A/N: Hey guys! I want to give you all a heads up that the next several chapters are focusing on Hiromi's backstory. I might change the rating from a high T to a M for some dark themes ahead. I'll wait and see after I post Chapter 16 for opinions. Yeah, I'm several chapters deep in the story and still have plenty more to go, although I'm still working on Chapter 13. It's taking me longer than it should with me writing out scenes for future chapters. I went back to add/update a few things.
Anyway, continuing on with the story.
Enjoy the read!
A few minutes earlier
"This girl that you interrogated the other day have you seen her much?" A young male voice questioned
"Nah, Hiromi made it abundantly clear that she didn't want Yumichika and I to return to her apartment. If she were to see me, she'd probably look the other way. The girl can hold a grudge. I hate that she is involved because she's going to end up getting hurt courtesy of that arrancar. She doesn't know what these beings are capable of. The one that she has holed up is the guy that severely wounded Rukia." Ikkaku explains in a slightly agitated yet bored tone.
He and Yumichika along with a few of his comrades strolled down the sidewalk. They too wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather today.
"Well, after having him around for nearly month now, I'm sure the two bonded. I don't understand why you are so concerned about the girl, to begin with." A female interjected.
"He's not just concerned about the young lady, Rangiku. It's the fact that the Generous Beauty, Hiromi, doesn't know what she got herself mixed up in. Does it matter if she bonded with the guy or not? She won't give him up either way." Yumichika voiced.
"It should matter. We all dealt with the Arrancar's colleagues by using our bankai's to defeat them. She could very well take vengeance on us if we were to do any harm onto him." The young male replied.
"He does make a valid point, Rangiku. Now that we know she is the one that wounded Kaname Tōsen, this girl possesses tremendous fighting skills. She can challenge either one of us if provoked." Another male pointed.
"Renji made an excellent point. We need to keep a watchful eye on her. This girl could very well be one of our own and is fresh out of the academy. She won't know any better of who the enemy is."
Ikkaku thought about that for a moment. It could be a possibility, but something tells him differently. He has to wonder now how he can talk with her and not intimidate. He regrets his approach from when he first met her. There is something different about her, and frankly, Ikkaku wants to know what it is. He may not particularly care for her after she had threatened him and Yumichika, but he needs to dig deep. He has to know who Hiromi is. Hiromi's hospitality and the kindness she shows is an addiction.
He noticed from the corner of his eye a familiar face sitting at a café and with someone he doesn't recognize. Ikkaku finds this sighting odd since he was talking about Hiromi seconds ago. From this distance, he can tell that she is relaxed with her company because Hiromi is smiling fondly at them. It looks like her cousin came into town. I don't want to bother them. They could use the time to catch up.
With a light shrug, Ikkaku turns his gaze away to continue walking with his comrades. Except, something caught his eye. He noticed someone at a nearby table keeping a close eye on Hiromi. His eyes narrowed when he picked up on something else. This person that is watching her looked threatening, intimidating and familiar somehow. He knows a threat when he sees one, and it appears this person has ill intent on their mind from the glare they have from afar. Ikkaku knew from the way that it looks now as Hiromi covered her face for whatever reason along with this gut feeling he has; something is wrong.
Without second-guessing himself, Ikkaku rushes in her direction.
"Hey, Ikkaku, where are you going?" Yumichika called out as he started after him.
"Paying our new friend, a visit," he quickly responds. Ikkaku broke into a jog or more like an extreme power walk that his fast-moving legs made a pinwheel-like effect because of how quick he was going. He noticed that Hiromi's company is starting to stand as if to leave. Crap! With the way that guy looks, Hiromi shouldn't be left alone.
Within a blink, Ikkaku made it to Hiromi's table, panting. Phew, I'm a Power Walk Champion! "Well, well, look who it is? Hey there, Hiromi. It's nice to see you again."
He quickly noticed Hiromi's fear in her eyes when she revealed herself from behind her palms. It looks like I came over at the right time. Hiromi must have known that someone was watching her.
Seconds later, his gang came up from behind him. Damnit! I should have told them to stay behind. Captain Hitsugaya is going to turn this into another interrogation. Crap!
"Madarame," Hiromi snarls at him.
And she won't refer to me by my name, Ikkaku thought to himself.
He opens his mouth to start apologizing for intruding on her when Yumichika intercepts.
"Oh, hey there, Generous Beauty," Yumichika starts with a genuine and enthusiastic smile. "Ikkaku and I were just thinking about you. How have you been?"
Hiromi stares at him with a light blush adorning her cheeks, taken aback by his favorite nickname for her. "Oh uh hi, Yumichika. I'm doing okay, I guess. Um, are you alright there, Madarame? Why are you panting like a dog in the summer heat?" She inquires towards Ikkaku slightly concerned.
