… one month before
The evening had been relatively quiet.
She hardly heard a peep from Grimmjow, which Hiromi found odd. Usually, he's making all kinds of noises to make his presence known to her. Rather, it be him rustling about in the bed, or his scratching louder than it should be.
"Oi, woman," usually caught her attention.
Except nothing, and it worried her.
She was preoccupying herself in a rare moment of self-care and entertainment. Hiromi had a nail file in her hand, filing and shaping her nails while mindfully listening to a television program. While she sat there, a strange uneasiness bubbled in her stomach that she wanted to vomit, but groaned back the nausea.
When Hiromi hadn't heard anything from her bedroom for the last ten minutes, she pauses her movements. She turns to focus her gaze on the door behind her, shrinking in on herself.
Her brows had pinched and lips twitched downward.
"Grimmjow," she called to him.
Hiromi waited for a moment for a response.
When she didn't get one, she reached for the remote control and turned the television off. She even placed the nail file down on the table before calling out to him again.
"Grimmjow?"
Still no answer.
The uneasiness in her belly increased and heart drummed in her chest.
She quickly stood. "You better not be dead."
Hiromi urgently crossed the distance between the couch and the bedroom door.
When she had entered the bedroom, the sight of Grimmjow sprawled on his back greeted Hiromi. His magnificent, muscular, chiseled chest is exposed and has a light layer of perspiration. The blankets are a jumbled mess at his drawn and slightly bent legs and arms overhead, imitating a starfish. What worried her, though, is his pinched brows and lightly gaping mouth turning into a deep grimace. Thankfully, Grimmjow's breathing is even and deep.
"Grim_," she called out.
"Ugh, don't talk so loud, woman," he mumbled.
"My voice is just above a whisper. You haven't made a sound for the last ten minutes. Are you alright?"
Grimmjow painfully groans.
"If I were dead, then I wouldn't be alright, now would I?"
"Don't be sarcastic with me, Grimmjow. You look like death warmed over."
She doesn't see this, but Grimmjow rolls his eyes.
"Then why did you ask if I was alright, dumbass?"
Hiromi's lips pinched and brows furrowed.
At least he's still a grouch, she says to herself.
She swiftly closes the distance between her and the bed to come to Grimmjow's side and places a wrist on his forehead.
"You're burning up."
"Yeah, well… ugh, what's the point? I feel like shit."
"Vulgar as ever," she comments.
She observes the bandages briefly, then checked his steady pulse.
"I'm confused. Why aren't you healing?" Hiromi had asked.
"Duh, my body is different from yours, dumbass," Grimmjow groans.
Hiromi lightly smacks his shoulder.
"Ow," he murmured dryly.
"I know that, and stop calling me a dumbass, you ass. I swear, you can be such a child. The physiology of your race is…."
"Huh? Physio-what? And did you just call me a child?"
"I did, because you're acting like one. And physiology is_."
Grimmjow groans again.
"I don't care what it is, woman, fuck. I'm not healing like I should. If I were at Los Noches, I would be ten times better by now."
"Well, as you can see, you are not. I just need to adjust…."
"You're not going to do anything. Your 'human' methods don't work. Well, maybe a few things. Can you just give me that disgusting witch juice you call tea?"
"I'm not too sure if that is what you need right now. I need to figure out a method tailored to your makeup. Now, tell me what you need or do to heal you. That doesn't involve human means, of course."
Grimmjow thought about it for a moment. There's really nothing in the living world that would help him speed up the healing process. Certain medicines did help, along with a few other small things, but his spiritual energy is tapped. If he didn't have that, then nothing will heal. There's only one thing he can do, and he's not going to let the human woman stop him from doing so.
"What I need you to do first is to shut up for once."
"Excuse me?" Hiromi growled lightly.
"Just shut up already, you fucking gnat. Jeez. The only thing that could help me heal is being in an environment with a lot of reishi."
Hiromi stares at him for a moment, her brows furrowed.
"Hum, a lot of what now?"
Grimmjow groans as he scrubbed a hand down his face.
"I hate that I have to explain things to you, human. Reishi, it's spirit particles which compose everything in Hueco Mundo, and the Prissy Pants' fortress. They help in aiding injuries."
Hiromi's lips screwed sideways.
"Okay," she drawls, "so, we go someplace to… wait, absolutely not!"
"You don't have a say in this, woman," he snaps.
"As your caregiver, I do. You are not going back there, Grimmjow."
"I already decided and I'm not changing my mind either. I'm going back."
Hiromi's fingers curl into a fist.
"And risk having your attacker finishing you off?"
Grimmjow's fingers clenched the bedsheets, growling.
"I just need to keep a low profile and not get caught, that's all."
"And what if you did? What then? All of my efforts in treating you will be for not."
Grimmjow growls loudly.
"I never asked you to, damnit! You could have just left me alone!"
"I couldn't do that. I wouldn't be able to live with myself knowing I let someone die when I could help."
He remained silent, processing this bit.
No one had ever stuck their neck out for him before. Hell, he can't remember if any of his comrades came to his aid if they were able. Well, they may not have. It is a pecking order if you're affiliated with Aizen. If something were to happen to anyone, they would be easily replaced. Grimmjow doesn't doubt someone less qualified than him filled the position.
It's probably some dumbass who thinks they're better than me, he says to himself.
Hiromi stood there with her arms folded as a pained scowl morphed her features while watching him. After a long moment, she made a decision.
