Back in Silbern, a man of white hair took a sip from a cup of wine as he had lunch.
"So, how's the food?" He asked, as he was the one who had cooked.
The other members at the table replied with honesty.
"It's pretty good, not gonna lie" Bambietta said.
"Wow... It's delicious, Arctopus-san!" Meninas complimented as her eyes shined.
"Mouth-watering..." Giselle was drooling on top of his plate.
"*munch* *munch*" Liltotto didn't say a word as she was busy eating her oversized dish.
"Like always... You don't disappoint" Candice admitted, not able to criticize his cooking.
"I'm glad to hear that. I made sure to make a pretty spicy Goulasch and as side, some spätzle goes perfect, doesn't it?" Atticus explained.
"You're a good chef, we know..." Candice rolled her eyes as she felt he was showing off.
"What's the matter, Candi? Arctopus-san made us a delicious meal, and since you live together, you must eat like this every day. I'm jealous..." Meninas noted.
"Hey! I-It's the least he can do for putting me in this situation! A-And don't make it sound like we live together cause we want to!" Candice complained as she blushed.
"Oh, really? To me it looks like you two have lots of fun" Bambietta commented with a smug face.
"Yeah, otherwise she wouldn't be following him around all day" Giselle added.
"Those are his Majesty's orders!" She pointed a fork at Giselle and Bambietta for those comments.
"Well *munch* to me it looks *munch* like you don't have any problem *munch* following them" Liltotto concluded, and drank a long glass of beer to swallow her food.
"Urgh...! Why are you so damn annoying?!" Candice groaned angrily.
"Cause you get upset at every little thing" Bambi clarified. "But anyways... If you really hate him so much, then I guess I should ask his Majesty for his custody"
"What?" Candice blinked quickly in disbelief.
"What you just heard" She stood up and walked towards the Abnormal. "Atticus is strong, carefree, good-looking and a great cook... Like, he's everything a girl could ask for, right?"
"Eh...? I think you're giving me way too much credit, Miss Baster-" He said, surprised at her sudden approach.
"Please..." She put her hand on his cheek and looked him right in the eye. "...Call me Bambi"
Atticus gulped nervously and the rest simply stared, although Meninas and Candice were quite uncomfortable.
"I... I didn't know you felt that way about me, Bambi-chan, haha..." He replied, way more uptight than usually.
"Well, now that we have the awkward confessions out of the way, what do you say?" She smirked as she offered. "You know... I'd be way more fun than her..."
"Stop it!" Candice spouted.
"Heh... Is there a problem, Candi? Did something bother you? Cause as far as I know, I told no lie" She salted the wound. "In spite of your shameless outfit and Gigi's comments, we all know you're in fact the most scared of men"
"That's not true!" Candice denied. "I just... Haven't liked anyone so far..."
"Oh, so you're looking for something like a connection? Maybe... Love at first sight? Don't be so childish, Candi, you're way too old to still believe in stupid fairy tales like those!"
"It's not like that either! You... You wouldn't understand..." Her eyes became sharper and somewhat menacing. "Bitches like you would never get this..."
The ambient gained a cold and thick atmosphere in an instant.
"Say that again" Bambietta's smirk vanished and was replaced by a serious scowl. "I dare, you, SAY IT!"
"Oh, I'll say it as many times as you want, Bam-BITCH!!!" Candice was done giving two fucks.
"I'll blow every last piece of your stupid hair away!" Bambietta was about to use the Explode right there.
"Stop" Atticus said coldly as he pointed a finger at her head. "You know what I'm gonna do if you try that"
Bambietta bit her lip with frustration.
She couldn't do anything against that threat.
"Fine..." She sighed. "But anyways, are you still taking up my offer?"
"I'm flattered, Bambi-chan, but... I don't think that's gonna work" Atticus retorted. "I might not give that vibe, but I also have standards..."
"And what does that mean...?" She frowned.
"Well, I'm a simple man" He started. "I want a girl to blow me, but not to smithereens, you know?"
Liltotto spat beer after she heard that.
"Pfft... Hahahahahaha!" Giselle bursted with laughter upon hearing that.
"Oh my..." Meninas blushed and looked away embarrassed. "That was quite straightforward, Arctopus-san"
Candice facepalmed. "Just when I thought you could sound cool" She thought.
Bambietta didn't say another word. She simply slapped Atticus and walked out of the house, slamming the door behind her.
Arctopus waited for her to leave to let a loud sigh out.
"Jeez... What's up with that girl? I get that she grew up without a mother, but her spoiled teen attitude is just too much sometimes, and don't even get me started on the slutty act..."
"Well... I guess Candi has told you about her, then" Meninas said.
"The whole 'exploding guys' thing. Yeah, she has" He nodded.
"Like, I had to. I couldn't risk to let that psychopath lure him into doing shameless stuff only to kill him afterwards" Candice noted. "I'm in charge of him after all. If something happened, I'm sure his Majesty would kill me, at the very least"
"Yeah, let's pretend you don't have a personal reason to secure him" Giselle made fun of her.