Starrk smirks, fighting a chuckle.
"Oh, just a little race to see who would get to greet you first. Sorry to intrude on you two. I take it this is your cousin that you told us about the other day?" Ikkaku asks as he looked over at them.
Starrk glared at Ikkaku strangely, confused. What the blasted hell is this guy talking about? He was about to respond when Hiromi beat him to it.
"Yes, this is my cousin Akira. He's visiting me from Kyoto for a week or so." Hiromi quickly responds while folding her arms in front of her. She wants to shoot Starrk a glare to go with the flow, but that would be hard to do with people surrounding her now.
"Hi, Akira, I'm Ikkaku Madarame. This featherbrain here is my buddy, Yumichika." Ikkaku introduced as he hooked an arm around Yumichika's neck.
"Really? Featherbrain?" He pouts in annoyance.
The female chuckles. "Hi there, handsome, I'm Rangiku Matsumoto. It's a pleasure to meet you." She replies with a cheery smile as she came to sit down next to him with a dreamy gaze.
Hiromi groans while eyeing the ginger with irritation. Touch him, and you're in a world of pain, lady!
She noticed Starrk's blush, which she expected to hear his neck creek to glance down at the large breasted female's cleavage. He took her by surprise though when he remained to hold his gaze on her. Hiromi can tell from the look in his eye that he wants to look down at the female's cleavage since Rangiku is bursting out of her tiny top, but he knew better than to stare.
"Hello," he drones while remaining to avoid eye contact with Rangiku. Pretend she's Tier Harribel.
"Aw, what's the matter, pumpkin? Is my top too distracting for you to look at me?" Rangiku pouts.
"I don't think it's the top that's distracting. Now back the hell off. He's happily engaged to a beautiful and wonderful woman back home." Hiromi quickly defends with a slight snarl.
"Aw, bummer, she's lucky then." She frowns while dreamily staring at him still.
Ikkaku glares at Rangiku briefly before continuing to introduce his friends. "Other than Miss Flirt there, this is my friend Renji Abarai."
Hiromi diverts her gaze to the crimson red-head named Renji who has tattoos framing his brows and jaw. A blush quickly sweeps across her cheeks when he regards her with a broad smile and winked. She inwardly squeals as she fights a smirk. Oh, holy crap, sound the alarm, hot guy alert!
Starrk noticed her gaze change from eyeing Renji which he couldn't help but feel slightly offended. Seriously now? From the way that it looks, Hiromi is one of those females that gets all fidgety around attractive males. I think I fall into that category though. She did zone out on me when we met up earlier and was blushing, too.
"And Mr. Short Round here is, Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya."
"Short Round?" Tōshirō bit.
She then glances over to the white-haired kid named Captain Hitsugaya. Wait, seriously? They allow short-stuff to be a captain?
Hiromi glares at the short captain when it finally clicked. She snaps her gaze back on Ikkaku icily. "Seriously? You couldn't get answers out of me the first time around, so you bring in your comrades to help interrogate me? Really nice, Madarame."
"No, it's nothing like that, honest," Ikkaku quickly objects as he waved his hands in front of him defensively.
"If I may," Captain Hitsugaya started as he glared at Hiromi.
"I rather you didn't Captain," Ikkaku tried to interfere only to go ignored.
"From the way I see it and how you threatened my comrades in physically removing them from your place of residence, that we have every right to believe that you are a threat to not only us but to yourself as well. You're harboring a rogue Arrancar who not only invaded the living world but severely wounded a friend of ours. We know what he is capable of. If you don't tell us the location of where you took him, I will resort into getting answers out of you."
Hiromi glares dangerously at the little man. "Let me ask you something, if you know for certain what he is capable of then why am I still here? You don't know him as I do. He will never lay harm onto me."
"What if, Miss Watanabe, that he is just aiming to gain your trust and blindside you when he has his opportunity? Your life is in danger. Now tell us where that lowlife is." He demanded.
Hiromi seethes that her lips tighten into a thin line and eyes narrow dangerously.
"Lowlife? You don't know the true meaning of the term, Hitsugaya. I'm well aware of his actions. Grimmjow was more than willing to open up and tell me everything about what he had done and at what cost. He informed me that you all killed his fracción. I found it very distasteful and sympathized for him in losing his comrades. Grimmjow did what he thought was necessary to eliminate the threat to further his employers' goals. I wish I could express sympathy for your ally getting injured; except, it shows how weak this friend of yours is if they can't stand against him."
Renji quickly regards Hiromi angrily. "Excuse me?"
