Drunken Solutions [Reika/closed]

"My vote would be for portable foods. Something we can eat while we relax. Yakisoba could work. Or some yakitori."

Reika had answered Toji's question with pretty much the same sort of answer Yuki might have given. It was only natural for him to desire such a thing, right? Like a warrior attempting to unlock some new style, or a kido practicioner attempting to master something forbidden. Or her trying to figure out how friendships worked.

Thankfully she was doing quite well! Reika's words of gratitude were met with just the smallest hints of a smile. Of course her tail was really moving now, swatting repeatedly at the air behind her. Hopefully it wouldn't shake up the apricot wine too much.

"They are quite good, yes. And I would not mind volunteering some strawberries for a strawberry wine. They are the best strawberries within Seireitei."

Soon the three were out and about on the town! Yuki did of course know that further out the Rukongai became a hardly habitable place to live, but closer to the walls was a nice place to visit. And, should she be successful, nobody would have to experience the same levels of squalor found within the higher districts. But, for the time being, only one thing was super important to her plans.

Smells so good!

There were many stalls selling food. These sorts of vendors were some of her favorite cooks! Cheap, delicious food. Food that wasn't filled with pomp or egregious levels of decadence. Immediately she guided them towards a vendor selling yakitori. The delicious skewers of meats and vegetables would go well with the drinks, and they could be easily carried home!

"I'll pay. Pick whatever you would like."

Before he knew it they were already on the road, toji locked the door to the empty bar and followed his two new friends into the street. Reika with the support of Yuki managed to sway in place as she shook her finger at him, as she explained how she knew what she knew. “...You are right, Yuki did grab all the drinks..And i am glad you think they are all delicious. I still have a bit of work to do though before my perfect drink is created.”

Toji looked down at hand for a moment in silent contemplation before nodding “Yakitori is always good, or some dango. The idea of walking around with either of those sounds great.” While he hadn’t originally been thinking of food that much, the continuous talk did make him start to feel hungry. “The best Strawberries in the Seireitei? That's a bold claim. But yes, I will happily take some and turn them into strawberry wine if you get me some.”

Finally making their way around the various street carts they stopped in front of a yakitori seller where Yuki offered to pay for their meal. He briefly thought about turning down the offer, not wanting to seem like he was leeching off the noble wealth, but he had supplied all the booze, and it wasn’t like the restaurant part of his store was open yet. “Alright, i will get two of them then, but next time it will be my treat.”

Have you ever been drunk enough that any bad idea sounded like a good one? Even something that you happen to know is rather illegal or will possibly even get you in the slightest bit of trouble… Reika seemed to have that problem while drinking. The further she drank, the further the lapse of judgment moved away.

Food. Food. FOOD! All the young shinigami could think about was food… and maybe sneaking another drink. All she had to do was pilfer one of those bottles from Yuki when she wasn’t aware of her surroundings. Now seemed to be the perfect time as the little shinigami and Toji seemed rather distracted by their surroundings.
Delicate fingers dithered back and forth as Reika eyed the bottle being held by Yuki’s tail. All it would take is one swift, light movement and it would be hers. Cerulean eyes darted between the bottle and her companion before gently removing it from the wolf’s possession.

Score!

Reika deftly pulled the bottle from the tail’s grasp before slipping away into the crowd. With the noble’s blessing, she’d be able to take her pick of the district without worrying about the cost. But first, there was a little need for a drink. The cap popped off easy as the young redhead noticed a woman selling piping hot yakisoba from a rickshaw for a couple of kan. With Yuki paying, a sly idea popped into her head as she took a deep quaff from the liquor, emptying the contents, discarding it on the roadside.

Hungry was talking to her - mostly likely the alcohol. She wanted the whole cart for herself and the crew in tow. A devilish smirk crossed her features as her drunken state began to take over her own persona. Approaching the cart, Reika casually greeted the woman.

“Hello there! I represent the Kameko family and we’d like to purchase your cart and wares.”

Before the woman could even protest, Reika grabbed the posts of the cart and simply ran away without a word. She didn’t scream or yell, the woman just forced her way through the crowd with a cart full of yakisoba, trying to make it to her friends. There was no concern in her motions at all.

