.

So as the pair continued to flirt and discuss this dinner with Jack and his six kids, Leanna leaned in closer to Nora and spoke quietly.

" Jack one of my barmen was saved by Flick and Xander when we were on the Orient Express so as a thank you he's invited them both to dinner and to meet his six children" she explained as she watched her best friend and the dashing yet slightly annoying Science Officer.

Their body language and small gestures hadn't gone unnoticed either but when they both looked at her and pretty much denied what she had suggested, the Betazoid wasn't entirely convinced.

" Okay maybe I was wrong about you two but if it ever comes true, I'll take great delight in telling you both I told you so " she replied deciding to drop it for now but it also gave her ammunition for future use if she ever needed to use it.

At Flicks look at both her and Nora about talking about it later she nodded and seeing Flick and Xander help themselves to food, thought it would be a good idea for her to do the same.

" Thank you " she said to Flick's compliment regarding the chicken kebabs and filled her own plate, savouring each delicious morsel and soaking up the alcohol as Flick then made the teasing comment regarding Xander's current predicament.

Trying not to chuckle at seeing him positively melting in the sweater but at the same time wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to tease him.

" I think he should join in and follow the other's example " she replied " Unless he prefers to be sweaty or maybe its being near us that's making him that way " she teased reaching for her drink.

[Xander Dorset]

Lea grinned at Nora's comments regarding the cocktails yet had a sneaking suspicion that Xander's Grandmother could easily drink them all under the table given the chance but at the same time respected her wishes.

" I understand Nora but the night is still young after all " she replied playfully as she took another sip of her new drink.

When Nora then asked her what Xander and Flick were discussing, she knew that the older woman was curious and wanting to find the gossip as it wasn't exactly a secret or something that couldn't be shared.

So as the pair continued to flirt and discuss this dinner with Jack and his six kids, Leanna leaned in closer to Nora and spoke quietly.

" Jack one of my barmen was saved by Flick and Xander when we were on the Orient Express so as a thank you he's invited them both to dinner and to meet his six children" she explained as she watched her best friend and the dashing yet slightly annoying Science Officer.

[Puzzles]

Nora laughed and then rapidly covered her mouth to stifle the outburst, though one could tell by looking at her eyes that she was incredibly amused by the entire situation. "So, you're telling me that Felicity is trying to convince Alexander to join her on a dinner date with six children?" she whispered before chuckling again. "If anyone is stubborn enough on this station to talk Alexander into something, it'll be Felicity - that girl has him wrapped around her little finger; he just doesn't realize it yet."

Nora took another long swig of her drink and looked down in surprise as she realized she was already half-finished. "Oh... Lea, dear, what was that other drink you mentioned? I think I might want one of them after all." Watching her grandson just now was the most entertained she had been in months, and she was determined to enjoy the show.

Six!? The mere thought of owing Xander six favours should have terrified her, but that notion was miraculously chased away with each tap of his fingers. She could feel goose bumps prickle her arms, and the dimple in her cheek deepened as she watched closely, a completely mischievous expression on her face. "That's just greedy." She became aware of the absence of his hand on hers and she drummed her own fingers against the armrest. "Three."

Except she was surprised. Caught completely off-guard her wide eyes and shocked face turned to look at Leanna, her mind trying to figure out the exact meaning behind her friend's comment. She frowned, surprise morphing into a bewildered expression. She kept her mouth resolutely shut for the moment, and leaned over to the table to retrieve a napkin. Wordlessly, she handed it to Xander, who seemed to be choking in a manner that reminded her of the time she'd inhaled her coffee in the White Rose Café, right around the time she'd found out that he'd written his first crush love songs. She returned his disbelieving glance.

"It's true, he's exasperating," she said in earnest agreement, the smile reemerging quickly with the return to familiar territory, "And obviously he can't stand me either, as evidenced by his request for six favours just to go to one dinner with me."

She'd crossed her arms against her chest while speaking, giving the impression she was grievously insulted by his reluctance to go to Jack's with her. But the facade cracked, she was either too tipsy or had enjoyed their 'negotiations' too much not to return his smile, at least a little.

Xander accepted the napkin and wiped at his face, even though his eyes were the only source of liquid on his face. When Felicity brought up the favors again, he only grinned, noticing the smile threatening to break out on her face. "It's not just dinner with you. There's also going to be six other severely underage dinner guests sharing out table. If it were just you, it might be a different story, but as it is... If you want me to go, that's my price. You just need to decide how much you want me." He waved the napkin around flippantly as if to accentuate that it was her choice.

