We? What does she mean by "we?" Kisuke wondered as he stared at Hiromi.
He searched her gaze for an answer, but he didn't seem to find anything to resolve his confusion and alarm.
He snaps his gaze away from Hiromi to Grimmjow, who instinctively stands straight from being acknowledged. Kisuke glances from Grimmjow to Hiromi a few times before it slowly dawned on him.
"Alright, explain to me why he needs my help." He points at Grimmjow with a deep scowl.
"Only if you explain why you feel the need to harbor hostility towards my friend, Mr. Urahara."
A brow quirked at this.
"Friend? Your friend here is an enemy, Hiromi. An Arrancar of Sōsuke Aizen's army. Dare I say more? Oh, I forgot to mention that he and his comrades invaded Karakura town just two months ago, injuring several of my own."
"I'm aware of his actions, Kisuke. Your anger and reluctance are justifiable because of his crass actions. However, Grimmjow is no longer associated with his employer."
"Meaning what exactly?"
"Grimmjow abandoned his position, which resulted in a negative outcome, and is facing the consequences. Grimmjow is no enemy to you."
"I beg to differ. Your friend doesn't need my help."
Hiromi's eyes narrow dangerously, growing cold. "If you refuse to assist him, then you are refusing me. If you ignore my request, you will have my blood on your hands."
Kisuke stares, his brows softening. "Uh, what do you mean by that?"
He sees Hiromi press her lips and glances toward Grimmjow, lightly blushing.
"I unknowingly got myself involved," Hiromi started, only to be interrupted by Kisuke again.
"Unknowingly? What the hell is going on, Hiromi?"
"If you shut up for one second, I might explain everything to you."
Kisuke's lips pucker slightly. "Did you seriously just tell me to shut up?"
"I never stuttered in my life," Hiromi uttered with a slight playful smirk.
"Meanie." He pouts.
"You are such a child, Kisuke. Can you let me speak now?"
"So, start talking then. How did you unknowingly get yourself involved in this mess, Romi?"
"My involvement is because of my interference. Somehow, Kaname Tōsen learned of Grimmjow's treason and sought justice. It seemed like punishment to me. He followed Grimmjow and started a battle here, drawing my curious self to the scene. Upon my arrival, Kaname had knocked him down and intended to deliver the final, devastating blow. I interfered by using Grimmjow's fallen katana to ward off Kaname's attack, saving his life. You never taught me how to fight with a blade, yet somehow I figured it out and chased Kaname off. In doing so, I delivered a substantial injury to his person, several of them really, that made him retreat."
Hiromi paused when she noticed Kisuke's stunned expression. That caught his attention.
"I'm concerned with my involvement, along with Grimmjow still recovering from his injuries, that Kaname will most likely return here to finish what he had started. I took a chance to come here. I wasn't sure if this was still your home, and I'm glad I did. It's been five years since I saw you, but I need your help, Kisuke. Grimmjow needs your help. Will you please help us?"
Kisuke and his colleagues stood silent with mouths gaping. Grimmjow eyed her strangely with pride, gratitude, and appreciation for how well she handled the situation. She still has that spitfire in her gaze that Grimmjow has grown to admire ever since their first meeting.
He smiled so that nobody could see.
That's my girl, he says to himself.
After a long moment, Kisuke spoke.
"Ururu, will you put on a pot of tea for us, please?"
It's not a no, but he's not saying yes yet.
"Yes, sir, Mr. Urahara." Ururu obeyed before scurrying off into the shop.
Kisuke looked around the courtyard after the girl disappeared. The destruction Jinta had made was quite the sight. He wondered what Jinta thought when he swung that kanabo around like a madman.
"I see we did some landscaping. Can someone explain to me what happened here?"
"It's a simple misunderstanding," Hiromi starts. "Upon my arrival, neither Jinta nor Ururu knew I had company since Grimmjow hung back for a moment. Once he appeared, Jinta naturally went on the offense as he recognized a threat, even though there wasn't one. Just so you are aware, Grimmjow did nothing to warrant an attack on his person, nor did he defend himself. He avoided each strike."
She refrained from mentioning that Jinta nearly got her killed, which would get the boy in deeper trouble than he already was. She didn't want to reveal the extent of her friendship with Grimmjow just yet.
Kisuke analyzed her briefly before turning his gaze on Jinta, who stood near Tessai with guilt written all over his face. He noticed dried tears on the boy's cheek, which he wasn't sure why, but he'll find out soon.
"Is this true, Jinta?" Kisuke questioned while watching Hiromi for a reaction.
Jinta hesitated at first, but he admitted his actions.
"Yes, it's true, but not only that," Jinta paused as he remembered that he nearly struck Hiromi, prompting him to cry again.
"Not only that, I nearly struck Hiromi when she tried to get me to stop! I was already in mid-swing and wasn't able to control it."
Once Jinta revealed this little detail, Kisuke's eyes widened, quite shocked at this information. Even though he reacted to it, Hiromi did not, which meant she tried to keep something from him.
"May I ask how you escaped Jinta's attack?" He directed this question to Hiromi, who still stood unfazed.
