~Deck the halls~ [Knuckles]

"Only a ruler?"

--- She quipped back whilst walking to the bar after his remark. Saul himself would smirk at the comment, releasing the boys hand. Saul liked individuals he could banter with. It kept him on his toes and gave him great entertainment if the person was good enough. Saul had a very protective nature over the young brunette. He was apart of her seemingly never growing circle. To say her circle was super tiny and tight knit was an understatement. She might've known a lot of people but to her they were all acquaintances. They might've considered her a friend of sorts considering that's how she played it but they didn't fit the bill with this little lady. She was far too distrusting for one. And secondly every mechanic needed 'tools' right?

"You wound me."

--- Playfully she pouted with a hand over her heart. Sissy drinks weren't up her alley. Not when she really needed to unwind. Casually ok, maybe she would get something fruity but this wasn't one of those times. While he took the time to look at Saul, Cereza removed her pea coat completely along with the white suit jacket that was underneath in one shot and placed it on the empty stool next to her. Doing this left her in a black tank top in which it's back dipped a little lower than usual to show the start of her tattoo. Only half of the first dreamcatcher peeking. It also showed the slight muscle definitions in her arms. She didn't like to look overly muscular so in her training she managed to keep them softly toned but still obvious that she worked out; or even fought. Cereza wouldn't have the opportunity to respond first because Saul would pop out of nowhere in front of them on the other side of the bar. He had done it so many times that little miss 'Snow White' was used to it. Others always jolted a little at his sudden appearance.

"Maybe she reminds me of the babe."

--- It wasn't the first time Saul had heard the joke before. Labyrinth was a favorite of his anyways so not like he minded. He spoke so nonchalantly with a little grin on his face and a wink to Cereza. All the exotic brunette could do was snicker and shake her head and play back like usual.

"What babe?"

"The babe with the power."

"Oh yeah, well this babe with the power compels you to pass over whatever this one orders. Apparently a challenge was issued and you know me."

"Oh yeah? No throwing up in here I will literally fling you out. What ya getting Jesse?"

--- Saul's reference was to that ol American outlaw Jesse James. He said it with a huge smirk on his face too. With whatever 'Jesse' said Saul would go to fix up whatever was ordered.

"Was it obvious?"

--- She joked as she rested her arms on the bar leaning forward but glancing over her shoulder at him. The lighting was much better than when they were outside. Well he was certainly cuter than she originally thought. The color of her eyes were probably a bit more noticeable now since in the dark or poor lighting they didn't seem grey, but now it was more vibrant. She left an arm so the elbow was on the bar and she placed her cheek against the fist that now propped up her face. 

"Though would appear in a matter of seconds you left an impression, Jesse"

--- 'Snow White' smirked about Saul's name for her company.

--- Saul would just smirk at 'Jesse' and give a hearty laugh as he went off to retrieve a few shot glasses and the bottle of Jack. No Saul didn't question. He came in with Cereza so that's all Saul needed. Besides Saul would be keeping an eye on the pair like he normally done had any time she had brought a guest. Even when she didn't he just kept a watchful eye on her. He was protective because he cared naturally. The place was certainly alive tonight, the jukebox was a personal fave of Saul's though there were times he had live acts tonight just wasn't one. As 'Jesse' leaned in his cocky grin was well noted. He liked having his ego stroked but he seemed to have no problem stroking it all his own. This really didn't surprise miss Snow White, she ran into guys like this all the time. Hell that was the majority of the guys she knew anyways. It was a dominating and common trait in her world. Cereza would shift in her seat so that her legs faced 'Jesse' and her back towards the rest of the stools.  As Saul returned placing everything before them, he poured some into each of their glasses

"Knock yourselves out!"

--- Cereza simply readjusted her leaning position so she could sit up, still facing her company. Gotta face the challenge head on right! She had a question for Saul but made a choice to ask a little later. Right now there was a challenge needing commencing. Scooping her shot glass in her right hand she would stare directly into his eyes fearlessly. 

"Bring it."

