Hiromi's soft footsteps evenly cross Kisuke's shop.
Her eyes wandered along the shelves, taking in every trinket and object her eyes landed on. One didn't belong amongst the many odd ends.
She approaches the shelf and stares at a pair of tangerine-colored rimmed glasses. Hiromi blinks, then reaches to pick them up. She eyes it briefly before putting them on. Her vision remained the same. They're not prescription glasses.
"I found them laying on the floor in Kisuke's study," a deep voice sounded from behind her.
Hiromi turns to acknowledge her company, finding Tessai.
"I forgot them here one day when I was waiting for Kisuke to come back. I never could find them or him."
She removes the glasses, then examines them with a sad frown.
"I can't believe I actually wore these."
"You were trying to hide your scars from the world, Hiromi. I always saw them, along with Kisuke, no matter what you did."
"It didn't hurt to try, though," she murmured.
"Hiding doesn't keep the past away," Tessai responds. He looks at her through the darkness of his glasses, noting how grown up she became. "I'm glad to see you're okay."
"Yeah, I'm okay. Well, as okay I'll ever be."
"Meaning you're not?"
Hiromi pauses before answering.
"Not exactly, and it's not just under these circumstances. I really don't want to talk about it either."
Tessai stares at her curiously, but understood. He doesn't to have to ask what has happened over the years when Hiromi is hugging herself. He also knows not to push.
"I get it. You don't have to tell me anything unless you are comfortable."
"Thank you, Tessai."
"Although trouble does seem to follow you everywhere you go."
"Unfortunately. Ever since the accident, it has always been that way with me. Even when I tried my hardest not to. I unknowingly got myself into trouble again. Sometimes I wish I hadn't saved Grimmjow's life. Otherwise, I wouldn't be scrambling to protect him and myself from his former colleagues."
"You did what was right, Hiromi."
"Was it?"
"I may not care for the spikey haired young man in there, and may have a hard time forgiving him, but he can redeem himself. He pulled you out of the way of Jinta's attack, did he not?"
"He did."
"Then there is some hope for him. For all we know, what he did might have caused his comrades to question their loyalties. That is a BIG if, though."
Hiromi smiled softly.
"Yeah, a real big if. I am glad to see you again, Tessai."
He toothily grins.
"I'm glad, too. You were certainly missed. You've grown up to be a lovely young woman."
"I missed you, too, and thank you, Tess. Five years apart does that."
She hears Kisuke's getas clattering on the wooden floor, heading in her and Tessai's direction. Hiromi watches him approach, who kept his eyes trained on something behind her.
"Well, I found something that could help keep that hollow away," he says. "It's temporary until I can come up with something more permanent."
Tessai glances at Hiromi for some validation about what he had heard. The light frown on her lips was a good indicator, along with her wringing her hands. He had the question on the tip of his tongue, but thought better not to ask it. Besides, from what Tessai overheard that the hollow already made a move on Hiromi. He's certain Kisuke knows about it and that is why he is giving her something to keep it away temporarily.
"Do know, Hiromi, if you need any of the shinigami to take care of the hollow, they will do so."
"I'll keep that in mind, Tessai. Thank you."
Kisuke approached her then and handed her what seemed like a medallion on a red string.
Her brow quirked.
"Um, what is this?"
"Like I said, it's temporary. I would have given you something else, but it would be easily recognizable to the shinigami. We can't have them know there is any association between us. So, this little thing will do the trick for now. It will block your spiritual energy from the hollows. They can still see you, but they won't detect you. So ignore them if you come across a different one. Always keep it on you until I can come up with something better."
"Okay," she started. "But where do I put it, though? It's certainly not a necklace, you know."
"I know. You can tie it to one of your belt loops on your jeans. You know, like a stylish accessory. No one will know what it is except for maybe a good luck charm."
Hiromi made a noise of acceptance with a slight tilt of her head, then tied it to a belt loop on her right side.
"There you go. Stylish, right?"
She chuckles.
"Maybe…"
She would have said more, except Kisuke stepped closer and pulled her close. His arms wrapped around Hiromi, squeezing her tightly. She felt the warmth of his embrace envelop her like a cozy blanket, feeding her soul. It felt comforting and secure. It had been five years since they have seen each other, and Kisuke's hug felt like Hiromi had returned home.
"I'm so glad you're okay," Kisuke whispers. "I missed you so very much, Hiromi."
Hiromi grimaces sadly, then hugs Kisuke to return the companionable embrace tightly.
"I missed you, too. Kisuke."
They stood like this in silence for a moment, just enjoying the feel of one another's heartbeat.
"I'm so, so sorry I disappeared on you." She whispered, lightly crying.
"I'm sorry, too." Kisuke squeezes her tightly.
He breaks the embrace, but cups her shoulders. When he saw her tears, a sad smile forms as he reached to cradle her cheeks in his hands and wiped them away gingerly.
"Please don't cry, Romi." He softly urged.
"Sorry." She attempts to smile.
"It's okay, darling. Come on, let's talk."
He motioned her towards the deck, wanting to sit. Hiromi heavily sighs as she followed then plopped down next to him, her gaze on the dirt to find the words to speak.
"Where do I even start? So much is happening around me I can't think properly."
Kisuke eyeballs her briefly, noting the faint blush on her cheeks.
"Let's start with your relationship with Krakatoa in there. What's going on between you two?" He inquired, smirking slightly from remembering their little banter.
"You mean Grimmjow. He's a friend, Kisuke. A close one at that." Hiromi replies while picking at her fingers.
