Forget Work, Enjoy the Wine [Social, R]

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru was feeling somber, but she was thinking about pretty depressing things. She didn't want to give up on Asmoskon. She cared for him too much to not do anything about it. But, she was snapped out of what she was thinking about when the waiter came back with a tray full of what she assumed were what Kagami called 'shots.' She assumed that they were alcoholic, since she could smell the alcohol. She had never tried shots, just sticking with actual drinks.

She looked towards Kagami as he began speaking. It seemed like now the night had turned into some kind of drinking game of sorts. They were going to clear the air on what's bugging them, taking a shot afterwards. His plan was for them to get completely plastered and not remember it tomorrow, or at least feel better during the actual drinking. Well, she thought about it and knew that she could only tell him very general ideals. Even now, she didn't want to reveal Asmoskon's true race.

"Well, before the relationship officially started, it was when I made the mistake. I slept with someone I shouldn't have. I wasn't thinking too clearly at the time, since I was drunk, but that's not an excuse. I then got together with my boyfriend. It was so amazing being with him. We fought against hollows together, sparred together and just enjoyed each other's company. It wasn't until later that I found out how horrible my decision was.

When he finally told me about his past, I realized that I was the first person he has trusted since his family died. And I did such a horrible thing. I had to hold back the tears while I told him. Then, after I told him, I saw him crack. He completely changed. He said he would never trust again and threw these rings at me. I don't know much, only that they look like the rings couples wear. I wear them now around my neck to give me the strength to continue to find him."

She then grabbed for the rings on her neck and rolled them around a little. They were so pretty and it made her feel worse that she could've gotten these but was such an idiot. She felt the tears well up in her eyes and fought back the urge to cry. So, instead of crying, she drank. She took three shots, one right after the other. After about another minute, she downed one more shot and looked towards Kagami with tear filled eyes. "Alright, I told. You next."

[Douma]

Kagami stared at his empty shot glass, his eyes distant and his mind in deep thought as he listened to Hotaru’s story. By the end of it, he was even more pissed off than before. It’s funny how easy it is to for Kagami’s emotions to jump to extremes. There never seemed to be any middle ground for him. “New rule,” Kagami stated before grabbing another shot glass and downing it in one big gulp. “We each offer feedback and advice or what-not, so let me start with that.” Kagami set his empty shot glasses to the side and leaned against the table with both hands in a tight ball.

“First of all, I’m dying to know who this guy is. Secondly, he’s full of shit. You weren’t together when you had sex with the other guy, so that doesn’t count as cheating. If he expecting you to be a virgin princess or whatever, then he should open his eyes a bit to reality. All that mattered was that you stayed faithful while you were together and that you were happy together. If he wants to throw that away for something that happened before you two were going out, then you deserve better.” Kagami felt a little better by the end of his vent. But he was done playing Oprah, for it was his turn.

“Okay, so let me start from the beginning. I’ve always been a drunk, womanizing piece of shit.” There goes shot number three. “But at one point, I met a nice girl and call it what you want, but I threw all that away to be with her. We were going to get married, but suddenly, we all died. The both of us were wiped out just a couple of nights before the wedding without a word. I don’t even remember the last thing I said to her.” Shot number four and five, back to back. But he still wasn’t done. “So I came to Soul Society, and here’s where the fuck up comes in. I forgot about her. I decided that she was better off without a drunk douchebag like me tying her down. That was the first problem she had with me, and it made sense. I wasn’t gonna end up hurting her later, so I never started looking. And now, I realize that I have to, but I can’t find shit about her. No Rukongai records or anything, at least not tied to the name I knew her by.” Time for shot number six.

“I just don’t know what to do…” Kagami was getting teary. Instead, his eyes were hardened and his expression was cold. He refused to even meet Hotaru’s eyes and instead looked into the bottom of his glass. The only comfort he had was Hotaru’s presence and the knowledge that they were going to get hammered.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru looked at him, holding back tears. Thinking about this just made all of her feelings well up inside of her again. She had never felt so deep a feeling for someone as she did for that man. Every time she tried to not think about him, his face would be all she would think about and see every time she closed her eyes. The man was everything to her and she wouldn't rest until she found him. She listened to Kagami add a rule to offer feedback or advice.

