Hello readers! I really hope you all enjoy this story! I feel like it will definately challenge me as a writer but I am looking forward to it and I hope you are too! Reviews of all types are greatly welcomed and encouraged! So please feel free! I have longed to write a story from a unique perspective and when this idea came to me I wholeheartedly pursed it. I hope that I can do the idea justice. So without farther ado, please enjoy!
signing
"speaking and signing"
"Today sucks." I thought angrily, stuffing my hands farther into my pockets.
It had all started this morning when my Kaa-chan had woken me up, 20 minutes late for school. I had practically shrieked when I had read the time on the clock, bounding from my room before she could protest. I had showered and dressed in record time, ignoring my appearance completely and rushed out my front door. Breakfast had also been forgotten and by the time I reached Karakura High I had also noticed I hadn't brought my school bag. The second disaster happened after I had entered my first class. Hotaka-sensei hadn't been happy with me, letting me know that I would in no way be treated special just because I was "special". Some of the other student's had laughed from behind their hands, at least I assumed they had, as I took my seat at the front of the class. The third catastrophe had at least waited until the end of the school day. I had hurried to rush out the front doors of the school, ready to just get home and vent but it seemed someone "up there" loved to torture me. I was stopped by three of my male classmates and teased ruthlessly. I was poked and shoved, had my ears yanked on and forced to read hurtful words off innocent paper.
"Bastards." I thought, kicking at the ground.
I knew I was different, weird, a freak. I figured my rather short stature didn't help me any but even so, I didn't deserve to be treated so badly. I had long ago come to terms with who I was and what I was. I embraced it even, I was proud of being different and refused to let it hold me back. Kaa-chan had been adamantly against me going to public school but I was stubborn and in the end she let me. I didn't tell her some of the students teased me, I didn't want to leave the few friends I had made. They made things bearable, enjoyable even. They kindly helped me and if I was honest, without them I would have had to leave, regardless if I wanted to or not.
I sighed, not exactly ready to head home just yet but I had also forgotten my phone. Kaa-chan would murder me if I was any later and with that in mind I picked up my pace, jogging up to a crosswalk. I looked both way twice, feeling slightly childish. When I was sure there where no cars I began to cross. In less than a second I found myself thrown to the ground harshly, head smacking it painfully. I winced as the sky above me swam and struggled to sit up. I clutched at my head, fingers curling in my hair; that had obviously been a bad idea. A hand suddenly gripped my shoulder tightly and I was forced to turn, dark grey eyes catching teal.
I frowned as the person glared at me, lips drawn thin. Obviously they had asked me something but I ignored it, instead taking in their appearance. I was slightly surprised to find an extreamly white mop of hair resting on a quite young face. Not only that but he seemed short, maybe an inch taller than me. Maybe. His clothes were also interesting for someone so young, a simple black polo and khaki pants. I winced slightly as his fingers dug a little tighter into my shoulder, turning my eyes to his lips. They moved with a frown, keeping me from reading them properly.
"And I left my digi-pad at home too! How stupid can I be!"
I grasped his wrist between my small hand, forcing him to let go. Still holding it, I pulled myself up, dusting off my school skirt. He was grimacing when I looked back at him. I grinned giving him a bow of thanks, hoping it would suffice. When I straightened up I waved and turned around, looking both ways again. This time he gripped my wrist and I couldn't help the shiver.
"He's freezing!" I thought, turning back to him.
His lips began moving rapidly, tick all but forming on his brow. As funny as it was to watch him get angry I decided to stop this, or else my Kaa-chan really would kill me for being late. I raised my hand to his lips and shook my head slowly, pointing my free hand to my ear. His brows knit together for a second before realization dawned on him and I couldn't help but smirk. He took a quick step back so I dropped my hand to my side. Slowly an embarrassed blush covered his cheeks but it was gone quickly. He dropped his hand into his pocket and pulled out a cell phone. I quirked an eyebrow, curiously as he began to type.
'You're deaf?' It read when he showed me what it said.
I nodded once and waited as he typed again.
'You need to look both ways when crossing the street, idiot. You almost got hit by a car.'
I was surprised and looked back up at him. He was smirking slightly and I snatched the phone from him quickly. He looked surprised as well and tried to grab it back but I ignored him, typing my own message.
'I did and you're the idiot! You threw me on the ground! I could have been seriously injured!' I showed him.
I watched as he made a scoffing motion, as if to say the car would have done more damage, going to grab his phone again but I wasn't finished.
