" Come on Auntie we're going to be late," I said standing at the corner on my board.
Auntie panted heavily as she stumbled up the hill behind me. " Jimmy Choo's were not meant for distance darling," she panted.
" That's why I said not to wear heels," I replied uncaringly. She brought this on herself.
" I want to look good for the boy's father! You said he's single AND a doctor?"
" Auntie!"
" I'm just kidding darling," she smirked and held my shoulder as she panted again. " So how much farther?"
" A mile."
Auntie groaned as we continued our walk. " Dinner at the boy's house, exciting huh? I finally feel like a real mother to you."
I stopped and turned back. " Auntie you've taken great care of me you-"
She scoffed then replied, " I'm nonexistent Hotaru. I left you alone with that other boy, the bad one, and nearly ruined you. Then I took you away from you grandmother and she passed. And now I leave you here alone and you have to take care of yourself. You've taken care of me more than I've taken care of you!"
Auntie sniffled and I sighed then pat her shoulder. " Auntie I love you. Ya I'm alone a lot but that's made me who I am. I'm independent and more mature because of you. Thank you for letting me become the person I am."
Auntie smiled brightly. " Really? So I am actually a good guardian?"
" I wouldn't want anyone else," I replied happily.
" Oh you're such a good niece!" she cried hugging me.
" Auntie focus! If you want to win guardian of the year then we need to get to dinner on time!"
" Alright already I get it! My shoes aren't happy about it but we will make it there on time!"
Auntie finally picked up the pace as she sped walked and I rode towards Ichigo's house. The streets were quiet, unsurprisingly for a Sunday night. The only other person out was a small, white haired girl walking in the opposite direction from us. Something about her threw me off however. She was just a child so why was I getting such a bad feeling from her? I eyed the child as she read her book while passing us, Auntie oblivious and talking about Milan. Our steps continued but the little girl's stopped. " You smell good," the girl said.
Auntie paused and we both turned to see the girl had turned towards us. " Why thank you it's the new Chanel you like it?"
" Auntie stand back," I said moving in front of her and handing her my bag.
" I want to eat you," the girl said simply, her face emotionless as she opened her book again.
" Auntie run," I said as I pulled up my skateboard.
" It's just a little girl Hotaru she's just making a joke," Auntie said grabbing my arm.
" Ziege Diech Sokushinbutsu," the girl said calmly. The wind around us rapidly picked up and I watched the pages of the book tear away and begin stacking upon themselves. They continued to stack and stack until a man stood there, a mummy to be precise. From his arms strands of paper hung as he stood staring back at me. He turned to the girl and knelt on one knee beside her, head down. " Get her," the girl said simply and pointed at me.
The mummy grunted and stood. I had already taken my knuckles out and put them on as I waited to see what this mummy would do. The mummy pointed it's arms at me and suddenly the loose strands became active, two of them flying right at me. They were fast as I barely dodged them and watched as a third was shot. I reached out to catch the third but was instead cut by the paper wrappings. I jumped around the road avoiding the paper strands and watched the mummy's movements.
What the hell is this thing? The girl can summon mummies or something? This can't be related to Aizen can it? One of the strands moved just slowly enough that I was able to catch it. I dodged the next two strands before smirking and tugging on the paper strand as fast and as hard as I could. I was expecting to drag the mummy to me and strike but he seemed to see this coming. The mummy looked to his arm and it suddenly collapsed, the strands of paper falling to the ground. I growled and dropped the paper strand then charged at the mummy head on.
His arm formed again and he pointed at me, two strands striking the ground in front of me. I was about to jump over them when I was grabbed by my neck. I choked and turned my head to see the third strand had gotten me. This didn't bother me however as I just lit myself on fire. A second later I fell from the mummy's grasp and back to the street. " That the best you got?" I shouted, fireballs now in hand.
" Get her now," the girl said more sternly.
The mummy roared and I watched the paper break down, the mummy none existent now. The papers all flew at me at once, the first one even piercing the ground. I jumped back as the papers struck the ground where I stood and jumped around the street. The papers left the ground and hovered in the air for a moment before all heading to me at the same time. I lit myself on fire while also shooting fire at the papers. The more paper that flew at me though the harder to became to repel. It seemed like the sheets were never ending as the first one clung to my skin. It disintegrated a moment later but another broke through the barrier.