"Okay. If you insist on going, then I'm going with you."
Grimmjow's bolts upward, back straightened and the hairs on his neck bristled.
"Hell. Fucking. No! You have absolutely no business being there."
"Neither do you," she argued with a threatening lean.
"Damnit, woman, I'm going back there to heal properly. I don't need to look after a useless human girl like you!"
Hiromi leaned forward more, coming inches from Grimmjow's face.
"Useless human girl, you say? Who was it that forced the blind man to retreat with a critical injury?"
He opened his mouth to argue, but stopped. He wanted to reason with her from going, but what more was there to say except she's not? Then it clicked.
"It's too dangerous for you. Now stop arguing with me."
"I'm aware of the dangers. I'm going with you, rather you like or not."
"But-you, you can't," he stammers before conceding. "Argh! Goddamnit."
Hiromi yearned to smirk victoriously, but she kept her composure.
"Alright, fine, have it your way, you stupid idiot. If you insist on going with me, then you best stay close. You hear me?"
"Not like I want to go far," Hiromi comments before assisting Grimmjow out of the bed, who didn't protest.
It was quite a chore. And yet exhausting.
Hiromi had dragged a not so well Grimmjow across Karakura Town to the one park he had arrived. She thought maybe he would want to depart from her apartment complex, but that was far from what he had in mind. She had to wonder if he chose that destination to test her patience or her strength. Possibly both. Hiromi did not complain once, neither did he. It actually concerned her.
She was thankful no one was around to see her or Grimmjow as they trekked. It would have been hard to explain to any normal person what she was doing. It would have been even harder to explain everything if a shinigami saw them. Grimmjow would have been dead for sure. Maybe even herself, unless they spared her, that is.
The moment Grimmjow could open a passageway to his world, Hiromi wished she hadn't insisted on going. A horrible feeling settled in her stomach like a sickness. She very well couldn't say anything to him because he would bark at her, which Hiromi can handle most of the time. Except, Grimmjow is already on edge and cranky because of his fever and feeling the effects.
They sat with their backs to one another in Hueco Mundo, not saying much.
The second Grimmjow landed on the sand, he instantly felt the effects of the environment. He thought about continuing to his former residence, but the openness was doing the job just fine. Ultimately, Grimmjow parked it where he stood and instructed Hiromi to do the same. She complied without a hassle, which baffled him, but didn't make any sort of snarky remark. He was just glad that Hiromi was quiet instead of flapping her trap.
Except, after so long of not speaking, Hiromi disturbs that rather unsettling silence around them.
"Is this what it's like?" She asked in a whisper.
Even when her voice was low, it sounded loud.
Grimmjow's brows creased and squeezed the bridge of his nose with a deep sigh.
"What's what like?"
"The silence. It's endless."
Grimmjow said nothing, just listened to his surroundings. Yeah, it's deathly quiet out here. That's what is supposed to be like, anyway. He never expected city noises, or the singing of birds, or the like. It's a void. There is supposed to be nothing. Much like the hollows that roamed the desert sands in a soundless march, searching for others to fight or partner with to fill that constant silence. You grow used to it and not let it bother you.
Except, after getting a taste of human sounds again, he preferred that to this.
Silence is a killer, after all. It does something to you. It will make a silent man loud, and a boisterous one like him to shut up. Only because he hated the echo of his own voice.
"Yeah," he managed in a toneless, nonchalant manner. "You get used to it… eventually."
Hiromi was silent for a moment, a long one that Grimmjow didn't like.
"How did you manage it?"
He sighed, then glances around, reminiscing about his early years out here.
He hated it.
Grimmjow went silent for who knows how long until he met his now dead fracción.
"For as long as I could," he replies.
"Weren't you lonely?"
"Oh yeah, I was. I enjoyed it for a short time, too. Eventually I grew tired of it and just wondered about until I met my fracción. They admired my strength and followed me like I was a king. It felt good, too."
He then remembered them getting cut down by the shinigami. He didn't feel anything at first or felt sorry for what happened. It was until someone noticed how it was affecting him and voiced their observation. Grimmjow wished they hadn't. Otherwise, he would be amongst his peers, not caring that they're there and preparing for the war with the shinigami.
Except, fates change.
He's here in Hueco Mundo, nursing the injuries he obtained from the blind asshole, and with the woman that saved his life. Grimmjow wished she hadn't. But there is a reason for it. What that is, though, is a mystery to him.
Grimmjow looks around again, not seeing anyone in sight.
"I'm getting a little better just sitting here."
"I'm glad. Toting you around certainly put a strain on my back."
Grimmjow grumbled with an eye roll.
"And I thought I was a pain in the ass."
"Oh, hush. You didn't have enough energy to carry yourself. I didn't hear you complaining either."
"That's because I didn't have it in me to do so, girly. Thank you, though."
He heard Hiromi snap her gaze at the back of his head.
"You're thanking me?"
"Why is it that surprising for you?"
"Well, you never_."
"Look what we have here," a deep baritone voice interrupted.
Grimmjow's eyes widened and held a breath.
Shit! Why didn't I sense them coming?
Hiromi soundlessly pressed herself against him as Grimmjow turned to regard the voice.
When he turned, several hollows lumbered over with gaping maws and eyes sunken like decomposed corpses. They varied in shape and stature, but looked similar. Grimmjow doesn't doubt the group were brothers at one point when they were alive from the shape of their bulbous noses and rat-like appearances.