Before she could even justify a response, Jinta continued. "This cretin saved her life by pulling her out of the way!" He pointed at Grimmjow to emphasize his point.
No one could see this, but an eyebrow quirked when Kisuke learned that the Arrancar Grimmjow saved Hiromi from a substantial injury. He watched the blue-haired male with interest, trying to get a read on him as Grimmjow stood motionless under his gaze.
Grimmjow inwardly growls with agitation. Kisuke's gaze appeared scrutinizing and judgmental as if to say his actions in saving the girl were a hindrance and just an obligation. If Hiromi weren't around, he would have jumped at the guy, but he restrained himself because he knew. He knew if he did anything to harm the oddball, along with the twerp, Hiromi would never forgive him. He even feared she would turn away and leave him out in the cold to fend for himself.
Before, Grimmjow would prefer it, but in the weeks he has stayed under her roof, he has become dependent on her. He let her in too easily. He was weak and had no choice but to trust her. Honestly, he's glad he did. Ever since he met her, Hiromi surprised him every day with her kindness, something that he had never experienced in his life.
What are you doing to me, Rom?
After a long moment, Kisuke broke the silence, interrupting Grimmjow's inner thoughts.
"Then I should thank you for saving Hiromi, Grimmjow. Hiromi and I may have been out of touch, but our friendship goes back to when she was a little girl. She's a very close friend of mine, so thank you."
Grimmjow remained silent but blinked in surprise. He felt a warm sensation in his chest, a feeling he had never experienced. He has never been appreciated for doing something willingly. He thought about saying something but wasn't sure.
"You don't have to say anything. I understand you received no appreciation under Aizen's rule. It's new to you." Kisuke replied with a slight smile.
He then regarded Jinta, who still looked guilty.
"Jinta," Kisuke started, grabbing the nervous boy's attention. "Is there something you want to say?"
The boy gulped before speaking. "Yeah, I'm sorry, Hiromi."
"That's not what I meant, Jinta," Kisuke commented.
Jinta knew what Kisuke meant. He didn't want to apologize to the guy. He groaned before a frown appeared on his face and folded his arms in front of him.
"Why should I apologize to this cretin?"
Like I want your apology, you little runt, Grimmjow thought to himself as he glared at the kid from the corner of his eye.
"Jinta, while I appreciate your apology and accept it, I firmly believe you owe Grimmjow an apology. I assure you, he is not here to harm anyone. Grimmjow saving me should be proof enough. He is no threat to you or the shop." Hiromi voiced suddenly.
She gave Jinta a firm glare that made the boy grumble before he huffed loudly.
"Fine, I'm sorry," he admitted half-heartedly.
"That's unacceptable, Jinta. Grimmjow needs a sincere apology for your reckless actions." Hiromi pressed.
"What, seriously?"
"Jinta," Hiromi warned as she scowled at the young boy, just like a mother would do with her kin.
The young boy turns an angry shade of red, embarrassed that Hiromi is treating him like a child, even though he is one, and is telling him what to do. Jinta had always liked Hiromi when they first met about a year ago. He also developed a little crush on her, but she was more of a big sister-like figure. When Hiromi tells you to do something, you better do it. She is a force to be reckoned with. Jinta learned the hard way when he and Ururu first met her, along with the "creep."
When he saw her displeased scowl, the boy gulped before sagging in defeat. He turned his gaze onto Grimmjow, who had an expectant glare but looked like he didn't care if Jinta apologized to him for acting out with good intentions. Jinta noticed as he glared harshly at him that there was something very different about him than when he first saw him several months ago. His aggressive demeanor has softened somewhat. Jinta wonders if Hiromi has something to do with the aggressive Arrancar's altered personality.
Jinta eyed him a second longer, then sighed heavily before gathering as much sincerity as he could muster. "I'm sorry for attacking you. I wasn't thinking clearly, so I'm sorry."
Grimmjow could only eye Jinta knowingly. He could tell the boy was not that sincere. Except Hiromi is expecting one from the kid. She's probably hoping he will accept his apology and forgive the kid openly.
Yeah, like that is going to happen, Grimmjow says to himself.
Grimmjow doesn't like the kid. At least for the time being. With a bit of patience, he hopes to regain his momentum and start scaring the runt for the fun of it. The thought of a frightened Jinta looking over his shoulder made him inwardly smile, but that is beside the point. The kid apologized for attacking him. He should at least acknowledge the boy and show some appreciation. Although he would much rather hear a thank you coming out of the kid for saving Hiromi, that's his opinion.
He gave a slight nod at Jinta before turning his gaze back to Hiromi and Mr. Hat & Clogs, who seemed to eye each other strangely as they conversed privately.
Grimmjow, for some odd reason, seemed… disappointed.
He started forwards to break that connection between them when there was a tug at his hakama. He looked down at the boy, discovering Jinta blushing. Jinta's gaze wasn't on him but on Hiromi as she continued talking with Kisuke.
"She may not have asked me yet, but I think I should. Thank you for saving Hiromi."
Kisuke's appreciation towards him for saving Hiromi was surprising, but Jinta's surprised him more, even though he wanted an apology from the kid. He didn't have to be asked to thank him for his heroic deed. He willingly expressed his gratitude, just as Kisuke had done. But that raises a question that Grimmjow already knows the answer to. Does Hiromi leave that much of an impression on people for them to care about her, too?