I growled and burnt that off then exploded with fire. I panted as the paper still swarmed above me and my fire cloak dissipated into the night. Come on fire come on! I clenched my fist but the fire wouldn't come to me. What's going on? I just noticed the paper had formed a half globe around me then flew in all at once. I was the mummy now, covered in papers head to toe. I thrashed around and clawed at my mouth, trying to find a way to breath as I crumpled to the ground. " Oi mummy freak!" I heard my aunt shout but couldn't see past the paper.
" Put me down human," the girl said calmly.
" Let go of my niece or I'll throw her to the other side of town!"
What the hell was Auntie talking about? The paper began to peel away from me and I saw Auntie had beaten the girl up a bit, surprisingly. Auntie smirked and threw the girl up and over the next buildings, truly to the other side of town. The papers flew after the girl and suddenly the fight was over. I stared at Auntie in shock as she fell to the ground clutching her hand. " Auntie why didn't you tell me you had powers too?" I asked running over and kneeling beside her.
" Because of this," Auntie said holding up her hand, if you cold even call it that. The bones in her hand were completely out of place and bent every which way. " Your mother and I had the same father but different mothers. I didn't inherit the strengthened bones like you two did so I can't fight like you can. I may be stronger than my sister but- ah!" she hissed holding her hand.
" Come on Auntie I know someone who can help you," I said and picked her up, got on my board, and flew back to my place. Thankfully Orihime was next door and she took my aunt under her wing.
" If you hurry now you can still make it to your boyfriend's dinner," Auntie said while laying down on the couch as Orihime healed her hand.
" Are you sure you don't want me to stay? I could-"
" Go to him," Auntie said holding up my bag.
I smiled and nodded then headed for the door. " Oh and by the way you won the guardian of the year award."
I chuckled as I heard my Auntie freaking out and Orihime trying to calm her down. Shit I'm five minutes late and my clothes are a mess! I ran over to my place and changed then flew over to Ichigo's. I rang the doorbell and who should answer but Ichigo's dad. " What are you doing here?" he asked sternly.
I was panting heavily given the rush to come over. " Please hear me out. I… want to be a chef! I don't know pastry or regular but I want to cook! I want to make people smile when they eat my food! I've looked into culinary schools and possibly business schools so I could open my own restaurant. I promise I am taking Ichigo seriously so please give me a chance!"
Ichigo's dad blinked at me in surprise and I saw the twins were standing behind their father in confused shock as Ichigo face palmed himself. " Of course you can have a chance!" Ichigo's dad proclaimed.
" Eh?" I asked at the easiness.
Ichigo's dad drew me inside before replying, " I could tell you took my son seriously from the moment I saw you two look at one another. I just wanted to mess with you is all," then pat me on the back.
" So… it's ok for Ichigo and I to date?"
" Well that depends on what you brought with you," he said and snatched my bag away from me. " Oh dessert! Yes fine Ichigo is yours."
" Did you just give me away over food?" Ichigo shouted.
" You don't want to be with me?" I asked fake pouting.
" I uh I do but uh," Ichigo looked around as his family watched us. He sighed and took a deep breath before replying, " I do, I want to be with you Hotaru."
" Oh Masaki! Your son has finally found a girlfriend aren't you happy?" Ichigo's dad cried in front of a poster.
" Are you staying for dinner Hotaru?" Yuzu asked.
" Is that alright?" I asked.
" Of course! It will be ready in just a few minutes."
" Great now Ichigo and I need to talk in his room."
" Eh?" Ichigo asked as I dragged him upstairs. " Look we can't do anything inappropriate in my house ok-"
" No it's not about that. I can't believe you think so lowly of me," I muttered.
" Sorry what is it? Also where is your aunt?"
It was then I told Ichigo the story of the mysterious girl I encountered earlier and the powers she had. " What do you think?"
" Kisuke had me go over to his place and talked about these things called Bounts."
Ichigo then told me what he knew of these Bounts and it seems this little girl was one of them. " So how do we know when a Bount is near?"
Ichigo went and opened his closet then pulled out a stuffed bird. " She should tell us."
" What do you mean?" I asked as he tossed the bird to me.
" Don't throw me as you please!" the bird shouted and I shrieked. " It's just me, Lirin."
The little blond girl? Well I guess since she is a mod soul that it makes sense. " You can sense the Bounts?" I asked.
She nodded then replied, " I sensed one earlier but Ichigo locked me in the closet with the lion and went downstairs!"
" Lion?"
" It is me oh round one!" a stuffed lion shouted as he leapt into the air.
