Girls' Night Out - Part One
WHO: Momo, Nanao, Nemu, Rangiku
WHAT: The lady lieutenants go out for a night of drinks and male strippers. Need I say more? There are hijinks.
The shinigami women's association wasn't always about meetings. Sometimes they got together, hung out, and basked securely in familiar company to just enjoy being girls. And on rare occasion, these outings were best held in reserve until the president's bedtime was past, because heaven only knew what Yachiru would do if she got drunk. (The very thought produced shivers of the worst kind.)
Nanao formally voiced her objections to this particular outing, yet she never outright declined. And why? For Momo's sake, of course. As much as she reviled the idea of drinking, there was no denying that Rangiku was talented at helping others forget their troubles for a little while and just cut loose. Nanao's been worried about Momo for a long while now, and knew it must be very hard for the poor girl trying to handle all of the duties of the Fifth Division on her own.
And so, Nanao had come. She lingered behind the rest of the girls, clutching her book with a death grip, as though it might shield her from the depravity to come. She didn't look like she'd cut loose in all her life, and she'd stiffened up even more than ever. ~I'm going to harbor severe regrets before this night is through,~ she thought to herself, wearing a look of deep, deep anxiety that bordered on fear.
She could have taken drinks anywhere. But did it have to be a /strip club/? "I hope Kyouraku-Taichou never hears of this..." Nanao muttered, her head bowed in defeat.
Nemu was like Nanao. She had never, not even once in her life, let loose. Drinking was not something she'd ever thought about, and given a choice she would not have come tonight. When asked what the WSA meeting had been about, she told Mayuri-sama about all their plans and told him that she did not intend to go. Unfortunately, Mayuri saw the whole thing as a wonderful learning experience. After picking out her outfit, telling her what she was and was not allowed to drink and making sure she was in full working order, he shooed her out the door to join her 'little playmates'.
Nemu stood behind Momo, expression dull as ever. It seemed the neon lights and half-naked men weren't yet having an effect. She watched the men, the bartender and the patrons - she studied all of their actions and tried to learn while she waited for someone else to direct the night.
It had been quite some time since Momo had been able to attend an Association meeting, let alone a fun gathering afterwards. While for Hinamori, a typical 'outing' might be afternoon tea with a friend at the Tea Tower, she was excited (albeit nervously so) to try something alien and new.
Already blushing as the small group camd through the door, she couldn't help but giggle up at Nanao beside her. Momo was fully aware of her prim friend's sacrifice for her benefit. The fukutaichou of the 8th division would never be seen in a place like this if it weren't for the fact that Momo had expressed interest in coming. Looping her arm in Nanao's, Momo grinned up at the taller fukutaichou, hoping to help her relax a little. Of course, the sight of nearly-naked men onstage and scantily-clad waiters strolling around the tables made Hinamori shriek in surprise and girlish playful glee.
"Nee, Rangiku-san, where should we sit?" she asked, delegating leadership to the bravest of them all. She was sure that Nemu and Nanao would prefer the back, but it was their first time! Shouldn't they sit all the way up front?
There was one woman entirely without reserve in the group, and her presence was announced by a headful of strawberry blonde hair and a low-slung top -- and the sudden, loud whistle she gave the dancers up on the stage, thumb and forefinger in her mouth. "HEEEEEEEEEEEY BOYS! Looking sexy as ever!" Rangiku blew a kiss to the strippers, winking when she took a shot of whatever was being served from a passing server and tray, not even two minutes inside the door. Drink downed, she caught another passing tray to set the empty glass down on, before she was herding the less enthusiastic group behind her, bustling behind them in turn and gently guiding them with hands to the smalls of feminine backs. "Up front, of course! Come on, come on! This way~," she sang, vibrant and cheerful and absolutely not stopping or letting any of them back away or have second thoughts.
/Twitch./ Nanao looked like she had a split-second seizure, throwing up her free arm to shield her face at Rangiku's sudden shout. "M-Matsumoto-san! There's no need to get /that/ close!" No need at all!
At least she took mild comfort from Momo's support, though a more cynical voice inside her head told her it was a means of trapping the prude shinigami rather than offering solace. She eyed the passing tray, along with the saucy strut of the bare-chested waiter bearing it in a broad hand. Whyyyyyyyy...
May the nerdy gods give her strength... She tightened her mouth, gripping the book again. A glance back at Nemu confirmed, at least, that she was not the only one who would prefer a quieter locale. But who knew? Nemu was as unpredictable as her captain, she might end up shocking them all.