Candice growled in reply, but Atticus spoke first.
"Enough with that, Gewelle" He stopped the Trap. "If she gets pissed, then I'm the one who has to deal with that for the rest of the day, so please stop"
"That's true" Liltotto agreed as she finished her plate. "Atticus made this delicious meal, so we should try to be considerate with him I guess"
"Thank you, Lamperd-san" He appreciated. "Now, Candi... No need to be so upset"
"I know, I know!" She groaned. "It's all that bitch's fault..."
"Don't worry about that. I know that I might not seem like the supporting kind, but I always have your back, alrite?"
Candi's angry frown became a face of innocent surprise for a moment.
"Do you... Really mean that?"
"Why would I tease you with that? Of course I mean it"
"B-But why?! I... I've never asked you for help, or wanted you to care about me or-"
"Baaaaaka! You're not supposed to question why people care about you. Just embrace it" He replied. "In my case, you gave me a home, company, tasty pastries, like... It's obvious that I'm going to stand up for you, girl"
"But I don't need you to protect me! I'm really damn strong-"
"I know, Candi" He interrupted her. "I know how strong you are... But don't think that's enough reason for me to leave you alone cause the thing is... I... I love you"
"Eh...?"
Candice became mute as she heard those words, blushing red as a tomato.
"Oh my...!" Giselle covered his mouth.
"Arctopus-san...!" Meninas was also in shock.
"Damn..." Liltotto felt the same.
"Ahahahaha... Why are you so surprised? We've been living together for quite a while. We know each other pretty well, and have spent lots of fun moments... And well, I can't deny that she's smokin' hot too!"
"H-H-H-Hot?!" She stuttered, her blush not declining, and drops of sweat appearing on her face and neck.
"Totally, buster! You're gorgeous" He insisted with a broad smile.
"G-Gorgeous?! Wha...?" Candice babbled, unable to say anything coherent as she flustered.
Atticus held Candice by the chin as he stared deep into her eyes.
"Do I seem to be lying?"
Candi's eyes seemed to become spirals as the abnormal came closer, her lips trembling a bit in between confusion and desire.
For deep inside her... She knew that was her greatest wish.
The other girls(?) gasped as they awaited the moment the other two made out crazily without a care in the world.
But-
"And... It's enough with that! But I seem to have proved my point" He chuckled as put his hand on her shoulder and casually passed by.
"E... EH?!"
"I knew it was too good to be true..." Giselle sighed.
"Th... Thank God" Meninas said to herself.
"Wow... I didn't know you could be such a teaser, Arctopus" Liltotto observed.
"Oh, please, don't say something so mean. I just wanted to prove that Candi is so much cuter when she blushes than with her aggressive frown"
The green-haired couldn't hear him anymore however, deafened by rage and shame.
"You... You...!" Candice muttered, her voice getting louder. "YOU IDIOT!!!" She screamed at him.
However, instead of the bestial expression she usually wore in this kind of situation, a sad and vulnerable face filled with tears was in sight.
"Huh...?" Atticus's grin also disappeared as he saw that change, dumbfounded after receiving a different response from the one he expected.
Candice disappeared from sight, not even closing the door as she ran away, activating her powers to move as fast as lightning.
"Oooo... Now you've done it, apparently" Giselle shrugged.
"Yeah, I've never seen her like that" Liltotto pointed out.
"That was... Cruel... Arctopus-san" Meninas said, her relief changing into disappointment.
"But... I never imagined she'd react like that. You know her too! Like... I was expecting to get slapped or beaten up, but I... I didn't think I would make her cry..."
"Well... It's just a theory... But maybe she was hurt because a part of her was happy that you told her those things" Meninas proposed.
"What? You mean that she liked me?"
"Don't jump to conclusions" Liltotto shook her head. "A girl's heart isn't so simple as to get there just with that. But... It's not an impossible scenario either"
"*sigh* Guess I'll have to find her to find out" He put his hands in the pockets and went outside.
"Good luck!" Giselle wished him energetically.
It was snowing in Silbern, so it was quite cold, though this didn't bother him. The chill air was soothing to him, for some reason, and even more comforting was the smell of iced earth.
"That idiot... She went out dressed like that" He made a bitter smile. "Why am I even caring so much...? This isn't like me"
However, in spite of saying those words, he still concentrated in feeling the trace of her Reishi to find her.
Meanwhile, on the border of a frozen lake...
"Baka... Baka, baka, baka, BAKA!" Candice repeated to herself. "Why did you fall for that? You've seen him all this time. You know he doesn't hold a speck of empathy for you, or anyone really!"
She kicked a piece of ice into the water to discharge her rage.
"Tch... It really is cold out here..." She realized after a strong wind hit her, forcing her to shiver. "But I don't want to go back! Not yet..."
She gathered some pieces of wood and hit them with a small lightning to set them on fire.
"Hn... Much better" She said as she sat by the fire. "What is wrong with me...?"
