Steady Sweep [Closed/Shira]

[Shuu]

Ripples with each step upon an endless sea. Calm, serene, only broken by the young man’s footfalls. In the distance green eyes fell upon the silhouette of a ferris wheel, slowly rotating. Save for the never ending expanse of water and the pearl clouds that drifted lazily through the sky, this world was the definition of an empty space. Shuu turned his head too and fro, scanning the distance to find nothing. No monstrous beast out to get him, no turbulent assault of fantastical images.

Letting out a sigh, Shuu kept moving towards the lone ferris wheel. Another odd dream, he thought to himself though was it really a thought when he was already in this magical concoction of his mind? A thought within a thought, he mused. He was adorned in flowing robes that dragged behind him, plain in a drab white color with gold trimmings.

“Hey you! How did you get here?” A voice echoed in the expanse, Shuu spinning around to see who had spoken. No one was behind him and there was nothing to be seen anywhere else. A sharp exhale from the nose, something both amused and annoyed. “Up here, eggplant.”

Shuu turned around to see he was now in front of the ferris wheel which had been miles ahead of him only a moment ago. Confused, he slowly craned his neck to see a girl sitting atop one of the carts, looking down at him. She wore a stripped black and white shirt with grey shorts, her hair a platinum blonde and eyes that were a light crimson. Cocking her head to the side, she eyed him for a moment before vanishing in the blink of an eye.

“Where…” Shuu started, looking around before turning around and seeing the girl staring at him only a few inches from his face.

“Oh wow, you’re pretty.” She was hanging upside down in the air and a faint scent of sheer lilac and rose filled his nose. Cherry blossoms? It was familiar but no amount of familiarity made him comfortable with having another person’s face so close to his, the shinigami tumbling back in a panicked gasp.

Placing her hands on her hips she raised a brow at him before snapping her fingers. Suddenly they were both sitting in one of the ferris wheel carts. Shuu tried his best to hide his unease but his darting eyes probably gave him away as the girl let out a laugh that could only be described as if a the sky itself could smile. Shaking her head she crossed her legs and leaned forward, resting her chin on her propped up hand.

“Poor little eggplant. You seem pretty confused. You know, not just anyone can find there way into my dreamspace but it happens time to time I suppose…” She trailed off as she eyed him up and down. Trying to find the words, Shuu took a deep breath and slowly let it out. He adjusted his posture and met her gaze, which seems to have startled her but she was quick to regain her composure.

“Dreamspace? I...I admit, I don’t really know where I am. This is not like my usual dreams, it’s...peaceful.” He tried to keep his gaze on hers, match it, but found himself fidgeting in his seat. She was quiet for a moment as she studied him. Finally Shuu looked away, no longer able to look into her striking eyes any longer. Again she let out that pleasant laugh, slapping her hands together.

“I win! And I got enough of a feel for you...you’re one of those soul reapers, right? Go around hunting the eaters, right?” She seemed to be having a good time but Shuu stiffened at this observation. One of the soul reapers? Did that mean she was a part of the living world? Was she just a mortal or was she something more, messing with him? Wasn’t this all just a dream?

“You look like you’re trying to wrap your head around this. It’s all a bit much, I get it. And you got something trying to track you down so I’m not sure you can stay here much longer without endangering me.” The blonde girl stood up, hair bouncing and eyes gleaming as she smirked and twirled her finger around him. Shuu could only think how odd she was, yet she wasn’t without her charm. Or would be if he wasn’t a confused mess stammering on every word. Vision blurred as she twirled her finger around, the world around him distorting and spiraling. Only her standing in front of him was clear as day, a brilliant confluence of beauty and control.

“Why don’t you try to meet here again, eggplant! Maybe then I’ll tell you more!”

“I...what...stop...wait…” He muttered but quickly found himself drifting away. She leaned in close, lips pursed and Shuu could feel his cheeks burning at the thought. Instead of soft lips he felt a sudden thump against his head as she flicked him, the shinigami reeling back and racing past stars and worlds and scenes and images, a blur as he traveled.

And with that he woke up. Eyes snapped open, starring at the ceiling. Not screaming awake, not terrified something evil was out to get him, just an abrupt stop to sleep. The dream was quickly slipping from him but he held onto it for a moment longer, mind processing the waking world and the dreaming. Groaning, he slipped out from under his blanket and prepared to get ready for his job.

That...was a weird dream. Just a weird dream...

