Forget Work, Enjoy the Wine [Social, R]

[Douma]

Kagami was down to unwind and relax. He had been so stressed with personal matters lately, not to mention the heavy responsibilities that he had just begun to realize his job required him to take on. The Vice Captain had been hard at work all week, much of it taking place behind a boring desk. It was all mission assignments and reading mission reports, lame, tedious tasks that did not suit a Vice Captain his of caliber. However, he was the only one competent enough to handle the job, so the work fell on Kagami. Where was that secretary he had made a request for?

And so, on the seventh day, Kagami’s felt divine enough to take a small break. He had endless options for how he may want to spend the night. The Lieutenant could always check in on his little business, but what was the point of taking a break from work to do more work. Even if Kagami owned a strip club/prostitution service in Vegas, he wasn’t eager to put on a business face and manage his corporation. There were people he pays to do that. And strip clubs weren’t the classiest places, despite the obvious appeal that they have. Kagami was more interested in earning his women than paying to look at some young, lost souls.

And that is where Kagami’s plans for the night come in. He had one of the unseated officers in Squad 1 send a note to an old friend who now goes by the name Hotaru Kuchiki. He was surprised at how suddenly she rose up in rankings and switched Squads, but what really shocked him was the new last name. Kagami didn’t pin her as someone who would join the Kuchiki clan, a noble group that Kagami had a love-hate relationship. There were people like Anastasia and Takehiko that were Kagami’s closest friends. However, he absolutely despises Hokori and Sozen with ever ounce of his existence. When I said it was a love-hate relationship, I meant literally. There was no in between when it came to Kagami and Kuchikis.

And Kagami already had a great impression of Hotaru, so he wanted to take her out for dinner that night to catch up. You know, for old time’s sake. Just as friends and colleagues, nothing more. *hint hint, wink wink* And so Kagami had his messanger tell her to meet him at a high-class Rukongai restaurant that evening. The restaurant was called “Luna” and typically, only noble families could afford to eat there on occasion. Kagami was a successful entrepreneur in the human world, however, and some of that currency transferred to Soul Society if you knew the right people. It was sketchy business, but Kagami was smart about it. He was never on the bad side of the deal.

When Hotaru arrived, she would find Kagami already seated on a small table. He had reserved the balcony so that they could enjoy the view of Soul Society from the third floor of the balcony, creating a romantic setting. The moon was a blooming crescent, yet it still illuminated the terrace. A bottle of red wine was left out on the table and Hotaru’s glass was already prepared. Kagami was dressed in a fitted charcoal suit. He wore a black shirt and vest to contrast with the lighter blazer and pants. However, his tie had a Burberry pattern of white and red, creating a harmonious contrast. It was like a minor scale. The chords seemed disodant, but the entire scale somehow fit like pieces of a puzzle. Kagami’s shoes and belt were black and polished. The Lieutenant also wore a gold rolex around his left wrist and gold cufflinks in the shape of stars. He was very well dressed for the evening, and the night would commence when Hotaru arrived.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru Kuchiki was sitting in her room in the Eleventh Division barracks, looking over reports. She would do this every once in awhile. Since she was the Third Seat now, the other seated officers gave their reports to her and she would condense down everything in those reports to the main pieces, put those in their own report and give it to Takashi. This way, all the seated officers' reports were in one big report instead of several. She suggested it and since she was highest ranked in seats, she did it.

It was rather tedious, but she didn't really mind the work too much. It kept things more efficient in the squad and she was all for that. After working for about two hours, she had gotten up to the fifth seat's reports. She needed to take a break. The higher the rank is, the more reports get filled out. With the fifth seat's reports bursting a few file folders, she needed to take a break before her head exploded from all the reading.

She walked out into the area above the barracks, getting some fresh air. She took a deep breath and smiled, wiping her forehead. It felt a lot better out here than it did inside. While she was taking a break and walking around to stretch her legs, she saw someone come up to her. She didn't know who this person was, but she was curious what he would be doing out tonight like this. He then ran over to her and stopped and saw the First Division insignia on his robes.