In a few moments, Reika arrived closed to her friends. “GET IN!” she yelled, gesturing to the cart. “TIME TO GO TO YUKI’S!” It was more than obvious that her words were beginning to slur together. The redhead didn’t care. She was having more fun than she had in her short time in the Gotei.

Never. Ever. Leave Reika alone while drunk.

"Perfection is something we all pursue in one way or another."

Dango did sound good as well. She would need to remember to pick some up. The little wolf followed Toji as he made his way over to a yakitori cart, holding up six fingers to signal her order. "Yes. The best. That garden is my most prized possession."

Unfortunately for her Reika was very sneaky, and Yuki's hunger did distract her just enough. The bottle was slipped free from her grip and, for a few moments, she didn't even notice the lack of Reika's weight against her shoulder! But once she did she looked around, both confused and just a little worried. When had she managed to get away?

"Did you see where Reika went?" she asked, sniffing at the air a couple of times. The woman was pretty wasted. Her alcoholic scent should help, but then both she and Toji had also been drinking, and Toji gave off a much stronger smell. Also the many food stalls and the many people didn't help either.

Once I get the yakitori-

Nope. Suddenly Reika returned with a cart! A cart of yakisoba! And apparently they were being shouted at to get in! Yuki looked to the man behind the yakitori cart, tossing him enough coins to pay for their food. After reaching up to accept it she moved over to hop into the cart as instructed.

"Where did you get this? What is happening?"

Was this normal in the Rukongai?!

One moment Toji was checking out stalls to grab some extra food chatting with Yuki about her garden hearing that it was one of the girl’s most prized possessions. When she suddenly asked if he had seen where Reika had gone off to.
“Hmm? Where did she go? Hey wait, weren't you carrying a jug with your tail just a minute ago, what happened to it?”
He knew that the bottle didn’t like fly free and crash into anything, he would have certainly heard that noise, the cry of alcohol as it got wasted, but no such thing had happened. So he was confused for a moment, before piecing things together. “Wait did she sneak off with the booze so she didn’t have to share?!”as he tried to cope with the sudden but inevitable betrayal, inevitable because his booze was absolutely delicious work after all, a clattering of footsteps moved towards them. Something large barreling down in their direction, people scattering out of the way to avoid the madman, or woman in this case.
Reika.
Reika with a push cart of Yakisoba.
Reika with a ...Stolen push cart of yakisoba
Reika with a stolen push cart of yakisoba shouting at them to get in and that it was time to go to Yuki’s.
As he watched in stunned silence Yuki acted, tossing her money to the Yakitori seller and then casually hopping into the cart as directed. And seeing the glare of impotence from Reika, he simply sighed and hopped on as well.
“Do you know what happened to the booze Yuki was holding with her tail?”

Reika was raring to book it to any place but here, yet before her companions joined in the fun, they had to pay for their items. This wasn’t the time for questions or any purchases (the cart had more than enough food for them all and possibly a large household), it was time to leave! One passenger down, one to go. Boof! Toji hopping into the cart nearly caught Reika off guard. How much did this giant of a man weigh!? He nearly caused the whole thing to tip right back and clear from the shinigami’s grip!

“Oof!” Reika quickly put what strength she had to level the cart out and started to run through the crowd and out into the less crowded streets. “Where’d I get it from? Well, we obvioussssly bought et!” She cackled as they moved through the emptying streets, making way towards the walls that separate the districts and the Seireitei. “Noffings hap’ning. We’re phine.”
Looking back at her pair of friends, Reika smiled. What a perfect night, out on the town with fresh food in tow. Sadly it seemed Toji was more worried about the missing bottle of liquor that the redhead had downed completely before getting the wild idea that the trio was with now. “S’aaaaaall gone! I dranked it all. It’sss delicious. My compel-ments to ze chief! Now to Yuki’sss!”