Nemu still wasn't really phased. Rangiku was acting as she always did, just in a different location, and the naked men weren't really any more naked than Mayuri-sama when he took his showers... although she did find the dancing to be a bit peculiar. She carefully noted to herself that alcohol must not be as disgusting as Mayuri-sama warned (considering how easily Matsumoto-chan downed it) and tried to remember that she needed to order a drink once they found a spot.
Upon hearing Rangiku's comment that they were to sit up front, Nemu broke away from the group and moved quickly to find a seat. Standing behind one of the chairs that lined the stage, she pointed to it and offered a gentle 'Is this right?' to the new leader of the group.
Laughing outright at Rangiku's outburst, Hinamori positively beamed at Nanao. How could she possibly turn down this face? "Let's hurry, Nanao-san! It looks like someone new is starting their show!" As if it were a theatre or something.
Though Momo was quite correct. As a sultry beat played over the speaker system, another gorgeous specimen of shinigami malehood started his cakewalk down the runway. Or should that be /beefcake/ walk? Hello! The strippers must have been wearing their gigai for the show, because they each seemed to be sporting an interesting outfit from the living world. This one was dressed like a police officer. He blew on a whistle hanging from his neck before tugging it off and tossing it to the ladies. Grabbing onto the pole, he swung around and dances to the music, showing off the curve of his...assets.
As Hinamori took her seat between Rangiku and Nanao, she applauded as if she was supposed to. "Way to go! Good job!" Well, she's close, at least.
She nodded cheerfully to Nemu, giving a thumbs up to the quiet woman from the 12th. 'Good choice!' her grin said, and once she had ushered the other girls into their seats, she waved for a round of drinks from one of the servers, handing down the tall, fluted shotglasses to each of the shinigami women. Nemu might have recognized the shape; the shotglasses looked like long test tubes, each filled with a different, nuclear bright color. The taste depended entirely on which color you got -- another adaptation from the living world, it seemed. It wasn't just boring sake here!
Meanwhile the police officer was undoing his tie, and while Rangiku -- still standing -- was knocking back her tube of liquor, he snaked it out of his collar and around her back, pulling her closer to the stage and giving her her own personal show. She burst into laughter in her usual good cheer, stroking his cheek and giving him a quick peck before she sent him back with a swat on the ass. "Come on baby, send more our way!" was her approving catcall. He left the tie with her, and she promptly draped it on Momo. "A souvenir!" she teased, finding her seat.
Nanao ducked, the whistle sailing over her head into some other lucky patron's waiting grasp, judging by the sudden piercing squeal. Ignore the pivoting man on stage. Ignore ignore ignore. "No need for haste," Nanao glanced down at her reading partner. "I'm certain the ending of the act is what others generally anticipate."
She claimed the seat facing away from the stage to preserve her sanity, dropping primly into the chair, and laying the book upon her lap as though to anchor her firmly in place. She would not stand unless she meant to use the restroom or leave. The test tubes were eyed critically. As pleasing to the eye as they might be, she knew that it was just another pretty form for BRAIN POISON. And she wasn't going to touch it. "A virgin margarita, if you'd be so kind," she made her cool request, eyes closed as she nodded once to the waiter. "I require nothing fancy." Which was her way of saying 'if you gyrate in my face, you will surely die.' She turned her head towards Nemu, lips parting to pose a question, for she had no idea why Mayuri had given his permission in this matter (what did he hope for the poor girl to learn?!), she suddenly went rigid as Rangiku was abducted by that police pimp! "M-Matsumoto-san!" Nanao protested, making a futile grab for Rangiku's sleeve. Noooo, don't draw attention to them!
She sighed, pressing her manicured fingertips to the bridge of her nose. The night could not end soon enough. But...one glance to the side gave her all the patience she needed. Momo was smiling and looking more like her old self. Nanao could endure a great deal to preserve that smile.
It was difficult for Nemu to understand what was going on. Why these men were dancing on stage and removing their clothing was a mystery to her, and why they were dressed in costumes was even more confusing. Understanding only that alcohol is a mind-altering substance, she decided that she'd understand better once she'd had a drink and so she quickly downed the brightly colored liquor.
Nemu raised her hand toward the scantily-clad waiter to get his attention. "I would like..." she paused trying to remember precisely what it was she was supposed to order. "I would like a stoplight, please."
She turned her attention back to the stripper while she waited for her drinks. He'd moved on to opening his shirt - a button popping open and his hips moving to a different side with each bass beat from the music. His eyes had grazed Nemu, Nanao and Rangiku, but they settled on Momo - she seemed to be the birthday girl or bachelorette or some such thing and girls like that were usually very good tippers.
