At Arm's Length
The following morning, Orihime came running to the girls through the bustling crowd.
"Hey, you okay?" Nel asked, looking at Orihime's troubled face.
"You haven't heard, there's been another victim, she was found in her bedroom," Orihime said, shakingly. "There's a rumor that he got into her house."
"What are you talking about? who, how?" Nel asked horrified.
"It's Chitoge from our class, her parents found her when they came back from their trip and there's no clue," Orihime said.
Nozomi felt a chill run down her spine. To think that she could be safe alone in her house didn't sound as promising anymore. He was watching and preying on his victim. Before Nozomi could press for more details, their phones chimed. Not just theirs but every phone in the hallway chimed.
"Don't," Nozomi said in a rush, looking at Orihime and Nel.
Nel ignored her friend's demand and checked her phone. Her eyes widened, her body started to shake and cold chills ran down her body. She made her way to the closest trash and lurched forward and threw up.
"Why would you look!?" Nozomi scolded. "Why!"
Nel was shaking and shook her head. Orihime pulled back Nel's hair from her face. Nel leaned forward and felt the burning sensation rise from her throat again. She wished she could burn the image out of her head. The disfigured body was far worse than the first victim.
Nozomi looked around and the halls were filled with chaotic screams, yells and shouts.
"What the actual fuck?" someone yelled. "How far is this psycho gonna go?"
Teachers stammered through the halls in disarray and unsure how to address the chaos again. "Please stay calm and head to your home rooms!" Ms. Rangiku demanded. "No one is allowed to leave campus. Go to your home rooms, no harm can be done to you on campus."
"How can you be sure?" a student cried.
"Go to class and we'll have it figured out. In the meantime, put away your phones," Ms. Rangiku demanded.
Nel stood up and wiped her mouth. She felt dizzy, but pushed the overwhelming feelings back down.
"Let's go," Nel said standing, looking over to Nozomi and Orihime. "Standing around isn't going to solve anything." She looked over at the girl with an intimidating gaze and the girl flinched. "Unless you have a better option?"
The girl froze in her place as Nel walked away.
"Probably best to make that announcement on the entercom," Nozmi said to Ms. Rangiku.
"Yes, thank you girls," Ms. Rangiku replied.
"Ya fuckin at it again, get the fuck out of my way," Grimmjow said, unusally annoyed.
"How is he not fazed?" someone asked, confused and mortified.
"Cuz I didn't fuckin look, does that answer ya stupid ass qustion?" Grimmjow barked as he moved past the panic.
Nozomi looked at the boys and noticed how agitated and repulsed they were by everyone's existence in the hallway.
"I hear one more scream and my head's gonna explode," Grimmjow mumbled, walking past the girls.
Nozomi looked over at Ichigo's quiet demeanor. He was emotionless, but Nozomi could see the dark circles under his eyes that made his gaze look intense and vacant. He looked at her for a moment, but walked on without giving the slightest recognition of her presence. Nozomi felt a tinge of ache. A day ago in the nurse's office he had shown some comfort and decency, but now he had alienated himself. Why did it bother her? She didn't know.
Nozomi followed the girls to their homeroom. The girl settled together and watched others shuffle in. Friends stayed close to one another and everyone looked over at Chitogee's desk. A girl who sat next to her couldn't bring herself to be next to the vacant seat.
"I can't," she said, whimpering. "We were friends, but I can't. The girl's eyes welled with tears and she broke down into a quiet sob. No one knew what to do.
Ms. Rangiku walked in and noticed the cold energy of the room. She noticed the gazes on the girl and cautiously put a hand on her shoulder. The girl looked up at Ms. Rangiku, who looked just as hurt, but kept herself composed for the class.
"I can't imagine what you're going through, I'm so sorry," she said softly. This made the girl break down harder and all Ms. Rangiku could pull the girl into an embrace as her cry filled the eerie classroom..
The school had laid out strict mandatory rules for students to follow. The school had temporarily closed off after school clubs/sports. The chief of police had notified that the targets were most likely high school female students, but if the killer was provoked there could be a chance of victims outside his preference. Students were encouraged to silence or pause their social media activity out of safety. If the killer was following victims, he was most likely following their social media feed about their daily routines, activities and connections.
"Shit!" Grimmjow said. "It's like chasing a fucking ghost."
"We underestimated him, he kills his victim with precision," Ulquiorra said.