She could perfectly remember what she said the day they had met.
"Good, cause I never intended to be your friend either!" She had declared.
She shook her head as that memory flashed back.
"If only it was that easy..."
Other moments came back to her mind as she realized that it was too late.
"Hey, Candi, do you like cats?" Atticus randomly inquired.
"Hey, since when did you get the idea we were on closer terms? And where does that question come from?"
"I don't know...Your surname kinda gave me that idea. Is it a pun or something? Or maybe your family discovered that special weed!"
"Look, I have no clue, and I don't care. But... Yeah, I kinda like cats" She admitted. "They are cute, and fluffy... Petting their fur is so nice"
"Cool! I like them too. They are smart and independent, while still having their more playful and caring side. Your answer is the one I'd expect from a girl though"
"Huh?"
"Your attitude kinda gives a different first impression of yourself, but girls are girls. Even if they're a bit violent or tomboyish... That doesn't change"
"Kgh..." She grinded her teeth as she kept remembering.
"Oh damn, buster! You really outdid yourself with this cherry pie!" He complimented as he tasted a slice.
"R-Really...? Well, I put a lot of effort in it, so it was the only possible outcome"
"Hahaha, I guess you're right. But that doesn't change the fact that this is absolutely delicious" He kept praising. "I'd gladly eat from a beautiful girl's hand like this every day"
"Was he playing with me ever since then...?" She bit her lip.
"Hey, Candi... Now that we've been a couple years living together... Even though it was against your will, how do you feel today?"
"Hm... Jeez, I can't say it's been the best of times... Cause you're rather hard to get by" She admitted. "I never know when you're talking seriously or fooling around. I don't know what you're thinking most of the time, and I gotta say you're quite lazy as well"
"Can't deny that, ahahaha"
"But... You always do what you're asked and expected to do in the end. You cook really well... And you do help me a lot with my new powers, just like you promised" She confessed. "It might not be perfect... But being your roommate, for putting it in a way, has been rather nice, to tell the truth"
"That sounds great! Cause I've definitely had a blast with you" He replied. "The sweets you cook, your care of the house, and the constant shenanigans I get involved because of you and your friends... It's fun, to say the least"
"You serious?"
"Totally! I don't... I don't know if I understand others so well to say I can make friends... But in my own weird or incomplete idea of friendship, I do consider you one" He told her. "You might be a handful due to your character at times... But you'd certainly make a great wife"
Candice blushed and became mute as she heard that.
"Oh, sorry! Just pointing an idea that came to mind, haha"
"Baka... Baka, baka, baka, baka, baka, baka, baka, baka, baka, baka, baka, baka, baka!" She repeated fast. "Why do you always say such weird stuff? And yet... Know exactly what I wanna hear...?"
"I don't know, but don't blame me" His voice retorted, making her snap.
"W-W-What are you doing here?!" She yelled.
"I should ask you the same... God, you went far... And dressed like that it's no wonder you're shivering. That fire is not enough to keep you warm here"
"Shut up! I came here cause I wanted to be alone and... As far as I could from your stupid face!"
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry" He said in a remorseful tone, one she hadn't heard in the past.
"Eh?"
"What I said. I don't know exactly how what I said hurt you, but I know it did, and I didn't mean to do that"
"I... I see..."
"I'm not gonna ask for your forgiveness either. But I don't want you to keep freezing out here just because of something like that. If anyone should be punished... It's me" He said seriously. "So, here"
He offered her his hoodie, earning a dumbstruck look from her.
"C'mon, just take it. I don't mind this weather, I'll be alright. And besides, you'll catch a cold and I'll have to take care of you"
"Gimme that!" She snatched the hoodie quickly and put it on.
"Haha"
"What?" She spat with a menacing look.
"Nothing, I just thought it looks a bit funny since it's oversized for you"
"Well, duh, you're like two heads taller than I am!"
"I know, I know... But you know what? It looks good on ya" He playfully put the hood on her, blinding her completely due to its size.
"Quit messing around!" She wore the hood off. "You're gonna ruin my hair!"
"Sorry, sorry! I forgot about that..." He scratched the back of his head. "Since mine is always a mess, I forgot, hahaha"
"That's a fact, but it's no excuse to ruin the time and effort I put in it every morning" She crossed her arms. "Time you would be aware of if you woke up at least 2 hours earlier"
"Hey, don't be like that, sleep is very important"
"It sure is, but you're like that cause you are irresponsible with your sleeptime. You always stay up late playing guitar, at videogames, drinking or reading whatever Manga you have laying around!"
"*sigh* Guess I have no excuse this time... But anyways, I'm glad to see you have your usual energy back"
"Hrngh..." She groaned while looking away.
"Really... I never intended to make you cry" He honestly said as his purple irises looked back at her green ones. "I went too far, and I apologize"
"Yeah, you already said you're sorry. It's alright... I don't know what got into me either..." She dismissed further explanations and started walking back.
"Candi..."