Giggling as Rangiku adorned her with the tie, Momo couldn't help but wonder if it was okay. Wouldn't he need it later? Well, maybe they'd go backstage afterwards and give it back. That'd be the nice thing to do. Taking after the example of Nemu and Rangiku, Momo picked up her test tube glass and sipped at it. "...Yum!" she decided, and continued to sip as she watched the rest of the 'show.'
It didn't actually occur to her that she'd become the focus until Mr. Policeman gyrated his way over and dropped to his knees right in front of her. He walked himself over on his hands and knees, brushed her hair out of her face, then kissed her cheek. Needless to say, Momo's jaw was dropped wide open and she blushed a deep shade of crimson. "N-nice to meet you," she stammered cutely. He only grinned, unpinned his badge, and pinned it to the lapel of her dressy outfit.
Having performed this personalized little favor, he leaned back and pulled his shirt entirely off, revealing a well-tanned, /very/ well-muscled chest and a set of abs you could bake cookies on. Stretching out his arm, he pointed his finger and moved it back and forth as if choosing between the ladies. He stopped at Nemu. With a smirk, he turned his hand and curled his finger, inviting her on stage.
"Sex on the beach," was Rangiku's cheerful request to the server, and when he had gone to retrieve their drinks, she settled to watch the show. And what a show it was! She whistled appreciatively when the dancer singled out Momo, laughing and nudging Nanao beside her in good cheer. "Hinamori has an admirer, look at that! -- Ohoooo, Nemu too?! Oh, you have to go, go on!" she chuckled, pushing Nemu up out of her seat helpfully. "Go on, dance with the man!"
Ohhh, then the drinks came. She took hers happily, enjoying the taste of citrus and pineapple before she suddenly gaped past Nanao's shoulder. "Kyoraku-taichou?!"
If the ruse worked, the moment Nanao turned, she got two test tubes dumped into her margarita with Rangiku's sleight of hand before the tubes just as quickly disappeared as if they hadn't existed. "Oh, my bad! Nevermind, that's not him at all." A giggle.
Nemu hadn't the faintest idea what this man could possibly want with her. With near robotic speed she downed her stoplight - a shot of cherry brandy, a shot of tequila, and a shot of midori. She got up on the stage as requested and stood there awkwardly as the man danced around her, lightly played with her braid and nearly brushed a few of her most treasured assets. Nemu was unfazed and the man was inwardly frustrated - any woman should be melting for him by now.
Mr. Policeman finished stripping for Nemu and the rest of the crowd. He got right down to a tiny little speedo and ended the dance there - this particular Mr. Policeman was the male equivelant of a topless dancer - he didn't give away all the goods. With a cocky grin on his face he swiftly placed one arm on Nemu's back and the other at the back of her knees. He swept her up and triumphantly carried her off to behind the curtain. Only Rangiku knew the sorts of depravities that went on back there, and it was a fair guess that Nemu would return, unharmed, in due time.
No, Nemu did /not/ have to go, but Nanao bit back her protest just the same. The margarita was delivered to the table, and received with a stiff note of gratitude. It seemed their table had been favored by the false policeman with his popped shirt buttons and too-tight trousers...wait, no, those were both gone now...and if he knew what was good for him, he wouldn't finish the rounds and end with Nanao. Seeing as how he'd trotted off with Nemu, Nanao was safe. And so was the dancer, consequently. "Should we really allow that? Kurotsuchi-Taichou will be furious." At least, she imagined he might be. Who could tell with that man?
She reached for her drink, only to hear the most dreaded word of all. The color drained straight out of Nanao's face, and her jaw dropped. "Wh-what?! NO! WHAT NO!" she stammered, whipping around just as Rangiku predicted she would. Heart in her throat, stomach in her toes, Nanao whirled towards the stage, only to see a muscled arm slip between the curtains followed by the rest of a dark-haired man in a rumpled business suit. Not her captain, then. Shunsui had far more facial hair.
Practically melting with relief, Nanao slumped in her chair, taking a mighty chug of her 'virgin' margarita. She blinked for a moment, and the situation became tense. Did she suspect? Did she /know/?
Nanao pulled the glass from her lips, eyeing it. "They added more fruit this time," she noted. It seemed to pass her strict approval, because she was drinking more.