--- Like a champ she'd take the shot to the head. Turning the glass upside she wouldn't slam it too hard but hard enough for a small thud waiting. She was being a sassy mcsass sass.

"I'll let you make a wager, but I can do this all night."

--- Just being forewarning. 

--- Saul was still standing there when 'Jesse' made that comment and perked his own brow at it. The way it sounded forced him to shake his head and chuckle while reaching over and giving the boy a little pat on the back.

"Good luck with that kid."

--- With that he had walk away and attend to other patrons having a merry ol time. Meanwhile 'Snow White' here watched with unwavering eyes towards her now deemed opponent as he downed another shot. Smirking she took one for herself and in the same manner dipped her head back taking the shot. Cereza wasn't your typical girl, she was most certainly a guys girl. But one couldn't tell that from her appearance at first, but if this didn't give a hint or the fact she was a grease monkey well then hope was lost.

"If there wasn't a hint of danger where would the fun be? "

--- She turned the glass tapping it on the bar and swiftly getting another repeating all the motions. That's three already. Licking her lips of the excess liquid she smirked at him. 

"Oh but you were the one that sounded soooo confident from earlier. You started this whole charade, besides as a guest the floor is yours. What happened lost your balls on the way?"

--- Oh she was testing and pushing, all in good fun of course. Though as she spoke a girl sat about two stools behind her and glanced at 'Jesse' here. Pretty sure the girl had a few good drinks in her and she seemed hungry. It really wouldn't be in her best interest to interrupt Cereza in the middle of a challenge. It really had nothing to do with if the girl wanted her guest or not technically, she was in the middle of something and that would just be damn rude.

"What's the best you got?"

--- She said taking another in her hand but not downing it yet. He needed to catching up.

--- He could think long and hard all he wanted in the end little miss 'Snow White' here was confident she knew what he would ask. He really wasn't that hard to read. Before maybe he seemed a little down in the dumps but still a playful cocky nature shinned through. Was it a coping mechanism with guys? To show how macho they really were and not show they hey they bleed too? Whatever the reasoning she didn't really care. Besides his company was enjoyable so far. It brought down her urge from earlier so that was a plus. Before his wager she down the one in her hand picking another up in the process. His wager made her look away with a smirk. His little chuckle was returned with a low snicker of her own as she merely rose her shot to him in a gesture that read 'cheers' before emptying the contents into her system. That poker face was still still standing strong. She had figured it'd be something related to removing her clothes but....

~Take care of what you way.~

--- She thought to herself a little something her older brother Kegan had instilled in her. Take heed to what others say. Everything is in the details. Sure she knew exactly what he meant but see he wasn't exactly specific. Honestly a private show could really mean anything and she was going to take his words for what little detail they had. If she lost he'll get his 'private show' after all she had a lovely singing voice! <3 Nevertheless she was confident in her ability to hold her liquor. His stature meant nothing to her really. The bigger they are the harder they fall as they say. She's seen even bigger than 'Jesse' here drop fast enough and hard. The funniest thing about this situation was the confidence both parties had. The focus on this contest and one upping the other. Sounded like an entertaining show. For her own wager well... Grey hues would glance off before returning to him and scanning him from head to toe. Purposely her eyes gave off a mischievous gaze as she crossed her legs at her ankles and smirked staring directly into his hazel orbs. 

"Heh, backing down? Or you'll learn I'm not one for that... For you, for one day... you have to do whatever the princess asks."

--- And insert wink. Snow White was a princess right? So why not take the role of royalty and have him at her beck and call. Back goes the drink. That was six with the seventh being poured and held in her hand. The sounds of heels clicking on the ground caught this brunette's attention enough that as the girl that was sitting two stools had walked into the peripheral view of Cereza the poor drunk lass would barely even get a word out. 

