Work Text:
What a predicament.
A jumble of words crashes through my brain in a way not too dissimilar from the various, methodical processes of sifting through files on various patients. Who am I kidding? All my thoughts fly around at random, yet a specific one shines clear above the rest.
What am I doing here? Right. ‘Group bonding’.
There’s four of us sitting at this dimly lit table in a windowless room of this restaurant. Supposedly, this section of the base is one of the oldest in Mt. Rock, and I certainly believe it. Built underground, the lingering smell of tobacco hangs in the air and clings to the eclectic decor of the room. Mentally, I thank whatever deities are out there for my strong tolerance. If my lungs were any weaker or my stomach considerably sensitive, I wouldn’t tolerate this environment, let alone being arbitrarily invited out for a drink.
I glance over. The cause of my misfortunes sits beside me, disguised as a rather handsome weasel soldier. His frontline camo pants cling to his body rather nicely. It’s absolutely hijacking my brain, damn it. He’s lacking the matching camo jacket for the occasion, opting for a simple white shirt. To think I was invited to this outing by this fine specimen. All because I caught his attention, and I, his own. Black fur, especially Jet black, is a rather uncommon trait in weasels— It certainly compliments him. but there’s always a catch. He’s rather bold, speaking his mind in a commanding tone. Annoying, yet awfully refreshing to be around.
Certainly, it’s a rather nice change of pace from the countless, promised, ‘zero proof’ operations that ended in devastating losses for the disingenuous Commander Jogjebi. I know now how naive I was to think he’d prevent hundreds of soldiers from being injured. Instead, they’d be quickly recobbled together, and urged back onto the field as soon as available.
“Awfully quiet tonight, aren’t you, doctor?” The jet black weasel, Jajeongjogjebi turns his attention to me and away from the other two fellows he brought along; A reddish-orange weasel with long, shaggy fur, and a grey furred mouse with a faded pilot hat. His eyes seem to flicker everywhere around him. Why is this restaurant so strange? “You look kind of pale,” Jajeong adds, tapping sharp nails against a fake wood table.
“I’m fine, just deep in thought.” A somewhat truthful answer. “It’s not every day a patient of mine invites me out for drinks.”
“It only felt right, inviting the doctor that saved my life.” Jajeongjogjebi's clawed hand lowers, grazing the bandaged side of his stomach. My eyes can’t help but drink up the view. A gap where once beautiful fur laid, shaved to make way for skin. There sits a wound, finely stitched together, still pink with mild irritation. The area is quite similar to an old wound of my own, a somewhat uncomfortable yet alluring thought. If my grandmother were around, no doubt the old shrine-keeper would chalk this up to a bond of sorts. I ought to visit when I can.
A new voice speaks up, patting at the table. “Well? We’ve been here for ten minutes now! Let's get started! I don’t have patrol duty, so I wanna make this count, you know…” The shaggy-furred weasel with us, Teolbo, wags his finger playfully. It’s a miracle how he can see with those thick, long locks of fur obscuring his eyes.
Maeuinun, the mouse pilot next to him, furiously shakes his head. “I don’t! That would mean I’d have to drag your ass back to your bunk…!”
Teolbo leans close, flicking the mouse’s small pink nose. “Where’s your sense of adventure, hm…?”
A small hand brushes the weasel away, huffing. “There’s no sense in adventure cleaning up sheets after you throw up! It’s a nightmare!”
“Waitress!” Jajeong’s voice speaks up as the other two continue to bicker at a constant pace. He easily catches the attention of a flashy and skimpily dressed waitress. Of course, he does. Jajeong speaks in a low, rich voice, leaning closer to her. Her eyes widen, especially towards the not-so-subtle tip he slides forward. “Bring over some Soju. The 30 proof, sweet thing~ See, I’m feeling quite lucky this evening…”
My eye can’t help but twitch at the sight. I grip the bottom of my shirt. How shameful. No, no. What is this…shameless display? Speaking in a downright sultry tone like that? Flirting with a mouse maid like that? Why does it bother me so much? He’s only doing it to get higher-quality soju, right? He doesn’t actually like her—
“You’ve grown quiet again, doc…” My blood stops in its veins, and I force my eyes to tear away from his back muscles as Jajeong teasingly taps my shoulder once, twice. This is torture. I need some answers, now.
“Before you get drunk…” I stutter out, shaking my head. “Why did you invite me, really? As a surgeon, it’s my duty to save lives, and not many soldiers gift me, or invite me out like this. There must be an ulterior motive…”
“Hm…Okay. How about this, Oegwajogjebi. Let’s play a game. We go around the table. Ask any question you want, and if you refuse to answer, you take a shot of soju.”
Teolbo brightens up, leaning forward. “Jajeong, you devious weasel! Sounds like a hell of a time! I’m in.”
“Hmm…with this game, I can get this guy to admit he ate the chestnut cakes I took from that squirrel village..!” Maeuinun jabs a thumb toward Teolbo, rolling his eyes at his fake offense.
