Hiromi is not one to settle disputes, nor does she care to interfere, especially between two men.
She can handle children who are easier to negotiate with and help them see both sides of a confrontation. It is what she does for a living anyway. She teaches them to be intelligent, well-mannered little boys and girls and wants them to flourish into successful young adults. They are the future.
Working as a part-time waitress also has its pitfalls of conflict, from wrong orders to long wait times. However, with her above-average interpersonal skills and kind nature, she is able to diffuse negativity. Most of the time, at least.
Along with her approachable personality, she can read people fairly well.
Hiromi is no fool. Starrk was offended when Grimmjow claimed he didn't care about him. If he didn't, Starrk would not have taken the time to speak with Grimmjow or her. He wouldn't have even asked about why Grimmjow had left. Starrk wanted to understand. He had even told her he changed his mind once Starrk put himself in Grimmjow's shoes. So, it means something.
Hiromi padded down the steps of her apartment complex, rushing to catch up with Starrk. During the sprint, she glances over her shoulder, catching sight of Starrk approaching the sidewalk.
"Damnit," she mutters.
She picks up the pace. In doing so, Hiromi misses a step that she almost tumbles but manages to keep her balance. Once she got her bearings, Hiromi continued her sprint, but she knew it would be too late. She swiftly jumps onto the railing from the top landing, sliding down the rest of the way. Hiromi leaped off just as the ground neared, landing flawlessly and gracefully, then called out to Starrk.
"Coyote, wait," she shouts, catching his attention quickly.
Oblivious to her surroundings, Hiromi ran several feet to approach him, except she met the ground with a startled yelp.
A toy race car came zipping in her path from seemingly out of nowhere, tripping her, then landed harshly on her chest with an audible oof. For added humiliation, something lightly smacks the right side of her cheek.
Hiromi lays there, her hair splayed out and arms stretched in front of her. She is confused about what happened, yet she can feel her face heating up and her ears burning.
Aw hell, please tell me he did not see that, Hiromi says to herself.
Groaning, Hiromi hesitantly glances up to skim her gaze upwards, praying to the Kamis that he didn't see her take the fall. Unfortunately, he did. Starrk stood motionless in mid-stride, with his hands tucked in his hakama and slightly widened eyes on her.
Hiromi blushes a bright crimson, frowning deeply at the scenario.
Shit, she cursed.
She glances sideways, avoiding eye contact. When she did, she found what lightly smacked her in the face. It was a small bright yellow and electric green race car toy.
Are… you… kidding me, right now?
Starrk lightly coughs, clearing his throat before speaking.
"You have the beauty of a swan, yet you have the grace of a bull." His tone is smooth and neutral, but there is defiantly amusement laced in his soothing, masculine voice as he slowly approaches Hiromi's fallen form.
"Shut up," she groaned.
Hiromi grunts as she slowly sits up from the ground. Her chest ached from the harsh landing and maybe scrapped her arms, but nothing else. She comes to a kneel and begins to stand when a hand comes into view. Hiromi stares at it briefly before glancing up, discovering Starrk hovering over her and offering a hand.
"Are you in pain," he asks her, beckoning his gloved fingers slightly to urge Hiromi to stand.
She blinks from the question, a little surprised he would ask, yet glad. Although a "Are you okay" would have been nicer but it's just the same.
"Hardly," she replied.
"Considering the momentum and impact, I would have imagined some discomfort in your chest."
Hiromi scratches the back of her ear with a bashful smirk before taking Starrk's patiently waiting hand.
"Eh, maybe a little."
She fluidly stood to her feet with a single tug, settling a foot away from Starrk. Hiromi still doesn't make eye contact with him, only picks at her cuticles and nails. She half expected him to say something, but he never did. Instead, he stood there patiently for her to speak since she asked him to stay a moment longer.
"Thank you," she eventually says and would have said more when two sets of children's voices called out to her in unison.
"Miss Hiromi!"
Hiromi turned to see who had spoken, finding Shirō, and another seven-year-old boy with ash black hair came up to her with concern in his cognac brown eyes. He stops short of her to inspect any injuries.
"Hello, Taro. Was it you that tripped me?" Hiromi inquired gently.
"N-I didn't mean it! I mean, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to." Taro replied quickly with a blush gracing his young features and twirled his fingers.
Hiromi smiles. "It's okay, Taro. I'm not hurt. Thanks for apologizing, though. I see you're playing race cars with Shirō. Having fun so far?"
"Yep! I played with the twins earlier, but the monkeys wanted to play in the trees afterward. I've been playing on my own until Shirō showed up. So, who is your new boyfriend?" Taro asked as he turned his gaze on Starrk. "Hey! That is a wicked cool necklace you have there, Mister!" He exclaims when he sees the teeth around his neck.
"That is what is left from his previous hollow form from what he told me," Shirō explains with a grin.
Starrk stares, a little caught off guard that another child could see him. It took him a moment, but he finally caught sight of the short Chain of Fate on Taro's chest. It looked six inches away from where it was attached to his body. The boy's spirit has a short time left in this world.
Surprisingly, it saddened Starrk.
Taro stares at Starrk with an excited gleam in his eye. "Really? So, you were once one of those things, huh? Cool! You must be very strong and powerful if you look like a human now, Mister. I bet you were one of those mean, scary-looking ones that growl like a beastly animal!"