"What?"
Atticus caught her by the arm and pulled her towards him, catching her in his arms.
"O-Oi...!"
"I don't know what's gotten into me either..." He started saying. "...But I care about you, I really do. And I don't wanna hurt you again, you hear me?"
"Atticus..." She said in a somewhat tender tone. "I... I'm glad to hear that. I don't understand why I got so upset... Although it makes me think... There might- I think there's something I have to tell you..."
"Hm? What would that be...?" He was expectant.
"It's..." She tried to find the right words, but unfortunately, couldn't bring herself to do it. "No. No... It's nothing"
"Are you sure? Well... I won't force it out of you" He smiled, sappy. "But know that you can always count on me, alrite?"
"S-Sure, now let go of me!" She escaped his grip. "Let's head back"
"Oh, shite, sorry..." He hadn't realized he still held her.
"Don't worry, it's... Fine" She said without looking back, blushing again. "Fuck... I never thought he'd do that, my face must be all red!" She thought.
"Seriously... What the fuck is going on with me?" Atticus muttered to himself as he kept walking.
~~~~X~~~~
"Kurosaki..." Uryuu said to his Kouhai.
"What is it, Ishida-senpai?" Yuzu asked back, oblivious as to what would happen.
"I have a gift for you. Close your eyes and show me the palm of your hand"
"Okay!" She complied, knowing that she would receive something nice at the very least.
The young man gave her a metallic object that had some sort of necklace.
"What's this?" Yuzu opened her eyes and gazed at it.
"It's a Quincy Cross, and not just a random one. This used to be your mother's" He revealed.
"No way..." Tears filled her eyes as she heard those words. "Why did you have it?"
"I told your father we were practically done with training, and that I would give you a Quincy Cross. Before I left that day, he gave it to me and ordered me to pass it on to you"
"Kasan..." She said as she held it tightly against her chest, as if it were closer to her heart that way.
"I won't judge you... It must hold a great meaning to you" Ishida comprehended her display of emotions.
"I-It does... Thank you so much, Senpai!" She hugged him tightly.
"K-Kurosaki...!" He didn't expect that, and even blushed a bit. "Well, it's to be expected that I gave one of these to you once you were ready, and to he exact, it was your father's doing that you received this one in particular"
"I don't care, I'm just so happy right now!" She continued embracing him. "And besides..." She stayed calmer for a moment. "...This wouldn't be possible if you hadn't given it your all to teach me these couple years"
"Oh..."
"That's why, I thank you deeply from the bottom of my heart, Ishida-senpai"
Uryuu was still surprised by how much affection he was receiving, but in the end, he smiled a bit, unable to remain unfazed by the girl's warmth.
"I'm glad to see that made you happy" He admitted.
Yuzu simply smiled as she closed her eyes, her tears slowly declining to give way to her happy shining face.
~~~~X~~~~
In the Soul Society, things were pretty calm in general terms.
The noble Captain of Squad 6, Kuchiki Byakuya, was having a cup of tea in the room designated for said ceremony, enjoying the peace after a normal day attending his duties.
"This is... Almost perfect" He commented after a sip of the brew. "But there's something missing..."
The sliding door was opened to make way to an unexpected visitor.
"Good afternoon, Nii-sama" A raven haired Lieutenant politely bowed to him.
"Rukia... What a joyful surprise" He replied. "I can assume you finished your duties at Squad 13 for the day"
"Of course" She nodded. "I did my best today cause I wanted to arrive early so I could join you for tea... If you don't mind, of course"
"I see... And no, I don't mind. In fact, I'll gladly accept your company. I think it's been a while since we've had the chance to catch up"
"I'm glad to hear that, and actually, I brought something I thought you would enjoy!" She cheerfully added, placing a plate on the table as she kneeled on a cushion. "I tried to give them a shape that reflected your refined artistic taste... I hope they meet your criteria"
The plate was filled with small cookies that showed the vivid image of none other than Ambassador Seaweed.
Byakuya stared at the plate, apparently unappeased, wearing his typical calm and serious expression.
He carefully took one of the baked goods with his right hand and ate it in one bite, so that the cookie wouldn't lose any aesthetic value before entering his mouth.
Rukia nervously stared as the cookie finally made its way through the nobleman's lips, expectant as to what would be his reaction.
Munching slowly and closing his eyes, the Captain's aura seemed to glisten as he was blessed with the softly crunchy texture and the sweet tender taste of vanilla.
"Rukia..." He pronounced softly.
"Y-Yes, Nii-sama?" She couldn't stand to wait any longer.
"Thank you. You've just given me the missing piece of today's tea time" He replied with his serious face, but the tone of his words indicated his sense of gratitude.
"Really? That makes me so happy!" Rukia smiled, containing the tears that threatened to form in her eyes.
