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[AH/V/OPEN] Week ---: Happy Hour

Valero

Valero

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Christmas Party at Zakki's penthouse, he gave permission. Invites have been sent to all AH and Vizard characters. Now Party On, Garth!


Shukumei walked up the driveway to the huge penthouse, levels of stone that should have more accurately been described as a walkway. He would not have been surprised if people starting walking up it before they realised it led straight to Zakki's home! It certainly put his apartment to shame: with a reasonably large garden and complete with a jacuzzi, not to mention people drinking and chatting on every side - some faces he recognised from Cerberus, others he didn't - the place was giving the Tokyo nightlife a run for its money.

The vizard, bottle of umeshu in his hand, had no idea where to walk first. To go and converse with other Cerberus agents or to raid the kitchen? He was certain there was going to be enough food to feed half of Japan. Taking a sip of the plum liqueur that he adored so much, he smiled and made his way towards the building.

I don't know much about this Christmas thing that humans celebrate, but it sure puts them in the partying spirit, he thought to himself and continued to wander almost aimlessly towards the huge construct that the Chairman called his home.

[199/199]
 
The short redhead weaved her way through the crowd of people, unsure of exactly where she was going. Toki had never seen a dwelling quite like this one, everything about it screamed 'Hey, I have money and I don't know what to do with it. What do you think of this vase, isn't it better than the twenty other vases I already own?' She quietly chuckled to herself as she imagined the chairman of a large corporation in a vase shop, pondering about his next purchase.

Her day dream was quickly shattered as her eyes caught a glimpse of copper hair moving about just a few feet ahead of her. So this is where he ran off to. The vizard thought as a smile crept across her face.

Silently, she moved in on her target then snatched the bottle of umeshu from his hand. Taking a decent sized swig of the alcoholic beverage, she stared at her roommate through one eye, the other closed as she drank.

“This is quite an odd party being thrown here, huh? What do you think of the evergreen they dragged in?” She asked the other vizard as she returned the drink to him.


[202/202]
 
A sort of motley assortment of individuals had found their way into the party. Yumi Hikuze and James Rourke were representing Cerberus Fukushima in the mingling, as Joachim Eberhardt nursed a drink at the open bar.

It wasn't unusual for the Corporation to throw a public affair during the holidays. It did wonders for public relations, and it was one of the few opportunities for employees to relax.

James grinned at a middle-aged woman across the way, as she took a small of what appeared to be a native drink. A tweak pulled at his ear, and he laughed as Yumi swatted at him shortly after.

"No funny business, you've already broken enough hearts back home." She retorted, a rosy color to her cheeks as she carried her sixth mixer.

He resisted the urge to pat her on the head - his fellow Vice-Director was a mean drunk - and simply bided his time.

Across the way, Tokiwa and Shukumei found themselves suddenly in the company of another. Dark, steely blue hair hung down in a low braid to the man's head. His face was plain, but his bright blue eyes almost seemed a blinding turquoise, glimmering with a hint of mischief.

Mangetsu Tougen couldn't help but be drawn to the occasion. Rumors and whispers that spread through the spiritual powers of Tokyo eventually reached his ears. Parties like these... reminded him of home. Helped stave off the weariness of his new life.

Though, these two young ones seemed rather interesting. One he could almost place a name to - as though he had seen the boy before - but the girl was a stranger to him.

Boisterous grin stretched across his face, Tougen chuckled low and remarked to the woman. "Odd parties for odd people... do you intend to save any of that for later?"

[ 308 / 308 ]
 
After making sure his immaculately created sushi was up to standard and all of the other elegant food he'd laid on tasted as it should, the lanky Chairman of Cerberus Corporation stopped to admire his new suit in the mirror. It was tailored to cling close to the sleek contours of his slim body and if he said so himself, he was looking slick. He'd have to commission more of these from the new tailor. He stopped to mix himself a dry martini before drifting towards his guests.

It was still early but Shukumei had already shown up along with two random agents he'd seen around somewhere and another girl that his ginger-haired friend seemed to know. He was sincerely hoping more people would turn up at this party but it was impossible to say. It had been suggested to him by Shuku but he was unsure who else his young-looking friend might have informed. Of course that was part of the fun, not knowing who was going to be there. It made things ever so much more free form.

He smiled as he joined the little group clustered at the bar and said, "Well you all arrived right on time. Welcome! I know Shukumei but I haven't had the pleasure of meeting either of you two lovely people. I could go through a whole formal introduction but just call me Zakki."

