Work Text:
The music was loud and the sent of cigarettes and liquor hung thick in the air. The music, in most the Hahira's opinion was god awful, that's because the music mainly consisted of girls moaning and screaming while some dude rapped over it. Though the terrible music didn't stop them from coming every time Tengen said there was a party. Most of the time the group was either so drunk they couldn't figure out what was being said or what was happening around them while they other walked around talking about scars and old missions like they were number 1 place meddles. Typically Sanemi Shinazugawa who had a long and detailed story about how he got each one of his scars.
Even Tomioka could be found at these gatherings, most of the time sitting in the corner by himself with a bottle of alcohol. Though that's what most did. Obania did, unless Mitsuri came to talk to him. The only two left who had some form of leave headedness were Rengoku and Himejima who had both agreed that night not to drink- after the first party they agree at least one person needed to be sober.
Not even Muichiro was sheltered from the alcohol and cigarettes, half the group saying he was too young to even be there the other half saying if he was old enough to be a hashira then he's older enough to hang out with them. It had created some massive arguments which were the forgotten after a shot.
Uzui's wives tried there hardest to keep the house tidy and everyone inside. With Makio keeping her eyes on as many people as possible, Suma locking all the doors and Hinatsuru cleaning up after her husband but inevitably failed after there lovely husband hands them each a couple drinks. After an hour or two in Makio was losing her grip on sobriety while Rengoku and Himejima fought there temptation.
...
"Iguro san, come dance with me" Kanroji yelled running over to Iguro a drink in had as if she hadn't already drank 4. Something everyone found out about the very loud Kanroji is that after 3 drink her sense of balance and direction seemed to become completely no existent. Instead of running over to Iguro like she had intended she went straight into the table he was at falling to the floor with a smack. Iguro bent down quickly helping her up.
"Maybe you should sit down for a bit" He said directing her to the seat he had just been at before taking the half full cup of whatever Tengen had thrown together, which probably wasn't safe to drink. "And maybe you should slow down a little bit," He said earning a whine from the pink hair woman. He kept her cup close to him and away from her as she half tried to grab it back.
"But it's so nice," Iguro grimaced not agreeing with her comment. What ever Tengen had made it was strong, like burns your entire throat with just the smell kind of strong. Kanroji melted into the chair not really arguing anymore as she let her eye lids go heavy finally slowing down for the first time .
Iguro looked over to the right to see Tengen yelling and dancing on a table with all 3 of his wives and Rengoku who, despite being one of the only sober people there was twerking on a table. Kochou rolled her eyes not caring enough to yell, she was content letting them have there fun.
Due to the fact that she did all of the boys physicals and new all there medical history she knew almost all of the dark secrets of all the hashira. Even if she didn't enjoy these night much more then getting drunk and forgetting they ever happened she knew they were good for them. Most of the stories she had where dark, so she let the dancing on a table while 3 bottles deep.
She took a swig of the drink in her hands. She hissed the liquid basically burning her throat. She wasn't sure how but somehow every time Tengen managed to make the drink stronger. It was almost impressive. She looked across the room, trying to find something to do. Eventually she spotted Giyuu.
Tomioka was sat down on a chair in the far corner of the room. The table that was in front of him had 3 empty cups while he held onto a bottle of what looked to be whisky. While most of the Hashira danced around getting smashed, Tomioka stayed in his little corner drinking away his problems. Drinking away the memory of Sabito, drinking away the memory of his sister. It was the one time a month he felt less numb, instead he was just sad and angry.
Kochou wobbled her way over to Tomioka, pocking him on the face her drunken state causing her to ignore the obvious look on his face. Tomioka turned to her a small scowl fixed on his face.
"My My Tomioka san, why the long face?" Kochou asked tilting her head a small chuckle escaping her lips. Maybe she was less sober then she had originally predicted. Tomioka rolled his eyes, not caring about her or what he said to her.
"Shut the actual fuck up," He spat at her, his voice thick and unforgiving. "Don't you have anything better to do? Or is your life so sad that the only enjoyment you get is making fun of me?" He asked, she blinked a couple time her small and usual smile still fixed on her face as she processed his words.
"Yes actually, it is that sad" She said her smile no longer warm and comforting but instead unsettling and worrying. Tomioka didn't care in stead he turned his head away from her taking a swig of his open bottle. He wasn't particularly in a caring mood and wouldn't be till morning came and he had a headache.
...
The dancing on and around the table had now stopped, mainly because Rengoku got tired and Suma passed out in Makio's arms. Unlike her usually demined, Makio was surprisingly nice when she was drunk. Especially to Suma. Makio was now sat down on the sofa Suma on her lap while Hinatsuru was sat on the floor resting her head on Makio's legs. Tengen was loudly joking around with Rengoku, while trying to be heard over his obnoxious music, trying to get him to dance again. Rengoku refusing every time.