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Rukongai, North – Minutes Before Partol
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Rubbing his forehead, the lavendar haired shinigami sighed and kept pushing his broom. It wasn’t a difficult task and he had time to finish helping here before he started his patrol. He wasn’t told who he was supposed to be patrolling with. There was supposed to be others from his division but he knew who they were...they’d probably flake out or get reassigned. It’s not that they disliked him, just that this patrol was terribly dull and was more to show face than anything. It was right next to the Seireitei, it didn’t get more secure than that as there would be others patrolling.

He’d be lucky if anyone showed up to join him, let alone someone from another division being forced to work with someone from the tenth.

“Something on your mind there, Katsuragi-san?” A gentleman with a thin mustache and a knowing smirk asked as he lifted a vase onto a shelf. It was lacquered with a blue and white finish, intricate leaf designs in gold encircling the container. His designs weren’t particularly popular but he did alright for himself enough to get located in the upper parts of the Rukongai.

“I’m okay, Hirayama-sama. Just a lot on my mind.”

“Why don’t you take a break, I know you already helped out Ueno-san and Shiraki-san across the street. Take a seat, relax before you go out on you patrol. People are gonna get nervous watching a shinigami sweeping the front of my shop again.” He said but already knew the young shinigami would just brush it off as he continued to sweep the debris into a dustpan and empty it into a container far less fancy than the ones Hirayama sold.

“Helps me focus for the day. I don’t mind helping out here and there, I like to do it before I patrol...I insist.” Shuu beamed a caring smile and the older man just shook his head and went back to taking care of his craft.

Lost in thought, Shuu didn’t think much of the time passing as he continued to push the broom in a steady sweep...

[Kotomi Shirasagi]

She pumped herself up before the vanity of her company barracks, the last one to leave and the only on separate duty for the day. She looked around at the empty beds and discarded bottles, snacks, scrawled on papers... then brought her eyes forward once more, a reflection of gentle hazel meeting her. The purple in her eyes gave a turn, glittered gold, and she sucked in a breath; hands lifting to lightly pap the side of her cheeks and then squish around for a moment longer. It helped to re-center herself, especially in the face of her patrol today. Despite two years assigned as a Shinigami to the Thirteenth Division she had very little practical experience doing much more than delivering letters, a position she had all-too-comfortably grown accustomed to. She was an astoundingly good courier - the fastest in her squadron - and had always dreaded in her heart of hearts the day she was moved onto greater ordeals.

Okay, she reasoned, this wasn't a combat mission. This wasn't some kind of excursion to the World of the Living or even the fringes of the Rukongai, and she wouldn't even be alone. It was a simple, quiet, easy patrol of the outer Seireitei area, nowhere close to even the districts she hailed from. It was a gentle afternoon, the breeze was pleasant, and she knew she could handle this. She missed the feeling of her letter satchel draped across her shoulder, replaced instead by her sash of various childish pins & badges she had been collecting from the local children. Her Zanpakuto - its Asauchi, at least - was nestled against her waist per standard procedure, and she was contemplating tying her hair back or not. She didn't want to look too stern... but she wanted to be professional... She hadn't met the out-of-division recruit she'd be paired with today, and while she had no qualms with the idea of meeting new people, she was always worried for first impressions. She took another breath. Another squish of her cheeks inward. They were mochi. She was mochi.

"You can do this, Shirasagi-san!" She called to herself, squaring her shoulders and nodding at the mirror. "You can do this, Shirasagi-san!" She repeated. Her nerves remain rustled though her heartrate began to steady, and she took that as sign enough that she was ready. "Okay, Shira, it's no big deal." Her hands were in tiny fists, clenching and pumping the air in front of her while she paced towards the door and prepared to leave. She looked as if she intended to shadowbox her anxieties. "You've always wanted a chance to see how another Division works! The tenth is so well-traveled within the Soul Society... I know! You might even be able to improve your routes! If you learn better shortcuts, they might put you back on courier duty... You'll make this a learning experience! It'll work out! You can do this!" Her pep talk ended only after she had crossed the threshold out of the building, warbling in another breath before steeling herself and racing off.

Finding the location was not the problem, the issue remaining only that a few minutes had passed after the appointed time and her partner had yet to arrive. Her hands dipped behind her back, holding each other at her waist in a polite fashion so she could better scan the faces that passed. She had to admit she felt a little out of place - she was so used to being on the move or heading inside various buildings, it was embarrassing to shift about along the side of a street and people watch. Embarrassing, maybe, but she did it without complaint. She could do this! She was going to work so hard, the other recruit wouldn't have to worry about a thing! All she had to do was... find him...

