AN: hehehe…I wrote this story because the plot bunnies wouldn't leave me be till I sat and typed the first chapter. Props toVampmistress76, and Deadlydiva08 for musing all of my good ideas, and helping see them to fruition. I own nothing and am not worth your time suing.

Saitou collapsed. Their third load of bags from shopping was loaded in and Saitou didn't know if he had the strength to go back for the last load. They'd shopped for 5 hours….he'd considered shooting himself during the process. Surprisingly Misao was a very picky, but frugal shopper. She examined deals, and did well in terms of the overall cost of everything. She managed to price down a table and chairs for a dinning room set…one he would have to put together, Saitou grumbled. She also did really well on a lot of her buys for groceries and such. She bought a lot of framed posters to hang from the walls. She also bought a few house plants. Even Saitou had to admit that they did look nice. He put away the food in the fridge, while Misao came in with the last load.

"Ahhhh!" Misao said setting her bags down. "Now we're good to go for the next month!" She smiled, jumping into the pile of bags and starting to throw things in the cupboard.

Saitou glanced at her from the corner of his eye, wondering how she still had energy after all of that.

"Are you hungry?" She asked him, as she gathered the empty bags.

His stomach answered for him.

Misao giggled. "I'll take that as a yes, ne?"

Saitou muttered something, making a quick escape to his own room, leaving Misao standing there wondering what she'd done. Good, he'd been a little too buddy- buddy today to make him comfortable. He closed the door, and laid down on his bed. He had a lot to think about. He stared up at the ceiling. It had all happened so fast, one moment he was in huge financial debt and the next his troubles with finances being solved by one girl. One horribly optimistic, giggly, silly, mood swing prone girl. He glanced at the check, making sure it wasn't a fake. How did she get so much money? She'd mentioned her restaurant job but surely she couldn't make that much in a month? Unless her grandfather was loaded, and just happened to give her money every other day. Then again it was possible she had savings…Saitou scoffed at himself. He was analyzing her like he would a criminal.

So he had a roommate. One female roommate. That was trouble waiting to happen, particularly with one bathroom that was in his room no less. Why had he settled for the money? Because she's paying 700 a month which virtually eliminates almost all of your expenses…Wait a minute. She was a girl! Would she take up the sink space with all of her stuff? Did she have girly bathroom décor that she would insist upon enforcing. A vision of bright pink ribbons and lace entered Saitou's mind and he shuddered.

What about the cabinet? It was HIS room after all, but they only had one bathroom...AND what about her feminine products? Saitou grimaced.

Oh gods… … He'd have to deal with that time of the month. Groaning he buried his head in his pillow, kicking off his shoes. She probably had horrific mood swings as well during that time. He was starting to regret making the decision based on money. She'd be more trouble than she was worth, giving him no end of headaches. He grimaced. It was bad when you knew you smelled horrible. He needed a shower, desperately, and he'd picked up some soap and shampoo while they were out. He could afford the water bill now seeing as how he'd deposited her check. He decided to take a shower.

Misao said nothing as he walked away, ignoring her. What the hell was his problem? Misao wondered. One minute he'd been perfectly fine to start the conversation and the next he just walked away! Well he seemed swell, Misao thought rolling her eyes, and blowing her bangs out of her face. Her mind traveled to the conversation she'd had with Aoshi earlier. She stopped dead in her tracks. Aoshi had approved of her staying here. Sea foam green eyes narrowed. Why had he just suddenly approved? With sudden sinking suspicion, Misao whipped out her cell phone as she started chopping up meat for stir fry.

"Answer the damn phone…" She muttered, hitting send and waiting for the ringtone.

"Hello?" Aoshi's cold voice answered.

"Ello, Aoshi sama….You've got some explaining to Do" She said, having finished with the meat and working on the ginger, and garlic.

"Ahh Misao. How did things go today with Saitou san?" Aoshi asked sweetly, sarcasm dripping from his tone.

"I don't know what evil scheme you've got running through your head but this was my decision to move out!" Misao cried, and realized she'd probably alert Saitou. She mentally kicked herself. Damn him! Misao gritted her teeth.

"Of course it was. Keep telling yourself that Misao." Aoshi said smugly.

"I'm not yours to control, you know!" Misao said, not quite as loud as she'd been before.