An amused brow rose upwards. "A friend, huh? It looks to me there's something much deeper going on between the two of you than just friendship, Romi. That blush on your cheeks speaks for itself."
Hiromi stiffens yet became fidgety when Kisuke pointed this out.
"Yes, we're close, but there's nothing serious going on. Look, our relationship progressed rather quickly while he has been in my care, but it's strictly platonic."
Kisuke watches her as she picked at her fingers as she spoke about her relationship with Grimmjow. He can tell that she is keeping something in particular from him, but he doesn't want to push the subject too much. Knowing that the Arrancar Grimmjow and Hiromi are close is rather odd.
Maybe he just needed a companion who would understand him and the predicament he's in now. Whatever the reason, I feel like they will bring out the best in one another. The way Grimmjow was looking at her is a pretty good indicator, Kisuke thought to himself.
"Can you give me an example of what made you two close? Or would you rather explain what you meant earlier? You know, where I was."
Hiromi blinked when he mentioned her comment from earlier, when she was in the heat of the moment. She nearly revealed to everyone of the past events that transpired before her sudden disappearance, and Hiromi doesn't want a line of sympathies all at once.
She sighs heavily with a sag of her shoulders then stared out at the yard.
"I was at an all-time low, Kisuke. I really needed you, but you weren't here. There was an incident at the school." She starts while busying her fingers by tracing unusual shapes on the floorboard.
"Incident?" Kisuke echoes as he watched her intently, noting the peculiar behavior.
"Do you remember Kaien, the boy I always talked about?"
"The bully slash friend, kid? Yeah, what about him?"
Hiromi diverts her gaze from the yard to him for only a moment before turning away to hide her watery gaze. "He was bipolar, Kisuke. He died… at the school."
Kisuke stares sympathetically at her. He wondered what could have occurred, that it would involve a boy who was friends with Hiromi yet would bully her. He remembered Kaien got into trouble a lot, including her because he would push her around, yet would remain being buddies with her. Having a mental health disorder made sense now.
"What happened, Hiromi?" Kisuke pressed gently while still holding his soft gaze on her.
"It was before class during free period. Kaien pulled me aside, needing to talk. I knew he wasn't himself that day. He was unusually talkative, extremely agitated, distracted, and seriously depressed. He was particularly harsh towards me, and pacing on the rooftop. He was making me nervous and making me cry, even laid his hands on me. He hurt me, but I refused to retaliate despite his… angry outbursts. I was trying to help him, even though I was terrified of what was happening."
She paused for a moment to gather herself. It may have been a long time ago, but the events haunt her mind still.
"Take your time, Romi. I'm sure this is difficult to share."
"It is, actually. It took me a while to get past the grief. It was… hard going through what happened alone. I'm really not trying to make you feel guilty here."
"You're not. Now, what happened, Hiromi?"
"Somehow, Kaien snuck a knife in the school," she continued. "I thought he was going to use it on me. No, he was going to use it on himself. He was going to slit his throat, Kisuke. I knew there was something wrong. I just didn't think he would be suicidal. I couldn't let him go through with it. I tried talking him out of it, but that didn't help. We ended up getting into a scuffle because I tried taking it away. It was a mistake to do that. I realize that now. He ended up wrestling it away from me and drove the blade into his stomach."
She pauses again, fighting to keep back the tears that are prickling her vision.
Kisuke sat there, uttering not a word, but gaped.
"I was trying to save him by controlling the bleeding while desperately calling for help. I was practically screaming. He stopped me. He shut me up by covering my mouth with his bloody hand and threatened to kill me, Kisuke. I was so scared. I had no choice but to sit there while he stumbled to the railing."
Hiromi stops again, remembering Kaien approaching the ledge and just stood there gazing out at the scenery in front of him. He almost looked at peace. After a moment, he returned his gaze to her, smiling sadly and tears streaming from his eyes.
"Forgive me, Hiromi," were his last words before falling forwards.
She had cried out to him and rushed over. The last thing Hiromi expected to see upon reaching the roof railing was him writing his name into cement and blood spurting from which he landed. She screamed, along with the other students down below who witnessed Kaien's death.
Hiromi sniffs, gulping harshly.
"He committed suicide, Kisuke. He jumped, and I couldn't save him."
Kisuke doesn't say anything. He reaches to wrap an arm around her shoulder and pulls her towards him, enveloping her in a hug again. This time it was to console her as she cried about losing a friend. Now he feels guilty because Kisuke wished he was here to be there for Hiromi when she needed him most.
"I'm so sorry, Hiromi," he whispered. "You should not have seen that. I should have been here."
"Why weren't you?" She hiccupped.
"Damn my responsibilities."
"Responsibilities?"
"I can explain if you let."
"You know I will, but," she paused to wipe her eyes. "There is more."
"Oh no, what else happened? The school didn't expel you, did they?"
"No, the school didn't do anything. They knew I was trying to help Kaien because a couple of students came up to the roof at the moment Kaien stabbed himself. They must have heard me but stood in shock at the doorway, watching. They also witnessed Kaien take the jump to verify it was a suicide."
"Shit. That's just terrible."
"Even though the school decided not to do anything to jeopardize my education, I transferred to a different school. I couldn't attend there anymore when I've seen a friend die."
"I could understand that."
"While I was transferring schools, my… guardians left."
Kisuke's eyes narrowed.
"What do you mean by left?"
"That's just putting it lightly. For whatever reason, after the incident at the school, they left my belongings at the curb. They basically kicked me out."
"Ki-kicked you out? What the hell for?" Kisuke barked lightly.