The boy immediately got on all fours, snarling, growling, and shaking his head like a rabid dog. He runs in a little circle for added effect while howling, imitating the hollows he sees on the norm.
"Taro!" Hiromi balks.
Shirō chuckles at his spirit friend while Starrk stares with a raised brow, highly amused and allowing himself to smile softly. "Would you be frightened if I was?"
The boy instantly stops his act and turns to Starrk, grinning. "Nope! I'm not even scared of them either."
"That opinion will change if one chases you, kid."
"Pfft, why would they? It's not like I wander too far anyway."
"They are demonic beings that…." Starrk doesn't finish when Hiromi interrupts.
"It's probably best if you didn't finish that, Coyote."
"I know what they go after," Taro admits, twirling his fingers.
"We've seen them what they do, too. Yeah, we think they're cool-looking, but we know they're dangerous. Hiromi told us…." Shirō is interrupted when Hiromi decides to cut him off.
"I think it's time for you two to continue playing with the racecars," she says with a sweat drop. "Why don't you go play near the gardens but stay within eyesight, okay? Besides, I need to speak with Coyote in private about something."
Both boys pout at Hiromi but agree.
"Alright. It was nice meeting you, Coyote, sir," Taro grins, grabs his toys then runs off.
Shirō lingers, staring at Starrk with an expectant glare and a beaming grin.
"You'll stick around afterward, right?"
"Unfortunately, I can not. I must be leaving."
"Why so soon?"
Starrk took a moment to consider his words before speaking.
"Had a disagreement."
"Translation, you got into a fight with the numbskull. All siblings do, but I'm sure your brother is still glad you're here."
Starrk stares at the child, unsure of how to respond.
On the other hand, Hiromi glances at Starrk with eyes widened in curiosity yet caught his unease.
"Oh, um, Grimmjow was not exactly happy his brother came here for some reason."
Shirō gazes at Hiromi, then Starrk. "Why is that? Was he being a dumbass still?"
"Shirō!"
"What? He is. The frostbite greeted me with a snarl because I disturbed his nap."
Starrk coughs to keep himself from chuckling. The nickname of "frostbite" humored him.
"Well, to be honest, Shirō, he is not particularly happy, to begin with. Unfortunately, he got into a pretty nasty brawl, and I'm helping him heal from the injuries he obtained."
"Oh, that's why you had to take a short leave of absence. You're such a nice lady, Miss Hiromi! You're helping Coyote's brother to get better and reunite them. He needs to stop being a dumb…."
"Shirō," Hiromi gently warns.
"Oh, oops, sorry. The dumb-dumb needs to realize how lucky he is to have a brother that still cares about him. He'll apologize, I'm sure of it."
"Fat chance," Starrk muttered under his breath.
Hiromi smiles, "I'm sure he will, too. That's why I'm out here. To settle this little argument of theirs. Now, run along and play with Taro. He is waiting for you."
"Okay! I'll see you around, Coyote. Oh, and I'm sorry. It was my race car that tripped you."
Hiromi smiles brightly. "I figured that it was yours. But don't worry, though, since it was an accident. You can see I'm fine, no bruises, no broken bones. Besides," she pauses to pat the tops of her breasts lightly. "I have these to cushion my fall."
Shirō giggles. "Bumper boobies!"
Starrk had to bite his tongue and press his lips to keep himself from laughing. Hiromi lightly chuckles.
"Alright, go play with your race cars now."
"Okay. Hopefully, you do stick around, Coyote. You're pretty cool." Shirō replies happily towards Starrk and then runs off to play.
Starrk and Hiromi watched the little boy, not saying a word for at least a moment.
The silence is disturbed when Hiromi sighs and speaks.
"He's certainly taken a shine to you."
"I don't see why he would."
"He sees something in you he likes. Maybe even you in general."
"There's nothing about me to like."
"Well, you do have a way of interacting with children. So, I can see why he likes you. He doesn't have a father figure to look up to, just his mother."
"And I should care why?"
Hiromi turns to him, her eyes expressionless.
"Shirō watched his father get killed by some low-life thug when he was four. So, he's been wary of other men ever since. For as long as I've known him, you're the first male Shirō has met that he's comfortable with if he was willing to talk with you and want you around."
Starrk says nothing. He stares ahead at the garden where the two seven-year-olds are playing, considering Hiromi's words. He sighs after a moment, recognizing something during their innocent and carefree interaction.
"What about Taro? What's his story?"
"Taro has been here long before I moved to the apartment three years ago. From what I understand, there was a fire on the top floor of the apartment complex. He and the twins, Misa and Ran, lost their lives that day. They still don't know what caused it after a decade. Since I met them, I've been looking and waiting for a shinigami to come by, so they can help the kids pass on."
This caught Starrk's attention.
"Is that not their job? To show them a path to a new life and ease them from their suffering?"
He noticed disdain dripping from her tone, which caused him to question what her encounter with a shinigami was like. Starrk doesn't doubt whatever had happened left a sour grape in her mouth.
"Except none showed. The kids don't want to pass on because they want to continue watching out for their families, especially Taro. He wants to look out for his little sister, even though she is a teenager and going off to college soon."
Starrk let this little tidbit sink in, feeling sympathetic about the children dying so young and tragically. However, he was fascinated that Hiromi knew of the shinigami's purpose. What else does she know about them? And how?