Grimmjow knows she left quite an impression on him the first day he met her, and he knows why. She may appear reserved and refined just by looking at her, but her sophistication and intellect are only a shell. Despite her refined appearance, Grimmjow understands why her passion may come across as stubbornness, as she desires to be diplomatic and honorable in pursuit of justice for those who are wronged. She will fight for them when they cannot. Grimmjow is a perfect example in that department. Hiromi is the embodiment of compassion and loyalty. She didn't know him then, but she stood between him and Kaname's blade despite his persecution for treason.
Grimmjow may not have expressed gratitude towards her for all she has done for him so far, but he is indeed thankful for her. Otherwise, he would be pretty much dead at this point. He shook his thoughts away to return his attention to the red-headed kid beside him. Jinta wasn't looking at him, which Grimmjow was okay with.
He withdrew his hand from the pocket of his hakama and reached over to Jinta.
He wasn't expecting Jinta to flinch from Grimmjow's sudden movement and then cover his head with his arms. It surprised Grimmjow that the kid thought he would lay a hand on him, which made him feel guilty for once. He would have laughed at people cowering in fear because of him. Now it left a sickening feeling in his stomach.
Crips, I have grown soft; he says to himself.
Grimmjow roughly places his hand on Jinta's narrow shoulders, making the kid stagger slightly under the weight. He can still see the fear in Jinta's eyes, but is relieved that he isn't getting another knot on his head. Jinta curiously peeks from the corner of his eye at the tall man.
"Yeah, no problem, kid. If you pull that shit again, I won't hesitate to clock you one. Am I clear?"
Jinta stares at Grimmjow, a little unnerved at the thought of him getting his ass handed to him by the hothead. A slight gulp eased his discomfort before shaking off the male's hand from his shoulder, who still had an intimidating glare on his person.
"Yeah, crystal. Just because you are friends with Hiromi doesn't mean I will treat you like one."
"I wasn't expecting you to, runt. What's the deal between Hiromi and Mr. Hat & Clogs, anyway?"
"Huh?" Jinta is surprised, even a little confused, by the question. He did inwardly snicker at the name Grimmjow used.
I wonder if this numskull is anything like Ichigo. Ichigo called him Mr. Hat & Clogs, too, when he first saw Mr. Urahara. Jinta says to himself.
Jinta composed himself when Grimmjow was staring at him incredulously.
"Oh, um, I guess they're pretty close." His reply is vague, cryptic even for Grimmjow to decipher for himself. If he wanted to know the relationship between her and Urahara, he would have to figure it out.
"I can see that, but how so?"
"If you want to know, why don't you ask one of them, frostbite?"
"Who are you calling frostbite bushfire?"
"Bushfire? Is that supposed to hurt my feelings?"
"Just answer the damn question," Grimmjow growled impatiently.
"Like I told you, if you want to know why they are so close, ask them, not me. Even I don't know why those two are so damn close, but I guess it has been that way before I met Hiromi."
Hearing this peaked Grimmjow's curiosity because he doesn't know much about Hiromi's history other than what Tessai told him earlier. He knows she has been alone long enough to forget what it was like to be around someone. Besides work, that is. Hiromi didn't go into detail about it, nor did she want to discuss it further when she felt the question hanging in the air.
Maybe I should start asking questions instead of being a body of a nuisance, Grimmjow thought as he watched her still talking to the mysterious blonde man.
"If you don't mind me asking, why are you close to her?" Grimmjow asked suddenly.
Grimmjow's inquiry surprises Jinta. He wanted to blurt out that it wasn't his business to know, but reconsidered. He could tell Grimmjow was genuinely curious about his relationship with Hiromi, but it also seemed like he was asking for other reasons besides just knowing.
"Why do you want to know?"
"She has said little to me about who her friends are or her past. I figured you might know something since you are friends with Romi."
"Oh." Jinta is still somewhat surprised at Grimmjow's question, but he is now confused about why Hiromi has said nothing to Grimmjow yet. Maybe she doesn't want to talk about it. Or perhaps it's up to the people she's close with to speak of it. Honestly, though, he couldn't tell.
"I'm not close to Hiromi like Kisuke is, but she is a nice person who deserves some happiness. I met her in passing about a year ago when some creep of a hollow was following her. Ururu and I…."
"Whoa, hold up, a hollow was following her?" Grimmjow interjected.
He glares down at the kid, a snarl slowly forming. Grimmjow scans the area and asses the environment for any abnormalities. For the last few weeks, he had sensed something keeping a close eye on Hiromi, but today it's not around. Whatever, or whoever, this hollow is, it has an attachment to his friend. Except why would it hang back now? What changed or kept it from advancing on her while on their way here? It doesn't feel right. Grimmjow doesn't doubt the thing is lying in wait for the right moment to attack Hiromi. If Kisuke helps him and Hiromi, Grimmjow hopes the oddball will keep her close and catch up for as long as they need.
She shouldn't be alone.
"Uh, yeah. I don't know why it would. I assume it was chasing after Hiromi because her spiritual energy is quite strong."