"Come on, Kisuke. You met them once. They didn't have the time of day for me. All they ever thought about was their work and barely pay attention to me. They may have taught me discipline and how to cook, but they just wanted me for the money. I was a burden and a nuisance, an extra body to feed. I guess they couldn't stand to have me around anymore."
Kisuke sat there, staring at Hiromi's bitter expression, stunned beyond belief. Her tears from earlier had stopped, thankfully, but he hates seeing her depressed like this.
Damn my responsibilities, indeed. Terrible timing on my part. That's why she's mad at me, Kisuke berates himself.
He opened his mouth to apologize, but Hiromi was quicker than him.
"I had nowhere else to go, Kisuke. I came here thinking you would welcome me here with open arms, but you weren't here. I waited a freaking week and would have gone much longer waiting for you if a couple of classmates from the new school hadn't found me. One of them was kind enough to offer to let me stay with her until you returned, but you never did."
"Hiromi," he started, but Hiromi interrupted him.
"I came by here every day for nearly a month, hoping that you had returned from wherever you went. I stopped when I realized you would never come back. I thought you had abandoned me when you found out what had happened. Where in the hell were you, Kisuke? Where were you when I needed you more than ever? You're like a brother to me, sometimes a father. I wanted to live here with you because you're the only person who I consider family. Why did you abandon me?"
Hiromi's voice cracked when she questioned his whereabouts. Tears fell again from her eyes as old memories returned from how alone she felt. Even though she lived with a classmate who much later became her best friend, Hiromi couldn't shake off the loneliness she felt. She missed Kisuke and always thought about him, wondering what could have happened to him.
Kisuke has this agonized expression as he watched her cry, guilt overwhelming him that his lips trembled lightly. He gulps harshly before speaking.
"I want to clarify one thing here. I never abandoned you, Hiromi. I will never do that to you. I hate myself for not being here when you desperately needed me. I don't want you to ever consider that I would turn the other way when something horrible happens to you. I'm always here for you, darling. I've always seen you like a daughter I never had. Although there have been times you seemed like a pestering little sister."
He smiled fondly at her, which Kisuke is happy to see a light blush adorn her cheeks and a small smile. He held her still in a one arm hug, while she hugged his chest and wept lightly into his haori.
"I did not know that all happened in my absence. It was terrible timing on my part, that's for sure. I left for the Soul Society to take care of some business. While I was there, I was inquiring if there were specific laws or regulations for me to become your guardian. Of course, I would have to go through some legal work here as well to do so. Plus, with the living conditions you were facing then, I would have had to meet with the agency to remove you from that household. I would have done all of that and more, as I wanted to take you under my care. The council, along with the commander, approved of my case. They felt sympathy for your past misgivings and wanted you to live a fulfilling life instead of in sorrow, even though you are human. They were perfectly fine with me taking you in as an adoptive daughter. The only thing they asked of me was to not save you from passing on once it comes time for you to leave this world."
Hiromi sat there, hugging him still as she processed all of this information. She wasn't sure if she should feel glad that he wanted to take her in or be mad at him still. Hiromi wondered if he put any effort into finding out what had happened with her.
"I'm curious though. Did you go searching for me when I never showed up here?" She questions.
Kisuke fell silent, which caused Hiromi to assume that he didn't and pulled away from him.
"I'm assuming with your silence that you didn't. Thanks a lot, Kisuke. Here, I thought you cared about me."
"I care about you very much, Hiromi. Please don't assume the worse of me either. I went looking for you. It just wasn't straight away." He quickly responds with guilt laced in his voice.
She narrows her eyes. "What do you mean by that?"
He sighs heavily, sagging his shoulders.
"I didn't realize that you had disappeared until day three."
"Th-three days! What the hell, Kisuke?"
"Hiromi, please," Kisuke starts slowly, yanking his hat off his head and tossed it aside.
Dammit, I feel horrible.
The fact that he removed his hat startled Hiromi, but what surprised her more was Kisuke's pained, grief-stricken gaze. His expression made her shrink in on herself, feeling guilty.
"Please understand, I was conducting business in the Soul Society with no knowledge of what was going on here. I'm very sorry about that, Hiromi. I genuinely am. I should have been here. It was late in the evening when I returned. I had this belief that everything would go back to normal the next morning. Except, the following day, you didn't show. I figured maybe you got after-school detention or something of the sort and would come by the next day. When you didn't show then, I became worried. I went to your school the next day to check on you, to make sure that everything was okay. Except you were no longer a student there, and that you transferred to another school. They weren't able to provide me with the information I needed to look for you. I then opted to search for you at your home, but someone else had taken up residence there."
"Wait. They weren't there?"
"Apparently. After that discovery, I made a trip to the agency, hoping that they would have a clue where you might have gone. The social worker that represented you didn't know where you went, Hiromi. She was worried about you because the lady hadn't seen you in weeks. Yuki, if I'm not mistaken, needed to speak with you about your case. Your foster parents were moving out of the country, somewhere in the States, for a job that the husband got. They felt that bringing you with would just put additional stress on you and would leave behind the only friend you had. They consented to have me as your placement instead of you going through the process all over again, waiting for someone else to invite you in. Even though your foster parents met me once, it was enough for them to entrust me with you, considering the relationship we had. Yuki had everything ready for you to stay with me, Hiromi, except you vanished. She wasn't aware that you got transferred to another school and didn't know how to get a hold of you. Neither of us could. I'm not saying it was your fault, darling. It's mine. I should have been here for you."
