Alex grinned at the short exchange between Cassie and Jason just before he moved in for his hugs.<em>Always refreshing to see that some things never change.</em>He had always enjoyed how genuine Cassie’s hugs were and couldn’t help but chuckle at her comment that was clearly a shot against Jason.  “I would never… Well, at least not without an invitation.”  There was plenty of truth to that, even when it came to his close friends and lovers, he had a tendency to be hesitant until he was sure his advances would be well received.<br/><br/>Moving to the railing, he was able to make out a figure mostly submerged in the water just as Jason had said.  “He’s gotten more buff you say?  Well it only further proves my theory that the man’s head is completely hollow.  It’s the only possible way he could remain buoyant while swimming with that body made of chiseled marble.”<br/><br/><em>"So how 'bout we all three sip the rum and complain about the single life, and how much freedom it gives us?"</em><br/><br/>Alex turned around with a faux look of shock and horror to that statement.  “Did you actually use the words ‘rum’ and ‘complain’ in the same sentence in a way that wasn’t referring to how the former was gone?  And on vacation nonetheless!”  His expression changed to one of scolding disappointment.  “For shame good sir, for shame.  Because of that, I hereby punish you to with two shots of the liquid gold that you so carelessly slighted with that statement.”  Alex’s posture changed to one of noble authority before continuing.  “It brings me no pleasure disciplining a companion and I feel I am somewhat to blame for having not taught you better in all our years together.  As such, I shall issue myself with the same punishment to be taken concurrently with you.”<br/><br/>It was at that time that Victoria joined them upon the patio.  “Our sentence will have to be postponed for a short reprieve so that I may deliver yet another hug that is owed.”  After the traditional Alex hug, she commented upon Jason finding misses right.  “Of course the man is glowing.  How could he not when in the presence of such lovely individuals?  Myself included.”  Alex shot him a playful wink.  “If we are not careful, we all may very well fall for this man’s charm by night’s end.  Again, myself included.”  Alex may not be interested in the same gender, but he certainly couldn’t resist making gay jokes and references among his friends.<br/><br/>Once again, the sound of the glass door sliding upon its metal track marked the arrival of a few more guests upon the patio.  Alex beamed delightfully at the sight of Hannah with a tray of glasses shortly followed by Joseph who was sporting the alcohol.  He moved towards Jason’s side, putting his arm over his friend’s shoulder.  “It would seem that our executioner has arrived bearing the means of carrying out our sentence.”  Alex plucked four shot glasses from the tray and set them before Jason and himself then taking the bottle of rum from Joseph to fill them.  “To never again associate a negative word such as ‘complain’, ‘disappoint’, or any other such synonym with the precious elixir that is rum.”  He said holding up one glass in a cheers before tilting his head back to consume its contents, wincing slightly as he felt it burn on its way down.  Alex then retrieved his other glass and waited for Jason to make his cheers.