Chapter Thirty-Three: Icebreaker

Over the next few hours, Dana, Kachi, and Legosi all sat and watched the show that was put on. They had burned through the admittedly small bag of chips that Kachi had found in the kitchen within the first hour, leaving them with nothing to keep them occupied while they watched.

The salty nature of potato chips had made everyone thirsty, which made for a rather frustrating experience with someone having to get up and refill their glasses of water, leaving the other two to wait for their return.

There had been some discussion of the events in the show, mostly between Kachi and Legosi since they hadn't seen it before. As the hours passed them by however, this had all come to an end, leaving the only noises to come from the computer speakers and the ruffling of either the bedsheets or the carpet when one of the three canines shifted in their spots.

It didn't help that the show's episodes were only twenty minutes long either, as by the second hour after all conversation had stopped, the boys had found themselves growing more and more bored with every scene. Kachi had stacked the beds pillows to lean over on and Legosi had slipped a considerable amount from the upright position he started in. It was true that they were both growing tired of the show, but neither was as bored as Dana.

Dana had taken it upon himself to lay upon his back, spread eagle along his half of the mattress and began watching the show upside down. Once his head would start to hurt, he'd flip onto his stomach, disturbing the other two canines in doing so. He'd then rest his head in his hands and keep watching until his arms grew tired, where he would repeat the process again.

Dana didn't know exactly how much time had passed since he put the show on, but he was too lazy to pull out his phone and check, there was no clock anywhere in the room, and the time displayed near the bottom right of the computer screen was much too small to read from where he was sat.

He sighed, scratching an itch he'd had on his nose for the past five minutes. If only his eyesight was better. Either that or the screen really was as bad as Kachi was talking about. He finally gave up, reaching into his pocket, producing the device and reading the lock screen. Ten after nine. Another sigh left the labradoodle.

After what felt like forever, the episode of the show that had been playing finally ended. A wave of relief passed through Dana. He'd considered bringing up his boredom to the others, but he'd missed his opportunity every other time. He creased his brows, pulling himself into a sitting position before readying himself to speak up.

As he opened his mouth to say something, a voice rang through his head, "I'm gonna go get more water," said Legosi, getting up from his spot on the floor.

Kachi nodded as Dana watched the wolf walk toward the door, putting his hand upon the knob and pulling it open. Dana slowly closed his jaw, realizing he was too slow on the draw once again. He allowed himself to fall backward onto the mattress and stare upward at the ceiling.

Neither canine bothered to get up and pause the show; they both knew nobody was interested in it anymore. They simply allowed it to continue as, really, what else did they have to do? As Dana followed the patterns etched into the ceiling with his eyes, he was suddenly reminded of something, something important enough to flip his mood entirely.

He struggled to keep his tail still as he rolled onto his stomach, crawling carefully behind Kachi. Dana held his breath as he hoped the larger canine didn't catch wind of his movements as he arrived at the foot of the bed. Peering over the edge, he saw his backpack rested gently against the wood. Dana smiled.

He reached over and downward, feeling around for the fabric of his bag while he continued to hope Kachi stay distracted. A moment later, his fingertip came into contact with the cool fabric, and a little further down, the cold metal of the bag's zipper.

Using two fingers, he spread the zipper open, reaching further over the edge of the bed to shove his hand into the bag. Among the other things he kept within the bag's confines, his hand came to rest on the thing he'd been looking for. The smile on his face grew wider.

He gripped the item tightly, gently pulling it from the bag and began cautiously retreating to his spot on the bed. Before he could return, Dana made sure to conceal the item, placing it snugly into the pocket of his sweater. He crawled back to where he started, sitting upright and returning his eyes to the screen. Just as he'd done so, Legosi returned to the room, his glass full of water from the tap.

Dana put on his best poker face as the other two settled back into the monotony they'd found themselves in. He looked over them from his corner of the room. Their expressions devoid of all emotion, their eyes glossed over as the screen flashed colors and images into them, their bodies hunched over as they continued to do nothing but stare. Dana smiled as he knew it would all come to an end soon.

He turned his gaze back to the screen as one of his hands found its way into the pocket of his sweater. It gripped onto the item he'd just fished from his bag before pulling it out and holding it off to the side, just out of view of Kachi and Legosi. In the screen's light, Dana's eyes came to rest on it for the first time since he'd left home.