"You seem to think you have freedom, Misao. But you and I both know I've got you wrapped around my fingernail. As long as I'm in charge of the Oniwabanshuu you haven't got a leg to stand on, even with your grandfather's position" Aoshi told her simply.

"I hate you." Misao snarled, but realized that something about Saitou was important otherwise Aoshi wouldn't be so damn smug about it.

"Tell me why he's the assignment" She said.

"He's the assignment because we need him." Aoshi replied, grinning.

"That's not good enough for me" Misao replied.

"Well it's classified information Misao" Aoshi said.

"Classified my ass, you never organized those folders anyways. And Jiya always informed us of what was going on- if you were half the leader-"

"Just Keep him happy. Cooking, cleaning, everything."

"Tell me why or I'm walking" Misao snapped.

"I need you to tail him for information. You need to get close to him." Aoshi replied simply.

"C-close to him? Misao blushed. "W-what? What do you mean?" She asked startled. Why was he having her do this assignment? Okon or Omasu were much better at this sort of thing…

"I need you to gain his trust. And I know what you're thinking. Saitou's particular, he wouldn't want Omasu or Okon. He might, however, take the bait, if it's you. Do whatever it takes. I know your talents. It says here in his file he's divorced so you're in the clear in terms of that. We need to know as much about this man as possible before taking action"

"You bastard…" Misao snarled. "How dare you suggest- Taking action?" Misao asked, anger completely lost as she realized what he was talking about.

"If he's the one we can use, then this whole mess can be cleared up. You've got an extremely important job Misao, try not to screw it, or him up too much" Aoshi said.

"Oooow!" Misao snarled, about to lapse into every curse word she could think of, but he'd already hung up on her.

Do whatever it takes… His words hurt her as they embarrassed her. Her cheeks flushed in shame. She didn't want to get emotionally or physically attached to any one in any sense of the word. This man was older, and more experienced. Hell, he'd been married before. If she did get involved with him, sex would most assuredly be an issue. She couldn't handle flings like Okon could. But Aoshi had chosen her for this assignment. What the hell! Misao thought, chopping up the green onion and turning on the stove. She threw the meat and the ginger into the sauce pain, adding the garlic and green onions. She stirred it absently, as she heated up the rice cooker, dumping the water and rice into it and putting the lid on. Dinner was ready before she'd had a chance to think of how she'd approach the problem. Oh the hell with it.

She took the wok off the stove, and unplugged the rice cooker. She took off her apron and went to knock on the door.

"Saitou?" She called. No answer. She walked to the door.

"Saitou?" still no answer. She knocked on the door. Nothing…

She slowly opened the door. It should've clicked in her head that the shower was running. It also should've clicked by the steam on the mirror that he was showering. It didn't, and Misao deeply regretted it. He walked out with a towel at his waist at that moment. Misao turned bright red, eyes wide, as they looked him from head to toe. His shoulders were broad, arms muscular, despite his thin frame, tapering down with nicely defined and chiseled abs. He must've worked out a great deal. Flushing, she averted her eyes, but not before he saw her look.

Saitou had been just as shocked as she had, when he'd entered…until he saw her checking him out. Oh gods. No. She was his roommate. This wasn't happening.

"Enjoying the view?" He asked her sarcastically playing it off well. She averted her eyes at that point.

"Did you need something?" He asked her irritation filling his voice as the awkward silence had stretched on far enough.

"I was just coming to tell you that dinner was ready" She said icily, turning her back to him and leaving.

"Next time lock the bathroom door" Misao muttered.

"Next time try knocking." Saitou replied.

"I did knock!" Misao turned and glared.

"Did it not occur to you, that if the shower was running, that I might actually be in the shower?"

"OOooo" Misao slammed the door closed.

Great That went well, he thought with sarcasm. She'd been so red, he thought a smug grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. And her eyes had nearly been as big as saucers as she stared at him. Then her eyes took on a completely different look as they trailed his body. It had surprised him, as much as it feeded his bruised and battered ego. She had awoken something deep inside of him that he'd forgotten so long ago. He was attractive. He may have been thirty but he still was in top shape, the prime of his life. And girls apparently still found him pleasing to the eye.

Interesting….he'd have to start taking advantage of that. He was technically single now after all? He had no desire to become intimate, but there was no reason he couldn't enjoy himself with pleasure able company. He could go drinking with the guys at night. A whole world of possibility was open to him now. He smirked, pulling on pants and a shirt, deciding to leave it un buttoned. Let her look he thought evily.