"I'm sorry, handsome. Did I hit a nerve?"
"From the sound of it, Miss Watanabe, you have chosen a side. I can only assume that you are one of us fresh out of the academy and unaware of who the enemy is." Captain Hitsugaya quickly intervenes when Renji made to retort.
"One of you? A shinigami? Don't make me laugh. I am no shinigami. Even if I were, I wouldn't keep to my responsibilities when you can't even do your job."
"Excuse me? What does that suppose to mean?" Renji questioned confused yet still angered.
"You're supposed to help wandering souls to pass on. Do you not?"
"Of course, we do! What does that have to do with anything?"
"There are three children spirits at my complex that have been lingering since their passing five years ago. When I met them last year, those chains on their chest have shortened in that length of time and are nearing to transitioning into hollows. I've seen it happen before, but it was much quicker. You shinigami should have been there for those three. Hell, I've been looking out for one of you to do your duty in sending them where they are supposed to be. Alas, they are still there. Mind you; I care for the children as I treat them like they were still alive and were my own."
"With the way you just put it that you don't trust the shinigami, do you?" Rangiku inquired gently, butting in for once.
"Never have. I've lived with this gift of mine seeing the dearly parted since I was a toddler. In my lifetime, not once have either of your kind were there to help send the people that I saw die to pass on peacefully. So, why should I trust any of you when you can't do your damn job?"
Both Ikkaku and Yumichika stare at Hiromi sadly, now starting to understand why she keeps her guard up around them. She has seen people that she was close with being consumed by hollows, maybe even worse. Damn, that's a hard pill to swallow, Ikkaku thought to himself.
He opens his mouth to apologize for everything but Captain Hitsugaya interjects quickly.
"Whatever you witnessed in the past, I sincerely apologize how it shaped your judgment towards us. It's sad honestly. But we're getting off topic. When you rescued that Arrancar, did you not think of the consequences? And what were you hoping to gain from assisting him?"
"Why would I? It's not like I was hoping for any of you to help him anyway. What makes you think I was hoping to gain anything? In truth, I did gain something for putting myself in the middle of this war between your kind unknowingly — a friend. I needed someone to fill this empty life of solitude for the last three years, and I found it in him. Besides, Grimmjow needed a friend himself. I know the real reason why he's here. I know all of his fears, strengths, weaknesses, and ambitions. He entrusted me with his secrets because Grimmjow could trust me when no one else would."
Captain Hitsugaya's eyes widen at this. "Trusts you? Are you that naïve to believe him? Do you not understand the position you are in, Miss Watanabe? I will ask you again. Where is he? Or should I result in forcing answers out of you using your supposed cousin as motivation?" He threatens.
While Starrk did not like the threat that the little man posed, Hiromi is the one to speak out.
"You keep Akira out of this, you hear me. If you so much as harm one hair on his head, I will result in myself to physically engaging in a fight with you, any of you. You do not threaten my family." Hiromi snarls with a spitting venom.
Starrk who has been watching the exchange stares at Hiromi in astonishment. Um, holy guacamole. I've seen women when they're angry but this one, she's freaking terrifying. Not only that, she is displaying fierce loyalty to Grimmjow. If she were anything like us, Hiromi would most likely be his partner. Or, depending on how strong she is, Hiromi could quite possibly be a high ranking Espada like me. I do believe Lord Aizen gained a very unlikely ally considering that she is keeping someone of ours from him.
Even though he was thinking about all of this, Starrk knew he needed to step in and put an end to this. Especially when Hiromi is on the verge of jumping out of her chair and display her fighting skills on the short shinigami captain for threatening him. Now that made him puff his chest out with pride. I got your back, Lass. You're a worthy ally, well, more like a friend.
Starrk sighs heavily before softly glaring at Hiromi. "Relax, love. And you best remove your arm from my person, miss." He instructs Rangiku politely.
She was quick to listen and sit away when she noticed the livid glare in his gaze. Uh oh, I think we just poked the bear.
"After hearing everything you two were the first to confront my cousin and pressure her into giving up a friend that I have yet to meet. Pretty pathetic in my opinion." He directed towards Ikkaku and Yumichika who continued to have saddened expressions.
"Now you bring The Flirt, The Tattoo and The Shrimp along. I was unaware of any of this as I did just come into town and barely had enough time to speak with her before-hand. Is there a reason why you feel the need to intimidate her let alone threaten me?"
Captain Hitsugaya regards Starrk sternly. "It's not very common for humans to see spirits. There are a select few in my circle who are just like her. One of which is Ichigo Kurosaki and he's a shinigami just like us. We firmly believe that_."
