Let It Burn

[Elizabeth Edison]

At some point during the night, Elizabeth had somehow managed to hike a whole leg over Gabriela's body, essentially laying on top of the smaller girl with her hair sticking to the pillow and some in her mouth with unmistakable pieces of Cheetos stuck every which where in her bright blonde hair.

The sun was peeking through the slants in her window as she snorted a little in her sleep. "You sit down there." She mumbled with a sigh as she tried to push away from the sleeping Gabriela.

Anyone walking in would probably either think they had been complete pigs [which they were] or got wasted last night [which they definitely did]. The hangover would be so sweet.

[Beau LaRoux]

Beau considered bringing coffee and donuts to his girlfriend one of his many boyfriendly duties. There wasn't exactly a list somewhere to work off of (though Liz probably would've provided one had Beau asked), but Beau knew well enough how to treat a girl. More specifically, he knew how to treat Liz, which in this case meant bringing donuts and coffee to her. Locally made ones, of course, fresh and ready to go. The smell of the two coffees had already given Beau quite the spring to his step. He checked his phone as he headed to Liz's room.

He knocked for a bit, waited, then figured he could probably let himself in. They'd exchanged keys long before they'd become another more than friends, though Beau, as a general rule, didn't use his to enter her room without being asked or granted permission or what have you. He slid in now, figuring that moving quietly and bringing delicious foods and drink would be---

"Well, day-um," said the Southerner as he beheld just the opening. Packages of junk food and bottles everywhere. Beau picked his way across the terrain with the practiced skill of someone used to navigating a mess. Soon enough, he found a pair of entwined bodies. "Well, that ain't too surprisin'," Beau muttered, turning his head to the side. He recognized Liz, but he wasn't entirely sure who the other girl was. Yep, another girl, so probably a friend of Liz's or something. Which explained the mess of junk food and what have you. Beau shifted so that said friend was closer, but, strangely enough, he didn't feel any different then he did around Liz.

Shrugging, Beau waved his hand above the coffee cups, sending the delicious smell toward the two girls, figuring they'd probably appreciate it just a little.

[Gabriela Moreau]

Gabriela grumbled something inaudible as Beau's voice roused her from her deep slumber. Her eyes stayed squeezed shut as she carefully attempted to extricate herself from the mass of limbs on the bed. She didn't recognize the voice, but had an idea who it was, given who her bed partner had been. She would've flushed red from the embarrassment of the situation had she not have been immediately stricken by the absolutely terrible pounding that erupted in her temples.

With another murmur of something she reached a hand out and groped for the nearest pillow. Her fingers curled around it and pulled it closer so she could press her face into it. She was mortified and having been caught in such a situation but was powerless to escape, at least for now. She silently thanked God she was still clothed, at least. She muttered another incoherent statement into the pillow and did her best to curl up into a tiny ball of hungover embarrassment.

[Elizabeth Edison]

The smell of coffee roused her brain from sleep but it wasn't until Gabriela moved that Elizabeth's eyes opened. Her eyes moved to where the coffee smell was coming from and saw her boyfriend.

A smile spread slowly across her lips as she pushed herself up, patting Gabriela on her thigh before hissing at the pain in her head.

"Sheeoot." The blonde pushed the heel of her hand against her brow bone when the shooting pain occurred. "Ow." She whined as one hand made a grabby gesture towards the cup of coffee in Beau's hand.

Unaware of Gabriela's embarrassment, Elizabeth scooted closer to Beau to bury her face in his chest. "Hi baby."

[Beau LaRoux]

Sounded like the brunette moved first. She did look a little familiar, or at least, Beau thought so. He knew most of Liz's friends and all. Couldn't think of any now, but she seemed to be curling up. That told him everything he needed to know, even before Liz woke up.

"Guessin' you'll need this," he said, keeping his voice soft while he handed over the coffee, "an' I reckon whoever your friend is there," he nodded, "could do with the other," Beau said that without even the slightest hesitation, clearly not put out about offering his coffee to a stranger, one who'd even found in his girlfriend's bed no less. Why should he be? He'd seen Liz around her friends before. Hell, they'd woken up in a very similar state to this themselves.