It could be the alcohol - which Momo had finished by now - but it was probably the muscle-bound hottie in the speedo that had Hinamori blushing like she'd never blushed before. "Ah...! I-I had no idea...what men's bodies looked like...under their clothes...!" She touched her face, certain it'd caught fire by now. "They're so...attractive!" She giggled helplessly at her own admission. "I wonder if Hitsugaya-kun's stomach looks so...--" Slapping her hand over her mouth as she realized what she was saying, Momo could only hope the other two remaining ladies were wrapped up in their case of mistaken taichou identity to notice. Rangiku's trick therefore also went unnoticed by the embarrassed Momo, who handed over her test tube to the server and didn't have the faintest idea what to ask for.
"Um...do you have anything with peaches in it?" she asked hopefully, getting a smile and a wink from the waiter in response. It looked like her innocent willingness was earning her more than one admirer around here.
Rangiku bubbled into hysterical laughter at Hinamori's words, but it was the good-natured, slightly buzzed kind that was probably at least partly induced by alcohol, because the woman had sucked her Sex on the Beach down faster than was really healthy, already waving the waiter to bring her his favorite drink choice; she'd drink it all! "So flat and muscled? Do you really want to know?" she asked conspiratorially, leaning in close, before she grinned and tapped Momo's nose with a fingertip. "You're too young to know! No, I'm kidding--I won't spoil it for you, you'll find out one day yourself!"
She'd been almost-but-not-quite-apprehensive at Nanao's pause after her first sip, but then all was well again and soon Rangiku was on yet another round of drinks. "Come on, Nanao-san, loosen up! The boys are here for us to enjoy, don't be shy!"
"This is as loose as I get, Matsumoto-san," Nanao replied, setting down her empty glass. "My apologies." She didn't sound all that sorry, though. Beneath the table she crossed her legs (shock!), a replacement virgin margarita placed in front of her.
She did, however, favor Momo with a small smile. She was glad she seemed to be having a good time. As for Hitsugaya? She decided to pretend she'd heard nothing. She didn't want to know, and it was none of her business.
Suddenly she stiffened in her seat, prompted by some sort of sixth sense. Her head whipped around, staring down the stripper who'd been creeping up from behind with his own tie slid from his neck and ready to loop about the lieutenant's shoulders. Her eyes narrowed, but this did not deter him. Clearly he was unaware of Nanao's reputation in the 8th Division, and just what happened to those who got 'fresh.'
~It seems all I can do...is this.~ Nanao's fingers slipped into the front of her shinigami robes (she wore those to the strip club? SERIOUSLY?), prompting a raised eyebrow of interest from the stripper, and quite possibly alarm to anyone who knew her.
But she did not pull out weapons of harm. Instead, there was a sack of jingling coins, which were suddenly a fraction of an inch away from the man's face, dangled by Nanao's slim fingers. It caught him off-guard, for he hesitated. And with a flick of the wrist, Nanao flung the bag past his shoulder. He looked after it, confused, then back to Nanao, but she'd already turned back to her drink, sipping coolly. Fetch.
Itwas a good thing Momo wasn't drinking anything at the moment, or else she'd be spitting it right now. Rangiku's candid speech about Hitsugaya and her future turned her even redder than before. "Oh no, Rangiku-san, I...I-!" But really, how could she possibly deny what she just said? There was no way; her secret was out! Rather than stammering and making up excuses, she just covered up her face in humiliation. So...so embarrassed... The only thing worse would be if he were actually here, but luckily that was not even remotely possible. The thought of Hitsugaya-kun up on the stage, stripping like these other men was such a silly idea that Hinamori completely forgot her mortification and started laughing, dropping her hands into her lap.
When the waiter returned, he brought a truly amazing thing: a peach daiquiri~! Wiping tears of laughter out of her eyes, Momo thanked him happily and tasted it. "Ah! It's so good!" she commented, prompting a bow from the waiter, who made a flirtatious comment or two before moving on to another table. Sipping the frozen drink to cool herself down from the previous embarrassment, she felt the need to ask Rangiku, "Um...Rangiku-san? Does he ever...you know...talk about me?" And the blush was back, full force.
Nemu came out of a door beside the back of the stage. For once, she had a smile on her face - a fairly broad smile at that. She stopped by the bar and ordered another drink, cheerfully chatting with the bartender as he filled her order. Once she'd got a cosmopolitan in hand she walked a little funny - not in a straight line and as if her legs were a little weak - back over to the stage. Once she'd rejoined the women she took her seat and shared her smile with them. Nemu sipped at her drink before greeting them. "Good evening, ladies." her voice faltered a bit though her composure was swiftly regained.
With another sip of her drink she brought her eyes back to the stage. She was obviously not paying attention to any of the dancing going on in front of her. Nemu's head was up in the clouds, reflecting on the wonderful and educational experience she just had. Mayuri-sama would be happy for her.
