AJ chuckled at Faust’s poetic words. "Always the wordsmith, huh? But seriously, I’m glad you’re happy to see me. It means a lot.” As he sipped his drinks, AJ listened to Faust’s talk about emotional movies "Yeah, My Girl definitely had us both in tears.” He paused to reminisce a moment or two. "Good times. It’s funny how those memories stick with you.”
When Faust mentioned missing the kids and being the fun uncle, AJ grinned. “You’ve got that right, they adore you.” Then Faust slapped him on the back and AJ returned the favour. “Alright, go charm the rest of the crowd. But we need to catch up properly later.”
After Faust left, AJ down the last of his drink and ordered another, only to then find himself in a large game of “Diss or Thank.” It seemed like an odd way to mix things up among the group gathered here tonight. AJ waited it out for a good handful of guests to take their turn before deciding to approach the bowl himself. He drew a slip of paper and unfolded it. The name on it read: Cole Walker, which made AJ frowned slightly, as he didn’t recognise the name at all. Glancing around at the party faces, he tried to spot the person; only spotting him after hearing the whispers and nods in the man’s direction.
AJ cleared his throat and decided to speak up with honesty. “Well, looks like I’ve drawn a name I don’t recognise. Sorry, Cole Walker, you must be new to town.” Pausing to raise his glass to Cole. “Since I don’t know you, Cole, it wouldn’t be fair to throw a diss your way. Instead, I’ll take this opportunity to welcome you and thank you. It’s not easy stepping into a new community, so good luck mate and I wish you all the best.” Toasting to Cole, he took a sip and stepped off to the side.
The following morning, AJ was rudely awoken to the insistent ringing of his mobile, groaning as he fumbled for it on the nightstand. It was a work call, of course it was, and the clock read just almost 6am. As his thumbs fumbled with the button to answer the call, he glanced at the empty side of the bed, wondering if Ethan had come over late last night or early this morning: he hadn’t. AJ wasn’t sure if he felt relieved or disappointed by this. Pushing aside his thoughts, he answered the call, ““Good morning, Alex Campion speaking,”” while throwing himself out of bed and padding to his home office.
@LunaticLeviTheSecond - Faust
@ChayChay05 - Cole