As the two girls have their private conversation, Shinra decided to ask Shizuo some questions about his history with Vorona.

"So…. How did you two met each other?"

"Hmm? Well we've met each other when we were at Simon's two years ago. She was just standing there watching something?"

"Who could be that person she was watching?"

"I dunno… but she knew Simon and Dennis."

"So who called her attention first?"

"Tom-san did…"

"What?! Shizuo, you've let your senpai steal your chance of love!?"

"Don't…"

"I'm just kidding Shizuo! And then what happened next?"

"She kinda dismisses Tom-san."

"Oh! So you still have a chance at love! Don't lose hope Shizuo!"

"Shinra... Can you not?"

Shizuo was close to breaking some but fortunately Celty and Vorona came back to them and took a seat, continuing their conversation.

"Shizuo-senpai, is something wrong?"

"It's nothing, Shira's just bugging me here..."

"What's the thing that he was bugging you?"

"Well... It's about you, and how we've met..."

"Right! You haven't told me on how you've met Shizuo."

"Well... I've met senpai when he visited Simon's restaurant for lunch."

"So as you saw Shizuo did your heart skipped a beat as his silky blonde hair and hazel brown eyes all hidden in a blue pair of shades makes you wonder who is th- AHH!"

Shinra teased Vorona only to be elbowed by Celty.

Vorona couldn't help but blush to the teases Shinra said about Shizuo, looking away a little bit at Vorona while gritting his teeth with annoyance.

"Vorona please forgive Shinra, he always likes to tease people."

"Yup and why you asked? Because we've been in a relationship for a while now!"

"Celty-san can you tell me your story on how you've met Dr. Kishitani?"

"Oh we've almost forgot! Okay, so here's how me and Celty met each other!"

Shinra told Vorona their first encounter with each other to Celty's Irish origin to their antics as a couple. As Vorona listens Shizuo stares at her when he had the chance. He knows she's still coping up with the outside world and helping her cope up makes Shizuo happy that he's helping someone without the use of violence. A common trait that Shizuo couldn't avoid. But as Shinra finishes his story, he "accidentally" spilled his drink at Vorona. Shizuo noticed it and felt something sketchy about Shinra.

"Oops! Sorry Vorona, my hand slipped!"

"Oh really, Shinra? I just saw you purposely did that!"

Before Shizuo could even continue Shinra immediately did it again but this time Shizuo pulled Vorona's chair but she almost fell down. Good thing was Shizuo catches her, lover's carry style.

"You okay Vorona?"

"I'm fine senpai, my top's just wet."

"Here, cover yourself with my vest. You might get a cold."

"You don't need to do that senpai, I'll be okay."

"No, I'll get you some shirt to wear."

"My my Shizuo! Such care you're showing to your coworker!" Shinra teased.

"One more Shinra, and I'll send you to a real doctor..."

Shinra gulped and points out where to get some clothes for Vorona.

"Ok... In my room, tall cabinet, top shelf, behind the lab coats..."

As Shizuo went to Shinra's room, he decided to ask Vorona some questions about her.

"So Vorona, what made you so interested in Shizuo? Is there something that you want from him?"

Vorona doesn't want to talk about her interest in Shizuo so she instead made up an alibi.

"I was interested on how senpai manages his work and how he handles it."

"I see... So you wanted to know on how he handles his taxes? Is that what caught your interest?"

"... Yes..."

"Well... It's really hard to earn money here in Japan. You don't really get paid enough to pay your expensive taxes."

As Shinra was to explain more about money in Japan, Shizuo came back with an odd t-shirt.

"Hey Shinra, I found this outgrown shirt that might Vorona. Huh? What's with that face?"

"SHIZUO! Please don't give her that it's embarrassing!"

"Hmm... Why is it folded inside out?"

"AHHH! PLEASE DON'T UNFOLD IT!"

Shinra tried to stop Shizuo but he was easily overpowered by the bartender and fell back to his seat.

"Ohhh, so this is when you tried so hard to impress Celty back in middle school."

"Why Shizuo?"

"Karma's a bitch Shinra and you know it."

Shizuo ended up unfolding the shirt with a large seam on the front and reveals Shinra's name written on it. Shinra ended up whimpering in shame while Celty hugs him for comfort.

