"Picnic breakfast! We're having a picnic breakfast!" Adam shouted ecstatically, running up ahead on the dirt path.
He had the biggest smile on that matched the sun above. Wearing yellow overalls, with a white shirt and yellow bunny in the center, and white shoes. He was just like Marigold, you thought casually strolling behind, wearing a casual fitted two-tone yellow tracksuit, white sneakers, with your usual crystal spear chocker and yellow headband(your styled neatly into a brushed braid) the wagon filled with food and a few other things.
Normally you'd hold Adam's hand to the spot, or have him ride in the wagon for safety. But, right now you didn't mind. How could you deny him and Rukia this moment? She was running behind with an enjoying smile, dressed in a simple yellow and white striped sundress with a white rabbit on the front and a white sash tied into a small bow in the back. You helped her with it. You discovered she was struggling with it and didn't mind offering assistance. As you did you caught a glimpse of her trying hard in keeping her gaze downward, while fidgeting lightly with her dress.
It was quite cute even when she did her best to hide her blush.
Adam was now further(not too far) up ahead, he stopped for a moment, turned around and the moment he saw Rukia closing the gap, he shirked with laughter, threw his hands up turned right back around, and continued running.
You watch Rukia pause for a moment, though her back was to you, you had a sense she smirked before running after him.
Seeing her like this, you had to admit to yourself this was the most expressive she's been since her arrival. Most of the time she remained reserved and limited in her expression unless she was with Adam. That's when you'd hear her(listening in on them through the door) disregard her limitations and this colorful and imaginative side would come out. Every time you'd catch it, it filled you with joy that she found some semblance of happiness.
You understood it wasn't easy to find after being…misplace. But it was worth trying to find, as long as she could find it and if can provide it(like Adam) than everything was fine.
But having a picnic made it better.
You continued on the dirt path(now becoming an incline) and pause for a moment to glance back at the way you three came. The town was about three-quarters of a mile back, at this time you knew most residents were just waking up. The town looked so peaceful from afar.
How you envied that.
"We're here!" Adam shouts bursting into a clearing. "Rukia!"
"Adam! Wait!" Rukia frets shooting out a hand to grab his and misses by an inch. "Adam. Be careful you mig-"
She comes into the small clearing, stops, and gasps astonished at the sight before her. She hadn't realized how wide her eyes became or her mouth slightly agape.
It was beautiful, the shrine nestled in the clearing, despite its weathered appearance. Surrounded and decorated by nature's natural embrace, vibrant wildflowers lay about with a moat of tall grass around it and ivy-covered stoned walls. Its seclusion held this captivating and harmonious charm. Rukia felt this…sense of peace wash over the world just…as though she was just transferred to a different place.
She felt a gentle breeze, nearly enchanting, touch her skin like a kiss as it soothingly rustled the canopy leaves of the trees overhead that provided kind shade.
Adam was running around enjoying himself, it was evident was familiar with the place. Rukia remained standing in her spot, held in a trance, that she didn't notice you entering.
Immediately you noticed her reaction and took a moment to watch her. There she was, completely true. There wasn't a concealment of any kind or shutdown. She was just Rukia and you saw the glimmering awe in her eyes. You couldn't help but see some semblance of how Marigold's reaction when she first came and saw everything.
For you it was simple but for her(and Rukia) it was marvelous.
Your heart smiled tenderly. You didn't want to ruin Rukia's moment and let her be. As you walk by her hand reached out and touched your arm as though for assurance and support. You stop, surprised by that but remained.
After a few more minutes Rukia snapped back and realized she was still touching your arm.
Instantly brought her hand back, and lowered her eyes trying to hide the faint blush creeping up and the shame weighing in her eyes.
She stayed like that, keeping her eyes lowered as though refusing to lift them. You tried to enter her view but each time you did she keep her adverted and turned her face downward to hide her quivering chin. You noticed it and your heart wasn't angry, it filled with concern and sadness.
You wondered what brought this on her, this reaction.
You wanted to figure it out but, you set that aside and tentatively reached out your hands under her chin, cup it gently, and began lifting her face up slowly until her eyes meet yours.
There was pain in her eyes you observed and…fear? You weren't sure but it clearly was in there. Your eyes soften with compassion and a genuine smile grace upon your lips that was bright as it was soothing.
For a moment Rukia was sure there was a soft golden glow around you or it was the pokes of sunlight peering through the leaves that did it. Whatever the reason she felt…warm and wanted. And…safe. A complete contrast from…back home.
His face appeared and there was nothing but coldness.
"Miss Kuchiki," your voice soothingly draws her back, like a guiding light, she gave you her full attention, and your heart flipped, "Please enjoy yourself. I shall get breakfast set up."
You take your hand back and she opened her mouth to say something, but you continued making your way to the spot surrounded by tall grass near the shrine.
"This is all for you," you smile back at her, "so please enjoy your time."