He then went into a rant about how he wanted to meet this guy she was with and how full of shit he was. It didn't count as cheating since it was before they were together and that if he wanted to throw everything away for something that happened before they were together, she deserved someone better. Before she could say anything, she listened to what Kagami had to say. It seemed that he too had someone he loved and they were separated by death and then forgot about her.

It broke her heart to hear that he just forgot about her and then when he finally realized he had something good, he couldn't find her and he was just lost. He then just froze up while taking his shots. They were both lost in the sea of love as it were. She waved down the waiter and ordered twice as many shots as they had ordered before. She walked over to Kagami and sat next to him, hugging. She didn't know what else to do.

"Well Kagami, it seems like we're in the same boat if you really think about it. My boyfriend threw everything away over a misunderstanding and you forgot the love of your life because you thought she would be better off without you. Even though I caused the misunderstanding and he left me and I understand what you say, he's the love of my life Kagami. I can't just leave it the way it is. It seems that you might've realized this as well. You need to find her and tell her how you feel, like I'm going to do. If you ever need help, please contact me Kagami."

Once the waiter came back, Hotaru divided up all of the shots that she had just ordered. She gave Kagami twelve and herself twelve. "Here, I figured we could use more. Let's toast to getting our loves back. Either that or to our good health. Either way, cheers!" She held her shot glass up long enough to clink glasses with Kagami and downed two shots immediately. She was starting to feel a little of a buzz now. "Now what?"

[Douma]

Of everything that Hotaru told him, one phrase echoed through Kagami’s mind… “…in the same boat”… Kagami didn’t know Hotaru’s situation, but he certainly hoped that they were in completely different boats. That his boat and her boat were polar opposites, for no one would want to be in Kagami’s boat with the hurricane he was about to steer straight into. If Hotaru was lucky, she’d meet with the man she mentioned and sort things out. The chances of Kagami doing so was less than one percent. The chances of him surviving the first stage of the plan he formulated was less than one-tenth of a percent. To do so would require a stroke of luck, and luck seemed to be what he was short on most.

“You need to find her and tell her how you feel, like I'm going to do. If you ever need help, please contact me Kagami.” “Mhmm…” The Vice Captain nodded, but he wasn’t completely there. His mind was clouded with his troubles, and while he heard Hotaru, her words seemed like a distant echo. "Here, I figured we could use more. Let's toast to getting our loves back. Either that or to our good health. Either way, cheers!" Kagami rose his own glass. “To getting our loves back.” Now, Kagami was focused and paying attention. However, he had a dangerous gleem in his eye that no bluffing and arrogance could conceal.

To getting our loves back…

The Vice Captain downed the shot, and he was definitely feeling the effects of the liquor. His tongue was loose and he wasn’t checking his words, but as long as his resolve was as hard as steel, he knew he wasn’t going to spill the beans about his planned invasion of the Kuchiki prison. “Let me ask you a question, Hotaru. This guy that you’re with… Is he worth risking everything to recover? Would you put your life on the line and even more than that to get him back?” Kagami was dead serious, despite the tispy nature of his question. He had to know, though. It would influence the way he thought. Hotaru’s answer may be closely related to the one he was searching for. “…in the same boat”

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru watched Kagami's body language. She could tell that he was starting to get buzzed or maybe even getting drunk. She had to admit, her buzz was starting to get a little bit stronger than she thought it would. He at least acknowledged her words of help, which made her feel better. Though, one thing was surprising. When she they toasted, he actually said to getting their loves back. Obviously, he really wanted to be with his fiance again. She didn't blame him.

Then, she saw him turn to her, asking her a question. He asked if he was worth risking everything for, putting life on the line and everything for him. She turned towards him. "Kagami, if I wasn't willing to do that, I wouldn't be looking for him right now. The man is my everything, Kagami. I would move heaven and earth to find him, and fix us. I would gladly give up my life to find him and tell him everything. I assume that you would do the same?"