She fretted about at the post for another minute before deciding to employ the skills she had honed up to this point. A look left, a look right, and she began to track down her partner-to-be to make sure he wouldn't find himself reprimanded. Ah, maybe she could say she had given him the wrong location... she wouldn't need to divert the blame if she could just find him, so it was probably better that no one got in trouble!

Thankfully, it didn't take long to wander by the shop he seemed to be assisting. She had seen this place before, she thought in passing, and waved at the owner with a smile when making her way to the flash of purple she had caught in her vision. Her expression was warm - approachable - and hopeful, knocking twice on nearby wood before speaking so as to not startle him. It would be difficult to mistake his hair for another, so if the description she had been provided was right, she wouldn't be embarrassing herself further...

"Ah... ah, uhm, Katsuragi-san? I'm Kotomi Shirasagi, from the thirteenth division. It's very nice to meet you. I'll be patrolling with you today, if you'll have me. I just wanted to make sure we weren't too late. Would you mind if we left soon?" Her tone was even, soft, nervous but not afraid of rejection. If he turned her away she'd find a way to finish the job for the both of them, and if he came with her the experience would be more pleasant. She understood everyone had their list of priorities -- hers just happened to be the comfort of the people she met. "I'd be happy to help if you needed more hands to finish up what you're doing here."

[Shuu]

“Stand back, citizens! The dragon approaches, take shelter inside!” Sword gleaming in the sunlight, Shuu readied his blade as the winged-beast came roaring through the sky. People, panicked and screaming, dispersed and cowered within their homes as the lone knight stood poised to strike a counter blow. Sharp teeth, dripping with venom, snapped in the air as fire erupted from the maw of the vicious beast.

Swinging his blade in an arc, Shuu twisted his body and charged a green energy into the blade. Ah, his ultimate move was ready! Taking a firm grip, eyes locked on the creature as it circled back around for another attack, the purple-haired man shifted his feet and gave a knowing smile. Tap tap tap. A sudden knock on the door forced him to whirl around just as the dragon breathed another gout of flames. Pop!

Shaken from his daydream, a tinge of red touching his cheeks, the shinigami regarded his fellow as she introduced herself to him. He wasn’t sure what time it was and noticed that he had got caught up in his idle sweeping. So much for clearing your mind, you dummy.

“Bout time you found him, I thought he was going to sweep a hole into my floor!” Hirayama let out a hearty guffaw as he crossed his arms and leaned on his counter. Shuu had thought the heat had left his cheeks but they came back just as quickly. Stuttering for a second, he cleared his throat and set the broom aside near. he gave her very formal, very apologetic bow.

“My apologies, Kotomi-san. No need to help here, I have al-”Shuu began but was quickly interrupted by the older gentleman behind him.

“Hey now, a pretty girl showing up brings in the customers! No need to lea-”

“I have already assisted Hirayama-sama for today. I’m sure he’ll understand if we continue on with our assigned task.” Shuu, rising from his bow and not missing a beat to counter the old man’s complaint, offered him a genuine smile. The young Katsuragi was sure he’d hear about complaints from his division leaders for being late to patrol already. Letting out a very disgruntled ‘meh’, the shopkeeper went back to his pottery. Guiding her outside of the shop and into the street, he again offered a bow though this was far less rigid.

“Thank you for coming to find me, Kotomi-san. I know I would not have been so patient.” He gave her a warm smile and a calm, soft voice. Though she had a timid demeanor, it wouldn’t be the first time he had been scolded by his colleagues for being a space-cadet while on duty. Taking a moment to study her, he had a feeling that perhaps she was just as authentic in her mannerisms as he was. Hair as white as snow and an inviting presence made him feel more at ease than he would have thought, considering how flustered he was only moments ago.

“Shall we?” Shuu asked, patiently waiting to fall into step with her as soon as she was ready.

[Kotomi Shirasagi]

She couldn't help the bubbling of laughter that met the side of her fist as she raised it to cover the sound, stifling the soft pealing until it was undertone to Shuu's own words. She glanced at the shop's owner, laugh-lines wrinkled around the edges of her eyes, then centered her focus once more on her fellow Shinigami and his apologetic stance. It warmed her immediately: her partner, she decided, was a very nice man. This wasn't going to be that scary of an experience after all. Yes! She could do this! "Oh, Katsuragi-san, please don't worry--" She started, moving to reassure him before he had finished his own admission. She couldn't bear the thought of him putting too much concern to their current situation. Her hands had already lifted, waving in front of her, hoping the activity would serve to show that she didn't hold anything against him - they might be a few minutes late, now, but a few minutes were better than absence overall. It was worth it to look at the bright side!