She wondered what in the hell the First Division wanted with her. It wasn't until he started to talk that she understood. Kagami requested her presence in a restaurant called 'Luna.' He ran off quickly and she sat and thought about it. She was surprised that Kagami-senpai wanted to see her again, but he did personally train her and helped her. She was still trying to get strong enough to cut him. She smiled a little.

It had been awhile since they had actually met up, so it would be interesting. She heard that this restaurant was pretty expensive, so she was kind of surprised that he would have to money to go there. But, she had no idea if he did anything outside of Soul Society, so he could be rich for all she knew. Since this restaurant was so expensive, she finally had another reason to wear the dress she needed to buy for that party.

She walked out of the division and walked towards this restaurant. A lot of her squad members had their jaws fall on the floor when they saw her dressed up. She just smiled and waved at them. She did get looks leaving Soul Society proper and entering Rukongai. She got to the restaurant and asked about a table for Kagami Murai, Vice Captain of the First Division. The waiter told her that the table was on the second floor out on the balcony. He walked her up and she just stood in the doorway for a moment.

She was wearing the same black dress, cut at the knees, hugging her in all the right places with two thick straps holding the dress up (showing off her tattoo on her right arm), silver strappy heels. Her locket was shining in the light as she looked at Kagami. The table was already set and wine was poured. He was wearing a nice charcoal suit, with a very nice tie. She assumed that he was dressed nicely because of the restaurant. She slowly walked up to the table. "You wanted to see me Kagami-senpai?"

[Douma]

A spark lit up Kagami’s eyes the instant that his gaze fell upon Hotaru. Fashion-wise, she hadn’t held back at all. She wore a marvelous black dress that outlined and defined her curves. He silver heels were a nice touch and paralleled the locket well. All in all, the Kuchiki looked spectacular. Kagami could barely recognize her after having spent most of his time with her in Shinigami garments. The black and white robes weren’t the most fashionable, but that wasn’t much of an issue to the Lieutenant. A charming smile pulled on his lips and he rose from his seat to greet his date for the evening.

“You wanted to see me, Kagami-senpai?” The Vice Captain shook his head in modest embarrassment. He was never the most humble person, but he would take on that person for even just a moment if it were to please Hotaru. Dates were, to an extent, all about playing a part. “Please, Hotaru, we are friends. There is no need for the honorifics outside the walls of Seireitei. You may know me as just a normal man, Kagami Murai. And I will look at you in the same light.” Kagami pulled her chair back to ease her into her seat. Tonight, he was going to play the gentleman. Hopefully, Hotaru would gravitate toward the charm he was going to display. Kagami had a versatile personality, and he could be flexible with how he acts in order to please a woman. This definitely wasn’t his first date.

After the Vice Captain took his seat, he gestured to the cup of wine prepared for Hotaru. “It’s the finest red wine the restaurant offers, so I hope it will do. The menu is also in front of you and a waiter can take your order whenever you’re ready.” Kagami sipped his glass conservatively and set it back on the table. He might be the first to take a drink, but he wasn’t going to be the first to finish one. Kagami was going to try and stay a little more sober than Hotaru, though his self control is likely to give out at some point.

“So, Miss Kuchiki, it’s been a long time and you’ve made quite a name for yourself. How exactly did Sozen and that Squad 12 Captain, Azumi Kasumi’Oji induct you into the family?” Kagami heard rumors of experimentation, but he was genuinely curious as to what actually happened. After all, Hotaru wasn’t just an adopted member. Kuchiki blood flowed through her veins, and that wasn’t natural. Kagami had never focused too much on science, but a breakthrough like Hotaru’s case was something he was definitely interested in. That Kasumi’Oji head had a lot more power that Kagami expected.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru smiled sheepishly at Kagami as he rose from his seat to greet her. He was definitely dressed to impress. The suit was tailored to fit him perfectly and he polished his shoes to a high shine. In her opinion, he had never looked better than he did right now. The uniforms that shinigami wear definitely aren't very forgiving, so it was pretty nice to see shinigami outside of uniform like she was doing now.

He shook his head at her when she addressed him. She thought that she might've said something wrong, but he explained. He said that they are friends, with no need for the honorifics outside of Seireitei. He wanted to look at her as a normal woman and him a normal man, Kagami Murai. She nodded in agreement. She walked to the chair and Kagami pulled the chair out for her. He also eased her into the chair as well. She nodded towards him for that.