"No, please, don't," Hiromi professed suddenly. "It's not your fault, Kisuke, it's mine. I didn't know you were away. I assumed the worse when I shouldn't have. I should have gone back to the agency to inform them what had happened, but I was in an emotional, depressed state that I wasn't thinking properly. All I wanted was to be somewhere safe, and that place was here. I'm so sorry, Kisuke. I'm sorry that I put you through that torment."
"I'm sorry, too, Hiromi. I hate you had to go through that alone. If I were here, things would have gone differently. I probably would have stopped whatever else had happened to you during the six years apart." Kisuke sadly admits.
He glances at her, finding a haunted expression overwhelming Hiromi's features. He noticed something else. The spark of life in her eyes is completely gone. Kisuke regards her with a sad frown, aggrieved at the sight of her distress on the subject.
Why do I feel that something even worse happened to her?
"You know, I wish you were, too. Maybe then I wouldn't have these reoccurring nightmares every night." Her voice is light, almost inaudible.
Kisuke noticed the undertone of despair in her voice. Apparently, whatever happened is still very fresh. He sighs, debating if he should try to get her to talk about it now that she is with someone who could listen. He made that decision pretty quickly and with the notion of her biting his head off.
Alright, here goes. Please don't murder me, he says to himself.
"I'm going to be bold here. What sort of nightmare, Hiromi? What happened that you would be this depressed?"
Hiromi stiffens and fell eerily silent. Her haunted expression instantly became a deep scowl, an extreme hostility that made Kisuke tremble.
"I do not want to discuss it, Kisuke." She warns.
There's that hostility again. That's enough of a clue for me to know that someone laid their hands on Hiromi. They better not come back around, otherwise they will deal with me.
"Your aggression on the subject concerns me greatly, Hiromi. I would like to know what happened, so I might help you get through it. You shouldn't continue going alone with that anchor on your shoulders, hon. I wasn't here to give you the comfort or support you needed from me. Let me make up for it by helping you through whatever harm was placed on you." He gently presses.
"Kisuke, please, leave it alone," Hiromi stresses as tears fallen as her fury skyrocketed as old and fresh memories resurfaced.
He noticed her angry tears, but it's an anger that was not towards him. It's whoever caused her trauma that she is like this.
"Honey, I wish I could just let it be, but I can't, I won't. From the way you are acting and the venom in your voice that someone laid harm onto you. Please, darling, tell me who hurt you." Kisuke gently urges, while trying to keep his anger under control.
"Dammit, Kisuke! What does it matter? That goddamn prick is not even around for you to do anything! I told you to let it be!" Hiromi shouts, trembling with fury.
Kisuke watched as Hiromi broke down before him, sobbing so hard that the people inside could probably hear her. His heart broke in two at the sight of her hunched form and the tears of torment that rolled down her eyes like a raging river. He should have stopped himself from pressing the subject, but dammit, this is his dearest friend, unofficially adoptive daughter, for crying out loud.
He sat beside Hiromi, itching to wrap an arm around her, but Kisuke knew what would happen. Hiromi would reject his touch. Instead, he opted to remain still while fighting to stay composed.
Whoever laid their hands on her, I swear it I will m_. Wait, the hollow?
Before he could say anything to verify his suspicions, Hiromi disturbs him.
"I'm sorry, Kisuke, I shouldn't have yelled at you, I just," Hiromi fights back a sob from escaping her quivering lips. "Sorry, it's just that I'm still having a hard time getting over it, let alone accepting it. You want to know, I get it, but I don't want to talk about it. At least, not until they are completely gone from my life. Maybe then I will open up."
With that said, Hiromi abruptly stood from the deck then rushed off with tears remaining to fall.
"Hiromi, wait," Kisuke called out.
She doesn't stop.
He watches her retreating form as guilt overwhelmed him. The sight of her hunched form and the light cries made him sick to his stomach. He heavily sighs once Hiromi disappeared around the corner, forcing himself up from the deck to return inside.
Dammit, I'm an idiot.
He sighs heavily, then trudges lazily back through the opening of his home. He is completely lost in thoughts that he walks past Grimmjow, who stood by the door, listening.
At first, Grimmjow wasn't going to say anything but decided differently.
"I had a hunch that Hiromi was in an abusive relationship just from the few indicators I saw when she was in my company. Only now I'm thinking it is more than that."
Kisuke had paused in his step once Grimmjow spoke, not in the least startled by Grimmjow's voice or sudden appearance.
"Eavesdropping on us, were you?"
"Pfft, not that I wanted to. I heard Hiromi crying. I hate it when she does."
Kisuke stares somberly. "Yeah, I hate it, too. It was my fault that she is."
"Yeah, I know, I saw. You shouldn't have pushed."
"I know, but it's hard not to when you desperately want to help the person you love."
Grimmjow gives Kisuke a strange look.
"You … love her?"
"Like family. There are many types of love of which you can learn what they are, Grimmjow."
Silence fell between the two then. Grimmjow wasn't sure what to say while Kisuke was stuck in his head.
After a long moment or two, Kisuke finally broke the silence.
"Well, come on back inside, Grimmjow. We have much to go over."
Grimmjow watches Kisuke enter his shop for a minute, then in the direction Hiromi disappeared. As much as he hates she is leaving crying, and would like to cheer her up somehow, he can't leave. Something in his gut is telling him to stay put. Especially since he knows there are more shinigami here and would help Hiromi in an instant if something were to happen.
"Are you coming?" Kisuke asked him.
With a frown, Grimmjow reluctantly followed, hoping that Hiromi will be in good hands.
