It hasn’t been the same ever since the Mopping-Up Operation, neither for you nor anyone else in the Qs. Something seemed to have changed with everyone, and it couldn’t be said that it took an easy toll on you.

You’re stranded in a bar again, all alone by yourself, the only company you have is the bartender thats left, silently wiping up the empty cups, getting ready to close for the day. You wish you could stay here forever, just drown yourself in alcohol, but you really couldn’t. Its not the first time you’re all alone here late at night, no, it could even be said that you’ve made this into a habit. Its not a good one, but no one in the Chateau dares to call you out on it, not even your mentor, Sasaki, because deep down he knows you’re hurting. And he cant dare to push you even further.

So they’ve resorted to another solution. The sound of the door sliding open echoed in the dead silent room, someone approaching you from behind until they take a seat right next to you by the counter. They silently take off their fur coat, tossing it to the empty seat next to them before signaling to the bartender to get a drink for theirselves. Just a regular can of beer, there isn’t anything special about it. The awkward silence lingers heavy in between the both of you, yet you know what was coming. Because this wouldn’t be the first time you’ve had a conversation like this.

“So.. what gotch’ya stranded here again, needing me to come pick yer up again.” The voice finally speaks, cracking open their can. Its Shirazu’s voice, you could recognize it from miles away. Its what they’ve resorted to, to send Shirazu to pick you up from the streets, because they know that you have a sensitive spot just for him.