Grimmjow sniffs at this.
"Yeah, I doubt it was because of that, kid. Some hollows stick close to family and kill them when they have their opening. If that is their aim."
"True. When Ururu and I saw her, she refused our aid, but we didn't listen. She may have been thankful for our interference, but advised us not to do it again. If you want to get the nitty-gritty details of our meeting, you would have to ask her." Jinta explained as he eyed Grimmjow from the corner of his eye.
He could tell that the gears were turning in Grimmjow's head, apparently taking this bit of information in and letting it sink.
"I could, but I would rather her tell me when she's ready. Asking would just make her clam up."
"What makes you so sure about that?"
Grimmjow softly growls, then glances over his shoulder. He still doesn't feel the entity close by.
Why is it hanging back, he questioned.
While Grimmjow and Jinta had their exchange, Hiromi had to have one of her own with Kisuke.
The five-year separation brought on an unwanted tension she hadn't felt before. Her long-forgotten affections for Kisuke resurfaced, causing her to grow uncomfortable under his gaze. She wanted to make eye contact, but his stormy gray eyes were piercing and calculating, as if he was trying to decipher a code to bring down her walls. It's unnerving.
"Please stop looking at me like that," Hiromi begged as she offered an apologetic, watery glance.
"How should I look at you, Hiromi? Do you want me to look at you the same way when I first met you?"
Hiromi shoots him a glare and visibly trembles, as if remembering the moment she met Kisuke. With a massive gulp, her gaze shifted from staring at him to the ground, sighing heavily.
"I would much rather have you not look at me as if I were an interesting book. Scold me if you like… anything, really. Am I… are we getting your help or not?" She inquires with urgency.
"Can you give me one good reason I should assist him with his problem?"
Even though he hasn't seen Hiromi in five years, he is reluctant to assist despite her urgent tone.
Hiromi breathes heavily, growing angry with him yet impatient. Then it occurred to her which direction to take in hopes of him helping them.
"Two people saved me from the brink of death, Kisuke. One of them is you. You told me that if I ever needed help with anything, you would be there for me, no matter the circumstances. You helped me through a very troubling period, in which you became a terrific friend and mentor, almost a father. Do you want something to happen to me because you refused to assist me? You owe me, Kisuke."
Kisuke regards Hiromi with a frown. He remembers that day as if it were yesterday. She was a child then, confused, but her fear ran deeper from the circumstances young Hiromi faced. The chain that was anchored to her tiny chest still haunts his memory, reminding him that Hiromi was approaching eternal death. The memory of her big innocent turquoise eyes staring at him, hoping that he was there to rescue her, haunted his mind daily. Kisuke felt sympathy for Hiromi then. He had saved the saddened child from death instead of sending her to the soul society for eternal rest.
He sighs softly from that memory, providing her a gentle smile.
"Alright then. We'll discuss it inside and see where it goes from there."
Kisuke stares over Hiromi's shoulder at Grimmjow, who quickly notices his suspicious glare on them, along with a deep frown.
Hmm, what is that look for?
He inwardly shrugs, then turns his attention to Jinta.
"Jinta, please clean up this mess you made. It looks like a war zone. Come on in, Grimmjow. We have a lot to discuss."
Kisuke then turns to the shop, leaving Hiromi alone in her spot with relief sagging on her shoulders.
She glances over at Grimmjow with a victorious grin but vanishes once she sees his incredulous glare and a deeper frown than before. Hiromi blinked the proudness away, gulping slightly, then follows Kisuke, who waited on them.
Grimmjow watches Hiromi approach the home slash shop with the same glare, suspicion slowly turning into an ugly green monster tugging at his gut. He didn't like how she was acting towards Kisuke from his perspective, which only begged the question, what are they to each other?
I guess I'll find that out soon enough.
The atmosphere in the room is suffocating.
A thick, tense, and unbearable silence hung over the table where Kisuke sat with Hiromi and Grimmjow. The pair can still not look each other in the eye after their close encounter just ten minutes ago. Hiromi's light blush is still prominent on her cheeks as she sits near Grimmjow. She absently stares into her lap as she picks at her nails, trying her best not to look up at Kisuke, who continues to stare at her with this strange gaze.
He watched her from across the table with a small smile, remembering the last time Hiromi sat back here. At the time, she was facing her adolescent years as a bookworm. Her hair was shorter, about shoulder length, and she wore it in two braids. Hiromi wore glasses then, an accessory item that she didn't need. She didn't want to draw attention to herself. Her classmates often bullied her for being brighter than most and different because she could see the spirits of the dearly departed.
When she was a child and would visit him after school, Hiromi wrung her hands when she was nervous. Kisuke remembers her sitting in that very spot doing the same thing, avoiding eye contact and not saying a word once she came into his life. It later transitioned into playing with her silly yet childish pigtails when she was a teenager. Now it seems her fidgeting developed into picking at her fingers and cuticles. Hiromi was always nervous here. He knew why, though. His shop slash home is where she doesn't see spirits, so she was worried if one would turn up. He wouldn't allow it, though, as Hiromi needed a sense of normalcy.