The afternoon descended into early evening when Hiromi returned home in a saddened silence.
Her lifeless gaze stared at the flat plane door. She has a couple of grocery bags in one hand and takeout in the other.
Her skin then tingled, her body tensed, and the back of her neck prickled. Her breathing became deeper, and her vision became sharp, focused. Hiromi's gaze shifts to the window, hoping to glimpse her watcher. She doesn't see them.
"I know you're there," she said softly and devoid of emotion.
It never revealed itself.
At least, it stayed away while on my way home. I guess the medallion works, she says to herself.
A shuddering breath leaves her lips, then transfers her dinner to the other arm. The moment she did, the plastic grocery handles snapped. Its contents clatter, clang, clank, splat, and thump onto the ground at her feet.
Her expression dulled. "Seriously?"
She slides her eyes to the surrounding pile, grateful that her pint of ice cream didn't pop open and spill. She may have to wash most of the fruits and vegetables, a few are a lost cause. The tomatoes have split open and gushed their seedy guts on the veranda. The cans are a little banged up. One of them smashed the fresh loaf of bread at the heel, her favorite piece. At least her dinner is intact.
Hiromi groans, then lightly bangs her head on the door.
"Of all days, it had to be today," she says.
She collapsed to her knees. She stares at the door panel for a moment before turning to lean against it. Her eyes trained on the ground with tears prickling her vision.
Hiromi sat there recalling the conversation she had with Kisuke. He tried to get her to open up about what had happened those six years apart, but she wouldn't budge. Kisuke showed concern for her hostility on the subject, but all Hiromi could do was brush it off. She didn't want to talk about it. Hiromi just left him standing in his spot in a stunned stupor as she stormed off.
She hated doing that to him. Except, old and fresh memories had swarmed her mind. Hiromi knows Kisuke deserves to know what has happened, but she is having a hard time getting over it. Telling him of what occurred before they separated cleared the air some but there is still some unresolved anger.
"Miss," an unrecognizable voice called out to her.
Startled, she snaps her gaze to acknowledge them. Instead of one, there are two males before her with their brows knitted close and had light frowns. One man sported a shiny bald head while the other seemed to have jaw-length, straight raven black hair with colored feathers.
"You alright there?" The bald head guy inquired, while the short-haired male stooped low to silently assess her up close.
She stiffened slightly from their closeness and felt some heat on the back of her neck. Hiromi silently sat there to get a read on him, sensing something familiar yet calming about him. She relaxes some before speaking.
"I'm fine," Hiromi answers slowly, then started gathering her purchases to avoid eye contact with him.
"It certainly doesn't seem that way. Let me help you with that." The bald man replies then came to her side to help gather the spilled groceries.
"I appreciate it, but it's really not necessary."
"No, it is. I'm not the type of person to stand by and watch someone struggle. Especially a pretty woman like you." He shyly smirks with a wink that made Hiromi analyze him critically, yet felt a flutter within her belly and warmth blooming in ribcage.
"Seriously, Ikkaku? You're flirting with the lovely young woman?" The other male droned, stepping back a little to give Hiromi some space.
Hiromi blushes and nearly squeaked when he had mentioned the other's name. She had to keep calm and not reveal that she already knew who they were.
Holy bizarro! These two are the ones that Kisuke is going to assign to watch over me? If this is Ikkaku, then that is Yumichika.
"What? Is it a crime that I recognize a beautiful woman when I see one?" Ikkaku replies with a charming grin.
Hiromi could tell he was forcing it from the vibe she was getting from him. She would need to keep an eye on him and play her part in entertaining the man with mild interest despite the attraction she felt.
"With that shirt, I would think your girlfriend would be upset if she were to see me with you," Hiromi replies when she noticed the girly shirt that he was wearing.
"The shirt is a gift our hostess gave me. I certainly couldn't refuse it, as I would only offend her. And she's not my girlfriend." Ikkaku urged tightly, then stood to his feet while Yumichika offered Hiromi a hand to stand.
Hiromi ignores Ikkaku to take Yumichika's hand and exchange small smiles. Her fingers gently pulsed and vibrated from his touch, calming Hiromi's inner panic.
Hmm, that's odd. I've never felt that before, Hiromi says to herself.
"Thank you for helping me, but I think I'm good now."
"No, you're not. You need this inside, don't you? So, I'm not finished assisting you."
Yumichika sighs, then takes the takeout bag from her hand. His fingers brush against Hiromi's, creating a delightful tingle throughout her body.
"Allow me," he smiles.
Hiromi returns the gesture with a flirtatious wink.
She noticed him blink, tensing even as a dusting of pink graced his cheeks.
It seems like someone has never flirted with him before, Hiromi thought to herself.
"Thank you, sir."
"Oh, please, no, I am not a sir. It feels too old and ugly for me."
Great, he's conceited, and I'm guessing he's a narcissist, too. Fun combo, she says to herself with sarcasm and inwardly frowning.
Hiromi smirks knowingly while Ikkaku groans. "My apologies for insulting you. I grew up with strict parents who taught me to be respectful and use sir or ma'am. You could give me your name if you don't want to be referred as such."
Yumichika stares at her for a moment, unsure of what to say.
"Don't worry about Mr. Flamboyant there. Of course, this is just surface level for him." Ikkaku says as he stands with the bag of groceries.
"So, he's like this normally?"
"Most of the time, yeah."
"Am not!" Yumichika blurts with a pout.
