Chapter 8: "Are you my chaperone?"

Author's Note: This chapter has seriously been in the works for the past month and a half. I ran into a massive block with the story and combined with a bunch of other things going on it was a brick wall. Massively huge thanks to grannypix and leggylift for letting me rant to them about this chapter and giving me some ideas.

A warning: There are references to HIV/AIDS stigma and hinted trauma in this chapter. There are also descriptions of drinking by people under Japan's legal drinking age.


Makishima had developed an affinity for whisky sours during his time in London. They seemed sophisticated enough and the lemon juice and sugar slightly cut the alcohol taste, plus they could get one drunk pretty quick. He had gotten pretty good at making them, though the exact ratio of ingredients depended on his mood. Unfortunately Makishima couldn't find any lemon juice at the drink table at this gathering. On a whim he mixed whisky with Mountain Dew and found it wasn't a bad combination.

He was now sipping his second plastic cup of this concoction while standing behind Tadokorocchi. He would have rather stayed as invisible though resisted the temptation to find a quiet wall somewhere and bury his nose in his phone. For the first few hours of this gathering he attempted to be social, say hi here and there and try to act interested in someone's conversation. That resolve was flagging by the second and other people's "encouragement" wasn't helping. A few people would notice him and yank him out in the open: "You're not drinking alone are you? We can't have that." Naturally this was accompanied by some loud cries of "kanpai" and big swigs along with Makishima's fake smiles. He would go back to sipping his drink in peace when no one was paying attention, Tadokoro letting him slip behind him again.

The whisky was making him somewhat more relaxed, but not enough to join in Kinjou and Tadokorocchi's conversation no matter how many times the other party tried to say a few words in his direction. He felt like a four-year-old hiding behind his parents, it was a little embarrassing. He prayed with a few more drinks he'd barely notice the whole situation.

Makishima had learned from enough parties and pub crawls in London that enough alcohol could make these things a little more bearable and at some point it could even make him somewhat social. Makishima never really counted how many drinks it would take to make him actually want to talk to people, or at least get him to the point where he stopped caring how awkward and inane his conversational skills were. Sometimes the alcohol would have the opposite effect and make him acutely aware of how awful the situation was compounded with a few other details his brain liked to add.

Makishima prayed all he needed was a few more drinks for the best case scenario, though he had a bad feeling it would be the not so good outcome. Right now every word out of these two Yonan students sounded like babbling noise. They weren't on the cycling team, were they on the baseball team? The water polo team? Damned if Makishima remembered, what were their names again?

Aside from his friends the only other person he remotely knew at this party was Machimiya and he mentally celebrated when Machimiya walked off to find more people. Just a few minutes of his mouth was a few minutes too many for Makishima right now. He thought he saw Goda somewhere in the crowd, but ducked out of view before the idiot tried to engage him in more annoying conversation. Kinjou said he thought he heard Naruko and Onoda would be over, but no one heard anything from them. Maybe this was worth investigating in a little bit.

Everything around him was turning into a grating cacophony of voices mixed with whatever song was playing on the crappy stereo. Makishima took another swig and hoped beyond hope this was his normal state sober and the alcohol wasn't compounding that; otherwise this was going to be a really long night. He knew he developed a tolerance over the years, tonight was a bad night to find out how much. The greasy food he sampled earlier probably wasn't helping his cause either.

Makishima took another desperate swig, noting there was only a little bit of liquor left in his cup. He mentally celebrated; this was the perfect time to get the hell out of here and get a refill. He slipped away from the group with a grumble of "Back in a sec." No one seemed to notice his departure amid a lively conversation about bad city drivers. Makishima walked across the room, passing between people and making a beeline for the drink table. A few other people had lined up to get more booze, some right in Makishimas's way just talking and barely pouring any drinks. Makishima waited semi-patiently for a second, a few seconds later he was resisting the urge to yell at them to converse elsewhere. Thankfully they got their drinks and moved away before he got too tempted.

Makishima was about to grab the whisky, but glanced over to see a bottle of coconut rum in someone's hand. Maybe it was time to change things up. Makishima decided to wait a second until the tall person was done pouring. The bottle went back to the table and Makishima politely reached for it. The side of his hand went on the bottle before it was yanked away. Makishima's head swung up and he shot a glare at whoever was being a dick.

He took one look at that face, then clamped his hand over his mouth to stifle what would have been peals of laughter. He was practically doubled over and couldn't breathe for a moment. He knew he should be mad right now; he was outright lied to. Instead he just kept laughing. Makishima then felt the cold press of a bottle against the side of his face, he took his hand off his mouth and giggled.