TO BE CONTINUED...?
WHAT: The lady lieutenants go out for a night of drinks and male strippers. Need I say more? There are hijinks.
The shinigami women's association wasn't always about meetings. Sometimes they got together, hung out, and basked securely in familiar company to just enjoy being girls. And on rare occasion, these outings were best held in reserve until the president's bedtime was past, because heaven only knew what Yachiru would do if she got drunk. (The very thought produced shivers of the worst kind.)
Nanao formally voiced her objections to this particular outing, yet she never outright declined. And why? For Momo's sake, of course. As much as she reviled the idea of drinking, there was no denying that Rangiku was talented at helping others forget their troubles for a little while and just cut loose. Nanao's been worried about Momo for a long while now, and knew it must be very hard for the poor girl trying to handle all of the duties of the Fifth Division on her own.
And so, Nanao had come. She lingered behind the rest of the girls, clutching her book with a death grip, as though it might shield her from the depravity to come. She didn't look like she'd cut loose in all her life, and she'd stiffened up even more than ever. ~I'm going to harbor severe regrets before this night is through,~ she thought to herself, wearing a look of deep, deep anxiety that bordered on fear.
She could have taken drinks anywhere. But did it have to be a /strip club/? "I hope Kyouraku-Taichou never hears of this..." Nanao muttered, her head bowed in defeat.
Nemu was like Nanao. She had never, not even once in her life, let loose. Drinking was not something she'd ever thought about, and given a choice she would not have come tonight. When asked what the WSA meeting had been about, she told Mayuri-sama about all their plans and told him that she did not intend to go. Unfortunately, Mayuri saw the whole thing as a wonderful learning experience. After picking out her outfit, telling her what she was and was not allowed to drink and making sure she was in full working order, he shooed her out the door to join her 'little playmates'.
Nemu stood behind Momo, expression dull as ever. It seemed the neon lights and half-naked men weren't yet having an effect. She watched the men, the bartender and the patrons - she studied all of their actions and tried to learn while she waited for someone else to direct the night.
It had been quite some time since Momo had been able to attend an Association meeting, let alone a fun gathering afterwards. While for Hinamori, a typical 'outing' might be afternoon tea with a friend at the Tea Tower, she was excited (albeit nervously so) to try something alien and new.
Already blushing as the small group camd through the door, she couldn't help but giggle up at Nanao beside her. Momo was fully aware of her prim friend's sacrifice for her benefit. The fukutaichou of the 8th division would never be seen in a place like this if it weren't for the fact that Momo had expressed interest in coming. Looping her arm in Nanao's, Momo grinned up at the taller fukutaichou, hoping to help her relax a little. Of course, the sight of nearly-naked men onstage and scantily-clad waiters strolling around the tables made Hinamori shriek in surprise and girlish playful glee.
"Nee, Rangiku-san, where should we sit?" she asked, delegating leadership to the bravest of them all. She was sure that Nemu and Nanao would prefer the back, but it was their first time! Shouldn't they sit all the way up front?
There was one woman entirely without reserve in the group, and her presence was announced by a headful of strawberry blonde hair and a low-slung top -- and the sudden, loud whistle she gave the dancers up on the stage, thumb and forefinger in her mouth. "HEEEEEEEEEEEY BOYS! Looking sexy as ever!" Rangiku blew a kiss to the strippers, winking when she took a shot of whatever was being served from a passing server and tray, not even two minutes inside the door. Drink downed, she caught another passing tray to set the empty glass down on, before she was herding the less enthusiastic group behind her, bustling behind them in turn and gently guiding them with hands to the smalls of feminine backs. "Up front, of course! Come on, come on! This way~," she sang, vibrant and cheerful and absolutely not stopping or letting any of them back away or have second thoughts.
/Twitch./ Nanao looked like she had a split-second seizure, throwing up her free arm to shield her face at Rangiku's sudden shout. "M-Matsumoto-san! There's no need to get /that/ close!" No need at all!
At least she took mild comfort from Momo's support, though a more cynical voice inside her head told her it was a means of trapping the prude shinigami rather than offering solace. She eyed the passing tray, along with the saucy strut of the bare-chested waiter bearing it in a broad hand. Whyyyyyyyy...
May the nerdy gods give her strength... She tightened her mouth, gripping the book again. A glance back at Nemu confirmed, at least, that she was not the only one who would prefer a quieter locale. But who knew? Nemu was as unpredictable as her captain, she might end up shocking them all.