Oh, dear. Nothing like having a drunken shinigami who’s inept with direction, trying to find a place she’s never been before. Never mind the fact that she was having to close an eye to focus her double vision. Clop, clop, clop. The wheels rolled onto cobbled roads as Reika somehow managed to make it into the Seireiteri.

“I ‘unno where we ‘re.” Said the befuddled shinigami as she eyed the finer buildings. Great walls, grand buildings, and massive gates seemed to be copied as Reika pulled her friends into an unknown area. Each building seemed to be grander in design and style the further they went. Was this the area nobles lived? Reika didn’t know. “‘Ou live in one of these?”

It didn’t really matter. The alcohol had taken its effects, relaxing the shinigami’s body to the point that all she wanted to do was relax, maybe eat, and enjoy the fine evening as the buzz worked its magic out of her system. “I drank to muck.” Focusing was hard, the cart barely moved at a crawl, before stopping completely. Reika found herself relaxing on the right post of the cart, letting the cart’s back end hit the ground. “Huh!?”

Those eyes popped open in an instant, startled by the sudden motion. “S-sorry. I think I’m done pull’n.”

Bottle? Oh. Right.

Only now did she actually notice the missing bottle. The idea of Reika sneaking off to enjoy it without them hadn't crossed her mind. They were, after all, friends now. What friend would do such a thing to another? Thankfully Reika cleared it up.

Oh. She did drink it. Well. Maybe she was just thirsty.

Unfortunately too much drink had turned Reika into a thief. Money could cover that. She really didn't like using her wealth in such ways as it always did feel very slimy to her. But in this case she couldn't help it. It was either have Reika arrested or leave the poor cart owner with nothing. Neither were good options.

I'll have to track them down later.

With Toji aboard Reika took off for the Seireitei! Of course they were allowed entry given Yuki's noble status, even if they did perhaps receive a few wayward glances as they went. She didn't care though. This unusual activity was something friends did! Probably!

Friends borrow things with other friends.

That doesn't even sound remotely correct!

Unfortunately Reika's inebriated state left much to desire when it came to direction finding. It also didn't help that she knew not where Yuki actually lived. But she did her best to point them in the right direction. "Mine is a little smaller. But yes."

Poor Reika. She had indeed taken in too much alcohol. But luck was on her side this day, for as she came to a halt Yuki hopped out of the cart! They had arrived outside a white gate emblazoned with her family's crest. Yuki made her way over to the woman and gingerly gripped her by the hips, carefully lifted her up, and settled her into the cart next to Toji. Then after a pat on her leg, as her head was too high to comfortably reach, she moved over to take up the reigns of their vehicle.

"You did well. Welcome to the Kameko Estate."

As they ventured forth through the gate they were met by an old cobblestone road flanked by cherry trees. It took less than a minute to make it to the plaza which split the main house from the two guest houses. Yuki stopped, waving her hand towards each building. "That is the main house where I live. Behind it are the servant's quarters. I have a few which were gifted to me and I pay them well. I try not to treat them as servants. But there really isn't any good excuse for it. Those two buildings are guest houses. You may each take one for the night."

With that brief introduction out of the way Yuki pulled the cart up the front stairs and into her home! The front door was opened by one of her retainers, who Yuki lowered her head towards in gratitude. Within the building was exactly as one might expect from a traditional Japanese home on Earth. Polished wood. Tatami floors. Shoji walls. There wasn't too much furniture either. All in all it felt like a very empty home.

Through hallways she pulled the cart until, finally, she reached a pair of doors. First she turned towards Toji, pointing to one of the doors. "This one is for men." Then she turned towards Reika, pointing to the other door! "This one is for us. Within you may remove your clothes and rinse off before entering the bath. There are lockers for your things and towels if you wish to cover yourselves in the bath. I'll bring the food and give you each a couple minutes for privacy, if you'd like. Unless you need any assistance."

Of course getting the entire cart inside was going to be a hassle if she went this way. No, she just needed to bring the food itself. Pulling the cart this far was really only for the convenience of her friends. She could always remove it from the hallway in the morning, if someone else didn't do so first.

