Ace lead Michael away from the graveyard, through the winding streets of Tokyo to the (living) nightlife side of town. Walking towards an upjoint club, the bouncer waved Ace and Michael through without even asking for payment - the benefit of working at a place.

Leading Michael through ranks of dancers writing to a pounding bass track, up to the slightly less grinding noises around the bar. The bartender smiled, recognising Ace, and asked "What can I get you? And your friend, of course."

Ace simply grinned.

What the hell did I get myself into? Michael asked himself as he was led to the bar. When asked what he wanted he asked for 'anything strong.' He really had no idea what was what, and to be honest, he was drunk enough not to really care.

The barman smiled and took two shotglasses, a halved lemon and some salt, and put it on the counter. "Tequila sunrise; knock yourselves out, boys - they're doing bodyshots upstairs if you're so inclined."

Ace grinned at the prospect, but remembering his reclusive companion, he said "We'll get to that later, when we're both drunk enough for it. Michael - first shot, straight no chaser?"

Pouring two generous shots of tequila, Ace watched him, grinning.

He grabbed the glass, took a deep breath, and downed the shot.

"You wouldn't believe the way I drank when I was younger. That was nothing." A grin came to his face.

Grinning in turn, Ace said "Yeah but you're already smashed. Bet that in this state I could drink you under the table."

"Honestly, I should see a doctor soon. Been having some problems... otherwise I'd try. As much as I wish death would come, I'd rather die a bit more dignified..." He trailed off and thought about life. He still hated it. Maybe he should go for it... with luck, it would end.

"Addiction's a strange thing, but given you're here at my request, I'd appreciate it if you chose another night to die." Ace's eyes sparkled with the kind of bleak humor that those who lived in hell, and still found things to laugh about, had to acquire.

"Still, the challenge stands - maybe for another night, but I want to *try* and outdrink you at least once."

"Oh, I guess I do get to die alone then..." he looked down. "Although, you not wanting me to die, is a good thing... I guess... I mean, it means SOMETHING, right?" He drew a breath and sighed.

I need to stay in more... he screamed at himself. He realized tears in his eyes and ran off for the bathroom, trying not to seem off.

"I have to piss..." he said with a slightly quivering voice.

Ace had seen the tears, so he followed Michael. Finally catching up to him, Ace wrapped his arms around Michael's shoulders.

"Hey, hey. It's alright. Calm down. I don't want you dying, and I don't want you dying alone."

Realizing he'd perhaps gone beyond what he had a right to, Ace cleared his throat, for the first time embarassed. But he didn't let go.

Michael wrapped his arms tightly around Ace. "Thank you, but I honestly think it's better that way..."

"Why? What makes you think that?"

Before ace's question could be answer m an the police department busted into the nightclub. Women and men scattered in different directions as officer's arrested those convicted.

"Fuck - cops. Let's bail before this gets nasty."

Seeing ace m ran towards him and saw michael along with im feeling tis was a perfect chance to add another deviant to the jail scene. "STOP POLICE!"

Ace stopped. "Yes, officer?"