Once he sat back down, he explained that the cup was filled with the finest red wine that the restaurant offers. There was also a menu in front of her to order when ready. He then sipped his wine. It kind of surprised her that he only sipped. He was known for drinking to his heart's content and she was pretty sure he didn't get known for that by sipping. She grasped her wine glass and sniffed. It didn't smell funny. She also took a sip and quickly swallowed.

Hotaru thought on it and it really wasn't that bad. She took two more good drinks from the wine and sat it down. It was definitely nice. "Sorry about that Kagami, it was just that I have never tried red wine before. It tastes really good. I've only had Sake, but this is better than that. Thank you for thinking ahead about this. Waiter, I think I know what I would like. Could I please have the Pan-seared Foie Gras and for dessert the chocolate souffle please. What would you like Kagami?" She looked to him and waited for him to order.

After he finished ordering, Hotaru got a little more relaxed and crossed her ankles under the table. She looked to Kagami and he said that it's been a long time and she had made a name for herself. He then asked how Sozen and Azumi induct her into the family. She smiled at him before she answered. "It has been too long Kagami. I don't think I've made that much of a name for myself, but thanks for that all the same. The way I became part of the family was through an experiment that was still rather untested.

I had fought a monster in Rukongai, and I barely got away with my life. I felt so disheartened that this beast was able to beat me so easily that I went straight to the Twelfth. Since I knew they create new technologies, I figured that they could help me reach a new tier of strength. I went into the division and talked to Azumi about getting strong. I was then prepped and she left. Then, after it was over, Sozen was there to take me back to the manor and my new family."

[Douma]

Kagami held in a small chuckle as he watched Hotaru test her wine. Interesting, he thought. The Kuchiki hadn’t introduced her to fine alcohol, yet. Maybe they didn’t want a second Ana. It was an assuming thought, though Hotaru distracted him from it by ordering an upper-class French dish and dessert. Maybe I was wrong, Sozen had taught her a thing or two. Kagami ordered second, not even opening his menu. “I’d like a fillet mignon, medium rare, with a side of grilled asparagus.” It wasn’t the most luxurious plate, but it would do very well for Kagami.

Hotaru explained how it was that she was transformed into a Kuchiki rather than adopted. The details were surprising - startling, in fact. But it all made sense. So many people had that lust for power, Kagami being one of them. Because of the feud he had with Sozen, Kagami wouldn’t change his genetics to become a member of that noble family. However, he could understand Hotaru’s motives. However, there was one detail that irked Kagami.

“Seems risky, doesn’t it? After all, the experiment hadn’t been tested before you went through it.” Sozen and Azumi both didn’t consider the potential consequences had things not gone according to plan. Hotaru could have lost her life. Through Kagami’s charming, arrogant mask, he was angered with the chance that Sozen took just to create his own test-tube cousin. His violet eyes flared for a moment, and only a moment. Hotaru might just barely detect the change in demeanor, but it was patched up too quickly to make anything of.

“Have you had a chance to test your new powers, yet? I’m sure that Sozen equipped you well.” What other changes had Sozen made to his former squad-mate. Hotaru looked the same, but her genetics were now completely different. There’s no doubt that she was completely remade under the surface, whether that’s personality-wise or combat-wise. She seemed to be the same person, though, which was one doubt Kagami was able to put to rest. “I’m just glad to see that you came out of that experiment as the same person who went in.”

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru watched as Kagami ordered a fillet mignon with asparagus. It sounded like a really good meal, and she would definitely have to try that the next time she came here. After he ordered, she watched him while she explained what really happened to her to get into the Kuchiki family. It seemed like he wasn't really showing any emotion about it, but she was really curious if he was hiding emotions about it. The people that knew about it or she told were usually surprised, there was only one person that was intrigued about it.

After she was done explaining, she looked at Kagami. It took a minute, but he did have a comment about it. He said that it was risky wasn't it. Since the experiment wasn't tested before she went through it. It was true that it was risky but she thought it was worth it. She saw that his eyes flared up for only a moment before he covered it up again. So, he actually did care that she might've been hurt. It made her smile a little.

