A Hummingbird's Prey (TLU Book 2)

Chapter Thirteen- Restless

Meilani turned to her other side once again, huffing in annoyance. The only sound heard in the dead silence of her apartment was her breathing, as shallow as it was. She had been stirring in agitation for days since Kakashi left, her face turning hot every time she remembered his behavior. Every time she thought of his back turned from her, and the lack of affection he gave, her face grew hot. In fact, it was so hot that her hand felt cold against her cheek. And yet, despite her frustration, she still found herself wearing one of his spare shirts left in her drawer.

He can be upset.... But he should be able to tell me that.
Mei groaned and strode to her dresser, pulling on the first pair of pants she grabbed and made her way out to the streets.
The air was crisp, with only a slight chill. It seemed that this year, winter had finished nearly overnight. Mei didn't even need a sweater, although her hair provided an extra layer of warmth. The streets were dark, the only light source being the dim lanterns and street lights throughout the city. Mei could smell the fried foods and spilled alcohol that the open bars and clubs offered, with distant laughs and music almost enticing her.

"Hey, Hummingbird!!"
Mei turned in surprise, grinning when she saw her favorite dynamic duo waving at her from a dive bar's open window.
"Hey boys," she walked closer to the window, noticing another familiar face. Greeting them louder now that she was closer to the music. "Hey Genma."
Genma lifted his chin with a sly grin, his eyes hazy from a few rounds of sake.
"Join us! This one's buying," Kotetsu nudged Genma a bit rough, crying out in shock when the favor was returned.
"I don't wanna impose," Mei lifted a hand. "Besides, I left my wallet at home."
"It's fine," Genma shrugged. "Really, come have a drink."

Mei pursed her lips, nodding before she made her way into the bar. Genma signaled for another round, with an extra glass for Meilani. Passing through the crowded tables and busy servers, Mei sat in the empty spot next to Genma.
"Thank you," she moved her hair over one shoulder. "I didn't expect to be out and about this late."
"Can't sleep?" He asked, filling up her glass.
"That oughta help." Izumo hiccuped.
Mei lifted her glass with them, quickly shooting down the warm liquid, her eyes squinting at the dryness it left in her mouth and throat. The three chuckled at her twitching eye.

"Aw, come on. It's not that bad." Kotetsu leaned forward. "It'll go down smoother after the 3rd. Or, was it the 4th?"
Mei opened her mouth to protest another pour, but closed it soon after Genma's question.
"How are things with Kakashi?"
Mei's lips thinned, and she slammed the next shot quickly. Grimacing as she replied.
"They're fine." Mei held back a shudder, though couldn't stop her face from puckering. "How can you drink that with a straight face?"
"It's cause they have no sense of taste," Genma waved over a server and ordered a different liquor for two. "Just wait til you try this one. It has a smooth burn."
Genma caught her redirection, but wasn't going to push further. If something was bothering her, that was her business. One she could share if she wants.

Once the two drinks arrived, Mei sniffed hers cautiously. The potent, woodsy aroma quickly shifted to something citrusy.
"Start with a small sip." He instructed. "Let it sit in your mouth for a moment before swallowing it."
He glared at Izumo while he and Kotetsu held back a stifled chuckle. Flipping them off as Mei followed Genma's instructions.
"That's a lot smoother," she acknowledged. A slight sting remained on her tongue. But it was coated with a sweet vanilla flavor. The warmth in her chest was just as pleasant. "Remind me to grab a bottle for myself one day."

"Only if you're gonna share," Genma joked. It was his favorite, after all.
Mei continued to sip on her whiskey, listening to Izumo tell stories of the most wild and ridiculous interactions he's had while checking in visitors. Around the time he mentioned a group of bandits horribly disguised as a traveling circus, Mei began to notice the same unwanted blurriness in her vision. Dark blotches crowded her sight like black ink spreading across parchment. The more she blinked, the worse it grew until her sight was completely gone. She only felt the sensation of icicles jabbing her eyes, and saw the chilling ghosts of the past running outside into a void of nothingness. Their horrified glances and shrieks were all directed towards something high above them, past the splintered wood and hauling bricks flying past those quick enough to dodge.
The night of the nine-tails attack.