"How long is his rest period for? How many days have passed between his first victim and this one?" Grimmjow asked.
"From the report, There was a 15 day gap, but it could depend on how satisfied he is with his kill," Ichigo said. "By the looks of it, this one might be a couple days longer before his next kill."
"Also putting into factor if he has the next victim in mind," Ulquiorra added.
"Narrow it down boys," Gin said over the phone.
"If ya know something, spit it," Grimmjow said.
There was a brief silence over the phone.
"I don't appreciate that tone, ask nicer," Gin said.
Grimmjow rolled his eyes to the point the whites were showing.
"Have you found additional information to narrow the suspects or victims?" Ulquiorra asked, coolly.
"I do," Gin said.
Grimmjow walked over to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of tequila and poured a reasonable portion into the glasses. He placed them on the table. Ulquiorra took a glass and sipped, while Grimmjow shot it down.
"Ugh, that's nasty," Grimmjow said.
"Why drink it?" Ulquiorra asked.
"The taste keeps me awake," Grimmjow replied.
Grimmjow pushed the glass over to Ichigo. "Ya have been more tense than us, ease up."
Ichigo looked at the glass, he wasn't a drinker, but right now he needed something to slow his thoughts. He hated being one step too many behind. He wasn't the type to be hunted or provoked. The thought of being left in the unknown drove him mad. For some, it was a thrill to find their prey, but Ichigo didn't find the fun in it and he wasn't hunting for prey, but a predator.
"What's the connection between these girls?" Ichigo said.
"These girls don't have a large social circle, or tend to be left alone like the second victim. Her parents were out of the town for quite some time. Anyone come to mind? Grimmjow?" Gin asked.
"Why would I know?" Grimmjow siad.
"Well, you do have a reputation when it comes to women," Gin said, blanatanly.
"If I do that doesn't mean I ask about their background," Grimmjow said.
"Of course, you don't," Gin said.
"Ichigo? Ulquiorra?" Gin asked, moving forward.
Grimmjow scoffed.
Ichigo didn't interact with any girls. If he did, it was only Nozomi that came to his mind, but he knew nothing of her background. Ulquiorra was a special case, he found no interest in human connections. It took him an unnaturally long period to form a trusting relationship with Ichigo and Grimmjow. Always so closed, distant and blocked off from the world.
"This is pointless, even if we narrow it down, it's not like we're going to start following all these girls," Grimmjow said.
"What about that librarian?" Ichigo said.
"What?" Grimmjow said.
"The new librarian at the school was recently hired," Ichigo suggested.
"Why him?" Ulquiorra asked.
"A hunch, he just moved in," Ichigo said.
"I can look into it," Gin said. "For tonight, this is what I can offer. If anything comes to my attention, you'll be hearing from me. Don't let this drag on any longer, Aizen's order, find him before his next kill."
With that Gin hung up. Grimmjow leaned down and curled his hand into the chair, tilting it gently back and forth. The tick and tack of the chair filled the room's silence.
Ichigo shot down the rest of his drink and tapped the glass on the table. He walked and grabbed his hoodie and pulled it on.
"It's his rest period, we won't catch him tonight," Ulquiorra reasoned, even though he was feeling just as restless.
"I'm just going out for a walk," Ichigo said. He shut the door behind quietly and went into the open air.
"Ya think we're losing our touch from being in this part of town?" Grimmjow asked, looking over at Ulquiorra.
"No," Ulquiorra said. "It's just someone we've underestimated."
Ichigo was hidden in the shadows. The night was quiet, yet eerie. The police were working their graveyard shifts. He hid from them and leaned into their conversations, but not expecting much from their dead end trival reports. Only Gin could pull up someone's darkest and dirtiest of secrets and surprisingly he was struggling to manifest information too.
Ichigo made his way into his usual surveillance area, but nothing ever in this spot except for that one night with Nozomi. He looked over to her house and noticed that the place was too quiet. Not a light was on and not a sound could be heard. He felt uneasy. He stepped carefully over to the house and leaped over to the building's edge and pulled himself up to her balcony. Once over he peered into the glass, but the curtains were drawn. He sighed heavily not knowing what he was doing. The chances of her being alone were slim, and judging by her friend Nel, there was no way that she would let her be alone.