"What is a human doing in these parts?" One of them questioned as he stepped close.
Grimmjow instantly got in front of Hiromi, blocking the hollow from advancing.
"You stay the hell away," he growls.
If the hollow could smile, it would. It leaned close and looked down at Grimmjow's weakened state.
"Not like you can do anything in that state you're in. What are you doing with a human girl, anyway?"
"None of your damn business," Grimmjow growled. "Now, keep moving, asshole. I'm in no mood for your bullshit."
The hollow chuckles lowly.
"Not in the mood, huh? More like you don't have the energy to face us. Am I right?"
Grimmjow's jaws tightened, growling.
"I have the energy, ass-face! I'm just not in the mood? Now keep walking!"
He crept closer to Hiromi, who remained behind him while trembling and clutching his jacket. Grimmjow may not chase off the hollows in his current condition, but he will do what he can. He can't let Hiromi fight them. She wouldn't know how to defend herself against these creeps.
"I think the girl can see us," another voiced as it eyed Hiromi.
"Moron, she can't see us. Sense us, maybe," another said.
"She doesn't appear to be dead. I don't see the chain of fate on her… delectable chest."
One of them stooped close, forcing Grimmjow to guard Hiromi.
"Last chance, you ugly freak. Keep walking!"
Grimmjow is ignored.
"Can you see us… little girl?"
"Don't answer that," Grimmjow demanded.
"Yeah, I can see you," Hiromi replies with no fear in her voice. "And I'm no little girl."
Grimmjow inwardly facepalms. Fucking idiot!
The hollow inwardly grins and eyes flashed gold.
"Well, isn't this interesting?"
"You're alive and yet you can see us? Truly fascinating." Another said.
The hollows stepped closer.
Grimmjow instinctively backs away, shielding Hiromi.
"Stay. Back." He growls, his fingers itching to snatch the hilt of his zanpakutō.
A low rumble vibrated in the hollow's chest, apparently laughing.
"What are you going to do, huh? You can barely stand on your feet because you're too weak to fight. And we're not going to do anything to the girl… yet. Her spiritual energy is rather strong. We were merely curious who would possess such a strong spiritual energy."
"Don't care. Now back the fuck off!"
The hollow's eyes flashed gold again. It glared at Grimmjow briefly, then at Hiromi.
"Blame our stumbling upon on her, weakling."
"Weakling," Grimmjow growls.
Grimmjow didn't care at that point in giving them another warning. He just charged in. He gripped his zanpakutō tightly, aiming to annihilate the hollow in one fell swoop. Except Grimmjow knew it was pointless. He doesn't have enough strength to fight them off. His attacked was half asked, sloppy even. His aim left him completely open to any attack from his opponent.
He is knocked down rather easily, and landed flat on his back.
"Grimmjow!" He heard Hiromi call out.
Grimmjow felt his lungs burning and warmth spread on his abdomen. There was no mistaken he had ripped his stitches open because it felt like something was tearing at his side. He was glad that the hollows couldn't see his injury. They would most likely target his weak spot and render him immobile, which would prevent him from protecting Hiromi.
Damnit. Stupid woman. Why did I agree to bring her with? He questioned to himself.
He coughed then slowly sat up on his elbows, but is knocked down again. One hollow approached and slammed a foot on his chest, winding him further.
It drew close to Grimmjow's face, snarling.
"This is proof enough how weak you are."
Grimmjow groans while he tried to get out from underneath the hollow. His effort is futile. Especially when he can feel more of his wounds reopening despite being in Hueco Mundo.
"Get. Off," he groans.
"Now, now, don't strain yourself too much. You'll only bleed out more. Now, be a good boy and stay down while we feast on that girl's energy."
Grimmjow glances around for her. When he didn't see Hiromi right away, alarm and panic overwhelmed him. He noticed the other hollows remaining back, but didn't see Hiromi near them.
Shit!
He tried sitting up for a better look, but was pushed further into the sand.
"Gah, damnit. Stay away from her!"
"You're concern for her is comical. Cute even. But, don't worry. She won't be alive much_."
The hollow was cut short from a shining piece of metal swiping at his white face. It backs away slightly, but it's arm remained on Grimmjow's chest. Well, for a brief minute. A howl left the hollow's mouth as a blade slashed at his arm. It stumbles away from Grimmjow, while staring at the gaping cut on its arm.
"What the hell!?"
"You should have heeded his warning."
The hollow grunts as it looked away from his injury, finding Hiromi in a battle stance. She stood over Grimmjow's fallen form, who had rightfully eased himself on his elbows and crawled out from under her. Hiromi's eyes are narrowed dangerously as she shifted the blade to prepare herself for another attack.
"You, you did this?"
"Who else would draw a katana on you?"
The hollow growls. "You're a nuisance! You know that?"
"I know. I get that a lot," she answered, while analyzing the hollow. "You have a decision to make now, and you better be quick. Shall I attack again and cut deeper to slice your arm off? Or would you rather heed his multiple warnings and leave us be? You have three seconds."
"You have a lot of nerve attacking me, human!"
"One."
The two other hollows reared beside their leader, readying themselves to strike just as Hiromi adjusted her stance.
"You should have never challenged us, stupid girl. You're dead," one of them snarls.
"Two."