'I can read lips.' I typed, finally handing the device back.
"Oh." His mouth formed.
I nodded, grinning again. I traced the shape of a box in the air with a triangle on top, made my fingers "walk" and tapped my wrist. Hopefully he understood that I had to get home quickly. He nodded and I was happy that he had gotten it.
"I can walk you."
I shook my head 'no'.
"I'll walk you." He said, eyes looking serious.
I sighed when I figured he was going to do it anyway, shrugging my shoulders.
Hurry up then. I signed without thinking.
He gave me a curious glance and I waved for him to follow me. He fell into step beside me easily and I couldn't help but sneak glance's at him. He was a very interesting looking person. His oddly attractive features weren't very common and my curiosity peaked again. My mind went into over drive, so many questions ready to leap from my hands.
"This sucks." I pouted to myself, turning my eyes forward again.
Though I was proud of being deaf and embraced it freely, things like not being able to do "normal" communication irritated me to no end. I longed to speak at times like this. To be able to hear what someone was saying without having to stare intently at their hands or mouth. Without having to read it off paper or in this case, the boys phone. A small tap on my shoulder caused me to look at him again.
"What's your name?" He asked, handing me his phone again.
'Oonishi, Kokoro. And you?' I typed.
"Hitsugaya, Toushirou."
'Nice to meet you. And thanks for walking me home, I guess...' I typed, handing him the phone back.
He nodded, stuffing the phone back into his pants pocket. Inwardly I was dejected, I had hoped to ask him more questions. Obviously he wasn't the talking type. That or I was making things awkward. I wouldn't blame him if it was me. My deafness seemed to do just that and far too often. The remainder of the walk was "quiet" and when we finally reached my house I pointed to it. Just as I turned to give him my thanks again my Kaa-chan burst through the front door.
"Kokoro! Where have you been!" She signed and shouted at the same time.
Even though I couldn't hear her I flinched, her face was furious enough.
I got held up after school! I told her quickly.
"Is he who held you up at school? Who is he!" She demanded.
Hitsugaya, Toushirou! He was just walking me home! I um... If hands could mumble then that's what mine would be doing.
I snuck a quick glance at Hitsugaya but he seemed unfazed by the situation, maybe even curious...? No, just unfazed. I looked back to my Kaa-chan and she placed her hands firmly on her hips, squinting at the young boy.
"Why were you walking Kokoro home? What happened?" She asked him, ignoring the way my hands flew to tell her to stop.
"He's going to tell her I almost got hit by a car!"
"I asked to walk her home." He shrugged.
I looked back at my Kaa-chan and she pursed her lips, obviously debating if she should believe him or not. She didn't seem totally convinced but I smiled and nodded my head eagerly.
"Alright..." She finally said, "Would you... like to come in? It's rare that Kokoro has... friends over."
I flushed in embarrassment, hiding my face in my hands. This was another time that I wished I wasn't deaf because then I could speak and tell her to stop. She always said too much. And I didn't even know Hitsugaya! Someone patted my shoulder to get my attention and when I looked up I realized I hadn't seen his answer.
"I can't. I'm sorry," He repeated for my benefit, "I have prior engagements."
It's fine, really! I signed and my Kaa-chan translated easily, Thank you for walking me home!
He seemed thoughtful for a moment before turning towards my Kaa-chan. I couldn't see what he asked her but she started smiling, answering him back. I pouted childishly, crossing my arms over my chest. I didn't like being kept in the dark. Hitsugaya looked thoughtful again before slowly bringing his hands up.
"You're welcome." He said.
I stared at him in shock, mouth hanging slightly. Hitsugaya didn't know but that small action meant a lot to me. It was like I was really hearing what he said for the first time. Not even my friends really bothered to sign, instead writing things down or having me lip read. I had especially never heard a strangers signing fingers before.
... Thank you, Hitsugaya-san, I replied, fingers fumbling quickly, Have a good night!
"She said thank you Hitsugaya-san and to have a good night."
"You too, Oonishi-san." He said, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
Both Kaa-chan and I watched as he walked away from our house until he was out of sight.
"That was nice of him." Kaa-chan said, giving me a sly smile.
I hardly know him! I said back, hoping she would just drop it, So don't get any weird ideas!
If you say so...
