It's Tuesday!
Previously:
"No problem... Here, you dropped you phone in the store," I look down to the sleek red and take.
I completely forgot about it.
"Thanks again big guy,"
Chapter 7: Dance Dance
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I wait in a sprint ready stance.
"Target acquired," the words pass under my breath.
I wore shorts today for this very reason...
"Now!"
My feet bite into the dirt, shooting me forward, but I can't use any inhuman speed here, not with all these witnesses.
All the same, the wind chases me, trying to stay in front by I rush past it all.
The timing has to be perfect.
Faster.
Brown legs tense and release, sending my frame flying through the air and I clear the cement barrier.
"I got you now!" I wrap my arms around the tan throat of my victim and his medallion jingles as we go tumbling backwards. I'm careful to protect his head as we clear the other barrier and head for the soft grass.
All according to plan.
My feet just barely get under me in time to take the brunt of the momentum, transferring it into the soft grass below me.
CRASH!
I stand to my feet and turn back to the shaded walk way connecting the two school's buildings. My hand rises and contorts to a peace sign.
"Behold! This is proof that no man woman or unsuspecting elderly is too big to be tackled by me!" I boom, hand on hip and confidence in stance.
"Ch-Chad! Are you ok!" I-go-chi peers over the short walls, his attention absorbed by the tall, unharmed form lying face down in the grass besides me. "I can't believe you did that!"
"Oh wow! That was amazing Shi-shiro! To think you took Sado down!" Oreo cheers from besides Tatsuki who cradles her head in wonder of how she got tangled up with our lot.
"Hmm..." Sad-doe sits up, bending a long leg to rest and equally long arm upon it. "That... wasn't fair Shiro..." his low octaves never change.
"All is fair in love in war." I turn to him. "I would help you up... but you've ruined my trust so.. yeah," I shrug, a toothy grin sprouting upon my lips.
"That's ok..." Sad-doe grabs my hand and drags me down into the dirt regardless.
"Gasp! I can't believe you just did that! Now I can't even stand next to you!"
"Haha! Wait to go Chad! Show her you're no one to be messed with!" I-go-chi beams, declaring his support for the enemy.
traitor.
"Nah... You just have to accept you'll be taking trips into the dirt...every now and then," The tanned male smiles fondly.
"Yeah Yeah, Let's go so we can get back to class," I get up, dusting my shorts off.
The upside to 'slipping off' of people is that when I do spectacles like this, no one cares. I kind of thought that after hanging with people for so long, that other would follow suit, but as everyone just passes by without the slightest regard of me... I feel kind of invisible. Like I'm just the group's collective imaginary friend.
Why wont they see me?
"Uuuugh, don't make that stupid face, Chad, bring miss mopey along before we're late!"
"...Right,"
"Oh shit!" I gasp when the strong man lifts me, toned arm around my waist like I'm a sack of produce.
"Let's go.." he clears the tiny wall and jogs to class, all while I-go-chi laughs his stupid ass off.
"I can walk! I swear!" I get out between bouncy movements.
I'm gonna kick Ichigo's butt!
Class flies pass like usual.
After class Ichigo gets dragged off to handle some hollows, so I just kind of walk home alone.
"Heading out, Shiro?" I look up to Udyu, as he adjusts his eye wear again.
I swear they're too big.
"Yeah, what's up?"
"Well, Clearly I'm heading to Sunflower Seams which is in your direction, I'm definitely not making an excuse to walk you home now that Ichigo is busy,"
. . .
Really?
"That is the worst lie I have ever heard in my life, come on," I nudge for him to follow.
"No, really, you'd be surprised how often people ask for my help, and you can imagine that it diminishes my supplies pretty quickly." he piles the excuses on like second helping of a meal.
"Yup... I still don't believe you," I pat his back.
"Let's just drop you at your place so I can get to my store,"
"Awwww. So concerned with my safety are you?" I beam and the authenticity of it aligns the Quincy's lips.
"Yes, actually. Until we find out what it is you are, you have no clear way of destroying a hollow. My understanding is that Rukia put a seal on your house that conceals your spiritual pressure from hollow, so you're safe there, but you have to get there first." he explains.