Hiromi hunkered low, reading herself for a defensive attack as the hollows charged. But Hiromi knew she would not land a blow. That was not her intention.
Her challenge was merely a distraction for Grimmjow to regain his strength. It was a good idea, in his opinion. He came up from behind Hiromi, snatched her around the waist and yanks her back, reclaiming his zanpakutō. Grimmjow used just enough strength he gained to swipe at the hollows to force them back. That millisecond provided him an opportunity to open a garganta and jump through with Hiromi in tow.
Grimmjow pants as he crumbled to the ground, gripping his chest with a groan. The wounds on his chest had bled through the bandages, and seeping onto his fingers.
He, along with Hiromi, had just landed back in the living world. It was nighttime still. So, no one can see them in the park and hunkering by a shroud of trees. Grimmjow hunches himself against the bark, groaning still.
"Fuck," he moaned.
Hiromi said nothing as she stooped low and assessed the extent of his injuries. They have reopened. Just looking at it is a good indicator of its state. She hated the sight of his blood seeping through the bandages. Hiromi had thought him being in Hueco Mundo would help heal him. Apparently, it only helped a little.
"I need to get you back to the apartment," Hiromi whispers, then glances over her shoulder. "We can't stay here for too long."
Grimmjow sighs heavily.
"Give me some time here, damnit. I need some sort of strength to carry myself, you know."
"I know that, but we really can't sit here for too long. Your little jaunt with the hollows caused your wounds to reopen. I have to close them up soon to prevent any infection."
Grimmjow squeezes his eyes shut, biting back an exasperated groan as he leaned his head against the tree.
"Please, just… give me five minutes."
She looks at him for a long moment, studying his pained expression and the sweat gathering on his forehead and chest. Her palm rests against his head, checking his temperature.
"You getting warm. I can't let you sit here for that long. I'll give you a minute to collect yourself, then I need to get you back to the apartment. Let's just hope no shinigami sees us while on our way."
Grimmjow says nothing. He just sat there groaning even when his lungs burned. If a minute is all she will give, then he's going to make use of it. He relaxes his features as he concentrated on his labored breath, hoping this would calm him.
Even while he breathed, Hiromi kept her hand on him. It wasn't sitting on his forehead anymore, but on his chest. Her fingers are warm and soft and dainty, gently massaging him.
"Breath in gently," she whispered.
He won't admit it out loud, or to her, but Grimmjow likes the sound of her airy voice. It's calming. He took a slow, deep breath and slowly exhaled, fixating on Hiromi's calming touch and soothing voice.
There was then a sound.
It disturbed his concentration, along with Hiromi's focus on him.
A howl.
Except, it's not one howl, but several.
The surrounding air shifted drastically, enveloping Grimmjow and Hiromi in a stuffy, yet ominous aura. He can sense hollows nearby. And they're not just random hollows, either. It is the ones they escaped from. They followed them.
"Shit," Grimmjow mumbled as he reached for his zanpakutō.
"No, don't," Hiromi urged as she placed a hand on his wrist.
He uncharacteristically obeyed. Why he did baffled him. Maybe he's just exhausted from moving around too much so soon.
Crips, I want to sleep, he said to himself.
"They're just going to find us," he whispers as his eyes drooped a little.
He shook himself awake to look up at her, seeing determination gleaming in her pretty eyes.
Um, what is she up to?
"They won't."
Hiromi immediately stood and eased herself to the edge of the shadows concealing them.
"Hey! What the hell are you doing?"
Hiromi ignored him as she looks around for the hollows. She saw them not too far from them and appeared to be looking at the ground.
"It looks like you'll be getting your five minutes, after all."
She inched further out.
"Damnit, girly, don't do anything stupid."
"Gather your strength while I distract them."
Grimmjow no longer felt tired. He tried moving to keep Hiromi from going out there, but was unsuccessful. He ended up on his side, grunting and groaning from the landing.
"Fuck that hurt," he uttered as he crawled towards her. "Just… leave them to me, damnit."
She says nothing. Hiromi made a slight jump to rush out, but a certain someone snatched her ankle, causing her to stumble but never fell.
"Hey!"
"Goddamnit, Hiromi, stop."
She immediately pauses when Grimmjow called her by name.
Grimmjow quickly realized he said her name. It was a slip-up. Right?
"Just…."
Hiromi sighs softly.
"Look, you can't face them in your condition, Grimmjow. They'll kill you if you tried fighting."
He said nothing because he knows it's true. The hollows would definitely kill him, then her. For some bizarre reason, he doesn't want that to happen.
With a hard sigh, he plants his face into the dirt and releases Hiromi's ankle.
"Alright. Just… please be careful."
Hiromi stares down at him briefly, then blinks to direct her attention to the hollows.
She wanted to say something to ease his concern for her, but wasn't sure what could be said. Hiromi glances back at him, catching his eye and flashes him a reassuring smile.
After a long moment, Hiromi shifted, then rushed out of their hiding spot and ran towards the hollows.
Grimmjow watched her leave, then urged himself onto his hands and knees. He crawls towards a tree trunk then leans onto it. From the little covering, he sees Hiromi stoop low to snatch a forgotten kid's toy and launched it high at a hollow. It collided against the hollow's cheek, catching its attention quickly. It glances in her direction, where she then made her presence known.
"Hey, Bonehead!"
"Impudent wrench!"
The hollow moved, advancing on Hiromi rather quickly.