Hiromi smiles as she reaches into her back pocket to retrieve her apartment key. Ikkaku suddenly stands behind her, causing her to stiffen. She then feels his hand on her waist. Hiromi wants to tell him off when she feels a wave of security and calm was over her from his careful touch.
He's touching me! Why is he touching me?
She vaguely heard Yumichika ask what he was doing and if she was okay since Hiromi was stalling in opening the door.
Neither of them answered.
Hiromi shoved her worries aside to open the door for them and was guided inside. Ikkaku stayed behind her as he stepped through, as if protecting her from something. But from what?
"Where would you like these?" Ikkaku asked as he followed Hiromi inside, glancing out the door and around her apartment. His eyes landed on the far sideboard, where several wooden figurines sat.
"Please set them over there on the island." Hiromi points to an island next to the kitchen.
She immediately became perturbed and baffled when she saw the wooden sword-shaped stick on Ikkaku's hip.
What in the hell is that thing for?
"Um, if you don't mind me asking, but who are you two? And why on earth do you have a practice kendo sword at your hip? This isn't Feudal Japan, you know." She questioned calmly.
Yumichika stepped close to reply. "Mr. Shaven Head there loves to fight, as they are fun. He's teaching a high school kendo club sword fighting just to have some sort of action."
"Gee, thanks for enlightening the lady of my personality and my one insecurity." Ikkaku groaned as he set Hiromi's groceries on the island counter.
"I don't see a problem with you wanting to swing a sword around. At least you're teaching teenagers to do better and build their confidence. I actually find it attractive in a guy who doesn't mind being around kids, no matter the age group," Hiromi replies.
She noticed Ikkaku's chest puff out slightly and pink gracing his cheeks.
"Y-you think I'm attractive?" He asked as he pointed at himself.
"In a certain light, yes. And don't be insecure about your shaven head. It just gives you an edge. You know, a tough exterior. Besides, some girls would love to have a guy like you."
This just made Ikkaku's chest puff a little more and rub the back of his neck, smirking shyly. While Yumichika glanced from Hiromi to Ikkaku, silently fuming that he was not getting any attention or compliments from her.
"Um, thanks for the compliment, miss. We were passing through the neighborhood when we got ourselves lost," Ikkaku replies. "And, of course, seeing you struggle with your load."
"That's a lame excuse," Yumichika muttered under his breath for only Hiromi to hear.
She glances over at him, catching his probing gaze. Yet he seems to hint at something. Hiromi realizes Yumichika is warning her, but not threateningly.
Hiromi hummed silently, now knowing to be on her toes.
"Hmm, so you're new in town. Welcome, I guess."
"Thank you, Miss. The name is Ikkaku Madarame, at your service," Ikkaku introduces with a slight bow. "That girl over there is Yumichika Ayasegawa," he says, pointing at his partner and smirking at Hiromi still. His gaze roams over her body, causing Hiromi to tremble nervously yet delightfully.
"Who are you calling a girl?" Yumichika screeched, distracting Hiromi from Ikkaku to him.
Hiromi smirked at the silly expression Yumichika had.
"Since we're being familiar with one another, my name is Hiromi Watanabe. It's a pleasure to meet you two."
"Hmm, Hiromi, meaning generous beauty. It suits you." Yumichika flashes her a charming smile, which makes her suspicious of him.
Hiromi quickly leaves Yumichika's side, hiding her scowl. She heads into the kitchen and approaches the freezer. She pulls out a couple of frozen white balls wrapped in wax paper.
"You said you got lost? Where are you heading?"
"I can't remember the name of the complex, but we're trying to find the Asano residence," Ikkaku replies as he watches her lithe movements.
She halts mid-step.
"Wait, you know Keigo Asano?"
"Yeah. I guess you do, too. The kid was nice enough to allow us to stay with him and his sister for a while until we find a place of our own."
Hiromi stares at them briefly, recalling what Kisuke had said about them.
They are a bit of an odd duo, but good guys. I've never really seen them hanging around with the ladies.
She wonders what he meant by that.
"So," Hiromi starts, looking at them carefully. "I take it you two are coupled?"
Ikkaku made a weird face while Yumichika snorted and cackled.
"Oh my, goodness no," he wheezes.
"Yeah, no. We're just friends, not like that," Ikkaku managed while blushing madly.
Hiromi just smiled as she held some frozen treats in her hand.
"My apologies for assuming. You didn't really mention your relationship with him when you introduced Yumichika. You would make a peculiar couple if you were, though. I'm familiar with Keigo. That little boob chaser can be a little … eccentric and annoying. Not to mention his wacky sister."
"Eh, it's nothing I'm not used to on a daily basis," Ikkaku drones, composed now.
"Is that supposed to mean something?" Yumichika quipped with a pout.
"Well, you are a little out there, buddy. Dealing with Keigo and Mizuho is like having two more of you."
He continued to pout.
"Well, I don't mind quirky people. It's just the ones that are also handsy. If you need a place to bunk for a while other than that madhouse, Yumichika, you're more than welcome to stay here."
Ikkaku stared, a brow quirking in confusion, while Yumichika visibly relaxed and gave Hiromi a radiant smile.
"Well, that's certainly a generous offer, Generous Beauty. I'll keep that in mind if the knuckleheads get out of hand."
Ikkaku snaps a glare at him, then back at Hiromi.
"Question. Why him and not me?"
She smiled, humming thoughtfully, seizing an opportunity to unveil their character.
"Do you want me to put it bluntly or sugar-coated?"
"You should tell him bluntly, Generous Beauty. Better impact." Yumichika replies with a saccharine grin and a wink.