"And the design was perfectly carried out. You have attained the artistic ability and sense of the Kuchiki Clan. I couldn't be happier about this gift"
"I'm relieved... It's been so long since we had a chance like this, so I wanted to make something special"
"For the reckon, you don't need to prove anything for me to consider you my sister, Rukia" He clarified. "But I must admit that seeing these demonstrations make me feel as proud and thankful as I can be of being your brother"
"Th-Thank you... Nii-sama" Rukia sobbed, overflowed by the happiness of being so praised by her so perfect brother.
"Now, don't waste any more time in tears. The tea will get cold"
"Y-Yes!" She complied.
After sharing that peaceful meal in more trivial conversations about the Gotei and work, Byakuya decided to ask something more personal.
"So... Is there any man I should be wary of... Rukia?"
"Wary...? You mean as a stalker or something of sorts?!" She instantly became scared and surprised.
"N-Not exactly" The Captain sighed, deciding to make a more direct question. "I meant... If there was any man you... Like..."
"Oh..." At first she felt more calm that he was just referring to that. "Oh" But then she got a bit red as she remembered the events that had occurred ever since the fight with that Duke of Jigoku, Ichika.
"I see... So there is someone" He said in a serious tone.
"Eh? No! I just... I just think the question"
"Rukia... What kind of brother would I be if I wasn't able to understand you from a mere expression?"
"Well... I know but, I think you might be getting the wrong idea-"
"Captain, you there?" A carefree voice said as the sliding door was opened. "I finished the paperwork you asked, and got the supplies for our-"
"Renji?!" Rukia exclaimed as her cheeks became brighter with the red hint that was already present in them.
"Oh, Rukia, I didn't know you were here! Sorry for intruding, Captain" Renji bowed.
"No... No need to apologize, Renji" Byakuya contained a smirk as he realized what was going on. "In fact, I'm glad you arrived, cause there is one last ordeal I'd like to request of you"
"Huh? Well, yeah, sure... I'll deal with it immediately" Renji accepted, not having any problem with it.
"Perfect. Then, I wish to have a duel with you" He claimed.
"What? You mean, like a spar or something?" Renji asked confused.
"A bit more than that. I want us to fight with everything we've got, no holding back cause... I'd like you to demonstrate whether you have what it takes to take my sister's hand in marriage and join the Kuchiki Clan" He declared.
"Nii-sama...!" Rukia yelped.
"Captain..." Renji was just as shocked. "You're not joking, are you?"
"Hm? What makes you think that? Is it because you're just messing around with my sister?" His tone became threatening in a second.
"No! That's not-"
"Renji and I aren't even dating, Nii-sama! Don't put pressure on him like this!" Rukia begged.
"Rukia..." The Lieutenant was at loss of words as his childhood friend took the bullet.
"Is that so...?" Byakuya sighed. "I apologize then. I seem to have gotten the wrong idea"
"Yeah... We don't really-"
"No" Renji raised his voice.
"Eh?" Rukia didn't expect him to speak up.
"The Captain has reasons to think that way" He started. "For at least on my end, I... I do like you, Rukia"
"Renji..."
"We've been together since we were kids. We know each other really well, and I've never met a girl as amazing as her" He explained. "If there's anyone I'd like to pursue... It is her, Captain Kuchiki. So... If she's willing to accept my feelings, I'll do anything to prove I am worthy of her!"
Byakuya nodded in a stoic manner.
"Rukia... What do you think about this statement?"
"Well, I... I... I think I can relate to Renji's emotions. At first... It was hard to imagine him as anything other than a really good friend... But as time passed, and different situations surfaced... I think I started feeling different about the whole deal" Rukia confessed. "I... I can't deny that I would like to give it a try... But I don't want you two to fight because of that!"
"I'm glad to hear that, Rukia. You don't imagine how much" He blushed a bit. "But you must understand my and your brother's feelings as well" He said more serious. "How would the Captain be at ease if a guy weaker than him was supposed to protect his pride?"
Byakuya smiled internally.
"I am glad to see you comprehend my thoughts exactly, Lieutenant Abarai" He replied. "In the same way, I assume you won't be content unless you're able to prove you're capable of protecting her"
"Yeah. If it wasn't for Kurosaki... Rukia wouldn't be here today..." He admitted, bitterly, but thankful as well. "I was weak... Way too weak... And I won't let that happen again. I've become stronger... And I mean to go further along those lines. I won't be happy unless I can protect her myself"
"That's how a man speaks" The Captain complimented. "If you show the same determination at the duel... I won't have any objection with you two starting a relationship"
Rukia was unable to say anything else. It was just too much.
On one hand, Renji confessing his true feelings. On the other, her brother actually considering the possibility of them starting something serious...
She was simply astonished.
"I understand. Then... I'll make sure to show you just how powerful I've become, Captain!" Renji declared firmly.
"I look forward to it" Byakuya concluded. "I'll make the preparations and inform you the date as soon as possible"
"Got it" Renji nodded and bid his farewell. "See you tomorrow, Captain. Take care, Rukia" He smiled at the girl.
"R-Renji..." She only muttered.