Though he did feel a slight pang as he looked from one to the other; he just told himself to ignore it. Easy to do when Liz had buried herself in his chest, murmuring. "Got some donuts too, if either o' ya feel like eatin'," and he had a few too, as he knew how much Liz liked to wolf down good donuts. Should even be enough for them all to get some, though maybe not enough to fully satiate Liz's rampaging hunger. "Guessin' ya'll had a fun night?"

Nope, no jealousy at all, at least, not outwardly expressed. Beau actually found the whole thing more amusing than anything. Plus, he still didn't see any reason he should be jealous: Liz was welcome to spend time with her friends, after all. Not like he found them necking or something.

[Gabriela Moreau]

"Oh god." Gabriela groaned into the pillow she had her face mashed into. Slowly the world was fading into view and she became aware of Liz moving around as well as actually comprehending the presence of the other person in the room. Unfortunately, it also brought into focus the immense pounding between her ears that the night of wanton drinking had resulted in. Slowly, carefully she pushed herself up and away from the pillow that had acted as her temporary solace. With half-lidded eyes she raised a hand and wiggled her slender fingers meekly at Beau. "Um." She started, then chewed a little at her bottom lip before continuing. "Hi."

The petite girl blinked a couple times in surprise as Beau went to hand over his coffee. "Oh, um." She continued her single word sentences, the combination of her murderous hangover and own embarrassment keeping her as quiet as she could be without seeming rude. She did accept the coffee with a gracious and sheepish smile and nod. "Thanks." The gesture had only cemented Gabriela's opinion that Liz was a very lucky girl. Gabriela blushed just faintly at the gesture though. It was sweet and completely above and beyond kind.

Carefully Gabriela lifted the cup to her lips and tested the steaming brew. Her shoulders slumped in the relief that the sip of pure, liquid warmth provided once it had ran down her throat and settled into her stomach. She figured since he had caught her in bed with his girlfriend and taken his morning coffee the least she could do was be polite. "Tha-" She stuttered a little then fell silent as she felt the words catch before they could make their way out. She paused to clear her throat and continued. "Thank you." She said quietly, volume was her mortal enemy at the moment. "I'm Gabriela." Geezus, this had to be the most awkward introduction to someone else's boyfriend she could possibly imagine that didn't involve sex in any way.

[Elizabeth Edison]

With her face pressed against Beau's front, Gabriela's movements behind her basically went unnoticed. Groaning, Elizabeth simply moved her face up when Beau offered her the coffee.

"What did I do to deserve a boy like you, baby?" She blew a tiny raspberry against Beau's stomach and grabbed the coffee, scooting back so she was leaning with her head against the wall. She took a long sip of the coffee, grateful for the strong smell for once.

Looking at Gabriela as she thanked Beau, Elizabeth reached her foot out to rub against the brunette's knee affectionately.

"She's my best friend now." The pyrokinetic giggled lightly as one hand made a grabbing gesture in Beau's direction, indicating for him to come close. "You're my saviour, LaRoux." She said with a soft smile.

[Beau LaRoux]

Beau waited while the brunette worked her way through a stumbled introduction, knowing that it could sometimes suck to wake up in the morning, let alone after something like that. He had no problems handing over the coffee and all, even if he had set it up to his taste. He even waited slightly while she blew and stuff. Not that Liz was going to be patient, even groggy.

"Exist--" said Beau, chuckling a little as his Liz attacked his stomach. Soon she got her coffee as well. "you're welcome," he managed to the girl in between, an' I'm--wait, she's your best friend now?" he looked at Liz, arching a brow. "Did I get bumped on account o' the whole boyfriend thing or somethin'?"

He poked Liz a bit before turning to Gabriela, nodding. "Name's Beau, by the by, an' I'm this one's," another poke at Liz, "sorry we ain't gettin' no proper introduction. When you're feelin' up to it, I got a few donuts too, assumin' that Liz don't do her usual an' wolf 'em down like she's a starvin' hobo."