"Oh I'm sorry, did you want this?" the little prick said.

Makishima breathed deep and got his laughs under control. He looked up right at Midousuji's smug smile.

"Had to run right back home, huh?" Makishima ribbed.

Midousuji smirked.

"That's what I told you, wasn't it?" Midousuji hummed. "Upupu, you seriously believed it?"

Makishima kept his smile in place and did a derisive imitation of Midousuji's snicker.

"Silly me, I should have known better," Makishima replied. "You were always planning to come to a party I would probably be at and not expect me to notice."

Midousuji did that exaggerated lip pucker and looked up at the ceiling; this was the look of getting caught in a bad lie. Makishima's index finger swatted Midousuji's nose and chuckled.

"Okay fine, I changed my mind at the last minute," Midousuji admitted, his tongue lolling out. "Sakamichi and the Red Bean told me about free food, I figured it would be better to just stay the night. It is a long way back, if I'm going to waste my time I'd rather get some kind of reward."

"Nice reward if I do say so myself," Makishima took the bottle from Midousuji. He soon noticed the red cup in Midousuji's hand. "And just what is this?"

Makishima reached for the cup and yanked it out of his grasp.

"You my chaperone?" Midousuji groaned.

Makishima sniffed the cup, catching the faint smell of coconut rum. He sipped the contents, tasting more cola than liquor though the underlying flavor was there. It wasn't enough alcohol to get drunk off of, but Akira was probably a lightweight. He handed the cup back to Midousuji with a playfully disappointed look.

"Hey don't pass you germs to me," Midousuji teased.

"Like my germs ever bothered you before," Makishima muttered, producing a few snorts from Midousuji. "I didn't think you drank."

Midousuji sipped the cup and shrugged.

"I tried this somewhere and I kinda liked the taste," Midousuji replied. "And no, class rep, I'm not getting drunk tonight."

Makishima snickered.

"A university student who just socially sips, you're a rare breed," Makishima teased, though he actually believed him. Midousuji wasn't exactly the average university student. "Do you go to wine tastings too? Cocktail parties?"

"What, want to invite me to one?" Midousuji groaned back. "The kind where I have to hold my pinkie out and talk about stock exchanges."

"No, those kind suck." Makishima paused and smiled at a thought. "How about on your twentieth birthday, I'll take you to a winery or something." Midousuji shoved half of his lower face in his cup and let out a muted, raspy screech, Makishima chortled along. "Now when is your birthday, hmm?"

Makishima raised his eyebrows and tapped his chin with exaggerated inquisitiveness.

"Ugh, you're so annoying," Midousuji returned, sipping his cup.

"Yeah yeah," Makishima returned.

He pulled the bottle out of his hand and poured a generous amount into his own cup, then mixed in a little Cole. He looked up to see Midousuji watching his cup with amusement.

"Well we know what you're doing tonight?" Midousuji stated.

"And you'd be right too," Makishima replied, taking a swig.

"This is going to be interesting."

"Or just pathetic, who knows; I don't control these things."

"Oh it will be pathetic, that's what makes it entertaining. The next time we see each other I'm going to tell you all the embarrassing things you did when you were sloshed."

"Hey I like a good story, why not. Does this mean you want to hang around me tonight?"

"Well not really, how about later when you're nice and embarrassing."

"That would work too."

Makishima looked into his cup and took a swig, enjoying that little tingle in his nostrils. Maybe this would get him a lot more relaxed. He noticed Midousuji suddenly look up and over Makishima's shoulder.

"Uh oh, you're chaperone's here," Midousuji muttered into his cup.

Makishima furrowed his brows and casually looked behind him, jumping when he made eye contact with Kinjou. He heard Midousuji's watery chuckle as Kinjou smirked and looked down. Kinjou was now casually walking over, Makishima felt his gut clench.

"So I guess you know someone else here," Kinjou said, Makishima noted his smile and couldn't tell if he was really relaxed or being forcibly polite.

"Eh…yeah, imagine that," Makishima responded, stealing a look at Midousuji.

Midousuji regarded Kinjou with a neutral expression and a few wide-eyed blinks. Makishima looked at Kinjou to see him taking a step right toward Midousuji.

"Evening, Midousuji," Kinjou greeted evenly. "Hope you're enjoying yourself."