He smiled fondly at her as he remembered a certain beauty about her at such a young age. Even now that she has grown up, Hiromi has become a lovely young woman. It surprised him how similar they looked to pass off as siblings. The only difference would be their eye color, along with their personalities.
After a long and intense silence, Kisuke's soft voice erupted in the room.
"Five years is quite a long time of not seeing you, Hiromi, let alone hearing from you. Why is that?" He inquires softly, wanting to know what had happened to her five years ago before they lost touch. Grimmjow's predicament can wait five minutes, right?
Hiromi sighs softly. She diverts her attention to Grimmjow, who is glaring at her strangely. An overwhelming feeling of unease settles on her shoulders, visibly sagging under his calculating gaze. She hasn't told him much about her past as she has avoided the subject for several reasons, and one of those reasons is that Hiromi doesn't want him to know. At least, not yet. She likes Grimmjow and can trust him but fears he would pass judgment considering his character.
The other thing that keeps her from opening up is the fear of getting more attached to him than she already is. Attachment to someone like Grimmjow would only lead to tragedy. After taking care of Grimmjow these last several weeks and their promise, Hiromi has become emotionally attached to him. She's feeling something more towards him than she initially thought, but Hiromi knew she shouldn't. Falling in love with him is just a death wish.
"My prolonged absence is not up for discussion, Kisuke," she replies after a brief pause. "I understand you want to know what happened during that period, but I don't want to speak of it, at least not now."
Her voice trembled as she spoke, which Grimmjow quickly picked up on while Kisuke ignored. He observed her as she talked to the oddball, and even though she was picking at her fingers, Hiromi's hands shook. His growing suspicions about her friendliness with Kisuke gradually shifted to her troubling past. The tone she gave off made Grimmjow think back to the first day they met.
He may have been tired and disoriented then, but he noticed how Hiromi held herself and acted toward him. She may have been friendly with him and reassured him when he needed it, but she always distanced herself from him and dismissed particular subjects. Whenever he tried to get her to talk about her past, Hiromi shied away or busied herself with doing something. He suspects she was in an abusive relationship before, and the experience keeps her from getting closer to him.
Grimmjow feels he's in the same position as Hiromi. He has somewhat opened up but doesn't want to invite her in completely. For all he knew, if he allowed Hiromi in entirely, they would take her away from him. The thought of not having her around anymore terrifies him. He had relied on her for nearly a month, forgetting what it was like being alone. Grimmjow has grown to care for her and would hate it if anything happened to her. Distancing himself and not getting too attached is the best bet to keep her safe, right?
No, of course not. Grimmjow promised he would keep Hiromi safe, no matter what. Grimmjow owes her. She is the first person and woman he has accepted as a friend. Hell, he trusts her enough to leave his zanpakutō in her possession. Before they had departed to come here, Grimmjow entrusted her to keep it safe for him. He doubts he will need it here, anyway. Besides, it will give her something to defend herself with if something happens.
Kisuke speaks up again, disturbing Grimmjow's thoughts.
"Not to be pushy, but why don't you want to talk about it? Do you not want your friend to know anything about you?"
Hiromi snapped a vicious glare at him that made Kisuke visibly flinch. Even Grimmjow tensed.
"The fact of the matter is that I'm still having a hard time accepting such a horrible history, let alone getting over it. You should know about the first eleven years of my life. My reasoning for coming here is to help my friend, Grimmjow, not for you to pry at the last five years apart. So drop it."
When she spoke with an icy venom in her tone, her hands had stalled from fidgeting. Grimmjow quickly took notice of her change in demeanor and how controlled her anger was right now. He is now very intrigued to find out what happened to her for Hiromi to react this way. He also wonders what she is like when not around people she cares for or when threatened. Although, that is the spitfire in her.
Kisuke threw up his hands in surrender as he stared nervously at Hiromi. An unwanted chill ran down his spine from the warning glare she shot one last time in his direction. Whoops! I forgot she is scary when provoked. I now have to wonder how bad she got Kaname.
"Eek, sorry, Hiromi. It completely slipped my mind that you can get scary angry if pushed." Kisuke nervously chuckles as he rubs the back of his neck.
"I bet my zanpakutō the only reason Tōsen retreated with his tail between his legs is because of freaking Mt. Fuji here. Knowing that justice freak_ OW! Fuck, just what the hell was that for?" Grimmjow voiced with a light snarl when Hiromi slapped him upside the head.
He glares mildly at her as she does the same with a purse of her lips and arms crossed over. Brother and sister bickering starting in three… two.
"Do not compare my anger to a dormant volcano slash mountain, Krakatoa."
"Kraka, what? And why the hell not? You can be fucking stubborn as hell that it's like trying to move the overgrown mountain Yammy. Not to mention you have one hell of a temper underneath that pretty, meek shell."
"Look at the pot calling the kettle black. Giving you medicine is like getting a reluctant toddler to eat its vegetables."
"What the? Are you saying I'm a child here, girly?"
A thin brow rose as a playful smirk formed on Hiromi's lips. "I didn't have to say that you were."
Before Grimmjow could retort, Kisuke quickly interfered with a wave of his fan.
