If the only prayer you said in your whole life was "Thank You", that would suffice- Meister Eckhart
Sometimes in life you find yourself wondering how you ended up where you ended up. And other times you find yourself being grateful for past experience that were so terrible but somehow managed to put you in such a place where you have never been happier. That was the conundrum that Sassi found herself at six in the morning as she lay in her loves arms. To think that everything she had been through in life, all the hurt, anger, pain, all the good and the bad; the places she had lived and lives she had led. That they would lead her here to Karakura Town in this man's arms somehow baffled her. She gave up a long time ago believing in soul mates or anything along the lines of it. But she did believe that if you were lucky enough someone would come along who was as strange and complicated, like the curvy edges of a jigsaw puzzle*, and match you to make you feel whole. Smiling to herself, she gently rolled to face Chad. Somehow fate decided that he would be the one to make her feel whole in a way she hadn't in years, if ever. Bringing her hand up, she softly pushed his hair out of his face, gasping in surprise when he caught her hand.
"Why are you awake so early?" He asked, voice rough from sleep.
Sassi smiled and leaned forward and kissed him gently, "Just had enough sleep. I'm alright. Go back to sleep. I know you're still tired." She answered. Chad nodded and soon enough was back to sleep. Sassi gave a sappy smile before closing her eyes and trying to sleep a little more herself.
Chad rolled over and reached for Sassi in his sleep induced haze. Feeling nothing but a cool mattress, he opened his eyes and sat up. Looking around his bedroom, he noticed Joshua wasn't anywhere to be seen either, and the door was open just a hair. Figuring she had taken the puppy out, he looked at his alarm clock. Eleven o'clock. Time to get up. They were supposed to be at the Kurosaki clinic by two that afternoon, now was a good a time as any to get up.
Stepping into the hall, Chad heard Sassi softly singing to herself in the kitchen. Staying in the hallway he paused to listen, realizing he had never heard her sing before.
'How does a moment last forever, how can a story never die?
It is love we must hold onto. Never easy, but we try.
Sometimes our happiness is captured, somehow a time and place stands still.
Love lives on inside our hearts, and always will.'
Smiling to herself, Sassi continued making breakfast. "You can come out now. I know you're there." She spoke to the empty kitchen. Turning, she faced Chad as he stepped out of the hallway. "Don't you know it's rude to eavesdrop?" she teased grinning.
Chad had the good grace to blush. "I didn't know you could sing." Was his answer to her.
Sassi peeled a laugh. "Not many do, to be honest with you. It's a hidden talent." She paused, "Atleast from my family," she added after a thought. "I performed in Las Angles at a club on the strip for a time." Chad tilted his head in confusion. Sassi laughed. "Not that kind of club. Well, not really," she hedged before turning to the omelets she was making, "it was a Burlesque club called Boulevard3. It was always fun, but I was always the more…conservative of the girls." She laughed softly here. "I always wore some type of corset, never just lingerie." Sassi turned to the counter as she put his omelet on a plate she had laying there before starting on her own. "I didn't think to tell you. Truthfully." She turned to hand him his breakfast. "Sorry."
"For what?" Chad asked, "You worked a job that probably helped pay your way here, and you probably couldn't work medical at the time due to your father looking for you. I'm not mad. Impressed more like. Most women wouldn't dare to be caught dead in one." He replied as he used his chopsticks she had handed him to pick up a piece of omelet.
Sassi giggled at his response, "Maybe here, but you'll find in the states it's not uncommon. A lot of women enjoy the shows as much as their counterparts. I know I enjoyed watching the ones I wasn't a part of. It's an interesting form of art. But I don't think I'd do it again. Mainly because you did get a creep from time to time." She pulled her omelet of the pan and put it on a plate for herself before digging in.
They ate in companionable silence, watching Joshua inch his way closer to Chad. He'd learned his momma wouldn't give him any scraps except for special occasions. He lucked out, today was a special day. Setting her plate on the ground, with a few bites left, Sassi whistled. "Come here." Joshua bounded over happily, overjoyed to get to enjoy his momma's breakfast with her. "I suppose once and awhile won't hurt." Sassi scratched his ears before standing up, glancing at Chad, who was smirking at her. "What?"
"Nothing, I just thought you said dogs don't need to get used to human food." He grinned, before putting the last bite in his mouth.
"Shut it buster. It's a holiday. He can have a little." Sassi growled before picking up the plate when she realized Josh was done, putting it into the sink. "Help me do these dishes." She smirked. Chad nodded stepping up beside her, handing her his plate to put in the soapy water. "Thank you."
"Thank you for breakfast." Chad said as he began rinsing the dishes she handed him.