I feel my brow scrunch up incredulously.
"What? Rukia? I've barely seen that girl around and you're telling she not only came to my house but put a seal on it without my permission?" I'm grateful and all, but she was invited to the sleep over, she could have totally just accepted and used that as the perfect time.
But instead she sneaks around...
Maybe she doesn't want to be associated with me?
But then why put the seal there?
Maybe Ichigo asked... or maybe even Udyuu.
"Try not to be so harsh on her. From my observations and Ichigo's testimony, she's gotten very distant since the Menos scare. Everyone has been worried about her since... She even stopped sleeping at Ichigo's..." he takes a look off into the distance, and from what I can hear, that's where I-go-chi- and Rukia are taking down that hollow.
"This is me," I nudge my head to the standing structure. and we make our way to the door.
"If you don't mind, may I come in? I actually have something I'd like to show you. I was working on it today in class," he fidgets with those glasses.
Ok, that's it.
As I lead him in, I focus on his specs, "Hey. Ishi ishi, Are those too big for you? You seem to fidget with them alot,"
The blue haired male laughs in a fit of... nervousness? I'm pretty sure that's what is dripping on his voice. "Too big? What! Why would you say that? They're the perfect size! Great! Never better."
"You are really bad at lying, but I like that about you," I poke him in his chest, "So what did you want to show me? It's not a pregnancy test is it?"
"What...? No!" he rummages through the polyester material of his bag, "Behold!" swoosh! he produces a beautiful ballerina outfit with the most delicate tutu and a silver corset bodice.
The shock weakens me. My fingers no longer able to hold my bag, my legs no longer able to hold me and my mouth unable to stay closed.
My hands summon just enough strength to cover my parted lips, but they cannot stop the blurring of my vision, nor the shaky wale that constricts my gut and rips through my throat.
The sew master before me had been explaining the Victorian and ice inspired origins of the garb, but he stops short at my reaction.
"Whoa.. Shiro, are you ok?"
Only my silent scream escaping around my fingers answers him.
"Hey! I'm sorry, I thought that you would like it! I didn't know that it would make you cry! I should have asked first. Please, I'll put it away," the hurt radiating off him is visible even through my salty sight.
White hair flashes in and out my sight as my head shakes violently in disagreement.
Quickly, brown digits grasp the delicate silver tu tu and they find the rhinestones adorning the piece.
Such detail!
For me. . .?
"Shiro..?"
I don't know why I'm crying so hard. Wasn't it I who said no one likes a cry baby? And yet I can't stop these stupid tears!
Why? Why can't I stop!?
I get plenty of gifts! At my birthday parties, for Christmas.
Only I don't.
Every Birthday party has had one of everything. One stupid balloon, one cupcake, and one lonely ass attendee. And Christmas morning has a tree that I sleep under and nothing else.
I have never received a gift in my entire life.
Now that I think about it, I always woke up disappointment because my dreams the night before would almost be amazing.
Did I start to replace those lonely memories with my dreams?
"I'm so sorry," My voice cracks, but slowly, I'm gaining strength back to fight off the tears.
"Sorry? Sorry for what?"
"I know all of this crying without reason can make someone really uncomfortable, yet I'm doing it anyway," My hands thrash the droplets from my features and my legs force my into a wall so that I may shove myself up it.
I still my tone, "I wont do it again, but I suppose I tricked my self into forgetting this is the first gift I've every received." I explain to him, un-tucking my blouse to do a final sweep of of my face.
Finally cleaned up, I face Ishi-shi, ready to accept his gift and I find him glaring at me and holding the token of love hostage.
I fucked up, didn't I?
I don't deserve it anymore.
"Listen to me Shiro," He beckons my undivided attention, "I am going to give you this gift, and it wont be the last. And as you can expect, soon all of us will be giving you gifts," his tone holds undeniable authority, and unquestionable validity.
"And if any or all of these gifts make you shed tears of absolute joy, then you're going to cry your eyes out. Do you understand me?" he grasps onto my shoulder.
He... wants me to cry?