The red cap and label of a cola bottle could faintly be seen in the glow of the computer screen. He tilted it back and forth once, watching the air bubble within the black liquid move as he did. The others still hadn't seen what Dana had brought with him, but they didn't need to know just yet. The labradoodle's smile shifted into a smirk, as an ordinary bottle of cola, this was not.

With Kachi and Legosi miraculously still focused on the show, Dana finally allowed the bottle into view, resting it on his lap as he slowly unscrewed the cap. He held it tightly in his left hand as he lifted the bottle to his nose with his right, the all too familiar and enticing scent of caramel entering his body.

Dana exhaled softly before lowering the bottle to his mouth, putting it against his lips before tilting his head back and allowing some of its contents to enter it. As he swallowed, a nice burn could be felt at the back of his throat, one that he'd, perhaps, come to enjoy a little too much.

It was the act that finally garnered the attention of the other two the room. Kachi and Legosi's eyes came to rest on the cola bottle as Dana returned to an upright position. As Dana returned the cap to the bottle, Kachi leaned in a bit closer, "Think I can swipe a sip of that?" he asked.

Dana flashed an innocent grin in his direction as he tightened the cap before handing the bottle off to the canine to his right, "Sure thing!" he replied, trying his very best to keep himself from laughing.

The labradoodle watched with great intrigue as his friend unscrewed the cap from the bottle. His excitement was growing with every second that passed; he hid his hands in his lap to keep the fidgeting he was doing from being seen. Perhaps he should have just kept the bottlecap in his possession.

Once Kachi was finally finished fiddling with the cap, he took one last look at the bottle before lifting it to his lips. Dana watched with an eager expression as the canine took two big gulps from the bottle. Not one second later, Kachi began feeling the same burn Dana had only a minute earlier, only much, much more intense.

Kachi immediately began to cough. He buried his mouth and nose into his free arm, gripping the bottle tightly in his other, careful as not to spill its contents on the carpet. Hearing the commotion coming from behind him, Legosi pulled himself away from the screen to see what was going on. Once Kachi had regained composure, he looked back down at the bottle, double checking to make sure he read the label properly.

At this stage, more than a few chuckles had escaped Dana. As he tried and failed to keep them to himself, he covered his mouth before falling backward onto the mattress. Kachi looked briefly over his shoulder to see his friend losing it. He then lifted the mouth of the bottle to his noise, instantly picking up on the scent of caramel and alcohol; eerily similar to the rum he and Dana had shared earlier in the week.

"Dude, what? Why is this in here?" asked Kachi, understandably upset.

Dana wiped the few tears from his eyes and sat himself back up, "Oh, come on. Don't be like that!"

In the meantime, Legosi reached up and took the open bottle from Kachi. He looked it over, seeing nothing wrong with it. He then lowered his head toward the bottle, also opting to take a whiff. The overpowering scent of alcohol quickly filled his nostrils, "Woah, that smells strong," he stated, his eyes widening in amazement, "Yeah, what did you put in here?" Legosi parroted.

It was far from the reaction he was hoping for from the two others in the group. He was aiming for more of a 'hell yeah, let's get this started for real,' kind of thing, but it became abundantly clear that was not happening, what with both Kachi and Legosi staring at him disapprovingly. Still, Dana wasn't ready to capitulate just yet.

He folded his brows, shrugging his shoulders as he looked downward at the mattress under him, "It's just some rum I swiped from my dad's fridge. I figured I'd put some in this bottle for us to share," he explained.

Kachi threw his hands up in frustration, "Okay? Why didn't you just start with that?" he continued, raising his voice.

Dana crossed his arms, "I don't know, I figured you'd just be cool with it. It's not like we haven't drank together before. What makes this time so different?"

Kachi shrugged sarcastically, "Oh, I don't know, maybe it's because one, it was just you and me, two, we weren't at my dad's, and three, you didn't call me in the middle of the night crying," Kachi argued.

Dana gasped, his eyes narrowing, "So, you only came up to the house and drank with me because I was crying?"

Kachi scoffed, now also crossing his arms, "What? Yes! The way you were talking, I thought you were going to kill yourself!" he shouted, his anger reaching its peak.

