I put the money down on the bar and stood up. All three of us walked out of there as if we were completely sober, although I usually couldn't hold my liquor. This was new.
"Hey, I'll see you guys tomorrow, after the new guy is introduced." I said, waving.
"Aleshi-chan! I'm coming with you." Izuru said.
"Sure. We're going to the same place." I shrugged.
I headed in the direction of my barracks, and then stopped. Should I really go there, or somewhere else. I mean, these weren't my barracks anymore. I decided I should go there anyways, to, you know, pack.
I was about to start walking again, when my knees buckled and I fell over. What the hell?
"Ah! Aleshi-chan! Are you alright?" Izuru asked worriedly.
"Yeah…I…I" I started.
Then, I burst into tears. Izuru wrapped his arms around me and I buried my face in his shoulder. We stayed like this for a long time, until I felt him shift and look up at someone. I pulled back and looked up to see Shumio with a concerned look on her face.
"What's wrong with her?" she demanded, trying to catch her breath.
"Well…" Izuru explained my whole situation to her.
The entire time, I didn't look at either of them. I just sat there, hiccupping and trying to calm down. I felt Shumio wrap her arms around me. I almost bawled again, but instead, hugged her tightly back.
"Aleshi…" she whispered.
"I'll be fine. As long as I have booze and friends, everything'll work out." I replied.
Shumio and I let go of each other and I stood up and headed for the barracks once more. I wasn't going to wait for anyone either.
"Aleshi-chan…"
"I'm fine, Izuru."
"Aleshi-chan, you need help." Shumio said.
"The sake was my help! That's all I need right now! About three more bottles and I'll be good!" I retorted.
"And besides," I continued, "anyone who can help is probably sleeping. It's late."
"I'm taking you to Hitsugaya-taicho." Izuru said.
"I don't need him right now!"
Izuru and Shumio looked at me, surprised. I had never said I don't need Toushirou. This was a night for just about anything to happen. Surprises around every retort.
"You don't need me right now, eh?" Toushirou said from behind me.
"Hi-Hitsu-kun! I didn't know-"I started.
"It's alright." He interrupted, holding his hand up,"I understand you want to be alone right now. But, please, come with me for tonight. I'll help you pack in the morning."
I nodded slowly. I really didn't want to go with him, but what choice did I have? He was a captain after all, and I was his third seat.
"Alright you win." I said.
"One quick question before you guys go." Shumio said, "How much sake did you drink, Aleshi?"
"Three bottles…why? I feel sober." I replied.
"You sound sober. That's incredibly strange. You can't usually hold your liquor." Toushirou said.
"I know." Shumio said, "Feel better Aleshi. I'll help you in the morning too."


"Thanks. See ya later." I said, waving. I didn't look back to see if Shumio and Izuru had waved back.
Toushirou and I walked in silence for a long time. Half way there, he reached out and took my hand in his. I looked up at him and smiled.
"Aishiteru, Hitsugaya-taichou." I said.
"Hitsugaya-taichou?! No, none of that." He replied.
"Why not? You are my superior. I must respect my superiors." I shrugged.
"No. I am your boyfriend. Not your superior." He said, shaking his head.
"How about I call you Toushirou when we're alone or around friends, but everyone else, it's Hitsugaya-taichou. Fair?" I suggested.
"Whatever." He shrugged.