"Why is Dr. Kishitani's name written on it senpai?"

"Well this is his team shirt when we had our sports festival back in middle school."

"What happened to Dr. back then?"

"Well... He joined many games back, then game time for relay happened and when its his turn he ran really fast but he exhausted himself immediately and ended up slipping and tumbling down the field and ripped open his shirt because he's not that athletic."

Shinra stopped whimpering and stood up and said:

"Shizuo, you meanie! And because of that I challenge you to duel of a random set of party games!"

"… Ooookay. But where's the board games you were talking about?"

"... I really didn't plan this from the start. But I'll be back to get them!"

"Hey Vorona, you can change your clothes now while Shinra's not around."

"Okay..."

Vorona went to bathroom to change clothes while Shinra entered his room to find his old board games. While they were away, Shizuo checked on Celty on what they did when he was away.

"So what did you three talked about?"

"Well, Shinra asked Vorona about why she got into your job and said that she was interested in you managed your work."

"Huh… That's weird…"

"Is there something wrong Shizuo?"

Before Shizuo could reply Shinra came back breathing heavily followed by Vorona who changed her clothes who proceeds to sit beside her co-worker.

"Ha…. Ha… ha… You made me do this Shizuo! You made me remind my shameful past, figuratively! Now I challenge you to a game that requires precise movements and concentration-"

"Yeah, yeah. Can you cut to the chase and tell me what we're playing?"

"Fine! We're playing Jenga."

"Never heard of it…"

"What?! How didn't you know that?"

"Because I'm always doing work all the time alright."

"Then…! Nevermind, the rules are to make the tower higher by using the blocks placed between the tower and if it falls you lose!"

"That's it? No other gimmicks?"

"Yup nothing else!"

"I'm doubting you…"

"Don't worry Shizuo I'll let you go first."

Shinra let Shziuo first who had a hard time removing the blocks slowly while Shinra removes them effortlessly.

"What's wrong Shizuo? Having a hard time?"

"You purposely choose this game so you could see me mad, huh?!"

"Of course! You showed my t-shirt that brought back my embarrassing memories!"

Time flies by and so does the pieces on the Jenga tower. Shinra's turn just finished and Shizuo thinks which block will he remove.

"Nervous, Shizuo?"

"Shut up! I can't concentrate!"

Shizuo saw a two blocks together, one in the middle and one on the side. He pulls this out slowly but the tower also moved and fell.

"Ah ...!"

"Ha! Take that Shizuo!"

"You're lucky because you're a doctor…"

"Hey Shizuo, we still have to play another one!"

"And what is this second game?"

"Games of the Generals!"

Shinra showed the box up high as he exclaimed.

"So... its a board game like snakes and ladders?" Shizuo guessed.

"It's a... game! Where you uhhh... I really don't know. I never even played it yet."

"It's a game inspired by chess Dr. Kishitani but it simulates armies that fought during wars. But the way you place each other's piece is rather different from chess and instead both player's randomly place them in whatever they want but they cannot look at each other's pieces." Vorona answered.

"Ohhh so how do you eliminate your opponents pieces Vorona?" Shinra asked.

"Eliminating pieces has ranking rule where it determines which piece has a higher rank or lower rank, but certain ranks can eliminate higher ranks or capture the flag in order to win the game."

"So this flag piece is the king when it comes to this game huh? Neat…" Shizuo replied.

"So does it only need two players Vorona? Because I can't wait to see Shizuo frustrated again!"

"Why you…"

"Well it needs two players competing to each other while another one will be the Arbiter, who'll check the pieces that attacks the other of who has the advantage."

"OK! But since your the one reading who knows the rules Vorona. How about you'll be the Arbiter!" Shinra exclaimed.

"Hey Shinra, why Vorona, she might not like being the Arbiter."

"Ohhh? Are you defending your sweet little kohai? Is it because she's not yet used to social interaction to other people besides you?"

Shizuo blushed yet somehow a bit frustrated at the taunt Shinra he said to him and Vorona. Shizuo shrugged it off and replied to him in a menacing voice.

"Aaaalllright Shinra…. since you like your games fun… I'll try to play a nice fair game tonight…"

"Whatever you say so Shizuo."

