A/N: Hello! I hope everyone is doing well. I have one more potential friendship that needs to be established before things start to progress. Just to point out that there is a bit of OOC-ness in this chapter.
Anywho, enjoy the read!
The night is growing colder as a reprehensible Hiromi sat on the covered terrace silently. She doesn't say a word. She kept her gaze out on the tree line pondering of what to say. There isn't anything that would make her sound innocent. Well, this is just perfect.
"You've been listening to us this whole time, haven't you?" Hiromi softly inquires then sipped her medicine.
"Yep, I have. So, you do have the ability to see spirits."
"What if I do? It's not like I'm anything special like that Ichigo fellow you spoke of earlier. I've had this gift since I was a child."
"It just means you have a particularly strong spiritual energy," Nnoitra states, eyeing her oddly.
"Still, it doesn't mean anything. If you think I'm a shinigami, you are mistaken. I don't trust them. The shinigami can't even do their job when a spirit, like Taro, for instance, is in desperate need to pass on."
Hiromi takes another sip of her drink when she felt a roll in her stomach. She unpleasantly groans as she leaned sideways to rest her head, visibly shivering. Hiromi wanted to stand and return to warmth, but she had no strength in her legs. So, she sat there.
She doesn't hear anything from Nnoitra for a moment. She thought he was watching her or turned away, leaving her in the cold. Instead, Hiromi is caught off guard when a heavy blanket is draped over her shoulders, encasing her in warmth.
"You shouldn't be out here. You'll only get sicker." Nnoitra's voice sounded close.
Hiromi wanted to glance up at him. Instead, she finds him jerkily situating himself on the ground next to her. His long limbs snake through the gap, hanging limply. She hears him groan, a hard sigh following.
"I drank way too much. I feel like I'm still hammered." He groaned.
"I told you to take it easy. Have you ever had a hangover before?"
"Not since I was alive, I think. So, what if I hadn't. Have you ever been sick before, Gazelle? Fuck, I want to hurl." He comments as his stomach made a sickening flip.
"Of course, I have. It's rare for me to get sick. And stop calling me Gazelle, you damn Giraffe."
"Shut up," he groans, growing a pale green.
"Ugh, if you are going to vomit, do it somewhere else. Or better yet, lean over the railing and aim for the flower pot beneath you. It will be one hell of a surprise for Ms. Mori come morning, the fucking hag."
Nnoitra chuckles. "We saw the old bat earlier. The wrinkled old prune assumed you had a "good time." he made air quotes at this notion. "Starrk carried you home. You were kissing all over him because you were so out of it." Nnoitra grinned.
"Lier," Hiromi counters, pouting.
"Fine, you weren't. Can't you tell when I'm joking around?"
"From what I gathered so far, you're a lecherous pig, Giraffe. It's kind of hard to tell between your usual lewd self and joking around. That is one hell of a nasty bruise. How did that happen?" Hiromi questions once she saw the ugly black and purple injury.
"I was fucking plastered, girly. I crumbled to the floor like a newborn giraffe and bumped my head on the table. It hurt, too. I was unconscious for about ten minutes. When we were returning you home, the old bat assumed you liked it rough because I was nursing my injury. Pfft, as if."
"I wouldn't do you either if you were the last male, or whatever you are on earth, whale mouth." She bit, slightly smiling. Okay, I think I like bickering with this guy. He's entertaining.
Nnoitra pelts a chimp-like laugh. He attempted to snark bark only to groan and hold his head. "Ow, don't make me laugh. Damnit, my head hurts."
"Hangovers do that to you. I'm serious though, aim for the flower pot."
"Yeah sure, okay I'll attempt it. What do you have against Ms. Crazy Lady anyway?"
Hiromi sighs, "When I moved here a year ago, I heard from other tenants she is a superstitious schizophrenic cat lady. Instead of continuing being the center of attention, she directed it onto me. Ms. Mori calls me majyo, meaning witch. She caught me talking to Taro who she can't see. Because of my ability to see the deceased, I'm the crazy majyo around here."
He noticed the tinge of sadness in her tone, even her expression. "The lady is a bitch then. You're not crazy. Odd maybe, but not asylum bonkers."