Nemu still wasn't really phased. Rangiku was acting as she always did, just in a different location, and the naked men weren't really any more naked than Mayuri-sama when he took his showers... although she did find the dancing to be a bit peculiar. She carefully noted to herself that alcohol must not be as disgusting as Mayuri-sama warned (considering how easily Matsumoto-chan downed it) and tried to remember that she needed to order a drink once they found a spot.
Upon hearing Rangiku's comment that they were to sit up front, Nemu broke away from the group and moved quickly to find a seat. Standing behind one of the chairs that lined the stage, she pointed to it and offered a gentle 'Is this right?' to the new leader of the group.
Laughing outright at Rangiku's outburst, Hinamori positively beamed at Nanao. How could she possibly turn down this face? "Let's hurry, Nanao-san! It looks like someone new is starting their show!" As if it were a theatre or something.
Though Momo was quite correct. As a sultry beat played over the speaker system, another gorgeous specimen of shinigami malehood started his cakewalk down the runway. Or should that be /beefcake/ walk? Hello! The strippers must have been wearing their gigai for the show, because they each seemed to be sporting an interesting outfit from the living world. This one was dressed like a police officer. He blew on a whistle hanging from his neck before tugging it off and tossing it to the ladies. Grabbing onto the pole, he swung around and dances to the music, showing off the curve of his...assets.
As Hinamori took her seat between Rangiku and Nanao, she applauded as if she was supposed to. "Way to go! Good job!" Well, she's close, at least.
She nodded cheerfully to Nemu, giving a thumbs up to the quiet woman from the 12th. 'Good choice!' her grin said, and once she had ushered the other girls into their seats, she waved for a round of drinks from one of the servers, handing down the tall, fluted shotglasses to each of the shinigami women. Nemu might have recognized the shape; the shotglasses looked like long test tubes, each filled with a different, nuclear bright color. The taste depended entirely on which color you got -- another adaptation from the living world, it seemed. It wasn't just boring sake here!
Meanwhile the police officer was undoing his tie, and while Rangiku -- still standing -- was knocking back her tube of liquor, he snaked it out of his collar and around her back, pulling her closer to the stage and giving her her own personal show. She burst into laughter in her usual good cheer, stroking his cheek and giving him a quick peck before she sent him back with a swat on the ass. "Come on baby, send more our way!" was her approving catcall. He left the tie with her, and she promptly draped it on Momo. "A souvenir!" she teased, finding her seat.
Nanao ducked, the whistle sailing over her head into some other lucky patron's waiting grasp, judging by the sudden piercing squeal. Ignore the pivoting man on stage. Ignore ignore ignore. "No need for haste," Nanao glanced down at her reading partner. "I'm certain the ending of the act is what others generally anticipate."
She claimed the seat facing away from the stage to preserve her sanity, dropping primly into the chair, and laying the book upon her lap as though to anchor her firmly in place. She would not stand unless she meant to use the restroom or leave. The test tubes were eyed critically. As pleasing to the eye as they might be, she knew that it was just another pretty form for BRAIN POISON. And she wasn't going to touch it. "A virgin margarita, if you'd be so kind," she made her cool request, eyes closed as she nodded once to the waiter. "I require nothing fancy." Which was her way of saying 'if you gyrate in my face, you will surely die.' She turned her head towards Nemu, lips parting to pose a question, for she had no idea why Mayuri had given his permission in this matter (what did he hope for the poor girl to learn?!), she suddenly went rigid as Rangiku was abducted by that police pimp! "M-Matsumoto-san!" Nanao protested, making a futile grab for Rangiku's sleeve. Noooo, don't draw attention to them!
She sighed, pressing her manicured fingertips to the bridge of her nose. The night could not end soon enough. But...one glance to the side gave her all the patience she needed. Momo was smiling and looking more like her old self. Nanao could endure a great deal to preserve that smile.
It was difficult for Nemu to understand what was going on. Why these men were dancing on stage and removing their clothing was a mystery to her, and why they were dressed in costumes was even more confusing. Understanding only that alcohol is a mind-altering substance, she decided that she'd understand better once she'd had a drink and so she quickly downed the brightly colored liquor.
Nemu raised her hand toward the scantily-clad waiter to get his attention. "I would like..." she paused trying to remember precisely what it was she was supposed to order. "I would like a stoplight, please."
She turned her attention back to the stripper while she waited for her drinks. He'd moved on to opening his shirt - a button popping open and his hips moving to a different side with each bass beat from the music. His eyes had grazed Nemu, Nanao and Rangiku, but they settled on Momo - she seemed to be the birthday girl or bachelorette or some such thing and girls like that were usually very good tippers.