"Hey swe-"

--- Cereza's free left would just simply reach up to the girls face in he middle of her addressing 'Jesse' and give the girl a mush backwards. It really wasn't that hard of a push but the poor thing was drunk and had heels so she surely stumbled and fell. Nope Cereza's gaze did not falter from him one bit. She clearly gave no fucks and was not about to be interrupted. Ill advised if the girl attempted to retaliate if she even could that is. For now it wouldn't happen because one of the male patrons would help the girl up but warn her not try anything and drag her off despite her riffing and raving. He'd be offering her a drink to relax her or something, Cereza was too busy to look or care.

"No altering or adding to our wagers. First to fall off the stool then? Still game 'Jesse'?"

--- That poker face was unrelenting. She really wasn't going to back down or go out without a fight. Still holding the seventh drink playfully she put her right foot on the leg of his stool and gave it a playfully nudge to cause a moment of instability. Chuckling at her own thoughts. Maybe tonight wouldn't be so bad as it had started. Maybe she'd really let go completely. But was that really a good thing? There was a reason she didn't go over her limit. Why she didn't get herself so shit faced drunk. She didn't like what followed. Not to mention Cereza had this big issue with the need of being in control. Even when others thought they were the ones really in control the truth was far from it.

--- He probably felt pretty confident and proud thinking she mushed that girl away as a to win his attention and affection. Yeah sure whatever made him feel good. Don't get it twisted now, Cereza wouldn't deny he was attractive but she didn't fight over men. It wasn't worth the aggravation. She really didn't get the whole concept behind it anyways. Maybe one day she would. Maybe. Highly unlikely. She was a tough one to crack in that department. Watching his reaction to her nudge made her snicker with mischievous intent.

"I haven't the faintest clue what you're accusing me of. Maybe the ground moved."

--- Cereza would jokingly say as she poured another drink. Just as she picked it up, raising it to herself he surprised her legitimately with his kung fu action. For every action there is a reaction right? Cereza had always been known for her reflexes and when something came at her out of nowhere she tended to just react accordingly. This time wouldn't be any different. Considering their relatively close proximity to one another when he quickly reached forward she pulled her arm back but that foot that was on his stool leg pushed a lot harder out of pure instinct. If he was leaning forward that push would end up probably forcing him to fall forward on her and with his weight and her leaning back from before she was going to continue backwards with him. Her own stool would slip from underneath her. Trust she wanted to catch herself, which she dropped the shot to try and do but it was far too late and down she would hit the floor.

--- He'd probably land on top naturally though his face wouldn't be in her chest, at least it shouldn't have been. Probably on her shoulder at best unless he managed to slip further down. The white hat would slip off but wouldn't go far at all, she her spilling out of it. Here's the kicker, any other time this would've happened she probably would've been pissed. But surprisingly once on the ground there was a momentarily pause and then she laughed. Not snickered. Not chuckled. She genuinely wholeheartedly laughed. Saul hearing the collision; half seeing it as well; came over though still on the opposite side of the bar. He would've said something but he paused hearing her laugh.

~Well I'll be damned. I haven't heard that girl laugh like that in awhile. I mean I've heard her laugh but this is a real one. There's no holding back. Grant it she might be a little buzzed probably but still... good job kid... Fine I won't say anything but he owes me a shot glass~

--- 'Jesse' would be able to feel Cereza underneath him laughing with such amusement. Saul was right it had been a very long time. Usually her laughs were controlled. A chuckle here, a snicker there. This was from her core. Yeah she was a little tipsy edging off her limit slightly but it was enjoyable to see. Refreshing even. Her left hand would be on his chest, her right free on her side. Left leg laying flat underneath him and her right a little bent at the knee on his side. It did look like a compromising position but she was too busy having a laugh to even remotely care. She opened her grey hues to look at him and slowly came down from her heightened laugh. Well what now? They both fell off.

--- It was all unexpected entirely. That laugh coming from her, if her uncle was there he'd probably smile and give 'Jesse' here a medal. Cereza's night had originally been ok and turned sour at the sight of her mother. Seeing her was one thing but having her purposely bump into her like Cereza wouldn't do a thing agitated her. Formerly she had the urge to want to punch someone's face in. Just wanted someone to mess with her as an excuse to kickass. In truth she didn't have to wait if she had just walked to The Veil like she did with her company and hopped on one of the fight cards. But it was the fact that it was itching her right then and there, yet this guy came along. Still it could've went either way, positive or negative. Luckily it was the former. 