Kinjou extended his hand towards Midousuji, Midousuji regarded it for a second with a few more profound blinks. Makishima took a long swig from his cup; oh shit here it comes. The sight of Midousuji's hand shoving limply into Kinjou's palm froze Makishima's cup to his lips. Kinjou's brows rose and his smile widened as he shook Midousuji's hand.

"Evening Kinjou," Midousuji greeted in return, soon pulling his hand back. "It's…typical. Lots of big, tough Yonan boys acting like idiots."

Makishima resisted the urge to smack his forehead, of course he couldn't keep this nice. Kinjou actually chuckled, Makishima's eyes slid towards him.

"Pretty much, it's only going to get worse," Kinjou responded.

"Oh I look forward to worse," Midousuji sang with a grin.

Kinjou snickered back, Makishima found himself joining along though heard only shaky grunts from his throat. Midousuji started chuckling too, though Makishima knew it was probably at his expense.

"Well you enjoy your evening, good luck with your new season," Kinjou said to Midousuji.

"Oh this is gonna be an amazing season, mopping up after your precious teammates is going to be so much fun," Midousuji hissed.

"Good luck with that, you're going to have some challenges," Kinjou returned, Makishima's soul beamed when he saw that devilish smirk.

"I doubt that very much," Midousuji replied.

Makishima gave another shaky chuckle. He saw Kinjou take a few steps away, but was a lot more comfortable with the situation now.

"Going back over to the water polo guys?" Makishima asked.

"You mean rugby team," Kinjou corrected.

"Oops must've missed that part."

"Heh, yeah I was ready to nod off during that conversation too. You just lost your buddy, by the way."

Makishima looked behind him; sure enough Midousuji was gone. He was able to make out that lanky form crawling through the crowd.

"Ugh whatever," Makishima groaned with a shake of his head, though he was smiling a bit.

"Typical right?" Kinjou asked.

"Pretty much…" Makishima's eyes widened and his skin crawled. Oh no he was giving himself away. "I mean I…guess? Just like…"

Makishima stopped when he heard Kinjou snicker and saw his patient smile. Kinjou leaned in a little closer, taking a few looks in the direction where Midousuji had run off.

"Tadokoro told me you're friends," Kinjou admitted.

Makishima sighed hard and brought his cup to his mouth, feeling his arm shaking.

"Of course he did," Makishima exhaled, a smirk tugging at his mouth.

"I think you and Onoda might be right; that was…surprising," Kinjou returned, taking a quick swig from his beer bottle.

Makishima snickered and rubbed his forehead, some tension leaving him.

"You'd be surprised, lemme tell you," Makishima laughed.

"I'll certainly trust your word," Kinjou replied. "If you consider him a friend I can afford him some respect."

Makishima smiled wide and nodded.

"I appreciate that," Makishima replied.

Kinjou took another look around the room and leaned in again.

"We need to keep him and Machimiya apart," Kinjou said in a low tone.

Makishima's eyes widened.

"Shit, that's right," Makishima spat.

"Yeah," Kinjou responded. "No matter how much both of them have matured, I'm not a big fan of those two crossing paths; especially when both of them have been drinking."

"Right, not a good thing. Uh, for what it's worth Midousuji said he's hanging out with Onoda and Naruko. I know that's not foolproof especially if they're drinking too…"

"But it might be a buffer and Machimiya might not screw around with him too much if he has friends around. I know Machimiya's hanging out with some other buddies of his too. Hopefully he'll keep distracted, but I think we should keep half an eye on both of them."

Makishima nodded and swigged from his cup. They both took a casual pace back to where they had been before, Makishima's hand was shaking a little. Kinjou and Midousuji actually shook hands and exchanged a few somewhat civil words. Kinjou knew and was okay with it. Makishima stole a glance at Kinjou, hiding his smile in his cup.

The sound of cheers and yells caught their attention. They followed the commotion, seeing a group of people gathered in a circle. Tadokoro's rumbling chuckles caused them both to push forward. Makishima looked over a shoulder and saw Tadokoro sitting across from one of the guys they had been talking to before, hands locked and elbows on a coffee table. Makishima covered his mouth and doubled over laughing. They left for five minutes and this happened.

The other guy had Tadokoro on defense but Tadokoro's arm was pushing him back. Both of them were grinning and peppering each other with good natured taunts. Tadokoro let out one loud grunt and slammed the other guy's arm on the table. Everyone cheered and Tadokoro lifted his arms in triumph. His opponent patted Tadokoro on the shoulder, Makishima got a good look at the bulging muscles in the other guy's arm.

"I'm getting a rematch," the other one said swigging his drink.