All eyes turn to me. I can’t help but to shift around in my seat at the sudden attention. This could be my chance to figure out what makes this Jajeongjogjebi fellow tick…
“I suppose... I admit, I do quite enjoy soju. Alright. I’ll join in. I…I won’t go down easily!” Abrupt cheers break out, and I can’t help but blush in and justify myself. “I-I can be fun…! I’m certainly not stiff all the time.”
The mouse waitress sways her hips as she steps over in delicate looking heels, the sizable bottle of soju in hand. “Ready?” The bottle is held up, and she tilts her head at us. Time to begin, I suppose.
Round one.
The waitress pours the first shots, batting her thick eyelashes as she leaves the bottle at the table. A deep part of me feels utterly irritated that Jajeong’s eyesight trails her.
“Me first! I want to finally figure out where my cakes went…!” Maeuinun eagerly points an accusational finger towards Teolbo instantly. “Did you eat my chestnut cakes!?”
The shot glass is picked up, and downed. The pilot’s eyes widen the size of golfballs, before shifting to irritation. “You won’t even answer that truthfully?! You won’t last three rounds…!”
Clearing his throat, Teolbo is next. “Damn, you really got her to bring out the real deal…! None of that watered-down shit today, huh?” Smacking his lips with a shiver, the long haired weasel turns to me, grinning. “Hey, Oegwa…you got a partner?”
Cringing, I raise an eyebrow… “Starting strong, aren’t you…? No. I don’t.”
“Woah, I wasn’t expecting you to actually respond. Uh, don’t take it the wrong way. I’m just curious! I mean, I was sure you get looks from that grey fur of yours. Er…that’s not helping my case.”
“Not at all.” Jajeong rolls his eyes, but I can’t help but notice the intrigued glimmer in his eye. “Your turn, Oegwa.”
Right. “How long have you been working at Mt. Rock?” I turn to Jajeong, who, for a split second, looks intrigued.
“Me?” He leans towards my direction, tilting his head. “Hah..! I joined shortly after that whole fiasco in Flower Hill. The assassination attempt.” The dark furred weasel sighs, leaning back idly. “Truthfully, my trust in that commander began to dwindle long before that. Back when that incident at Mt. Tolbak happened.”
I’ve heard of that…it was a few years ago. Has he been in the army that long? This Jajeong fellow has seen things. My eyes glance over his form. It certainly explains the scars I saw while patching him up.
“Maeuinun. Mind telling us the name of that pretty little desk assistant whose presence you worship…?” Jajeongjogjebi laughs heartily at the sudden drop in facial expression he causes his mouse friend to have. I rub my chin, watching the pilot quickly down his shot glass. Groaning in defeat, glasses are refilled.
Round two.
Jajeong begins with a bang, turning to grace me with a look I cannot describe, but its one that makes me feel fluttery inside. “What’s the first thing you’ll do when we finally take control of Flower Hill?”
“I’m not quite sure. Well, relax, I suppose. Perhaps travel back home.”
“Just relaxing? Quite the safe answer…”
“Alright, well, Perhaps I’ll take a teaching position?”
“I didn’t say I wouldn’t accept your first answer…” the black furred weasel chuckles, rubbing his neck. “I just said it’s a pretty safe answer.”
Across from me, The shaggy furred weasel awaits my question. I bite my lip, thinking of something quick and non-invasive. “Strangest situation you’ve been in?”
“Oh…!” Teolbo leans forward conspiratorially, nearly spilling his shot of soju in the process. “So, one night while I was out on patrol, I swore, I really do, I SWORE, I saw a strange light fluttering around the sky.”
Maeuinun leans on the table, rolling his eyes. “Not this again. Those were just lights from the base, hair for brains!”
“I really did, and you’re a fool for not believing me! I can tell you that it wasn’t anything from us, Jogjebi’s army, or Flower Hill!”
I decide to throw him a saving grace before another argument begins. “Do you think it could have been from the wolves?”
Teolbo’s mouth breaks out into a relieved, cheesy grin. “What a good idea! Yeah…! That makes sense…! I heard rumors they’ve been keeping an eye on us and sleuthing in the Flower Hill area.”
“You’re fueling his delusions, doc.” Jajeong shakes his head at me, patting my arm with sympathy. He acts so familiarly around me… “Go on, drink it, Teolbo. You can’t get out of this one.”
“Damn…seriously? You two are asses. At least Oegwa believes me…” Huffing, the long haired weasel downs his shot, sniffling. Pushing his hair up and back, I can finally see Teolbo’s eyes. Green? How rare… “Uugh my nose. Maeuinun…why don't you tell our nice guests how tall you really are.”
“That question…!” Shaking his head indigently, Maeuinun glares. “Four foot six. Bastard.” A touchy jab of a question, huh? Trembling with laughter at his friend’s response nearly causes the mouse to snap once more.
Round Three, then four, now five.
Teolbo is the first to tap out, clearly sniffling as he stumbles from his bar seat. “That damn soju got me messed up…I’m calling it here, ya bastards…”
“If you start to feel lightheaded, run to the bathrooms! I don’t want to come back to a mess!” That high-pitched pilot’s voice chides quickly, leaning back against the table stool.