"Just because Hiromi can see spirits doesn't mean a damn thing. Confronting and interrogating her for answers on the whereabouts of this guy is not the right way to go about it. She already told you that she would not give up his location which I'm damn proud that she's sticking up for the poor guy. If I see any of you come near her again, I will personally get physical. You don't fuck around with my family, shrimp."
Hiromi at that moment felt a swell of pride that she smiles brightly at Starrk. You, my dear friend, just earned some major brownie points.
"Shrimp?" The Captain snarls in irritation.
"Well, you do look like a child, Captain," Ikkaku uttered.
"Seriously now!" He barks.
"I do have to wonder though. You say your shinigami, aren't you supposed to be all skeletal like wielding these large scythes as weapons?" Starrk inquires while he stared at the people in front of him with a hand waving.
He hears Hiromi scuff with a light chuckle, who rightfully covered her mouth to hide the highly amused smirk. I figured that would make her laugh.
"What the? Those are grim reapers! We are not_." Captain Hitsugaya stuttered.
"Is it not the same principle? You assist souls in passing on to the next life as do they. So, there is no difference, little man." Starrk interjects while trying not to grin at Hitsugaya's flabbergasted expression.
"I, uh gah! I don't have time for this! Let's go, Rangiku." He storms off while turning a bright shade of red. Shrimp!? Grim Reaper!? The nerve!
"But, do I have to?" She pouts.
"NOW!"
Rangiku frowns with a heavy groan. "Fine."
She stood to follow only to stop briefly to eye Hiromi apologetically. "Uh, even though my Captain questioned you the way he did, he was only thinking of what was best for you."
"Threatening is what you consider what's best for me?" Hiromi quipped.
"I'll admit he was too harsh on you. However, you did threaten us." Renji replies sharply.
"To protect her family, Renji. You would do the same for anyone you hold dear like Rukia for instance. Hiromi values her family and friends. I commend her for it." Yumichika defends while glaring at the crimson redhead.
Hiromi lightly stares at him in appreciation. "At least you get where I'm coming from, so thank you, Yumichika. I still don't trust you, any of you."
"You don't have to now, but you will eventually. It was nice seeing you Generous Beauty, and it was a pleasure meeting you, Akira. Take care now," he replies with a wide happy smile before turning only to stop when his friend wasn't following "Are you coming, Ikkaku?"
"Yeah, I'll catch up in a minute. I need to talk with Hiromi about something alone." He turned his attention on Rangiku who became puzzled at the seriousness in his gaze.
"Oh, um okay then. It was nice meeting you, Hiromi. I hope you know what you're doing. You seem like a nice person with good intentions. So, please be careful, okay."
Hiromi lightly frowns, her gaze watering a little. "I never stopped. Thanks for your concern, Rangiku."
The ginger stares, stunned. Wait, is she upset about something?
She opens her mouth to say something, but Renji lightly calls out to her. "Hey, Rangiku, you need to get going. Captain Hitsugaya is growing impatient."
"Oh, right," Rangiku quickly started forwards.
Renji glances over at Hiromi, still angered by her previous comment.
"So that you know, our friend that got injured by your friend is Rukia. She didn't get a chance to defend herself when he impaled her with his fist. She recovered if you were remotely concerned for her well-being. We'll find out where he is eventually."
"I wouldn't get your hopes up too high though. You'll never find Grimmjow nor will I ever tell."
Renji glares bitterly then abruptly turns to leave her table without a second glance. Bitch.
There is a thick silence between Ikkaku, Hiromi, and Starrk now. Thankfully it lasted for only a second when Ikkaku decided to break the ice.
"I'm very sorry, Hiromi. My intention was not to have Captain Hitsugaya interrogate you. I simply came over here with the intention of intercepting a threat. Talking with you was second on my mind."
Hiromi stares at him, confused. "Threat? What threat? You do realize that my cousin attempted to figure out who has been watching us until you interfered."
Ikkaku frowns. "Oh, I didn't know that was your intention, Akira. All I know was that I saw some pretty intimidating guy watching you and seemed to have ill intent on his mind. When I saw you get up, I thought you were about to leave her alone."
"No, I intended to figure out who was watching her as I too saw him. I would have found that out myself if you hadn't come along. Of course, you already knew that." Starrk commented.
"I'm sorry that I interfered, but I came here with the best of intentions. When I was huffing it over here, I should have told them to hang back instead of following. I didn't want Captain Hitsugaya to interrogate you, Hiromi. So, I apologize for what happened moments ago, well, for everything." He explained with sincerity.
Hiromi regards him kindly for once, "I appreciate your concern, and thank you for apologizing."