"Hehe it was so your fault."

--- The truth behind her confident facade was that she had drank half a bottle of liquor before he had met her. Seeing her brother was still a bit ya know. So in truth had it not have been for what he did and them falling together he actually might've won. The shots of Jack Daniel was actually her going over her limit. If Saul knew he probably would've stopped her but it was too late. And she more than likely was gonna drink some more now. Question was what was going to happen. It wasn't a good thing for her to go overboard, not for herself nor anyone. She wasn't exactly the happy drunk for long when things started to enter her mind and she began to dwell. Still on the ground she tilted her chin up a little with a little arch of her back cause she noted her hat was missing. Eyeing it she went to reach with her right returning her gaze to him about to speak when his lips pressed against hers. Things like that normally didn't startle her but hey she wasn't exactly normal right now. She blinked before her eyes were just about to close to it when she heard the crowd; most which knew her; go 'Oooooooo' altogether. If forced her to break it with a little gently push on his chest as she looked at them and they started laughing. Cheering even. One of Saul's bartenders playfully leaned over the bar shouting and holding something over the pair. All this made the kiss literally no more than 3 seconds. 

"Hey at least wait for the mistletoe!"

--- Ironically she didn't have something to say. She sighed at best at everyone and noted the mistletoe above 'Jesse'. For some reason she shook her head at it, rolling her eyes and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Wait really? The crowd groaned at her cheapness naturally.

"Groan all you want."

--- She stuck her tongue out at them so childishly. She seemed to try to wiggle out from under him or at least push forward a bit  so he'd get up. Was she trying to get out of the kiss? One does not simply escape the mistletoe tradition!

--- Well would you look at that, he obliged and allowed her up. There were a lot of guys that wouldn't have. A lot that would've pressed the matter without the girls approval. Ironically enough didn't she give a little something away herself? From everything she might've appeared to be, from every bit of playful banter she gave she placed a kiss on his cheek. She could've followed through but she hadn't. Had something changed? Possibly. Maybe. Maybe it was always there. Or maybe it was all part of her not willing to give them all a show. She agreed to a private show not an audience. She allowed him to assist her up with her free hand as the other was holding the hat. Her hair now out and cascading like a sea of chocolate. She was always told it gave her even more of an allure; an added touch. Now that was a treat to many of the patrons because many had never seen her let her locs down. 

--- She watched him grin and point out the mistletoe which was held above them still because it was on a stick and string. Seemed to be a thing throughout the night before they got there. Yeah the crowd at expectations and with him pointing it out and speaking about how they shouldn't disappoint the crowd started a little 'kiss' chant. Little miss Snow White would certainly give him a glaring look of 'how dare you' and then a smirk. There was still an shot on the bar counter that hadn't been taken and she turned towards it her left side facing 'Jesse'. She downed it not like she really needed it but she just did and glanced over to Saul who surprisingly had his arms folded and was giving her a look like 'well? go on'. She looked at him with a squint. Why should this tradition even bother her? It didn't. But damn she was put on the spot. Cereza wasn't one to care for what others thought so why did it seem like she was wrestling with the idea silently. But to him it may read more along the lines of 'guilt tripping huh'.  It couldn't be what anyone thought, it had to be something else right? Only she would know. They weren't gonna let up. They wanted a kiss and a real one. Looking at Saul she rolled her eyes with a smirk and turned around her lower back a little against the bar lip. No words would be spoken at first but through her eyes gave it all away with a impish glance until she finally parted her lips.

"You shouldn't be concerned about disappointing them, but about disappointing me."

--- And she would leave it like that. In other words she was accepting, but making sure he understood they didn't matter; she did. And well vice versa right? Who cared what they thought? And that is how she deflects it right back to him. Nope no guilt tripping here, just now sticking it to his manly pride. And well technically winning either way.