"You're getting owned again," Tadokoro returned, swigging from his own cup.

Tadokoro's elbow slapped on the table and his opponent's did as well. They locked hands and the match started again. Everyone was cheering, some shouted for Tadokoro, but most were shouting the name Hato; he must have been a Yonan.

"Idiots," Makishima said in Kinjou's ear.

"Absolutely," Kinjou replied with a smile.


Makishima found himself checking his phone with a little more frequency. What was a good time to unsuspiciously sneak off and check on a certain person? He was keeping half an eye on his surroundings between watching Tadokorocchi do some shots with Hato and his less buff friend. No Midousuji anywhere, odds were his party was having fun somewhere else or maybe Midousuji was avoiding this side of the room. Makishima debated when the best time would be to seek him out.

Makishima checked his phone again to see it was around 10:30. He estimated it was around an hour since he and Midousuji parted ways, maybe now was a good time to check in. Makishima was about to slip his phone into his pocket but it fell on the floor instead. Of course Tadokoro saw this scene and cackled. Makishima looked up and scowled at him. Tadokoro smirked back at him and took a sip of beer, Makishima rolled his eyes and bent down to pick up his phone. He went dizzy for a second and felt himself wobble, but picked up the phone and came to a stand.

"Need some help with that?" Kinjou asked.

"Screw off both of you," Makishima replied.

Tadokoro and Toudou laughed along with Tadokoro's new rugby player friends.

"You feelin' happy now?" said the slightly less buff guy whose name Makishima forgot.

Makishima successfully pocketed his phone and shrugged.

"Define happy," Makishima returned. "I've gotta…step off for a moment…uh…somewhere."

Hato snickered, Tadokoro shot Hato an unfriendly look. Makishima resisted the urge to groan at himself; smooth, Yusuke, very smooth.

"You okay?" Tadokoro asked.

"Yeah fine I'm…getting air," Makishima replied.

He could have thought of a hundred more intelligent things to say but those words were escaping him now. Maybe the liquor was kicking in finally.

"Sure thing, maybe you can find Naruko and Onoda too," Kinjou added.

Kimjou gave him a subtle wink.

"Oh…hey yeah I'll do that," Makishima returned. "Then we can all go harass them."

"Hell yeah, text us when you find them!" Tadokoro laughed.

Makishima got a shiver, then looked at Kinjou and saw his knowing smirk.

"Why not, sure," Makishima shrugged. "Later."

Makishima hurried off. He was still walking steadily, though he was minding himself to be sure. Maybe he was more tired than tipsy, though by now that was unlikely. He made his way through the crowd looking for that hulking frame. There were a bunch of tall, skinny guys here making this hunt a little harder than he expected. He bumped into a few people that weren't looking where they were going and some who got in his face for a second to high-five and grace him with their liquor soaked breath. Makishima resisted the urge to smack them.

He suddenly heard an unmistakable voice somewhere in the crowd and swung around in its direction. It took another second, but there was that gangly form he was looking for. Midousuji was leaning on the shoulder of a smaller guy, the other guy's hand stretching up to his shoulder though it kept falling off. Makishima kept a short distance away and watched them, trying to make out words between their collective slurring and laughing. Makishima rolled his eyes and took a sip of his own drink. Shit, Midousuji was really getting drunk. Phenomenal. It was a good thing he found him before Machimiya did.

"You're a…a…a swell guy, yesh you are," Midousuji's companion mumbled.

"Ahhhh staaahhhp it, you're really, reaaalllly groooossss," Midousuji hummed back. The other guy cackled and Midousuji cackled back. "Ehhh you know just how bad you…uh…smell? 'Cause itsh really really baaad."

"Ahahaha itshso baad," the other one happily groaned. Makishima felt like he was losing brain cells the more he listened to this "conversation." "I gotta…oh fuck…"

The other guy pushed himself off Midousuji and bolted through the crowd holding his mouth. Makishima clearly saw Midousuji straighten up and lean his face in his cup, the room was noisy though Makishima could hear maddening cackles. Makishima directly approached Midousuji, by now he really needed a chaperone. Midousuji took his mouth out of his cup and looked at Makishima patiently.

"We having fun?" Makishima asked.

"Lots of fun, thanks for asking," Midousuji answered with a lot more coherence than he displayed just a second ago.

"What was this about not getting drunk tonight?" Makishima asked to test him.

"Still not, far from it," Midousuji answered right away, sipping from his own cup.