"But, Kyojuro your so flashy when you dance" The taller male whined, Rengoku let out a sigh. He may be over all physically stronger then Tengen but the didn't mean- sober or drunk- he could say deny the man what he wanted forever. Tengen seemed to get increasingly more persistent when he was drunk- if that was possible "Come on, you enjoy it every time" He added. Himejima walked over interrupting there conversation and saving Rengoku.
"I think we should be turning in soon, it's getting rather late" He said, to which Tengen rolled his eyes with a groan. Most of the Hashira- hell most corps members- couldn't sleep and had shit sleep schedules if any at all. However Himejima was not one of them, some how the man could close his eyes and would be asleep instantly. He had manged to retain a decent sleep schedule while still being called out at 1 in the morning to kill a demon.
"Why it's not like the kids with us" He said, before glancing around the room. Tokitou had came the first couple times to the parties after many fights between the Hashira but had since been banned after a certain incident. "This is time," He mumbled. Early nights were a foreign language to Tengen and most of the people in the room.
"Because, master doesn't like it when 6 out of his 9 hashira are out for a week" The parties last for a long time and it takes most of the Hashira days to recover from the hang over they get. Not that they couldn't fight while having the hang over it just would be sloppy which isn't an option for a Hashira.
"That was like one time, I'll make sure we pack up in like an hour or 3" Tengen told him remember the 4 nights that everyone had stayed partying before having to take an entire week off because off the hang over. No one really knows what happened over those days, and they never want to know.
"I do not trust you," That didn't surprise Tengen, or anyone that heard. Tengen lied a lot, especially when he was drunk. "Besides, the sooner this ends the sooner me and Rengoku can help young Tokitou out," During these parties Tokitou was effectively the only Hashira working so he was given all the missions that didn't require two Hashira. He was effectively doing 9 peoples jobs by himself.
"Well you can go know," Tengen said hoping that Himejima would leave and let him keep parting. Himejima shook his head earning an eye roll from the white haired male.
"Last time I left, you managed to get Rengoku drunk, no one saw any of you for four days" Himejima said bringing up the incident again. Tengen new he was never gonna live that down. Rengoku grimaced at the memory and though of getting drunk. It wasn't surprising with the way that his father treats him and Senjurou that he never like the though of getting drunk.
"Well then don't complain, and deal with it" He said before walking over to his wives and grabbing more drinks. Rengoku glanced over at Himejima as if they were trying to come up with a plan to get everyone in bed. In ranking of decent sleep schedules Rengoku was number three- just below Kochou- and since hearing how the other slept where so horrified that even when they weren't all drunk tired to get the others to sleep as much as possible.
"I can try but you know what he's like, and Tokitou will be fine" He told his giant friend, over the last 20 parties or so Himejima and Rengoku began to get closer finding comfort in the others sobriety. "He's a strong kid, and he's done it before"
"Yes, I have no doubt" Himejima started "But he should not have to, this is our day off but where is his" Rengoku paused not really having an answer. Hashira didn't get breaks or days off. This was the closest any of them have to getting a day off and Himejima and him don't even get to actually relax. Though neither do demons. If they don't rest, then they don't get to. It's that simple.
There was a loud slap that pierced the room. Everyone turned to see Tomioka had Shinazugawa chaos erupting when they realise that it was Shinazugawa with the swollen cheek, and he didn't even seem angry. Tomioka stormed off taking another bottle of what ever was closest walking out of Tengen back door slamming it behind him with a thud. Questions were immediately yelled out everyone confused.
During the loudness of the commotion Tokitou managed to slip in. He had just come back from a 3 day mission when Master notified him about the party, sending him on another mission before he could even get home. Thankfully the mission was quick, but that meant he was sent over to the east to help some lower ranks.
So when he finally got a moment of alone time he decided to come check the party out. He had seen Tengen's estate when he'd come to a part before, many time actually. He used to when he was 12, under the condition he stayed sober like Rengoku and Himejima but then Himejima found him passed out in the bathroom at the age of 13- after getting cocky one night.
After that he had been banned and made to work, and due to the fact that he still worked Tengen started to do them more often. The Parties went from once every other month to once a fortnight. Which was not fun or fair what so ever, not that anyone seemed to care when he brought it up or even really under stand what he was trying to complain about.
Tokitou, being petty and just sick of it started to realise that if he came at around 2, after a mission everyone who drank was already smashed, so he could get away with getting a couple drinks in and getting tips before going out to his next mission. It works perfectly and he had gotten away with it about 7 times by know. Probably more but he couldn't be bothered to keep track.
While everyone was talking to Shinazugawa, Rengoku going out to look for Tomioka. Tokitou sat at the kitchen table, where the drinks where laid out, grabbing himself a cup. He downed it before coughing. Tokitou could drink better then he should be able to for his age but that was something else. God knows what Tengen mixed to get that. Tokitou blinked, shrugging deciding to not caring, poring himself another drink.
Rengoku wondered before finally finding Tomioka who was hunched over sitting on a rock, drinking away his emotions. Rengoku let out a sigh walking over to him.