The room was shocked into silence. The only thing still going was the show that all three canines had neglected to pause once discussion recommenced. Dana lowered his arms, as well as his gaze. He knew why he called Kachi that night; he just wanted to see him again. Had he really sounded so desperate over the phone that it made Kachi think he was going to take his own life? A gross feeling quickly fell upon the labradoodle.

"Is that how I sounded?" Dana asked softly.

"To me? Yes," Kachi admitted.

"Oh…I'm sorry. That really wasn't my intention, I promise," continued Dana, lifting his head back up.

Kachi nodded somberly, "Okay…I believe you. Can we talk more about this at another time? We kinda strayed away from a different conversation that needs to be had. I know you wanted to drink with us, but why didn't you say anything? Like I said, I would have been cool with it had you not tricked me."

"I don't know. I was worried that you'd both get mad at me and then I'd feel disgusting for wanting to."

Kachi sighed, placing a hand on Dana's shoulder. Dana felt his heart skip a beat at this act, "Wanting to drink with your friends isn't a bad thing, Dana. I thought out of all of us you'd know that much. Just the way you went about it wasn't the best, that's why I'm upset."

Dana nodded, a semblance of a smile returning to his face, "I know, and I'm so, so sorry. I won't do that anymore."

Kachi smiled, moving his hand from the labradoodle's shoulder to his back, giving it a few pats, "Good. Now, lucky for you, I'm bored enough to consider drinking with you. It's not like I haven't gotten a head start already anyway," he glanced quickly over his shoulder at Legosi, who was still in possession of the bottle, "Legosi, you in?"

The wolf lifted his free hand to his neck, running his fingers through his fur as he looked down at the bottle in his other hand, "I guess you don't remember, since I told you after I brought you home, but I'm not really a fan of alcohol," he stated sheepishly.

I guess that means he doesn't remember me telling him to confront Dana about his drinking, too. He thought.

Dana shrugged, "Have you ever tried it?" he asked.

Kachi's eyes narrowed as he pulled his hand away, "Dana!" he whispered.

Legosi sighed, "Well, no. My friends and I definitely wouldn't be able to get away with something like this in the dorms, and I haven't really expressed any interest in ever wanting to drink, not now at least," Legosi explained.

"So, what's holding you back? The bottle's right there in your hands and there's little risk of any negative consequence from this, as long as you take it slow since it's your first time," Dana extended a hand to point to the bottle, "That stuff's no joke."

Legosi offered a weak smile, "I'll keep that in mind. Still…I guess the only thing keeping me from it is my own lack of experience, fear of the unknown, and personal preference that everyone stays sober," he added, realizing how chicken he must sound to the others.

Dana pulled himself forward to sit on the edge of the bed, "We're not going to force you to, but I think Kachi and I are going to go forward with it," he looked over his shoulder to see Kachi nodding in agreement, "If you do want to though, we'll be here to make sure nothing bad happens. Remember, Kachi's only done this once more before you, so you two are, like, at the same experience level."

Legosi glanced down at the bottle once more, carefully considering Dana's words. While it did make him feel better knowing he'd been in somewhat good hands, he still couldn't kick the nagging feeling at the back of his mind telling him that this was all a bad idea.

Legosi's brows creased as he met the labradoodle's hazel eyes. Maybe he was just worrying too much, "No. If what you're telling me is true, then I guess I can trust you. I'll give it a shot," a short silence passed, "No pun intended," he added, offering a weak smile.

Kachi and Dana both chuckled at his remark. "Perfect. Let's get this started then," said Dana, completely overjoyed that he'd managed to convince the most straight-edge teen he'd ever met.

Meanwhile, Kachi began feeling around the bed's comforter, "Has anyone seen my phone? What time is it?" he asked, continuing his search.

Just as he finished speaking, the sound of the front door opening and closing echoed throughout the home. Kachi and Legosi's ears shot straight up, both of them looking toward the door before looking at each other.

Kachi hopped off the bed, still looking frantically for his phone, "Clearly, it's late enough for my dad to come back upstairs." A light panic began to set in, "I don't know his attitude towards alcohol and underage drinking. If I had to guess, I'm sure he'd have no problems but who knows? He might be even more of a stickler for sobriety than Legosi…"

Hearing those words did nothing to console Legosi's already shredded nerves. And being the one with the alcohol in his hands was not making him feel any better. As footsteps drew nearer to the bedroom, he was unsure of what to do. Perhaps he'd be able to play it cool and pass it off as a bottle of cola. Even still, he was unsure if he could keep it together long enough to steady his body before Shen showed up.