" Okay maybe I was wrong about you two but if it ever comes true, I'll take great delight in telling you both I told you so " she replied deciding to drop it for now but it also gave her ammunition for future use if she ever needed to use it.

"Well," Xander drawled, "You might want to looking for other things you can take 'great delight' in. I'd hate to be the one thing standing between you and happiness - you see, that's already my job with Felicity, and I don't think I could manage it with two women at once." He turned to Felicity and winked suggestively before downing the rest of his current coconut.

Her eyes flashed to Nora, and while Xander moved to busy himself by piling his plate with as much food as possible, Felicity leaned back against her chair, thoughtfully watching the two women. She eyed them both, giving a look that left no doubt as to what she was thinking. We'll talk later.

Nora returned Felicity's gaze innocently enough at first. She hadn't chimed in with any comments during Lea's observations or Felicity and Alexander's denials... But that didn't mean that she didn't have her own opinions. Right before she turned away, she gave Felicity a knowing smile; a smile that only one with a lifetime of experience can convincingly give.

Reluctantly, Felicity pulled her attention away from her unusual but always interesting group, and focused on eating. And getting more pirate juice, which she was growing very fond of. She selected a couple of grilled chicken kebobs from the nearby spread and sat back with a satisfied sigh. "Lekker munch, Lea," she complimented as she balanced her plate on her lap. From the corner of her eye she spotted Xander shifting in his chair and wondered if he was starting to struggle with the heat. "Feeling positively tropical yet, Xander?" She asked archly, using his earlier choice of words against him. "You know you could get into the spirit of things, there's plenty of near-topless folks floating around here..." She spied Jack across the room and waved, his festive shirt unbuttoned and flapping about as he served. She glanced at Nora and Leanna with a gleam in her eye that promised all kinds of trouble

"What do you ladies think?"

Xander snorted, "I'm Swedish and Scottish. I'm not meant to be tropical. I'm almost certain there's a law somewhere that says it's illegal." He looked to Nora for confirmation, but she only smiled and followed Felicity's gaze over to one of the servers.

"I don't know, Alexander, I'm feeling rather tropical, and nobody has come by to arrest me yet. I think you're safe... Besides, those shirts look rather festive."

Xander grumbled something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like, "I think the correct pronunciation is 'stupid,'" but Nora, for her part, didn't pay attention to him.

Trying not to chuckle at seeing him positively melting in the sweater but at the same time wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to tease him.

" I think he should join in and follow the other's example " she replied " Unless he prefers to be sweaty or maybe its being near us that's making him that way " she teased reaching for her drink.

Now it was Xander's turn to laugh. He leaned forward in his seat as he returned, "Oh, I'm sure you wish that were the case," in a voice that was hardly appropriate for polite company. When a server came by and gave Xander another drink (his third? fourth?), he took another swig then set it on the table before stretching his arms over his head and arching his back in a relaxed manner. "If you all hate my sweater so so so much, I guess I'll just... take it off." And so he did, sliding the fabric over his head and dropping it onto the floor in a dejected little pile by his feet.

Mormor tutted at him and rolled her eyes, but didn't bother saying anything. There was no stopping her grandson and his antics sometimes. "Well, ladies," Xander asked as he folded his arms behind his head. "Are you satisfied? Am I tropical enough for you?"

[Felicity Ellis]

Xander accepted the napkin and wiped at his face, even though his eyes were the only source of liquid on his face. When Felicity brought up the favors again, he only grinned, noticing the smile threatening to break out on her face. "It's not just dinner with you. There's also going to be six other severely underage dinner guests sharing out table. If it were just you, it might be a different story, but as it is... If you want me to go, that's my price. You just need to decide how much you want me." He waved the napkin around flippantly as if to accentuate that it was her choice.

"Well," Xander drawled, "You might want to looking for other things you can take 'great delight' in. I'd hate to be the one thing standing between you and happiness - you see, that's already my job with Felicity, and I don't think I could manage it with two women at once." He turned to Felicity and winked suggestively before downing the rest of his current coconut.

[Puzzles]

It was an interesting choice of words, Felicity thought. If it were just her asking him to come to dinner, then surely it would be a date? And the relevant question really was how much she wanted him to go, and she knew she really did want him to. Not just because she didn't want to have to deal with six children and Jack without back up, but also because he entertained her more than anyone else she knew.

She laughed then when he mentioned what his 'job' was, as if to hammer the point home. She shook her head and finally capitulated. "Fine, I agree to your terms. But you have to respect the holy covenant that is the favour exchange, Xander, nothing stupid like making me clean." Felicity didn't clean. She also thought Xander would probably be a little more creative in what he asked for, but still, she felt the need to be clear. Not surprisingly, considering who she was dealing with. "Under threat of punishment."