Yet, his thoughts wouldn't let his suspicion rest. He looked through the curtains and could see the empty darkness that engulfed the room. No one was there and the bed was neatly made. Ichigo tugged at the window but it was closed, so he fidgeted and heard a click. He slid open the window and stepped into the room over the cushioned seated windows. He looked into the room and noticed the simplicity of it. It consisted of a bed and desk, and as he turned he noticed the self made bookshelf wall. There were countless books rowed into the wall. He scanned her collections and by a glimpse he noticed a familiar item.
On her bed was his sweater. It was neatly folded, he touched the familiar fabric and thought when she would give it back to him. There would be another encounter, would it be awkward and messy as it was the last several times. He pondered on the thought and his heart hummed from the feelings, but buried them away. He left his sweater and headed out the room to scan the area.
He had quietly checked the rooms upstairs and downstairs. There was no sign of life in the house. She could have been at Nel's house. He looked at the wall and could see a family photo. He admitted they were a good looking family. There was a younger man that caught his attention, blonde hair and blue eyes, as if he had seen him from somewhere. They were all dressed in white resting at a beach. Nozomi was seated between the blue eyed boy and woman with long black hair with deep set amethyst eyes. Behind them, a man rested his hands on the boy and woman, bringing them closer as Nozomi was squished between their embrace. It was a heartwarming picture, a feeling he was unfamiliar with.
Ichigo stepped away from the picture. He didn't see anything out of the ordinary in the house. Everything was neatly put away, but it appeared to be still and empty. There were no signs of a struggle or break in. Only his ghost footsteps wandered the empty house. Ichigo turned and walked back upstairs and slid the window shut. Entering was easy, but it would be tedious trying to lock up the window from the outside. He made his way back down to the door, but as soon as he saw the door knob jiggle, he moved away.
Ichigo swiftly and calmly hid into the deepest part of the house. The door opened and the chill followed in. Ichigo leered over to glance at who had entered the house. It was the boy from the photo, but much grown. He stepped in comfortably and rolled in his suitcase and closed the door behind him. The man made his way into the kitchen and set his keys on the counter. He didn't bother turning the lights and moved smoothly through the dark, as if he knew every step in the house. He opened the fridge and took out a drink and rested it onto the counter. He took two glasses and rested them on the counter as well.
"I know you're here, so you can come out," he said smoothly.
Ichigo was caught off guard, he was underestimating his surroundings and crossing into areas recklessly. He didn't move from his spot and kept his mask up to remain hidden.
"I can smell you, I can smell the tequila on you," he said.
Ichigo was caught off guard, but stepped out, and remained in the shadows.
"So, mind telling me what you are doing in my house?" he asked patiently, yet dangerously. His eyes were a cold sharp blue.
"Hunting," Ichigo said, lowly.
"For?" the blue eye asked.
"Him," Ichigo said.
"Aw, and how do I know you are not him?" the blue eye asked.
"You would smell the blood off on me," Ichigo said, notioning him about his peculiar sense.
The man smirked.
"That is true, I do smell blood on you, but it's different," he said.
"Then again, why my house?" he asked seriously. He poured the drink into the glasses.
He moved the drink over to Ichigo, but Ichigo didn't take the offer. The man took no offense, but kept his piercing gaze on Ichigo.
"Intuition," Ichigo replied.
"Does your intuition indicate he's coming after my sister?" he asked, firmly.
"I don't know his next victim, but leave her alone as long as she is and he will," Ichigo stated, glancing at the man's luggage.
"How would you know of my absence?" he questioned.
"I make it my business to know about the who's and what's in the area that he is active in," Ichigo answered, carefully generalizing his answer.
"So, a killer after a killer," the man stated. "Do you care to give a name or are you to remain a nameless stranger?" the man asked.
Ichigo remained silent.
"I suppose you are to remain a stranger, but I'm Jugram," the man stated as if no harm could be done if he announced it.
Ichigo stepped away from his shadow, but was careful not to reveal himself and headed to the door. Jugram made no motion to stop him, but followed his movements.
"Even though you're hidden you look far too young to be in this line of work, by any chance, are you affiliated with the underground," Jugram said coolly.
Ichigo kept his composure,"My identity isn't your concern?" he remarked.
"No it's not," Jugram said. "But, let me make myself clear that I don't want these matters to appear on my side. Do I make myself clear?"
"Since when do I take orders from you?" Ichigo said.
"It's not an order, it's a threat," Jugram said. "You may have exposed my zone to the killer, if you are hunting him there is a chance he is hunting you."
