"Sit your GODDAMN
ass back down!"
"What part of I don't have the GODDAMN
time for this don't you understand!?"
As Ichigo argued with
their de facto leader, the other Vizards lounged around while
watching the two as though they were a sitcom. Only Hachigen seemed
bothered by the situation.
"That Berrytan sure is stubborn,
isn't he?" a bemused Mashiro commented.
"For the
last time, stay out of my way, just stay out of my way!"
"'For
the last time'? That's my line! You're not healed yet, so park your
ass back down and quit trying to run!"
"Dammit!"
Ichigo directed his frustration at the wall, punching it so hard the
plaster cracked and his fist broke through. Hiyori's scowl deepened,
and Kensei sighed audibly. "I have to get back out there, I have
to-"
"SIT DOWN. What good do you plan on doing anyone in
your condition?"
"When are you going to understand that
I don't have time for this! I don't have time to deal with you
people! I don't have time to deal with you! If you don't want
to help, then quit interefering!"
"THAT'S ENOUGH!"
The entire group all jumped a little. From past experience, the
Vizards knew that once Shinji's voice took on that tone, he was dead
serious. Like watching a ping-pong match, their eyes darted from
Shinji to Ichigo and back. "I don't know what kind of person you
think I am, but I do know that there is absolutely nothing any of us
have done to deserve your goddamn attitude!" With his hands
shoved deep in his pockets, Shinji turned on his heel.
"What
the hell is this, that baldy Shinji's acting like a jilted lover..."
Hiyori commented in a sotto voice. As a reflex, she flinched when
Shinji turned his head back over his shoulder.
But his anger
wouldn't be directed at her this time. "Hutch. Restrain
him."
"Yes."
"Wait just a mi-" Before
Ichigo could finish his sentence, Hachigen's bakudo spell
interrupted, pinning him to the ground with his arms behind his back.
Watching him struggle, Mashiro commented, "It's useless, you
know. You might as well lay there like a good boy and let Hutch
finish."
"I... dammit... Hirako! I don't need your damn
pity!"
At this, Shinji spun to face him again. "Pity?
Pity?"
"Shinji's angry" Mashiro's voice
was tinged with awe.
"It'll be fine," Lisa replied
shortly. She'd already turned her attention back to her book.
Sure
enough, as Shinji kneeled to be eye-level with Ichigo, he grinned.
"Don't think of it as pity, Ichigo. Everything we've done for
you— as much of an ungrateful brat as you are— is
grace."
"...Grace?"
"That's right. Maybe
you don't deserve it, but we're giving it to you out of goodwill,
anyway. But," the grin vanished momentarily, "you don't get
to look a gift horse in the mouth. I know what's best for you. So
just shut up and let Hutch heal you already, moron."
At that, Ichigo finally gave up the struggle against his restraints.