"Alright, you two, that's enough for now. Save your frustrations for the bedroom." He toys casually with a crude grin.
Kisuke watched the two lightly squabble with his fan in front of him to hide his fascinated smirk. He even held back a light chuckle when neither noticed that Grimmjow said Hiromi was pretty.
Kisuke opened his mouth to steer the conversation to the matter at hand. Only his words died on his lips when a wafer smacked him in the eye and crumbled on impact.
"What the hell, Kisuke? Is our interaction supposed to mean something different to you? Jeez, there's nothing like that going on." Hiromi snipped as a fierce blush graced her cheeks.
"You know I'm just messing with you, darling."
"It certainly didn't feel like it," she pouts.
Kisuke smiles at her before directing the conversation to more important things.
"Sorry about the tangent. You came here for help, so what exactly can I do for you?"
Hiromi pauses briefly to glance at Grimmjow as if trying to consider her words. After a moment, it became clear as she continued to stare lightly at him.
"Someone on the inside brought us news of Grimmjow's abandonment. They are searching for him to verify Kaname's suspicions of whether he is alive. My concern is with my friend not fully healed yet. The chances of him surviving another attack from Kaname or anyone else are very slim. I need to buy him some more time, so he can heal properly, but to do that, I need him to go undetected by hiding his strong spiritual energy."
Kisuke stares. "And you brought him here. Why?"
"If I remember correctly, you are a supplier for the shinigami, are you not?"
"I am, but what does my profession have to do with anything?"
"Look, Kisuke, while you sell products, you also create them. My terminology is a little rusty, but can you not make Grimmjow something to hide his spirit energy?"
"You mean, a gigai? Do you know the dangers of hiding a rogue enemy like your friend here?"
"I'm well aware of the dangers of hiding him from others, especially the shinigami, when there is a war between them and his former colleagues."
"So, you are aware of the war that is soon to take place here in Karakura Town?" Kisuke pressed.
Hiromi blinks, then slides her gaze on Grimmjow.
"I wasn't aware of the location, but Grimmjow enlightened me of the war upon our first meet. I realize I got myself in the middle of it, and while I am concerned for my well-being, I'm more concerned about Grimmjow. Will you please help him out?"
Kisuke regards Hiromi with a frown, then diverts his attention to Grimmjow, who instinctively sat up straighter as if he were presenting himself in front of a judge. He couldn't see it, but Hiromi placed a hand on Grimmjow's knee and gave him a comforting squeeze.
With a defeated sigh, Kisuke visibly sags, returning his gaze to Hiromi.
"Oh, alright, I'll help him out."
"Thank you, Kisuke."
"I'm mainly doing this for you, Hiromi. If anyone from the Soul Society finds out I'm helping an enemy, they will have my ass. I'll make the gigai, but it will take me a couple of days, maybe even a week."
"A week?" Hiromi echoes with a struggle.
"Tops. It would be in my best interest to have Grimmjow here just in case someone comes looking for him. Well, Kaname Tōsen, since he will have his eyes on him, figuratively. I think it would also be best if you headed back to your apartment, Hiromi, while I keep an eye on him. It would be safer for you, anyway."
Grimmjow stiffens, his jaw squares, and his fingers curl into his hakama.
"She isn't leaving, ashtray," Grimmjow snarled.
"Grimmjow," she affronted. Her voice is low and firm, warning him to calm down.
Neither she nor Grimmjow saw it, but Kisuke's brow quirked at the seriousness in their gazes.
"I promised to protect you, didn't I? It would be hard to keep that promise when you're not here."
"I understand, but I also promised to keep you safe from your former colleagues. Do remember Starrk is reconsidering taking you back to Las Noches."
"Oh, I remember. I'll still fight the asshole to keep him from taking me back."
"So, you met another of Aizen's associates?" Kisuke guessed.
"I have. His name is Coyote Starrk. He's not hotheaded like Grimmjow here," she points at Grimmjow, who stuck his tongue out at her. "After persuading and giving him a different perspective, Starrk gave Grimmjow additional time with me to prepare for his journey back and plead his case when he returned."
Kisuke smirks.
"And you used that timeframe to seek my help? Pretty smart, Hiromi."
"Thank you, Kisuke. I hope he doesn't come back."
Even though I wouldn't mind being in his company, Hiromi thought to herself.
"Let's hope this guy doesn't. I stand by what I said, though. It would be in my best interest to have Grimmjow here while you keep a considerable distance from him. If Starrk returns with some company, it would be too easy for them to locate him if you are together. Besides, they stationed a small task force in case another invasion happens. I will enlist a couple of them to keep an eye out on you. Not twenty-four-seven, of course. Just every couple of days to check in. Would that suffice?"
After some consideration, Hiromi consented.
"That would be doable."
"Seriously?" Grimmjow barks.
"If Kisuke is going to provide me some protection by having a couple of shinigami check on me periodically, then I'm open to having them around. It would ensure my safety at least and keep the hollow following me at bay."
Kisuke pales, and his expression becomes grave.
"You," he processed this information some more. "There is a hollow following you around?"
Hiromi frowns, her gaze shifting to Grimmjow briefly.