"Your welcome, Hiromi. Despite my rudeness, it was nice to meet you, Akira. You seem like a pretty cool guy. Again, sorry for intruding on you two."
"Yeah, no problem," Starrk drones as he stared at the clean-shaven man analytically.
"Alright, take care of yourself now," Ikkaku momentarily turned away. His nerves are still going haywire from this unusual yet unbearable feeling coursing through him. Something seems off, and I can't seem to put my finger on it.
"Hey, Ikkaku," Hiromi starts, hesitating slightly.
"What?" Did she seriously just call me by my name?
"That guy you saw, is he still there?"
Ikkaku glances over her shoulder amongst the tables and sidewalk. Nothing. Whoever was watching her is long gone now or lying in wait for her somewhere. He stresses a heavy sigh from his lungs before responding lowly.
"Whoever he was, he's not there anymore. He could have walked off while you and Hitsugaya were going at it."
It was her turn to sigh. "I can't say I'm relieved that the guy is gone as I'm still on edge. I'm at least glad that I don't have to look over my shoulder for the creep. You didn't buy any chance got a good look at him, did you?"
"As far as specifics, no. All I know was that the guy looked pretty intimidating, so you might want to keep an eye out for him. I'll do the same if I ever come across him."
"Thank you, Ikkaku," she pauses briefly when a light blush crossed her cheeks. "Maybe it was a good thing you came over when you did. You very well could have prevented something from happening. So, thank you for coming over here when you did."
Ikkaku stares at her for a moment, bewildered at her sudden appreciation for his heroic actions. Huh, I think I finally figured out how to win her trust here, and I am not sharing it to Hitsugaya or the others. Yumichika though, he's already in good graces with her.
"Again, your welcome, Hiromi. See you around," Ikkaku waved as he turned on his heels to leave.
Both Hiromi and Starrk watched him leave in a heavy silence, unsure of how to break the awkwardness between them. It lasted for a moment when Hiromi decided to ease them out of it.
"I'm, I'm sorry for dragging you in the middle of all that. It was pretty inconsiderate of me."
"It's alright. Considering that you did come up with some outlandish tale of me being your cousin, the timeline for my arrival was right on point."
Starrk then took a sip of the coffee only to grimace now that it had slightly cooled.
Hiromi regards him softly. "Still, I shouldn't have put you in a position to act differently. Thank you though for playing along. And you're welcome."
"To get that busty chick off me? Yeah, I appreciated that. Quick thinking on your part by the way. Although there are women back in Los Noches with those size knockers." He mused.
Hiromi's curiosity peeked that she blinks while cocking her head slightly. "Really? Just how many of you are there?"
She watched him do a quick run through in his head and fingers which he also purses his lips a little before answering. "There's about twenty of us, maybe a little less."
There was this odd sparkle in her eye when he mentioned how many Espada members there were. She even smiled lightly. Is she interested in our kind or something? I find it very odd if she does.
"That many? I know it may sound strange to you, but I'm rather fascinated by hollows. At least not the ones I've seen transition, but that's a conversation for another time. Are you open to tell me about them?" Hiromi leans on the table and eyes on him, hoping that he would talk about his comrades.
He finds this peculiar. Why is she interested in knowing about my comrades? I need to tread lightly here. "Maybe later. How is Grimmjow holding up?" Starrk questions to direct the conversation elsewhere.
Hiromi was quick to notice his guard which she instantly backs off. Hmm, why do I have a feeling that he's being careful here? I guess he has his doubts about me like I do him. It's understandable, but I'll be honest with him, but not tell him everything just yet.
She considers her words for a moment before speaking. "Honestly, I'm not too sure. I guess Grimmjow is fine. I haven't seen him much since I brought him to an old friend of mine for assistance."
Starrk stares, perplexed yet stunned. Hiromi knew someone that could help. Okay, now there's a red flag.
"With an old friend of yours? Can you tell me where exactly they are?" Whoops, too direct, Crap!
Hiromi gently stares as her skepticism started to ease its way into her head. "Grimmjow is safe."
A thin brow rose as Starrk continued to stare at her, hurt starting to swell in his chest. That's all she's going to say? Wow. Here I thought she could trust me. "Really nice, Hiromi," he scolded.
The tone that he gave off made her inwardly cringe and stomach churn. Shit! He had my trust and I just freaking blew it by not telling him! I'm a fucking idiot!
"Starrk, I," Hiromi starts only to be interrupted.
"Nah, I get it. You don't trust easy. I wouldn't trust me either if I knew you for only a short time," Starrk criticized as he glared at Hiromi bitterly.
"Coyote, wait, please. Let me_."