Ichigo clenched his fist.
"And let me make myself very clear that your threats hold no measure to what I am capable of," Ichigo said. "I'm no threat to you unless you provoke me."
Jugram stood tall, he was a cold menacing force. Ichigo wasn't intimidated by his presence, but he was aware of his presence.
Jugram stood blank faced as he analyzed Ichigo's words.
Ichigo walked out the door with more questions than he had entered with.
Ichigo had asked Gin about Jugram and told the others about his encounter and stuck with his intuition reasoning of going into the house and how it was always empty when he would scout by it. On the other hand, Gin showed a little surprise in the encounter.
"There's no need to worry about Jugram, he's a legal client," Gin said. "Actually, he's one of our top clients and came back from business with Aizen."
"You didn't give him any information about yourself?" Gin asked.
"No, but he figured I was affiliated with the underground," Ichigo admitted.
"Were you exposed?" Gin questioned.
"No, I was hidden," Ichigo said.
"Did he smell you?" Gin asked. "I met the man once and he has a very sensitive nose. I think it may be more sensitive than Grimmjow's," he mused.
"The fuck?" Grimmjow said.
"Yeah, he smelled the tequila on me," Ichigo said.
"Is sniff-er gonna be a problem for us?" Grimmjow asked, annoyed.
"No, he won't. He's associated with our business, but handles his business legally. He won't interfere in your task," Gin concluded.
"Then there's nothing for us to worry about," Ulquiorra said.
Ichigo thought otherwise, Jugram had a sister, but didn't say anything. He figured that Nozomi was safe, he wouldn't let anything happen to her.
"Yes, but limit your activity around his house, you don't want to risk exposure," Gin said.
"Alright," Ichigo replied. Gin had hung up and most likely would be reporting back to Aizen.
"I thought ya were goin out for a walk?" Grimmjow said.
"I did," Ichigo said.
"Into someone's house," Grimmjow added.
"Grimmjow, enough, why are you pestering him?" Ulquiorra asked.
"Cuz it's not like him to be stupid," Grimmjow said. "Yeah, we're dealin with something outside our work, but we don't change the way we are because something's different. Especially, carrot-top here," he said looking at Ichigo. Grimmjow only ever called Ichigo carrot top when he was beyond annoyed. Provocative and foul words didn't provooke Ichigo, but the insult carrot top made every fiber in his being tick.
Ulquiorra looked over at Ichigo, who didn't want to give an explanation of his supposed odd behavior.
"I want to catch the guy before he goes ghost. None of us are the way we usually are, so there are going to be some changes in behavior," Ichigo reasoned.
"I find that a fair reason," Ulquiorra said, wanting to end this meddlesome argument.
Grimmjow looked at Ichigo, like a cat watching a clock's pendulum move side to side, but was never able to pounce at it. Ichigo left the kitchen grabbing his bag and headed out.
"Are you coming or are you going to stand there?" Ulquiorra said. "We don't want to be late on our first day as prefects that you insisted on taking over."
Grimmjow grumbled and shuffled out the door.
The school atmosphere was intense. Students were in and out of the counselors office and security was unusually strict. The school prefects were also monitoring the halls during their periods from any loitering activities. Even the delinquents were having a hard time finding a place to hang out.
Nozomi watched Nel walk past her classroom. She was on duty with the school's disciplinary committee group. She looked brilliant in the warm sunlight that made her teal hair radiant. Her expression was solemn and not in her usual bubbly character. She walked with poise and purpose. Nozomi's eyes widened as soon as she saw Grimmjow next to Nel. He was wearing a prefect badge too. They stopped as soon as they came across the other monitors. Grimmjow didn't speak much, but boredly paid attention to the discussion. When the groups separated, Nozomi noticed how intimidating the two looked together, yet appealing. The bell rang and the students shuffled out of the classrooms and gazed at Grimmjow in his new role.
"Nel," Nozomi called out.
"Nozomi," Nel said, a warm smile spreading across her face.
"What are you doing?" Nozomi asked, indicating her question around Grimmjow.
"Monitoring, as well as training," Nel said. "We had a number of prefects drop, so spots were open and now we have new members."
"Oh," Nel said.
"Who else joined?" Nozomi asked, instigating Nel to fill in her curiosity.
"Well, this one standing next to me, and his two friends," she said.
"This one?" Grimmjow said. "Ya reduced me to this one?"