They grew quiet afterward. It was a comfortable silence that lasted for a moment until it was disturbed.
"Why did you lie?" Nnoitra curiously questions.
Hiromi doesn't respond straight away, needing to think first. She eyed him from the corner of her eye, watching him steadily grow tired. Poor guy, I'll make this quick so we can both go back to sleep.
"I lied about my ability to see spirits, as it's not important. It's a gift I need to keep secret now. I don't want people to see me for something they can't explain and pass judgment on me. I've learned to keep my mouth shut and blend in with the faces. You know, be ordinary."
Nnoitra watched her speak, slightly confused. He noticed something in her gaze that didn't belong. Despair, his aspect of death. Did she lose something to feel hopeless? Oh, right, the bun that was in her oven. But why would she want to hide something that is a part of her life? Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary? Pfft, weak human girl.
"Are you still going to lie about your involvement?"
"I never lied. I'm being honest with you. I'm not entangled in some silly," Hiromi pauses when another sickening flip churns in her stomach, groaning. "What exactly happened earlier?"
He wanted to protest and continue drilling her for answers but thought the better of it. Despite the semi-darkness, Nnoitra can see her skin flushed, slightly ashen and clammy. He even saw her shiver despite the warm blanket.
"You got sick, that's what. The bar owner came by and said you passed out in the washroom. Pretty gross, in my opinion. Who knows where you humans have been?"
"It's not like we are filthy, Giraffe." Hiromi bit halfheartedly than downed her drink, hoping it will help.
Nnoitra was going to bark back, but he had to remind himself that Hiromi is sick and moody. The conversation she had with the spirit boy probably added to her discomfort. Being the better person, he drops his comeback. Nnoitra then remembered what Starrk told him earlier. Hiromi may be depressed as well. He inwardly groans, unsure of how to direct the conversation elsewhere. He doesn't want to spring up the loss of her child and have Hiromi all emotional. Nnoitra wouldn't know how to deal with a crying woman. He'll most likely slap her.
"Why are you still here? Shouldn't you be somewhere else?" Hiromi questioned.
Welp, there's a discussion I can handle. "And have Asshole Prissy Pants Aizen question my drunken self? Yeah, I don't think so. He'll scold me for being careless and unmotivated, maybe even flog me. The guy has been exceptionally ruthless lately. No one knows why."
Hiromi holds a breath, guilt weighing on her shoulders. What would motivate a leader to mistreat his comrades so horribly? Some Commander in Chief this Lord Aizen is. I want to put him in his place if given the opportunity.
"Does Starrk know what's going on?"
"The only thing I remember telling him is that Aizen is constantly in a bad mood. Why I'm blabbing to you about it? I have no fucking clue. To answer your question, I rather get myself together before I present my findings to him. I needed someplace to crash for a bit, but your apartment was a mess."
Hiromi's brows drew downwards. "Wait, you did all of that?"
"Yeah, apparently I'm a neat freak when I'm drunk." He drones sarcastically. Man, I'm getting a headache. I still feel like I'm going to hurl.
"You don't have to be a smartass, ass." She snips.
Nnoitra groans. "Sorry. Yes, I did some tidying up. At least the boxes that were on the couch. Lilynette helped when she returned home while you were sleeping. After Loverboy's nap, he helped out, too."
Hiromi stared wide-eyed at him, astonished yet grateful he would tidy the apartment. She is still curious how she wound up in the bed without any clothes on but is afraid to ask.
"Thank you for doing that," she starts.
He flinched at her gratitude, staring wide-eyed at her. Wait, she's thanking me? I never get appreciated for anything.
"Coyote told me how everyone is, how you all don't understand gratitude or kindness. All you know is furthering your leader's objectives. You didn't have to do any of that, but yet you did. What you did earlier was you being kind to someone you barely know. So, thank you, Nnoitra."
His jaw slacked, his eyes widen into saucers. She, she called me by name!
"Um your welcome, I guess." He replies tiredly.
It's quiet between them, not awkward but passable. Nnoitra glances at Hiromi. He still has the question about her kid on the tip of his tongue but is unsure if he should ask. At the same time, though, it will probably answer the hopelessness that lingered in her tropical orbs. With a sigh, Nnoitra goes for it. She better not start crying.