Rukia stared as the red-haired Lieutenant exited the room, ready to hone his skills until the fateful day arrived.
The head of the Kuchiki Clan was eager to see the development of this event, though never forgetting his own responsiblity and duty as both Captain and brother. He wouldn't leave anything to chance.
"May the best man win" He thought.
~~~~X~~~~
Next day, Silbern.
"Eeeek!!!" Candice jumped from her bed as she was woken up by the loud sound of a distorted guitar Solo. "What the- What time is it? What the fuck is- Argh... ATTICUS!!!" She yelled as she went towards the source of the sound.
The Abnormal was doing a multihanded tapping section when he realized his roommate had gotten up.
"Oh, Candi, I see you're up! How did you like the alarm? I just had this great idea for a Solo that-"
"Look. I don't fucking care what you're gonna say, there's literally NO excuse to wake me up like that!" She whined. "You know that I do my best to have a nice beauty sleep every night, for which I have set a schedule, an alarm and a proper position"
"Well, yeah, but I thought this would be a nice surprise on my part for that same reason, and I needed to make sure it worked"
"Well, if your plan was ruining my day from its very start, you BET it worked!" She continued scolding him. "Besides, since when are you waking up earlier than me?!"
"Since... We were given green light to proceed with the mission I presented to Majesty a couple months ago" He slyly retorted.
"Wait... What? It was approved?"
"A messenger came, and gave me this" He showed the girl a folder with an approved stamp on top. "We must discuss the details with Yhwach, but the project itself is a go"
"Damn... Con...Congratulations, I guess" Her mood lightened up a bit. "So, we have to go meet him as of now?"
"Basically, yeah"
"Well, fuck! After that so called 'alarm' you played, my hair and eyes must be a complete mess! I can't see his Majesty like this!"
"That's why I woke you at 5:30 AM. Now you have enough time to do all your beauty treatments and stuff without a rush. Am I not the best roommate ever?"
"You woke me up 2 hours earlier from the usual?! What the Hell is wrong with you?!"
"Well, I thought it was gonna be a benefit to you... Guess I was mistaken" He smiled bitterly.
Candice noticed how it wasn't his intention to make her upset, so she decided to let it go.
"*sigh* Whatever... I'm already up anyways, so I might as well use the time wisely" She concluded. "In the meantime, make some breakfast"
"Um, sure. What would you like?"
"We have Apple Pie left, so no need for another sweet thing like Pancakes or Waffles... Why don't you make some eggs n' bacon?"
"Gotcha. I'll get to it right away" He complied more happily. "Oh and, I know you don't like when I point it out..."
"Hm?" She tilted her head.
"But you look really cute in that pajamas" He chuckled.
Most of the time, Atticus didn't get the chance to see her wearing it, since she was already dressed in her Sternritter uniform by the time he woke up, but this time was different.
He could appreciate the silky pink attire which was filled with small cute cartoon-ish kitties of different colors. Needless to say, her well-sized cleavage was in sight since she always left two to three buttons down to sleep comfortable.
"Sh-Shut up!" She got beet red as she realized that fact. "And don't you dare stare at my chest cause I'll break your spine!"
"Ahahaha, I can't promise anything, but I'll try my..." His nose bled a little but he sniffed it back. "...Best"
"Urgh! You damn pervert..." She turned around and went to the bathroom to have a shower.
As she undressed herself, she recalled what had happened the day before, hearing his words perfectly on her head.
"I care about you... I really do"
Her previous fluster only became more pronounced as those words resonated inside her head.
"If that's true... Is it possible that I...?" She thought as she entered the hot water. "No, it can't be... I mean, we're close... Probably as close as I've ever been with a guy, but... That doesn't mean I like him, does it? Much less that I... Could love him"
She could vividly remember the tight embrace he had her in as he said those words, and before she knew it, she was hugging herself as if replicating it.
A second later, upon realizing what she was doing, she felt her heart pump faster.
"Fuck..." She muttered in disbelief. "After all these years... It had to be YOU out of all people?"
Half an hour later, she joined Atticus for breakfast.
"Just in time! I hope you like it" He said as he placed her plate on the table. "I also toasted some bread for you to have with that"
"Th-Thank you..." She said with a softer and barely audible voice.
He tilted his head a bit at that reaction, but let it pass without further trouble.
After a couple minutes if silent eating, he decided to ask her about the meal:
"So, how's it?"
She munched the food she had in the mouth, and after swallowing, she replied:
"It's... Delicious. Thank you, Atticus"
Again, it wasn't one of the typical half-assed or Tsundere replies he was used to recieve from her, but was more than glad to hear it anyways.
"It's nothing! I'm happy to know that" He smiled sincerely.
She hid any awkward reaction by quickly eating the rest of her plate.
"Let's go!" She said as she stood up.
"O...kay..." He smiled at that rapid change of mood, but complied by devouring the rest if his plate, as well as a piece of Candi's Apple Pie.
For some reason, she seemed to avoid him on the way to the Palace.