Dinner had been awkward, with my Kaa-chan interrogating me the entire time. I adamantly told her that Hitsugaya had only kindly taken me home but she didn't seem to buy it. At least not fully. When dinner was finished and I had done the dishes I went to my room to vent. My bedroom wasn't overly large but it wasn't small either. It had just enough space for my bed, dresser, vanity, bookcase and art table. The art table is what I headed to, pulling out the chair and stuffing the things on it into drawers. I waited patiently for my inspiration to come to me, for it to tell me what methods to use.
"Painting." It seemed to tell me so I opened the bottom left drawer, pulling out a few jars.
I grabbed my large sketch book, ripping out a sheet of paper and lay it on the desk. Carefully I unscrewed the caps, dipping delicate fingertips into blue-green paint. It was cool and slippery as I rubbed it between my pointer finger and thumb. I laughed silently to myself, things how "colorful" my words could be. With that last inner joke I began, loosing myself in the art completely.
The first emotions I felt were that of surprise and shock at what had happened with Hitsugaya earlier. They were quickly followed by happiness and excitement as I dipped my fingers into jars without looking. I could feel myself yearning to become the strange boys friend or at the very least meet him again. He hadn't treated me like I had expected, calling me an idiot even after he knew I was deaf. Most strangers would have scolded me carefully but he didn't seem to care. I vaguely noticed the way my fingers didn't go as smoothly over the paper so I gathered more paint.
The second thing he had done that made me happy, and maybe a little wary, was the way he had told me he would walk me home. When most people found out I was deaf, things like a simple walk home would be completely complicated. No one liked to help a stranger who couldn't at least make small talk. But he had done it without a second thought, so it seemed. Even remaining unfazed when my Kaa-chan burst from the house, hands flailing wildly in signs and I assumed her voice was loud as well. If I had been him I probably would have thought she was crazy and left as quick as possible.
Third and lastly, with so much emotion that I couldn't distinguish them if I tried, Hitsugaya, Toushirou -a complete stranger- signed to me; had really spoke to me for the first time since I had met him. If I closed my eyes I could see the way his thin fingers had carefully said "You're Welcome" and I heard it. Really, really heard his voice; had heard his signing hands. And it was beautiful. I wondered if his spoken voice was any more beautiful, if only I could hear that too.
"No." I thought, shaking my head, "I'm happy with the way I am now."
Hearing hands sign and saying that it was beautiful might sound weird to others but that was my life. Each person had a different voice, a different way of speaking and it didn't end at the verbal context. It extended into every persons body language which, of course, included the hands. As I watched Hitsugaya sign to me I noticed the way his shoulders seemed stiff and cold, his body telling me he was detached but... But his hands had been warm and fluid, careful and hesitant so as to not mess it up. It was simply beautiful.
Absently I noticed that I had stopped painting and looked down to see what I had done. Two hands in a half signed pose lay on the paper, a unique blue-green color. Surrounding them was just a mess and mixture of other colors that flowed perfectly together. It sort of reminded me of a cheap attempt at Van Gogh's style. I sighed, leaving the painting to dry as I made my way to the bathroom. As I rinsed my hands I watched the water swirl down the drain with an ugly color.
My mind was still reeling in disbelief when I walked into school early the next morning. Hitsugaya, Toushirou -a complete stranger- had not not only walked me home but signed to me-no, he spoke to me. Albeit it had only been three words, it still meant a lot. I embarrassingly had to admit that on my walk to school I had searched for his unique white hair. Surely he had to live on the path I had laid out to get to school or close at least. I didn't know what I planned on saying if I met him again but I really hoped we did. Maybe it was wishful thinking on my part but I had a feeling that we would.
"Then again, he probably goes to Karakura Middle..." And that thought made me flush, hoping he wasn't, "I would never be able to live it down! A freshman thinking a middle school-er is cute! UGH! It's bad enough that I'm so short..."
A harsh jab to the ribs broke me from my thoughts, causing me to stumble and drop my bag. Books, papers, pens and my digi-pad spilled across the tile floor, loudly I was sure. I dropped to my knees, reaching to pick up my things and flinching when someone grabbed my digi-pad. I huffed when they didn't look to be helping me.
Give that back! I signed angrily, not caring if he understood or not.
I couldn't hear the laughter that emitted from his mouth but I could clearly see it. I growled, jumping to my feet and made to grab it. The guy just continued to laugh, holding the device above his head. I glanced around with pleading eyes, asking others to help me. Some looked away half ashamed, others were laughing with him. I frowned, seriously not understanding.
"Why will no one help me?"