"What happened with your kid?"
Startled, Hiromi snaps her gaze on him. "How, how did you?"
"Starrk told me about it. He didn't give me any details; just told me you lost a child once. It only came up because I made some stupid drunken statement."
Holding her breath, Hiromi regards him hurtfully. "What sort of statement did you say? Why did he even say anything about it?"
"When you got up and left suddenly, he noticed you hadn't drunk your shot. I mentioned you didn't touch the delicious dumplings. He noted you haven't eaten much and acting strangely. So, I commented maybe he knocked you up, and that's why you weren't yourself." He rambled. Phew, that's a tongue twister.
Hiromi stares stunned, yet her mouth twitched. She wanted to scowl at him, but also laugh. "Just because I've barely eaten anything doesn't mean I'm pregnant, you clueless duck." She mused.
"Hey," he weakly drones.
She scoffs, "What? You are. You didn't answer my question, why did Coyote say anything?"
"I know he didn't haven't to Gazelle. Starrk was quick to defend. While he was embarrassed, Starrk was offended. He considered your feelings since it is a touchy subject for you. I guess he was glad you weren't there to hear it. I probably would have struck a chord and shouldn't joke around like that. Considering you were talking to a child spirit moments ago; you have a special place in your heart for little rascals. I was only curious about what happened. You don't have to tell me anything."
Hiromi doesn't say anything. She felt a pang in her heart from him springing the subject up. It's apparent she is still not quite over losing her son. It was a point in her life where she felt hopeless. Counseling and therapy could do so much for a person if you didn't have people to support you.
Nnoitra noticed her silence along with the watery gaze when he looked over at her. He doesn't know why, but guilt settled in his bones. He can feel Hiromi's depression. Frankly, he doesn't know what to do or say to comfort her. Nnoitra never consoled a person in his life. Usually, he would laugh at people's misery and pain, but Hiromi is different. She's living with torment, anguish, and despair in her lonely dark world. Starrk is about the only person Hiromi has for support to guide her through.
"Don't be mad at Starrk for saying something. He did it with the best of intentions." Nnoitra comments, his eyes are drooping heavily.
Hiromi doesn't say anything at first. With a heavy sigh, she weakly smiles.
"I'm not mad at him. I'm surprised he brought it up. He knows what happened. Am I comfortable talking about it with you? Not necessarily. I will tell you this, though, it still hurts. I even cry on occasions. He would have been two years old this past April. November is always hard because it's around this time I lost him due to circumstances I wish not to discuss. I had no family or friends to help me through the pain. I was alone and hopeless. My despair dragged me into a state of depression to the point of wanting to end the misery."
He gulps tightly. Nnoitra listened to the conversation between her and the spirit kid. It reminded him of the girl he saw earlier today. Both the girl and the boy are hanging by a thin thread for their chains to disintegrate. Hiromi is watching the child die. It is apparent that its bringing back memories from when she lost her son. She doesn't want Taro to disappear and transition into a hollow. Hiromi will be losing a child all over again. Nnoitra understands now. Her child was a symbol of hope for a brighter future. Once the baby was gone, darkness overwhelmed her heart.
Sighing heavily, Nnoitra reaches out to his side to place a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry you lost your kid," he admits guiltily.
Mildly startled from his gesture, Hiromi glanced over at him with her bottom lip jutting out. "Thank you."
Hiromi grew quiet then, and so did Nnoitra. They sat out on the terrace in the silence of the night, both slowly succumbing to sleep. Nnoitra is disturbed out of his relaxed state when he heard the howl of a hollow nearby. He glanced over at Hiromi to see if she had heard. Unfortunately, she is already fast asleep. He frowns at her sleeping form, surprised the sound didn't wake her.
"Great," he drones to himself then slowly stood.
Nnoitra thought about leaving Hiromi out here to confirm his suspicions of her possibly being something other than a normal human woman. He believes Hiromi might be a shinigami than what he and Starrk are led to believe. If he left her out in the open and vulnerable, Hiromi could defend herself. It sounded appealing. Except, he decided against it. For all he knew, Hiromi could be a mere human being with an extraordinary gift. So, he's not going to run the risk of the girl getting killed. Nnoitra stoops low to work her legs out from in between the beams and carry her inside. Hiromi softly moans as she nuzzled close to his neck, mumbling incoherently.