Hiromi bobbed on her heals, shouting. "If you want me, you'll have to work for it!"
What the hell is she thinking!? Grimmjow thought to himself.
Grimmjow tried moving to rescue her from Hiromi's stupidity, but falls sideways again. He lands roughly but remained to keep his eyes open to watch the tenacious woman through the leaves.
She has the hollow's attention, which had made a lunge for her, but Hiromi had effortlessly avoided their sloppy attack. Hiromi skirted around the others with such poise and purposeful twists to evade their fists and legs that it seemed like she was dancing. It is quite mesmerizing, actually. Especially when the moonlight shined perfectly on her skin and hair like a soft spotlight. Grimmjow felt his cheeks burn as he stared at Hiromi's angelic, dreamy appearance.
She looks so... pretty, he says to himself.
He sees Hiromi sprint out from underneath another attack, dodging its rather large rat-like paws.
The hollow growls.
"Stop moving!"
Hiromi dashes alongside it and in between its buddies.
"Where's the fun in that?"
She narrowly misses a hollow's fist, baseball sliding out of its reach, then props herself up on one hand.
"Come on," she growls.
Her left heel digs into the dirt, positioning herself in a runner's sprint as she waited for another attack.
"Wrong choice!" One hollow howled.
As its hand came barreling down on her, that is when she leaps outward and dashes across another hollows path. It made a reach for her, but ended up colliding into its buddy.
"Gah! Get out of my way, bro!"
"You're in my way, bro!"
Hiromi chuckles to herself then runs out from underneath them and towards a clearing.
"Hey! She's getting away!" The third shouts.
She glances over her shoulder at them.
"Like I said, if you want me, you'll have to work for it! Come on, loggerheads! Follow me!"
The hollows didn't hesitate in following her as she darts across the clearing and out of sight.
"Come back here, you stupid wench!"
Grimmjow had to wonder what that was all about, but he knew one thing. Hiromi got them to follow her. She may have angered them, but the distraction worked. She diverted them away from him to gather his strength. It was certainly a smart move.
He sighs heavily once he knew he was safe to breathe. Grimmjow sat there in silence, thinking. She may have distracted them and drew them away, but Hiromi is still in danger. He must regain his strength quickly so he could go after her and take care of those low-level hollows. But then another thought occurred to him. What if she wants a shinigami's attention and takes care of them? Now that is a possibility. Grimmjow would have to wait a couple of minutes before worrying himself over her condition. If Hiromi comes back unharmed, then that will mean she got help from a shinigami. If she doesn't return within five minutes, then he will go looking for her and hopefully find her alive.
Grimmjow sighs again, shutting his eyes to rest a little despite the uneasiness in his belly.
The last thing that entered his mind before falling asleep was that Hiromi is one gutsy woman. She also proved something to him this evening. Hiromi showed tremendous loyalty to him. If she was willing to come along with him to Hueco Mundo and distract hollows for him to heal, then she can be trusted. Her actions sort of fall in line with what his fracción were to him before their demise. She would be a great partner to have if she were anything like him.
It may have taken a short time, but Grimmjow trusts her. He doesn't have to be that much of an ass towards her anymore. And maybe, if he allows himself to open up more, Hiromi might be the one friend Grimmjow never had.
… present
Hiromi rested in the darkness of her living room, sleeping peacefully on her sofa. The soft purrs of her snores were an ambiance, along with the gentle hum of the refrigerator. The memory of hers and Grimmjow's time in Hueco Mundo and the pivotal moment they learned to trust one another faded from her mind. A new dream begun that is more like a memory.
~ flashback ~
She can see herself standing in front of a closet, and holding onto something. Her hand reached to open the dual doors, revealing a dresser hidden inside. On top is a slot to place a katana and its sheath. Hiromi soundlessly settled a sheathed katana in its rightful spot and closes the door.
"I'll keep your zanpakutō here. Are you sure I should leave it in its sheath?"
"Oh, I'm sure, alright. Drawing it would just release an ounce of my spiritual pressure."
He paused for a second, considering something he thought just then.
"Now that I'm thinking about it, no shinigami showed up during my fight with Tōsen. I wonder why?"
Hiromi hums with screwed lips.
"That is interesting. Maybe something kept them from investigating?"
"Who knows? All I know is that we don't need any shinigami crawling over here like the freaking gnats they are. I trust you won't use it unless you absolutely must."
"I won't draw your sword, Grimmjow. It's safe here. If you ever need your zanpakutō, you know where to look."
Grimmjow vaguely smiles.
"Yeah, spare room closet."
He was silent for a moment, eyeing Hiromi strangely.
"Thank you, Hiromi," he said.
Hiromi glances at him, noting the tinge of pink on his cheeks.
"For everything."
She makes a small humming sound with a bright smile.
"You're welcome, Grim. Now, let's head out before Starrk returns.
~ end flashback ~
Hiromi's fingers twitched in her sleep, and a murmur left her lips.
"Pantera."
Knock … knock…
Hiromi's eyes snapped open at the faint sound. She stares at the blank television screen that is shrouded in darkness. She blinks, then directs her attention to the clock on the nearby wall. It's a quarter to midnight.
Maybe I'm just imagining things, she says to herself.
Knock … knock… knock…
I guess not. Who would be here at this time of night? She questioned.
