Chapter Text
Every day felt cyclical to Utahime. It all started and ended the same.
A lot of people might feel trapped in such a world. Mundane in its beginnings and endings but those weren't the parts that mattered to her. It was the moments in between that really shined the most.
What she had was something special that no one else had. Well, that's what her family and friends had told her. Ever since she was little she was adored and coddled like she was made of porcelain. Her family already had plans for her future before she could even speak her first words. I mean the name Utahime really speaks for itself. So when she sang silly songs she wrote herself and performed them for her parents, it almost felt like an omen of her fame filled future. Fame came quite easily to Utahime. That's why, when she inevitably got signed to Cloud records and released her first single Cupids Delivery, it wasn't long before everyone knew her name.
Everything comes with its ups and downs as does fame. A celebrity status comes with infinitely more downs when you're a young woman. As kind and soft spoken as her fans knew her to be, it took a great amount of restraint for her to not bite the heads off of these obnoxious journalists with too much confidence for their own good.
Because Utahimes' not so deep not so dark secret was that the anger she kept festering was a lot more fierce than most knew, but anger could be mistaken as passion so for all they knew she was as passionate as they come.
-
You know that I don't answer calls on weekends Suguru so this better be good. My free time is seldom and I take it very seriously.
“Oh yes Hime you know how much I value and remember the details of your schedule
but take the stick out of your ass and hear me out a sec?”
“Number. 1: Don't call me Hime. I don't like nicknames. Number.
2: With your track record of "great ideas" I think my attention span is lowering and lowering each time you speak.”
“I'm asking a favour as a dear friend.”
She could practically hear him pouting through the phone.
In his defense, it was rare for him to ask favours and they were usually good natured.
“Fine spit it out, you have thirty seconds!”
“Ok so you know how we've been looking everywhere for a lead guitarist well we've found one and she's really good. We've booked a gig in a local joint near here and it would mean a lot if you could make it! It's our first gig since we got back together so we're rallying as many people in as we can to come!
“Suguruuuu you know I can't be seen anywhere these days without a shit ton of greedy papps finding me.”
His tone was naturally low and well mannered but utahime has known him for so long she can tell a change in decibel even through the phone.
“Well compromise is key so how about you come to the after party? It's super low key!
and it'd be great to see you.”
“Well since i am the greatest most considerate friend in the world I'll think about it. Send me dates and times and I'll see if I can book it off.
No promises! There better be free drinks or I'm suing.
“There's always free drinks for you Hime”
“Cool kay gotta go I'm super busy doing important celebrity things!! (lie)”
Cutting the call off as soon as she could, she power walked to the gym to enjoy the rest of her uninterrupted free time.
“This is why I don't answer my phone on the weekends.”
-
“Tuesday the second yes. That's during evening hours. Anything else on that day?
Oh great thanks a bunch you're the best. Buhbye!
One more phone call and I'm gonna explode.
Lowkey is good.
I can do lowkey.”
-
Some sleazy bar called Mallory's downstairs lounge had been reserved. For an especially frustrated Utahime this was not something up her alley.
“Hey Utahimeeeeee!”
Before accepting this invitation Utahime had forgotten about a certain white haired idiot who would make it his mission to get in her space all night. That certain someone was somehow the boyfriend of Suguru and drummer for their band: The Siren Silhouettes: Satoru Gojo. She for some reason forgot about this obstacle. Frankly, a run in with the paparazzi would inconvenience her less.
“Oh hell no I am not talking to you before I've had a drink, absolutely not.”
“Awwww I thought we were friends?
A cordial hello wouldn't kill you, you know?”
“Well actually Gojo I'm afraid we would both be at harm's way if I engaged in conversation with you. Especially sober. Where's Suguru? I need my free drinks.
“Oh Ms. big shot superstar can't pay for her own drinks?”
“It's called a bribe, Gojo. I would not be here out of the goodness of my heart
Now move!”
As she tries to push past him as quickly as she can, someone who must be blind knocks into her and spills the contents of their red solo cup on her new dress.
“Ugh what was that?”
“Oh wow I'm so sorry I didn't see you there.....”
Trailing off this awfully clumsy and confused looking brunette spilled her drink on Utahime's meticulously planned outfit.
“Whatever it's not stained just watch where you're going next time.
Now time for drinks!