“Lightweight~” A teasing remark from Jajeong that, of course, earns the dark furred weasel what I believe is a stink eye from his friend.
“Oof… I-I may be leaving now, but you won’t be the one with the last laugh. I’m out of here.” Down a player, just like that.
It’s my turn once more. I glance over to Jajeongjogjebi. He stares back, his eyes shining, and I feel a bit brave. “What’s your type?”
Shocked, he subtly leans back, biting his lip. He drinks. Payback for that flirting earlier.
I fail to register Maeuinun’s gaze at first glance. He can clearly notice the subtle shift in the atmosphere. How embarrassing. Downing his own shot, the mouse rather quickly hops from his stool. “I’m calling it here…! I promised a friend I wouldn’t be here all night, and I must make sure that silly weasel doesn’t get sick or pick a fight.” At first, Maeuinun walks casually, only to suddenly halt in his tracks. Grinning, the mouse turns around to face us. “Good luck Jajeongjogjebi…” Just like that, he turns, and scurries out of sight.
Round six.
I’ve only had one shot this entire game, and I plan on keeping it that way. His turn.
“What a bold question last round! Okay, I’ll play along. What about you? What’s your type, Oegwa..? It’s only fair I get to ask.”
“Mmn…well, I suppose I find myself eyeing some of the weasels here.”
“That’s pretty vague, don’t you think? I’m not going to give you a pass like before…” This time, Jajeong slides my shot glass closer to me.*
“What if I were to tell you my type is in this restaurant? Maybe even at this table?”
That shut him up quickly. I pick up my glass, drinking it anyway. Jajeong shakily grins at me. My turn.
“That mouse over there. The one you so shamelessly flirted with. Do you actually like her? Or are you just a hopeless flirt.”
He leans close, and my fur tingles in response. “I liked her enough to get a discount on this soju.”
“Really now? Well then.” Picking up the half-full bottle, I unscrew the top, flicking it off before carefully pouring him another shot. His eyes refuse to break away from mine. My index finger runs along the side of his glass.
“Oegwa. You’re a very practical fellow. Very intelligent, very perceptive. Now…what made you agree to a random soldier’s request for a drink?”
Hesitating, I pick up my shot, drinking. He thinks he’s got me trapped.
“Why don’t I pour you a glass?” Jajeong hums appreciatively. Steadily, his hands graze mine as he slides the bottle out of my hand. I shift, leaning close. I’m not going to let this soldier best me.
“Pray tell…” I slowly speak, mimicking him with a low, smooth voice. Similar to that little act he put on with the waitress. Only, this isn’t an act. “What prompted you to invite a doctor…one that’s seen you so vulnerable, so unknown to you… to a drinking party…?”
Down goes his shot…his throat bobs as he shakes his head, tipsy.
“You’re implying i’m shameless doc? Mind telling me…why you’ve been eyeing my body so sneakily this entire time? What’s your–”
I interrupt. “ Give me the bottle. ”
Taking it before Jajeong can fully hand it over, I lean back, putting the bottle to my lips.
One gulp. His eyes widen.
Two and Three. Jajeongjogjebi’s expression shifts to a mix of amazement and horror, breaking out into a shaky, large grin.
Four. I begin to slow down, feeling dizzy, but I push through.
Five. Six. I set the empty bottle down, and my body feels like it’s on fire. Despite that, I hop down, standing as I let out a deep breath. He follows suit, cautiously approaching me. His expression is downright delectable. “Oegwajogjebi…”
“ Why , you ask…? I’ll give you a demonstration.”
I revel in his look. One I’ll never forget, “Meet me at the fifth floor storage room , and lose those camo slacks. I’ll be waiting.”
————————
I notice Jajeong peeking out of the storage closet door yet again, the fourth time now. Despite his somewhat serious expression, I can tell this whole predicament is utterly amusing to him. Waking up late in the storage closet after what we did last night.
Yep. Our reputation’s one glance away from bursting into flames.
“Careful sticking your head out again! We almost were caught…!” Tugging at his arm, I can’t help but anxiously complain. The throbbing hangover isn’t helping, either.
“We’ll be fine. Besides, I remember a certain someone commanding me in here last night not caring…”
“I’m not inebriated anymore!”
I can’t help but curse as Jajeong pats my head. “Coast is clear doc. Shame though…nothing more heart-pounding than an early morning dash in the nude…right?”
“What are you, an exhibitionist?”
“Are you? We can find out right now if you want~” The jet black weasel gives me a shit eating grin, lightly tugging at the tarp wrapped around me, before lowering his own…
“H-hey, quit that! I-I wasn’t thinking.” Stuttering, I cover my flustered expression. “We’re going to be spotted,”
“At least we’ll be spotted together, huh?” Jajeong tightens my tarp for me, before taking my hand. He speaks confidently, despite the situation. We’ll be together, huh…? “Now then, off we go!”