She bit down a second perk of laughter that pursed her lips until her smile was infused with the joy she didn't put a voice to. Her expression had brightened, hand retracted to her chest to settle at her collarbone and meet the gentle tilt of her head. "Of course, Katsuragi-san. You've very kind for offering your help to this shop. I'm sure our administrators will understand -- I'd be glad to vouch that you were doing meaningful work for the locals. Hirayama-san, was it?" Her voice lilted up, the increase in volume so careful as to not register as loud. She didn't like the way raising her voice made her feel. "Thank you for watching over Katsuragi-san. I'll be taking him now, if that's okay." She ended with a bow, almost a curtsy without the assistance of her hands at her hem. It remained fluid, dainty. She understood that Shuu had already announced that he was free as of now, but within someone's domicile like this... It didn't feel right to not ask for permission to excuse them both. They had a duty to the Rukongai citizens, after all, and it was a duty she took very seriously.

"It was no trouble at all, Katsuragi-san. I'm just very happy to make your acquaintance. I promise to do my best today, so thank you very much for accompanying me." Another bow, reflexive, this time to the boy of purple and his gentle demeanor which put her heart at ease. She looked up with gratitude to mirror his own, her smile soft. "I would be honored. Please allow me to lead the way back." This was her cue to bid farewell to Hirayama before turning smartly to make her way out of the shop, tapping once at the wood of the entrance with a secondary goodbye; this, whispered so quietly it could have been the wind whistling through. I'm heading out.

She felt most comfortable when moving place to place, an inclination inlaid with a certain amount of increased pleasantry thanks to her new company. "Do you know this area well, Katsuragi-san?"

[Shuu]

Calming, like a cool summer breeze that brought with it the fragrance of the ocean. Shuu couldn’t place the memory of such a scent but it brought him a great deal of ease and comfort simply being in Shira’s presence. Her command over such an amiable and genteel ambiance made the green-eyed Shinigami question his own civil mannerisms. Was he being too rude to his fellow Shinigami? Was he being rude to the citizens of Rukongai? Such insecurities dwelled within him but a soft smile melted them away.

They walked for a moment down the road before them, both matching in step. Was it the training they shared? Or was it a matching of gentle spirits? Perhaps it was neither but the air of authority, bordering on that of a regal presence, caused many on lookers to nod their heads in greetings or to stare for a moment. Considering her question, shifting his weapon at his side uncomfortably, Shuu looked around and nodded in response. “I am familiar with a few shops and their owners. There is a playground not too far from here that my sisters like to go to as well. I’m still learning the ins and outs of this particular district.”

The duo walked a bit further, Shuu trying to come up with something to fill the dreadful silence in the last several steps. Insecurities and aimless musings were hidden under a calm and placated gaze, the violet-haired young man thinking on which route would be the best use of their time.

A rack of carpentry and elegantly designed rugs hung on racks next to one well-kept home, tossed over racks of red wood and handled with care by a woman sitting on a stool and working the fabric on a design that resembled a crane over a geometric layout of a circle over a triangle. One of the noble houses, he assumed, the woman suddenly dropped her basket with a curse. Excusing himself from Shira’s side with a whispered apology, he trotted over to the older woman and picked up her basket.

“Shuu-kun, what brings you here, my boy? Oh, is Masa-chan with you? She is such a sweet girl, reminds me of my daughter...” The woman tittered, beaming a smile that would wash away the overcast of a day that promised only rain. Shuu smiled back, picking up a...brush? He wasn’t sure of the tools she used in her craft but just aimlessly collected the items.

“I’m not sure where my sister is today. I just happened to be on patrol today, Eiko-sama.” He replied, handing her the basket and standing up, placing his hands on his hips and admiring the rug she was tending to.

“Thank you for taking the time, my dear boy. Is Zenjin taking care of you alright? You look like skin and bones. At this rate you’ll be thinner than a reed. I’ll make sure to give him a stern tal…oh, who’s this with you?” She stopped mid rant to regard the white-haired shinigami standing only a small distance away. Was he taking too much time here? Guilt tried to settle in as he let out a nervous laugh and rubbed the back of his neck. Setting aside her golden-needled brush, Eiko regarded Shira for a moment as Shuu cleared his throat and maneuvered his gesture to his fellow Shinigami.