He grimaces from the closeness. He thought about dropping Hiromi, but Nnoitra doesn't want to be an asshole towards her. Defeated, he continued to bring Hiromi inside where it's warmer. He ignores the hollowing sound still.
By morning, Nnoitra and Hiromi barely remember the conversation they had. Hiromi kept to herself most of the morning as she still felt a little queasy, but is doing much better. Neither of them spoke much or glanced at one another for reasons never to be mentioned. Only one person knows, and they were sworn to never speak of it. However, they photographed them for possible blackmail. The tension between them this morning was thick. Starrk was nervous about the two of them not talking or seeing eye to eye. The poor guy couldn't say anything; otherwise, it would cause an unnecessary blowout.
So, Nnoitra decided to head back to Los Noches to report his findings. In the back of his mind, though, something didn't sit right with him. Even when he stayed behind a few hours to help Starrk with the new bed Hiromi bought, Nnoitra couldn't figure out what was wrong. He couldn't tell if it was the tension between him and Hiromi or something else entirely. He had begrudgingly returned here to stop himself from thinking about it. Nnoitra wished he hadn't. Despite the distance, the feeling remained.
Why do I have this horrible feeling something is wrong? I need to shake this blasted mood off before I speak with Aizen about anything.
"Hello, Nnoitra," a female voice beamed at him.
He growls, snarling at them. Nnoitra attempts to ignore her, but they insisted on speaking with him.
"Boy, someone is in a grumpy mood. Did you not find anything out?"
"Will you keep your damn mouth shut? Fuck, I'm not in the mood." He venomously snapped.
The girl, Orihime, stared perplexed and astonished. "Whoa, sorry, I asked." She defends.
She watched him storm off towards the throne room curiously. The hostility he projected had Orihime wondering if he found something he didn't like. A thought occurred to her then. Something terrible had happened, and it must deal with Grimmjow. Oh no, did he find him and Grimmjow is dead?
"Strange," Ulquiorra replied lowly from behind her.
He too was going to ask of Nnoitra's findings, except his interest faltered. Something else piqued his curiosity, a strange sensation. Ulquiorra observed the aura around him has changed to significant proportions. The usual thin air is thick and heavy. The lackluster silence is now unsettling and eerie. The feeling seeped deep into his bones, causing a cold prickle to run along the back of his neck. He's not sure how this is even possible, but Ulquiorra can sense something ominous. The thing he is unsure about is if it's brewing or approaching.
The rest of the morning dragged on like usual, except for Hiromi. She is feeling better. Except, something seemed off. Starrk is not sure what caused her change in behavior. Hiromi is not cheerful or full of childlike wonder. She is more analytical, observant, and withdrawn. Starrk is beginning to wonder if it has anything to do with what happened last night. She didn't seem the same after getting sick. The unknown tension between her and Nnoitra is proof enough that something is oddly different about her.
Instead of hanging around the apartment tidying up what was left, he suggested going around shopping. He thought about going to one of the mid-November festivals but decided against it. Besides, with Hiromi's current mood, she might snap. Hiromi agreed with him. She doesn't understand her behavior, either.
Nonetheless, she loved his idea. Another outing with him always puts a smile on her face. They walked arm in arm down the sidewalk, both smiling brightly. It became normal for them. If Starrk were honest, being with Hiromi is more than ordinary. It feels real.
At this point, Starrk can see himself not returning to Los Noches and abandon his position. He now feels the need to remain here with Hiromi. He wants to forget about the war along with the other Espada members. All Starrk wants now is to live amongst the living with a woman who gave him a purpose. It's a second chance at life with someone who healed his cold, emotionless heart with kindness. He will do just about anything to shield Hiromi's heart from any form of darkness.
"Coyote," Hiromi called, grabbing his attention.
He hums in response.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, love. I was only thinking. Are you doing any better?"
"Much, thank you. What were you thinking about?"
He regards her with a sideways glance. "How real this feels. I'm beginning to think of the future."
