The music is far too loud. Touka strains to hear Nishiki but she can only make out one word in five and he's slurring his speech so badly she can barely understand what she does hear. Something about Kimi and love and how it's all crap and they're better off without them… She doesn't really listen, opting to down her shot instead.

Like all human food it tastes absolutely foul but she's enjoying the pleasant buzz in her head. Looking at the grimaces on the faces of the humans gathered at the bar it doesn't appear they enjoy the taste much more than she does.

She looks around for Uta and Itori but they vanished almost as soon as they got to the club. She's not unhappy. She's annoyed enough that Nishiki dragged her out again tonight.

"I'm sick of your ridiculous moping!" He had decided one afternoon in the coffee shop. He had pestered her until she disclosed what had happened between her and Haise. Initially he seemed weirdly proud of her but as she obviously struggled to put the incident behind her he had become frustrated. "The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else."

She hadn't been enthusiastic about taking dating advice from him considering how the last time went. She had voiced this to him but he had waved her off, calling up Uta and Itori before she could stop him. Nishiki had at least enough tact to keep the reason for their 'piss up' quiet.

And somehow this had become a regular thing. The four of them would have a few Ghoul friendly drinks at :re before heading to some random club or other. Touka always said that time would be her last but a few days later she'd find her thoughts wandering to the subject of Haise and she'd find herself craving the numbing effects of alcohol.

Nishiki notices her drink is empty and signals the barman for another round. "Seriously though Touka, you're better off." He ruffles her hair. "Kaneki's an idiot. Just find some nice normal Ghoul who isn't trying to get himself killed or save the world or whatever the fuck he's doing these days."

"Thanks." She rolls her eyes, eagerly accepting the vodka shot put before her. Steeling herself, she swallows it quickly wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "I need to use the bathroom."

Nishiki nods, his attention turning to scan the dancefloor.

She makes her way through the sea of bodies. A few guys try to get handsy with her but a glare or (for the really daring) a Ghoul strengthened death grip is enough to discourage them. She turns a corner and bumps straight into the thin eyepatch Dove.

"Ah Kirishima-san!" He looks shocked to see her here, glancing behind him.

Touka follows his gaze and is not surprised to see the rest of the group. Haise is at the back chatting happily to the fierce looking squad member. Shirazu, was it?

Haise and Shirazu stop quickly when they notice the group has stopped moving. The grin drops from Haise's face as he recognises Touka. He quickly covers his shock, an uneasy smile replacing his previous carefree face.

"Touka-chan!" Touka is startled as the plump one (Saiko?) grips her hands. "What are you doing here?" The girl looks more than tipsy, her face flushed and her eyes wandering.

Touka can't help but laugh. This girl rarely shows up at :re so it seems bizarre she is being so familiar. "I'm out with friends."

"Come dance with us!" Saiko pulls Touka closer. "Sassan likes you! You should dance with him! I know he's shy and dorky but he's the best!" She whispers conspiratorially in Touka's ear.

Touka blushes and cannot help but glance at Haise. He looks concerned at whatever is passing between the two women and steps forward.

"Saiko, stop annoying Kirishima-san." He pulls on one of the short girl's pigtails.

"I'm not annoying you, am I?" She looks indignant and folds her hands over her chest.

"Come on, Saiko. Let's get a drink." Mutsuki takes Saiko by the elbow and guides her away from Touka and Haise. Touka cannot help but notice the significant look the thin Dove gives Haise. The two other boys follow Saiko and Mutsuki to the bar, the ginger one grinning stupidly at Haise.

For his part, Haise seems embarrassed by the less than subtle actions of his squad. "Sorry about them." He looks lost for words. "Em, I didn't know you would be here. It's Mutsuki's birthday and Saiko decided we should come out dancing." He swallows, looking around. "I don't really like nightclubs."

"No, me neither." Touka tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "My friends kinda dragged me out too."

Haise finally makes eye contact with her and she can clearly see the longing in his eyes. She fears her eyes look the same so she looks away. She can't help wanting him. He's been worrying his lips and they look pink and slightly swollen. She wants to reach out and touch him so badly… to kiss him again, to feel him pressed against her.

She swallows, pushing those thoughts away. "I should get back to my friends."

He nods, sighing. "Yeah, me too."

She glances back at him and she almost gives in. He looks so handsome and shy. It takes all her resolve to step around him and continue to the bathroom.

Nishiki doesn't seem to have missed her, or he doesn't comment on her long absence. She tries to stop her eyes from wandering around the nightclub. She orders them another round and tries to occupy her thoughts with Nishiki's drunken ramblings.