She only talked if strictly necessary and almost never made eye contact.
"*sigh* Guess she's still pissed about earlier... But she also seemed to really enjoy breakfast. I don't know... Girls are hard to understand as they are, and Candi being the way she is... Well, a nightmare is an accurate way of putting it" He thought.
Upon their arrival at the Throne Room, Jugram saluted them politely as he stood by Yhwach's side.
"Sternritter T: 'The Thunderbolt', Candice Catnipp..." The King said. "And... Sternritter Ω: 'The End', Atticus Arctopus"
"Good morning, your Majesty" Candice bowed.
"Good morning, Majesty" Atticus saluted with a way more casual nod. "I've come to talk about that little mission I had proposed a couple months ago. I'm glad to see you've aproved it"
"Certainly, your research has backed it up, and the benefit we could obtain is way greater than the risk" Yhwach replied. "However... There are certain conditions I will apply in order to ensure both your security and the Wandenreich's"
"I understand. So, what are those conditions?"
"First of all, the character of this task will be an infiltration. You, along with Miss Catnipp and a small company I've arranged will enter Hueco Mundo and head to the location where you suspect the fragment of your power might be, avoiding conflict as much as possible"
"I imagined that much" Atticus nodded.
"Also, in case the mission is compromised... For example, one of the Top 4 Espada engages you, everything is aborted and you find the safest way to return"
"Got it" Atticus accepted. "Now... who's coming with us? You know, that small company you mentioned"
"That would be me and my men" A male Sternritter said as he entered.
"Quilge Opie...!" Candice recognized the fellow Sternritter.
"Indeed. My Jagdarmee has what it takes to both explore the terrain and have your backs while surrounded by the dangers of Hueco Mundo" Quilge replied. "I am also interested in seeing how our forces will be strengthened after obtaining Arctopus's true potential... Since my personal upgrade was quite... Minimum"
"Well, that is-" The Abnormal was about to apologize but...
"Oi, four eyes! Like it or not, he gave you the chance to improve your powers. Whether you had the potential for a big or small change is your own deal. If there wasn't that much of an effect, I guess you don't have the strength in you, but don't blame Atticus for your own weakness!" Candice spat.
"D-Damn..." The young man was surprised at his roommate's reaction. "Just when I thought she was pissed at me"
"Miss Catnipp, what did I say about this kind of behaviour in front of his Majesty?" Jugram retorted coldly.
"Grrr... Well, it's his fault for being an ungrateful prick" She crossed her arms.
"That is no excuse" Jugo continued. "But I do agree with that thought. Mister Arctopus has given us the key to surpass our military prowess and, basically, the chance to carry out a successful attack on the Soul Society. He has carried out his duty as our ally, and has continued aiding our forces. Besides, thanks to your improved Epithet, you can use your skill to imprison other Quincies as well, which has allowed the Jagdarmee to take care of internal threats, so I find your complaint to be quite capricious and baseless"
"Kgh..." Quilge trembled with rage as he felt ridiculed by his fellow Sternritters. "I see... My bad..." He forced a smile as he held his glasses.
"Don't sweat it, I look forward to working with you, Quilge" Atticus sxtended his hand to the Captain.
"I..." He was about to correct the way in which he desired to be called, but got a nasty look from Candice. "...I think the same"
"Good. I thought there was going to be conflict" Yhwach said in a fearsome manner.
"No, your Majesty. It was just a misunderstanding" Jugram replied in a neutral tone.
"That's good to hear" The King smiled a bit. "So, to finish, this mission will be carried out in three days. Until then, you're free to make the proper arrangements, or do more research if you deem it necessary"
"We'll do what has to be done. That's all" Atticus retorted in his usual laid back way.
"The Jagdarmee will be sure to make a success of this task, your Majesty" Quilge added while making a reverence.
"I'm looking forward to see the results" Yhwach got more comfortable on his throne. "Now if you'll excuse me, it's time I go to sleep"
They all bid him the proper farewell and went separate ways, with the exception of Jugram, who stayed for obvious reasons.
On their way back, Atticus couldn't help but recognize his partner's attitude back in the Throne Room.
"Hey, Candi..."
"What?" She still didn't look back at him.
"Thank you" He said from the bottom of his heart. "I didn't really feel insulted by Quilge or anything, but still-"
"Gosh, look, it's no big deal" She turned around and talked to his face for the first time after she started acting weird. "I just hate pretentious assholes like him, especially when they're nothing special in reality"
"Oh, I see. But still, I appreciate it, really" He gave her that warm honest smile. "You're a real friend, Candi"
"Eh?" She didn't expect that. "Well, thanks... I guess..." She didn't know how to reply that.
"Welp, then I guess you're done with the 'I don't intend to be your friend' act, haha" He reminded her.
"Oh, fuck off. You know that I wasn't serious back then. I was pissed cause you and Haschwalt fucked up my hair"
"I know, I know... But it looks as dazzling as always right now, rite? What's done is done and gone so why cry?"