He then asked if she had the chance to test her new powers out yet, assuming that Sozen equipped her well. She assumed that he thought she had completely changed. He then said that he was glad to see that she came out of the experiment as the same person that went in. She honestly never thought that the experiment would change her at all. She obviously should've thought about that before she went into it in the first place.

"You know, it does seem rather risky. But, at that moment in time, I honestly didn't think about it. All I was thinking about was how I didn't want to feel that way again. As for new powers, I have gotten stronger, but I haven't learned too much in the way of new techniques. I'm still getting used to family, actually being a little too polite. I'm just afraid I might say something wrong and screw everything up, but so far so good.

But, I have to admit, it's interesting to actually belong to a family again. It's nice to have a place that I can go to and know that I'm safe there. I'm also starting to realize that I don't have to be so uptight around them when we're at the manor, which is a load off for sure. But, I have to say, when you mentioned the experiment, I could see that you got a little angry. Were you afraid I was completely different or that I would be maimed beyond recognition? I don't think I'm different and Rivu~aiasan would tell me if I was different."

[Douma]

Kagami knew what it was like to seek power, ignoring the consequences of doing so. He was in those same shoes at one point in his life when his close friend Damon was killed by Gillians before his eyes. At the time, Kagami was weak and couldn’t do anything to save his companion. However, at that moment, he unlocked his Shikai and obliterated the Hollow for taking his friends. He worked every day since then to ensure that he would never lose any of his few friends, and that eventually got him the position of Vice Captain. Hotaru felt weak, so she did all that she could to make sure she never felt weak again.

Another thing Kagami could relate to all-too-well was the matter of family. Hotaru had been on her own for a long time, but upon joining the Kuchiki, she had blood-ties again. She had cousins watching out for her, and the Third Seat couldn’t be blamed for loving that feeling. It made Kagami’s heart ache. There was a time when he had a life-long partner. The relationship didn’t last long, but every moment that he was with her was ecstasy. Life was just too short. His smile slowly faded as he reflected painfully at that fact. However, after a few seconds, he realized where he was and, more importantly, who he was. Kagami Murai was never upset about anything. Life couldn’t bring him down, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to mope around on a date. He was gonna have a good time and make sure Hotaru had an even better one.

Kagami was happy that Hotaru felt the same, though it seemed that she noticed his miniscule reactions. She was starting to ask the right questions, and Kagami could go back into debonair player mode. “Yes, Hotaru, I was scared that I wouldn’t get to have dinner with the Hotaru I met so long ago in the Squad 1 training grounds.” He pulled off an uncertain, yet alluring smile. “You can’t blame me for worrying, I don’t know what I’d do if you got hurt.”

Kagami wasn’t saying it directly, but he was heavily implying that he cared about Hotaru. Now, he wasn’t exactly lying. She was his past Squad-mate and he helped train her, building up a friendship in the process. But, from a romantic perspective, he was only trying to get her into bed. It was his thing. He didn’t consider whether or not it would ruin their relationship or not, he just wanted to have one good night and be done with it. “Please, have some more wine,” Kagami insisted, refilling her glass.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru listened to what Kagami had to say. He said that he was scared that he wouldn't have dinner with the Hotaru he met back in the Squad One training grounds. He then smiled at her and said that she couldn't blame him for worrying, that he didn't know what he would do if she got hurt. It was a little surprising that he said that so easily. She knew that they were good friends, and she just assumed that he meant it from that perspective.

But, the way he said it, it made her sense that he was trying to imply that it was more of a romantic feeling. He then told her that she needed more wine and refilled her glass. This situation was starting to feel like what happened with the Vandenreich Quincy she met, Vannan. It was interesting how similar this was. She also knew that he was known for his nights of fun. She was pretty sure that it was a one time thing from what she heard.

While she sipped from the wine again, she did have to think about it. But, before she could think too much on the subject, the waiter came back with their food. Since she said the souffle was dessert, he told her that they were baking it now and it would take another ten to twenty minutes for her dessert. She nodded at him and he walked off. She took her utensils and took them out of the napkin. She placed the napkin on her lap and got out her knife and fork.

