.
Empty Bottles
.
It should've been obvious.
There were so many red flags. Too many late nights 'at work', too many meetups with 'friends'. Calls and messages at ungodly hours.
How could I be so fucking blind?
The disheveled figure muttered quietly as they rooted around in search of something.
I never even saw it coming, but everyone else did.
They found their prize soon enough. Inspecting the unopened bottle of alcohol in the dim light pouring into the kitchen.
Might as well not let it go to waste...
The shadowed figure didn't bother grabbing a glass, opting to get straight to business.
Not like anyone will care.
They clutched the bottle in one hand and carelessly fell into one of the unoccupied kitchen chairs. Head tossed back with the free hand covering their face.
At least I don't have to worry about work anymore. Fuck that place and everyone in it, they can burn for all I care.
With a tired sigh they moved to open the bottle of expensive liquor. Set on getting thoroughly trashed.
Bottoms up!
They took a rather long pull. The only sign of discomfort being their face scrunching up as the alcohol hit their throat.
Good stuff, quite strong but nothing I can't handle.
...
A sudden pounding on the door disturbed the silence.
What the hell?
"Open up you damn baka! It's cold out here!"
Maybe if I'm quiet she'll go away…
"And don't think I'm going to leave! I can see your motorcycle out here baka!"
Damn…
"Okay, okay I'm comin'. Hold your horses, geez."
Even after all these years I can still count on you berating me huh Saya-chan?
Takashi trudged to the door of his apartment. Quickly unlocking it to let in his childhood nuisanc-friend.
You'd think she'd cut me some slack?
"Hey Takagi-san, long time no see."
Jesus Christ she looks pissed, what did I do?
"And whose fault is that hmm? Whatever Komuro-kun, just move so I can get inside. It's rude to leave a guest out in the cold, baka!"
I'm the rude one? The fuck?
...
The pinkette stormed into the apartment as if she owned it. Marching past an annoyed and confused Takashi.
Should've just left her to freeze. Then I could get drunk in peace.
"God, why is it so dark in here? Have you been drinking? What in the hell is that smell? You're not still mourning over Rei are you? It's been over a year..." Her tone started as judgmental before shifting to incredulous and finally settling on one of concern.
That's it!
"What do you want Takagi? You show up out of nowhere, demanding to be let in, and then immediately start acting like a freaking bitch. I didn't even do anything!"
Aw shit, I think I fucked up...
"Wait! Saya," The man exclaimed in an apologetic tone.
Too little and too late. Should've kept your mouth shut.
"Now you listen here you goddamn baka! You got friends and family worried about you. You have me, me of all people! Worried about you! You never answer anyone's calls, or texts, or emails, or anything! We understand that you're hurting but,"
I didn't mean to make you cry.
"But life goes on! We're here for you, we'll always be here for you, we've always had your back." At this the Takagi heiress choked up a bit more, prompting Komuro to move forward to try and calm her down. The woman quickly darted away from him, shaking her head.
I'm sorry.
"No! You need to hear this Takashi, you baka! And I'm not leaving until I say my piece! Got it!" She finished with a glare, her face flushed and tears still present in the corners of her eyes.
God she's beautiful even when she's angry.
"Ok. I'm sorry. Go ahead Saya."
Wait, where did that come from?
...
"Rei was always wishy washy, and you know that. Why you continued to play her games nobody knows. You and Saeko were amazing for each other but you sabotaged that. So I wanna know why. What's so special about Rei that you can't be happy with someone else. Someone like me."
Huh?
"Are you into kinky shit so you settle for a lying whore? Are you that much of a cuck Takashi? You always put yourself and your happiness last. I just want to know why? Is it something about her, or something about you? Is she that special or are you that weak?"
Now hold the fuck up!
"Why can she move on and you can't. Is it impossible or are you just that much of a bitch boy?"
Count to ten. Do what the therapist said and remember to breathe too.
One.
"Saya, I'm warning you."
Two.
A loud smack was heard throughout the apartment, the sound managing to echo off the spartan walls.
Three.
"Answer me Komuro. I deserve that much! If you can't face the truth for yourself, do it for someone else."
Four.
Another slap was delivered, this time a backhand. The force, enough to stumble the recipient.
Five.
The brown haired man grit his teeth and bit back a snarl. Instead opting to fix his posture, standing nearly ramrod straight and working his jaw.
S-S-Six.
"Are you deaf, stupid, or dumb! Tell me! Tell me! Tell me why! P-Please! Please just tell me..." At this she crumpled to the floor. The sight was so shocking, Takashi immediately pushed aside the anger and bitterness to check on her.
...
Fuck, what do I do? Do I call an ambulance? The cops?
He placed the bottle on a nearby table and quickly knelt by her side. His hands shook as he moved to check her pulse and see if she was breathing.
Okay, her pulse is steady. So is her breathing. Wait a minute, what's that smell.
The man leaned closer to her parted lips and caught a whiff of alcohol. Surprised, he pulled back and inspected her closely for the first time since she swept into his residence.
How in the fuck could I have missed that?
The pink whirlwind's face was actually quite flushed, her hair was closer to a mess than he'd ever seen it, and now that he noticed it she was missing her shoes.
What in the fuck? Did she get drunk? How did she get here, did she drive? Or did she walk it? Damn it Saya, what the hell is going on?
...
Takashi brought both hands to his head as he wondered what to do.
.
Author's Note:
Thanks for all the reviews! It's nice to get some feedback from other HoTD fans. I'd like to say this is in response to those reviewers who wanted to see Takashi get with Shizuka, but I ain't gonna lie, this particular pairing has always been on the back of my mind. In the anime it is clear to see that Komuro is meant to be a sort of alpha-male character. His status as a leader isn't ever really questioned, all the girls look to him first, etc etc.
Logically, I wondered about how'd they get together. In the series the dynamic between the two almost seemed more brotherly and sisterly than anything, with the exception of a few scenes where I at least felt there was some yearning for more on Saya's end. Not to mention how abrasive Takagi is and how passive Takashi appears to be at times. But I figured, well fuck this is fanfiction, I can do whatever the hell I want!
There'll definitely be more to see in this universe at some point, kinda hit a brick wall with where to take it. Think of it as something to look forward to.
Anyway, thanks for tuning in to this installment of Death, Love, & Zombies remember to fav, follow, and review!