They get through a few more rounds before Touka excuses herself to use the bathroom again. When she comes back Nishiki is gone. She looks around but is not surprised to see him on the dancefloor with some pretty brunette. Touka rolls her eyes. He definitely has a type. Annoyed at herself, she looks around for Haise. She tells herself she just wants to know where he is. She tries to pretend she's not disappointed when she doesn't locate him. She scans the room for Uta and Itori but seeing neither she decides to call it a night.

She jumps down from her seat and stumbles a little. Perhaps she is drunker than she thought. Straightening up, she makes her way towards the exit. She turns down the dark hallway that leads to the cloakroom and crashes into something warm and solid. She steps back unsteadily, tensing slightly when the person before her gently put their hands on her upper arms.

"Are you ok, Touka?"

She looks up to find Haise frowning down at her. He is so close. She can smell the scent of his fresh soap. "I'm fine." She sighs, tossing her hair back with a shake of her head. "Thank you."

He follows her movement, swallowing heavily.

She watches his Adam's apple bob in his throat and it's all she can do to stop herself from licking it.

"You're leaving?" His voice is husky as he leans into her slightly. He seems to also be unsteady on his feet and she can detect a slight scent of alcohol on his breath.

"I'm bored." She finds her fingers reaching out for his shirt, finds herself pitching towards him.

He sighs, biting his lip. "Me too."

Touka stares up at him. She's not even thinking but she finds herself stretching on tip toes to reach him. He is clearly feeling the same because the last thing she sees before she closes her eyes is him leaning down to meet her. She whimpers when she feels his lips on hers, her tenuous grip on his shirt becoming urgent and desperate.

They stumble backwards, groaning loudly when Touka's back eventually collides with the wall of the hallway. He presses her against the wall, one arm around her waist, the other cupping her face. The last vestiges of Touka's sober mind are screaming at her that this should not be happening but she wants him too badly to pay them any mind.

She clutches at his waist, pulling him against her as he kisses her deeply. She sighs deeply as he moves his attention from her lips and begins to nip at her neck. "Do you live far from here?" Her voice is deep with lust.

He pulls back to look at her, his pupils dilated. He doesn't seem to trust his voice, shaking his head in answer.

She kisses him forcefully before pulling back. "Let's get out of here."

They somehow maintain their composure long enough to retrieve their jackets but as soon as they enter the empty elevator they fall upon each other once more, pushing apart only when they door 'dings' open.

The walk to Haise's place takes longer than Touka anticipated but only because they stop so often to push each other against walls and alcoves. The December air is cold against Touka's flushed face and she desperately wants to feel Haise's bare skin against her own, but she cannot resist every time he stops to kiss her.

Eventually they make it to what she presumes is Haise's house. The building is huge but she doesn't have much time to take it in. Haise unlocks the door and steps aside to allow her to enter. As soon as he closes the door she presses against him, reaching up to kiss him again. He pushes her coat off, dropping it unceremoniously on the floor. He nudges her in the direction of the stairs and clumsily they ascend two flights. He guides her towards one of the rooms, fumbling with the door handle for a second before it opens and they stumble inside.

Once inside the room, Haise wastes no time in pulling at her clothing. She follows suit, gripping his shirt and pulling it free of his slacks. He directs her towards the bed in the corner, pulling her top up and over her head before they reach it.

Touka's calves collide with the bed and she pitches backwards, pulling Haise with her. She giggles as he lands on her, surprised at the sudden change in position. Haise smiles down at her and she feels her heart skip a beat at the adoring look on his face. He looks like he's going to say something so she kisses him instead, returning her attention to his shirt. She fumbles with the buttons, sighing when she eventually succeeds at opening it fully. He helps her remove it and then turns his attention to her bra. He curses under his breath as he struggles with the clasps and Touka finds herself laughing once more. After a few more unsuccessful attempts, Touka pushes him back and undoes the clasps herself.

"Thanks." Haise presses his forehead against hers before leaning down to kiss her. He snakes his hands up her arms and hooks his fingers in her bra straps, leaning away from her momentarily to remove it completely.

He kisses her deeply and she arches against him, thrilling at the feel of his bare skin against hers. He trails kisses down her jaw and neck as Touka buries her fingers in his soft hair. His hands snake up her waist and gently caress her breasts. Touka cannot help but whimper, squirming against him. Haise kisses across her breastbone, hesitating for a second before taking a pebbled nipple in his mouth. Touka arches against him, crying out. He turns his attention to the other breast, Touka sighing and whimpering as her desire grows.