There was another guest he hoped would arrive soon and that was his partner in life (and possibly in crime) Richard Griffon-Jones. He was hoping to get Richard more involved in the social life of the Corporation and this was his chance to do so.

[277/277]
 
"Very impressive," the teenager responded to his short companion. Well, shorter, he himself was short but Toki made him look an average height.

Then Shukumei was filled with surprise as half of the party seemed to gather around him, or maybe Toki. Or both, though they seemed to be at the epicentre of a pretty popular group. That man with turquoise eyes that at times appeared to glow made himself known to him and commented on his companion with her bottle of umeshu. Taking the liqueuer from her and sipping it again, he let loose his usual genuine smile.

"From what I've seen, I could assume it is tradition not to spare any alcohol at these kinds of gatherings," he replied to the silvery haired man. Then Zakki arrived and he didn't quite know which direction he should have been facing. There was an itch at the back of his mind regarding the man with the plain expression, as if he should have known who he was, but he dismissed. He definitely did not intend on having his instincts ruin the party.

"Zakki!" he exclaimed and gave the man a light hug. "I can't remember the last time I saw so many people with a drink in their hands."

The truth was that he could and it was in Seireitei. They had umeshu there as well and that was where he started to enjoy the stuff.

"This is Toki, she's a very old and dear friend of mine."

He gestured to the short redhead and meant to continue introductions, but there was no need to cram everything into one moment. The night was still young and there were still a few acquaintances that had not yet arrived.

[287/486]
 
The horned vizard shot a glance at the man with the odd shade of blue eyes that had gravitated to her companion and her. "...odd people indeed." She replied under her breath as Shukumei took the drink back from her hand. The man had singled them out and she couldn't stop the voice inside her head from telling her to remain alert of her surroundings.

She sincerely hoped her comment had gone unheard, it was rather rude and she had promised Shuku that she wouldn't cause a scene when she moved in with him. A party was hardly the place to speak poorly about others, unless of course, it was gossip about someone not in attendance.

Another man made his way towards them, his well fitted suit giving off an air of importance about him. Toki almost jumped out of her skin at the other vizard's exclamation, but has soon as he gave the slim man a hug her nerves settled.

The redhead gave a bow as she greeted the man. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Zakki."


[178/380]
 
"The pleasure is all mine, Toki. It's always nice to see a new face around. I'm happy that Shukumei brought you."

Zakki felt a glow slowly spreading through him. He was finally in a place where he could just relax and enjoy himself. There was no one trying to kill him, no Hollows running around after him and nothing that was immediately pressing on him. He could play the host and do so with panache. He'd always wanted to do more of this kind of thing but finally as Chairman, it was becoming feasible and doable. He took a sip of his extra-dry Martini just as Richard sidled up beside him.

It was a slight shock when the normally reserved young man put his arm around Zakki's waist and smiled. It felt incredibly reassuring and comforting. The aristocratic redhead nodded to the gathered group as his boyfriend said, "Everyone, this is my partner Richard! I figured he might as well be here so you could all get to know him better. He seemed to like the idea of meeting my colleagues. I can't for the life of me figure out why!"

This was said with warmth and good natured teasing in the lanky youth's tone. He was quite happy and comfortable at the moment and it made him lower the barriers he normally kept up. After his encounter with Arano and the subsequent revelation about why he was seen as so different from his predecessors, he was trying to be more of himself and less of what he thought people expected him to be.

[264/541]
 
“Typical,” Ewan muttered as he leant against a wall, “I knew I’d be the only person from Orpheus to turn up. Then again, I highly doubt Masato or anyone else would turn up. Guess that what comes from having friends outside the Initiative.” He tugged on the collar of the grey turtleneck he was wearing under his black jacket then added a sideways glance, as he had been doing all evening, at Alicia in her own pale blue dress, matching her eyes and complimenting her blonde hair perfectly.

“I don’t even know anyone here. Other than him and he looks like he’s having the time of his life over there.” He jerked his head toward Zakki and smiled when the taller man turned in their direction.

“Oh cheer up, it was nice of him to invite us, though I am slightly worried that he knew my full name,” Alicia muttered, shooting a withering glare at Ewan.

“Don’t blame me, I didn’t tell him. Nakazawa probably told him.”

“True, now let’s get over there. After all your moaning about him I’d like to see if he’s as bad as you said.” Before Ewan could react she grabbed his arm and dragged him across the room finally stopping beside Zakki, who was mercifully and likely temporarily free from other partygoers.