Shinra almost lost his cool as Shizuo had enough of his taunts.

"So Vorona is it okay for you to be the arbiter?"

"Its alright for me senpai."

"OK, I'll go first this time Shizuo!"

"Oh senpai before you two start the game, I want you two to read the ranks of the pieces and their weaknesses to each other."

"Thanks for that Vorona."

Both Shinra and Shizuo read the instructions and arranged their pieces to whatever they want and started the game. Shinra places his first piece then followed by Shizuo. Neither of them know which ones to pick and where to attack or defend.

"Uhhh…. Shizuo….?"

"Yeah…?"

"Do you even-"

"No…. I don't know…"

Time passes by and Shinra gained the upper hand midway to the game.

"Well now…. Even equally confused I still have luck eh, Shizuo?"

"Luck my ass.." Shizuo mumbled.

Overtime, Shizuo slowly turn the tables to Shinra who got a bit overconfident to the situation. Shinra took his turn and immediately tried to eliminate Shizuo's.

"So… Shizuo… Which of us two will be the victor?"

"Shut up…"

Vorona reaches out to which piece gets eliminated. Shinra gasped in excitement while Shizuo worries for a bit.

"So Vorona, does this intelligent doctor already win this match?"

"Well… Doctor you don't Dr. Kishitani."

"Ehh?"

"I tricked you into thinking my private was my flag and I noticed that you used your flag a lot when I took out both of your spies."

"Ehhh?! NO! I can't believe that Shizuo bested me by memorizing my pieces!"

"See! Overconfidence could lead you to danger."

"Eeeeerrrrrgggggh! You may have won this time Shizuo but I will defeat you by the next game!"

"Hey, I guess you two are enjoying yourselves here!" Celty exclaimed.

"Yeah. Finally settled a tie with Shinra."

"Ohh so how did my Shinra lost to Shizuo again?"

"I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT YOU'VE MEMORIZED MY PIECES AT YOUR ADVANTAGE IN ORDER TO WIN!"

"Is that so? But did you have fun Shinra?" Celty asked.

"Yeah….."

"Okay, okay time to stop playing middle schooler now."

"Okay my Celty! How about we let Vorona have some fun too? Right?"

"Huh? Shi-"

Shinra grabbed Celty away at the sight of Shizuo and Vorona and whispered something.

"I know you've talked something really important with Vorona at the balcony and I think that we let these two some bonding time together before doing 'that'."

"Huh?"

"Trust me on this one Celty."

"Shinra… You mean?"

Shinra smirked on Celty implying he had a plan.

"OK! How about you two play a game of chess to enjoy yourselves while we're gone?"

"Hey Shinra! I don't know how to play chess!"

"Don't worry senpai I'll be briefing you the basics of chess."

"See Shizuo both of you are gonna be fine! We're just gonna buy a special 'item' for our last game and I'm sure you'll love it!" Shinra proclaimed.

"How are you two gonna be–"

"Oops! Got to go now! Enjoy your match!"

Shinra pulled Celty into the elevator before Shizuo could even ask a question. While going down on the elevator Celty asked Shinra on what they're buying and how do they have for their budget.

"Shinra, what are we buying?"

"An item that molds men's spirits! Used in undying traditions and events- Ow! Why the rush Celty?"

"We're getting near the ground floor and I guess it's time for you to take a break on those speeches for a while."

"Ok, ok. So! We're buying alcohol!"

"Wait! Neither you nor Shizuo right?"

"Uhhh… Yeah… So, it's gonna be our first time doing it! Ehehehe…"

Back at the top, the two are preparing the pieces and Vorona starts lecturing her senpai on the basics of chess. While briefing she would glance at him if Shizuo gets the roles of each piece. He noticed that the way his kohai shifts her eyes to him was a bit different.

"Vorona?"
"Yes, senpai?"

"Is there something wrong?"

"Ahh, no. I'm fine, its just I feel something different when I was around Dr. Kishitani and Celty-san…"

"What kind of feeling?"

"The feeling of being glad just speaking with them

"I see. So are we ready now?
"Yes senpai, all we need to do is decide who to go first."

"Alright, how about you go first?"
"Are you sure senpai? This might put you on disadvantage."