"What do you know about the shinigami? How would you know what their job is?"
Hiromi glares at him. "Seriously? That's all you got out of that?"
"Don't get me wrong, what happened with the children is tragic. Shirō especially. No child should witness such brutality."
Hiromi says nothing, just gives him a cold glare from the corner of her eye, which he misses.
"No one should. I only know about the shinigami because Grimmjow reluctantly told me about them. I know they are death gods, grim reapers, so to speak, wielding those large scythes of theirs and all skeletal like."
He scuffs, a sneer crossing his thin lips. "It's actually the other way around. The shinigami have the faces of angels with swords to pass on souls. The demons like hollows are the ones with skeletal appearances and feast on souls, our kind excluding. Some are not that all bad. They're just hard to find. While others are as vicious as they come."
Hiromi blinks and tilts her head slightly.
"Hmm, I never thought of it that way. Were you one of the few that were hard to find?"
It was Starrk's turn to blink. He glances down at her, catching her wonderous stare that seems childlike.
"I wouldn't know. None of the hollows I encountered before this form lived long enough to know me."
Hiromi blinks again, shifting slightly to stand a little closer to him.
"Why is that?"
"I'll leave that up for interpretation. I know you stopped me for a reason, not just to trip over some children's plaything and share with me about the children." He speculated, loosening his back into a comfortable slouch.
Hiromi's shoulders had visibly relaxed with a soft sigh.
"Not everything goes according to plan, you know. I need to speak with you about Grimmjow."
"I figured as much. He still has half an hour," Starrk states as he begins to turn away.
"You gave Grimmjow additional time for a reason, Coyote."
"I did. What of it?"
"I feel you wanted me to speak for him. Not say our goodbyes and come up with some plan. Am I right, or am I wrong?"
He turns to regard Hiromi, suppressing a satisfied smirk.
"I think you know the answer, Lady Hiromi."
Hiromi stares at him with a pucker of her lips.
"You're pretty clever, aren't you?"
"I'm simply observant, as we both established."
"Still, you analyzed the situation and worked an angle to get me to speak on Grimmjow's behalf. Which, I'm assuming you've seen his injuries."
"I have and still intend to return the hothead to Los Noches since he is alive."
"I highly advise against it. Grimmjow may be hotheaded, but he is still in the healing process and is going stir crazy for staying in one place for too long."
"Does that explain his disrespect?"
"He's been like that since I've met him. I assume it's part of his personality. Although, I seem to get him under control on most days and has toned it down a little."
"A little?" Starrk questioned with an arched brow.
"Eh, he's a work in progress. He was extremely crass and should not have spoken to you like he had. I know it bothered you."
"What makes you think it did?"
"I'm observant, as we both established earlier," Hiromi smiled curtly.
Starrk stumbled to argue but knew it would be useless since Hiromi is attentive to the people around her. He sighs deeply, then glances away to stare at the door panel of her apartment.
"Even if he did, it still won't keep me from dragging the disrespectful hothead back where he needs to be."
"Why is he wanted back? Did he do something he shouldn't have before leaving?"
He blinks at the question. Starrk wasn't directed to bring Grimmjow back. He was sent here to confirm Kaname's suspicions if he were alive. He is taking the extra step, so neither he nor anyone else is ordered to return the moron. This is self-motivation to look good in Lord Aizen's eyes without being asked to do anything additional. It is also showing authority to the once lower Espada member, but mostly because he's being an ass due to Grimmjow's disrespectful tongue.
Starrk sighs heavily and rubs the back of his neck.
"Not that I'm aware of, and he's not wanted back yet," Starrk confesses.
Hiromi blinks up at him, her lips screwing slightly, and folds her arms over. She observes him briefly, reading his facial features and body language. Starrk let her analyze him, not in the least bit bothered by it because, frankly, he is comfortable around her for some reason.
After a long silent moment, Hiromi's soft voice filled his ears.
"I think you're doing this just to be an ass," she starts with a quirk of her lips.
Starrk relaxed more into a casual slouch and leaned slightly towards the woman beside him.
"Maybe, a little," he admits, mirroring Hiromi's smirk.
"Yet you are engaging in an additional task not given to you, so your leader will like your initiative. Am I correct?"
"Yes, and because I have nothing better to do. It would save Lord Aizen from sending me back or anyone else on a mission to snatch the numbskull."
"Then here is another question, and be honest with me like you are now. What will you do with the information now that you know Grimmjow's living status?"
"Hmm, good question," Starrk replies.
Hiromi stares at Starrk, watching his gaze bore onto her apartment door. She wondered what the tall and handsome man was thinking right now. The question she posed to him seems to have him silently strategizing like shuffling chess pieces for a big move. Whatever he is pondering has her worried. She doesn't want this person to take away the one thing easing her loneliness.
"I know you're still thinking about it," Hiromi whispers. "But will you consider one thing?"
Starrk glances away from the second-floor apartment to Hiromi, locking gazes with her. He noticed something in her eye that made him see himself in her and was disturbed by it. She seemed lonely, lifeless, and so incredibly sad. Why that was, he wouldn't know. Yet, there is this darkness in the shadows of her soul. It's as if something happened in her life that shouldn't have. Whatever it was, this event molded her into the person she became: analytical, cautious, and persuasive, yet she's kind and gentle.