"And if Orohime does anything that makes you sad, you are going do what comes naturally. If Ichigo infuriates you, then show your anger, and if Sado makes a joke, then I want you to die laughing," he instructs.
"I know you have been raised by the television, but the way things happen on there aren't real. Some of it can teach you valuable lessons, but a lot of it is fake. In the TV they are paid to display certain emotions, in the real world we don't get to chose what emotion to display, we feel what we comes to us and act on it. I'm not saying to start acting blindly on your emotions, but I am saying that you need to stop trying to choose how something effects you emotionally."
I get it.
He's saying it's ok.
It's ok if I'm hurting... I don't have to be invulnerable to traumatic events.
This guy. Amazing at sewing, Quincy archery, and at being a friend.
"Thanks,"
like that, he offers me the ensemble, "Good. After we saw your Ballet shoes a couple weeks ago, I was inspired to generate something that would allow you to dance in taste," he watches to see if his guessed measurements may have actually worked.
"It looks like I got the size right, but when you try it on, definitely let me know if I need to adjust anything,"
"I'mma go try it on," I blurt, moseying around the corner.
"What?! Right now?" he stays put while I strip, purposefully tossing my discarded uniform pass the thresh hold to fluster the gallant boy.
"Can you bring me my shoes?" I smirk the tiniest bits when his shaky little nerd hands present the black ones to me.
"I mean, I was actually talking about the black and silver ones that would match this better, but I guess this'll do," I taunt, "You're not looking are you?"
"What? Of course not!"
"That's too bad.. Cause I'm dressed," I pop around the hallway's entry and into the main room.
"You're really impressive Ishida being able to get my measurements perfect like this!" I praise, swinging and twisting my body about to test the elasticity. Wow it has the perfect amount of give. "I might have to wear this for the big production!" I announce.
"Why thank you, but what production if you don't mind me asking?"
"Oh! The channel's anniversary is coming up, and I wanted to do a dance on a larger scale this time in honor of it," I pull out my phone to start playing the beat I had in mind for the piece and I start to string together the choreography.
"Isn't this the same song you played when while we were relaxing by the river?" Ishida points out and I grin at his acute memory.
"Why yes! While it was playing I was thinking of the emotion and story for it. This will be the first time I do a piece outside the studio, so I want the spot to be perfect" I check how well the outfit reacts to chaines, and I make sure to spot, of course.
"Define perfect,"
"Somewhere with only a hint of of civilization, but is mostly nature ruled. There will be lots of flowers and visible shots of the sun. Maybe somewhere a bit higher in elevation so that the winds can aid in fluid movements," I shrug. I dunno. I guess I have been thinking hard about it. "I'm thinking about renting a drone photographer for some really cool shots. It's gonna be awesome, hopefully,"
"I see," he fidgets with his lenses, "Well, You're safely home and have what I came to give you, I suppose it's time I head out," He heads for the door.
I spring to the door splitting my legs before snapping them shut, and open it.
"Thank you so much, by the way,"
"Of course, have a great night, luckily Sunflower Seams is twenty four hours, so I may head home for now and come out later at night,"
"Sure, sure," CLICK! I lock up behind him.
"I should get out of this, I'd hate to sweat into it before I can even properly perform in it.
I shimmy out the outfit and toss it gently over my arm before balling my uniform under my armpit and heading for my room.
Once there, I hang my gift up outside the closet so that I can wake up to while tossing my khaki shorts and button up into the dirty clothes.
Today has be pretty freakin' awesome!
Though if I'm honest, every day has been the best of my life ever since I started hanging with I-go-chi and his people.
I feel like I should commemorate this.
Oh!
Maybe I'll draw us all tomorrow!
I feel like they'd all be down with that. After class we can go to each of our houses and pick up a change of clothes, then we'll take a picture and I will torture myself by attempting to recreate that picture and sending myself into a state of artistic depression.
It'll be great!
Maybe...
To avoid killing myself to badly, I'm probably gonna limit it to just me, Ichigo, Ishida, Sado, and Orohime.
I'm sure it'll turn out cute... or completely horrendous but whatever.
bzzzzp!
My phone? This late?
I pick up the red object and blind myself with the shock of light.