"It's fine. As long as I know how the pieces move in the board I'll try to pick it up while playing."

"Whatever you say senpai…"

The two played their quiet time of chess while Shinra and Celty isn't around. Shizuo lost the first game but shrugged it off since he's just trying it. Shizuo was adapting slowly and strategizes his moves yet Vorona still won. Time flies by and Vorona decided to call quits since they've been playing a lot. Her obviously being the victor of most games where Shizuo never won any and laughed it off as he knew that he'll lose. Shinra and Celty returned in the nick of time where they saw Shizuo having a small laugh which prompted Shinra to ask questions mischievously.

"Hey Shizuo, whatcha laughin' about?"

"It's none of your business, so scram!"

"Oh really? How about I asked Vorona instead?"

"Don't you even-"
"Hey Vorona. What's Shizuo laughing about?"

"I think it's because he was baffled by his multiple lost against me."

"Shizuo! How unbelievable! Being beaten by your kohai is so shameful."

"Well what'd you expect from a newcomer like me?"
"I thought you could put up a fight like you did earlier? No matter, because tonight we'll settle by a game for the strongest of strong!"

Shinra placed a clothed object on the table just for the sake of impressing his guests.

"What the heck are you talking about Shinra?"

"BEHOLD!"

Shinra pulled the cloth away and revealed the object as a bottle of beer which nearly fall after pulling the cloth.

"Hey Shinra, you know that I don't drink right?"

"Yeah! And I thought of playing a game involving this bottle of beer."

"What kind of game?"

"We'll be citing the alphabet backwards but we'll both take a shot glass before reciting and take turns when we finished reciting. Twenty for us and whoever forgets or cites the wrong letter loses."

"I guess I'll pass, besides none if even drink..."

"Oh really Shizuo? Or is that an excuse that you don't wanna drink? Does this means you're accepting defeat by the wits of Vorona?"

"You're crossing the line there Shinra..."

"Oh I know Shizuo, I'm waiting..."

"You're pushing my buttons here alright!"

"Does this mean that you're backing down?"

"... Fine, I accept this game of yours."

Both of them are determined of winning this drinking game.

"And one last thing... Whoever loses must say something about your partner's positive characteristics."

"Deal..."

"So who goes first Shizuo?"

"I'll go..."

Shinra fills up their shot glasses and started the countdown.

"Ok. 3... 2... 1... Start!"

Both of them take turns in reciting and drinking their shots while and Shizuo cited the alphabet correctly while Shinra does the same. The second and third shot passed and both of them noticed that the beer kicked in by the fourth shot but they continued while feeling dizzy the more they drink. Ten shots has passed and Shizuo finished citing and starts taunting Shinra.

"Hey Shinra! *hic* Ya feelin' defeated already?"

"I say Nay! I *hic* nay shall not beeeh defeeeted by you!"

"What areee ya waitin' for, SING!" *hic*

"Z, Y, X, W... uhhhh Vee, Uuuuooo, Tee, Essssssshhhhh, Rrrr..."

As Shinra pauses for a while he holds his mouth and starts making noises. Celty immediately opens a plastic bag which she prepared and tilts Shinra's head to it while he vomits up into the bag. He breathes and heavily and shouts:

"Ayyyyye! It's a tie and I win the game!"

"You fuckin' cheater, you skipped Q to B so ya lose!"

"I shouted it when I was vomiting ya dummy!"

"Cheater! All I heard was Blargagahgahgahlaragragagh muffled by the plastic!"

Celty facepalmed while Vorona felt awkward as the two argued.

"Fiiiine! I lose and what I can say to my Celty is... You look beautiful without a head!"

Celty lightly tapped Shinra appreciating what he said while struggling to complete his sentence.

"And uhhh... uhh... I..."

*thud*

Shinra fell face flat on the table while Celty pets his back.

"I woooooon! *hic* you filthy cheater. *hic* Take that nerd!"

Celty grabbed Shinra and replied:

"You should sit on the couch Shizuo, don't worry I'll be taking Shinra to his bed and Vorona help him and don't be shy to call me if something's wrong or if you need some help."

"Okay..."

Celty went to Shinra's bedroom leaving the two alone. Vorona helped out Shizuo sat down on the couch and starts mumbling something.