"You know the drinking is what makes you mad," He told Tomioka only to get silence in return followed by a sip of his bottle. "Tomioka, put the bottle down" He told him placing his hand over the top of the bottle stopping him from taking another sip. Tomioka shot him a glare, shoving him off. Before Rengoku could react Tomioka through the bottle at a near by rock, glass shattering every where making Rengoku flinch.
He knows how to deal with an angry drunk, he lived with an angry drunk but that didn't help calm his nerves. If anything that made them worse.
The worry had died down as Shinazugawa finally convinced everyone he was fine. Everyone moved into there own groups, unsettled on what just happened and the tiredness beginning to take over. Kanroji was slumped on the sofa leaning her head on Makio, who didn't seem to even really notice Suma still in her lap.
Iguro was dotting about finishing off his drink, mainly trying to make sure he'd forget this in the morning. Keep his mask on enough that no one could see anything. Kochou was passed out in the corner that Tomioka had preciously been sitting in not even aware that Shinazugawa got slapped. Himejima was trying to calm down Tengen who was still full of energy while Shinazugawa stumbled moving to the kitchen to get a drink.
Tokitou froze cup already at his lips and fully drunk as his eyes met Shinazugawa while trying to remember if he cared about him drinking or not. Shinazugawa walked over grabbing two drinks out passing one to Tokitou.
"You alright kid?" He asked his voice raspy, Tokitou excepted the drink trying to act like he hadn't already drank 3. Tokitou let out a small hum staring at his new cup before placing it to his lips.
"I guess" He said his voice empty and void of emotions like it usually is "Are you? I heard that slap from outside the door" Shinazugawa let out a small laugh taking a sip of his drink before grimacing with a wince.
"Holy shit, fucking hell" He mumbled looking down at the drink with a concerned face "Hey maybe you shouldn't be drinking this shit, or anyone really." He said glancing over at Tokitou looking him up and down. "though I guess that's already too late" Tokitou didn't respond, he acted like Shinazugawa hadn't even made that comment and took a sip of his drink.
"I- Could you not go to the next party" He asked his voice quite and small, something it wasn't usually. Typically Muichiro spoke firmly and loud, he only spoke facts and things that were true so he never had to be shy about them. This though, this was different. This was his opinion and what he wanted. Shinazugawa raised an eyebrow.
"Why, you wanna come in my place or something?" He asked amused. Tokitou shook his head staring down at his drink before taking a big gulp hoping it would make this easier. He wasn't even sure why he had mentioned it. He would have never normally. "I doubt Himejima sama would pull the ban even if we did swap over"
"No, I don't wanna have to go on 3 missions in one night" He said his voice still quite but cold like normal "I wanna go home, even if it's for 2 minutes" Tokitou was aware he could go home know but his house was further away. He'd only been here 3 minutes and if he was going home he would still be walking. Not to mention he had a feeling Ginko was gonna come with another mission for him.
"Why don't you tell Tengen this, he's the one who arranges this every week" Shinazugawa asked. He felt guilt stir in his stomach as he continued to look at Tokitou, he had has though thinking about declining tonight's offer but something made he come, it always did. Honestly he didn't even know why he was here.
"Why am I telling you?" Tokitou asked, which didn't seem to give anyone an answer. "I just needed to ask someone, and you know Tengen doesn't really care" Shinazugawa could argue that. Tokitou took another sip of his drink as Ginko came flying in through the kitchen window which had been left open when Makio and Shinazugawa smoked, to try and air out the place. It really wasn't working.
"Master Tokito, you have another mission from Master Ubuyashiki, there have been reports for a few months and he had deemed it a top and dangerous priority." She told him. Muichiro rolled his eyes letting out a huff before downing the rest of his cup.
"Show me the way then," He said walking quietly yet quickly out of the house as to not get spotted by anymore people. He left Shinazugawa in the kitchen guilt gripping at his throat as he though of how over worked the 14 year old must be while still getting drunk like the rest of them.
Time ticked by everyone passing out or going home. Makio, Hinatsuru, Suma and Kanroji had passed out on the sofa while Shinobu was laid up against a chair, a blanket that Himejima had found laying over the top of her.
Rengoku had managed to calm down and walk Tomioka home, Shinazugawa and Iguro had crashed at Iguro like normal. While Tokitou didn't return to a familiar building until 9 am when his 4th mission had been completed. While Tengen had somehow ended up in the back garden, Rengoku dragging him back into the house and placing a pillow under his head.
"Are you to stay with them or shall I?" Himejima asked as Rengoku pulled out 2 blankets from the cupboard placing one on the girls and another on Tengen. Rengoku gently shook his head. Looking at up at his friend.
"Nah, it's alright big guy" He said with a small huff, "You stayed last time I'll stay this time" Rengoku said grabbing a chair out and sitting down on it. Himejima nodded his head lightly before leaving the Uzui house hold.
Rengoku leaned back in the chair letting out a sigh his eyes heavy. It was getting worrying how often Tengen was doing this, and not just the parties. Tengen had know started to get this drunk every other night, the parties just gave him an excuse to do it for longer and stop Suma from worrying. Though it only made Hinatsuru and Rengoku worry more.