Starrk won't voice his observation about her character. He would much rather put this encounter with Hiromi behind him and finish his mission. He's overstayed her company and wants to have a nap before returning to Los Noches with Grimmjow in tow.
"Whatever you're going say, I won't put it into consideration. Ten minutes have passed, and I would like a nap before returning. Twenty minutes."
Hiromi's eyes widened once the casual demeanor dissolved in a flash, and watched Starrk breeze away from her.
"But, you never gave me a chance to further plead Grimmjow's case. So, why not now?"
"I've wasted enough time as it is. Have the hothead ready in twenty."
"Hold on now," Hiromi rushes over and grabs him by the arm.
The instant her fingers wrap around his forearm, she flinches back when Starrk scowls down at her.
"I'm sorry, but can you at least give me a moment to speak for him?"
"What more is there to say? We're done here."
He turned away from her, pressing on to have some time to himself, but Hiromi would not let the conversation end.
"We are far from over with this conversation, Starrk. You've seen Grimmjow's injuries, and he is in no condition to travel anywhere. He sustained multiple surface wounds that are easy to heal, but he does have several bruised ribs with at least one cracked and a broken arm. It will take at least six weeks, maybe even more, to heal."
"In his current environment, yes, it will take the rate of a typical human to recover. A certain amount of reishi, or spirit particles, here in the living world can aid him in his recovery, but only a little. However, where we reside, there is a vast amount that can accelerate the process and bring him to full health within a few days. That is one of the reasons why I'm bringing him back."
Hiromi stares at him, slightly unnerved by what he told her, but critically processes the information with scrutiny before speaking.
"If what you say is true, why didn't you mention this earlier? You said you were being an ass about escorting Grimmjow back. Yet you're doing this because you have nothing better to do and want to appease Lord Aizen with your initiative. So, which statement is true, Starrk? If you say one or the other, you lied about your reasoning, and I don't tolerate liars. If you say both, you failed to inform me of the other bullet point of your argument."
Starrk eyes slightly widened, unsure where this underlining fury was coming from. Yeah, she is angry at him and has every right to, but this is a wave of anger she felt before. He gazes into her eyes again, noting the darkness he saw earlier has become darker. Someone caused her great pain, and Starrk can't help but feel a slight pang of guilt.
He sighs in exasperation and rubs the back of his head and neck. Starrk gives Hiromi one last look before walking away from her.
"I think you know what the answer is, Lady Hiromi."
Hiromi says nothing as Starrk walks several feet further away, her anger easing slightly.
After a moment, Starrk pauses in his step but refuses to glance back at Hiromi.
"You mentioned me considering something earlier. What would that be?"
"Would it make a difference and change your mind?"
"It depends," he responds.
"Depends on what?"
Starrk regards her over the curve of his shoulder, finding Hiromi several feet from him, arms crossed, and her ample bosoms displaying a generous portion of cleavage.
"How you persuade me," he answers, fighting a smirk.
Her nose wrinkles and her lips curl into a soft grimace.
"With words, Lass. No… physical favors are needed."
"Lass," Hiromi questioned with a quirked brow and a faint smile. "And what was I supposed to think when a handsome man asks to persuade them?"
"I'm not your typical human man, you know?"
"I realized that now. So, shut up and wipe that smirk off your face."
Starrk quickly erased the smirk he was fighting back with a frown.
"And the thing I want you to consider is more of a perspective."
Starrk's brow rose, "Perspective?"
"You mentioned you had a change in opinion about caring for Grimmjow's situation. You obviously care since you were allowing him to talk about it. Of course, he had to be an ass about it and not trust you. Taking him back is understandable because Grimmjow can heal better in an environment with an abundance of this reishi you mentioned and for his rude behavior."
"Where are you going with this?" Starrk interrupts, boredom starting to show.
"My selling point. When you take Grimmjow back to heal, what happens afterward?"
Starrk blinks, his brows knitting.
"Pardon?"
"There must be some sort of consequences for Grimmjow's actions, right? He enlightened me that if this happens, there are several scenarios of what could happen if someone were to find out and escort him back. Once he is adequately healed, he will be stripped of his rank and assigned a three number where he lives in solitude. A second option would be to be kept in captivity like a criminal for the remainder of his days in solitary confinement like this Inoue girl he told me about. Third, one Grimmjow does not want is to be punished by execution. There is also the idea of banishment, which is unlikely with Grimmjow's actions. With those possible scenarios, which would be at the forefront of Lord Aizen's mind?"
Starrk stares down at Hiromi, perplexed yet startled that she would know about these likely situations. It's something he didn't consider until now. What will happen? What sort of consequences would Grimmjow face if Starrk did escort him back without being asked? He can't figure which would be more likely or unlikely as they are all probable. Exile is not in the running since Grimmjow would prefer it, but he knows it won't happen. What really blows Starrk's mind is why would Grimmjow say anything to this woman? What benefit does it give him?
"He told you about all of that," he questioned finally.
"You won't believe what people say or do once you have gained their trust."
He stares at Hiromi through narrow, contemplative eyes.
"He trusts you?"
"He does," she replies, hesitating to say more.
"Why?"
Hiromi fidgets with her fingers, glances over her shoulder to the apartment, and sighs.
"Do you remember the incident I mentioned earlier?"
"I remember. What happened?"