“Shihara-san?” she inquired in the fakest innocent voice she could muster, “It was so nice of you to invite us to this little shindig of yours. Ewan has been looking forward to it ever since the invite arrived.” When she said his name, she tugged on his arm, jerking him forward.

“Hey,” he muttered, patting his slicked-back silver hair, “Thanks for the invte, I guess.”

[283/283]​
 
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A soft chuckle came from Tougen, before his eyes darted to the steely-haired boy briefly. A human... strong, too. His ears perked at Zakki's rebuttal to the strangely familiar man, and a light of realization went off in his head. Shukumei... Junichi? Ah, another former Arcanist. As Hisao had been.

A dry click of his tongue was all the warning he gave before his mischievous grin returned. Heedless of personal boundaries, he threw an arm around Shukumei's shoulders and exclaimed. "Ah, I knew I'd seen you somewhere before! Little Shukumei Junichi! Come, come friend, we'll find you a drink to replace the umeshu your friend seems fond of."

Before a single complaint could be raised, Tougen seized the bottle from Shukumei with a surprising strength and passed it carelessly to the girl. Winking slyly at her, he remarked back. "Odd ones like us ought to be nice to each other, no?"

Waving back politely to the seeming host of the whole affair, he began to drag away the former Arcanist.

Meanwhile, Alicia had found herself the subject of a less-than-noble gaze. James gave the young woman a once-over, but faltered when he saw the blonde's companion. An Orpheus brat..! Why oh why did they pull all the women..?

Sighing emphatically, he didn't even react when Yumi smacked him again. Seizing his arm, she began the slow and arduous process of bringing the dark-skinned man somewhere he wouldn't leer at other girls. Almost out of spite, she altered course towards Zakki himself.

Finally, and with a slight huff, she greeted the Chairman a little too brightly. "Chairman Shihara, a pleasure to see you again!"

Tilting her head for effect, Rourke stiffened before suddenly straightening his posture. Elbowing her lightly in the side as he responded, he cursed whatever non-existent Gods had deigned him such misfortune.

"Ah, Chairman and... Richard!" he laughed, "what a pleasure. Your drink is exquisite tonight, might I say."

Yumi elbowed him again, and he tried not to glare at her.

[ 333 / 641 ]
 
The vizard threw a slightly worried glance at his female companion as he the overly-friendly and new acquaintance shuffled him away from the rest of the group with an arm around his shoulder. The arm around the shoulder part was probably the most intimidating and gave him the most reason to be concerned - he had seen enough movies to know that strangers acting very hands-on was often a bad thing, something to do with keep friends close and enemies closer - but in the middle of a party surrounded by high reiatsu signatures, he could not imagine what bad the enigmatic man could do.

In his tipsy demeanor, Shukumei had barely even thought about analysing the reiatsu signatures surrounding him. There were so many high levels that he didn't really think about it. Closing his eyes and concentrating just for a second before they came to a halt near the bar - an open bar at a house party! - he realised that there was a red thread among them. A shinigami reiatsu signature! He had to calm himself before he descended into a state of panic, confining his emotions to his head behind that imaginary sheet of glass. He hoped none of that came through in his expression.

"Sorry, it seems you have me at a disadvantage," the teenager finally said. His tone was almost puzzled, after all, his name was not particularly common knowledge. "You are?"

[239/725]

 
Tougen shrugged. "Nobody important. What is important is that you, my friend, are here - safe and sound - and your female compatriot has that same shifty look in her eyes."

His voice lowered into a conspiratorial whisper, and he leaned in so that Shukumei could hear over the din of the party. "Now forgive me if it's a bit forward, but it would seem I'm a bit out of the loop on current events. Tedium does that, it seems."

Scratching at his chin, Tougen's turquoise eyes seemed to glaze for a moment, before refocusing.

"Where have you been, Junichi?" He cleared his throat, before continuing. "Things are changing. Pieces are moving and you and your friend would do well to move with them."

He paused. Then, "Hisao Adachi is dead."

[ 131 / 772 ]
 
A gleam of surprise flashed in the vizard's blue eyes for a moment, but it seemed more related to a reminder of something he already knew rather than a piece of grim news he had never heard before. He had held his suspicions about the old man ever since he had returned from Hueco Mundo. While he had assumed his former master dead, to hear it from someone who actually knew was almost like putting the ghost to rest. Regardless of how grumpy the old tyrant was, he was an inspirational being and somewhat of an idol to Shuku, so it was inevitable that another memorial would be added to the warehouse.