Makishima cocked an eyebrow and looked at him, then in the direction of where that kid went. He looked back to Midousuji to see a smug smirk that broke with giggles. It didn't take long for Makishima to figure it out; he rolled his eyes and shook his head, prompting Midousuji to laugh even louder. Midousuji leaned down; Makishima could smell a little rum on his breath though it was less of a smell than was in this whole building.

"Drunk people are sooo much fun to play with," Midousuji snorted.

Makishima found himself snickering along with Midousuji.

"You're such an asshole," Makishima groaned.

Midousuji giggled harder. Makishima playfully tapped Midousuji's cheek. A tiny voice in his mind warned him to be more careful, but the booze must have numbed that instinct. Midousuji looked him in the eyes and kept snickering, then turned his face away before he got any more tempted to do something gross.

"Where's Onoda and Naruko?" Makishima asked, casually taking a look around to make sure no one was watching.

"On the patio being annoying," Midousuji responded, taking another sip and swirling his cup. "Sakamichi was chowing down some more and the bean was doing shots with some guys from the baseball team. Go over and tell me when he finally passes out."

Makishima snorted and put two fingers under his nose.

"How about you, you just going to wander around and mess with drunk people?" Makishima asked.

"Pretty much, why you wanna go out back and make out?" Midousuji returned.

Makishima's eyes widened, but he found himself giggling. That was amusingly forward.

"That an offer?" Makishima responded.

Midousuji actually shrugged.

"Your breath probably smells nasty," Midousuji replied.

Makishima leaned in his face and exhaled, Midousuji scrunched his nose and suck his tongue out.

"Wow I could get drunk off that," Midousuji quipped.

"We could do an experiment to see if that's true?" Makishima hummed in his ear.

"That's a dumb experiment."

"Heh yeah it is."

Makishima poked Midousuji's shoulder, suddenly realizing his chest was lightly pressed against Midousuji's. Midousuji looked down and probably noticed the same thing, though he wasn't moving.

"Weren't you going to go see your Sohoku buddies?" Midousuji asked.

Makishima yanked himself back.

"Oh yeah, I was wasn't I?" Makishima responded. Midousuji giggled and poked Makishima's shoulder back. "Wanna join me and see if Naruko's passed out yet?"

Midousuji gave him a blank look and those eyes rolled to the side.

"How about you take care of your sappy reunion first and I'll be by when it's less sickening," Midousuji replied.

"That works," Makishima shrugged. Midousuji was about to walk off when Makishima leaned in his ear and softly moaned, "Ah-ah-Aaakira."

Midousuji practically jumped from his spot and went stick straight. Makishima held back a giggle and walked toward the patio. Midousuji's head turned back and he watched him walk away. He twisted his head forward and his tongue slid out.

"Ugh nasty," Midousuji hissed to himself, walking in the opposite direction.

He purposely pressed his thighs harder to try to do something about the tingling sensation in his groin. This was so pathetic.


Amid the chatter and laughing on that huge patio was a sound he hadn't heard in so long, one that immediately conjured memories of his last Inter-High and a few bath time singalongs. Makishima froze the second he heard it and felt his muscles clench as they always did whenever he heard that bubbly tune. He almost didn't want to go any further, but he pried his feet up and plodded towards the song.

"Hime hime!"

The voice singing it was a little deeper, though still earnestly playful.

"Suki suki daisuki! Hime! Hime…"

There was another familiar voice not really joining in but barking along between giggles. Oh great, another thing to deal with. Makishima couldn't figure out why he was still walking in this direction.

"Kira kira rin."

Oh no there was someone else trying to sing along too, what the hell was he walking into? Makishima carefully walked between a few people to see a small group circling around the source of the song.

"Ookiku naare mahou kakate mo."

Makishima paused, then finally stirred up the nerve to look through the wall of people. There he saw Onoda next to two more guys, Naruko was right beside Onoda practically tripping over himself. They were…dancing.

"Hime wa hime na no…"

They were doing different steps with each lyric. It looked like Onoda was leading, the other two guys followed pretty well along with his steps. Then there was Naruko flailing his arms and tripping in a way that looked like the same dance steps.

"…Hime na no da! Hime rabu hime FAITO!"

They did the last move and kept their poses, only Naruko kept his pose for a second before breaking out into giggles and stumbling away. The crowd applauded and the rest of the "dancers" broke formation and high-fived each other.

"Ahhh that was awesome!" one of the other guys raved, slapping Onoda on the back.

"Seriously that was so much fun, thanks for joining along; so few people ever do that," Onoda returned.