Okay, I think I like him, but he's definitely charming me. Typical narcissistic trait, she says to herself.
"Well," Hiromi starts. Despite the treat in her hand, she points at Yumichika, who remains smiling brightly. "Yumichika is a little cuter than you, Ikkaku. Plus, I'm digging the colorful feathers. Especially the one on your brow. "
If Ikkaku could crash to the floor in a heap, he would. Instead, he stayed upwards with eyes wide. Yumichika seemed to bask in the recognition of his good looks with a million-watt smile and inflating his ego for Hiromi to see.
"It seems you have marvelous taste in men," Yumichika replies with a grin.
"Well, it's more like an acquired taste. It just puts you higher up the attractive scale since I kind of have a thing for guys with dark hair."
Yumichika's grin widened while Ikkaku glowered at him with a pout.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Yep," he replies quickly.
Hiromi smiled knowingly, starting towards the two.
"Anyway, Keigo and his sister are four blocks down from here. Take a left at the entrance and keep going straight."
She then presented them with their treats. "Here, take these."
"Um, what are they? They look delicious," Ikkaku asked as he took a white and slightly reddish ball and was about to take a bite.
"If you don't want to lose any teeth, I suggest waiting a while to enjoy them, since they are frozen right now. It's a homemade daifuku. I made them the other night."
Yumichika enthusiastically yet graciously takes one with a bright smile.
"I know I've had the store-bought ones, but homemade sounds better. I take it from the color this is, ichigo."
Hiromi beams with a little sparkle in her eye, but she can't help but feel like he is trying to get in her good graces. She compares him to a peacock strutting its colorful feathers to attract a peafowl.
"Yep. It's one of my favorites, even though it's not quite in season yet. Persimmons are, though. Matcha is another favorite of mine. Of course, anko, and you can't go wrong with apricot once it's spring."
"Wait, ichigo?" Ikkaku questioned with a raised brow. "Matcha, anko?"
"Oh, ichigo is strawberry," Hiromi explained quickly. "Matcha is green tea, and anko is a sweet red bean paste common in most Japanese deserts."
"I assume you're familiar with the flavors of Japan because you work in a bakery. Am I correct?" Yumichika questions with a sideways smirk and keen interest.
"Eh, close enough. I work part-time as a waitress at a diner. It is also common knowledge when you've lived in Japan for most of your life, anyway."
"Part-time? What do you do for full-time work, then?"
As Hiromi conversed with Yumichika, Ikkaku stared, slightly weirded out by their interaction. However, he takes into consideration that Hiromi is a lovely woman. Her soft, angelic features are an instant draw, along with her captivating turquoise eyes that shine with warmth. Ikkaku doesn't doubt her natural ash blonde straight hair is silky smooth, and her glowing creamy skin is undoubtedly soft. Knowing his friend for so long, Ikkaku believes Yumichika is just chatting it up with the girl because she's beautiful to look at. He's still weirded out by their exchange, though.
Okay, this is weird. What the hell is happening here? He questions himself.
To distract himself from the weirdness in front of him, Ikkaku unapologetically glances around. He noticed a balance within the apartment. There is femininity of soft colors like lavender, pale blue, and rosy pinks, along with girly magazines lying around. Yet, there is a tinge of masculinity in those tremendous wood sculptures. The few that caught his eye were a slender bug-like creature with pinchers that looked like they belonged to a praying mantis. The other is more of a group of five. Ikkaku couldn't really figure out their features from afar, but one that was all skeletal-like freaked him out a little.
He moved from his spot to get a closer look. Upon closer inspection, he noted the incredible detail in the creatures and the little girl they surrounded. She didn't look scared. In fact, the little wooden figurine girl looked to be enthralled. Ikkaku glances away to look at the others. He is greatly impressed by the panther-like figure, along with a bust of a mighty lonesome wolf-human hybrid.
"Are you looking for something in particular, or do you just like to snoop around people's homes?"
He jumps when Ikkaku realizes he is caught looking around.
"Oh, um, my apologies for looking around. Did you make these?" He gestures at the figurines.
Hiromi's stern gaze vanished in an instant, beaming at Ikkaku.
"I did, actually. I've been doing wood sculptures since my last year of middle school. One of my many hobbies."
"Very impressive work, Hiromi."
Hiromi blushes brightly while rubbing her palms together.
"Thank you."
He smirked, debating if he should question her now or continue getting to the know woman. Except, Ikkaku knew why he was here in the first place. Yumichika may hate him later for it.
"Um, if you don't mind me asking, but where is the other guy?" Ikkaku questions, ignoring Yumichika's icy glare.
Hiromi stiffened a fraction, which she was grateful Yumichika didn't see.
"Other guy?"
"The guy you were with earlier with the icy blue hair. Where is he?"
Hiromi blinks, understanding now why Yumichika gave her that look earlier.
"I suspect from the mindless comment you made that you two are shinigami. Did you seriously expect me to give you that information? You could have followed us instead of confronting me in my home after the fact. How is it you knew he was here to begin with?"
"We saw you walking out of the complex with him earlier. We could have followed but decided against it. Well, Yumichika did. Now, where is he?" Ikkaku pressed.
"I'm going to make this abundantly clear to you. I refuse to exchange the whereabouts of my friend."
Ikkaku cocks a brow. "Wait, friend? How is that maniac, your friend? He's just a danger to you, Goldilocks. Tell us where he is now before things get ugly for you."
"Ikkaku," Yumichika warns.