You left it at that and began setting it up. Rukia watched you and that same warm feeling came over her.
"Rukia!" Adam beams jumping on her arm, pulling her to him.
She steadied herself and turned her attention to him. He had a huge smile on from ear to ear. His eyes were rounder than normal eager to show something.
"Come on! Come over here!" He tugs and pulls her with him to explore.
It was now past noon, two hours passed, and over at Urahara's Ururu once again stood in the alleyway that led to the shop and waited.
Her eyes searched for any sign of you, but like before you hadn't appeared. Normally you with Adam would have been by, by now, or at least earlier. This was her third time checking and still nothing.
Ururu gripped her skirt with a hanging look. Jinta, standing by the entrance, looked on and rolled his eyes. He wanted to say something but kept his words close, that didn't stop him from yawning and thinking them.
"You should have more consideration, Jinta," Tessai said, appearing next to Jinta startling him. Tessai paid his reaction little attention and looked at Ururu. "she looks forward to Miss Bishop's visits."
Jinta folded his arms, grunting dismissively, "The visits are no different than before. She's wasting her time if they don't come by once. At least I get a break from four-eyes."
Tessai's hand chopped down on Jinta's head, only to be beaten by Kisuke's folded fan. Jinta grabbed the spot and yelped, trying hard to hold back the painful tears that arose.
"Enough," Kisuke lightly scolds, with another whack(lightly) on Jinta's head, "Miss Bishop and Adam are valued you here, and saying such mean things about Adam aren't nice."
Jinta snarled and shot a look at Kisuke(still pushing down his tears and pain), "You're just saying that because you-"
"Miss Bishop! You're here!" Ururu beams, turning Jinta and the others' attention to her. More so to you.
You came walking up the alley, pulling the wagon with a sleeping Adam inside. He was asleep, curled up with a good smile on. He was like this since the picnic ended, after Rukia left which surprised you as she stayed long than you expected, and you began making your way here. So you made sure each step was careful ensuring not to disturb him.
Ururu hurried over to you and met you partway. You greeted her with a kind smile and rested a hand on her head. Her face lit up glad of your presence, she had many questions but set them aside.
"You look pretty today," Ururu whispered complementing you, "I like your hair."
Your smile warmed at her, "Thank you. You looked pretty today too. Oh, I have something for you."
Her eyes lit up wondering what it was, you couldn't deny the soft smirk from forming on your lips. "What is it?" She asked, eagerly.
Before you said anything you both arrive at the shop and you greet the others. "Ah, Miss Bishop good afternoon!" Kisuke unfolds his fan with his usual jovial smile.
Tessai gives you a respectable nod, "Yes. Good afternoon, Miss Bishop. I'm delighted to see you have come today. We were concerned you wouldn't."
That surprised you for a moment, but you were careful to not let it show and instead offered a look of gratitude. "How kind. Thank you. But, I am quite sure you say that to many of your other customers."
"Not at all," Kisuke said assuringly, stepping forward and dropping his fan.
You noticed his usual jovial tone wasn't there. As tempting as it was for you to raise a brow you resisted and kept your poised smile on, and softly giggled, "I see why I do enjoy coming here. Such wonderful customer service. You spoil your customers well Mr. Urahara."
Tessai, Jinta, and Ururu quietly watch, Urahara lifts his fan up back up, recovering the bottom half of his face. His eyes remain steadily on you, even though you kept yours close while smiling. Slowly he closed him and upon opening looked past you at Adam in the wagon. Opening your eyes you noticed this and turn to Adam.
"Busy morning," Kisuke asked.
You nod, "Yes. Quite indeed. Forgive him for this state. He tried to remain awake but halfway here he could not resist the calls of slumber."
"He is a growing boy," Kisuke whispered coming to your side, his eyes squinting for a moment, remaining fixed on Adam, "it's only natural for him to want to sleep this much. I was hoping to see if had any new drawings to give. Can't put enough on the fridge." His light-heartedness tone.
You softly shake your head quietly to hide the rising laugh you wanted to release. "I suppose you shall have to endure my company. Mr. Urahara. The currency might not be equivalent."
Kisuke turned his gaze to you, just as you shifted yours to his, and for a few seconds they lock, "It's more than equivalent, Miss Bishop. Now," he said kindly, folding his fan down with a smile you couldn't quite decipher, but it caused something odd in you that you couldn't place.
Whatever it was, you quickly broke your gaze away and kept it on Adam. Unaware of the curious look Kisuke had on you. Tessai, Jinta, and Ururu quietly shake their heads.
"So, what can I help you with today? Miss Bishop?" Kisuke asked dispelling the silence.
Quickly you recall why you came, and calmly answer, "Incense! I need incense, Mr. Urahara. Do you have any in your position?"
"In fact I do. What's the occasion?"
You were hesitant to say, the day was nearly here..goodness you hope it wouldn't rain, nevertheless you remained a tight lid on those rising feelings and simply say, "An important day."
