December 19th: Friday

Theme: 15. Shopping

Hiro bravely entered the shopping mall. As usual, it was crazy inside from the sheer amount of people shopping but Hiro persisted. He was here today to find a gift for Cass and Tadashi as a thank you for all that they had done for him. Clutched in his hands was his usual Frostbite's hot chocolate. Jack, of course, had mockingly wished him good luck and said it was better that he went today instead of tomorrow when it would be an all out frenzy. At least the kids would still be in school, a good chunk of college students still stuck in finals, and most people still at work.

Hiro weaved his way through the crowds of people, pondering what to buy for Cass and Tadashi. He needed something for Jack too, now that Hiro thought about it.

Just as he passed the window of Groove Pawn Clothing, something caught his eye. Hiro stopped, peering into the window with wide eyes. That… that would work for Tadashi. He quickly entered the store to purchase the item he saw in the window.

Hiro exited the store, happy with his purchase just as Tadashi came running out of nowhere. Beginning to panic Hiro wondered where he was going to hide Tadashi's gift, but clearly Tadashi had other things on his mind when he said, "Hiro! Hide me!"

Tadashi ducked behind Hiro while Hiro stood there pondering what on earth could Tadashi have meant by that. Not only was Tadashi bigger and taller than Hiro, it would be very obvious that Tadashi would be hiding behind him. It was like a bear trying to hide behind a streetlight, it would look utterly stupid.

"Tadashi, what-"

"TADASHI HAMADA! COME BACK HERE AND WOMAN UP!"

Hiro froze as a short Korean young woman with black hair and purple highlights came marching up to him. Trailing behind her was a tall Latina girl with glasses looking very amused. Hiro automatically held his hands up in surrender.

"Now, Gogo," Tadashi said from behind Hiro.

"It's just shopping!" the Korean snapped. "Do you think I want to be here either?"

"The faster we get this done, the faster you'll be free to continue on with your day," the taller girl said.

Hiro felt his head spin. Who were these two girls?

"Why do you even need me here?" Tadashi asked.

"Because you know what movies and figures Fred already owns," Gogo said. "And you told us you hadn't found Wasabi's gift either, so we're all looking for their gifts today."

"Hah! That's what you said last time you two dragged me off on a shopping trip," Tadashi said. "Not only did we spend eight hours at the mall, but you made me carry all the bags." Tadashi shuddered at the memory.

"But it was such a good sale," the taller girl said.

"Err, excuse me," Hiro interjected.

"Oops, sorry Hiro," Tadashi said.

The Latina girl let out a squeal and Hiro soon found himself being swung around in a hug. Good god, she was strong! "You're Hiro! It's so good to finally meet you! Tadashi talks about you all the time!"

Wait, what? Why did everyone say that? Why on earth was Tadashi talking about him?! Hiro glanced at Tadashi, who had his head buried in his hands.

"Honey Lemon, please put him down," Tadashi said with a groan. His cheeks were a bright red.

"Oops," Honey Lemon said, putting Hiro back down.

Hiro leaned against the pillar, trying to steady himself. So dizzy. Just as the world stopped spinning, Hiro found himself pulled into a group selfie photo.

"Smile!" Honey Lemon said.

Hiro smiled out of reflex before the bright flash went off. Spots danced in his eyes as Hiro decided that Tadashi's friends were crazy, crazy people and he needed to get out of here as soon as possible. "Right…" Hiro said. "Nice to meet you guys, but I have to go…"

"What no!" Honey Lemon protested. "Surely you have time to hang out."

"Know anything about kaiju movies?" Gogo asked, eyes narrow.

Know? Well, yeah. A little. Maybe. They may have been a favorite of Hiro when he was a kid and he may have marathon all the years he had missed this past semester. Maybe. It wasn't like he had an impressive collection of DVD movies. Of course not. That would be silly.

"A little…" Hiro said warily. The smaller Korean woman scared him. A lot.

The devious smile that spread across Gogo's face was terrifying to say the least.

"We could use your help then!" Honey Lemon said brightly. "Fred adores those types of movies and we don't really know which one to get him. That's why we drag Tadashi along. Pretty please?"

Tadashi stood behind them, hands together pleading. Goddamnit. Hiro still didn't have any defense against Tadashi's puppy eyes. Like a sand castle crumbling to the incoming tide, Hiro's defenses fell away.

Knowing he would later regret it, Hiro said, "Well, I do need to buy a gift or two."

Tadashi's smile, Honey Lemon's squeal and Gogo's knowing smirk seemed to light the area. Oh god, what did Hiro just get himself into?

One week to go!