"You are most welcome." Sassi smiled sweetly at him. Sighing softly, she continued washing dishes, growling internally, wishing Japanese women didn't prefer washing dishes by hand. She hand grown up using a dishwasher and washing by hand felt like it didn't get the dishes clean enough unless she used water that was almost to hot. She preferred not to get salmonella, thank you very much. 'c'est la vie' Sassi thought sighing as she washed the last dish.
"What?" Chad asked, hearing the sigh.
"Nothing, really. I just was spoiled when I lived in the states to be honest. We had dishwashers, laundry machines, things like that. I know there uncommon here in Japan, and I wouldn't change anything about being here, but maybe that. I'm spoiled." Sassi grinned, while drying her hands.
Chad awed as he took the hand towel. "I hadn't really thought about the differences between the cultures. But when you say it like that, I guess us as Japanese as a people are a little backwards, but is that a bad thing?"
"Not at all. Just different." She answered, glancing at the clock. Twelve thirty. "I need to fix my hair. Have you got a hair dryer?" she asked, as she pulled it down out of the pony tail it was in.
"No." He answered.
"Okay. Then I need to go to my apartment. Would you like to come or would you rather I meet you back here?"
"I'll be up in a few." He answered following her to the door.
"Ok. I'll leave it unlocked then." Sassi smiled before kissing him, and stepping into the hall as Chad closed his door. Sighing he turned and walked back to the bathroom, wondering if he dreamed her telling him she loved him.
Sassi moved upstairs to her apartment, unlocking the door and stepping inside it. Closing the door, she left it unlocked for Chad. She wondered if he remembered telling her he loved her. Sighing she moved to the bathroom to get dressed.
Twenty minutes later found Chad pulling the cake out of the freezer to take it up to Sassi's apartment, that way they could just leave from there. Putting the cake on the counter, he turned and pulled on his black parka over the black button down he had on, paired with a dark wash jeans, his abuelo's old belt that had the fancy buckle on it, and his brown Justin boots. Turning he grabbed his wallet, keys, gloves, and watch. After closing the clasp on his watch he put Joshua's red leash on him, grabbed the cake, and stepped into the hall. Turning he locked the door, and then moved up stairs. Stepping in front of Sassi's door, he turned the knob. Stepping into her apartment he heard the radio playing. She must've turned it for background noise, he realized as he closed the door.
"Chad? Is that you?" She called from the bathroom. Realizing she must've heard him, Chad called back in an affirmative. Dropping Josh's leash, he moved to place the cake in her freezer. After doing that, he turned to move down the hall but Sassi had already stepped into the kitchen. Chad drew in a sharp breath once he got a good look at her. She had replaced the sweats and long sleeved t-shirt with a black ¾ sleeved knee length wrap around dress. With that she paired black leather knee high boots. A gold necklace with an emerald teardrop pendant rested around her neck at her collarbone. Small gold hoops adorned the double piercings she had in her ears. Gold bangles were on her right arm and her only fossil watch was on her left. She had a single emerald ring on her right ring finger. She had used her hair dryer and round brush to smooth her hair from a harsh untamed curl to a soft curl, with an off set part and she had pinned the right side back with a gold hair barrette. Her makeup consisted of a grey smokey eye shadow, a little mascara, very little blush, and berry lipstain. She looked beautiful.
Sassi stood as he looked her over, watching as his eyes traveled from her booted feet to her face and hair. "Is it ok?" she asked as she wrapped her arms around herself.
Stepping in front of her, Chad gently moved her arms and replaced them with his own. "You look breathtaking." He answered, bringing his lips gently against hers.
Sassi blushed as she placed her hands on his biceps. "Thank you." Glancing at the clock she saw it was almost one. "We need to consider going. I don't know about traffic here, but I know in the states it's a nightmare on the holidays."
Nodding his head in agreement, he spied her knee length black parka on the arm of the chase lounge. Picking it up, he faced her, holding it up to help her in it. Smiling at Chad sweetly, Sassi turned and pushed her arms into the sleeves, lifting her hair out of the way for him. Turning to face him, she kissed his cheek.
Leaning down she grabbed Joshua's leash, thankful Ichigo said she could bring the puppy. She wasn't for sure how'd do with them being gone all day. She knew she'd have to get him used to it eventually but she for today he could go with them. Picking her purse up off the arm of the couch she snagged her keys off the hooks by the door, before turning and seeing Chad with the cake already in his arms.
"I can carry that." Sassi said with a frown.
"I've got it." Chad responded.
Sighing in resignation, she smirked at him before opening the door for him to step into the hall. Closing the door behind him, Sassi locked her apartment.
