Snippet #2369263

"Sweetheart, the only thing you attract is trouble and I don't need anymore more of that," Masaru huffed, hands on his hips but an unmistakable mischievous twinkle in his eyes. The flirtatious endearment tumbled easily from his lips, just another quirk that made Masaru, well, Masaru. He gave an exaggerated wince when Ichirou punched his arm, a pout covering his face before he let out a laugh and allowed himself to be tugged along by the wrist, waving at his coworkers(almost all of whom just carried on with what they were doing have seen this scene one too many times to care).

"Goodbye, everyone! I'll see you later!" He cheerfully called out before Ichirou pulled him out of the store, Kutaki still attached to his back like the world's clingiest backpack. His friend was still chattering on, practically vibrating with excitement. It made sense, at least a little bit. The Zodiac members, as linked as they were by their curses, didn't see each other as often as some might like. Some lived away from the Sohma compound, people had busy jobs and school lives, a general reluctance on some of the members' parts and so many other things kept them from actually seeing one another. So tonight, if everyone chose to come, was a special occasion indeed.

"My, aren't we a gentleman?" He quipped, sliding into the passenger's seat and buckling up as tightly as he could. Ichirou's driving skills were infamous and for someone who'd been riding with him all of these years(the horror...the horror...), well, if he didn't take safety precautions, that would mean he was a complete idiot.

"...As long as there aren't any snags or fights." Ichirou finished, sliding into the driver's seat.

"I'm sure it will all go smoothly," Masaru said with a smile, even if he didn't believe it himself. No, they didn't always get together, but when they did, tempers were sure to flare. Someone would say something wrong, someone would get upset- these get-togethers never really ended well with all of the immensely different Zodiac members thrown in together, personalities and opinions violently clashing with one another.

"Now, what do we have to do before the bonfire?" He asked, smoothly switching subjects. "We can worry about reminding everyone once we actually have something to remind them about."