"I can't give you the details. It's not my place. I will tell you this, though, it was a pivotal moment for both of us since Grimmjow finally opened up and trusted me. I owe him a lot as he does me. We promised to protect each other, and I'm doing whatever is necessary to keep that promise."
Starrk stared blankly at her and silently clenched a fist in his hakama pocket. The determination in her gaze had him wondering what exactly happened that would cause Grimmjow to trust a woman and reveal so much to her. Grimmjow does possess a lot of information he could provide to the shinigami. Still, Starrk has a gut feeling that no action to leak anything has been made or ever will. He is beginning to think that Grimmjow might pose a threat to his former colleagues.
Hiromi's insight proved she has a valid point and raises more concern. What will become of Grimmjow once he steps foot back at Los Noches? This is something for Starrk to consider and plan the right course of action. What that is, Starrk doesn't know still. He has to do some serious thinking.
He sighs heavily with a hand running through his hair and rubs the back of his neck. Starrk stares at Hiromi, searching for an answer within her determined tropical orbs. Another thought occurred to him as he held Hiromi's gaze. What will become of her if Starrk decides to return Grimmjow? She will be left vulnerable here, and the thought of something happening to this woman actually concerned him. Should he bring her with where some of the more ruthless Espada members are? Starrk doesn't doubt Hiromi will be held captive, and who knows what will happen if Ulquiorra is assigned to keep watch over her. Hiromi doesn't have any powers that he knows of. If any of his associates decided to try something, she wouldn't be able to defend herself. She may know some basics, but it won't help her when he and the others are basically trained warriors. Hiromi won't stand a chance. That place will lead to her demise.
With another hard sigh, Starrk glances away and starts towards the sidewalk.
"You earned an extension. You now have one hour."
Hiromi rapidly blinks at his retreating back, silently gaping.
"Huh, an hour? I thought," she begins only to be interrupted.
"I have a lot to consider now, and I need ample time to think things through."
Hiromi's chest fills as a breath catches in her throat.
"Oh, um, thank you. I guess it's a good thing you are thinking things through."
"Why is that?"
"Well, Grimmjow did tell me he would much rather be alone than in bad company. Except, he is not alone since he has me."
Starrk doesn't say anything, just stared ahead and considered what she shared to him.
He would rather be alone than in bad company. That makes sense, Starrk says to himself.
"Maybe I shouldn't have said anything. So, forget I said that. What will happen within an hour?"
Starrk glances over his shoulder at her, skimming over her form.
"You'll just have to see."
Within a blink, Starrk uses sonído, disappearing from Hiromi's sight.
Hiromi eyed the spot Starrk once stood, confused about what happened, yet felt a wave of excitement. She managed to get him to reconsider his actions and is giving her and Grimmjow time to formulate a plan. Well, more so for him to think things through, but Hiromi has plenty of time to deliberate. She may not have many options to offer, but with Grimmjow's input, they can do something to prevent any further complications with their relationship.
Hiromi sighed heavily, then quickly rushed toward her apartment and do some damage control. She doesn't doubt Grimmjow is up there sitting on pins and needles about what she could be doing to convince Starrk to keep him here. Hiromi hopes the news she has will do.
Once she returned to her apartment, Hiromi half expected Grimmjow to be standing in the middle of the room, fuming still or pacing. Instead, the hothead is settled on the couch with legs extended and resting on the table. His arms are folded, and he has a soft frown on his lips with his head against the plush couch. Upon closer inspection, Grimmjow's eyes are shut. One would think he would be asleep in this comfortable position, but Hiromi knew better. She has learned his body language over these past few weeks, knowing when to back off or not and other visual cues. Grimmjow is simply sitting back, appearing not to care about anything when deep down he is worried.
She stood over him, silently watching his comfortable form before Hiromi sat beside him. She lightly touched his forearm, rubbed it briefly before settling at his side, and gently laid her head against his shoulder. Hiromi sat quietly with eyes trained on the television, counting the markings on the dials and the specks of dust collecting on the screen. Her reflection and Grimmjow's are dark silhouettes against the blurry grayness behind them.
They silently sat there while allowing the warmth and touch of their bodies to ease them into the plush couch.
"I guess I need to dust again," Hiromi whispers, softly disturbing the silence in the room.
~ooo~
Grimmjow says nothing, just remains silent. He does, however, open his eyes and watches Hiromi from the reflection on the television. She appeared relaxed, but Grimmjow knows better. He may not see it from the screen, but he can tell from how she touched and laid on his shoulder. Hiromi is exhausted. She has done far too much in the apartment, from cooking and cleaning to taking care of him and running errands at odd hours of the day. The girl hardly has time to relax except when she bathes, which is pretty much every day but is limited to ten or even fifteen minutes. She would have had her alone time since Grimmjow was napping, at the time, if Starrk hadn't shown up how he did.
Thinking back on the moment, Grimmjow would have done something to Starrk if he wasn't blocking Hiromi from his seeking eyes. If he had touched Hiromi in any fashion, all bets were off. Grimmjow would have attacked Starrk despite getting his ass handed back to him. However, the Primera's actions were a sign Starrk wasn't there to lay harm onto her like Grimmjow initially thought.