Hiromi slowly sat up from which she laid and off her sofa. She doesn't hurry over, but her feet were light as she approached the apartment door. Upon approach she peeks through the peephole to find no one there. Just when Hiromi thought she was truly hearing things, she noticed a shadow. It stood off to the left side, and leaning against the building. It's definitely human, but who?
She wanted to get a better look, but after what had happened earlier, she didn't want an intruder to come barging in.
"Hello?" Hiromi questioned through the door.
They didn't answer.
She wondered if it was Ikkaku coming back to check on her and wanted to keep her company to ensure her safety. He left her in a hurry after letting her know what was going on and all alone, and she was peeved at him because of it. So, maybe he's also here to apologize and spend the night with her. Now, that was an exciting thought for her. Hiromi quickly combed her hair with her fingers and adjusted the jinbei to reveal a little of her cleavage.
With a silent, controlled breath, Hiromi eases the door open. She peaks through the narrow slit. Hiromi saw more definition in the person from the moonlight covering the person. She noted the short, dark hair and the tips of feathers. Hiromi felt her chest deflate and her features becoming soft with disappointment.
Hiromi opens the door wider, enough for her to slip out if she so desires.
"Yumichika," she started in a tired whisper.
"Hello, Generous Beauty," he replies in a whisper. "Sorry to disturb you so late."
"It's fine. Is everything okay? Ikkaku's not hurt, is he?"
She saw a flicker of a scowl cross his lips, apparently annoyed by her concern for his friend and not him.
"No, everything is fine, and so is he. It's just," he started drowsily before yawning primly. "You would think after nearly a month staying in that madhouse, I would be used to the noise. Listening to Mizuho and Keigo bicker loudly, with Ikkaku chiming in with his own boisterous shouting, is tiring. I haven't had a decent night of beauty rest since my arrival. I was thinking about taking up on your offer from earlier. If you allow me, of course."
Hiromi gently smiles, eyeing Yumichika's exhausted expression from the moonlight. He looked regal and majestic, like the vibrant and proud peacock, despite the dark circles under his unique lavender eyes. There was something about him that captivated her, and it caused a light flutter in her stomach. And yet, she must remain cautious with him. Hiromi deduced Yumichika as a narcissist and is most likely easing her to trust him.
She steps out onto the veranda, closes the door behind her, and leans against it.
"Knowing those two, I can understand your lack of sleep. You look exhausted. I have a spare room that is suitable for overnight visitors. My offer is open to you for whenever you need soundless sleep, Yumichika."
He glances at her then, analyzing Hiromi briefly for any invisible hooks.
"Are you sure you're okay with me staying the night? We are practically strangers, after all."
"We had a rather pleasant conversation earlier and exchanged formalities. So, we're not complete strangers, just well acquainted. There are no strings attached, if that is what you are concerned about. I'm not that kind of woman, anyway."
Yumichika continued to study her. It felt as if he was searching for something that wasn't there. Hiromi then had to remind herself again what she felt from him earlier today. She might be comfortable around him and feel like she can trust him, if only a little. He might not.
Hiromi bites at her lower lip, eyeing him tentatively.
"You're looking at me like you don't trust me."
"Maybe a little, but I'm not sure if I should."
"You sound like me. So, I understand your hesitation. I don't trust people easily either, for a reason. I may be friendly, but I always have my guard up."
"I figured as much, but that doesn't quite answer my question, though."
"I know. It was more of an indirect response."
Yumichika says nothing at first, just stared with a slight frown and a quirked brow.
Has she dealt with someone like me before? Yumichika wonders.
"Honestly, if I wasn't okay with you staying the night, I would have never offered. My door is always open because you are welcome here, Yumichika."
She wanted to add that Ikkaku was welcomed there as well but left it to herself.
"Why, though? What did I do to warrant for you to gain an ounce of trust in me?"
She smiles at him. One that made Yumichika visibly relax.
"Well, if I'm not mistaken, you did give me a visual clue your visit wasn't what it appeared. Thank you for that by the way."
Yumichika grew silent, smiling in approval with a soft flip of his hair.
"Well, you're certainly perceptive."
Hiromi silently snorts.
"In more ways than you believe. You'll find out more about that once you understand my ways."
Hiromi turned to reenter her apartment, opening the door wide for him.
"Come on in."
He watched her for a moment, hesitating still to enter the threshold. Yumichika silently sniffs the air, catching the scent of a hollow nearby. He glances towards the road, hoping to see it, but never did. Wherever it is, the hollow is staying hidden for a reason, but knows it's being watched as well.
His eyes narrowed, then turned to follow Hiromi into her apartment, who stood waiting for him. Yumichika protectively placed a hand on the small of her back, urging her inside. It pleased him that Hiromi is astute to the surrounding energy, not because of his behavior. She knew something was watching them, too. She rushes inside, then shields herself from the unseen watchful gaze.
Yumichika followed suit. He shuts the door with a soft click, leaned against it while glancing over his shoulder at the paneling. He can tell the hollow is still there, eyeing the door, but won't come near. Yumichika wonders why that is.
Well, this is interesting, he says to himself.
"It seems you have an issue with a hollow," he whispers in the silence.
Yumichika didn't like disturbing it. The only thing he heard then was Hiromi's soft breathing that fell in unison with his. When he had spoken, Hiromi moved away from him. He just didn't realize she had stood close to his side and cradled his hand. His fingers had unknowingly entangled with hers. The smoothness and warmth of her lingered, which he wondered why she touched him, but wasn't going to ask.