"Oh man that was so much fun," the other guy said. "Totally brings back memories."

Makishima could hear a little slurring and see some unsteady movements from both, they probably had a lot though not as much as Naruko. Right as he moved forward Naruko tumbled into a lawn chair and almost fell over though Onoda caught him. Of course Naruko giggled some more, then looked up and made eye contact with Makishima.

"Ehhh Makisheeema-zan," Naruko greeted with a little wave.

Onoda looked up and waved back.

"Hey guys, having fun?" Makishima greeted back.

"Hi, Makishima-san!" Onoda greeted. "You see the little performance?"

"We were so awesome," the first guy in the black t-shirt said.

"Yeah that was pretty cool," Makishima forced a snicker.

"Re-remember when…oh fuck…remember when we…we yushed to sing that in high-ssshchool?" Naruko attempted to ask.

"Oh boy how can I forget it," Makishima replied.

"I was telling Onoda my cousin used to beg me to do that dance with her when I was babysitting her," the second guy in a red tank top added. "She's in middle school now, but we still kind of laugh about it every time our family gets together."

"Ahh that's so sweet," Makishima answered. "That was kind of our lucky song in high school."

"Onoda faito!" Naruko added, lifting his fist.

Everyone snickered in response, Makishima shook his head and smirked.

"Eh Naruko I think you might be done for the night," Makishima called, nudging Naruko's ankle with the side of his foot.

"Naaahhhh the night's young, I jush had a little," Naruko returned flapping one hand.

Makishima made eye contact with Onoda, who gave him a knowing look. Onoda walked a little closer to Makishima.

"I'm going to call one of our roommates to take him back to the dorm," Onoda said quietly.

Makishima blinked: did he just get a whiff of beer on Onoda's breath? He wanted to laugh but held it back. Obviously Onoda was completely upright, maybe a few sips of beer was the most decadent thing Onoda would be doing at this party.

"Yeah you should do that, he's turned to rubber at this point," Makishima snickered.

"Pretty much," Onoda chuckled back. Onoda then looked up and smiled when he caught a glimpse over Makishima's shoulder. "Decided to wander back?"

Makishima looked behind him to see Midousuji shuffling towards them with his hands stuffed in his shorts pockets. Midousuji shrugged, then looked around Onoda and his eyes widened.

"Wooooow, he is sooo messed up pffft!" Midousuji cackled.

"Heeeey Midoushushi-kuun!" Naruko called. "Dontcha worry about me, I'm jusht fiiine."

"I can see that," Midousuji replied, then burst into snickers. "Wow, I'd say you lost that competition."

"Looshing makes you shtronger, it…it…it teachesh you to be…what? What wash I saying?"

"Hey Naruko, I think it's time," Onoda declared walking closer to his friend. "I'm gonna get Hironaka to take you back."

"Nooo I'm fiiine really," Naruko whined back.

Makishima and Midousuji exchanged a glance and quietly chuckled. Onoda got his phone out and wrote a text. Makishima went to Naruko's side and clapped a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, pal, you've been the life of the party already," Makishima assured while holding back a laugh.

"I ish the party!" Naruko declared.

He tried to raise his fist, but his knuckles smacked into Makishima's cheek. Makishima drew back, rubbing his cheek and laughing. Onoda rushed closer to him and Midousuji was howling in laughter.

"Oh man, are you okay Makishima-san?" Onoda asked with a hand on Makishima's back.

Makishima was going to say something, but was laughing too hard to get any words out. He gave a thumbs up to reassure Onoda. Midousuji slapped his hands over his mouth and his eyes watered with his guffaws.

"Oh fffuck did I hit you?" Naruko slurred. "Ahhh I'm shorry Makishim-zan."

Makishima felt a hand flop against his leg and then against his ass, he laughed even harder. Makishima managed to breathe and calm his chortling enough to muss Naruko's hair.

"Don't worry about it," Makishima replied, still choking back laughs.

"Woooow," Midousuji hummed through lingering snorts. Makishima felt a hand take gentle hold under his jaw and he suddenly saw Midousuji's face. Midousuji rubbed his cheek, the pads of his slinky fingers felt weird and nice. "You're gonna have a mark."

Makishima snickered a little and patted Midousuji's hand back.

"Call it a souvenir," Makishima chuckled.

Midousuji lowered his hand, but Makishima realized he was still holding it. Midousuji wasn't letting go either, his thumb rubbed over Makishima's knuckles.

"Ah, Hironaka is coming right over," Onoda piped in.