"Don't bother. Here I thought you could trust me, but apparently, I was wrong. I'll see you around, Hiromi. Best of luck to you." Starrk quickly interjects then stood away from the table with a loud screech of his chair.
The sound grated in Hiromi's eardrums that she visibly cringes. A hard lump then sat in her larynx as he started walking off. Wait, no, I can't let him leave.
"Wait! Let me," When Hiromi stood to rush after him something made her stop. It wasn't just a something though. The feeling of impending of danger approaching surged through her like a lightning bolt. Something is wrong, very wrong.
She started forwards to follow Starrk where it could be safer with him when someone pulled her back and flush against their chest. Hiromi can tell that it's a male that grabbed her by their size and tone of them, even the roughness of their hand on her skin.
"Who were you talking with, Mimi?" a voice sounded near her ear.
She visibly stiffens as a breath caught in her throat and eyes widened. Fuck, I know that voice. Son of a fucking bitch, he really is here.
Without even second-guessing of what she was doing, Hiromi quickly maneuvers out of their grasp with an instep, elbow jab to their solar plexus and a punch to their nose. It was enough for her attacker to let go, but Hiromi couldn't get a chance to escape when they grabbed her by the hair and drug her to the side of the building. Her back hits the wall roughly as her attacker grips both her wrists with one hand and over her head. Hiromi attempts to kick her feet into their shins but with no success. Their thick legs blocked her attempts to ward them off. She's pinned.
As Hiromi is suspended a foot off the ground, she noticed a sharp object at her stomach. She visibly stiffens as fear slowly rolled through to the pit of her stomach. It's a sickening feeling. Its the same kind of sick when she had to go through something she didn't want. Old and fresh memories swarmed in her mind, even the flashes of those she held dear popped into her mind. Is, is it time for me to leave this world for good now? Do I get to see them again finally?
"Try anything else, and I will sink my blade into your belly. I'll ask again, who were you talking with just now?" Her attacker questioned.
She glares up at them with a snarl and eyes narrowed dangerously. For a moment she thought it was Grimmjow that stood in front of her, but their features are softer and rounder. His skin is more tanned like sand, eyes are narrow and are a cold coal black. His hair has grown out some despite it being spiked in a wild mess and is a mud brown. His muscular build and size are roughly the same as that Renji guy. His teeth are a pearly white since he has a big wolfish grin as he stared down at her.
"Hisashi," Hiromi seethed through clenched teeth. "What in the hell are you doing here?"
He grins. "I came to pay a visit to see you, lovely, what else? You should know that you can't be with anyone else other than me, Mimi. I'll ask you one last time. Who was that modern-day looking cowboy you were with moments ago? Answer correctly, I just might set you down. But you would have to promise me not to do anything when I do."
"Screw you! And he is none of your concern, so you leave him be." She snaps as angry tears streamed from her eyes while trying her best not to squirm. Hiromi really should attempt to get out of his hold, but she knew what would happen if she tried. She'll get her opportunity again soon.
"Aw, what's the matter? Has my precious little flower found another man in her life? What are you hoping to accomplish, Mimi? Are you trying to replace the one man that was supposedly your one true love? I'm positive he is distraught right now that you stopped thinking about him."
Hiromi's angry tears streamed faster from her eyes as she bore her teeth with rage. "You son of a bitch, don't you talk about him! And I would never replace him! Now let me down!" She bellows.
The blade that was near her stomach snapped away and came to rest at her left cheek. The sharp metal cuts into her flesh that blood seeped and rolled down her face, threatening her.
"Keep your voice down. Maybe I should slit your pretty little throat to keep you from calling out again. But then again, I won't be able to have my way with you. You know how I like to hear you scream."
"Fuck you and go to hell. Do remember you are a wanted man, Hisashi Nakamura," she snarls.
"Is that supposed to intimidate me or scare me? Besides, what will the police do with me anyway if they were to catch me, huh? Lock me up where they give me three square meals a day and a gym along with a nice, comfortable cot to sleep on? Ha, like that is going to happen. I plan on seeing more of you in the next few days anyway, Mimi."
"They will eventually catch you, Hisashi, but they won't give you that luxury. A bullet in the head would do just fine in my opinion. Instead, they decided death by lethal injection would do you justice."
Hisashi's fierce gaze falls, deadpanning."Seriously, lethal injection? Pfft, like I want some stupid poison to kill me. What exactly can you do anyway considering the position you're in right now?"
"It's no wonder why you're not the sharpest tool in the toolbox. We are out in public where people can see us, you dolt. Hell, we are just several blocks away from the precinct."
Hisashi's lip curl in an evil grin. "Oh, I know. As you can see though, no one is stepping in to help you, now are they?"