She looked at her main dish, with a side of veggies. She tried the veggies and they were delicious. She went to the foie gras on her dish and it smelled delicious. She cut off one piece of it and then took a bite. She started to smile from ear to ear at the taste. "This is delicious Kagami! Would you like to try a piece? Your dish looks good as well. For what you said, I feel the same. I would feel horrible if you got hurt, since you're someone that I trust." She winked at him after that. Two could play this game.

[Douma]

The food arrived pretty quickly, which was nothing Kagami was going to complain about. Everything tasted great, and Hotaru seemed to really enjoy it as well. “This is delicious, Kagami. Would you like to try a piece?” The Vice Captain offered her a polite smile and shook his head. “Thank you, Hotaru, but I’d rather you enjoy it.” Her food did look great, but Kagami’s mind was elsewhere. His gaze seemed distant, and whenever Hotaru spoke, her voice would immediately pull him back down to Earth.

“Your dish looks good, as well.” “Please, try some. It’s great.” Kagami cut her a few bites of the steak and put it on his unused bread plate along with some asparagus for Hotaru to taste. “For what you said, I feel the same. I would feel horrible if you got hurt, since you're someone that I trust." She ended her sentence with a wink, bringing a smile to the Lieutenant’s face. “You know, this wouldn’t have happened when you were in Squad 1. Ningen wouldn’t allow it, for whatever reason.”

“Why did you switch squads, by the way?” Hotaru’s transfer was so sudden, and Kagami only received word of it after it happened. Maybe it had something to do with her transition into noble blood, or perhaps she had other motives. Kagami wasn’t bitter about it, he was just curious.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

When Hotaru offered Kagami some of her food, he smiled and politely declined, saying that he would rather her enjoy it. She just shrugged and continued with what she was doing. Once she mentioned that his dish looked good, he then said to try some that it was great. He cut up a few pieces of steak with asparagus for her to taste. She smiled at that and when she finished what else she was saying, Kagami smiled at her.

He continued to say that if she was still in the First Division, this wouldn't be happening because Ningen, the Captain Commander, wouldn't allow it for whatever reason. She had a good idea why, due to Kagami's nature, and it was interesting that the Captain Commander tried to rein him in like that. That statement also made her smile. He was so infamous that the Captain Commander had to get a handle on him.

She grabbed the bread plate and looked at the delicious food. She heard Kagami ask why she switched squads, but she was in the middle of eating. She tried the asparagus first and, having never had it, enjoyed it immensely. It brought a smile to her face. She then took a few bites from the filet and enjoyed it as well. "First, your food is delicious too! Next time I come here, I'll have to get this. Next, I transferred squads for strength.

It was pretty obvious after I had been in the division that it was more with orders and less with action. At least, less action than I wanted. I joined the Eleventh to get back into fighting, back into the action that I was used to. Getting to actually see you outside of the barracks like this is just a nice perk to me leaving the division. At least, I like to think so and I would hope you do too." She assumed the only reason he asked was because she didn't tell anyone and just left the division.

[Douma]

Kagami wasn’t shocked with Hotaru’s reasoning. It’s true, she was made for combat. And there’s no doubt that after Sozen was done building his Kuchiki assassin, Hotaru would be a fighting expert. The largest portion of Kagami’s job as the second-in-command of the First Division consisted of managing the other Shinigami and assigning new missions as well as looking into old reports. Squad 1 was the commanding squad, after all. Maybe it was best that Hotaru left. Especially since Ningen would have no reason to oppose to them having dinner together. The Captain Commander knew to be wary of Kagami.

“I guess you’ve got a point. Squad 1 gets some time in the field, but not too much.” Kagami decided to take a different approach to the conversation, going into a more personal topic. “You’re probably out on missions half the time, being the Third Seat of the Eleventh Division. Any boyfriends worried that you might get hurt? Some family, even? Or just me?”

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

She listened to Kagami speak, assuming that she was out on missions half the time, which was correct. Being higher ranked, she definitely saw more action now than she did in the First Division. It was then that he started to ask a more personal question. He asked about any boyfriends worried that she could get hurt or family or was it just him. With that, her smile faded and she looked down at the food, not really knowing what to say.