He came out of the room, and smelled the stir fry. The aroma made his mouth water. She could cook. Thank the gods…He grabbed a bowl and served himself. Misao took one look at him, focusing in on his open shirt and blushed. She didn't look at him as she sat down on the couch and watched tv. She ate silently, and Saitou shrugged it off and sat down on the couch as well.

Misao sat, eating and stealing glances in his direction. Typical guy. Completely focused on the television. The silence stretched on, things becoming awkwarder and awkwarder by the minute….

Say something Makimachi…

"So what does your work schedule this week look like?" She asked finally.

Yellow eyes rolled and fixed their gleam on her. Misao waited for his response but he went back to the t.v. Misao couldn't believe it. He'd just deliberately ignored her. What a jerk! Misao, deciding not to be brushed off so easily, grabbed the remote and turned the TV off. Saitou rolled his eyes, and turned to face her, irritated.

"Look, I'm doing my best here, but if we're gonna be roommates we've got some talking to do." She stated, arms akimbo. Her green grey eyes pierced his with the "look" woman were so good at giving.

"Typical… What would you like to talk about" Saitou asked exasperated.

Misao growled. "You think I'm doing this because I want to? Ooooww... I've had some pretty low class roommates, and I refuse to be stuck with all of the work around here, particularly since I'm paying so much for the rent." Misao said.

"Excuse me?" Saitou exclaimed. Was she implying that he wouldn't help out? Who did this little girl think she was?

"You're excused! I've learned my lessons before with crappy room mates, so please just cooperate with me for ten minutes so we can work this out" Misao said, her tone becoming angrier by the second.

Saitou couldn't help himself. She was just too fun to set off. He picked up the remote and turned on the TV.

Misao twitched. Oh… he was going to die now.

"Did. You. Just. Not. HEAAAARRRR MEEEE!" Misao cried chucking the remote to the floor.

Saitou winced. Would she always be this loud?

"I think everyone on this block heard you…We can talk about this after I finish with this show" He said, simply tuning her out.

Misao could've killed him. She chucked her bowl into the wall, it smashing into a hundred pieces, and slammed her door to her room.

Saitou eyed the pieces of the bowl and stared at the door. So she was violent too. Joy. This would not do. He couldn't possible live with her if she was going to be like this. And then it struck him. He'd been irritating her for the hell of it. Perhaps he could irritate her so much that she would move out. She'd paid this month's rent already….he could leave the advertisement up in the paper and hopefully get a new roommate, one that didn't have chronic pms. It'd be perfect. Smirking to himself Saitou settled himself comfortably on the couch.

Misao snarled about ready to chuck a vase at the wall. Setting it down, knowing Okina would never forgive her for breaking it, she picked up her cell phone and speed dialed Aoshi. She would not put up with this.

Aoshi picked looked at his cell phone and saw the name. Sighing, he answered it.

"Yes?" Aoshi said.

"YOU planned this you bastard! You set me up with the worst roommate in the entire history of this known earth, knowing he would drive me absoloutly crazy! You probably tricked me into moving out too! Well guess what Bucko, I QUIT!"

"Really? Quitting so soon….well that's typical" Aoshi said flippantly.

"WHAT?" Misao snarled. "What the hell do you mean by TYPICAL?" She cried.

"Oh well you walked out on the other case we had for you. I can't say I'm surprised that you've decided to quit this one. I guess it must be a pattern…I'll have to go tell Okina-"

"Are you calling me a quitter?" Misao squeaked, anger rising.

"That's what you're doing isn't it?" Aoshi asked her. He was replied to by a snarl, and then his phone must've lost the call. Or she threw her cell at the wall again. Aoshi sighed. Probably the latter. Eventually he would have to cut her off if she kept ruining her phones. The Oniwabanshuu couldn't afford her temper tantrums. Shrugging, he closed his flip phone. That should motivate her enough to do something.

Misao had chucked her phone into the wall. Bastard! bastard! bastard! She heard a knock on her door.

"WHAT?"

"My shows over, you wanted to talk?" Saitou prompted for her.

"Oh. Yea" Misao said, opening her door.