"Unfortunately. I don't want to get into details, but a hollow has been following me for three years. It actually jumped me last year, but Jinta and Ururu prevented it from laying harm on me. It hasn't attempted again since then."
Kisuke stares at her, then glances at Grimmjow for confirmation.
"I noticed it's been staying close for the last few weeks. Since I've been here, I've noticed something didn't feel right. I didn't realize what that was until the kid mentioned it was a hollow. Why didn't you say anything beforehand, Chicky?"
Hiromi huffs as she glances from Grimmjow to Kisuke and back.
"I didn't want to burden you with my troubles at that point."
"It wouldn't be a burden, girly. I could have taken care of it for you, you know."
Hiromi rolled her eyes.
"You were still incapacitated and wouldn't be able to ward it off. It would have killed you, Grimmjow."
"Well, I'm better now."
"You're almost there."
"I can still take care of it, Hiromi. It's the least I can do after you saved my ass."
Hiromi's lips softly curved into a smile.
"I appreciate it, but I don't think it would be necessary since it didn't follow us here for whatever reason."
"Yeah, I noticed that, too. I wonder why."
Kisuke hums and cups his chin.
"If it didn't follow you, then there is a possibility a plus caught its attention," he theorized.
"Or it stayed away because of me," Grimmjow grins and flexes his pecs. "I am intimidating and strong."
Hiromi shook her head with a roll of her eyes.
"Sometimes your arrogance is startling, Grimmy."
Grimmjow pouts and crosses his arms.
"I'm not arrogant."
"Man-child," Hiromi smirked.
"Shut up, Romi."
Kisuke chuckles at the two.
"You two sound like siblings. I'll give you something for extra protection to keep the hollow away. If it ever attacks you, the shinigami I assign will take care of it."
"Thank you, Kisuke. If you don't mind me asking, who would you assign to keep watch over me? That way, I would know who to look for if I see them and not think they're spying perverts."
Kisuke smiled at her and rubbed his chin.
"Hmm, considering your personality, I think I know who would be best. It would be a couple of guys from the eleventh division. Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa, both seat lieutenants. They are a bit of an odd duo, but they are good guys. You might take a shine to one of them, at least. I'm guessing it will be Ikkaku. He seems like the type of guy you would gravitate towards."
Hiromi smirks, chuckling.
"It almost sounds like you're trying to pair me with one of them, dad," Kisuke smirked at this. "Besides, it's too early to assume when I haven't met or seen them yet. Would you describe the two?"
"Nah, I'll have them meet you at your residence when I inform them tomorrow. I'm meeting them and a few others about some things."
"Okay then. If they are coming to meet me, they need my address. Do you have anything I can write on and a pen?"
Kisuke flashed her another smirk, shoving a napkin across the table, and gave Hiromi something to write with.
Grimmjow watched her write out her address with a slight scowl and a tapping finger.
"You're seriously going to allow two shinigami to keep an eye on you?"
"I am. If they are seat lieutenants, it's within good reason since they belong in a division that loves fighting."
"Ooh, now that sounds like my kind of people if I were a shinigami," Grimmjow comments with an excited grin.
"Of course they are," Hiromi remarks darkly under her breath.
Kisuke noticed but dared not to ask.
"Anyway, it would be nice to have someone to interact with since we're going to be apart."
"I understand that, but what if they try anything with you?"
"I don't think they will. They are free to befriend me if they so desire."
If they're any cute, I'd probably flirt one of them, Hiromi says to herself.
"When I say they're good guys, I mean that. They won't make any advances unless they are given consent. Although I've never seen them hanging around with the ladies."
"What do you mean by that? And what will you be telling them? I'm sure you don't want them to know about our relationship just yet, right?"
"Correct. They're super close friends, from what I can tell. When I talk to them, I will just say that an old friend came to me for some help about a hollow following them. You may be spiritually aware of hollows and shinigami, but you don't know how to defend yourself if it attacks."
"Remember, I chased off Kaname Tōsen by landing a devastating blow using Grimmjow's zanpakutō."
"That you did. So, in that case, my dear Hiromi, you are a high-spec human."
"Pfft, I could have told you that. It's not normal for a woman like her to just charge onto a battlefield with no real training with a sword." Grimmjow provided.
She glances at him and then at Kisuke, her fingers unknowingly teasing at the hem of her blouse.
"I know I'm not normal. I get vibes from people and can see spirits of all kinds, but I'm not that special. Even if I was, what other qualities would determine I'm a rarity in shinigami terms?"
"Well, your sudden swordsmanship could be a factor. I would also consider you a high-spec with special powers if you have enhanced strength or speed. We can always test that theory. You know, like the good old days: mentor and student."
Hiromi smirks and scratches the back of her neck.
"While it sounds nice to train with you, I think it would make me more of a threat to Grimmjow's former colleagues."
Grimmjow acknowledged that bit with a frown.
"It could, but I don't doubt your interference already sprung some red flags for Aizen. I still think you would be safer here than being alone. For all we know, Prissy Pants Aizen could have shifted his aim to locate you to get to me."
Kisuke hums.
"It is possible, but keeping you two separated would be a better option. There are cons, whichever we choose."