Seeing Legosi essentially freeze up as the elder wolf approached the room, Dana realized that he was still in possession of the bottle cap. Acting fast, he grabbed Legosi's attention before tossing him the cap.

The cap landed in Legosi's lap, as he only barely missed the catch with his free hand. He quickly scooped it up and screwed the cap back on. Once he was sure it was on tight, Legosi even went the extra mile and rolled the bottle under the bed, so that it was completely out of view from Shen as he opened the door within the next few moments.

The wolf stuck his head into the room, scanning over everything before taking a step inside. Everyone was looking in his direction, but none more intensely than Legosi, "Uh, is everything good in here? Get by okay?" he asked, trying to peel his gaze away from the younger wolf in front of him.

"Yeah, everything's fine," replied Kachi quickly, hoping to ease the tension in the room.

Shen flashed a quick smile before looking over his shoulder, "Good. Well, uh, I'm going to be heading to bed early tonight. Just gonna have a quick shower and then retreat to my room, it's been a long a day for me," he explained.

Kachi nodded while the other two canines remained silent, "Alright, goodnight Dad. We won't be too loud."

Shen offered a wave before leaving, closing the door behind him. The three boys were able to relax themselves as they heard the shower running from across the hall. Legosi dropped to the floor and reached under the bed, feeling around for the bottle he'd tossed under there only a minute before.

Feeling the cold plastic touch his hand, he quickly gripped it, pulling it from the darkness. In the glow of the computer screen, the red label was clearly visible, as well as the black liquid that was contained within the bottle.

From his position on the bed, Dana looked downward to where Legosi was seated on the floor. The way he clutched the bottle paired with how he looked down over it told him that the wolf was beyond anxious. He figured if the room wasn't so dark, then he'd have been able to make out the unsteadiness of the wolf's hand.

"Are you alright, Legosi? You look a bit…shaken up," said Dana, expressing his concern.

Legosi looked up toward the labradoodle, his mouth slightly ajar as he searched for the words to reply with. When they didn't come he looked back downward, resting the bottle of rum in his lap as he slouched his shoulders, "Shaken up? Yeah. A bit of an understatement there," he said softly.

Dana tilted his head, "Why? Is it because of what Kachi said about his dad?"

"A little bit. I've never been in real possession of alcohol before. The closest I've ever come before today was holding on to the empty bottle you two shared when I walked you home that night," he sighed, "I guess when the possibility arose that we might get in trouble for drinking here, I just didn't know what to do, and now I'm just left with how my body's decided to react. Heartrate, adrenaline, heavy breathing…" the wolf continued.

Dana chuckled as he hopped off the bed, joining Legosi on the floor, "Well, if you're feeling a bit antsy, you've got something in your hand there that might help," he suggested, a comforting smile on his face.

His comment had made Legosi look back down at the bottle in his hand. He stared at it for a few seconds, shifting slightly in his spot before glancing back up toward the labradoodle. A long sigh left him as he raised his other hand to the cap and untwisted it.

The smile on Dana's face grew wider as the wolf lifted the bottle to his nose, promptly recoiling at the strong scent of the alcohol kept within. Legosi looked over his shoulder at Dana, an expression of uncertainty spread across his face. Dana nodded once reassuringly.

With that, Legosi raised the bottle to his face once again, this time to his lips. As he tried not to let the horrid scent get to him too much, he tilted his head back, drinking some of the rum kept within the bottle.

His face scrunched up in disgust as the liquid hit his tongue. He quickly swallowed the small amount he'd taken in, a dissatisfied grunt leaving his mouth. Shortly thereafter, he felt the same burn at the back of his throat that Dana and Kachi had felt earlier. Another groan left the wolf as he lifted a hand to his chest.

Dana and Kachi watched as Legosi's hand tightened into a fist and moved upward to his mouth. They then began to hear muffled coughs echo throughout the room. Dana couldn't help but snicker at the wolf's pain, as it was one he'd experienced when he took his first drink as well. Kachi sat cross-legged on the bed, a smile on his face as well.