"Your name is too long," Nel said, nonchalantly.
Grimmjow raised an eyebrow, "Calling me this one isn't?" he smirked in reply.
Nel rolled her eyes and Nozomi shifted the topic, "Is Orihime still a prefect?"
"Are ya ignorin me, if ya are, I can do my own thing," Grimmjow said mischievously.
Nel ignored Grimmjow out of annoyance and he liked the physical response, but her focus was on Nozomi,"No. She dropped since everything's been too much."
Nozomi nodded in understanding. "I'll go check up on her and stay safe," she said and looked at Grimmjow suspiciously and walked away.
"Ya have an interestin set of friends," Grimmjow said.
"I can say the same about you," Nel replied.
Grimmjow gave her a cheshire smile.
"Why did you join the student disciplinary committee?" Nel asked.
"Why not? I think I'm perfectly suited for this role," Grimmjow said.
"I'm serious, if it's so you can snooze around or abuse your authoritative privilege, I'll kick your ass out of the committee. I have seniority." Nel said.
"What are ya gonna go out on a power trip? I'm not here to fuck around," Grimmjow said, seriously.
"Then why join? It's not as if you care for anyone's safety?" Nel said.
"I don't have to justify my reasons to ya," Grimmjow remarked back.
A couple of students had paused and watched the two bickering.
"Are ya done interrogating or do ya wanna make a spectacle out of us?" Grimmjow said, noting the slowed motion around them.
"What are ya lookin at, get to class before I write ya up," Grimmjow said.
"That process has been suspended for the time being," Nel said.
"Well what da ya do when they're lingering?" Grimmjow asked, hovering over a student with his phone out.
"What are you doing? Get away from him and stop hovering over him, your method isn't going to help get him to class any faster," Nel scolded as she directed him.
"Put ya phone away before I confiscate ya shit," Grimmjow said to the student.
"No," Nel said.
"I'll break ya shit," Grimmjow said.
"That's not any better," Nel said from behind and pulled him away.
"Put your phone away, this is my last warning, and you know the school rules of recording on campus without any reason," Nel said. The student quickly put away his phone apologetically and walked away.
She looked over at Grimmjow "And why are you so uncivilized?" Nel pestered.
"You're good, but Baby girl, ya had the option of training Ichigo and Ulquiorra, but ya chose me, so now ya gotta deal with it." Grimmjow smirked as he walked alongside her.
"That's because no one wanted to partner with you in the room. You're intimidating, foul mouthed and a liability," Nel said. "How were you even approved for this position?"
Grimmjow smiled.
"Don't bully the students into submission and don't call me baby girl!" Nel demanded.
"I'm not here to fuck around," Grimmjow repeated.
"And I'll hold you to it," Nel said.
Nozomi was making her way to Orihime. They had class across from each other, so it was the perfect convenience to do a quick check in. She made a quick turn and paused abruptly to the person in front of her.
"Nozomi," said a husky voice.
The voice was so sweetly familiar. Nozomi looked up to see turquoise eyes looking at her.
"Toshiro," Nozomi said, happily.
"It's been a while since I've last seen you, how have you been?" he asked.
"Good, I just met Nel on the way here and was on my way to see Orihime," she said, easing into the conversation. Toshiro was one of the few people that Nozomi felt easy around. He was known for his mature and serious demeanor, but those close to him knew his sweeter side.
"What brings you on this side?" Nozomi asked. "Don't upperclassmen prefects monitor their grade sections of the school?"
"We do, but you may have heard from Nel that we have new members, and I happen to be training one of them," Toshiro said and gestured over to Ichigo.
Nozomi stared over and saw how many of the students stepped out of his way. They noted his prefect badge as well.
"Unlike his friend, he isn't loud, but still manages to draw attention," Toshiro said.
"He isn't a bother?" Noaomi asked.
"No, he's quite the opposite," Toshiro said. "He doesn't say much, but takes everything in around him."
"He's in the same year as you," Toshiro stated.
"Yes, but we never really interacted," Nozomi said. "I heard from Nel they all joined."
"Yeah, they were introduced by the vice principal. She thought they could be essential in maintaining order. I think it may have to do with the day Grimmjow silenced everyone in the hallway," Toshiro stated.
"Did you get to pick who you trained?" Nozomi asked.
Toshiro smiled.
"No, but don't be mad at me. I switched with Nel. I wasn't going to handle Grimmjow," Toshiro admitted.