"I had had my own suspicions about Hisao," the vizard said slowly, almost as if he didn't recognise the words that left his mouth, "but I never knew for certain he was dead."

Any sign of that warm smile had disappeared from Shukumei's face, replaced with a cold stare that seemed vacant at least for a moment. Too many questions remained unanswered and answers were what Shukumei needed.

"How did he die?" he asked when his gaze returned to the enigma. "And pieces coming into play? What else do you know?"

[203/928]


 
Tougen's smile dimmed, and he patted Shukumei's shoulder consolingly. "All will come in time, Shukumei. For now, it's simply enough to know you're alive and well.

"Today is a day of celebration! Better to save troubles and bad news until later." He said, brightening. Motioning for the staunch man behind the bar counter, he placed a whispered order to the man. Giving a nod of affirmation as the barkeep seemed to recoil at the notion, he turned back to Shukumei as the man worriedly wandered off.

He cast a knowing glance back to Tokiwa. "She another, then? I don't recognize her."

[ 101 / 873 ]
 
Tokiwa watched as Richard wrapped his arm around Zakki's waist with great affection. Perhaps it was the liquor, -or the fact that she hadn't been to too many parties to socialize with others- but whatever it was it made Toki's face light up red with embarrassment as she thought of the two men together. Oh how she wished she had that bottle of umeshu back to hide her face behind just a bit.

The small Vizard pivoted on her heel to face in the opposite direction in an attempt to hide her odd reaction just as the stranger handed the bottle back to her. She snatched it eagerly and in an instant had the bottle upside down as she poured its contents into her mouth as she watched Shukumei and the mystery man make their way to the open bar.

Swallowing the liquid that was in her mouth heavily, she watched Shuku's reactions to what the man was saying. As a glance was cast towards her she raised her eyebrows in response.

[172/552]
 
Shukumei passed a fond smile as both him and the mysterious stranger look back to Toki. It was an effort snagging his head back around - he didn't want to leave her on her own. It wasn't his fault he felt like that, since she had practically come back from the dead and he never found another vizard while he was searching on his own. Besides, he got the feeling that she liked to stick with a single individual. He was only across the other side of the party and she already looked a little uncomfortable.

The vizard suddenly realised what it was he was thinking. There was a fountain of knowledge in front of him, however enigmatic and evasive and he was thinking about Toki. He should have seized the opportunity and tried to squeeze the information from him. He was growing soft now he had someone to rely on.

"Yes, she is," he said simply. "I knew her a long time ago and thought she was dead. Turns out she wasn't. That's the long and short of it."

Shukumei continued to wait for the barman to return. He hoped that this 'unimportant' stranger had ordered him something to drink. A sudden smile crept on the teen's face.

"And since you and I agree on today being a day worth celebrating, let's wait for that bartender to return and get some drinks down us! I'm sure the troubles and bad news you spoke of can wait."

[247/1175]

 
Zakki smiled at the compliment paid to him and said, "The pleasure's all mine, Yumi. I hope that what I've laid on does indeed meet up to the best standards. I'd hate to think that my bar was deficient. Please do enjoy!"

As he sat, seemingly interested in the conversation flowing near him, his attention was divided at multiple points. There was something happening here and Zakki couldn't quite put his finger on what it was. Richard had wandered off towards the bar in search of something to drink and it left the Chairman observing what was going on around him. It was one of his strengths, the ability to observe and analyze people and their reactions to each other.

His interest was particularly drawn to Tougen and Shukumei. It seemed quite clear that whatever they were talking about, it wasn't the weather. There was something odd about their body language. There was something conspiratorial and semi-dangerous in Tougen and a sense of withdrawal and nervousness from Shuku. The lean youth made a mental note to keep his eye on how this unfolded. If there were tensions he needed to know about, parties like this often brought them out. He could play the host while learning more about those he was in charge of. If something might kick off, he'd be able to stop it before it got out of hand.

[246/787]
 
A short laugh drew from the blue-haired man, and the bartender returned swiftly. Clutching a thermos under one arm, the man presented it without explanation to Tougen. Seizing it and giving a grateful nod, he reached behind the counter and grabbed at a couple of small shot glasses.

Unscrewing the lid, he remarked to Shukumei, "Far too much depression nowadays. Too much suffering and worrying. One of the problems the humans seem to have, I think."