Once Legosi was able to return to a normal state, he took a few steadying breaths before looking over at the other two canines in the room; tears had welled in his eyes from all his coughing, "Why do people drink something that tastes so bad?" he asked innocently before handing the open bottle off to Dana.

As Dana accepted the bottle, he couldn't help but laugh at the wolf's poor understanding of alcohol consumption, "Well, people don't drink because it tastes good. Straight spirits never taste good, which is what we have here. Beer and coolers are much lighter in percentage and are good for parties. They typically taste better, too. I brought this because it'll get us drunk quicker."

Legosi, wishing the bitter taste left on his palate would go away, nodded, "I see," he said softly.

Dana took another small sip from the bottle before handing it off to Kachi, "Well, now what? This show is boring, no offense Dana, we've got booze, and we're pretty much free to do whatever. We're just gonna sit in silence and take turns drinking from this?" asked Kachi, also taking a small sip.

"Yeah, what normally happens when you get together to drink? We're a party of three with hard liquor, what can we do?" added Legosi.

Dana shrugged, "Well, at most parties I go to, it's mostly just sitting around and talking; generally having a good time. I feel like that's just gonna be awkward with only three of us, though. Obviously, there are drinking games, too. My favorite is beer pong, but we can't really do that with what we have. There's king's cup, too, but again, kinda tough with what we have," Dana looked over to Kachi, "Do we even have a deck of cards?"

Kachi shook his head, "I don't think so, I haven't seen one." Dana huffed as he leaned back against the bed, struggling to come up with something for the three canines to do. Kachi joined the labradoodle in thought, quickly coming up with a couple suggestions that put a smile on his face, "Hey, why don't we play something like truth or dare or two truths and a lie or something?"

Looking up and seeing the face Kachi was making after he spoke, it was clear that Kachi wasn't being serious, though he couldn't figure out why. After all, what was wrong with what he'd said? "What's so funny?" asked Dana, genuinely curious.

Kachi groaned, "Ah, they just seem so juvenile compared to what you suggested. Yours sound like real party games, mine sound like something straight out of a ten-year-old girl's sleep-over."

Dana scoffed, "Oh, come on, there's nothing wrong with those…" he said, his voice trailing off.

"They sound fine to me, I'll play whatever you two decide on," Legosi chimed in.

The labradoodle returned his gaze to the floor as he continued to mull over their possibilities. Finally, after some internal deliberation, Dana had finally come up with something they could do with what they had at hand, "Why not never have I ever?" he stated.

Kachi and Legosi both looked at each other before turning their heads towards Dana. Feeling that they weren't quite convinced, Dana continued, "Okay. Basic? Yes. But since Legosi and I barely know each other, what better to break the ice with, right? The game usually gives way to a normal conversation anyway once someone loses or we get bored, and by then, hopefully, we'll all be buzzed enough to forget the term awkward even exists."

Dana's vibrant description returned the smile to Kachi's face, "Well, when you put it like that, the game sounds a whole lot better. Why don't you be in charge of suggestions from now on?" stated Kachi, joining the others on the floor after pushing the computer chair into the desk.

Dana and Kachi then focused on Legosi, of whom they were waiting a response from. Quickly catching on to the eyes set upon him, he offered a small smile, "That does sound good. Making the room less awkward would be fantastic right about now," he said, still feeling a bit off from Shen's intrusion.

The three canines sat in the best circle they could with the space they had. With the bottle in his possession, Dana extended his hand toward Legosi, knowing that he still had the bottlecap. Taking the hint, Legosi passed the cap to Dana, who then returned it to the bottle before placing it down on the floor in the space in the middle of their circle.

Once everyone was situated, Kachi and Legosi looked to Dana for further instruction. "Alright, we know how this works, I hope. You state something you haven't done, and if someone else has done it, they drink. If someone says something you've done, you drink. Let's do it from five," he stated, holding up his left hand. Shortly afterward, Kachi and Dana put their hands up as well. "Legosi, why don't you start us off?"

The wolf's eyes went wide and his ears stood on end. He nodded silently before tilting his head downward to begin thinking of something to say. During his time, he shifted to his knees and clasped his hands together over his lap, still not taking his eyes off the carpet in front of him.

A short sigh left Legosi as he slumped his shoulders, "Sorry. I just don't know where to start," he admitted.