Xander snorted, "I'm Swedish and Scottish. I'm not meant to be tropical. I'm almost certain there's a law somewhere that says it's illegal." He looked to Nora for confirmation, but she only smiled and followed Felicity's gaze over to one of the servers.

"I don't know, Alexander, I'm feeling rather tropical, and nobody has come by to arrest me yet. I think you're safe... Besides, those shirts look rather festive."

Xander grumbled something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like, "I think the correct pronunciation is 'stupid,'" but Nora, for her part, didn't pay attention to him.

" I think he should join in and follow the other's example " she replied " Unless he prefers to be sweaty or maybe its being near us that's making him that way " she teased reaching for her drink.

She was giggling helplessly at the exchange between grandmother and grandson, and when Leanna chimed in with her contribution, she burst out laughing. She looked at the two of them, marveling at the force of their combined power.

Now it was Xander's turn to laugh. He leaned forward in his seat as he returned, "Oh, I'm sure you wish that were the case," in a voice that was hardly appropriate for polite company. When a server came by and gave Xander another drink (his third? fourth?), he took another swig then set it on the table before stretching his arms over his head and arching his back in a relaxed manner. "If you all hate my sweater so so so much, I guess I'll just... take it off." And so he did, sliding the fabric over his head and dropping it onto the floor in a dejected little pile by his feet.

As Felicity watched the sweater move upwards, bit by bit, her eyes widened. She'd had the straw of her coconut in her mouth but by the time the sweater had landed in a heap on the ground it had fallen out as she gaped.

Oh, crap.

Her eyes slid away from Xander's shirtless form and she could definitely feel the blush spreading across her cheeks, even through the slight haze of the pirate juice. She'd probably gaped for far too long, but that didn't detract from the victory. "Score one for peer pressure," she muttered, holding out her drink for Seamus to collect and replace as he walked by.

Mormor tutted at him and rolled her eyes, but didn't bother saying anything. There was no stopping her grandson and his antics sometimes. "Well, ladies," Xander asked as he folded his arms behind his head. "Are you satisfied? Am I tropical enough for you?"

"You are so damn tropical, Xander, that if you were a cocktail, you'd probably drink yourself."

[Leanna Mazal]

There was no denying the obvious amusement Nora was trying to hide as she reacted to what Lea had said regarding what Flick and Xander were discussing. Loving the way she so accurately described the pair and agreeing with the older woman.

" I agree with you there Nora although I don't think either of them realise it yet " she replied quietly before Nora then asked her about the other drink. Grinning Lea responded to her " Ah a Purpleberry Daquiri and I'll have Seamus bring one over " she said gesturing for the Irishman to bring over another tray.

When he did she thanked him and handed Nora one of the vivid purple drinks and took one for herself as the back and forth continued with her best friend and Xander. It was definitely a lot of fun observing the pair as well as enjoying the night and the company that she had.

However when Xander then became a little more playful and made that comment, she grinned knowing she could give just as good back. " Oh believe me I have plenty of those and yes it is your job with Flick but I don't think you could handle me " she said teasingly before taking another sip of her drink.

The Betazoid was also pleased to see Xander give and bow to their pressure for him to join in properly with the festivities but of course he had to be over dramatic about it which wasn't a huge surprise. Although seeing him shirtless was another thing and noticed the way Flick seemed to stare longer than was necessary and grinned at her friend's reaction.

They may not realise it now but things were definitely developing between the two and for Leanna all she wanted was for her friend to be happy and if things did happen then she would support her fully. But for now it was highly amusing to join in with the banter and enjoy the playful mood and atmosphere.

Finding herself swaying in time to the music as Xander then asked their opinions now that he had removed his sweater. Giving Flick an appreciative wink at what she had said before she too added her own assessment.

" Oh most definitely and I'm sure you have no problem satisfying the ladies " she quipped as she ate some more of the shrimp.

[Xander Dorset]

However when Xander then became a little more playful and made that comment, she grinned knowing she could give just as good back. " Oh believe me I have plenty of those and yes it is your job with Flick but I don't think you could handle me " she said teasingly before taking another sip of her drink.

[Puzzles]

Xander grinned as he responded, "Oh no, I have more than enough trouble with this one." He gestured to Felicity with his fee hand, gently flicking away a strand of hair from her face. "I'm barely handling her as it is."