"Sounds deep. What do you see happening towards the end? A beautiful tragedy or a bloody victory?"
"Interesting choices. If I had my druthers, it would be a glorious victory, although it is more of a pipe dream. Not everyone gets what they want. If anything, a bloody victory would mean at the cost of someone else's expense. A concept where the supposed antagonist dies in the end."
"That is certainly an interesting perspective. My follow-up question would be, why?"
"If you think about it, I am a soldier of the sort. They get bloody and bruised during a battle for freedom or other extreme cause. Mine would now be fighting for someone I care about. A beautiful tragedy would only cause heartache between star-crossed lovers."
"Hmm, fascinating. You wouldn't think of other options if there were available?"
"Very much so. There is the one I'm considering, but hesitant as it will cause ramifications."
"Which is?" Hiromi nervously inquired.
Starrk pauses briefly to glance at her. "Do what Grimmjow did. Abandon my rank as Primera and remain here with you."
Hiromi stops in her tracks, stunned. "You know that's risky, Coyote. Following Grimmjow's lead would put you in the same boat as him. He faced terrible consequences. It ended up drawing us apart because of me helping him. I don't want the same for you."
He stares at her for a moment, his fingers twitching to touch her. "That's why I'm reluctant in acting on my impulse. Doing so would only wedge us apart, and I don't want that. I've grown quite fond of you, Hiromi. The thought of being away from you is distressing."
She presses her lips, trying not to get emotional. Hiromi knew Starrk would have to return to Los Noches at some point, leaving her behind. The selfish part of her wants him to stay. He has eased her loneliness. Hiromi knows she done the same for him. She would miss him dearly if he were ever to leave. Hiromi has grown to admire and develop deep feelings for him.
"I don't like the thought of you being away either, Coyote. I'm quite fond of you, too." She shares, blushing with a small smile.
Starrk mirrors her reaction. He unknowingly reaches down and takes her hand into his, their fingers entwined. He stares deep into her eyes, searching her hopeful gaze. Starrk can see life returning from the sparkle in her eye. What is she doing to me?
He can feel something hanging between them. Starrk is not sure what it is, but he has this compulsion to kiss Hiromi. He wants to take that leap. Before he could act on his impulse, Hiromi clears her throat. She diverts her gaze, her cheeks flushing a bright pink. A small, timid smirk appeared as well. He understood then, Hiromi wanted him to kiss her.
"Do you remember me saying I want to do something special for you?" She softly spoke, disturbing the light silence between them.
Of course, he remembers. Except, Starrk doesn't want an object or anything in particular. He wants Hiromi. She is the special something.
"I told you, love. No object or activity can reward me for my kindness to you."
Hiromi smirks. "You're right. No object or special outing can show you my gratitude. I do know what will. I want you to meet someone."
Intrigued yet confused, he blinks. "You want me to meet someone. Who would that be?"
Her smirk widens, but she started to fidget within their entwined fingers. "I know you heard me talk about him. You even spoke with him on occasions. I want you to meet Kisuke, Coyote."
He flinches slightly, eyes widening. Huh, why?
"Not to offend, but why do you?"
"I know it came across as a "let's meet the parents" kind of thing when it's not exactly. Remember Grimmjow is there, too."
It hit him then. Whoa wait, hold on. Is, is she serious?
"I don't want to tell you where Grimmjow and Kisuke are. I want to take you there."
"Hiromi?" Starrk inquired in awe.
Hiromi answers with a bright smile. "I trust you, Coyote. I want to show you how much."
Starrk remained silent briefly before grinning wide. "When do you want us to go?"
"I have to call and let him know, but how about tomorrow evening?"
"I'm good with that and Hiromi," he pauses, glancing down at the angle of her body. Hiromi is facing him fully, leaning and hands still holding. His compulsion to kiss Hiromi is strong.
He watched Hiromi bite at her lower lip, and gulp shallowly. Starrk remained to hold her hand as he leaned, eyes locked. "Thank you for trusting me."
She smiles in return. "You're welcome, Coyote."
Starrk leaned into her. She mirrored his movements. They were so close in brushing lips, only to stop. They snapped backward, startled when a familiar voice called out to Hiromi.
"Yo girly!"