Ow.
Turning down the brightness I see it's from Oreo. I grin when I see the attached photo of her with some Oreo cookies, a glass of milk, and carrots
Oreo: I'm being bad and having a snack before bed! Don't tell anyone . .
ps. You see what I did? I'm Oreo eating an Oreo! and I got some carrots to add to them for flavor and color! Pretty neat huh? Anyways! Good night ^.^!
I shake my head. If she wanted to match the cookies she could have just bought the orange flavored ones, instead of making one of her interesting concoctions.
bzzzzp!
Another?
What's gotten into her? Oh wait. It's Sado this time.
Saddoe: ...Goodnight...shiro
Everyone must be staying up late since it's Thursday night, and did he really have to type all the dots? that silly giant.
I cuddle with my phone under the covers as Ishida also texts me. It's a picture of a plastic bag with a sunflower on it
Ishi Ishi: I told you I was going to the fabric store. I just got out of there. They were having some deals on their thread so that's what I go. I'm sure you think I just found an old bag, filled it with supplies, and stepped outside to take the picture, so if you wanted to see the receipt I lost, who could blame you.
Emerald eyes roll exaggeratedly. He's such a bad liar and it it simultaneous adorable, hilarious, and stupid.
bzzzp!
"Oh! Is that I-go-chi joining in the fun? I hadn't expected-bzzzzp" my whispers are interrupted. Another message just came through before I can even look at the first one...
bzzzp!
Another?
Who are they from?
The name just reads 'You should really have a lock on your phone'
o...k?
Frowning. I open the conversation to see there are previous messages between us, but it's just me praising the individual for their brilliance and wittiness, and them 'humbly' accepting it.
I'm pretty I didn't write those messages.
The new ones are pictures of my shopping bag, a pale hand showing me all the items I purchased while out with everyone and they're still typing.
?: I've got something that belongs to you...
?: Remember these? I'm sure you remember where you left them... in the den of the lion.
OK, I know who this is.
?: If I remember correctly you promised to come get them. But you never showed
?: Come to the shop in less than one hour. And you MIGHT be able to still save them!
Holy shit! Is that my stuff dangling over a fire? Does he even have a fire pit at that shop?!
I sit up straight and palm my face.
Great...
That was two weeks ago that I left my things there... and I did promise to get them later, but when I thought about going there.. about facing him...
"Gah!" I rub at my stupid face that thinks it needs to set on fire every-time I think about him! I also punch my gut to stop whatever starts roaming around in there when he comes up. And my traitorous legs feel the need to jell-i-fy at the mere Idea of him.
I haven't even been going to training.
And he's right, I really should put a lock on my phone if grown ass men feel the need to add their number to it to taunt me.
The jerk.
"...Are those items really worth it?" I ask the walls, and my jello limbs solidify as if to answer.
"Fine... But we'll be quick. I'm talking mock 5 speed. I'm talking inhuman speed there and back," I look down at my nude body. I should probably get dressed first.
I suppose I don't need underwear...
"Oh be honest with yourself... you're not wearing undies cause you want him to notice," that traitorous part of me speaks up, and I hate it, but she's right, "You're 15! he isn't interested in you! And you shouldn't be interested him! he's like twice your age!" that part of me chastises.
Yeah... ok... good point.
I walk over to the closet.
"What should I wear?"
Hmmm...
Ok, even though I know I can't pursue this who crush thing, I'm still not wearing under. Mostly because I haven't worn a bra in forever(fuck bras) and because I don't see a need to wear panties, it's not like anyone is going to notice.
Now..
"I'mma wear pajamas so that it looks like I just jumped out the bed and don't plan to stick around for long," I mutter.
After all, that is what happened, and I what I plan to do.
In and out like lightning!
Looking around for some modest PJ's, I settle on a set of thin material with pants and long roomy sleeves. Oh! and it has a cute cat skull on it with ears!
Good pick me. Good pick.
I slip on my choice and some gym shoes and take up my beasts in my arms before breaking out into the dead of night in a sprint.
Let's get this over.
A/N: Thanks for reading another chapter! All reviews are welcomed!