"You are cruel," Nozomi said, coldly.
"Then again, Nel didn't object," Toshiro reasoned.
Ichigo made his way to Toshiro and Nozomi. He noticed how comfortable Nozomi was around the white haired boy. She looked at ease and smiled at his words. Ichigo had never seen Nozomi smile so carefree.
As he walked towards them, he could overhear the students' conversations.
"I wish Toshiro could smile at me like that," a girl whispered to her friend.
"Imagine being pretty and not being aware of it, ugh talk about genetic unfairness," said her friend back.
"He is so hot, but so distant," said another.
"Don't you think Nozomi is a bit standoffish to be around Toshiro?" said another.
"Nozomi a babe, but she's got an attitude, I like my woman sweet," said a boy.
His friend laughed and replied, "You could never have a chance with Nozomi, you don't have the brains to be with her."
The conversations were swarming about Toshiro and Nozomi.
"Ichigo, We should start heading to the cafe to meet Nel and Grimmjow," Toshiro said, pulling him out of the hallway conversations.
"Right," Ichigo said, looking at Nozomi.
She looked back at him and her smile faded, but not out of coldness, just out of distance. He knew she had no reason to smile in his presence when there was no genuine connection.
"Nel's going to be busy during lunch, but stop by the room and join us," Toshiro said, breaking Nozomi's trance.
"She didn't mention it, thank you and I'll grab something on my way back to join," Nozomi said. "Are you sure it's okay to join? I don't want to be in the way if you're busy?"
Toshiro slightly smiled. "You could never be in the way and Nel is always brighter with you around." Toshiro placed his hand over Nozomi's hair and moved a misplaced strand out of her face.
Nozomi blushed and forgot how open Toshiro could be with her. She never minded, but noticing Ichigo's intense gaze on her made her feel embarrassed. Toshiro placed his hand on her forehead and the heat pressed against his palm. He slid his hand down to her cheek.
"You're warming up? Are you okay?" Toshiro asked.
"I'm fine," she said, feeling the hand against her smile. She removed his hand and held it still with hers to prevent any more of his touches. "I should get going and I don't want to hold you up any longer."
"Of course, see you soon," he said and Nozomi slid her hand out of his, but he grabbed her hand. "Are you sure you're okay?" he repeated in concern.
"Yes," Nozomi said, calmly and reminded herself that this was a concerned friend. She gave his hand a firm squeeze and he let her go, hesitantly. Toshiro began walking away and Ichigo's eyes never left hers. He had stood silently watching her interaction with Toshiro so expressionless, but his eyes burned with something concealed. The rings around his iris dangerously darkened. She turned away before he could pierce through her defenses and reveal everything in her hidden corners. She didn't do anything wrong, but felt wrong under Ichigo's gaze. As if Toshiro's gentle and innocent touches were no longer acceptable.
Nozomi made her way to class without even stopping by Orihime. She settled into her seat and felt the tension leave her body. She looked over to the classroom across from her and saw Orihime seated, dazed out. She looked fine, but a student noticed Nozomi looking at Orihime. He poked Orihime who woke up and looked at him questionably and he gestured her to Nozomi. Orihime lit up and started giggling and waved at her. Class went by slower than usual and Nozomi wanted this to end. She wanted to go see Nel and ask Orihime about her withdrawal from the school committee. She waited patiently, but with agony.
As soon as class was over, Nozomi was already packed and headed to Orihime. She went into her classroom and noticed she was slowly putting away her things.
She sat down next to her friend, as the class left for lunch.
"I heard from Nel , you dropped from the committee. Is everything okay?" Nozomi asked.
"I don't think I can do my part, I'm scared," Orihime admitted without hesitation.
Nozomi slowly nodded her head with understanding. She knew that she lived with her brother, but he had the tendency of coming back home late due to work.
"You can always stay with us," Nozomi said. "Nel did ask you to stay with us."
"I know, but I didn't want to burden anyone," Orihime said.
"Dummy, your safety isn't a burden, but a priority," Nozomi corrected her. "You don't have to go to the extent of hiding yourself away from everyone.".
Orihime giggled, "I thought Nel was the one with the lectures."
"Well, she has a habit of rubbing off on people," Nozomi said with a smile. "Come on, I'm eating lunch with her in the committee room. Do you even realize who you gave your position away to?"
"I've heard," Orihime smiled and covered her face from laughing.
