#fenixtj

A hurmph "What do I have to do to make them realize I can take care of myself? I may not be a warrior, but I've helped a hold fall into good hands from former balor tyrannny. I've helped free centaurs before they could be kithocided."

"I'm not sure that's a word."

"Must be a word. I'm nobility now .I say it, it goes straight to Oxford's dictionary," A mmmph "My point is I thought I'd gotten past this 'siv is made of glass' mindset by deed. you know I can take care of myself, right?"

"Your skills in many areas are recognized." she says "And you help take care of others."

"I guess.. sometimes I wish I didn't care so much what the people I loved thought"

Another shrug of the same sort "Isn't that what loving someone means? You care about what they think? Not about you, I mean, but what they think."

"True" She sorts through her bags "Got any more tequilla"

"We're in Mexico, Siv. We have more tequilla."

Jessica says patiently and then steps to the door to flag down someone.

"Better yet? Got Rum?"

Turns out, they have both

"Bring both." Jess asks.

And they do

Jess takes the tray of bottles and glasses and sets it up on a side table. "Help yourself."

"thanks" She takes one, "Here's to love's headaches as well as joys, or it might get dull" A toast and swig

Jessica nods.

"You know what? I am going to be so damn lovable and charming, that Piper's moms are going to put me on their yule list. Piper will be pleased with me and Jonas and we're going to be fine" A firm nod

"Of course you are." she says, sure of it.

Jess settles into a chair and pours a glass of limeade from the tray.

"Thanks, sis" A pause "I'm sorry things aren't perfect for you in your romantic life. you're a good person. You deserve some happiness there"

"I'm happy."

"Then I'm glad. You do have a lot to be happy about" A concession "Not the least of which is that Diego still has a knack for getting top notch booze. Hey, can get a fancy Mexican wine for Aunt Kerri while I'm here? She moderates, but now and then, she does save some 'her ' time"

"I'll ask." Jess promises.

"Thanks, and thanks for taking in Fawnn, though I think she'll pay off big time " A grin "Annd this is my last shot. "

"Stay the night?" Jessica offers.

"Can't' need to go back to report to mom on who has answers regardingg the other centaurs.. and of course, visiting Piper's folks tomorrow. Nice of you to offer" A smile

"Are you sure?"

"Yup. Duty calls"

"You're taking the Narwhale home?"

"Nope. Just going through the door" A look "Sis. I'm not drunk if that's what you'r worried about. I"ve had two shots. "

"Ok." Jess just accepts Siv's word at face value and stands. "Walk you there?"

"Please do" She nods "Shall I do it along a line or backwards?" Good humor

Jess frowns a bit, thinking about the question, then shakes her head. "No. I just meant to be friendly."

"Sorry sorry sis, you don't need my sass. I meant it in good humor, not to hassle you" An apologetic look then "I would love an escort. I miss you sometimes"

Jess sets her drink down. "I... not sure what to say, Siv. I'll walk you there, of course. I'm sorry I'm not more available; that was never my intent when I came here. Of course, you hadn't been born......."

"Aye, but I get what you're saying. And mom and dad understand too. We Kings are duty bound and by duty raised. They're so proud of you, never you doubt it. You said you're coming on July 4th? They'll LOVE that"

Jess nods. "That's the plan."

"I mean, that I'll be there. Not that I plan for them to love it."

"Well fine, I'll Plan for them to love it," A snort "Odin's beard I think I'm the only one out of the whole group cept maybe Tove who has a healthy ego expression"

"Mmph." a sound of... agreement?

That ggets a side hug, and they stop by Diego's, pick up a nice Rose wine, and Siv steps up to the door "Love you, sis" Ready to depart through the trods

"Love you too." Jess assures her. "Travel safe, let me know when you get there?"

"I will" She promises and darts through

Jess waits, seeing her go... and then softly closes the door.

"I lose a bottle a visit" Diego says behind her "But still she's welcome" A shake of his head

Jess chuckles, turning. "Let me recompense you and the 'Hold for it." she offers "My sister, my treat."

"I accept" He chuckles back "Family, eh?"

And they discuss wine shopping

(End Scene)