A firm grip to my shoulder caught my attention and I turned back to the taller guy, his mouth set in a sneer. I slapped his hand away quickly and it was his turn to frown.
What have I ever done to you? I snapped, fingers making the signs speedily.
"I don't understand freaks." He spat, another sneer coming over his face.
I watched in horror as he threw my digi-pad onto the ground and I dropped down to see if it was okay. I bit my lip harshly to keep the tears from my eyes when I noticed the screen was cracked. It hadn't been cheap and I didn't think Kaa-chan had the money to replace it. When I finally looked back up, ready to murder him, my eyes widened in surprise. There, in front of me, stood a short boy in Karakura High Schools uniform with unique white hair. I watched in fascination as whatever Hitsugaya was saying caused the taller boys' shoulders to stiffen and mouth to pull down.
Due to my intent gaze I didn't even realize that someone else had bent next to me, picking up my belongs. It wasn't until my bag was pulled into my line of vision did I look. Today was apparently full of surprises as my eyes came upon a gorgeous ginger haired woman. She gave me a sweet smile and helped me to my feet, dropping the strap of my bag on my shoulder.
"Hello! I'm Matsumoto, Rangiku! What's you're name?" She said, smiling even wider.
I looked down at my broken digi-pad and frowned again, shoving it into my bag. Instead of even trying to answer her I turned towards Hitsugaya, hoping he was done scolding to help me out. He was watching us with intense teal eyes, frown mirroring my own. He looked like he wanted to ask me something but I wasn't sure.
"Her name is Oonishi, Kokoro," He said slowly, eyes leaving mine, "She's deaf."
I didn't know what Matsumoto said, too distracted by Hitsugaya's random appearance, but when I did look at her I could see the pity in her eyes and I shrugged before giving them both a small bow.
Thank you. I signed, for extra emphasis.
"You're Welcome." Hitsugaya replied, causing me to smile brightly.
"The bells' ringing," Matsumoto smiled grabbing on to his arm, "Come on Taicho! We're going to be late! It was good to meet you, Kokoro-chan!"
Hitsugaya rolled his eyes, shoving the woman off of him. She pouted, said something with a sly smile and whatever it was really irritated him. I cocked my head, shifting my bag, pointed over my shoulder and to my wrist. The white haired boy nodded in understanding, giving me a half wave before being dragged off by his companion.
"And did you see all of those new kids? They look like gangsters or something! Especially the bald and white haired ones!" Miyu rambled away at lunch.
I frowned slightly, "I hadn't thought Hitsugaya looked like a gangster..."
"That woman with them is H-O-T! I can't believe she's in high school! She's perfect, like Orihime-chan!" Kazuki said excitedly, stuffing his mouth with rice.
'You just like their bodies, pervert.' I wrote in my notebook, shoving it under his nose.
"That I do Koko-chan! Don't be jealous though! You're good for a first year, I just prefer older women!" He said, wiggling his eyebrows for effect.
I slapped his arm, fighting down my laughter. Both Miyu and Kazuki, as well as my Kaa-chan, promised me that it sounded lovely the few times I slipped up but in public, it made me uncomfortable. What if they were lying to me, just to make me feel better. Kazuki clapped his hands in front of my face to catch my attention. When I looked up his eyes held a serious expression, as did Miyu's.
'What?' I wrote curiously.
"What happened to your digi-pad, Koko-chan?" Miyu asked, lifting it into the air.
Nothing! I signed, shaking my head.
"Was someone bothering you again?" Kazuki asked, "Tell us. We're friends."
'I don't know who it was, some upper classman I think. But it's okay, really, really! Hitsugaya-san and Matsumoto-san helped me.' I wrote, handing them the paper.
"Really? The new students?" Miyu asked, blinking in surprise, "I thought for sure they were some kind of gangsters... And that short one is so cold."
"Yeah!" Kazuki exclaimed, nodding his head.
I took the paper back, hurrying to scribble more, 'But he was very nice to me.'
"Ohhhh! Maybe he thinks you're cute!" Kazuki cheered, pulling on my cheeks.
I bared my teeth to show him my annoyance but he laughed it off. Miyu jumped into the teasing as well but I refused to look at them, going back to eating, so they soon stopped. It isn't any fun to tease someone if they don't even acknowledge you. But as Miyu and Kazuki left me alone, for the moment at least, I nibbled on my udon thoughtfully. I had only met Hitsugaya twice, so I didn't really know him nor his personality but he had been nice and that was that.