I need drinks.”
-
“You have the nerve to ask me here and then throw Gojo in my face the minute I walk in?”
“What happened to your dress?”
Immediately uninterested in Utahime's complaint on his drummer/boyfriend;
He immediately changes the subject.
“Don't send recruiters to annoy me please.
I am not in the mood”
“Hime your dress?”
“Oh some idiot spilled their drink, it's fine. It looks like vodka so it won't stain
it's just all sticky now. More importantly I need to know the dirt on your new guitarist.”
“Wowww you're such a gossip Hime and what makes you think there's any dirt on her?
“With the amount of gossip that is written about me? I think I'm allowed to enjoy a bit of shit talking, myself. Plus anyone you seem to recruit is bad news.
That all knowing look on his face. The way he narrows his eyes just a bit makes Utahime want to punch him.
“Don't look at me like that, what are you hiding?”
“Nothingggggg”
“No wait, you come back here!!!
Men ugh.”
-
Hiding in the corner, somewhat drunk and sociable, Utahime is probably not in her ideal safe space right now. Despite the effort she put into getting ready, she is not having a nice time.
Her short white dress with a tutu-like skirt and a sweetheart neckline, all accented with baby pink ribbon, is now sticky with some unknown clear liquor. Her strapped white heels, paired with her knee-high shimmering translucent stockings, are beautifully matched but causing her feet to hurt, and they are now also covered in the liquor. Her friend, who invited her here, is now sucking face with his insufferable blue-eyed boyfriend. This is the last time she does any favor for that so-called friend of hers. The air is cramped and smoky.
The lights are too bright and not bright enough at the same time, and this liquor is cheap and tastes like piss.
"Out! I am out! Where is the fucking window?"
Standing nonchalantly next to the window with a cigarette in her hand is that drink-spilling idiot from earlier. She really hadn't looked at her very well when her outfit had been spoiled. Tall, taller than Utahime that is. Her hair was clipped up in a banana clip, with strands falling so effortlessly around her sharp jawline. Black eyeliner smudged around her waterline with a dusting of purple eyeshadow just under her downturned eyes, which were a shade of deep hypnotic green. She was wearing a pair of loose-fitting dark denim jeans, a pair of well worn leather boots, and a tight cropped black tank. A dusty looking leather jacket sat perfectly on her carved shoulders. Everything about her was wrong to Utahime. Wrong but so right, in a sickening way.
As irritating and overwhelming as this situation might be, it's not like Utahime is going to pass up an opportunity to talk to a hot stranger.
"Hey!" She clicks her fingers in hurried rage.
"I need that window! I might suffocate in here if I don't get any clean oxygen."
"Suffocate? This sounds serious and not at all an exaggeration."
"The sarcasm isn't appreciated right now, so please scoot."
"Oh well, whatever you say, princess!!"
"Haha, funny. You know you really shouldn't be smoking those; they are awful for you plus they fucking reek"
"Thanks for the concern, but I think I'll stick with them for now, stranger.
Anyway, this doesn't look like your scene.
What brings a girl like you to a place like this?"
"A girl like me? What is that supposed to mean? And can you stop blowing that poison in my face?"
"I mean someone so frilly and fancy. It's just not where I'd imagine I'd see you. You seem uptight. You could use one of these, you know?"
"Uptight, my ass!! I am very relaxed and wound down, and I don't need one of those to ruin my voice.”
She seems amused by Utahime's mini outburst at such an accusation. A small smirk pulls at the sides of her mouth.
"My voice isn't so hoarse, is it?" She asked liked it was a rhetorical question.
"What do you need your voice for on a Tuesday anyway?"
The way this girl composed herself was so painfully sullen and smooth. Almost like a warm whiskey.
"I'm a singer, duh?"
"A singer huh? What's your name? Have I seen you anywhere?"
"My name is Utahime;
Utahime Iori."
"Iori? Oh yeah! Geto mentioned you would be here! This must be a shit show compared to the parties you go to huh? Well, my name is Shoko Ieri! I'm the new guitarist for Siren Silhouettes.”
Oh
Oh.....
"You? You're the new guitarist?"
"I am why? Has he mentioned me?"
"Only briefly"
Despite the brunette's charm and undeniable good looks, Utahime was sobering up all too quickly.