Giggling as Rangiku adorned her with the tie, Momo couldn't help but wonder if it was okay. Wouldn't he need it later? Well, maybe they'd go backstage afterwards and give it back. That'd be the nice thing to do. Taking after the example of Nemu and Rangiku, Momo picked up her test tube glass and sipped at it. "...Yum!" she decided, and continued to sip as she watched the rest of the 'show.'
It didn't actually occur to her that she'd become the focus until Mr. Policeman gyrated his way over and dropped to his knees right in front of her. He walked himself over on his hands and knees, brushed her hair out of her face, then kissed her cheek. Needless to say, Momo's jaw was dropped wide open and she blushed a deep shade of crimson. "N-nice to meet you," she stammered cutely. He only grinned, unpinned his badge, and pinned it to the lapel of her dressy outfit.
Having performed this personalized little favor, he leaned back and pulled his shirt entirely off, revealing a well-tanned, /very/ well-muscled chest and a set of abs you could bake cookies on. Stretching out his arm, he pointed his finger and moved it back and forth as if choosing between the ladies. He stopped at Nemu. With a smirk, he turned his hand and curled his finger, inviting her on stage.
"Sex on the beach," was Rangiku's cheerful request to the server, and when he had gone to retrieve their drinks, she settled to watch the show. And what a show it was! She whistled appreciatively when the dancer singled out Momo, laughing and nudging Nanao beside her in good cheer. "Hinamori has an admirer, look at that! -- Ohoooo, Nemu too?! Oh, you have to go, go on!" she chuckled, pushing Nemu up out of her seat helpfully. "Go on, dance with the man!"
Ohhh, then the drinks came. She took hers happily, enjoying the taste of citrus and pineapple before she suddenly gaped past Nanao's shoulder. "Kyoraku-taichou?!"
If the ruse worked, the moment Nanao turned, she got two test tubes dumped into her margarita with Rangiku's sleight of hand before the tubes just as quickly disappeared as if they hadn't existed. "Oh, my bad! Nevermind, that's not him at all." A giggle.
Nemu hadn't the faintest idea what this man could possibly want with her. With near robotic speed she downed her stoplight - a shot of cherry brandy, a shot of tequila, and a shot of midori. She got up on the stage as requested and stood there awkwardly as the man danced around her, lightly played with her braid and nearly brushed a few of her most treasured assets. Nemu was unfazed and the man was inwardly frustrated - any woman should be melting for him by now.
Mr. Policeman finished stripping for Nemu and the rest of the crowd. He got right down to a tiny little speedo and ended the dance there - this particular Mr. Policeman was the male equivelant of a topless dancer - he didn't give away all the goods. With a cocky grin on his face he swiftly placed one arm on Nemu's back and the other at the back of her knees. He swept her up and triumphantly carried her off to behind the curtain. Only Rangiku knew the sorts of depravities that went on back there, and it was a fair guess that Nemu would return, unharmed, in due time.
No, Nemu did /not/ have to go, but Nanao bit back her protest just the same. The margarita was delivered to the table, and received with a stiff note of gratitude. It seemed their table had been favored by the false policeman with his popped shirt buttons and too-tight trousers...wait, no, those were both gone now...and if he knew what was good for him, he wouldn't finish the rounds and end with Nanao. Seeing as how he'd trotted off with Nemu, Nanao was safe. And so was the dancer, consequently. "Should we really allow that? Kurotsuchi-Taichou will be furious." At least, she imagined he might be. Who could tell with that man?
She reached for her drink, only to hear the most dreaded word of all. The color drained straight out of Nanao's face, and her jaw dropped. "Wh-what?! NO! WHAT NO!" she stammered, whipping around just as Rangiku predicted she would. Heart in her throat, stomach in her toes, Nanao whirled towards the stage, only to see a muscled arm slip between the curtains followed by the rest of a dark-haired man in a rumpled business suit. Not her captain, then. Shunsui had far more facial hair.
Practically melting with relief, Nanao slumped in her chair, taking a mighty chug of her 'virgin' margarita. She blinked for a moment, and the situation became tense. Did she suspect? Did she /know/?
Nanao pulled the glass from her lips, eyeing it. "They added more fruit this time," she noted. It seemed to pass her strict approval, because she was drinking more.