Haise begins trailing kisses down her toned stomach, his hands gliding around her back to slip down the zip of her skirt. He glances up at her seemingly seeking permission as he begins to pull the garment down her legs. Touka raises her rear in acquiescence. Haise leans back and raises one of her legs and then the other, removing her shoes and dropping them on the floor. Her stockings quickly follow before Haise falls against her. He returns his attention to her stomach, ghosting kisses lower and lower.

Touka moans as he kisses and nips along the waist band of her panties. She twists the sheets as he lightly caresses her thighs, gently pushing them apart. She obliges him by lifting her rear as he begins to pull her panties down her legs. She is a little embarrassed at her nakedness as Haise leans back to look at her.

He shakes his head, leaning forward and sighing against her taut stomach. "You're so beautiful." He moves lower, sucking gently on the delicate flesh of her inner thigh.

Touka groans loudly as the action sends shivers directly to her core.

Haise teases her some more, nipping and sucking on her inner thighs before eventually turning his attention to her neglected sex. She whimpers loudly as he draws his tongue against her. Touka buries her hands in his hair as he licks and sucks on her clit. He slips first one finger, then another inside her creating an almost unbearable rhythm in tandem with his mouth. Touka feels the pressure beginning to build and she can scarcely remain still. She writhes against him, caressing his hair and moaning loudly.

"Haise!" She gasps… so close. "Haise, I'm, I'm." She's incoherent with lust as her orgasm suddenly crashes over her. She arches off the bed, calling out loudly.

Haise continues to lick her and she has to push him away as she becomes overwhelmed with sensation.

He kisses his way up her body, nuzzling her neck before kissing her deeply. Touka tastes herself on him. She lightly scrapes her fingers down his muscular torso, deftly opening his belt and unzipping his slacks. Haise leans back to assist her pushing them down over his hips, taking over and kicking his slacks and then his boxers off completely. Touka hears his shoes fall to the floor.

Haise turns back to her, kissing her deeply as he rolls to lie on top of her.

It takes all her mental strength to pull back from him. "Do you have protection?" She prays he says he does because she's not sure her drunken mind has enough fortitude to stop if he doesn't.

He looks worried for a split second then quickly disappears from view. He returns swiftly, fumbling with a small packet when he does. "Saiko got me these as a 'present' ages ago. I'll-"

She silences him with a finger to the lips then kisses him again. He returns the kiss sloppily as he continues to fumble with the condom. Once sorted, he slips his arms around her again and pushes her back into the bed. She grinds against him, impatient to feel him inside her. Haise steels himself against her, groaning as he enters her. Touka arches against him, wrapping her legs around his waist. They quickly fall into a rhythm and Touka begins to feel the pleasurable pressure build in her groin again. She grinds against him, meeting him thrust for thrust desperate to feel her release again.

Haise pants against her neck, one arm braced against her head the other slipped around her waist and gripping her tightly. She can feel him begin to lose control. She wraps her legs tighter against his waist, gasping as the change in angle threatens to tip her over the edge. Haise whimpers, his pace picking up and suddenly she's peaking, she's coming and she cries out loudly in ecstasy.

Haise gasps her name and comes moments later.

They lie a tangle of limbs for some time after.

Haise strokes her arm, sighing contentedly. "I should… sort things." He looks down at her.

Touka nods at him.

Haise rolls over and busies himself with cleaning up.

Touka sighs and sits up. She runs her fingers through her hair then stands up and begins to retrieve her clothes.

Haise does not notice immediately, but once he is finished with his activities she hears him pause as he turns back to her.

"What are you… Are you getting dressed?" He sounds confused.

"I should go." Touka doesn't look at him as she pulls up her panties.

"It's two thirty in the morning."

Touka doesn't respond and continues to dress.

"I thought…" Haise begins but doesn't go on.

Touka looks around for her jacket, remembering eventually that it is on the floor downstairs. She avoids looking at him as she makes to leave the bedroom.

She is surprised by Haise opening the door for her. He has pulled on what seem to be a pair of pyjama pants.

"Thanks." She squeezes past him, consciously avoiding touching him.

He follows her down the stairs. When Touka bends down to pick up her jacket, Haise helps her put it on. She sighs, moving quickly to the door.

"Touka." Haise sounds broken.

"Nothing has changed." She can't look at him.

He moves closer to her, resting his forehead against the nape of her neck. His fingers lightly caress hers. "No, it hasn't." He sighs.

Touka turns the door handle and Haise steps back allowing her to leave. She can't help but glance back at him but he is staring at the floor and doesn't see.

Swallowing past the thick lump in her throat, she steps out into the cold night.