"Um sorry I need to get a drink. I am too sober for this. But, I'll see you around?"
She felt a grip rough and calloused loose around her soft skin.
The hands were warm and slightly shaking.
“Wait, you're leaving so soon? I wasn't finished talking to you yet. I'm also low on alcohol so I can come with you!
Persistent Utahime thought.
Persistent and tipsy.
That's a bad combination. But she needed to loosen up and have fun. This night was turning into a snooze fest.
The look in the girl's eyes was lonely and almost had a hint of desperation, one that only someone as observant as Utahime would spot.
So she entertains this ridiculous attempt at socialising and shakes her off.
“Sure you can come with me. I won't be much company but it's your funeral.”
-
Whilst pushing through the crowd she notices how much alcohol really knocks your world view because now she's no longer feeling hot, bothered, sticky and uncomfortable. Now she's feeling hazy and fun and maybe just possibly loosened up? Man the alcohol at this party must be spiked with happy pills.
Spotting the bar which seems a lot farther than she can walk; she trudges over with that lost puppy behind her. Strange girl.
“Hiya, just a rum and orange please!”
“Oh my God! Are you Utahime Iori? I am such a huge fan of your music!” Considering that the drinks she had been getting were handed to her by Geto whenever they bumped into each other, she didn't have the pleasure of meeting this lovely bartender. She appeared quite short with choppy faded blue hair.
“Oh you are so sweet thank you! I wasn't expecting any fans here tonight as it's very punk rock but it's so nice to meet you. What's your name?”
“Yoko! and yes it is quite an intense party but I cannot believe I am seeing you here!. Would you like that in a tall or short glass?”
“Short please! Well it's been lovely meeting you Yoko. I hope you enjoy the night.”
“Thank you and you too!”
Behind her stands Shoko who somehow didn't find this whole interaction awkward at all. Credit where credit is due.
“Double Vodka soda please!”
Hmmm
“So that's what you spilled on me earlier. All that trouble and it wasn't even an interesting drink.”
“Hey don't knock it till you try it. I promise it's really good.”
She gestures towards Utahime with her drink. Interesting. She's got short black nails wirh rings covering her fingers. Almost creepy. Almost. Utahime hesitantly takes a sip from the glass and instantly grimaces.
“Oh that is rancid. Bleugh how could you drink something so bitter?”
A small laugh escapes Shoko's lips. Breathy and warm yet still lacking something Utahime can't put her finger on.
“Oh please it is not that bad. It tastes better after a cigarette.”
“ I knew that's what I was smelling. I have gum. You should really consider taking a piece for my own sanity. My clothes already smell like vodka thanks to you. The last thing I need is a lingering smoke smell too.”
With another giggle she squints her eyes a little and it could nearly be classified as cute. She has snake bite piercings and a snaggletooth that highlights her crooked smile. All these small details are making Utahime lose focus on what she's trying to say. Stupid brain get a grip.
“Ok I'm sorry I spilled my drink on your dress. I totally forgot it was you when we started talking but now I'm thinking about it your tone is so hard to miss. If it makes you feel better I think it looks cute still although I can imagine you're a bit cold without a jacket.” Utahime dismisses the offhand compliment and gets back on track.
“You're apology is accepted. I'm not appreciating the comment on my tone but I can move past it. And no I am not cold. If this is what you were on about when you said you weren't finished talking to me then I'll have to pass on the offer of conversation. Kindly I am unenthused.”
“You are hard to please.”
“So they say. Thank you for your time Shoko Ieri but I should be elsewhere.”
A talent of Utahime's was her natural uncanny ability to slip out of a conversation without trouble. She had to practice when Geto had mentioned a particularly infuriating white haired freak had joined his band. There is only so many conversations that man can start with Utahime with how little they have in common though he does try. His determination is immeasurable.
~
So maybe Utahime had a little too much to drink and is now in forced proximity with that puppy from earlier. Suguru (the traitor he is) has left to go mingle elsewhere and as much as she dislikes Gojo his extroverted tendencies would be appreciated right now. Shoko who had been pacing behind her all night in search of some boring smalltalk so it seems, is sitting too close to her. Utahime is sticky, hot and way too inebriated to put any effort into this however this insanely attractive guitarist is trying to talk to her despite Utahime showing little to no interest in whatever she is saying. Somehow sensing her distress Shoko stands up and grabs Utahime's hand slowly dragging her up off the seat and over to another window.