Instead, Starrk was there for him, and Grimmjow would not allow the strongest Espada member to escort him back. Leaving here would just leave the kind woman vulnerable and alone. Grimmjow doesn't like the thought of leaving her behind, not when something is out there watching her every move. Staying by Hiromi's side is keeping whatever it is back. He has to protect her from it like Grimmjow promised. Hiromi promised to keep him safe from his colleagues and any hollows that might attack him. He doesn't doubt she is doing everything she can to keep it. His pledge to her is on the verge of being compromised.
He sighs heavily, carefully shifts in his spot to uncross his arms, and snake one behind her back. Hiromi instantly snuggles closer and wraps her arms around his bare chest. Grimmjow does not do hugs, nor is he a sentimental person. In another lifetime, he would push her, anyone really, away if they encircled him in an embrace and killed them. However, with Hiromi, things are different. She gave him something no one else had, and that is kindness. He'll accept her occasional hugs, small words of encouragement, and comforting touches. They wouldn't be here if Grimmjow hadn't let her in so early on and when he was at his most vulnerable state. Holding onto her just brings back the dilemma he's facing.
He has twenty minutes. At least, that's what Grimmjow thinks he has left. They need to figure out something to resolve this predicament they're in. He thought about some possibilities, but nothing seemed like a good idea.
Once Starrk comes back for him, he considered having Hiromi come along. Except, Grimmjow doesn't want her anywhere near the lewd whale-mouth Nnoitra or the pink-haired freak Szayelaporro because those two would terrorize her. Grimmjow knows Ulquiorra won't do anything. He's not exactly the type to deliberately cause discomfort and detest anything of suggestive nature. No, he is the one to diffuse confrontations if trouble arises. Yet, Ulquiorra won't hesitate to put someone in their place for doing something stupid. Grimmjow falls into that category since he and Ulquiorra have had their qualms.
He doubts any of the others will harass Hiromi. Fish Tank probably wouldn't look her way. Glory Melons Harribel would undoubtedly keep a watchful eye on Hiromi. She and her fellow female fracción would gang up on any male who dared to mess with the girl. Pinhead Zommari wouldn't bother with Hiromi, nor would Gramps Baraggan. So, maybe it wouldn't be so bad for her to be there. Although bringing her along sounds selfish, even though he is trying to protect her. Something he has never considered doing before.
Leaving Hiromi alone is out of the question. So, he is not going to put much thought into it.
Then he had a lightbulb moment that could work. The Dandelion Head Ichigo Kurosaki. Grimmjow may have a score to settle with the punk, but the kid is a shinigami with resources and connections. His little friends might know someone who could lend a helping hand. Of course, everything comes with a price. If Grimmjow moves forward with this idea, he can go to the shinigami and provide his enemies with information in exchange for asylum and help him protect Hiromi. He doesn't necessarily want to side with them, but he could be a valuable asset with the information he has.
Grimmjow could bring Hiromi along and help support his proposal if the shinigami don't trust him. She is a good negotiator since Hiromi works with rugrats and knows when to intervene. Her skills will undoubtedly be an asset to his pitch. He is worried, though, if they will suspect Hiromi of being one of his colleagues in a gigai. Of course, she can argue their suspicions are based on paranoia and poor judgment.
He grinned with excitement yet felt a little nervous about the idea of seeking the shinigami's help.
"Hey, you awake," he urged and gently rubbed her arm.
For a moment, Hiromi said nothing. Her lack of response made Grimmjow believe she had fallen asleep, which she needed. However, he had to share his plan before Starrk showed up.
"Oi, girly, wake_yeow, " he jolts from a pinch at his side. "What the hell, girly?"
"I am awake, you numbskull," she finally answers.
Grimmjow groans as he massages his left rib.
"It certainly seemed like you were, and why the hell did you pinch me?"
"Because you were being loud. Now shut up so I can rest a while," Hiromi requested while snuggling further at his side.
"Squeeze me any longer, I will end up throwing you off, Rom. And did you forget what Starrk said earlier? He gave me half an hour before he drags my ass back, and ten minutes have passed already."
"There's no need for you to worry, Grim."
Grimmjow blinks, then glance down at the girl who remains to hug his chest.
"Why is that?"
"Coyote gave me an extension."
A thin brow rose at this.
"An extension?"
"Yeah, he gave us an hour because he has a lot to think about now."
"Oh, really now? What exactly did you tell him that he has a lot to think about?"
"I gave him a different perspective on things. More specifically, your perspective. There is also the question of what would become of you if you did return. I'm sure this maniac Lord Aizen has something in mind for your abandonment."
"Tch, there's no doubt he wants my ass skewered," Grimmjow spats, unhooked Hiromi's arms, and lightly shoves her away.
"There are no options for what I did," he continues, then stands to pace behind the couch. "I'm a traitor, Romi, and my punishment is death. There's no avoiding it."
"Did you forget I got Coyote to reconsider?" Hiromi reminded him.
Grimmjow says nothing, only stares.
"There are options because I gave him possible scenarios."
He continues to say nothing but does blink.
"While death is an option, there are more to consider. If Coyote forced you into returning, you would heal faster than you are now. There is an abundance of reishi there than here anyway."
"Oh good, I can heal and then die," Grimmjow quips sarcastically.
"Not necessarily. You could be demoted like you were last time and given a three-number rank instead of your previous sixth, where you would live in solitude."
"Pfft," Grimmjow waves dismissively. "Like I want to be one of them and hang around with those weirdos. Cirucci especially, that broad is crazy."