"There was a boyfriend, yes. But, because of a stupid mistake, he's gone. I've been looking for him to try to rectify my mistake but I can't seem to find him anywhere. I've been trying to find any new leads on him, but nothing has appeared yet. I'm starting to lose hope that I'll never find him again. I...just don't want him to hate me anymore." She grabbed her wine glass and then drank the rest of her glass in one glup.

[Douma]

“Have you ever considered that maybe you’re best off without each other?” Kagami followed Hotaru and poured the remainder of his wine glass down his throat. He wasn’t surprised that Hotaru had someone in her life, but the way she spoke about the break up really got to him. Hotaru was trying to chase after the guy, following every lead she could get her hands on. Kagami was in a similar situation except he didn’t pursue. Instead, he did his best to move on from the life that included the only person he had ever loved. And hew as trying to convince himself that he made the right move.

“Maybe as much as you care about him, it’s best to give up and go your separate ways. You’re a third seat so you’ve got plenty on your plate. You know, protecting the human world and all. Maybe it was a big mistake that you can’t come back from and you might just not be good enough for that person. Maybe he’s best off without you.” Kagami wasn’t at all bashing on Hotaru. No, nothing that came out of his mouth was relevant to her scenario. Kagami was talking to himself mostly. His eyes weren’t focused at all, and it almost seemed as though he was looking through Hotaru rather than at her. She might even get a glimpse of a suppressed anger if she looked carefully enough.

The Vice Captain realized that he had been caught up in the moment, paying more attention to his issues rather than Hotaru, and let out a frustrated sigh. That was the closest he would get to apologizing. “Waiter, bring us a tray full of your strongest shots. If I can still walk after my fourth, then it won’t be strong enough.” God, he needed those drinks. “You seem like you could use a bit more than a glass of wine. I’m in the same boat.”

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru listened to what her old Vice Captain had to say. It was nice for him to offer his suggestion, just trying to look out for her. But, she saw things in a completely different light. But, before she answered, she watched how he was acting. While he talked, it seemed that he started to get more introverted as the comments came along. It was interesting, but it also seemed like he was maybe undergoing the same issues that she was at the moment. She never pictured him as one to try to settle down with someone.

Then, when he ordered shots, she assumed it had to do with alcohol. This was some of the most drinks that she's ever had. Well, almost. The night after losing Asmoskon, she had drank so much, she almost couldn't make it back to the barracks. She did, which was still amazing to her, but every night for a straight week, she would work, then go drink at the bars. She had built up a fairly high tolerance to some alcohol, to the point where she was barely feeling anything after helping the Vice Captain finish off the wine bottle.

He then said that she could use more than wine at that time and she couldn't agree more. But, when he said that he was in the same situation as her, she was rather surprised. Just thinking about Asmoskon brought back the horrible memories of the last moments she saw him. He was so happy and then turned completely different. And it was all her fault. She needed to make things right, no matter what it took. He needed to understand everything about her.

"The thing is, Kagami, we were great together. Never argued or anything. One mistake that I made ruined everything. I can't live with myself knowing that he doesn't know everything behind this mistake. I have to make the wrong right. I have to let him know everything and how I feel. If I just let him go without doing that, I would regret it forever. So, I will find him, tell him what I have to say and then see what happens. If he refuses to let me back in, I'll live with it. I just need to explain. I hope that you can get through your situation too, and know that you can talk to me about it if you want. I'm a friend, at least I hope I am."

[Douma]

The Vice Captain sighed at the end of Hotaru’s monologue. She was really into this guy and would do anything to get him back, and Kagami could relate. But things were different on his side of the table. Seventy years was more than enough time to erode the bridge between himself and his fiancée, and there was little chance that he could build it back up. Kagami gave up on himself, thus giving up on their relationship. So why was it still bothering him?

And finally, the water brought of tray of clear shots, placing them between Kagami and Hotaru on the table. “Here’s how tonight's gonna go. We’re gonna take turns filling each other in on what’s bugging us and such, all the mushy personal shit. Each time you say something that makes you upset, take a shot. By the end of the night, we’d better be drunk off our asses and this is not something I’m going to want to remember tomorrow.” Kagami managed to piss himself off just by saying that, so he figured that it was time to start playing and grabbed a shot glass, pouring the contents into his mouth. “You start.”