Miyu poked me in the cheek and I turned, giving her a curious gaze.
"Hitsugaya-senpai is staring at you!" She said, pointing over my shoulder.
My head whipped around, eyes searching over the students in the area. I didn't see him nor his mop of white hair and surely those traits would have stood out.
"She lied!" I growled to myself, blush heating my cheeks.
"That was too easy Koko-chan!" Miyu giggled, clapping her fingers over her mouth.
That was not funny! I signed, tempted to flip her off for good measure.
She just continued to giggle.
"Have a good weekend Koko-chan!" Kazuki said, pulling me into a hug.
I patted his back as usual and Miyu squeezed my hand in her fair well. I shifted my schoolbag higher on my shoulder, waving goodbye as I left Karakura High School. Though not before giving the courtyard one last glance.
"Childish!" I scolded myself, hurrying through the streets, "That was a one time thing! And he's a senpai too!"
That alone seemed unbelievable, due to his height but I couldn't judge.
"At least he's not in Middle School," I thought, "That would have been really awful."
I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and I quickly grabbed it, checking who had texted.
'I have to work late! There is some food in the fridge, heat it up! NO BOYS! Love you!'
I smiled at the phone, texting back quickly.
'Okay, Kaa-chan. See you after work!'
Satisfied that she wouldn't text again I put my phone away, continuing on. As I neared the park I stopped, debating if I should head straight home or not. Or not won out so I entered, smiling excitedly. I always loved the park, it gave me so many wonderful things to watch and as I settled against a tree I made myself comfortable. A cool breeze stirred on the air, making the leaves dance.
"I wonder what it sounds like." I thought idly, pulling my knees to my chest.
I wondered if it was as quiet and calming as it looked. A group of children ran past, large smiles plastered on their faces that I copied. I wondered what their laughter sounded like, if it was as infectious as it seemed. That was the true reason I loved the park, it was like visual sound. With so many things to catch ones attention I was able to bask in it. It was like music I supposed.
"I wonder if so many verbal voices could meld perfectly like this."
A shadow suddenly loomed over me, blocking out the warm sun. I looked up to see two newly familiar faces. Matsumoto was smiling brightly at me, eyes expressing her happiness. Hitsugaya seemed indifferent and maybe a little annoyed. I smiled back, raising my hand as a greeting.
"Kokoro-chan! What're you doing here?" Matsumoto asked, taking a seat in the grass.
I dug through my bag quickly, pulling out a pen and paper.
'Listening.' I wrote honestly, giving a half grin.
Matsumoto looked confused, turning towards Hitsugaya for an explanation.
"I thought you said she was deaf." Matsumoto stated, looking back at me curiously.
"She is." He shrugged but looked curious himself.
I took back the paper and held up one finger, telling them to give me a moment. I pondered on how best to word an answer for their question without sounding like a freak. When nothing came to mind I mentally sighed, deciding I didn't really care.
'You hear with your ears, I hear with my eyes. Movement is how I communicate. I come to the park to listen.' I wrote.
"That's so neat, Kokoro-chan!" Matsumoto squealed.
"Shouldn't you be heading home?" Hitsugaya asked, shooting the woman an annoyed glare.
I shrugged but he didn't seem appeased, so I wrote, 'Kaa-chan is working late and fresh air is good for you Hitsugaya-senpai.'
I could see Matsumoto laughing, her shoulders shaking, as she read over the note. Hitsugaya didn't seem nearly as amused as she did; I offered him a sheepish grin. The humor was cut short when Matsumoto pulled out her cellphone. I watched as both of them shared a serious expression before she was all smiles again.
"Well I have to go!" She said, standing up and brushing off the grass, "Have a good day Kokoro-chan! See you later!"
I nodded, waving after her as she left quickly. When I looked back at the short boy he offered his hand to help me up. I pouted, shaking my head 'no'.
"You should get home Oonishi-san." He said, eyes darting away for a second.
I shook my head 'no' again. I had just sat down, I wasn't ready to leave. His eyes squinted in a glare, lips set in a tight line.
"Why's he so serious about this?" I wondered, "Does it have to do with why Matsumoto-senpai ran off?"
"Really, Oonishi-san. You should head home. It's not safe."
My brows furrowed together, not understanding why he would say something like that. It was a beautiful day and the park was filled with people at this hour. If I had been sitting in a dark ally or something I would get it but...
'Not safe?' I asked.
"Come on Oonishi-san. I'll walk you home."