friday night out

[Deleted]

It seemed too much to hope for for Nanao-san not to notice and comment on Sachiko’s tardiness. Honestly, she would have been more surprised if she hadn’t. In response to the other woman’s brief statement and disappointed expression, Sachiko bowed her head. “I apologize, fukutaichou” she said sincerely. “I did not intend to dawdle” There. That wasn’t a lie, was it? She certainly hadn't planned to be so late...it had just kind of happened while she wasn't looking. Or, rather, while she was looking.

The door opened and another person entered. Though Sachiko at first paid this new person no mind, she was forced to pay attention when he changed direction and headed straight for their table. This gathering seemed to be growing more crowded by the second! It was turning into an unofficial meeting at this point! She nodded her head to the newcomer, raising a hand half-heartedly in greeting. There were brief and not-so-brief introductions exchanged around the table and Sachiko threw her name into the mix at the end. “Kobayashi Sachiko, fifth seat of the 8th Division” she introduced. She bowed her head slightly in all directions before leaning back and waiting for something to happen.

There was a very brief moment of silence. It seemed that no one wanted to speak, as if something heavy was hanging in the air...except for the fact that there wasn't. Perhaps they were just unaccustomed to meeting up with other Shinigami out of work. Huh.

"Um, well welcome to all I suppose hehe. What finds everyone here then?" one of the men said, breaking the silence with a smile. Sachiko piped up.

“Nanao-fukutaichou called me not too long ago” she offered forth. She felt it best not to mention exactly how long ago or she’d be forced to explain the delay, which was considerable. Nanao was already aware of her tardiness (which, thankfully, wasn't normal) and she didn't feel like broadcasting it for the rest of them. She doubted any of them would appreciate her “it’s just so pretty!” excuse (though she kept it lined up on the tip of her tongue just in case). She was still treading carefully after Nanao’s brief rebuke.

She fidgeted in her seat slightly as she listened to the others tell their tales. Nanao left for a moment, but returned momentarily, placing a drink in front of Sachiko. To be perfectly honest, her smile was a bit unnerving. Sachiko looked suspiciously at the drink in front of her...though she doubted her superior would do anything too drastic (like, say, poison her), she was still a bit hesitant to consume the beverage, especially after that smile... "It's just so p--" She quickly stopped herself hastily before she could finish the thought and tapped her forehead with her finger lightly while she got her thoughts in order. Okay, let's try that again...

She took a deep breath and tried again. "What's that?" she asked curiously, wrapping her fingers around the glass for good measure.

(Once again, I must apologize for teh major suck of my postage )

[Hirato Murano]

Camaraderie’s flame flickered, ever shifting as all authority gathered, exposing their malevolent intentions with a consuming flash; the smoke of reason silently spreads while its beacons signal the true soul’s return, gleaming in the light of a world ablaze. Benevolence quietly beckons, but its compassionate message is overshadowed by bereaved cries, drowned in agonized downpours. Ashes of enmity stain righteous warriors as they ascend from the blood-soaked battlefields; the ravenous maw accepts its nourishment, cleansing nature of sin’s horrific repercussion.


Exquisite flowers struggled, blossoming over the remains of arrogant wills, carrying the scent of death on their beautiful petals; forsaken tears shine as screams of sorrow reverberate, charming monsters chafing under civilized façades. Happiness flourished, soothing foolish scars with lovely songs of times that were. Blood poured from despicable wounds while peace’s bandages suppress the animal within; whispers of vengeance entice destitute hearts, awakening burning passions of rage swelling just underneath the surface. Primal instincts applaud logic’s demise, cheering at its descent into the flames of vindictive judgment.


Calming rain pours down, infecting primal beings with visions of a serene dawn; the confident morning glistens as conjecture dissipates, crumbling under the sunrise. Shadows of wrath retreat, cursing the new day’s infuriating promise. Flowers of peace glimmer, dancing in the gale’s tender embrace; the grass swayed, ever captive to nature’s compassionate embrace.


Dispassionate cerulean eyes observed this process, silently pondering its unbelievable elegance. Those cerulean eyes examined the situation before him, listening intently to every word that was spoken. Upon hearing everyone’s introductions and one of his comrade’s questions, he replied, “Pleased to meet all of you. I am here simply for relaxation.” Noticing that he did not possess a drink at the moment, Hirato stood up to obtain one. Before leaving the table, he said, “Excuse me for a moment.” The Third Seat strolled over to the bartender, seating himself in one of the chairs before speaking to the man. Hirato spoke to the bartender, saying, “A bottle of Barolo, please.” After the bartender handed him the bottle, the cerulean eyed Shinigami immediately compensated him.


The lone survivor of the Murano clan returned to his seat next to Sachiko, who was apparently the Fifth Seat of the Eight Division. Pouring his Barolo, he heard her inquiry, glancing at her questioningly. Logically, Hirato assumed that she meant what were the alcoholic drinks Lieutenant Ise had just ordered. “A gin with lemon on the rocks is a strong, colorless alcoholic beverage poured on some ice, obviously with a lemon for greater flavor. A double bourbon is a distilled form of whiskey, but twice the amount a bartender would normally provide you with.” Over the four centuries he had interacted with humans, much information about them had been obtained by the Shinigami. Alcohol was a subject in which the man of mixed heritage was quite knowledgeable. Although it certainly interested Hirato, it did not compare to many other pieces of information gained over the countless years; alcohol typically accompanied a variety of forms of merriment in the human world. Even despite all of the issues present in man’s realm, their willingness to forget those and simply enjoy the beauties also present never ceased to fascinate the Third Seat.