Dana shrugged, "Just start simple," he stated flatly. "it can be literally anything you haven't done, that you think either Kachi or myself has done."

Hoping his words had helped the wolf, Dana watched as Legosi nodded before returning to his thinking. Another few seconds passed before he finally looked back up at the other two, "Okay…simple enough I guess…I've just never played this game before," he added.

Dana raised an eyebrow in confusion, "Wait, really? Not even innocently with your friends?" he asked in disbelief.

Legosi shook his head, "No. We did other things." He waited for another response from either canine. When none came, he took it as a hint to get it going, "Okay, uh. Simple…Never have I ever driven a car," said Legosi slowly.

The three canines exchange glances before Kachi rolled his eyes as he swiped the bottle from the middle of the circle. He swiftly unscrewed the cap from the bottle and lifted it to his lips, taking a sizeable sip from it, the alcohol's burn being felt as it reached the back of his throat.

He tossed the cap back into the center of their circle before he looked to his left, waiting for Dana to take the bottle as well. When Dana didn't budge, he looked him in the eye; a curious twinkle resided within them as he offered the black canine a smile. Kachi rolled his eyes again, "Of course city-boy hasn't driven," he said offhand.

From his corner, Dana heard Legosi stifle a chuckle at the nickname. He then scoffed, "What's that supposed to mean? You've lived in the city your whole life just as I have!" he argued.

Hearing his points, they made perfect sense. Where did that insult come from? Kachi shook his head, understanding the alcohol was already having an effect on his thought processes, "I don't know. But that's not the point. How haven't you driven before?" he asked, remembering the sleek black sedan that was always parked in his driveway.

Dana shrugged, "I just ask for rides. When my Dad or sister isn't around, I just use ride-share," he explained.

"Yeah, of course you do…" Kachi continued, feigned annoyance clear in his voice. He shot Dana a quick smirk before returning his gaze to the center of their circle.

Though it was only an instant, the computer screen's glow reflected in the canine's deep blue eyes. That paired with the cocky, yet sincere grin he flashed him with had caused the labradoodle's heart to flutter. Just as he was in the yard that night, Dana found himself pining for Kachi once again, only this time, it was much, much stronger.

Dana couldn't keep the smile off his face as he watched Kachi think of his own statement to continue their little game. A soft sigh left him as he slouched slightly in his spot, unable to stop thinking about how cute the canine was when he was deep in thought.

He was quickly snapped out of his trance however as Kachi returned to an upright position. Dana watched as Kachi shot him one final glance from the corner of his eye, "Never have I ever stolen from my parents' liquor cabinet," he stated with conviction.

Before Dana could reach for the bottle, or even say anything in response to the blatant attack, Kachi had shot his arm outward, gripping the bottle before extending it toward the labradoodle. When Dana looked up at the canine, he could plainly see that his smirk had returned. Dana's cheeks flushed beneath his fur as he accepted the bottle from Kachi

"So, we're already starting with this stuff, huh?" asked Dana in jest. As he took his drink from the bottle, he was able to see Kachi nodding his head.

"Of course, why not? After all, we wouldn't be able to do this without your thievery," said Kachi, continuing his playful trend.

Dana shrugged, trying his very best not to let his nerves show, "You're right, and you're both very welcome. I should be grateful that my dad isn't very observant, and that I have someone to share it with now," he added, looking Kachi directly in the eyes with the last sentence.

Kachi didn't respond verbally, giving only a nod before settling back into his spot. The room fell somewhat silent as Dana realized that it was now his turn to make a statement. Momentarily pushing his thoughts of the black canine to the back of his mind, he turned his attention to the task at hand.

A lightbulb lit up in his head as he turned to look at Legosi, who was still sitting silently in his corner. A devilish grin spread across his face, "Now…" he said slowly before looking back to Kachi, specifically toward the bottle in his hand, "it shouldn't be us who drinks all of this, that wouldn't be fun at all, now would it?" he began, meeting Kachi's gaze.

Picking up what Dana was putting down, Kachi quickly hopped aboard, "No, no it wouldn't," Kachi continued, mirroring the grin on Dana's face. From his corner, Legosi was growing more confused by the second.