[Gabriela Moreau]

Gabriela couldn't help but smile at the exchange between Beau and Liz. They were achingly sweet together and Gabriela could only wish that one day she would have something even half of what the two of them so plainly had. It was sweet and loving. It didn't hurt that they were both, obviously, incredibly kind people. Gabriela had learned firsthand how caring Liz was and Beau had quickly diffused what would have been an utterly mortifying situation for Gabriela by simply being undeniably understanding and generous.

She turned her eyes up to Beau. "Best girlfriend." She corrected, adding the asterisk to her own title. She wouldn't dare step on those toes. She knew the story of how Beau and Liz came to be and she wanted no part in causing any sort of ripple in the waters of their relationship. Even if it was just a small quip. She didn't know if there was an sincerity to Beau's comment, but she wanted to make sure she was well aware of where she stood. She probably would've handled the situation with a little more tact but the pounding in her head was starting to get worse now that the embarrassment had faded.

The mention of food didn't sit well with Gabriela and neither did the coffee she had been sipping at as fast as the hot liquid could go down without scalding her mouth. She didn't say anything, lest she risk interfering with the love-fest going on between Beau and Liz, but Gabriela was beginning to feel sick. Her eyes squeezed shut as she reached to set the coffee cup onto the bedside table so she could then slide down to take up a laying position again while letting out a low, pained groan. She probably wasn't going to throw up, but her head was protesting very mightily the night before.

[Elizabeth Edison]

Elizabeth missed his answer but she didn't miss his question, to which she laughed evilly at. "Yes." She answered and stuck her tongue out at him.

The poke made her chuckle before she cooed at him for saying he was hers. Despite the whole not being possessive thing and people didn't own people and whatnot, the blonde pyrokinetic could not help but warm up at that.

"And whose lips are constantly on these starvin' hobo's?" She raised an eyebrow before continuing. "You shut your face about my hobo ways. Gabs doesn't need to know about that."

When Gabriela sort of keeled over, Elizabeth leaned forward and scratched the top of her head affectionately. "Maybe we should get some painkillers for you." She said, though even she was nursing the headache as well. It didn't stop her from making Beau help her off the bed to find some.

[Beau LaRoux]

So Gabriela tried to help salve Beau's feelings while Liz trampled all of them. Yep, that pretty much summed up how this whole thing worked in a sentence or two. Beau did note the way the brunette acted at the mention of food: he'd nursed his share of hungover people before. Again: came with the whole bar-jumping lifestyle and all. He did look over at Liz, mostly because she'd retorted. Didn't surprise Beau that she handled whatever went on last night.

"Probly some pepto bismol or somethin'. Didn't think to grab none of that," he said. He nodded to Liz, then moved to set down the various donuts and other breakfast treats. His stomach still growled, and he hadn't overindulged, so if nothing else, he was going to enjoy them once the other two were settled. Liz and her friend came first though. So Beau walked over to Liz's garbage can, dumping it without thinking overmuch about it: he pretty well guessed at the wrappers and junk that happened to be inside. Plus, it wasn't like he could really add more mess.

Then Beau walked over, extending the can to Gabriela. 'Sometimes it's best to jus' let it all out," he advised, nodding. "If you're really feelin' it, then I can whip up the LaRoux hangover cure," he half-grinned at Liz. The blonde had had the creation before. It, well, it worked, sort of, but, well, like most home remedies, especially from Southern families known for being a little wild...

[Gabriela Moreau]

Gabriela groaned a little as she tried to make herself as small as possible, which, given her tiny frame, was quite small indeed. She pulled the nearest pillow her groping fingers could grasp to her and pressed it down, over her head. "I don't feel sick." She mumbled, her voice muffled by the pillow. "It's just bright... and loud... and head..." Of course, the morning sun was blocked by the blinds, and neither Beau nor Liz had been particularly loud, it'd actually been a fairly quiet morning, inf act. But to Gabriela there was the blinding light of a thousand suns and the terribly cacophony of a dozen pots and pangs clanging against one another.

Pulling the pillow tighter around her as Liz and Beau spoke, Gabriela became aware of the can being placed next to her. It was an unnecessary, but appreciated gesture from Beau. She would smile and thank him if she could. She did nod from beneath the pillow as Beau spoke of needing to 'let it all out' but there was no need for the advice. She was fine, really. No nausea at all, just the pounding headache. She was a tiny girl, sure, and didn't really hit the bottle that hard often, or, really, ever, but Gabriela was damn proud at how well she could handle her alcohol. She never had any use for a can before.