Saitou was surprised. She had let her hair down, and it fell in long cascading waves down her shoulders. Apparently she didn't wear makeup because her sea foam green eyes were still as large and bright as they had been when he'd met, black lashes curling around them. Her lips were forever a coral pink, small, but pouting. She wore a camisole, and particularly short shorts by his standards. She was obviously dressed for bed. She was fit and toned, defined but delicate…She looked so different with her hair down, nothing at all like the chronically pmsing girl he'd dealt with earlier. Briefly he wondered if they were the same. Saitou was shocked to say the least, even though his expression didn't show it. He couldn't give her the satisfaction of knowing he was looking.

Misao sighed. She stared up into yellow eyes, narrowed, and arms folded.

Saitou turned and walked to the living room. He sat down on the couch. Misao followed and sat on the other end.

"Well?" Saitou asked her as Misao settled herself. She was wearing pink bunny slippers. Saitou controlled his snort of disdain and his snide comment. It was getting late and starting a fight now wouldn't do him any good. This girl was positively quirky…in every sort of way.

"When do you work usually?" Misao asked flatly

"Why do you need to know that?"

Misao cracked her neck, clenching her fists. "So I can have dinner ready.." She said, trying and failing miserably not to sound angry.

Saitou eyed her. She wanted to have dinner made for him? To poison him? Although her food had been very good…better than Tokio's cooking, he begrudgingly had to admit. By why was she so willing to cook for him? It disturbed him. Who did that for people now a days? Once again, Saitou found himself asking what he had gotten himself into.

"I'll get you a copy of my schedule. What else?" Saitou replied. What did it matter so long as he ate well.

"Cleaning?" She prompted, getting up. She needed some tea.

"I clean every Saturday. That good enough for you?" Saitou replied.

"Yea." She said, putting the tea kettle on the stove.

"What about laundry?" Misao asked.

"I briefly remember you volunteering, so I guess the day would be your choice. If I need laundry before that day I do on my own. Sound fair?"

Misao grimaced, hating that he'd remembered that. "I have Friday's off"

"Good enough then" Saitou replied.

"What about dinner?" Misao asked.

"I get home at 6:00 each night and watch t.v. for a bit" Saitou replied

"So 6:30 ish?" Misao replied.

Saitou nodded. He was surprised. This conversation was flowing smoothly and simply. She was easier to talk to when she wasn't throwing things.

"How do you want to work the bathroom since it's in your room?" Misao asked.

"Keep your stuff clear from it" Saitou replied.

"Excuse me? It's the only bathroom. And what exactly do you mean by my stuff? I have to put my shower stuff in there, and my toothbrush, and soap-"

"You know exactly what I mean" Saitou growled. Was she deliberately this thick headed or did she annoy him on purpose?

"What are you talking about?" Misao exclaimed.

"For your….time of the month" Saitou muttered.

"Yea, what about it?" Misao said shrugging. He was married, it shouldn't be such a big deal.

"Keep your stuff out of the bathroom"

"What? That's ridiculous, am I supposed to change my tampon in my room or something?"

"I don't care WHAT you do, just keep it out of the bathroom"

"No! That's ridiculous. I'll keep it in the cabinets but that's about it. I'm a girl and I pay enough rent here to justify having my pads and tampons at least in the cabinet!" Misao stomped her foot for emphasis.

"No." Saitou said.

"I thought you were married before this?" Misao said, hands on her hips.

Saitou's eyes narrowed. "I've never told you that" He said accusingly. He got to his feet.

"You have divorce written all over your face, Hajime" Misao replied.

Phew…good save Makimachi

"Who the HELL are you and what the hell do you think you know anyways? I bet you've never had a single relationship that's worked out. Don't talk to me about divorce. You know nothing" Saitou said slamming the door.

Misao winced. That had hurt. Maybe she'd never had a lasting relationship. That's because every man she'd ever met wanted to use her. She held back the tears. Even when she found his soft spot, he still managed to draw blood. Jerk! Bastard! She stifled the sob and went to go get herself a cup of tea. As she poured it, she realized that all she had was green tea. It had been Aoshi 's favorite….She wiped the tears. Even he had used her. Damn him! Damn them all! She sipped her tea sitting down. So Saitou was divorced. That must've been hard. From what she could tell he was a very closed man. Probably why his wife left him. So if what she had said made him angry enough to loose his cool….

