Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Heaven, or any of the characters featured in this story.

As he surveyed the student council office, with its recently acquired brightly coloured decorations of balloons and banners, not to mention the many used paper plates and cups that now littered its surfaces, Koji wished fervently that this really was the end of the party. Officially, of course, it was; this was all he had given permission for, after all. When Niwa approached him with the idea of throwing Keita a birthday party, he had envisioned something along the lines of his welcoming party – a little rowdy, but nothing that could not be dealt with by a firm assertion of his authority as dorm manager.

However, he had not factored in the 'after party' that was apparently starting, and he had definitely not factored in the large quantity of alcohol that had mysteriously appeared now that most of the guests had drifted away, leaving only Keita's closer friends present. He had no idea how it had been acquired, and quite frankly did not want to know, although he heavily suspected Nakajima. He had often sauntered in, long after curfew, with alcohol on his breath and cigarette smoke clinging to his clothes, much to Koji's chagrin.

Whoever's fault it was, the issue was that alcohol had been produced, and a drinking contest had been suggested. Koji acted instinctively, horror evident on his face.

"Definitely not. Most of the people here have not had much, if any, exposure to alcohol, and I for one am not prepared to deal with the repercussions of drunken teenagers." He folded his arms with an air of finality.

"Ah, come on, Shinomiya! It's just a bit of fun!" protested Niwa immediately, sitting up from where he was lounging on the sofa. "I'm sure we can take our alcohol. Right, guys?" He grinned around the room at the others. Several of his companions were nodding their agreement, obviously confident in their drinking abilities. Koji was happy to note that at least a few people seemed slightly uneasy, that is, Keita, Takuto, and interestingly, Naruse. Perhaps he still had a chance of averting this contest.

Shunsuke had started to discourse about all the alcohol he had consumed at some party or another, but Koji hastily cut him off before he got into his stride. He didn't need them all to compare histories, or they would force him to let the contest go ahead just so they could see who was lying.

"That's enough. I did not give permission for this, and I doubt that more than a handful of you are serious about it anyway-"

He was interrupted by a soft voice from the corner of the room, where Shichijo was sitting with Saionji, away from the central mass of people.

"Perhaps we should ask Itou-kun what he wants. After all, it is his party," Shichijo suggested pleasantly.

All eyes turned to Keita, who sank down a little in his seat, looking startled and somewhat embarrassed. He seemed to be trying to figure out the best way out of the situation, that is, the one that would offend the smallest group of people. That was Keita all over, really – always desperate to please. Koji usually admired his diplomacy, but for once he really wanted him to take sides. His side.

"I… I'll do what everyone else wants to do," he said finally. "You've gone through enough trouble as it is, throwing this party for me!" He smiled winningly, obviously hoping that someone would make his decision for him.

And they did.

"So, it's settled, then," cried Niwa, jovially. "That's," he performed a quick headcount, "nine people versus you, Shinomiya." He looked triumphant.

Saionji sniffed disdainfully. "That's just typical of you, Niwa, assuming you've won before the votes have even been cast. Only four people have actually agreed directly – you, Nakajima, Shunsuke and Endo. In case your maths has failed you, that leaves four to be persuaded onto Shinomiya's side, and of course Keita, who will reserve his vote until last." Koji's heart lifted. Perhaps there was at least one sensible student in this school.

"Okay, then, Kaoru-chan. Which side are you taking?" replied Niwa easily.

Saionji glared at him for a moment in silence before deliberately turning away and addressing Shichijo. "What do you think, Omi? I suppose there is nothing more amusing to do."

Niwa grinned in elation, while Koji's heart sank back down. He glanced at Shichijo, who looked vaguely surprised at Saionji's decision. He appeared hesitant to reply. Koji thought he was probably torn between following his friend's example and looking out for Saionji. As he was considering this, a deep voice resonated from the other side of the room and interrupted him.

"No doubt the Treasury's dog will follow its master," Nakajima smirked. "Unless, of course, he is too, ah, afraid to engage in a battle that does not allow a computer to do the work for him?"

"Naturally, Nakajima-san, I would be delighted to take part. Let us hope that you put up a fight that meets my expectations." The two smiled icily at each other, sending a wave of unease over the room. It felt as though the room temperature had dropped several degrees, and Keita glanced nervously Endo, who smiled reassuringly back. The exchange student still hadn't quite got used to their constant quarrelling. Saionji merely rolled his eyes and moved on to the next person to cast their vote - Naruse.

"If it's something my honey wants to do, how could I refuse him?" A smile and a wink in Keita's direction accompanied his answer, which made Keita blush and Endo scowl.

"It seems that the majority is in favour of the contest, but we still have one more person to ask." Saionji continued, ignoring the new scuffle threatening to break out. He turned to Takuto, Koji's best friend, who had been sitting quietly, observing the scene unfolding before him.

Koji smiled to himself. Here, at least, he had an ally. Although Takuto did not generally put himself forward in a debate, he was intensely loyal and would come to his friend's aid if enough urgency was conveyed. Koji raised his eyebrows at the artist, willing him to get the message.

Takuto, however, looked away apologetically and said softly, "I don't see what harm it could do, Koji. It doesn't have to get out of hand." He sounded so earnest that even Koji's will of steel was starting to crack. Well, surely it would be okay for a few rounds… He was actually quite pleased that Takuto wanted to socialise further. He was usually shy and retiring, so naturally parties were something he had to be persuaded into. It showed how much he cared for Keita that he was willing to do something that he was not particularly comfortable for his sake.

Koji sighed. "It seems I'm overruled."

"All right!" Shunsuke punched his fist in the air.

"Excellent," said Nakajima, producing shot glasses and proceeding to pour a measure of vodka into each. "I presume you won't be taking part?"

The dorm manager gave him a withering look, at which he merely smiled and continued with his task.

Meanwhile, the rest of the participants found chairs and pulled them up to the table that Niwa was clearing of the empty plates and glasses from earlier. Some people were looking decidedly nervous now. Takuto was eying the shot in front of him as if it were poison, which, thought Koji, it practically was.

When all of the shots had been handed out, Nakajima calmly explained the rules.

"Each round consists of a shot of vodka each. When I count to three, you must all drink the shot in front of you in one swallow, as quickly as possible. Trust me, you do not want to linger over this," he smirked unnervingly, "The winner of the contest is the one who is able to survive the most rounds. You may, of course, back out at any time. Is everything clear?"

Murmurs of affirmation came from around the table.

"Well, then. Are we ready?"

Well, that was my first foray into Gakuen Heaven fanfiction. Please leave me a review to tell me how I did!

SapphyTheElf