Thankfully for Reika Toji wasn’t too drunk, and would spend a chunk of the time while in the cart using what limited skill he had in Hoho to lighten his weight to make it easier for her to run along with the pair of them. He briefly thought that maybe she would want someone else to pull the cart, but she just seemed to be having so much run running and dragging the cart off.
~Maybe she wanted to run and help burn off the alcohol in her system as well? Save more room for drinking later?~
It didn’t take too long for them to make their way to the Seireitei, the guards at the game looked confused at the cart but with their uniforms and Yuki’s status as a noble, they didn’t try to stop them for questioning. Also Reika did confirm that she had drank the entire bottle, so they were down another bottle for the drinking party, well unless he decided to pull out a bit more. Toji reached down on his robe and grabbed the gourd that he was carrying, feeling the weight briefly. It was good stuff, but it wasn’t perfect.

It did however take them a little longer to get to the right house, but thankfully without minimum effort they managed to reach the proper location, Yuki was able to point them in the right direction and Reika had managed to pull to a stop before her strength gave out. Yuki moved her to sit beside him where he patted her on the head and said “Good job, how are you feeling?”


Toji paused briefly to look at Kameko estate, he could sense the age worn into the buildings, but also the care that went into maintaining it. “Very nice place Yuki, I think these so called guest houses though are larger than my entire building, brewery included.” Still there felt to be an emptiness in the building, a lack of vitality one would think in a full and happy home. Still Toji wouldn’t say a word on that as he followed Yuki and Reika until they reached a pair of doors. He was directed to one of the rooms where yuki explained it was the men’s side.
“Oh cool. Sounds good. I guess I will be seeing you in a little bit. Thanks Yuki.” he said with a smile before stepping into the bath. Stripping down he gave himself a quick rinse storing most of his stuff away in one of the lockers he grabbed the drinking gourd and headed to the bath, pausing before he left however to grab a towel and wrap it around his waist. Normally he would forgo such a thing, but Yuki had said something about bringing food so it was best not to scare anyone. Soon he was sinking his body into the hot steamy water, feeling the warmth soak into his body as he muttered a tiny kido verse, something just barely useful to cool liquids down. A technique useful in the arts of forging, but he had since figured out how to use it to chill his drinks.
“Ahhh. This is the life.”

The world felt as if it were swimming about Reika, every little motion made her feel dizzy. Yet sleep seemed to call her into its warm and fuzzy depths causing the redhead to barely recognize that Yuki was speaking to her, let alone the fact that she had picked her up and put her in the cart.

Gentle pats on her person caused Reika to open heavy eyes, making her vaguely realize she was no longer standing, but next to Toji. A low groan left her as she leaned against the wooden slats that boxed them in. “I need water.” She croaked to herself as the cart was drawn into Kameko Estate.

The Estate itself was beautiful, not that Reika really cared at the moment. She was stuck in her own miserable world as her stomach felt as hard as a rock. There was hope in her that this could all be solved with a tall glass of water and some of the yakisoba behind her. But then came the rocking as Yuki pulled the cart up the stairs to her home. Oh, how nauseated it was with each step the little shinigami took.

Reika had done this to herself for the sake of having fun. Unfortunately, it seemed that fun had its own price to pay and now she was paying it in full. Misery happened to adore company, and thankfully, the redhead had caring company. Yuki pointed the way to go and get changed for their evening in the bath. Now she had the challenge of actually changing without injuring herself in the process.

Leaning against the wall for support, Reika fumbled to remove her uniform, just leaving them on the ground. It’s not like she was in the right state to bend over and get them without finding herself being unable to get back up. No, no. This was fine. Surely no one would mind that she left them there, even if it was against proper manners.

The stubborn drunk stumbled out into the yard, no towel insight, as she enjoyed the cool air on her skin. Food would soon be delivered and the warmth of the bath was calling her. Hopefully, it’d help ease the issues of alcohol. Hopefully.

“Cannonball!” Reika roared, charging to the bath, jumping into the air as she drew in her limbs. The crash of her body sent rippling waves throughout the bath, splashing over the edges as the young shinigami’s head popped up for fresh air. “Ah! Yes!” She cheered as she relished the warmth of the water, her body bobbing with the waves. “Soul King, I needed this so badly..”