Sadly, Hisashi made a point. No one around her is stepping in to intervene. They're just sitting there, listening. She glanced sideways to her right, seeing someone on the phone but are not saying anything. She can't hear whoever was on the other line talking, or if they even are. What's going on? Why isn't anyone helping?
She then glanced to the left. The same thing, no one is paying attention to them. Except, she noticed something that Hisashi didn't. The people that are around her are making minimal amounts of movements. Its as if they didn't want to distract them for whatever reason. Far off, she noticed someone pass a piece of parchment to one person then the next. The last person at the end table that received the paper momentarily stood from where they sat. They were cautious enough to lock their gaze on hers before calmly walking in the direction that Starrk went.
Wait, they know! They're just smart in not getting involved. They could get hurt for trying to help.
"See, it's like I said no one is going to help you. Your life is completely in my hands, and at my mercy, so please do not test my boundaries. Besides, Mimi, you can't run from me because no matter where you go, I follow. You belong to me."
Hiromi glares at him briefly before diverting her gaze to her left again. She noticed a female spraying perfume on her wrist, and that's when the scent hits her. Her nose instantly started itching, and eyes watered that she can barely see. Oh god, cinnamon!
"Yo, lady! Put that shit away!" Hisashi yelled.
"What? It's just perfume. I needed a touch-up," the woman defended.
"It has cinnamon in it, you idiot! Hiromi is fucking allergic. She'll sneeze! She can't even eat anything with cinnamon in it either as she gets rashes itchy and flushed skin!"
The woman's eyes widened in fear. "Oh crap, I'm, I'm sorry, I, I didn't know!"
Hisashi turned his attention on a Hiromi and at the wrong time, for him. A mighty and loud sneeze erupted from Hiromi's nostrils that a spray of watery mucus splattered in his face. "Argh, yuck!"
He made the mistake of dropping his hand that held Hiromi off the ground to wipe at his face. It was the opening that Hiromi needed. She slips slightly from the wall before punching him in the chest and jaw. He staggers back slightly where her legs are finally free to kick him in the knee then swipes underneath him to knock Hisashi off his feet. He tumbles to the ground, hitting a chair down as he went.
Hiromi quickly goes on the move. Despite her watery vision, she rushes past his fallen form and in a direction other than where Starrk had gone. Hisashi, unfortunately, recovered rather promptly from Hiromi's assault on him that he went tearing off after her.
"Damnit, you bitch, you're dead!" He screams now that he is in pursuit.
"Run, lady! Get to the police. Quick!" Someone had yelled as Hisashi chased after her.
Hiromi sped down the sidewalk, panting as she rushed to the police station. It may be several blocks away, but it seemed to be taking her a lot longer than she anticipated. She can hear the rushing feet that belonged to Hisashi trying to catch up. There are even the sounds of motor vehicles rushing past her along with the occasional honk of a horn. I have to get to the police! They need to know that he's back!
"Stupid bitch, get back here!" She hears Hisashi roar.
Despite this sinking feeling in her stomach and the continual electrical charge flowing through her, exhaustion started to weigh down on her. Hiromi presses forward, urging herself. She needs to get the authorities. She needs their help. Come on, come on! You're halfway there! Oh god, I'm losing momentum! No, keep pushing through!
Hiromi dug deep to continue running, but her body soon gave way. She lost her footing that she stumbles forwards only to keep her balance. Her stumbling though came at a price. Hisashi caught up with her and grabbed her by the hair harshly, yanking her back. She yelps from the pain, but Hiromi is not going to go down without a fight. She jabs Hisashi in his stomach and ribs along with his sternum with her elbow, but he would not let go of her hair.
He wrapped a muscular arm around her chest to prevent Hiromi from using her arms, but she is quick to stomp on the top of his foot. She even rears backward to connect her head into his chin. Hisashi still won't let her go. What the crap? Did he grow extra skin or something? I can't seem to faze him!
She groans in his grasp while squirming, "Get the hell off of me!" She screams.
Hisashi laughs unusually as he struggled to lift Hiromi off her feet and towards the busy intersection. "You make me laugh, Ro. You can't hurt me! I'm invincible!"
Since when does he refer to me as that? Hiromi grunts and groans as she thrashed around trying to gain leverage to throw him off, but each attempt was futile. He is much stronger than she originally thought, and is growing fearful. She felt a large gust of a breeze from a passing car as they struggled by the curb, both trying to gain the upper hand.
"Damnit, Hisashi, watch where you're stepping!" She shouts over the loud street noise.
"Hey asshole, leave her alone," a pedestrian calls out as they came over to help.