Dana chuckled, "What has Legosi done?" The labradoodle returned to looking at Legosi. He gave the wolf a once over as he lifted a hand to his chin, pondering the possibilities. He was able to make out the discomfort the wolf felt just by the way he sat; his legs crossed tightly together and the way he held his hands one in the other, "Hmm…never have I ever gotten one hundred percent on an assignment or project."

Staring directly into the wolf's eyes, he was able to see them widen ever so slightly at his statement. His excitement picked up as he watched Legosi slowly lift his hand up from his lap, waiting for Dana to pass him the bottle, "There's one," stated the labradoodle.

Legosi didn't hesitate that time around. As soon as he was in possession of the rum, he immediately lifted it to his mouth and took a large sip. Unlike the first time, the burn was much worse. A pained groan escaped his lips as he struggled to keep from hacking up a lung as he set the bottle down on the floor in front of him.

"How do you drink this?" Legosi managed to ask.

Dana couldn't contain his laughter as the wolf took a couple steadying breaths, "Without thinking too much about it. Now, hurry up, this is fun!"

Unsure if the urgency in Dana's tone was real, a light panic set into the wolf, "Uh, never have I ever been on an airplane," said Legosi quickly.

"Oh, come on!" shouted Dana, unable to contain himself. Kachi put a hand on his upper arm, gesturing for him to keep the volume down. At the canine's touch, Dana inhaled sharply before settling back down in his spot. Legosi handed the bottle back to Dana, the labradoodle taking a large sip from it.

Kachi then shifted his gaze toward Legosi, "Hey, that was my next one. He leaves the country pretty much every year; it's insane," he commented, pointing toward Dana with his thumb.

After catching his breath, Dana allowed his arms fall to his sides, "Ugh, at this rate, I'll be the only one who's drunk," he quickly looked over to Kachi, a teasing grin on his face, "Come on, Kachi, help me get him!"

Hearing Dana's playful call to arms, Kachi was more than happy to oblige. He set his sights on the wolf across from him, "Never have I ever worked the lights in the drama club," he stated.

A fresh wave of confusion, as well as a dash of frustration, washed over Legosi. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe he'd just misheard the rules. Still, he tilted his head, giving both canines across from him a glare, "Is it common to target others?" he asked quietly.

Dana handed the bottle back to Legosi, who wasn't looking when he'd done so. The wolf was slow to react when he felt the plastic touch his hand. He stared at the bottle for a moment before picking it up and lifting it to his lips. That sip would be his third shot of the night, "Yeah. That's what makes it fun. If you have something that you know'll get someone, then say it. You get so caught up in it sometimes you end up getting yourself, too," explained Dana.

Legosi set the bottle back down in the center of the circle, "Oh, okay," he said quietly.

With that being said, and it being Dana's turn, the labradoodle knew precisely who his next target was. Staring into Kachi's blue eyes, no longer caring if he was able to make out the blush on his cheeks, he knew exactly what to say, "Never have I ever gone to school outside Sapporo."

Hearing Dana's words, both Kachi and Legosi gave him a look. Seeing their reactions, Dana began to cackle. Legosi rolled his eyes as he lifted the bottle to his lips once again. In his own corner, Kachi glared toward Dana. Though he was upset, he was unable to stop smiling, "You're evil," stated Kachi.

Dana didn't respond at all, instead continuing to laugh as Legosi passed the bottle to Kachi. Taking his third shot of the night, Kachi shivered as the burn returned. It wasn't as bad that time around. The smile returned to his face in record time as he placed the bottle back in the middle. Looking around him, the other two were smiling as well. It appeared the game had turned into a free-for-all.

Realizing it was his turn, Kachi looked toward Dana, "Never have I ever been to school exclusively in Sapporo," he said, pulling a knee up to his chest.

Dana was instantly able to tell he was being targeted, just as he'd targeted Legosi. Looking back up to the canine, he was met with his smile. That damned smile. Even in the dark it was the most perfect thing to him. Seeing Kachi happy was what he lived for.

Feeling his heartrate quicken, he reached into the circle for the bottle, taking a sip before looking back toward Kachi, "Oh, now it's on," he stated.

Unfortunately, it was neither Dana's nor Kachi's turn. Both canines waited anxiously for Legosi to come up with something. Ever since he started drinking, he'd noticed it was becoming tougher and tougher for him to think of things to say, as words escaped him even in his mind.