"They would take you back in a heartbeat," Nozomi said.
"I know, but I kinda want some space at the moment," Orihime said.
"That's fine too," Nozomi said.
The girls left and headed to the room. Nel had messaged them that she brought them lunch.
As soon as the girls came in, Orihime was greeted by her members with warm smiles. Nozomi went over to Nel, but she was preoccupied with lecturing Grimmjow, so she sat next to Toshiro who waved her over. She felt the tightening in her chest when she saw Ichigo seated across from Toshiro.
"What's going on?" Nozomi asked, indicating the scolding that Grimmjow was receiving from Nel.
"Grimmjow provoked one of the delinquents," Toshiro said. "He managed to handle it, but not without a few words exchanged."
"Nel has her hands full," Nozomi said.
"She's fine, it's keeping her busy, mentally," Toshiro said.
Nozomi looked over at Ichigo who was seated comfortably and shifted over when Grimmjow came over to sit next to him.
"It's too noisy in here," he said.
"Can't we go to the rooftop?" Grimmjow asked. Ichigo raised an eyebrow. Grimmjow was not the type to ask for trivial matters but to do as he pleased.
"No," Nel hissed behind him. "It's prohibited."
"You're attached to me like a chain leash, it's heavy," Grimmjow said.
"And it keeps you grounded," Nel said, not taking it as an offense.
"See, she's fine," Toshiro said.
Nozomi smiled. This was far better than seeing her overwhelmed by the news media. This was her way of keeping control and mostly keeping her friends safe. Nel squeezed herself beside Nozomi and handed her food.
"By the way, I forgot to mention, but Jugram is back," Nel said, knowingly in a teasing manner.
Nozomi looked over at Nel with wide eyes.
"He would have told me, how do you know?" Nel said.
"It was supposed to be a surprise, but I overheard my uncles this morning, you know I can't keep an exciting surprise like this," Nel wiggled her eyebrows.
Nozomi took out her phone and sent a quick message. She waited in those mere minutes and her phone pinged. She looked at the message and a warm smile caressed her face and she looked at Nel.
"He's back and he'll be home once I'm out of school," Nozomi said.
"I'm going to," Nel said, dreamingly.
Nozomi looked over at Toshiro, "My brother's back," she said again.
"I'm happy for you, I can walk you girls home after school," he offered.
"Yes, thank you," Nozomi said, her smile unfading.
"It's been so long since you've smiled this way," Toshiro said, pinching her cheeks.
"Well, it's Jugram who wouldn't smile and what did he say, did you tell him I'm coming?" Nel added, leaning into Nozomi.
"I didn't," Nozomi replied.
"Well tell him," Nel said eagerly.
"Isn't he too old for you," Toshiro commented.
"Don't focus on the details," Nel said. "Come on, Nozomi show me and tell him." She was leaning into Nozomi which had Nozomi pressed against Toshiro.
"You have his number too, you can message him too," Nozomi said.
"No, I have to be nonchalant about it, or he won't be interested in me," Nel said.
"Well, keep at it and he won't ever notice you," Toshiro said.
"Why are you tag teaming? You're supposed to be helping me. We could be sisters-in-law," Nel said.
Toshiro snorted and Nozomi held in her giggle. Nel was bothered and shoved Nozomi into Toshiro. He wrapped his hand around Nozomi from her falling off the couch.
"I let him know you're coming," Nozomi said. "And when have you ever needed an invitation to come over," Nozomi said.
"I know, but I like my arrival to be known," Nel said.
Toshiro laughed, but covered it with a quick false cough and Nozomi rolled her eyes and went back to her phone.
"Shut up, Toshiro, Maybe if you showed some interest in someone you would know the feeling," Nel said.
Toshiro smirked and looked over to Nozomi, who was lost in her world.
As the three interacted with one another, they hadn't noticed that Grimmjow and Ichigo moved away to another area. They were seated at an empty table, attentively listening to Nozomi's conversation. Ulquiorra came in with a slight annoyance apparent on his face, Uryuu followed in after him talking about the proper ways and rules as law abiding students.
"And that is what it means to be a prefect," Uryuu stated.
Ulquiorra nodded and made his way to the boys.
Grimmjow looked over at Ichigo, who was nonchalant about the matter, but kept his eyes on Nozomi.
"Did you know they were connected?" Grimmjow asked.
"No," Ichigo replied.