"Unfortunately," she replies, her voice quivered slightly. "It always stays close but remains hidden and never attacks. Well, except for last year."
Yumichika's eyes widened a fraction.
"What happened?"
Hiromi doesn't look at him, but her eyebrows lowered, and lips pinched.
"It made a jump at me. It would have killed me, too."
"How did you survive the attack?"
"I don't remember much, but someone came to my rescue."
Yumichika analyzed her from the little light filtering through the window. He can tell she is speaking part of the truth, but is keeping some details from him.
He wanted to pry, but Yumichika feels it would be a mistake. Just from watching her and how she reacted towards Ikkaku when he intimidated her into questioning, Hiromi is not someone you want to challenge. If her low-key temper is any indicator, and the fact she is the one that injured Tōsen, Hiromi is a force to be reckoned with. Getting into an argument with her is not what he has in mind right now or any time soon.
Instead of inquiring further about who rescued her, he expressed some relief and hopefully learn more of her predicament.
"I'm glad to know someone came to your aid. I don't doubt it was Ichigo."
He sees her brows wrinkle at the name.
"Are you talking about the Dandelion Idiot, Ichigo Kurosaki?"
Yumichika stares at her quizzically.
"Interesting you would know who he is."
"I only know because Grimmjow has talked about him often and likes to refer to him by that name."
Hiromi strides away to head into the kitchen.
He observed her lithe movements as she walks ahead. Hiromi is already in her cozy sleepwear, a beautiful raspberry red jinbei that suits her well. The medallion he saw on her earlier is not present. It's most likely stowed away somewhere. Without really realizing it, his eyes drifted downwards to land on the back of her toned, and lean thighs, hypnotizing him until Hiromi started talking.
"In all honesty, I see him around about several times a week charging after hollows. And hear him. I swear he is a loudmouth when he's fighting. I always want to throw something at him when he disturbs my sleep."
Yumichika softly chuckles, then followed her.
"Yep, that's Ichigo for you. This hollow you're dealing with, has it stayed away while the arrancar was here?"
Hiromi glances over her shoulder at him once she approached the fridge.
"It has. I think stronger people intimidate the hollow." She says, turning away to pull open the fridge and reaching inside for a bowl of light purplish gelatin squares. "I think the hollow has grown tired of watching me at every turn since it attacked me."
Yumichika eyes her carefully. His lips puckered slightly at Hiromi's dilemma.
"I'm certain you're tired of dealing with it on your own, Generous Beauty. I can eliminate it for you. You shouldn't be looking over your shoulder at every turn."
Hiromi gives him a look, one that he couldn't decipher, and glances away from him.
"I would love nothing more than to be rid of it, of him, really. If he was gone, I could finally breathe without knowing it would be my last. Except I will lose the constant reminder that everything that had happened three years ago is my fault."
This disturbed him. He wondered what could have happened where she would blame herself.
"What is your fault?"
Hiromi looks at him again. She has a deep frown on her lips and the sparkle in her eyes from earlier is gone. They're just … cold, hopeless even.
"Who I became, and the people I lost because of my stupidity."
"Only if you let it be," he says quickly. "Blame it on the source, which is the hollow that is harassing you."
They stood silently in her kitchen for a moment. Hiromi had taken one of the gelatin squares and popped it into her mouth. She regarded him again with an expressionless look, then slowly pushed the bowl away.
"Sage advice coming from you," she replies tightly, then leaned on her arms on the counter. "I'll tell you this, though. You will be the first person I'm remotely comfortable with since the events to know the extent of my predicament. Grimmjow knows about the hollow … now, but not the details."
Yumichika stiffened a little, yet felt flattered.
"That is not some random hollow out there," she says, pointing to the door. "It is someone I once knew and wished I had never met. That's why I blame myself. If I hadn't caved in and let that fucking prick waltz into my life like the overly arrogant psychopath that he was, the people I loved would still be here today."
Yumichika blinks and felt his chest tighten uncomfortably from the regret in Hiromi's voice. He wasn't expecting that. He wanted to say something, anything really, to let her know she should not blame herself, but couldn't. Yet he also felt a slight pang of anger. Yumichika noticed the little jab in her tone when she threw his advice back at him to blame the hollow for whatever it did. Yet Hiromi openly admitted she was slightly comfortable with him and willing to share a piece of her past. That should mean something, right?
He opens his mouth to say something, only to close it. Yumichika is not sure what to say, anyway.
There's no doubt she lost people she loved. I wonder who those people were to her; he wondered.
Instead of prying like he wanted, his eyes slide to the bowl on the counter.
"What are those?"
Hiromi blinks at him, then follows his gaze to the bowl.
"Oh, those. They're a little something to help ease me into soundless sleep when needed. You're welcome to have one, if you like. I recommend only one, though. Two will knock you out for half a day. Three would just reset you to the next day, if you're lucky."
"Well, that certainly sounds promising," he comments with a smirk as he examines the recommended dose. "But what exactly is it? It reminds me of the color of wisteria and smells rather … pleasant. Is it lavender and mint?"
"Yep, I call them sleep gummies. Technically, it's a jelly. It's a combination of chamomile, mint tea gelatin base mixed with a tiny dose of valerian root and lavender. Take a small bite first before consuming the whole thing."