Pulling in front of the Kurosaki clinic, Chad glanced at the clock on the radio. One thirty. They made good time considering the traffic. Turning to Sassi he smiled. Returning his smile, Sassi opened her door and stepped out of the car, her purse on her shoulder, Josh's leash in her right hand, and the cake in both. Chad moved out of the car, shut his door and moved to the passenger side, and shut Sassi's door as her hands were full. Pressing the lock button, and setting the alarm, they moved to the house that sat beside the clinic. Ringing the doorbell, Chad stepped behind Sassi as Isshin opened the door.
"Chad'm'boy, it's good to see your dark form grace this humble establishment again. And who is this gorgeous lady you have with you?" the exuberant doctor asked while spinning in a circle, arms in the air, causing Josh to tilt his head to the side in curiosity.
Sassi laughed out loud at the man's antics. "Hello Dr. Kurosaki. It's Sassi. I work with the private EMS service that brings patients in sometimes."
"Now, none of that Doctor stuff, not on thanksgiving. And yes I remember you. It's hard to forget a beauty like yours." Isshin said as he helped her in the house, taking the cake out of her arms. "YUZU! KARIN! ICHIGO! Guests, get your butts in here."
Sassi shook her head as Chad gently pulled her jacket off her shoulders. Glancing back at her boyfriend, she saw Ichigo beside him, scowling at his dad. Chad had already taken his jacket and shoes off. Letting Chad have her jacket and purse, she stepped out of her boots before placing them beside the door with Chad's.
"Dad, you know with that parade voice it's no wonder the soul society thought you were dead. It's annoying." Sassi glanced at Karin leaning against the opposite doorway, who was smirking at her dad. Ichigo had informed everyone that Sassi was well aware of their alternate lives so they didn't have to be careful with what they said so they could be themselves.
"Betrayed by my own daughter!" Isshin cried from in the kitchen as he sat Sassi's cake on the counter, before flying to a huge poster on the fair wall of who Sassi assumed was Ichigo's and the twins mother. "Oh, Masaki, how'd I raise such ungrateful but beautiful children!"
Ichigo rolled his eyes at his dad's theatrics. "Crazy old man." He mumbled before turning to his friends. Pausing when he looked at Sassi, "Well, you clean up good." Ichigo said after a pause.
Sassi blushed but grinned before moving into the kitchen with the twins.
Looking at Chad, Ichigo grinned. "Do I even want to know?" He asked spying the blush on his face. He laughed outright when Chad turned even redder.
Sassi stepped into the kitchen, pausing while she took in the room's occupants. Yuzu was at the stove with Orihime and Tatsuki. Karin and Rukia were at the sink. Uryuu was sitting at the table reading a book, while his father was reading the newspaper. "Hello Dr. Ishida." She said bowing slightly to the white haired man.
Ryuuken glanced up and paused as he took a moment to recognize Sassi. "Ms. Williams. It's a pleasure to see you again. May I inquire as to your business here? I wasn't aware you had an invitation to this affair." Everyone looked at Ryuuken after that statement, most appalled he would ask such a thing.
"Father…." Uryuu began as Chad, Ichigo, and Isshin stepped into the kitchen, before Sassi interrupted.
"My boyfriend is Chad. Ichigo and his family invited him along with myself to dinner today. If my presence interferes with your train of plans for the day, I'll leave, but I was under the impression you usually reserved judgement until you knew someone Dr. Isida." Sassi responded evenly, staring at the senior Ishida.
Ryuuken smiled, "I do. I just wanted to hear your response."
Sassi smirked. "Now I see why your patients call you an ass." was her response as she shook his hand before moving to help the women.
Uryuu smirked as he pushed his glasses up his nose. "That was cruel Father. Honestly, one would think you have a problem with new people with that attitude."
"Never son. Just wanted to tease as I only ever see her in uniform and always serious. And justifiably so, as her job is to bring me or your uncle someone alive rather than let you and your rag tag group perform a konso." Ryuuken said as he waved to Isshin, who nodded in agreement.
"Your father's right Uryuu. This is a holiday and a time for fun. Not work." Isshin said in all seriousness for once.
Chad had remained quiet through Mr. Ishida questioning his girl and he was proud of the response she gave.
Everyone turned to the stove when they heard a pot slam onto one of the burners. Tatsuki glanced up, "Sorry," She mumbled, before pouring the rice into the pot with water. Ichigo watched his oldest friend for a few minutes to see what she would do next, wondering what had put her into a foul mood so quick. He was surprised when he saw her glare at Sassi, who was chopping vegetables, for a full minute before turning back to rice. Unfortunately, he wasn't the only one who noticed.
Sassi turned just as Tatsuki turned back to the stove. Sighing, she wiped her hands on a towel before addressing Tatsuki. "Alright. For two months I have put up with thinly veiled hostility from you Ms. Arisawa and I'd like to know why." Sassi said firmly but politely.
Every head in the house turned to the two females in surprise when Sassi voiced her question.