"D-Dazzling?" She blushed a bit and shifted her look away. "I think you're exaggerating. Are you sure you're not just simping cause I stood up for you back there?"
"Ahahahaha! Simping? I didn't expect to hear that, but no, I'm not. I'm being honest" He playfully passed his fingers through her hair, knowing the threat said action posed. "Cause Imma tell you a little secret..."
"Eh...?" She froze as soon as his hand caressed her mane.
"I freaking looove green hair" He whispered in her ear, and kept walking.
Candice could only blink, unable to grasp whether that had actually happened or was just a dream or illusion.
He was the teasing type at times, but never in such a direct and somehow truthful way.
"H-Hey! What... What the fuck did you just do?!" She ran after him, getting in front to stop him.
"What? I just said a truth I'd been keeping for so damn long" He chuckled. "And it looks like I got the reaction I wanted"
"What...?"
"Like, seriously, Candi. What's the point of always being upset or angry at every little thing? And I'm not talking about your hair, cause I know that IS a big deal for you" He started saying. "You're so cute when you blush, or when you're smiling, and not that grin you do when you're fighting or picking on others, but your real smile"
"What are you rambling on about? You've never seen me smile like that"
"Not many times... But I have once, or maybe twice. When? That's a secret... But, I know it, Candi"
"Ok, like... What's your point?"
"My point is... Why do you need to act this way? Is it because you wanna look tough? Strong?" He inquired. "And if that's the case, why are you fixated on that?"
"It's not that, I just... I just have a short fuse, that's all"
"Bull-Shit" He broke the phrase. "So let's get this straight: I'm not gonna laugh at you, I'm not gonna hate you or whatever... But I want to understand you, girl" He put his hand on her shoulder. "What are you so afraid of?"
"A...fraid?" She repeated, a couple memories flashing back, making her lower lip shiver.
"You've been acting strange today. I'm not the best at reading other people, but I can tell something's going on" He clarified. "So tell me, did anything happen?"
"No... Not... Really..." She bit her lip and crossed her arms.
"*sigh* Why don't you trust me?" He asked her sincerely as he put his hands in his pockets.
"N-No, Atticus, it's not that. It's just... I don't think it's important" She looked down.
"Well, then you shouldn't have any problem talking about it" He insisted. "Candi... I know it's serious"
"Fuck..." She cursed as she realized it was a dead end. "It's... It's not that easy, ok?" She frowned and looked away. "I've never told anyone about this... Not even the girls"
"I see... But, there's nothing to fear" He tried to make her comfortable. "I won't judge you or tell anyone else your secret. I... I just wanna know who you truly are, buster"
She took a deep breath as her heart pumped faster, just like that morning.
"So... You DO care... You idiot..." She got a bit red as she thought about that. "*sigh* Okay. But, I'd rather talk about it at home"
"Sure. Any way you feel more comfortable" He pat her hat a bit.
"O-Oi! Don't get carried away!" She dodged the last pat and walked faster to avoid more awkwardness. "Now get a move on before I change my mind..."
And here is Chapter 2, finally!
Like really. I'm sorry. I'm not feeling as inspired lately and a lot is going on my real life right now.
Today might be the last day I have with my almost 16 year old cat... So that's quite hard to swallow already.
Before that, stuff had happened as well, but related to my love life really (which I thought would never exist to begin with), but in short, I met a girl online that was all I could ask for, and somehow, she liked me back, but since we're an ocean apart we can't be together and so far... Things don't look good for me on that path. So... Fuck this World.
I'll try to go back to writing more frequently, but I can't promise anything. For those of you who are enjoying this so far, I thank you a lot though, don't doubt it. If you can, share your thoughts on this Chapter or the whole story so far, cause it'd mean a lot to me.
See ya next time... Evhron out.
"Hi everyone! Atticus here. Today we'll be explaining my Epithet"
"Yeah, that had me all confused the first time too... Like, what the Hell is that of Sternritter Ω anyways?" Candi says as she lays on the sofa while eating a piece of Key Lime Pie.
"Well, for starters, my Epithet is just symbolic. Yhwach hasn't given me any sort of Schrift. However, I was given the rank of Sternritter, just like our deal stated, and the Epithet along with the name was an occurrence of the two of us"
"What do you mean?"
"You see, he revealed to me that there are other special Sternritters in the ranks. Since the letter Ω was not taken, he gave it to me, and since my skill so far allows anyone to take their skills to the true maximum, I decided to call it 'The End'. Pretty neat, huh?"
"It does sound cool, not gonna lie" She takes a bite.
"Hey, can I take a piece of that? It looks delicious" Atticus asks as his mouth drools.
"Sure, I just finished cooling it down. It's in the fridge" She pointed with the fork. "Just don't eat too much, I want to have a bite for dinner and breakfast too"
"I'll keep that in mind. You're the best, Candi!"
"C-Cut it out will ya! You've teased me far more than enough this Chapter!"
"Gomenna" He shrugs. "See you all next Chapter!"