She laughed then when he mentioned what his 'job' was, as if to hammer the point home. She shook her head and finally capitulated. "Fine, I agree to your terms. But you have to respect the holy covenant that is the favour exchange, Xander, nothing stupid like making me clean." Felicity didn't clean. She also thought Xander would probably be a little more creative in what he asked for, but still, she felt the need to be clear. Not surprisingly, considering who she was dealing with. "Under threat of punishment."

His brows rose at the mention of punishment, and his smile quirked into a wicked smirk. "Oh, but Felicity, the lab does need some reorganizing. What sort of favour is this if I can't redeem it for anything useful? An interesting glint came to his eyes as he added, "Besides, I'm far too curious as to what sort of punishment you have in mind."

He leaned back and sighed in mock resignation as he continued, "If I can't employ your help cleaning, you'll have to accept my more... unorthodox requests. I hope you're prepared for that." He tossed another morsel of food into his mouth as he lounged in his seat, completely self-satisfied with how their 'negotiations' had panned out.

She was giggling helplessly at the exchange between grandmother and grandson, and when Leanna chimed in with her contribution, she burst out laughing. She looked at the two of them, marveling at the force of their combined power.

As Felicity watched the sweater move upwards, bit by bit, her eyes widened. She'd had the straw of her coconut in her mouth but by the time the sweater had landed in a heap on the ground it had fallen out as she gaped.

Oh, crap.

Her eyes slid away from Xander's shirtless form and she could definitely feel the blush spreading across her cheeks, even through the slight haze of the pirate juice. She'd probably gaped for far too long, but that didn't detract from the victory. "Score one for peer pressure," she muttered, holding out her drink for Seamus to collect and replace as he walked by.

"You are so damn tropical, Xander, that if you were a cocktail, you'd probably drink yourself."

Xander didn't miss Felicity's expression as he stripped out of the uncomfortably warm article of clothing, and his smirk made that fact perfectly clear. "Of course I would," he retorted. "I have excellent taste." He took another sip from his coconut and innocently glanced over to Feclicity again. "Are you doing okay, Felicity dear? You're looking a little overheated."

Finding herself swaying in time to the music as Xander then asked their opinions now that he had removed his sweater. Giving Flick an appreciative wink at what she had said before she too added her own assessment.

" Oh most definitely and I'm sure you have no problem satisfying the ladies " she quipped as she ate some more of the shrimp.

His grin widened at Leanna's comment, obviously pleased with the assessment, but he shrugged noncommittally. "I wouldn't know. Would you ladies consider yourselves satisfied?"

Mormor chose that moment to chime back in and ruin Xander's suave moment. "You would think if my grandson really has so much talent 'satisfying the ladies' that he'd have brought a nice girlfriend home at some point." Xander's grandmother casually dipped her new purple drink as if she hadn't just casually roasted him, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

[Felicity Ellis]

However when Xander then became a little more playful and made that comment, she grinned knowing she could give just as good back. " Oh believe me I have plenty of those and yes it is your job with Flick but I don't think you could handle me " she said teasingly before taking another sip of her drink.

[Puzzles]

Xander grinned as he responded, "Oh no, I have more than enough trouble with this one." He gestured to Felicity with his fee hand, gently flicking away a strand of hair from her face. "I'm barely handling her as it is."

[Puzzles]

Felicity watched the exchange between Leanna and Xander, enjoying the easy rhythm their group seemed to fall into naturally. And to her, it felt normal, and almost automatic, to lean in closer again after Xander had reached out to carefully push back a strand of her hair. "I can be very difficult," she announced then to everyone with an inordinate amount of pride, as though she were a child letting all of the adults in the room know that she could tie her own shoelaces.

His brows rose at the mention of punishment, and his smile quirked into a wicked smirk. "Oh, but Felicity, the lab does need some reorganizing. What sort of favour is this if I can't redeem it for anything useful? An interesting glint came to his eyes as he added, "Besides, I'm far too curious as to what sort of punishment you have in mind."

He leaned back and sighed in mock resignation as he continued, "If I can't employ your help cleaning, you'll have to accept my more... unorthodox requests. I hope you're prepared for that." He tossed another morsel of food into his mouth as he lounged in his seat, completely self-satisfied with how their 'negotiations' had panned out.

Her expression changed into one of blatant distaste at the mention of cleaning and reorganising. Though the more she thought about it, perhaps it might have been the better option. For some reason, Xander always managed to gain the upper hand in these little negotiations that they both seemed so fond of; there'd been their 'Last Man Standing' competition and the six favours, which would apparently now all be highly unorthodox.

Felicity wasn't normally so easily fooled. She narrowed her eyes at Xander and ignored the glint in his. I'm on to you... Came the accusatory thought, directed solely at him.