It could be the alcohol - which Momo had finished by now - but it was probably the muscle-bound hottie in the speedo that had Hinamori blushing like she'd never blushed before. "Ah...! I-I had no idea...what men's bodies looked like...under their clothes...!" She touched her face, certain it'd caught fire by now. "They're so...attractive!" She giggled helplessly at her own admission. "I wonder if Hitsugaya-kun's stomach looks so...--" Slapping her hand over her mouth as she realized what she was saying, Momo could only hope the other two remaining ladies were wrapped up in their case of mistaken taichou identity to notice. Rangiku's trick therefore also went unnoticed by the embarrassed Momo, who handed over her test tube to the server and didn't have the faintest idea what to ask for.
"Um...do you have anything with peaches in it?" she asked hopefully, getting a smile and a wink from the waiter in response. It looked like her innocent willingness was earning her more than one admirer around here.
Rangiku bubbled into hysterical laughter at Hinamori's words, but it was the good-natured, slightly buzzed kind that was probably at least partly induced by alcohol, because the woman had sucked her Sex on the Beach down faster than was really healthy, already waving the waiter to bring her his favorite drink choice; she'd drink it all! "So flat and muscled? Do you really want to know?" she asked conspiratorially, leaning in close, before she grinned and tapped Momo's nose with a fingertip. "You're too young to know! No, I'm kidding--I won't spoil it for you, you'll find out one day yourself!"
She'd been almost-but-not-quite-apprehensive at Nanao's pause after her first sip, but then all was well again and soon Rangiku was on yet another round of drinks. "Come on, Nanao-san, loosen up! The boys are here for us to enjoy, don't be shy!"
"This is as loose as I get, Matsumoto-san," Nanao replied, setting down her empty glass. "My apologies." She didn't sound all that sorry, though. Beneath the table she crossed her legs (shock!), a replacement virgin margarita placed in front of her.
She did, however, favor Momo with a small smile. She was glad she seemed to be having a good time. As for Hitsugaya? She decided to pretend she'd heard nothing. She didn't want to know, and it was none of her business.
Suddenly she stiffened in her seat, prompted by some sort of sixth sense. Her head whipped around, staring down the stripper who'd been creeping up from behind with his own tie slid from his neck and ready to loop about the lieutenant's shoulders. Her eyes narrowed, but this did not deter him. Clearly he was unaware of Nanao's reputation in the 8th Division, and just what happened to those who got 'fresh.'
~It seems all I can do...is this.~ Nanao's fingers slipped into the front of her shinigami robes (she wore those to the strip club? SERIOUSLY?), prompting a raised eyebrow of interest from the stripper, and quite possibly alarm to anyone who knew her.
But she did not pull out weapons of harm. Instead, there was a sack of jingling coins, which were suddenly a fraction of an inch away from the man's face, dangled by Nanao's slim fingers. It caught him off-guard, for he hesitated. And with a flick of the wrist, Nanao flung the bag past his shoulder. He looked after it, confused, then back to Nanao, but she'd already turned back to her drink, sipping coolly. Fetch.
Itwas a good thing Momo wasn't drinking anything at the moment, or else she'd be spitting it right now. Rangiku's candid speech about Hitsugaya and her future turned her even redder than before. "Oh no, Rangiku-san, I...I-!" But really, how could she possibly deny what she just said? There was no way; her secret was out! Rather than stammering and making up excuses, she just covered up her face in humiliation. So...so embarrassed... The only thing worse would be if he were actually here, but luckily that was not even remotely possible. The thought of Hitsugaya-kun up on the stage, stripping like these other men was such a silly idea that Hinamori completely forgot her mortification and started laughing, dropping her hands into her lap.
When the waiter returned, he brought a truly amazing thing: a peach daiquiri~! Wiping tears of laughter out of her eyes, Momo thanked him happily and tasted it. "Ah! It's so good!" she commented, prompting a bow from the waiter, who made a flirtatious comment or two before moving on to another table. Sipping the frozen drink to cool herself down from the previous embarrassment, she felt the need to ask Rangiku, "Um...Rangiku-san? Does he ever...you know...talk about me?" And the blush was back, full force.
Nemu came out of a door beside the back of the stage. For once, she had a smile on her face - a fairly broad smile at that. She stopped by the bar and ordered another drink, cheerfully chatting with the bartender as he filled her order. Once she'd got a cosmopolitan in hand she walked a little funny - not in a straight line and as if her legs were a little weak - back over to the stage. Once she'd rejoined the women she took her seat and shared her smile with them. Nemu sipped at her drink before greeting them. "Good evening, ladies." her voice faltered a bit though her composure was swiftly regained.
With another sip of her drink she brought her eyes back to the stage. She was obviously not paying attention to any of the dancing going on in front of her. Nemu's head was up in the clouds, reflecting on the wonderful and educational experience she just had. Mayuri-sama would be happy for her.
TO BE CONTINUED...?