" Aw your so cute," I said hugging him to me.
" Yes hug me tightly to your round chest," the doll said delighted.
" You should know Kon is a bit of a uh… pervert," Ichigo hesitated.
" Ichigo it's just a doll. Dolls don't have an evil bone in their bodies. Do you little Kon?" I asked and hugged him tighter.
" Whatever you say," the doll replied.
" Anyways she can sense the Bounts, he can't. Kisuke said he would make you one by tomorrow."
" Time for dinner!" Yuzu shouted up the stairs.
" So where can I get one of those?"
" Kisuke said he would have one ready by tomorrow."
After prying Kon off of me Ichigo and I headed downstairs. Yuzu, Karin, and Ichigo's father waited at the table for us as Ichigo and I quietly sat. " Thank you for the meal," I murmured.
" So you're going out with our brother?" Karin asked immediately.
" Uh yes," I murmured again.
" And she makes you happy?" Karin questioned Ichigo.
" Yes," Ichigo also muttered, equally as uncomfortable as me it seems.
" Fine with me then," Karin said.
I smiled happily at the acceptance. " Oh I'm so happy for you Ichigo!" Yuzu said, well, happily.
" Hotaru you should know this house is stocked with protection so no need to worry," Ichigo's dad said with a thumb's up.
" Dad!" Ichigo shouted.
The two began to argue and I just sat in the middle laughing. I had never gotten the feeling of being in a real family before, or if I had I forgotten it, but this felt genuine. The laughter and the discussion of lives made me feel as though I was part of this family. Yuzu was so sweet, Karin curt but truthful, and Ichigo's dad just plain crazy with Ichigo just a little piece of each of them. " So what did you bring for dessert?" Yuzu asked.
" I couldn't decide so…" I began as Ichigo's dad brought over the tray. It was a dessert tray of assortments including mini cakes, brownies, chocolate dipped fruits, and éclairs.
" Ooh," rang out between the four of them and I smiled proudly. In a few moments the tray was empty and plates were lined and I watched the others eat happily while my blush and smile grew.
" Yuzu you have some competition," Ichigo said and licked a little cream off his finger.
" I don't think of it that way. More like I'm happy that someone is there to take care of my brother. So thank you Hotaru," Yuzu said and began taking plates to the kitchen.
" And if you hurt him we'll come after you," Karin said while grabbing her backpack and heading upstairs.
" Uh should I help with the dishes?" I asked breaking the silence.
" No you should head home there's school tomorrow," Ichigo's dad said.
" Well thank you for letting me come over sir," I said at the door.
" Just call me Issin alright? Ichigo you walk Hotaru home and have a good night Hotaru."
" Thanks again!" I said waving as the door shut. Immediately I squealed in delight and hugged Ichigo. " I passed! I've been accepted!"
Ichigo laughed and was somehow able to pry me away from him. " I already knew they liked you all it took was you believing it. Now can we hurry up I've still got homework to do."
" Ok sorry just still freaking out a little," I said giddily as we walked home.
" You know it may not seem like it but I am actually really happy my family likes you," Ichigo said.
" Really?"
He subtly reached across and took my hand. " Really."
I squeezed his hand back and moved a little closer as we continued our walk home. " Oh shit," I realized on my step.
" What is it?"
" My Auntie she wanted to meet you! Shit she's going to kill me."
The door burst open just then. " Welcome home darling!" My Auntie proclaimed.
" Speak of the devil," I muttered.
" So you're Ichigo hm?" My Auntie asked descending the steps. She walked a few circles around him as Ichigo stood uncomfortably. " Tell me do you have any brothers by chance?"
" Auntie!" I shouted.
" Oh alright. I'm Aunt Elizabeth but you can just call me Auntie. It makes me feel younger."
" I'm uh Ichigo but I guess you already knew that."
" Yes the hand holding and giggling was a dead give away. Now come inside I've made tea."
" Just for a couple minutes?" I asked as Auntie headed in.
" Well one cup of tea won't hurt," Ichigo replied nervously.
" So Ichigo you and my niece have been going out for how long?" Auntie asked while pouring tea.
" A little over a month now," Ichigo replied.
" Have you had any other girlfriends?"
" No never."
" And do you see a future with Hotaru?"
" I hope so."