She took four more shots, quickly one right after the other. She was definitely feeling more than a buzz right now. She didn't want to get completely plastered, so she asked the waiter to bring them more bread. She wanted to be able to at least walk back to the barracks without tripping over her own feet or slamming into the walls while walking. She just hoped that Kagami would eat some of the bread with her.

[Douma]

Hotaru sealed Kagami’s fate in stone. Those were the words he needed to hear before going through with his suicidal ploy. Under his breath, Kagami would mutter “Don’t forget that I heard it from you…” However, the words were mumbled and unclear, so Hotaru wouldn’t be able to pick up on them. After all, they were meant for Kagami’s ears alone.

Kagami would normally have gone for a few pieces of bread, but tonight was his last night to get drunk beyond belief before it was time to get down to work. He wasn’t strong enough to even defeat Hokori, so he needed to make sure he was at his best before executing a plan that would turn the whole Kuchiki clan and all their connections against him. Tonight was the night to say goodbye and get more intoxicated than he ever had before.

“Hotaru…” Kagami said softly, his eyes reflecting his deep thought. “I have to thank you. It’s been a very long time since I’ve gotten to have dinner with a genuine friend.” Kagami raised his hand to call the waiter over. “And too celebrate, let’s have a glass of champagne.” Of course, more liquor. Kagami ended his request with another shot. At this rate, he wasn’t going to be able to talk half-decently.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru was sitting close to her friend and then she thought that she heard something. It was almost like he had said something but he spoke so lowly that she could barely hear what he was saying. She wasn't going to ask about what he said. They were both in weird places due to their relationships. She had no idea what he would answer, and she wasn't going to pry.

She just sat and thought about things. With her new buzz, she thought more about her own relationship. It was on very horrible terms as of right now. But, she knew that showing Asmoskon how much she cared for him and loved him, he might actually change his mind about her and they would get back together. It was something she hoped for. The more she thought about it, the more she teared up.

While she was thinking, she took the rest of her shots. After downing those, the buzz was getting good, that was for sure. He spoke, and she looked towards him. He thanked her for being a genuine friend and coming to dinner. She tears overflowed then and she started to cry a little. While he ordered the champagne, she let her head rest on his shoulder as she cried. "Kagami......I should thank you. For everything."

[Douma]

This wasn’t the first time Kagami had been on shoulder to cry on for young women. First, it was one of the ploys he had to secure a glorious one-night stand. Then, he met Manami and his shoulder belonged to her alone. Funny how all of that was thrown away so quickly and Kagami hadn’t had any emotional connection to anyone for a very long time. Not since Damian died, really. And now, one of the few people he could actually consider a friend is weeping against his arm. If the situation weren’t so damn miserable, he might have enjoyed it.

“I’m sorry” where the first words to come out of Kagami’s lips, but why? They couldn’t have been meant for Hotaru, but rather to the people he’d abandoned and to those he’d lost. “Hotaru, my life’s been one big mistake and I don’t think anything I’ve done or said has been real until tonight. You’re the one I have to thank.” Kagami placed his arms comfortingly around Hotaru, holding her as the wine arrived. Kagami was never one to cry, but it was nice to have Hotaru there amidst all this emotional rampage.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru was weeping on his shoulder, feeling like a complete idiot. She had never done this before. She had really only shown her emotions to her family and to Asmoskon. That was it. Well, all the sad emotions that would make her cry like she was doing now. She always thought that it wouldn't be becoming of a samurai to actually show emotion like this to people outside of her little bubble. But, now, she guessed that Kagami was now in her little bubble.

When she heard him say sorry, she stopped mid weep. She was still crying, but tried her best to tone it down to hear what he had to say. He said his life had been one big mistake and it wasn't until tonight that he was saying and doing things that were actually real. He also said she was the one to thank for it. She stilled for a minute not knowing what to do. When he actually embraced her in a hug, the tears started to well up again.