He gave the open container a cautious sniff, then nodded to himself. He poured the drink into the pair of glasses: a clear, colorless liquid.

Passing one of the small glasses to his company, Tougen repressed his grin slightly and gave name to the drink. "Baijiu. Better to start with shots, wouldn't want you to hurt yourself."

Tossing his head back with his glass, the Vizard downed the drink in a single go. Shaking his head, a furious red rose to his cheeks and he grinned back at Shukumei. His throat burned and he resisted the urge to sputter.

Deflated at the Chairman's disinterest, Yumi pouted slightly as James slunk off to chat up a passing woman. Eyes wandering briefly to the one that the African-American had his eyes set on previously, she couldn't help but notice the steely-haired man accompanying her. Stifling a small laugh at his disinterested gaze, she slowly made her way towards them.

"Ah, you work at... Orpheus, yeah?" She exclaimed as she neared, a bright smile framed in frazzled dark hair. "A pleasure to meet one of you at last! Fukushima's a bit scarce for your people, save that Nenshou girl."

Extending a professional hand, her eyes only briefly glanced at Alicia before returning to Ewan's.

Meanwhile, Richard found himself next to a strange man at the bar. At the other end, Tougen and Shukumei sat in their own conversation. Next to the Chairman's partner, a rather large man sat - hunched against the counter - with drink in hand. Throwing a glance next to him, Joachim Eberhardt raised an eyebrow.

"Barkeep's swamped, feel free to grab what you want." He remarked to Richard, his imposing frame hardly shifting as he spoke through a thick German accent.

[ 368 / 1241 ]
 
After the taller man took the shot in an instant, Shukumei stared suspiciously at the reddening of his cheeks. That characteristic shake of the head was associated with a very strong drink, as the apparent teenager already knew. Back in Seireitei he was no stranger to the drink but in the world of the living, him drinking a healthy amount was treated as the worst crime in the world by the humans, and when he told them he was over a hundred years old... that really didn't help the situation either.

The copper-haired vizard turned and waved his female companion over. He was certain the deep, meaningful, enigmatic conversation was over and the time had definitely come to celebrate the fact that he was still alive. And she was, perhaps an even greater feat than his own survival, and something to be glad about. Picking up the shot in one hand, he stared at it apprehensively for a moment and then shrugged once before he tilted his head back and let the burning liquid slide down his throat. Eyes filling with water, he instinctively coughed and struck his chest twice with a fist. A chuckle followed and he patted the enigmatic man's shoulder.

"A strong drink, good for the winter," he said with that signature grin. "Though I can tell you have consumed this before."

[225/1400]

 
“Well I’ve only met Nenshou the once so I can’t really be that good a judge of her character,” Ewan replied to the woman, slowly grasping her hand and shaking it, “And I can’t say I’m surprised you think of us as rare; the others seem to vanish for months at a time.” He grinned and pulled his hand back. “Anyway, I didn’t quite get your name.”

Alicia meanwhile was scowling at Zakki for having brushed off her comment. She turned her head after the chairman, not really very sympathetic for his constantly being badgered by guest after guest.

That’s what you get. She smiled and eased her arm free from Ewan’s, making note to keep an eye on the woman he was with. Slinking through the crowd she finally made it to Zakki again and quickly linked arms with him, directing him toward the bar.

“Shihara-san, a word if you would be so kind.”

[115/438]​
 
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Lights, color, action indeed. Thought a small young woman as she neared the building with bright flashing lights, loud music, and the sound of splashing water that could bee seen all the way from the small fire escape she had been camping on. This party alone looks bigger than Vegas, reminds me of when my parents were here, the young blue-haired woman smiled, reminiscing happily as she passed through the open gates and onto dew wet grass.

"Maybe I can make a friend here, its certainly better than getting almost killed by archers." Choko looked down at the large invitation in her hand, hot pink and glittering brightly in the artificial strobe lights around her, "It read: Come celebrate the season with us," in large flowing blue stenciling "Zakki." Did the scarlet eyed woman know this man? No. Was she going to find out? Yes.

Unanswered questions didn't exist as far as Choko was concerned, only answers. However she supposed she could have a little at this monster of a house, "Besides, its Christmas after all."The woman smiled, and walked slowly to the small bar, where two people seemed to be having an engaging conversation. Maybe it was about this Zakki person, maybe not. She'd find out soon enough.
 
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