Gays' Night Out [Kei/Hono]

KEI SAIONJI

Kei nodded along as Hono explained their relationship. It seemed a bit lonely, but so would any relationship with a Shinigami. If anything, Hono also being a Shinigami made this easier. Both Elyss and Hono knew their responsibilities better than an outsider would. She thought more about what that meant for herself. Would someone outside of the Gotei actually understand her duties? Would someone outside of the Nobility understand her obligations? Both things reminded her she didn't have someone to have those differences of understanding with.

Finding herself staring at the drink, Kei drank more. "Even though we only just met, I'm glad you seem to have a comfortable relationship." She was also equally envious of what Hono had. There was a very short list of women had ever caught Kei's own eye beyond something physical. And the lack of those special few made her feel emptier on the inside. Kei finished her drink and had to think before ordering another. "If I get too drunk, would you take me back to the Saionji manor? Or at least to my office in the First Division?"

"If not, that's fine." Kei was giving Hono an out if she wanted it. "I could probably find a cab. I just get the feeling tonight's one of those nights where my own legs won't be taking me to my door... and not in the way in I planned."

KEI SAIONJI

Kei chuckled. Of course Hono would have dealt with drunk people. J complained every time he had to deal with those idiots that drank on-duty. Hono probably took that better than he did. She was turning out to be just the companion Kei needed tonight after her failed date. She mimicked Hono and got another drink. It wasn't fun to drink alone. Turning the tease back at Hono, Kei let out a long thinking noise. "Hmmm, I don't know if that's a worthwhile trade... If you keep being so fun and bubbly, I'll be envious of Captain Kishimoto. And, well, I don't think I'd win that kind of rivalry."

When Hono mentioned food, Kei nodded in appreciation. When Hono mentioned J eating the food, she looked a bit shocked. "Oh? J ate someone else's food? ...Wait, so you're the one that's bringing him lunch. He compliments your lunch a lot to me. He has a bad habit of not knowing how to compliment." As she thought about the conversation she had with J over this mysterious lunch-bringer, Kei snickered. Then the snickering turned into laughter. "You know, he thought you were interested in him, and that's why you brought him lunch. I guess I can tell him that he won't be breaking your heart."

KEI SAIONJI

Kei couldn't help but laugh again at Hono's reaction. She sounded almost so defeated when she affirmed her sexuality. There was just something in that I like women... that made her briefly forget her own woes. Maybe it was the confidence. Maybe it was just outwardly saying it. Kei had never once tonight outright said she liked women. She always danced around that subject. She always used euphemisms. She rarely, if ever, just outright said "I like women."

"I feel like I should be offended at you saying 'yuck' to my brother. But I guess the alcohol saves you this time." Kei elbowed Hono slightly. She might be someone seen as pretty elegant, but Kei had picked up some bad habits from her brother—and her brother's company. "Anyways, you're not leading me on. If there's one thing I hate more than... just about anything, it's a homewrecker. I'm just glad you said you weren't single so soon, otherwise I would have thought you were leading me on." She raised her glass. "So let's consider this a friendship, nothing more, nothing less."

After the toast, Kei downed a good portion of her drink. Feeling the warmth, she relaxed a bit more. "So how did you and Captain Kishimoto meet? I can't imagine it's easy to catch a Captain's eye like that."

KEI SAIONJI

Kei had a brief twinge of jealousy towards Elyss for a moment. That immediate defensive reaction was pretty cute. Lucky woman there. Taking another drink, Kei burned that away. Hono was pretty quickly solidifying herself as someone Kei wanted to see again. If nothing else, she was keeping Kei entertained, but it was more than that. She was keeping Kei distracted from her loneliness. That was something Hono wouldn't know how much was appreciated.

The story on how those two met was cute. She liked Hono's spunk and practically-immediate "I like you, let's go out" attitude. The jealousy was burned out with another drink before it could even start to build up. "Sometimes... That preferential treatment does have its perks, so don't... don't just constantly ignore it." Kei was feeling some of the alcohol now, and so she decided to snack on the nuts provided at the bar to try to counteract it. They were the best nuts ever—at least to her inebriated brain.

Kei ordered what was now her fourth drink. "I don't drop J's name all the time. I don't really drop my name. But if I do... It's because I, okay you should really try these nuts. They're so good." Kei slid the bowl between them, much to the dismay of another patron. "But if I did drop the Saionji name, it would be because it was the right tool for the job. Like, a Third Seat might have trouble getting inside a fancy event, but a Saionji? That has the ring of someone they want in attendance! Especially if it's me and I'm performing—oops, did I say that out loud?"

KEI SAIONJI

Hono was one of the few Shinigami Kei knew that actively wanted to become a Captain. She certainly wasn't one of them. She might could handle being a Lieutenant, but a Captain? Too much on her shoulders and not enough leeway to justify it. Kei didn't know if Hono would make a good Captain, but she at least would be a fun Captain.

The bartender eyed the both of them and did refill the nut jar. He also pointedly sat down glasses of water near them. "Not... quite a piano. I sing; quite well, if I may say so myyyself." Kei's cheek turned a shade of red, but not from the drinks. Most people in the Gotei weren't privy to this knowledge—mostly because they didn't get paid enough to attend. "But it's not like I'm some pop starlet..."

"It's more... easy listening stuff with a... Well, remember how I said I had led people on? Well, it can get a little risque. I don't show anything off or get close to it, but I can't deny it's a bit suggestive..." Kei was staring into her drink again. "There's a certain bit of fun about flaunting something others can't have... But I guess that's a bit wrong, isn't it?"