Four rounds flew by with each team claiming two, though honestly, you and Zoro barely scraped by with your wins. The two of you worked smoothly together alternating and aiming without much vocal communication. Your opponents on the other hand grumbled and argued with each other every time Kid stepped up to serve.

Birdie never missed a shot. Not once - not even with her enormous half drunk boyfriend looming over her. This changed when it was his turn. She would try to guide his eyeline to an easier shot and help with his trajectory.

"Shut up will ya?!" he held the ball out in front of him.
The brunette rolled her eyes in frustration, "No wonder you lost before."
"Not the time, Kitty." Killer muttered from the sidelines.
"We didn't lose!" Kid's eye twitched as he tossed the ball too hard over shooting the edge of the table.
She was already pouring his shot when he turned back to her.

The crowd was definitely amused, you could say the same for yourself.

"You drink it." the redhead snapped as she held out the glass.
"You're the one that missed."
"It was your fault!"
"How was it my fault?!" she stood on her toes to meet his annoyed gaze.
He bent down close to her face, "Lotte."
She almost visibly shuddered as he growled her name, "Fine - this one time - to shut you up."

She took the shot and slammed the glass on the table.

"If you two are done flirting..." you chuckled as Zoro handed the ball to you.
"You don't want to know what their flirting is like." Killer shook his head.
"Gross." you and Zoro muttered in unison as he nudged you and nodded toward the table.

There was still an easy shot left in front of you. You were certain you could make it even as you swayed.

"After this we just have two more." Zoro murmured tipping your elbow up as you got ready to aim.
"Don't help her." Kid called, "That's cheating."
"Let them," Lotte smirked, "cheating won't help them anyway."
"Ignore them." Zoro leaned in so you could hear him.
"Right," taking a deep breath you aimed and exhaled as you tossed.

The ball circled the rim and plopped into the cup eliciting a cheer from the small crowd.

Kid cursed and chugged the beer as he handed the ball off to Lotte - who immediately, without a bit of showmanship or hesitation sank her shot.

You sighed and reached for the cup.

"I've got it." Zoro's fingers brushed over yours as he took it from you and downed it.

Now one cup remained in front of you.

You had to hope Zoro would make this next shot and Kid would miss on his turn. The room was starting to spin around you while also buzzing with excitement. This round would determine the winner.
Bets were floating around with Shanks who graciously offered the winners a cut. Still upset over the spat you had a few nights ago, he bet against you.

Zoro let out a soft breath as he centered himself and took aim.

Another cup down.

Unbothered Lotte grabbed the cup and guzzled the beer wiping her wrist over her chin and lips as she finished.

Tension filled the air as the room fell silent. Everyone watched Kid stumble to the table and squint raising the ball.

With a hollow thunk it bounced off the rim and rolled across the table earning some groans and cheers.

The pressure was on, you had to sink your shot. There was no way Lotte would miss.

Sensing your drunken distress Zoro leaned in putting the ping pong ball in your hands.

"There's no rush if you need a minute."
"Thanks Tiger." you murmured , "Ah, sorry....habit."
He smirked, "We'll talk about it later."
"Are you ever gonna go? I'm sobering up over here." Kid interrupted.
"Shut up," you snapped and glanced at his brunette, "I dunno how you put up with him."
"He is a handful." she agreed.
"Thin ice Birdie." he warned.

She only chuckled apparently amused by his annoyance.

You sighed and closed your eyes trying to steady yourself and tune out the throng of party guests watching. Opening your eyes again you focused on your target and tossed.

The ball floated right over the brim of the cup once again filling the room with noise.

Zoro handed off your shot. You gulped it down thankful that it would probably be the last one. As you set the shot glass down Lotte ended the game.

The crowd closed in on the four of you patting your back to comfort your defeat. You could hardly keep your attention on anyone for longer than a few seconds. The alcohol pumping through your system was finally settling in and it was getting harder to stand still.

"Hey, good game." Lotte held out her hand with a cocky smile.

She really did pair well with Kid.

"Yeah, no fight this time either." you chuckled, "It's almost like everyone wins."
"Except ya didn't, squirt." Eustass rumbled winding his arm around her waist.
"There's always next time."
"Right." Kid laughed turning toward the porch to get some food.

As the crowd dispersed you realized your partner had vanished. With a small pout you chuckled sadly to yourself.

This was stupid.
What were you expecting?
Most importantly, you needed to sit down and sober up.

After letting Marco check on you he helped you into the den and drew the curtains.

"Just rest in here for a while, I'll get some water, yoi."
"Such a good twin I have." you chuckled plopping down on the floor.
"Are you ok?" he asked.
You hummed struggling to remove you're shoes, "Jus' gonna lay down."
"You have your phone?" he watched you pull it from the pocket of your dress before lying all the way down on the rug, "I'll be back but call me if you feel sick, yoi."
"Yes mother." you chortled sprawling out as he exited the room shutting the door behind him.

Left with your thoughts you tapped your feet together keeping time with the tune in your head.

"...Thinking maybe these
Stupid whiskey dreams
Are gonna to kill me soon,"

You chuckled to yourself as you aimlessly murmured the lyrics and closed your eyes.

"Tried my best
To go out last night
Saw some people, didn't care, couldn't even try
Thinkin' darlin' that
You should take me back
Before I loose my mind.."

The door clicked shut.

"Welcome back mama bird ~." you giggled keeping your eyes closed.
"Mama bird?" Zoro's confused tone sent all of your blood to your face.
"Ah - I thought you were Marco, he hates being called that." you dared to glance up at him as he crossed the room with a cold bottle of water.
"He sent me in with this for you." he sat down next you and touched the bottle to your neck making you shiver.
"Hey, rude." you brushed him away as he chuckled lowly, "Thanks for stepping in earlier. Ya didn't have to."
"I wasn't gonna let you have a rematch by yourself." He watched you sit up and lean against the sofa next to him.
"I'm mad that you aren't as drunk as me."
"I just handle it better." He smirked but you didn't miss his slightly rosy cheeks.

For a few moments you sat and took in each others presence.

"Look, I wanted to apologize fo-" before you could finish your sentence he tilted your chin to look you in the eyes.
His thumb traced your bottom lip, "Shut up."

That tone sent your heart racing, it was somehow stern, sultry and playful. You'd experienced it many times.

You weren't sure of the tiny string of moments that led up to it, but suddenly your lips were connected in a desperate kiss. You shifted to face him moving your hands up the back of his neck into his hair. Quick soft smooches allowed you to catch your breath between long deep kisses.

He pressed his forehead to yours, "I missed you."
"I missed you too, Tiger." you caressed his cheek and nuzzled his nose.

________

A/N : The song reader was singing