Reika slightly cupped her right hand on the surface of the water and swung her arm, sending a small bit of water at Toji’s face. “Don’t fall asleep monkey man.”

Sadly Toji was correct. Despite the modest size, at least for a noble, her extra homes were larger than most other people's houses. But she was going to change that. Perhaps she could start with her friends? Would that be wrong?

Probably not, right?

Water. Right. Water was probably good. She would need to fetch some. As the two made their way into the bathrooms Yuki departed to her kitchen, dragging the cart along the way. A note was left upon it requesting that it be returned to its original owner with extra payment, although she did offload the food onto a platter. Three cups were settled upon it along with a jug of fresh water.

This should be good.

Upon returning to the women's dressing room she noticed Reika's things laying about. After settling down their snacks and refreshments Yuki carefully picked up each discarded piece, settling them within a locker. She would have to get those washed for Reika. Perhaps someone could take care of that later while they slept?

I suppose I can see the convenience that comes with having servants.

It was their job, after all. They were free to leave it when they so desired. But she would be certain to pay them well even for something as minor as doing a guest's laundry. Especially if they were doing it later in the night.

A couple of silken yukata were settled upon a bench in preparation for the after party. She removed her clothes and settled them into a locker next to Reika's. While her tail did pick up her zanpakuto she had planned to leave it at the side of the bath. A warrior could not be without their weapon, after all.

Finally Yuki emerged, pausing to look between her friends, having also forgone the towel. This was it! She was sharing a bath with friends! They looked so happy too. Her tail wagged behind her, overjoyed at the moment set before her.

I like this. I want to do this more.

"The food has arrived. So too have I. Also I brought water" she explained, crouching down at the edge of the water to set the platter within reach. Her weapon was also settled nearby while she poured them each a glass of water from the pitcher.

The little wolf entered carefully, slipping into the water while a cup was held overhead. She made her way over to Reika, extending it towards the woman. "Here you go. How are you doing?" She wasn't really worried about Toji. He had seemed fine. But Reika had obviously had a little too much to drink. "Don't worry about your clothes. They will be readied for you both by the morning. Let us relax and enjoy the night together."

For a brief time Toji relaxed in the water, thinking about his two new friends. Reika had clearly drank more than she should have, unless she typically made a habit of stealing food carts and running around. In which case she probably didn’t have too much to drink, but the need for water and the tired almost hung over appearance was more of a sign of that.
~shouldn’t have let her drink on an empty stomach.. She had been looking for food originally anyway...~
~indeed~
As he floated in the water half talking to himself, sipping his special drink from his gourd, the hairs on the back of his neck suddenly stood up as a loud roar filled the room, the shout of Cannonball! As Reika leapt into the bath.
Barely able to call out “WHA~?!” before the watery wave proceeded to crash over his head. He had to act fast, snatching the most precious item and raising it high, the gourd lifted above his head and out of reach, for the Booze must not be watered down!

Sputtering back to the surface Toji opened his eyes just as a second splash of water smacked him in the face. Reika had arrived with an impact. Yet before he could think to admonish her for leaping into the bath he had to deal with his wits crashing to the ground as he realized not only was this bath mixed bathing, but Reika had taken the towel optional bit to heart with an appearance that certainly got a rise out of him as his towel slipped a bit.

“Ah.” Toji gasped for a moment as Reika’s words hit him. His head half turning to look at the offending Tail that was sticking up, having slipped free of his towel and standing at attention from the surprise. Normally he just kept the thing wrapped around his waist, out of sight and mind. Prevented people from harassing him, although he looked human enough that most didn’t mind at all. Shaking his head, and scattering water around he then said. “I wasn’t asleep, but you startled the hell out of me with your entrance there! You almost fell on top of me.”

Around the same time Yuki walked in, also completely towelless. “Well damn, here is the first time I feel like I am overdressed for a party. And yay food.” he cheered as he half swam, half walked his way over to the edge, “And welcome back Yuki, I am doing fine, and i would think Reika’s feeling a lot better if she wants to dive bomb the pool.” he said jokingly.

