Step Eight

[senseiseiichi]

I...am never drinking again.

I somehow woke up in Atobe's home soaked to the bone, still in last night's clothes, my shirt missing, and in bed with Renji.

Sounds like a great party.

My memory is quite blurry, but I remember the balloon fight...and the game...and drinking plenty of shots. And I apparently passed out or something.  I don't know how I

Comments

[willowy_renji]

That sounds like the best idea I've ever heard.

*blushes* Seiichi! You make that sound like.....umm....never mind. I'm finding a rock to die under now, Seiichi

You didn't exactly pass out, but you did give us all a good scare. And...I carried you inside. ...Yeah, we were thoroughly soaked in more ways than one, and I think our shirts are near the pool...Actually, mine might be near the hot tub. Okay, I have no idea, honestly

Honestly, it's odd, but everyone cares about you, not just your former teammates. And when you said what you did...It was concerning, but more so for me - I *know* what that could mean...

Private to Seiichi
You fell asleep rather quickly once I joined you in bed. I'm really getting used to you waking up on top of me...I didn't mean what you might think that means... Nothing happened, I'm sure of it. I don't want to mess things up either, Seiichi. We're still okay, really....And if something *had* happened...I think we still would be.

[senseiseiichi]

I'm just saying what happened, Renji. *smile* What people get out of it isn't in my control.

Oh, so that's how I got in. Thank you. I felt like I was floating, somehow. but safe. Very safe.

I wish I could have said that concern wasn't needed, but...I forgot what happens when I get drunk...you know that it's a rare occasion.
Talk to me about your concerns, Renji. I don't want secrets between us.

Private to Renji

Good to know that all we did was fall asleep. And I know what you mean, Renji. I think I'm getting used to it, too.

...It's good we're okay. We're going to be okay.

[willowy_renji]

You are evil. Part of why I like you

You're welcome, Seiichi. I should hope so. You've been in my arms enough that you should know that by now

I know it's rare. It was scary though.

Private to SeiichiYou're slipping into counselor mode, it sounds like. *smiles

Private to Renji

[senseiseiichi]

You have to stop me when I start going into counselor mode. =)

...I don't know what to say. I would have been more terrified if I wasn't drunk at that point.
I'm sorry. I shouldn't have to put you through this just because I was stupid and decided not to take care of myself last night. I just...I let things get to me too much.

I don't want to relapse, Renji. Once was scary enough, and now I absolutely hate hospitals. It's not fair to drag you into this just because I was an idiot.

You mean a lot to me. I wish I didn't have to put you through this, and I don't want you to have to go through that nightmare again.

Don't tell anyone, but...you're not the only one who doesn't know how not to be scared.

You, not noble? =) I'm not sure what happened. You got into the bed, and all was right with the world. I'm really enjoying this.

Private to Yukimura

[clio_erato]

There is no reason to apologize. I was one of the ones that suggested the game in the first place. I needed the alcohol anyway if I was going to face my father. I expected to deal with him at the memorial, not over the phone. Are you alright? No lasting side affects from the mix of meds and alcohol?

Private to Atobe

[senseiseiichi]

I really do hope that one day, you'll be able to patch things up with him. Please call me if you need an impartial party to talk to.

I think I'll be okay. The doctor Mukahi brought to the room was excellent, even though he did have a lot of questions. Next time, I'll know better not to drink so heavily after my dosage has been changed.

Private to Yukimura

[clio_erato]

That implies that we were once on good terms, but I can't say that I recall a time when we were. I will keep your offer in mind never the less.

That is probably a wise decision.