He snarled. "Yeah, taking her hostage to draw me out is one of them if she is alone. She's staying here."
Hiromi sighs. "Grimmjow, please calm down. I will be fine, I promise you. The shinigami that Kisuke is going to assign will be there to protect me. I may not have a favorable opinion of some of the shinigami, but I trust their ability to defend the defenseless. If anything happens, I give you permission to say, 'I told you, so,' okay?"
Grimmjow is still reluctant to let her leave, but he knows she is right. He's going to trust the shinigami to protect the only friend he has.
Damn it, this sucks, Aizenballs, Grimmjow grumbles.
"Alright, fine," he consents. "I already entrusted you with my zanpakutō, so promise to keep it safe and only use it when you absolutely must. No going after hollows on your own or swinging it around like a damn toy."
"You know I won't do that."
"I know you won't, but I want you to promise me you won't."
Hiromi sighs heavily. "Alright, fine. I promise I won't play with your sword. Geez, you're a child."
Grimmjow, lowly groans, pouting. "I'm not a child. I'm serious here."
"You can be, and so am I. Everything will be fine while we're separated. I'll even call over here every day to ensure you I'm fine."
"That won't be necessary," Kisuke interrupts the two. "He's in excellent hands here, Hiromi. I assure you I will keep him safe and ensure he does nothing stupid while under my supervision."
"I trust you will," Hiromi says with a small smile. "Thank you, Kisuke. I really appreciate your help."
Kisuke beams from the shadows of his hat.
"You know I would do anything for you, sweetheart," Kisuke says, then diverts his attention onto Grimmjow.
"I guess it's good that you don't have your zanpakutō, Grimmjow. While it would be beneficial to understand your release form since I will train you, it would cause an unwanted spike in your spiritual pressure and draw the shinigami here. It would get us both in trouble, which we don't need."
Grimmjow says nothing. He folds his arms and pouts while staring at Hiromi from the corner of his eye.
"Look, I understand you're reluctant still to leave her alone, but you need to consider something. This will allow you and her to grow. You already have a strong bond, there's no doubt about it, but Hiromi could use a break from her responsibility over you, establish some friendships and gain trust with the shinigami. We have known each other for a long time, and she never had good friends."
Grimmjow blinks, then cocks his head to the side.
"Hmm, I never considered that."
Hiromi's lips quirked into a small smile.
"A break from you sounds nice," she starts, causing Grimmjow to wrinkle his nose.
"Hey."
"What? You can be a handful… and loud. Besides, if Starrk returns, the shinigami can protect me from him. So, it's a win-win."
"Yeah, that's true. I hope Starrky boy doesn't return the fucking lazyass."
Kisuke smiles at the brotherly, sisterly duo.
"I'll give you two a couple of minutes alone. I'm going to look for something to protect you from the hollow. Whenever you two are done, I want to talk with you privately, Hiromi."
He abruptly stood and then saunters out of the room, leaving Hiromi and Grimmjow alone.
Hiromi glances over her shoulder, watching Kisuke disappear behind the curtain flap, and listens to the sounds of his platform getas fade.
Grimmjow sat beside Hiromi with his arms folded in front of him, silently staring at his female companion.
"Are you sure about this?" He questioned, his voice low and uncertain.
Hiromi turns her dazzling eyes on him, a hint of a frown on her lips.
"About what?"
"About being separated from you and everything else. Are you sure we are doing the right thing?"
"Honestly," she started, her gaze shifting to stare at the floor. "I'm not too sure if we are. My head is telling me one thing while my gut is saying something else."
"What is your head saying?"
"That we shouldn't split up, and this is all a mistake."
Grimmjow grimaces.
"And what is your gut telling you?"
"To trust Kisuke and the shinigami to protect us."
"Which do you follow more? Your head? Because I know being separated is a bad idea."
"I wish I could say I follow my logic over my instincts, but I trust the latter. I have to go with my intuition on this one, despite my reservations."
Grimmjow deflates, frowning deeply.
"This sucks," he mumbles.
"I know, and I understand. I don't like it either, but I'm trusting my gut. For all I know, something good could come out of this for the both of us."
"If you say so. I'm trusting you on this, Romi. Just please, please be careful."
Beside him, Hiromi glances up at him and smiles fondly that her eyes sparkle. She turns sideways and reaches to cup his cheek, forcing him to look her in the eye.
"Don't worry too much about me, okay? I promise I'll be fine."
He sighs heavily, then gently grips Hiromi's wrist, wanting to feel her one last time before going separately.
"I better get going and see what Kisuke wants to talk about. I'll see you around, Grimmy."
His nose wrinkles.
"Will you stop…"Grimmjow doesn't finish his sentence.
Hiromi had leaned close and pecked a kiss on his cheek.
She was too fast for him to comprehend what had happened or react accordingly. Especially since Hiromi had rushed out of the room, leaving Grimmjow alone.
His eyes grew wide and sat there motionless. His mind lost in a fog as the feel of her soft, moist lips lingered on his cheek, tingling delightfully. His ears, face, and neck grew hot as he grinned.
She, she kissed me! She likes me! YES!
Updated 02/16/2023 with dialogue fixes and additions, scene fixes, and new content