"Maniac?" Hiromi growled. Her eyes narrow dangerously. "Listen, Cueball, that maniac you are referring to will never harm me. I will not answer any more of your questions. Please leave before I resort to physically removing you from my apartment."
Ikkaku glares at her with a quirked brow. Hiromi's only deepens.
"Dammit, Ikkaku, did I not warn you not to interrogate her? It wasn't the time to question her. Except, you had to disregard my advice. Let's heed Generous Beauty's request and leave." Yumichika informs his friend sternly while standing between Hiromi and his companion with arms tightly crossed.
Phew, Generous Beauty has one hell of a backbone, Yumichika says to himself.
"I don't think we should," Ikkaku commented as he remained to stare at Hiromi, noting a flicker of pain and familiarity in her eyes.
"If you don't leave the premises, I will call the police on you. I will get physical if I have to, but I prefer not to scar that handsome face of yours." Hiromi threatened.
"There's no need for things to get physical. We'll leave. I apologize for my friend intimidating and interrogating you. It was uncalled for and shouldn't have happened. I'll escort him out. Thank you for the daifuku. I'm looking forward to enjoying it. I'll eat his as punishment."
"You most certainly will not!" Ikkaku protests.
Yumichika ignores his friend, flashing Hiromi a kind smile while shoving Ikkaku towards the door.
"Hey! What the hell, Yumichika! We can't_."
"Thanks again for the daifuku, Generous Beauty. It was a pleasure to meet you." Yumichika smiled brightly.
"It's Hiromi, and it was a pleasure meeting you, Yumichika," she replies with a smile. She glances at Ikkaku, scowling.
Ikkaku frowns, gazing at her strangely, making her feel uneasy and shrinking back.
"Um, what's with that look, Cueball?"
He growls lowly from the unwanted nickname.
"Don't leave your apartment tonight," he says bluntly.
Her gaze hardened further, with brows knitting close. And yet something about his tone made him sound concerned and protective of her.
"Don't tell me what to do."
Yumichika sighs beside Ikkaku, nudging his arm.
"Let's go, Ikkaku."
"Give me a minute."
"Didn't you irritate her enough?"
Ikkaku groans, glaring down at Yumichika.
"Give me one blasted minute, alright? I'll meet you at the staircase."
Yumichika glowered at Ikkaku for a moment before conceding.
"Ugh, fine. Just don't do anything stupid to further Generous Beauty's irritation," he says while walking away.
Ikkaku watched him for a moment, wanting to make sure he was out of earshot before regarding Hiromi.
"Sorry about that. I just want to warn you that someone was trying to get into your apartment earlier."
Hiromi stiffened, inhaling sharply.
"What are you talking about?"
"While Prima Donna was filing his nails waiting for you, I was keeping an eye on your complex. Someone in a hoody came by and attempted to get into your apartment. They were also looking for something on your doorstep."
Hiromi's features became grave as she stared at Ikkaku. Her hand on the doorframe trembled.
"And you didn't confront them? Why?"
"I would have if they hadn't run off looking all scared and shit."
Her gaze shifts to her floor mat, wondering if her spare key is still there.
Ikkaku followed her gaze. He glances over his shoulder at Yumichika, who is staring off somewhere. To make it as discreet as possible, he flips a corner of the mat. Her spare key is still there. Hiromi sighs in relief, slumping against the doorframe.
"You need a better place to hide your spare, girly. If whoever hadn't scared your potential intruder off, you would have come home with them inside."
"Which is a scary thought," Hiromi replies, her voice cracking and body trembling while still staring at the ground.
Ikkaku eyed her carefully as she stood at her doorstop like a timid mouse seeking comfort from a feral cat. He silently sighed at her frightened state, reaching out to brush the strands of hair that fell from behind her ear. Hiromi quickly glanced up at him from the gesture, unsure what his aim was.
"I'll look around to make sure the creep is not still around. If he is, I will kick his ass into the afterlife."
"You don't have to be that extreme."
Ikkaku grins excitedly while gesturing at his wooden sword at his hip.
"If some asshole scared you like you are now, then they deserve one hell of a beating."
Hiromi seemed disturbed by his passion to fight, but was relieved he would do something to ease her discomfort.
"As long as you don't do anything to get arrested, I'm okay with it."
"Eh, don't worry. I'll be sure to make them recognizable."
Ikkaku steps away from her, yanking the wooden sword out and twirling it with his fingers.
"That's not what I meant," Hiromi argued.
"I know what you meant, girly. I won't murder them. Just keep your door locked. I'll come by once I know for sure you are safe."
Hiromi watched him for a moment, pressing her lips while rubbing her palms. The warmth in her chest intensifying from the way he looked at her. She hopes he doesn't find the culprit. Not for the sake of the would-be intruder, but for Ikkaku. She doesn't want him to get in trouble just for defending her. Although it was, in a way, a kind gesture.
She sighs heavily as Hiromi remains by her door, watching Ikkaku walk up to Yumichika, who appears confused by his friend's eager grin. Ikkaku doesn't answer him. He just walks past and zips down the stairs, causing a small smile to appear on her lips.
With one last look at the eager shinigami, Hiromi shuts her door, locking it behind her as Ikkaku asks her to.
Thankfully, after twenty minutes of looking around, Ikkaku couldn't find anyone. She was safe for the time being. Hiromi just hopes this is the only instance.
Updated 04/27/2023 with dialogue fixes, scene revisions, alternate scenes, and new content to correspond with upcoming/future chapters
*** Update 07/22/2024 ***
Alternate scenes with dialogue changes for upcoming chapters, as well as plot changes.