Reika gave Toji a slight bow, folding her left arm to her chest as she extended her right arm out and away from her body. It was a rather grand entrance, but the bobbing of the water didn’t help her one bit. She sunk slightly below the surface of the water, letting it come up to her chin as she soaked in the warmth.

As Yuki arrived onto the scene, the little redhead chuckled at Toji. He certainly was overdressed for something as simple as a soak. Seemed that he was the prude of the group - not that Reika was one to judge. The alcohol certainly lowered her inhibitions; she stole a food cart for crying out loud!

This was nice, being among friends and simply enjoying each other's company. The kindness that was felt between them all seemed like a dream. Her little wolf friend was thoughtful enough to put away her clothes and bring her water! Reika smiled, taking the water into one hand, drawing Yuki into a hug with her free arm, planting a soft kiss on the little shinigami’s cheek.

“I’m doing much better now.” A soft giggle left her before she took a drink of the refreshingly cold water. “Thank you so much for caring. You really are a good friend.” Reika beamed, ruffling her friend’s hair. “And thank you for allowing us here!”

Though the evening was lovely, a certain change from the norm, Reika could feel that nagging question in the back of her mind: where did she belong? These two, her new friends knew what they wanted in this world - where they belonged. No, it wasn’t the time to think of it. She had to push it aside and enjoy these two.

Reika enjoyed the soaking with the pair, overindulging on the food that they had managed to ‘buy’ from the market, and simply enjoy each other as they bonded in the warmth of the bath. It seemed they all needed this. Just a chance to forget about the world beyond the bath and enjoy the moment. This was nice.

"Ah. Yes. It appears as though you are."

Wait. What was that sticking up out of the water? Also what was that? "Toji. I didn't know you had a tail. That is neat. You should not hide who you are. You deserve better than that."

He was enjoying the view. That was for certain! Not that she minded. Heck, she was in the same boat even if she didn't show it. But most important of all right now was being comfortable and relaxing together as friends. That was what was really important in life.

As the water was delivered Yuki found herself pulled into a hug against the taller woman! A kiss was even planted against her cheek! For a moment her cheeks grew just a hint warmer, ears folded back against her head as she briefly tensed up at the gesture. But as she relaxed the little wolf slipped her arms around her new friend's waist. Leaning up on her tippy-toes brought her close enough to return the favor with a kiss of her own against Reika's cheek!

Friends. We are really friends! All three of us!

"You two are welcome here any time. Please feel free to stay as long as you wish. Consider it home."

It was quite the offer. And why not? They were her friends. She could trust them. It was almost like having a family again. Perhaps someday she might extend that offer too. But then she really didn't know what the process was for that.

For the rest of the night Yuki retained a gentle smile and a constantly wagging tail. They soaked together, played together, ate together, drank together, conversed with one another, she even bumped tails with Toji a few times as a show of solitude between two unusual Shinigami! With plentiful food and fresh water, and some strawberries for dessert, the three were able to stay up long into the night! And while Yuki spent much of the night propping Reika up with a hug she did manage to sneak in the occasional one to Toji, not wishing to leave him out of such friendly gestures.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Already quite inebriated Reika was the first to be hit by the effects of the drink. Yuki wasn't too far behind, having been quite interested in trying more, and while the hot water did soothe the body it also helped the alcohol. Toji, being the drunken master that he was, had quite the tolerance for it.

So the first two to depart were Reika and Yuki. She carried her friend out, patted her dry in the changing room, dressed each of them in a yukata, and lifted her off to a guest house to sleep off the night's festivities. Then, feeling exhausted and perhaps a bit lonely in her somewhat drunken state, Yuki decided to simply flop down and share the same bed. Of course Toji was allowed to soak for as long as he desired and, eventually, was shown to the other guest house to spend the night. By the morning their clothes would all be cleaned and returned to their rooms while they slept, the cart delivered to its rightful owner with a paycheck, and any leftover food and drink properly settled away within the kitchen.

What a perfect start to a few newly forged friendships!



// THREAD END