Makishima and Midousuji yanked their hands out of each other's grip and practically jumped away from each other. Onoda was looking at both of them with a big smile, though Makishima noted how Onoda was glancing down at their hands. Oh no, he knew didn't he? No Onoda was naturally smiling and Makishima knew he was being paranoid.

"Oh…okay…good," Makishima said through a few gasps.

He looked at Midousuji and saw him looking away with his hands shoved in his pockets.

"So…uh…you two given any thought to what race you might want to do?" Onoda asked.

Makishima and Midousuji looked at each other, the corner of Midousiji's mouth twitched up a few times. Makishima turned back to Onoda and shrugged. Time to lie.

"Not really, we've just been…I don't know…" Makishima stammered.

"It was a wager actually, hasn't really gone any further," Midousuji followed along.

"Pretty much yeah, but we're keeping our eyes open for any good races."

Midousuji kept looking forward but his eyes crawled to the side to look at Makishima. Makishima immediately thought of chameleon eyes and snorted before catching himself and faking a half sneeze. Onoda was still smiling.

"How about I keep an eye out too, there's a lot of good ones coming up in the fall," Onoda replied.

"Hey that would be great," Makishima replied. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Midousuji nod with a smug smirk. "No pressure though, we'll keep an eye out for stuff in the meantime."

"Naturally," Midousuji chimed in.

"That's cool," Onoda replied. "So you going to do a team race or race against each other?"

"Oh we're going against each other; really hard," Makishima added. He thought he heard a little squeak out of Midousuji, but that was probably just another noise in the room. "We've had plenty of practice, it's time to do this officially."

Now that was definitely a squeak. Makishima glanced over and Midousuji was chomping on his lower lip.

"It's time to have on the record whose butt is the first to get rawed," Midousuji quipped merrily.

It was Makishima's turn to chomp his lip and strain himself against the urge to scream. Onoda let out a watery chortle, Makishima wanted to sink into the floor.

"So what's this about little guy who drank his weight in booze," a voice said behind them.

Makishima mentally thanked every god and spirit for the perfect timing. He exhaled hard and pulled his brain back in reality.

"Yeah he's right here," Makishima answered, turning around and seeing a tall guy with close cropped bleached hair.

Onoda slid out of the way and pointed out Naruko, who was slumped over in his chair asleep and occasionally muttering.

"Seriously?" the new guy groaned before snickering.

"Oh Hironaka-kun, this is Makishima-san my senpai from high school," Onoda introduced, proudly motioning toward Makishima.

"Oh hey, the legend in the flesh," Hironaka greeted, extending his hand. "An honor to meet you, we've heard so much."

Makishima let out a nervous snicker and shook his hand back.

"Uh…nice to meet you too heh," Makishima replied.

"Hironaka's a climber too, I showed him some videos of your old races," Sakamichi declared.

"Dude your technique is breathtaking," Hironaka answered. Makishima wasn't sure if that was meant to be a compliment but he made himself take it as such.

"Eh thanks," Makishima replied, rubbing the side of his neck.

"Heeeeey Hiroooooo," Naruko called from the side.

Naruko's eyes were now open though he rippled in that same position. Midousuji was right next to him, he probably smacked him to wake up.

"Hey Naruko, let's go somewhere comfier," Hioronaka greeted walking beside Naruko.

"IIIIII'm fiiiine really I am," Naruko responded.

Hironaka gently grabbed one shoulder and draped Naruko's arm over his own shoulder, Onoda went to the other side and did the same.

"Sorry, Naruko, it's time to go back," Onoda apologized.

The two of them managed to lift Naruko to his feet, Makishima leaned forward to spot. Naruko was barely able to stay upright, but Onoda and Hironaka had a good grip.

"You guys need any help with him?" Makishima asked.

"Nah I think we got this," Hironaka replied. "He's pretty light."

"Wha'd you shay about meee?" Naruko whined, flailing for a second.

"We said you're aerodynamic," Onoda responded.

"Hehehehe yeeeeahhh, I'm awesome."

Makishima patted Naruko's back, but made sure to keep a safer distance. It looked like Naruko found some steadiness in his legs and was able to walk along with his friends.

"Midousuji, I'm going to go back and keep an eye on him, but just call when you're ready to go back and I'll be right over," Hironaka said.

"Sure," Midousuji shrugged.

"I'll be back in a little bit," Onoda announced. "We'll get him settled back at the dorm first."

"You take your time, we'll still be here," Makishima responded.