Xander didn't miss Felicity's expression as he stripped out of the uncomfortably warm article of clothing, and his smirk made that fact perfectly clear. "Of course I would," he retorted. "I have excellent taste." He took another sip from his coconut and innocently glanced over to Feclicity again. "Are you doing okay, Felicity dear? You're looking a little overheated."

She made a dismissive sound in response to his mock concern, and didn't bother to stop the automatic eye-roll. But there was nothing she could do to disguise the rosy hue of her skin, nor the concerted effort she was making to not look directly at him, as half-naked as he was. "I'm perfectly fine, Alexander darling," she shot back, all snark and bright, flashing eyes. "Just thirsty." She turned her attention to the fresh coconut that Seamus had pressed into her hand that very moment, blissfully unaware of any double meaning behind her words.

" Oh most definitely and I'm sure you have no problem satisfying the ladies " she quipped as she ate some more of the shrimp.

His grin widened at Leanna's comment, obviously pleased with the assessment, but he shrugged noncommittally. "I wouldn't know. Would you ladies consider yourselves satisfied?"

Mormor chose that moment to chime back in and ruin Xander's suave moment. "You would think if my grandson really has so much talent 'satisfying the ladies' that he'd have brought a nice girlfriend home at some point." Xander's grandmother casually dipped her new purple drink as if she hadn't just casually roasted him, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Personally, Felicity herself didn't feel all that satisfied, and the copious amounts of rum she was consuming would normally see her voice her mood. Fortunately for her, Nora chose that moment to execute a most righteous crack at Xander's expense, saving her from any further embarrassment. Her eyes widened and her shoulders shook with laughter she was failing to keep within. She risked a sidelong glance at Xander before returning her attention to his mischievous Mormor, and decided to offer up a meager defense for him.

"Nice ones are overrated." She declared, her grin broad as she threw Leanna a wink.

[TRell]

[Outside Puzzles]

A BBQ, T'Rell didn't really understand the term, and a quick search of the stations databases told her everything she needed to know, a custom similar to the clan gatherings back on her homeworld, she had seen many such events at the academy, mostly from her dorm window she mused sadly, then brightened, this one she was invited to, the computer helpfully suggested a range of fashions that she dismissed as soon as she saw them, although they were much less modest as one would normally expect from Starfleet officers, this called for something more tribal she thought, as it was as close as she was going to get to get to a clan gathering, without the return to Feralas she would make the effort,

She stood outside puzzles, and paused just for a second to adjust her outfit, it was simple and rather drab by Caitian standards, a pale Tunic belted at the waist and short enough over her legs to allow her tail free movement, a small headdress of leather and bright blue fathers sat behind one ear and fell down her back, it was comfortable and allowed her freedom of movement and more importantly let her fit in, she hoped rather than knew the last fact.

a lot more confidently than last time she strode towards the entrance of Puzzles, crossed the threshold and waited for her eyes to adjust, two party invites in the space of a couple of months, academy T'Rell would never have believed it.

[Leanna Mazal]

As the playful banter and teasing seemed to go up another level, Leanna found herself grinning at the comment Xander aimed at her regarding how he was barely handling Flick and decided to let him have this small victory.

" That's okay Xander, I know now that I was right " she teased unable to help herself. Although took a step back for a moment to focus on getting a refill from Seamus and eat some food before it got cold.

She was still very much enjoying the conversation, the drinks and the food but when Seamus approached and offered refills , the Bar Owner then spoke with him briefly to make sure everything else was still running smoothly as Flick and Xander continued with their own teasing and subtle flirting.

Seamus assured her that everything was fine and to continue enjoying herself which she fully intended to do and yet made him promise to take some time off and join in once the evening shift came in.

With that done, Lea returned her attention to the group as Xander teased them once more about if they were satisfied and saw her friend's reaction but decided to talk about it later as Mormor added her own comment about it.

Trying not to laugh but at the same time loved what had been said before Flick then spoke and winked at her.

" Oh most definitely they are, I prefer a bad boy myself " she said with a grin as she then noticed T'Rell enter the bar.

Getting to her feet, Lea then waved to get her attention.

" T'Rell over here come join us " she called.

[TRell]

T'Rell an offered drink and quickly crossed to the group, admiring the outfits the officers wore, for once she didnt feel out of place or under dressed, and she beamed, she had heard the few sentences of the conversation but knew it was impolite to make commnet on it, she took a sip from her drink, holding the straw to oneside, her physiology made the use of them problematic, the drink was strong and she did approve, the crowd fell silent at her arrival and she turned to the group.

"What were we discussing" she purred