Hiromi smirked as he paced while she sat watching him from the couch.
"Crazier than you can be?"
He stops mid-stride to glare at her with an angry pucker and a flush.
"Shut up, and I'm not crazy."
"Maybe crazy is not the right term for you. I think a sadistic maniac would be a better description."
Grimmjow flashes his signature maniacal grin at her and flexes his pectorals.
"You have no idea how accurate you are."
"Oh, I don't have to because I've seen that terrifying trait before," she replied with a tremble that Grimmjow caught. "Anyway, there is also the chance of being imprisoned like that girl you told me about. You would at least have a view instead of some dank and dark dungeon cell."
"That's likely, but it won't happen. I'm a dead man walking, Rom."
"You are not going to die. I won't allow it."
"Your determination is appreciated, but this is not your problem to handle, chicky."
Hiromi's back stiffened and fists clenched at her sides.
"Excuse me? This is my problem because I'm involved now."
"I know that, and I should be the one figuring shit out, not you," Grimmjow argues as he thundered across the room and then back.
Hiromi watches him angrily pace like a raging bull while mumbling under his breath.
"Look, I know this is stressing you out, but you must remain calm. We have more than enough time to figure something out if Coyote returns."
Grimmjow groans, "Don't you mean, once he returns?"
"I may not have a lot of trust in him right now, but I feel he is thinking about something other than just you."
"And what makes you think that?"
Hiromi was silent for a moment, remembering how Starrk looked at her. It looked like he was considering the possibilities of what could become of her, and he seemed disturbed by it. Why though? What did he believe would happen with her, and why did Starrk seem guilty?
"I don't know. Call it a hunch, but I think Coyote was considering the possibilities of what could become of me."
Grimmjow's lips screwed, humming. "I'm not sure why he would, but I was also thinking about it. Once he takes me back, I'm not leaving you alone here, that's for damn sure."
Hiromi blinks, and her lips pinch slightly.
"Meaning what exactly?"
"Meaning you're coming with me, Romi. I may not like the idea since a few might cause trouble, but I think most won't bother you. At least I hope they won't."
She slouches slightly, humming.
"Do you think I will be safe there?"
Grimmjow heaves a sigh as he runs a hand through his hair.
"I don't know. You might be. It will beat being here, wouldn't it?"
"Maybe, but I'm not keen on being somewhere when my safety is questionable. Is there not anything else we can do?"
Grimmjow sighs again, unsure if he wants to discuss his original idea of going to the shinigami for aid. There is a fifty-fifty chance they won't assist him, but what if they do? He and Hiromi would be safe. That is a guarantee.
He stops pacing and glances over at Hiromi, who remained on the couch facing him. She is chewing on her bottom lip, and her nimble fingers are lightly drumming on the cushion beside her. Hiromi stares at him. Her warm and kind eyes are replaced with apprehension and uncertainty, making his stomach twist.
His shoulders slumped, and his features softened. Hiromi has stuck her neck out for him not once but twice for crying out loud. She's fucking ballsy, and he actually likes that quality. He owes her more than she knows. Grimmjow needs to stop hesitating for fear of making the wrong decision. He must protect the only person who gives a shit about him.
Grimmjow sighs with his lips slightly screwed to the side and shoves his hands in his lounge pants pockets.
"I have another idea, but it might require your help."
Hiromi blinks, then adjusts to sit on her shins with arms resting on the backrest.
"What kind of help?"
"Your negotiating skills. I know someone who might help, but I'm not sure they would want to when I have a beef with him. Do you remember me talking about that one shinigami? You know, the dandelion idiot Ichigo Kurosaki?"
Hiromi blinks again with a slight tilt of her head.
"I do. I've actually seen him around a few times but never paid any attention to him. Do you think he knows someone that could help us with your situation?"
"Uh duh, he is a shinigami, Hiromi. They all have connections, and I don't doubt there's more here. I think it would be one hell of a power move to go to them and provide them information."
"And you don't think they already know Aizen's plans?"
"Knowing the shinigami, they probably do… or don't. Who knows. Besides, it doesn't mean I can't tell them anything they might not know, like how many arrancars Aizen accumulated."
"I don't think that will sell them into helping you, Grimmjow. How can my negotiating skills help?"
"I know that," he bit softly. "It was just an example. It will help because I doubt they will trust me. They might even accuse you of being one of my colleagues in disguise."
"Which will be foolish for them to assume since it will be based on paranoia and poor judgment."
Grimmjow snorts a laugh. "I figured you would argue that point."
She smiles in return.
"Okay, so your plan is to seek the shinigami and provide them information."
"Yeah, but that is what they would want in exchange for me seeking asylum and helping protect you, Romi."
He sees her sink into the couch, her eyes trained on his.
"Let me get this straight. You're going to the shinigami to provide information in exchange for protecting me?"
Grimmjow wanted to snarl, feeling insulted that she would think he was doing this for his benefit.
"I did promise to protect you, didn't I? It's not just myself I'm worried about here."
She swallows tightly, and her bottom lip trembles slightly before softly smiling.
"Okay. Let's find this punk and ask who would best help us."
Grimmjow grins at her. He doesn't doubt Hiromi would be one hell of a loyal companion if she were like him and the others.