Misao bit her lip. Why the hell was she feeling guilty? Her own conscience answered for her. Because no one deserved to have their obvious pain thrown in their faces no matter how much of a jerk they were. This was probably the first time he was living alone after the marriage. Great……why did her new roommate have to have baggage to spare…

She knew what she had to do. The right thing was to go in and apologize. Not only was it the right thing to do, it was part of her cover. Damn you, Aoshi to the pits of hell! Misao thought angrily. She took a long sip of her tea and threw the mug in the sink. She grabbed her bed robe, and wrapped it around herself. It was chilly in the apartment, but she couldn't do anything about it tonight.

She walked to the door, squeezing her eyes shut, hating every minute that she would have to be the one to apologize to that…man! Clenching and unclenching her fists she took a deep breath. Releasing her breath, as well as whatever pride she had left she knocked on the door. He didn't answer.

"Saitou?" She called.

Still no answer.

"Saitou? I-I wanted to tell you something"

"Go away" Saitou replied, reaching for his bottle of wine.

She was probably just going to rub it in that he'd been divorced. Or worse, she would pry. He took a swig. Gods here he was turning to the same resort his father had turned to. He was pathetic. He took another swig of it, loathing himself for what he was, what he was doing, and how his life had turned out.

"Can I come in?" Misao asked.

"Did you not just hear what I said?" Saitou replied, irritated. Did she have to choose to be a pain in his ass right now?

"Please, Hajime" Misao asked softly.

"Do whatever the hell you want" Saitou replied, taking another swig. Well his sinuses were starting to clear. That was a positive. How long had it been since he'd had this much alcohol? Tokio had never let him drink.

Misao entered into the room. Saitou sat, a bottle of wine in his hand. Misao's eyebrow arched but she said nothing. Was he an alcoholic? Misao shuddered. She didn't want to have to deal with drug addicts ever again. Not after that last one- Misao shrugged off the thought. She had to finish what was before her. Dwelling on the past only meant more pain.

"Look, I wanted to apologize for what I said. You….you were right. I know nothing about divorce….or even how to have a healthy relationship…" Unbidden tears leapt to her eyes, and she cursed her weakness. God, not in front of him! She bowed her head hoping he wouldn't notice them.

Saitou sighed, as she bent her head. She was crying. Great. What the hell was he supposed to do about it?

"You didn't do anything wrong Misao, it's just…" Saitou told her, trying to find the words.

Misao glanced up at him, wiping her tears away. Would he tell her what had happened?

He said nothing more, taking another swig of his bottle.

"It's just?" Misao asked, hoping he would finish the sentence he started. Maybe the alcohol would loosen him up a bit. Saitou took a rather huge gulp of the bottle. And then another.

"Did you know that she was the most beautiful girl I'd ever laid eyes on?" Saitou said, grinning, his eyes taking on a far off look.

"Her father was the governor. I was dating the governor's daughter. A nobody like me. I loved her. She took me for everything I had in the divorce. She even took my son away from me." Saitou said, pausing. Yellow eyes contorted in pain. Misao came closer, hating his expression. He was internalizing it….it was no way to deal with the pain, and she knew it so well. She watched him turn his sad eyes towards the window, as he took another swig. She hated watching other people suffer, even if it was Saitou at the moment.

"I'm sorry" She whispered.

"Sorry?" Saitou choked. Misao look at him, alarmed, and then glared. He was laughing at her.

"What's so damn funny?" Misao demanded, stepping closer, arms akimbo on her waist as she glared.

"That you" He said, biting back tears of laughter "Are apologizing for something" He wheezed. "That has nothing to do with you" He continued to laugh.

He had a way of making Misao feel small and helpless every time he talked to her. She was getting tired of it. This was the way Aoshi had treated her, like so many other men from her past had done. She wouldn't put up with it.

"Listen, you pompous JERK! I don't understand why it's so damn funny that I wanted to try and help you make amends" Misao snarled.

"But I am tired of you treating me like I'm so damned fool! I'll have you know that I graduated from college 2 years ahead of time, I've won countless awards, scholarships and other merits based on the hard work and effort I've put in. " Misao cried.

Saitou's eyes widened. He'd made her mad. Uh-oh. His logic was a little fuzzy at the moment. He took another swig of wine, hoping that that would clear it a little.

"My entire life I have been treated like an idiot, being sent of fools errands, playing the child. And I will not TOLERATE it from you, do you hear me?" Misao cried.

"Oh shit.." Saitou muttered. She was furious. He set the wine bottle down, and walked towards her. He still had on his pants and button up shirt, which wasn't buttoned at the moment, but he'd forgotten that.