All this ran through Gabriela's head, the thoughts weaving in and around the deep throbs that sounded off with every beat of her heart. She had thought all this, as well as said it from time to time. So, naturally, her eyes snapped open and she lurched groggily for the can that Beau had wisely provided, leaned over the bed and unceremoniously expelled the some of concoction of junk food, alcohol, and ice cream in her stomach with a loud, painful wretching noise. After the first bout, Gabriela's mind swam as she spit into the can. In her groggy, nauseated haze she thought something about first impressions being important.

[Elizabeth Edison]

Elizabeth wasn't so much handling as she was powering through to take care of someone. In this instance, her newly minted best friend. She was, at her core, a caregiver so it shouldn't have come as a surprise to anybody that she was trying to take care of Gabriela.

Although she did heed Gabriela's persistence in that she was fine so Elizabeth stopped her search and leaned against her desk, drinking more of the coffee. But then Gabriela started to vomit and Elizabeth, not really having the stomach to watch people vomit, had to close her mouth and breathe through her nose hard just to push down her own desire to upchuck.

Once she pushed down the need, she gave Beau an affectionate though a little constipated smile, glad he actually had that nasty stuff around his belt. "Wanna go to the toilet, bub?" The blonde asked of her friend as she kneeled down near the girl, pushing her hair back gently. She continued to rub the other girl's back to ease the girl's discomfort somehow.

[Beau LaRoux]

Bright and loud? Beau looked around, trying to figure if there was anything he could do about either. Room was already about as dark as could be managed, and they hadn't exactly said anything. Wasn't like he was in here playing or singing at---

and there was the vomit. Beau at least had a better stomach than most. He winced as Gabriela let it out, winced and then looked over at Liz, expecting round two to start coming from her at any moment. Liz apparently had more experience, which Beau should've figured.

So Beau let out a breath then nodded. Liz was offering, but Beau had something else in mind. He bent down, nodding to Gabriela, "Jus' grab onto the can there an' don't worry none 'bout nothin' else," he said. Beau then worked his arms about Gabriela, clearly intent on helping her get to the bathroom where she could work the rest of this out while they cleaned things up. He'd feel the slight tingle as he touched her, knowing that he picked up her power. Beau tensed at that, but only for a moment. He could feel the slight temperature change that reminded him that Gabriela's power must have nearly matched Liz's.

Then, assuming Gabriela let him, and he didn't see much fight left in the girl, Beau would be lifting her up, getting ready for a trip to the bathroom while Liz got everything else ready.

[Gabriela Moreau]

'Fight' wasn't a word that could be found in Gabriela's vocabulary this morning. By the same token, words such as 'resist' and 'walk'. She clung to the wastebasket and tried valiantly to help get herself to the bathroom as much as she could. She would lean heavily on Beau, her eyes squeezed shut as the short trip seemed to take forever. "I'm sorry." She mumbled, her tiny body shuddering as she sighed from equal parts embarrassment and nausea.

Mere moments after she'd been lowered to the toilet bowl, just as her mind wondered how clean Liz kept her bathroom, Gabriela's stomach unleashed round two. Her body heaved as she wretched again. She almost marveled as her head swam in a daze a how much she must have eaten and drank the night before for so much stuff to come out. Surely some of it had been digested or something by now, right?

Gabriela's forehead came to rest on her forearms, which were criss-crossed over the toilet bowl. Her head throbbed, her throat burned, and her stomach ached. She was also slowly becoming more and more away of a pinch she felt in her lower back. It matched perfectly with the on creeping into the back of her neck. She forgot the joys of drunkenly sleeping in weird positions all night. Letting out a grown she almost wished she could curl up into an invisible ball. "I swear this wasn't my idea." She said weakly, letting out a pained chuckle at the joke that wasn't. Here she was, throwing up her guts and feeling like hell and she was worried Beau would think she was the bad influence on his beloved Liz.