Auntie set down the tea and I took a sip before nearly spitting it out. Way, way too much sugar. Ichigo took a sip and I watched him cringe as my aunt smiled at him. He smiled back then chugged the rest of the contents and set the cup down with a much too wide smile. " As you know I'm not here very often for Hotaru with my traveling and such. So can I trust you and that Renji fellow to watch over her?"
" With my life."
" Excellent. Just one more thing: Do you love my daughter?"
I whipped my head to Ichigo as he looked at my Aunt shocked then blushed hotly. " I uh… I think so."
" Well that's all I needed to hear. I called a cab when I saw you down the street and it should be here right about now. Hotaru walk to my car please."
I stood silently, still processing everything that was just said. Ichigo and I had admitted to liking one another but love? Did I love Ichigo? It had only been such a short time together but the feelings I felt for him already were so strong. " I'm glad you stopped by Auntie. A little warning would be nice next time."
" Oh you know me darling I'm here, I'm there, I'm all over the place. I don't even know my own schedule until the week before sometimes days."
" Well thanks for stopping by," I said and kissed her cheeks.
She leaned back in and hugged me tightly though to my surprise. " I'm so glad you're happy. Good luck with him he seems like a good boy."
I nodded and waved as her cab pulled away before exhaling and looking back to the house. Here goes nothing. I went inside and couldn't find Ichigo. Curious, I went upstairs and saw Ichigo trying to escape out the window. " Where do you think you're going?" I asked.
Ichigo turned around and chuckled nervously as I stood cross-armed. " Just uh checking your window is all. It wasn't locked you know that's not safe."
" Sit." I said sternly.
Ichigo sat immediately and I sat beside him. " I uh was just nervous and blurted the first thing I thought out."
I looked at Ichigo and he was beet red, obviously lying. " I think I love you too," I said and put my hand on top of Ichigo's.
His head bolted up to mine. " R-really?"
" Ya. It's crazy but I can't see myself with anyone else. Sometimes when I'm alone I think about our future together, you know, like graduating high school, then college, then living together. The only explanation is that I love you."
Ichigo immediately brightened at my idea. " I thought I was crazy too. I mean it's not normal right?"
" No definitely not. It must have something to do with the whole soul mates thing. But there's not a single thing I hate about you Ichigo. I really do love you," I said smiling happily at the joy I felt in my very soul.
" I love you too Hotaru," Ichigo said then leaned in and took my lips. I kissed back hungrily feeling Ichigo's spirit come in contact with mine. It was so soothing and warm, making me want to hold onto Ichigo forever to keep the feeling.
" Whatever is going on upstairs can you two cool it down a notch? Rukia and I could sense your spiritual pressure from a mile away."
Ichigo and I pulled away just as Renji peaked his head around the corner. " Could you at least knock?" I asked annoyed.
" Just making sure nothing scandalous was going on. Rukia bet me you two were getting it on so that means I win," Renji said happily before heading back downstairs.
" I should go anyways," Ichigo said and stood, " Dad's going to kill me if I get home too late."
" Ok," I frowned.
Ichigo smirked and leaned back in for one more kiss then replied, " I'll see you tomorrow ok? We can do our homework and grab a bite to eat ya?"
I nodded earnestly as Ichigo went to the window and hopped out. After waving good-bye I went downstairs to see Renji and Rukia on the couch. " Did you really think Ichigo and I were… you know."
" The way your spiritual pressures were fluctuating was insane. But no Ichigo's too much of a pussy to ask," Renji said happily while counting cash.
" Just because Ichigo aren't at it like rabbits doesn't mean we aren't in love. Unlike some people I know," I said eyeing the two of them on the last part.
" Look sex is different for soul reapers. We've been alive hundreds of years compared to you humans. So in relationships we don't take our time usually. It's more about being together for as much time as possible given the danger of losing your partner in the next battle."
" I guess I didn't think of it that way. So are you two going to be up long?"
" Yup," Renji replied happily and I groaned.
" Just be quiet ok? And don't eat all the food!"
Renji waved me off and I said good night to Rukia before heading upstairs. It was still hard to believe I told Ichigo I loved him even got the words out. And that he returned the affections? I sighed dreamily as I put my pajamas on then paused and realized my action. I am NOT some teenage girl trapped in a romance movie plot! I do no sigh dreamily or any of that other stupid, girly shit! I am a warrior, fighting to save humanity from hollows, Bounts, and crazy ex soul reapers.
But even thinking about Ichigo for a second made me smile like an idiot and heart beat. Shit, I'm trapped in a romance story aren't I?