"I wasn't laughing at you" He told her drawing near to her. Misao looked up and realized he'd moved. Oh shit. Was he drunk? His eyes weren't glazed yet. His nose gleamed a smidgen red… ish. He was buzzed at the least as Misao glanced at the wine bottle. It was over half way empty. Damn, if he wasn't drunk, then he sure could hold his liquor.

"Then what were you laughing at?" Misao demanded, preparing herself incase he tried something. She'd beat the bastard down if he dared.

"The situation" Saitou replied, drawing closer so he could look her in the eye…well…..look her down in the eye. He hadn't noticed how short she was before. Perhaps this was why he'd mistaken her as a child.

"The situation?" Misao demanded, angry, but not understanding.

Saitou sighed. "The fact that you, who knew nothing about my situation was apologizing for something you hadn't done or caused. The fact that you were pitying me" Saitou said the last part bitterly, hating her pity more than her anger.

"I wasn't pitying you. I don't have pity for men like you." Misao snapped, her infamous temper getting the best of her.

"Oh?" Saitou asked, staring at her predatorily. Misao fell back, into the wall. Not good.

"No, I don't have pity for men like you. You probably had the world in your hands, a wonderful wife, a good life and a family. I bet you squandered it. If you're treating me this way, I can understand why she left you. You're a cold man."

"Excuse me?" Saitou replied, walking right up to her. He was less than 6 inches away from her, and rested his arm upon the wall.

"Y-you heard me" Misao said, seafoam green eyes narrowing, even as they held fear within their ocean depths. She was trembling.

She was interesting. No one would ever speak to him like this, and here she was, small and defiant, even when he had her in a position that other women might cower from and she was still as determined to piss him off as ever. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes alight with jade fire, and her hair streamed down her face in waves. She was pretty when she was angry. Saitou blinked. He hadn't meant to notice that. Where had that come from? The wine more than likely…

"Indeed I did," He said drawing nearer. She was obviously uncomfortable.

Misao glanced up into his yellow eyes. Bad mistake. Molten gold captured her, caught her within it's depths. She couldn't look away, and felt a blush creeping up her face from his heated look.

"Nothing more to say?" Saitou provoked her. Misao broke his glance, pushed him away, and moved towards the door.

"Oh I have lots more to say. But for now I think this discussion would be better saved for when you're not drinking…" Misao replied.

Saitou winced. "No. Don't go….. At least not yet" He replied painfully. He had promised he would never repeat his father's mistake. And here he was trying to drown out his pain. Fool…he had to explain to her…make her understand…

"I can handle a considerable amount of alcohol, Misao. Unfortunately this was inherited from my father. It's in my family." Saitou explained, uncomfortably. Misao turned around and waited.

"I'm not usually like this. I hardly ever drink, unless it's a special occasion. This has just been hard on me. Please know that you will never have to be afraid of me when I drink because I will never drink enough to loose control." Saitou bowed his head.

Misao paused. He'd just admitted his weakness to her willingly. She was surprised. The alcohol probably helped him soften up a bit.

"I understand Saitou…"Misao said, smiling softly. More than you know…she thought to herself.

"You don't owe me any explanation. I don't frown upon the way you're handling things either. We're all human. Goodnight" She bid him, and closed the door.

She retreated quickly to her door and closed it. Leaning against the back of her door and staring into her room. She touched her flushed cheeks, further embarrassed that he'd seen her blush. His heated look had told her what most other men had shown her. He desired her. That was good wasn't it? It's what she was supposed to do, right? Then why did she feel so….so nervous about it. It was anxiety that tickled her tummy, straight down to her toes. She shook her head. She had found out a great deal about Saitou and needed to call Aoshi. If she could just focus on her duties she'd be fine. She'd be just fine…Misao dialed Aoshi's number. She might as well get this done and over with.

Saitou emptied the bottle in the sink, chucking it into the trash can. He contemplated his situation. She'd seen him drinking, but hadn't frowned upon him. Tokio wasn't here anymore to tell him what to do, and he certainly wasn't his father. He could drink and drink sensibly. He had been this close to finishing the bottle and lapsing back into self pity before she'd come in. He had to watch himself on how much he consumed. However that was no reason not to go out drinking just because he didn't want to get drunk. He could do that now that he didn't have to worry about Tokio's nagging, or how he would look. It was late….he had to be up in the morning. He crawled into bed, knowing tomorrow would be rough.