Tatsuki sighed, before turning the full force of her light brown eyes on Sassi. "You want to know my problem with you? Fine. First, my grandfather was killed in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the Americans. Secondly, there is no way you've had as much of a hard time as you say. NO ONES life is that bad. Then there's the fact that somehow in two months you've convinced this whole damn town that you're just here to try and make yourself better. Figure it out. You're not welcome in this town, Gaijin, and you need to leave." Everyone gasped at the last sentence from the black haired female. Rukia went to step to Tatsuki before Sassi's arm stretched in front of her holding her back.
Sassi hadn't realized that her presence hurt Tatsuki that much. "I'm…sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry about your grandfather. Truly I am. But I cannot be held responsible for the sins of my country-men. For what it's worth my great-grandfather was killed in the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. (gasps were heard at this revelation.) I don't hold you responsible for that. So I can't see how I can be held accountable for the bombings. As for my past, I understand it's considered a heinous crime here to even consider hurting your child but my father did. He hurt me in the worst possible ways growing up. As for why I'm here, let me ask you this. Have you ever been hunted down by the one person who should love you, knowing that if they find you, they will kill you? Have you?" Sassi demanded from Tatsuki. At the other female's head shake of no Sassi continued, "Then don't judge me for trying to find a place I can feel safe. I have never felt safe till I met your friends. And I'm sorry you feel intimidated by me. That was never my intention. As for the gaijin and whole town comments? I deal with the outsider and go back to where you came from's frequently. More than I care to admit or think about truthfully. But I would like to be your friend if you'll let me, but if you feel like you can't, I'll leave you alone. If I see you, I'll make sure to turn and walk the other way so you don't see me, if we happen to bump shoulder out somewhere, I won't acknowledge it in any way to spare you my presence, if I see you sitting with these people out somewhere I won't stop. Is that what you would prefer?" Sassi asked, tears in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall, as she looked at the taller woman.
"Yes." Tatsuki whispered.
Sassi gasped quietly, before nodding. Turning she made her way to the entrance; pausing she turned to everyone with a watery smile. "Enjoy the cake. It was nice to see you all again. Happy Thanksgiving." And with that she grabbed her boots and stepped outside. She didn't care to grab her coat or anything. She just stepped outside and closed the door.
Everyone turned and looked at Tatsuki who had tears streaming down her face. Ichigo stepped in front of her. "Care to explain?" He asked quietly leading her to the table.
"Her name Ichigo. It's her goddamn name. The name of the pilot of the bomber was Williams. I can't handle thinking she may be related to the man who took my grandfather and face her. My father would disown me if I associated with her." Looking to Chad, who was pulling on his boots, "I'm sorry Chad. But I can't. I have tried for two months. But I can't." Tatsuki said, bowing her head.
"I am too Tatsuki." Was all the Mexican said as he grabbed his and Sassi's belongings, picked Joshua up, turning he bowed to everyone before stepping out the door and closing it behind him. He knew she'd have a headstart on him to the apartments or park. Whichever she chose. Sighing he headed towards his car, glancing around, pausing when he saw her sitting on the bench at the end of the block. Letting Joshua down, but maintaining a grip on the pup's leash, he pulled on his jacket and moved to sit beside her. Looking at her out of the corner of his eye, he noticed she wasn't crying. At least not really, tears had left a few mascara marks on her cheeks, but nothing major, and the tears had dried in the few minutes she was outside. "Are you alright?" He asked as he draped her jacket around her shoulders, the tail lying on the bench beside him. Joshua whined until Sassi leaned down and picked him.
'Am I ok?' Sassi thought to herself. The answer was no. Once again, she had managed to ruin a holiday. "No, Chad, I'm not. I wish I wasn't such a fuck up." She whispered laying her head on his shoulder. "Just once, I wish I could have a normal holiday with people I care about without being a burden."
Before Chad could answer, someone beat him to it.
"You're not." A voice said behind them. Turning they saw Tatsuki behind them. "Listen, I'm sorry about my outburst. I shouldn't have said some of the things I did. But the fact is that I did. And I meant them. And I'm not sorry for that. But it doesn't mean that I can't deal with you for a day. Besides, Orihime is crying and she's my best friend. And I caused it so I gotta fix it. So, for today, let's pretend that we like each other. Then tomorrow…well I'd like it if you'd keep the deal you set. Maybe one day I'll get past my problems. But for now…..It's thanksgiving and no one should be made to spend the holidays alone." Tatsuki said as she held out her hand for Sassi.
Sassi stared at her hand, before taking her hand and letting the other female pull her to her feet, Chad at her side.
"Thank You Tatsuki."
2 chapters, 2 days. Oh my goodness. Lol. Also the lyrics are from the new Beauty and the Beast. Enjoy.-Ani
*this line is from Deadpool. Marvel Studios. 2016