The air smells of tobacco, wood, and freshly opened beer cooling on the low table. The warm lights of the living room fall on the table crowded with bottles and makeshift ashtrays. The music barely fills the air, a faint murmur lost between Jacaerys's laughter and Cregan's comfortable silence.

You move from one side to the other, finishing getting ready, and from the sofa you notice how both their eyes follow your movements, each in their own way: Jace's openly and brazenly, Cregan's discreetly, though impossible to ignore.

"I don't know why you insist on wearing so much make-up." Says Jace, with that half-smile of his, leaning forward with his glass in his hand. "You're already the prettiest girl anywhere we go."

You laugh, shaking your head, used to his comments, but not entirely immune to them.

Cregan, meanwhile, lights another cigarette (or blunt, you aren't sure by now) and exhales slowly. "He says that because he wants us to get to the bar sooner." He murmurs, a serious note in his voice.

"Liar!" Jace replies immediately, raising his hands in a theatrical gesture. "I say it because it's true. Although..." He looks at you with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "If you take too long, we can always stay here..."

You could notice Cregan giving him a warning look, serious but not really harsh. He doesn't usually say much, but the way he looks at you says it all. A silent protection, a firm anchor in contrast to Jacaerys' playful lightness.