"I also wanted to say some adorable things 'bout Vorona..."

"Huh? Senpai are you saying something? Please speak up."

Shizuo leans closer to Vorona's face and continues mumbling.

"I want to say some nice things 'bout you like *hic* 'scuse me, your silky blonde hair paired with your deep purple eyes while being expressive with your soft tender lips..."

Vorona was confused hearing this all from her drunk senpai as if something within was awakened.

"I appreciate your compliment senpai but you need rest right now."

"How 'bout no? Cuz I really want to... do... more... *hic* "

Shizuo leans closer to Vorona while she leans away but Shizuo continues till he cornered Vorona at edge.

"Senpai... You need to get some rest."

He continued to be stubborn until Vorona tried to push him away. Unfortunately Shizuo didn't like it and took off his shades and continues.

"Senpai! You're drunk! You really need some rest!"

"Heh... It's really nice to see that you're annoyed by this point...

"Shizuo-san! This is not the time to be fooling around!"

"But, if you say so... Vorona..."

"Huh?"

Shizuo pushed Vorona down at the sofa then positions himself on top of her. Vorona saw his eye's desiring something. She was confused on what's happening and what she's feeling at that moment. Silenced was felt between as they stare at each other trying to understand something. This moment was shortly interrupted the moment Shizuo spoke.

"Vorona..."

"Yes... Senpai?"

"When did you grow cat ears?"

"Huh?"

Vorona looked beside him only to see Celty near Shizuo's shoulder.

"O-Oh I uhhh... I was gonna ask if you guys wanna stay in here for the night, since Shizuo's drunk and it's dangerous if you'll go home like that!" Celty replied nervously.

"Huh? Don't mind it Celty I'm not that sleepy at-"

*oofmp*

Celty froze up for a bit and Vorona got more confused on what she's feeling. It's because that Shizuo fell asleep and landed on Vorona's chest. Vorona tried moving Shizuo up but because he was already hugging her and showed no signs of letting go.

.

.

.

"I'll be helping you with you first Vorona."

They slowly loosened Shizuo's grip without disturbing him in which they succeeded. As Celty helped Vorona get Shizuo off, she both gave Shizuo a pillow and a blanket while and offered Vorona to share beds. Vorona agrees and follows Celty. They both groomed themselves then sleep but Celty asked Vorona a question.

"Vorona?"

"...Yes, Celty-san?"

"Has Shizuo been nice to you before you left?"

"Yes, he gave me a treat once."
"What for?"
"It was for being his first junior at work."

"I see, I guess he was really happy that you became his junior."

"Yes. I think he was. Goodnight Celty-san."

"Goodnight Vorona."

Morning.

Shizuo wakes up on the couch with his shades on table where him and Shinra played some board games and drank together. He heard some noises at the bathroom where Shinra continues to vomit while having a headache. Shizuo went inside after Shinra finishes throwing up and washed his face. Suddenly he felt his stomach turning upside down which prompted him to also throw up.

"Shinra... You fucking nerd... Ughh..."

After vomiting he saw Celty outside Shinra's room and told him what happened last night. And as Celty was explaining, Vorona finished her breakfast and went to Celty only to find her speaking to Shizuo who's embarrassed while covering his mouth with his fist. Shizuo looked to the right only to see Vorona who had just finished her breakfast. A slight pause between the two happened and Shizuo slowly went to Vorona while she looked away from him.

"Vorona..."

Shizuo stutters to Vorona on what happened last night saying:

"I'm sorry...that I did some things about you, and fell... asleep on you..."

"Its okay senpai..."

"Huh?"

Shizuo scratched his head in confusion after hearing what Vorona said, to which she replied

"I guess what happened last night was unavoidable senpai... But I learned that having fun doesn't have to be fighting which I always crave for, but it could be something as calming like what happened last night."

"Vorona..."

"Thank you for letting know your friends senpai."

"Hmm, you're welcome Vorona."

Update:
Hi guys. I know it's been 200 years since my last update because I distracted myself with a lot of Devil May Cry, Trigun, Hellsing and Team Four Star's abridged series. Anyways I'll try to update the story as whenever I can (writer's block every now and then). And try to keep up the pacing of the story. With that said, I hope you enjoy the slight tweaks I've made.