Pairing(s): RikuxKamiya as the main pairing with RikuxSena and JuumonjixSena on the side.
Inspiration: Careless Whisper, more specifically, Hyde's version of the song.
Gelly: There, I've finally changed the summary... I'll miss it. *pouts* Anyway, special thanks to Clar and Melo for giving me invaluable help with this little story.
Warnings: AU, also, drunkenness. In no way does the author support addiction to alcohol. Actually, she doesn't support drinking at all. Maybe in really small quantities (It's medically proven to be good for the body), but otherwise, no.
Disclaimer: I do not own Eyeshield 21, nor do I own the lovely, lovely song, Careless Whisper.
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Prologue
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Sultry, slow jazz music resonated throughout the large room. Dim, colored lights blinked in and out, circulating all around the area, making Riku wince every time it flashed by him.
Not that it bothered him, really. He was far too engrossed in finishing his sixth glass of liquor. Or maybe it was already his seventh.
"Gimme another one," he slurred, pounding the finished container on the bar. The bartender looked hesitant. The young man already looked out of it, and with no companion to escort him back home, another glass might not be a good idea.
Riku looked horribly drunk- slumped position, hair disheveled, flushed face- but in no way did it lessen the intensity of his glare as he repeated his order.
"Hey, bartender, I said another glass."
The command was firm, daring the bartender to do otherwise. He had no right to interrupt or even suggest that he should stop drinking, Riku thought, annoyed that the bartender was taking too much time before complying.
What's with that look? Are you trying to tell me that I had enough? I don't need to stop, damn it. I know how to hold my liquor. I've been drinking since way back then, before he got me to stop… that man… that… that pathetic excuse for a friend. I hat-… I… I hate h-
He pounded his fist on the bar, muttering another string of curses, surprising those who were near. His hands were fisted so tightly, it could bleed.
Damn it, I can't even think about hating him.
"Hey, where's that drink?" he asked again, this time more calmly… Or rather, weakly. He looked pitiful then. The hand that he previously used to pound on the bar top was now fisted on his hair; the other was sprawled over his eyes, preventing anyone to catch a glimpse of the tears that were already flowing.
A soft thump reached his ears. When Riku looked to his side, he saw another glass of liquor and some tissues. He ignored the other item, instead, he quickly grabbed the glass, drinking a swig, feeling the liquid dry out his throat as it went further into his system. He could feel his head getting lighter. If he opened his eyes, he knew that he would only get a hazy view of his surroundings and later on feel nauseated. It was better to keep it closed.
He placed the glass close to his forehead; the coolness coming from the ice was somewhat refreshing, it absorbed all the heat that he was sure was apparent on his face.
The alcohol was fully taking effect now. Riku could feel the familiar numbness that he often sought way back then. Back during the times he had resorted to alcohol as a means of escaping, of releasing, and of consoling himself, having no one to turn to.
It was in his own decision to act this way, to get himself lost amidst all the alcohol and music, to put his body into this state. He was breaking his promise to him, but obviously that didn't matter right now. Nothing mattered at the moment.
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