He just held her and really, it was one of the things she really needed and wanted since all of this stuff started to happen to her. She put her arms around Kagami in a hug and let her head rest on his right shoulder, enjoying just being comforted by one she could now call a dear friend. She turned her head slightly and whispered in his ear, "It seems we have to thank each other. I will always be here for you, Kagami, if you need to have drinks again. I'll always be your drinking buddy." She continued to hug him until would stop the hug.

[Douma]

"It seems we have to thank each other. I will always be here for you, Kagami, if you need to have drinks again. I'll always be your drinking buddy." Those words truly warmed Kagami’s heart, and he couldn’t hold back the shadow of a smile from lightly pulling on the corners of his lips. Those were the words he wanted to hear, but the ones he couldn’t bear to. It was time to burn bridges, and his relationship with Hotaru had to come to a silent, sudden end. Much like the previous life he lived.

“Hey, Hotaru, I’m barely gonna be able to walk straight so let’s start heading back.” Kagami would help her as they walked down the Rukongai streets, making small talk or walking in silence, which ever was more comfortable. When they arrived at Seireitei, he would lead her to the Division Eleven Barracks, where she would have to find the rest of her way home. “Thanks for a great night, I’ll see you soon hopefully.” That was the only goodbye Kagami would offer, one generic and as void of emotion as possible. He couldn’t have any emotional ties, especially with a Kuchiki. Hotaru had to become a stranger to him.

And so Kagami spent the rest of the night in his own quarters, drowning himself in bottles of chilled beer. He soon passed out from the alchohol, only to dream of being reunited with Manami. The image was brief, fuzzy, but so real at the same time. Reality was too cruel to let him enjoy himself, for Kagami’s paradise was shattered with a pulsing head ache, sore body from the uncomfortable position at which he slept, and the irrepressible urge to throw up. That was his last night, and it was time to get to work. If Hotaru attempted to visit him that day, she would find his office empty. However, when she returned to her own quarters that night, a package would be there waiting for her: the bottle of champagne Kagami ordered for them but never got a chance to open. And on it was a note that read:

Thank you.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

While Kagami was holding her like this, she just enjoyed the warmth of another person. She hadn't felt another person like this since the last day she saw Asmoskon. She had pushed others away, or at least tried to, trying to focus as much energy as she could on him. But, doing so was wearing her down to the point that it was effecting everything about her. Before they broke their hug, however, she saw a smile on Kagami's face. It made her smile a little too.

Next, she heard him say that he could barely walk straight so he wanted to start heading back to the Seireitei. She nodded her agreement and when she got up, she was a little woozy on her feet. She must have drank a lot more than she thought she had. She lightly grabbed Kagami for support while she was getting up. After that, she took Kagami's arm and walked with him.

It was nice that they were like this. They were able to just walk along towards the Seireitei, talking and enjoying each other's company. It seemed like the walk went too fast and before she knew it, she was at her own barracks again. The walk had helped to steady her, so she was walking better by the time they arrived. He then told her thanks for the great night and he would see her soon.

She watched him walk off and started to think that there was something off with him. All of the times she had spent with him before, and actually getting to know him, he showed more emotion than he did tonight. Well, later in the night. It seemed like when he left, he wanted to just say good-bye and not see her again. The 'see you soon hopefully' was a clue to that. She thought about it while going to her room. Once she got there, she saw the bottle of champagne that got ordered for the table that she just remembered they didn't drink. She walked over to it and saw the note that said Thank you.

She sat down and thought back on how Kagami was acting. They went pretty deep tonight and she noticed that once they started talking about their relationships. It was getting somber, but she didn't know if she was thinking about it too much into it. Well, looking at the champagne, she hoped that she was wrong and nothing bad was going to happen to the Vice Captain. She opened the champagne and held it up to the sky. "Kagami, I wish you the best with what you do. I hope I can help or was helpful tonight. Good luck to you and me too." Then, she just started to chug out of the bottle, without grabbing a glass. She didn't go to bed until the entire bottle was gone.