Hisashi pivots sharply in his spot, drawing his blade out and slices across the innocent bystander's arm.
He balks backward while covering his wound when more men came on the scene to help Hiromi.
"All of you, back the fuck off," Hisashi bellows as he pointed his knife at them while dragging a struggling Hiromi to the edge of the curb.
Kill her.
"Hey, buddy watch out!" Someone yells as a car breezed past Hisashi and Hiromi where a startled scream escapes her mouth.
Oh god, he's trying to kill us! "Hisashi, stop, please! Get away from the road!" Hiromi pleads as she continued to fight him off and return to the sidewalk.
"Hey! Come on, dude, just let the girl go!" Another male shouts as they approached the two.
"I said back the fuck off! No one come near me, you hear! She's mine!" He screams just inches away from stepping into the street.
Kill her.
"Hisashi, please, let me go! You need to stop! You're going to get us killed!" Hiromi pleads again, still fighting forwards. Oh god, someone please, please help me! I can't fight him off!
"That's the point, you stupid bitch!"
There was a car horn when a vehicle speed down the road at them, barely misses them.
"Come on, man, just let the poor girl go! You're going to get hit!"
Hisashi snaps his wrist towards them with a vicious snarl. "I am not going to let this little fucking bitch go! Now stay the hell away!"
Kill her!
"Hisashi, please, I'm begging you! I won't go to the police, I promise! Just please, please let me go!" Hiromi screams as a scared whimper left her lips. Coyote, please help me!
"Like I'm going to believe anything that comes out of your mouth, you fucking little bitch! I've wanted to kill you since my brother saw you three years ago! If I have to kill myself to accomplish that, then so be it!" He then steps out into the street, threatening Hiromi at knifepoint as he stepped a foot further.
Hiromi struggled still in his grasp as cars swerved out of the way, missing them by mere inches. A terrified sob of a whimper leaves her lips as various thoughts swarmed her mind. I'm going to die! Fucking shit, I'm going to die by his hands! Why is he so desperate to kill me! Coyote, where are you? Help me, please! I should have, her thought trails off when she heard a loud, low honk.
She hesitated to look, but she recognized the sound. A bus is barreling down on them at top speed. Hiromi tried to propel forwards to escape, but Hisashi remained to hold onto her. As a last ditch effort, she rears her head one last time and connects with his chin and jaw. He lets go! Just as Hiromi moved to get out of the bus's path to safety, Hisashi grabs at her hair and pulls with a yank.
Hiromi screams in pain as she reached back to maybe try and rip his hands away but to no avail. From the corner of her eye, she saw the bus coming closer, and it is making no effort in swerving or stopping. She struggles to step away from Hisashi put he held firm in keeping her where she is. Her vision became a blur as tears fell from her eyes when she turned to punch him in the solar plexus. He blocked her attempt and brought her close to whisper in Hiromi's ear.
KILL HER!
"You will always belong to me, Ro-chan," Hisashi whispers as an evil grin spreads across his lips.
That was the last thing she heard when her world and life flashes in her mind. Visions of her best friends from high school swarm her mind, their features blurred from the haze around them. She can still see their sad frowns as they stare at her in a white environment. Why are they sad? What's wrong? Kaori? Sōsuke?
She sees herself with Kisuke. Her mentor and father-like figure smiled lovingly at her as he showed her self-defense moves when she was a child. Hiromi misses those days. She remembers the tender embrace they shared when they reunited after five years apart. It felt like home.
Visions of her and Grimmjow played through her mind, ones where they bickered in a friendly manner and shared embraces. She remembers the night they became close and how scared she was in losing him. She even remembers staring up at him after he had saved her from Jinta's kanapō. Her pecking a kiss on his cheek replayed in her mind. She is still very confused about what Hiromi feels for him.
Hiromi's first meet with Coyote sprung in her mind where he saw her nearly naked. The moment she pinned him flashed in her mind where she remembers the bright blush of his from her shimming her hips. Even the moment in the dressing room where they got extremely close popped in her mind. She felt something there, a connection and she won't get to explore that relationship.
The last person she sees is the man that she fell so deeply in love with three years ago. She misses him so very much. Hiromi loved him and still does. His cloud-gray eyes regard Hiromi lightly, but he looks sad, too, possibly. His lips quiver as he wanted to smile, but he frowns deeply. She sees him open his mouth but closes it as he glanced downwards to avoid eye contact with her.
Tatsuya.
No answer.
Tatsuya, my love, why are sad? Talk to me?
Still no answer.
Tatsu-chan?
He turns his back on her with an angry scowl.
Damn it all to hell.
Darkness blinds her vision, followed by the squealing of tires.