“Woah wait where are we going?”
“Outside. I need a cigarette and you need fresh air.
You can come with me if you want or I can leave you to deal with Gojo. It's your choice princess.” This girl has more confidence than she knows what to do with. But she knows her weakness and that's something she can't deny.
“How dare you use my Gojo intolerance against me!” Utahime pouts slightly in a sort of mocking manner.
“That's cute. Now be careful on your way out. Make sure not to slip.”
“I'm not an idio- woah woah woah!” Shoko is leading her out of a slightly bigger window but still quite small onto a slippery black metal balcony. “I said be careful. Here take my arm I can help you balance. If we just go a little farther we'll be there in a few minutes.”
“Where are you taking me?”
“ The roof now come on, grab my hand so I can pull you up.”
With great ease Shoko is able to help Utahime up onto the roof from the fire escape without ripping her dress.
Nice work.
“Finally I can loosen up a little. Everyone feels so up to high doh in there. I’m getting icked out.” Whilst talking Shoko starts rolling a blunt. Utahime becomes overly aware of how easily and smoothly she's able to do it. How her fingers look so gentle yet so worked and calloused. She takes note of her short and black fingernails. Utahime isn't sure why she's staring at Shoko's hands or why she doesn't immediately leave but a small quiet voice in her head is telling her to stay and see what comes of this. When she looks at her face she spots a beauty mark under her left eye and how her long eyelashes flutter like someone might fall in if they look into her honeyed eyes for long enough. Utahime is drunk. She is very drunk. Let's keep that into account.
“I know you aren't someone who likes this sort of thing but I at least have some common courtesy to not smoke it inside. My Mom always hassled me for smoking but it's not like she did anything to stop me so it's a free game I guess. So what's your vice?:
“I guess drinking? If you could call it that. It's a bad habit but I don't drink all the time so that fact keeps me at bay. I mean with a life like mine you have to have something to keep you steady. I would've lost it otherwise.” Shoko is a lingering woman. She takes her time to speak her part but when she does there's something so entrancing about her.
“Hm. Yeah I guess I can understand that. There's only a certain amount of pressure a person can handle before they snap. I know how true that can be.”
Shoko takes a long drag from the joint and flicks her hand towards Utahime. Utahime hadn't realised how close they were until she could smell the stench of weed right beside her.
“Are you offering?”
“Hmm you could say that. You could also say that I am a little curious about how you'd react. You've never smoked once in your life have you? It's easy to tell by the way you're looking at me and my hands when I take a puff. It's cute.”
Utahime is drunk.
Very drunk.
So maybe she has noticed the blatant staring but it's fine. This is lowkey. Utahime can do lowkey.
“Um no I haven't. I guess I could try?” Hesitantly Utahime takes the joint from Shoko's brilliantly sexy hands and sits there dumbfounded.
“You ready? I can talk you through it. It's really not as scary as it looks.”
“Talk me through it, yeah sure.”
“So first you have to pull the smoke into your mouth ok? Yep that's good. Now open your mouth just a little to take an extra breath of fresh air. Good job! Now the smoke is in your lungs so hold it for a few seconds and now exhale.”
Despite the expertise Shoko has in such an activity Utahime is nervous and grossed out. She starts spluttering everywhere.
“Oh shit are you alright? I didn't expect that to go wrong.”
Rubbing slow circles on her back Shoko keeps her steady without hurting her.
“That's it baby, just let it all go. Good job you got this.” The encouragement is patronising at worst and erotic at best. The way her hands feel on Utahimes body brings a strange feeling to her chest and it's not from the smoke.
The air feels thicker than before and the ghastly drink that Shoko gave her as a recovery method is making it a lot worse. “Your skin is really hot.” Stupid brain.
“You think?” Lying on the roof. Starless sky above. Utahime is cross-faded and holding hands with a stranger at her friend's party. She's not so sure how she's ended up in such a situation but she seems to be unable to sit up. Like if she lets go she might just disappear right in front of her. She reminds herself of what this party was supposed to be Lowkey.
Somewhere in between the events of this night she had let herself go and now after unknowingly receiving Shoko's contact info they stayed silent until Utahime said:
“Yeah you're hot.”