"Well see ya later then." Onoda looked at Makishima and then Midousuji.

"Nice meeting you, Makishima-san, see you later Midousuji," Hironaka greeted.

"Same with you, later," Makishima replied.

"I'll be baack, jus gonna get a bath," Naruko added. "Ugh I'm stinky."

"Kuha night Naruko, have a nice bath," Makishima responded.

"Nighty night!" Midousuji greeted.

Makishima watched the three of them hobble off then turned around and saw Midousuji sitting in Naruko's former chair.

"Sure you're not sitting in any bodily fluids?" Makishima poked.

Midousuji took a second look down and Makishima chuckled. Makishima walked over and sat down in a chair across from him, crossing his ankle over his knee and putting his empty cup on a nearby table. He took out his phone and opened the browser.

"Sooo where can we raw each other's asses," Makishima quipped.

"Ugh you're so vile," Midousuji snickered.

Makishima chuckled back, doing a few searches on his phone.

"No seriously let's do a race, it'll be fun," Makishima replied.

Midousuji cocked an eyebrow and looked at him.

"Seriously?" Midousuji hummed.

"Yeah, let's see what we got. Let's do a charity race, help some people."

"Whatever."

Makishima looked through this list of races.

"Let's see, this one benefits Second Harvest; you know the food bank?"

He looked up as Midousuji shrugged.

"There's one for the Nippon Foundation, that's for helping people in poor countries," Makishima continued.

"I don't care, you pick something," Midousuji shrugged.

"So you're really up for this?"

"Why not, I'm up for a little more practice."

"Okay then." He scrolled down a bit more and his eyes landed on one listing in particular. "Oh let's do this: it's for the Japan HIV Cent-."

Midousuji bolted upright.

"No! Pick another!" Midousuji barked.

Makishima jumped in his seat and glared at Midousuji.

"The hell," Makishima gasped.

"What's the next race you suggest, c'mon say another," Midousuji pressed, leaning forward.

Makishima blinked a few times, his mind caught up to him and he started getting more annoyed.

"What do you have against JHC?" Makishima asked, trying to keep his voice down.

"What did I saaayy Makishima-san, pick another!" Midousji quietly spat, looking around.

Makishima could feel his cheeks going hot. He knew he should just back off and not press this further. All he could think of was his ex Ray distributing packets and safe sex kits during the university's Pride Week, Makishima had been recruited to help of course along with everyone else in Ray's Pride Club, a few of which were open about their positive status. There would always be a few jerks passing by with snide "jokes" about AIDS. He could credit the liquor or the lingering more bitter than sweet memories about Ray for raising his hackles. Midousuji being a dick about this lit a spark.

"How about no, and how about fuck you," Makishima hissed in a whisper.

Midousuji's eyes widened and his expression softened.

"What?" Midousuji whined. "The hell is your problem?"

"I was going to ask you the exact same thing, but I don't think I want to hear the answer," Makishima spat, still keeping above a whisper. "These are people like you and me who could have longer, better lives and could use all the help they can get. They're not 'gross,' they're human beings living with a health condition."

"Thanks for the public service announcement, asshole," Midousuji growled through gritted teeth.

Makishima suddenly noticed Midousuji's knees were shaking, his fingertips were digging hard into his kneecaps. It was enough of a pause to back his sudden anger down. He took a look around and saw a few people looking in their direction or making a point to turn away. Makishima sprang up from his seat and snatched up his cup.

"I need a refill," Makishima exhaled, walking away as fast as he could.

Midousuji stayed seated in that same position, not paying attention to where Crayonhead went. He sat still and let the ringing subside in his ears and his heart to calm a little. He knew people around were whispering, but he couldn't care less about those peabrained zakus. It took a few minutes, but he finally lifted his lanky body from that chair and walked to the door, hands in his pockets. He felt his phone and immediately debated if he should call Hironaka and just get out of there. This party was beyond annoying already and was just going to get worse.

He shambled across the floor, keeping his head mostly down while still watching out for people. By now more people were sunk in chairs and draped over their buddies shoulders. It reeked of booze all over; the nice smell of grilled meat had faded by now and was replaced with this nastiness.

"Hey…Midousuji-kun?" a voice called from behind.

Midousuji froze and slowly turned around. He hadn't seen this pathetic zaku in a long while.

"Holy shit it is you!" said the bedraggled dog with messy red hair and a blue plaid shirt over a Yonan t-shirt. "Long time no see!"

Machimiya took hold of his hand and shook it, Midousuji just stared back at him.