"I think I know who he will direct us to if the punk decides to help. I only know of them because Emo Bat Ulquiorra shared information with us after his mission here. Apparently, there is a former shinigami captain here by the name of Urahara that came to Kuroski's aid, and_ uh, what is with that face?"
Hiromi's previous expression crumbled when he mentioned the shinigami captain's name. Her gaze shifted to stare at the floorboard, and her lips quivered. She doesn't say anything, leaving them in a silence that left Grimmjow grimacing and scratching the back of his neck.
"Um, Rom, you alright there?"
When she didn't regard him or say anything after a moment, Grimmjow became concerned but felt a pang of betrayal bloom in his chest. Her silence made him believe she was guilty about something and kept a secret from him. If she knows about Urahara, then there is a chance Hiromi is a shinigami.
"You know him, don't you?"
"Kisuke? Yeah, I know him," she answers softly with strain.
Grimmjow's lips curled into a disgusted scowl, and his nose wrinkled.
"I don't think I have to guess how you do. Are you one of them, Hiromi? A shinigami?"
Her gaze lifts within a heartbeat and stares him straight in the eye.
"Absolutely not," she answered.
"Then how do you know about him, woman?"
Hiromi sighed heavily, then stood away from the couch and started towards the bedroom.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"To change."
Grimmjow scowls at her response. He reaches out to stop her, but she flinches out of his reach. He noticed Hiromi tremble as she shielded her arm and stared into nothingness. Grimmjow felt his stomach twist from the way she protected herself and the look of anguish in her gaze. He realized something had happened to her and felt this Urahara person was responsible.
He sighed heavily as his hand withdrew and kept it within her eyesight. Hiromi noticed his movement, visibly relaxing.
"How do you know him, Hiromi?" He questioned softly despite the twinge of anger in his voice.
She regards him with a sideways glance and a slight frown.
"Please don't get the wrong idea. Kisuke wouldn't do anything to hurt me."
"Are you saying that to keep me from killing him?"
"No. I'm being honest. I know Kisuke because he saved me when I was a child."
Grimmjow's brow rose.
"Saved you how?"
Hiromi paused for a moment before responding with a sigh.
"I don't want to get into my complicated past. Not now, at least. It's difficult to talk about it anyway. So please be patient with me."
Grimmjow gently nodded and slowly reached to cradle her shoulder. She doesn't flinch this time but leans into his comforting hand.
"I know where he lives, so I will take you to him. I just hope he is still there. I haven't seen him in five years, and those are the years I wish he were around. Give me five minutes to dress, and we'll go."
She moves to step out from underneath his hand but stops when he squeezes her shoulder. Grimmjow's grip is gentle yet firm, rooting Hiromi in place. He felt a slight tremor and what sounded like a whimper from her lips. Hiromi's gaze remained to stare ahead of her, but Grimmjow could still see tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. The sight of her unshed tears caused his chest to constrict and his grip on her shoulder tighten. She doesn't flinch, which is a good sign for him. For some odd and bizarre reason, Grimmjow does not like the sight of her crying.
He wanted to say something but wasn't sure what to say. What can one say when you don't know what caused the other to cry? Grimmjow could try comforting Hiromi, but he doesn't know how to do that either. The only thing he could think of was to promise her time and patience.
Grimmjow asses her, softly frowning at the ghostly trail of a lone tear.
"Whenever you're ready to talk about it, I'll be ready to listen."
Hiromi gazes at him uncertainly.
"You won't judge me whenever I do?"
Grimmjow's lips screwed softly, removed his hand from her shoulder and then held out a pinky.
Hiromi stares at it, her lips twitching to fight a smirk.
"I won't judge you, girly. I promise you."
"A pinky promise?"
"I can give you my word, but I don't think that would be enough. It's like a bind, uh contract, whatever," Grimmjow responds with a furious red blush and a pout.
Hiromi stares at him still, her smirk beginning to show.
"I think you've been reading too much of my girly magazines, Grimmy."
"It's about the only thing you have around here to read, Romi. You could have gotten me some masculine reads about gangsters or even a porno mag while on your errands."
Hiromi slaps his hand and then pokes at his chest.
"Ouch!"
"If there was something specific you wanted, you could have told me. And I will not purchase anything smutty, you pig. The last thing I want you doing is beating at your root."
Grimmjow's features contort.
"Beat at my what?"
"The thing hanging between your girly thighs like a swollen limp noodle."
"What the? I do not have girly thighs and don't compare my dick to something I eat almost daily. I won't unsee it now."
"At least it's only the testicles and not the hairy stones," Hiromi replied, then started towards the bedroom.
"Ugh, that's just gross."
He quickly follows her retreating form and dashes in front to stop Hiromi in her tracks.
"I'm serious, though," he held his pink again and stared Hiromi in the eye.
"I promise I won't judge you, Hiromi. No matter what."
She stares at his hand with a gentle purse of her lips and brows furrowed. After a second of her deliberating, Hiromi regards him with a strange yet resolved look.
"How about this? We promise to always be there for each no matter the circumstances."
Grimmjow regards her with an arched brow.
"Even if I did something stupid?"
"If you did it with the best intentions, yes. Would you do the same if it were reversed?"
"I would," he answered quickly and held his pinky closer.
Hiromi softly smiles and wraps her finger around his.
"Then it's a promise."
Updated 06/23/2022 with dialogue fixes, additional scenes, and grammar fixes