After running his hand through the carpet for a moment, he was finally able to string something together, "Never have I ever been to any house parties," he said softly. "It's getting tough to think here…" he added, lifting a hand to his head.

Dana took the bottle into his hand, taking his sip. He briefly looked over at his hand. Of five fingers, two remained, the lowest of the group, "Is he already drunk?" he asked, glancing over toward Kachi.

He took a look at the wolf before shrugging his shoulders, "Well, I think I'm getting there. I've only drank once before him, so it's safe to say he is too," replied Kachi.

Dana smiled. The thought of Kachi being drunk again sent shivers of excitement through his body. He'd be lying to himself if he said he wasn't feeling a bit tipsy as well and having Kachi in the same state made him feel warm unlike anything else.

Not wanting to miss the chance to get him even more intoxicated than he already was, Dana had already prepared his statement, "Never have I ever lived in more than one house," he stated.

Already knowing the drill by that point, Kachi took hold of the bottle and took his drink. In his own corner, Legosi once again dawned his confused expression. The wolf looked over to Dana, "Do dorm rooms count?" he asked sheepishly.

Dana quickly shook his head, "No." Thankful, Legosi nodded his head, somewhat relieved, as he was more than feeling the booze at that stage.

With Kachi and Dana tied at two, the former knew that he had to put an end to his friend's reign. Though, he was beginning to struggle with coming up with statements. Perhaps it was time to bring it up a notch, "Never have I ever had sex," he stated.

Neither Dana nor Legosi was prepared for that one. Dana snorted, "Just coming right out with that one, huh?" he asked. Kachi shrugged, getting a chuckle out of him, "Sorry, kid. No dice."

"Yeah, me either," said Legosi from his corner.

Kachi was genuinely shocked, "Really? I was sure you'd have, Dana…" he said, his voice trailing off as he looked over to the labradoodle. Kachi huffed, "So we're all virgins…" He rested his head in his hands, "…does that say something about us?"

Dana shook his head, "No." As he thought of his next statement, he couldn't help but linger on the previous one. He was unsure why Kachi thought he wasn't a virgin. Sure, he enjoyed parties, but he didn't go for hookups like his peers did. He genuinely enjoyed the atmosphere.

No. The only one he wanted was Kachi. He didn't need a house party to figure that out, but he would be lying to himself if he said the reason he wanted Kachi to come with him to house parties was to have a chance at hooking up with him.

Every time he'd ask, his heart would go ballistic. He knew Kachi would say no, but still, he always held on to the small shred of hope that one day, he'd go. They'd have a good time at the party, play some games, share some drinks, and when things died down and the house fell quiet, he and Kachi would share intimate conversation, one where Dana would finally be able to tell him how he felt. In a perfect world, Kachi would reciprocate, and then…

"Dana… Dana!" whispered Kachi, snapping his fingers in front of the labradoodle's face. Dana shook his head, bringing himself back from the fantasy he was losing himself in once again. He opened his eyes, immediately looking into the blue ones across from him.

Kachi had leaned in, presumably to snap his fingers closer to him, but having just returned from one of the most vivid daydreams of his life, he was in no mood to continue playing the game. He wanted Kachi, and soon.

Instead of answering the canine, Dana quickly wrapped his arm around his neck, pulling him closer. He did the same with Legosi, effectively making it a group hug. Both Kachi and Legosi were confused, but since they unsure of what to do, they opted to just let it happen.

"This was so much fun! Kachi, I'm glad you changed your mind," he began, his cheerful tone making a return.

"Yeah? I guess I'm glad too. I'm having a pretty good time, too," replied Kachi.

Dana giggled, "I love you guys!" he whispered, tightening his grip on the others. Kachi and Legosi returned the hug.

Kachi looked across Dana to Legosi, who was unsure what was even happening anymore, "It seems Dana's drunk now, too," he stated. Legosi nodded. Dana finally let the other two canines go, each returning to their spot. Once Dana seemingly calmed down, Kachi continued, "Now what? Are we done playing then?"

Dana shrugged, "I don't really wanna keep playing. Let's just talk instead! Even better, we can do that, and we still have some of this left!" he said as he lifted the cola bottle up for everyone to see. Inside the bottle, a third of the rum that Dana had brought for them to share still remained. Kachi and Legosi exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.


~A Quick Author's Note~

Thank you for reading.