Yumichika looks at her then, noticing her gaze and features are slowly becoming relaxed.
He took a nibble out of a corner. It hit his tastebuds all at once. He tasted the light taste of the chamomile and lavender, the faint earthy undertones of the valerian root, and the soothing sweetness of mint. The texture was smooth and squishy, which dissolved on his tongue in seconds.
"Mmm," he started with a smirk. "Considering this is a sleep aid, it's pretty good. No doubt you made this yourself, Generous Beauty."
Hiromi mirrored his smile. "I did. It took me a while to perfect the recipe, of course. I think it was three months until I got the portions perfected."
"How long does it take effect?" He asks upon finishing.
"It takes about ten to fifteen minutes. Although, it might hit you a lot sooner since you're taking it for the first time. Follow me. I'll show where you can sleep for the night."
Hiromi quickly returns the bowl in the fridge then guides Yumichika out of the kitchen and towards a hallway. She stops short, though, to glance over her shoulder at the apartment door. Yumichika follows her gaze. He can tell the hollow is still lurking right outside the complex and has a keen eye on not just her, but him. He doesn't particularly care for the feeling and would like to eliminate it before things got out of hand.
"Let me take care of the hollow. That way it won't be such a bother to you."
"Not when you took a natural sleep aid, you're not," she answered immediately, yawning afterward.
"It won't affect me," he counters arrogantly.
"And how do you know it won't?"
"Uh, I am in a gigai," he starts matter-of-factly as he gestured at himself.
She gives him a strange look from mentioning the term.
"Okay, what in the world is a gigai? And don't get too arrogant. That hollow out there thought he was invincible. As you can see, he is not as profound as he thought since that is what killed the fucking psychopath."
Hiromi made a strange noise when Yumichika stared at her oddly, taking a step back with pink gracing her cheeks.
"Oh um, I'm sorry. I'm not saying you will. It's just um… I've seen firsthand what an extremist can do when they are in way over their head."
Yumichika noticed her ringing her hands, and her eyes are looking anywhere but him. He didn't have to guess that talking about the hollow is springing some sort of memories, and they're not good ones either. He thought about commenting about it, but left it alone.
He'll ask her when she trusts him enough, which is doubtful. She'll be hard to weave.
"Um, a gigai," he started, while scratching the back of his head. "It's an artificial body we shinigami use to blend in while in the human world when given missions here. Of course, to interact with folks like you, as well." He adds quickly.
Hiromi glances at him then folds her arms, her blush still apparent.
"Oh. So, you're going to leave," she gestures at him, "this perfectly muscular body behind and have me to look after it? Yeah, not happening. I'll just end up scrawling all over your face."
Yumichika's eye twitched, frowning deeply.
"You will do no such thing to my beautiful face."
Hiromi smirked with a harrumph.
"And yet I'm certain you don't want me to leave my apartment while you're fighting. Who would protect me? It certainly won't be your sleeping doodled gigai, that's for damn sure. If it doesn't have the same effect as folks like myself. What if things went wrong? I don't think you want me to come to your aid when you're in trouble, even though I would try. Also, would anyone know if you're fighting or in trouble? I'm confident Ikkaku would be upset about losing a friend. I'm also certain you don't want to lose him either, considering how close you two are."
Yumichika's eyes narrowed and crossed his arms, scowling at the thought of her drawing on him. Yet, he felt a little inflated from the little compliment she made before.
"My apologies for sounding harsh, Yumichika. I just want you to be aware of my concerns for you, myself, and others."
She covers her mouth to hide a yawn.
"You should get some rest," Yumichika comments softly, avoiding eye contact with her.
"I know. It's already late, and I have things to do tomorrow."
She uncrosses her arms, reaches to lay a hand on his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze. He wanted to jerk his arm out of her reach, but welcomed her comforting touch despite his anger.
"I think you're a good person, Yumichika. At least from what I can sense. I want you safe. If you want to eliminate the hollow to feel safer, then you have my permission to do so. I just ask, if it is at all possible, to make the asshole suffer first. He doesn't deserve quick and painless, anyway."
Yumichika eyed her for a moment, then shifted his gaze to the apartment door. He can still feel the hollow's eyes glaring through the paneling, which unnerved him to no end. He really wanted to go out there and vanquish the blasted boney demon, but couldn't bring himself to do so.
Only because Hiromi's words replayed in his mind and he realized something. She is right.
Leaving her with his gigai, which would undoubtedly be asleep, will leave her vulnerable. It would also expose him to other hollows, if there were more present. His comrades could pinpoint his location, but Yumichika doesn't want any of them near here. He would like to keep her place of residency between him and Ikkaku. Besides, who knows what any of them would be like if they were to meet Hiromi in the one place where she feels safe. He doesn't even like the thought of her being interrogated again and possibly pressured to leave for questioning. Why he would be bothered by it confused him.
As he continued to eye the door, he remembered the concern she held in her voice, despite being firm. Yumichika doesn't remember anyone expressing concern for him. Ikkaku, maybe, but not an attractive female, who threw his advice back at him and called him out on his arrogance and narcissism. And yet she seemed comfortable enough to tell him things. That's a first for him.
After a long moment of staring, Yumichika decided not to fight. At least for tonight.
He'll fight the hollow when the opportunity arises.
He just hopes it won't be too soon.
Updated 07/26/2023 — Chapter Rewrite with updated scenes and new material.