“This is my fellow Shinigami, Kotomi Shirasagi. Kotomi-san, this is Eiko-sama, her and her brother make carpets and rugs. Usually special orders for nobles and the like.” Shuu made a small bow as he gestured between the two. He didn’t really know what to do with his hands so simply folded them within the sleeves of his uniform. Eiko had a face made of wrinkles and hands that were coarse and rough. A thousand-yard stare locked onto Shira for a moment before breaking into a toothy smile as she waved her over.

“Come, come, girl, don’t be shy. How are you today? Keeping this one out of trouble so far?”

[Kotomi Shirasagi]

She started the head then lagged back a step to walk beside him for the rest of their travel, hands behind her back with a fairly paced but peaceful gait taking her along. It was a lovely day. The last thing she wanted was for them to be even more late than they already were - imagining disappointing their superiors made her stomach threaten to flop - but it was hard to feel frenzied, or anxious. At least too anxious, like this. The sun hit her cheek just right to counteract the quiet breeze that whisked across her ear, a medley of chill and warmth until it was just... right. She took in a breath of air, her smile reflecting the pristine scent of the wind.

"Oh. You have sisters, Katsuragi-san? That's wonderful. Would you mind telling me about them?" She lowered her voice in a bashful sort, tone leveraged between curiosity and courtesy. She loved her job, she loved her fellows, she loved the Seireitei -- but she wasn't really the militaristic type, and she was quite happy to take a conversation on these walks if one was offered. "Do you come from the Rukongai as well? I don't mean to pry; I was also recruited from the districts, and the way you carry yourself is familiar to me. I come from a pretty sizable family myself." A small laugh, light and hidden behind raised knuckles. She looked over at him, finding kindship in the peace of his gaze. "Do you still get the chance to see them?"

It wasn't much longer before their adventure had another impromptu path added, a new open door and a new sequence of oddities. It was difficult not to get swept up in the charisma Shuu both showed and had reflected towards him from the local inhabitants. It made her feel like she was home, almost, despite being a stranger to everyone present. Maybe it was the air. Maybe it was their smiles. She had no reservations for Shuu stepping away to help the woman - this was a house she had delivered to but not a face she was familiar with - and had reached out her hand in a reflexive bid to assist before he stepped in. She wasn't going to get in his way, instead offering a polite nod and taking a slower pace behind him to give them the chance to catch up.

It felt like a personal moment she shouldn't intrude on, busying herself in the passing wind after confirming everything was okay and catching the stray object that rolled near for Shuu's hands. She passed them over with quiet affirmations, nodding to him to signal that this was okay without interrupting his conversation. She really enjoyed his willingness - even eagerness - to help the people they came across, history notwithstanding. She reasoned he only had this history because of his contributions to the community, and as someone wholly in support of Rukongai relationships and its citizenry: it was just nice. It's okay if they were a little late. Everything they did, even their patrol, was for the people. This was helping out just as much.

She lifted her head when indicated, a tilt and that same field-of-daisies smile proffered in trade for the attention she was now being given. Her hands clasped at her front to start a bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Eiko-sama. I hope the day has been kind." She straightened back up, stroking back a lock of hair to tender it behind a slightly reddened ear. "You weave wonderful fabrics here. Your work is just lovely." A hand found its way to her chest, an intake of air elevating her fingers as she surveyed the surroundings and took in the various creations laid around them. There was a particularly darling piece - a small, soft-looking blend of blue and grey that hung half-finished nearby - that her eyes lingered on, turning silver in a swim of her stare and the catch of the light.

"Truly... Oh! My apologies. I'm faring quite well, and none the worse for the assistance of Katsuragi-san. He's no trouble at all. We're actually just on our way for a joint patrol, and I feel very lucky to have him as my partner. I'm sure he'll be doing his fair share of keeping me out of trouble, if anything, so I appreciate your concern for him." She glanced over at Shuu before returning to Eiko with as much of a well-meaning conspiracy of a smile she could muster. Maybe he could do to be eating more... Should she have packed lunches for them? She didn't think they'd be out for long, but now that they were here, she berated herself internally for not thinking ahead. "I'll make sure we eat."

[Shuu]

This pleasant exchange was a nice distraction for Shuu but overall it was still a distraction. Mulling over the interaction between the two, Shuu smiled before Eiko gave him a waggle of her eyebrows when the white-haired Shinigami wasn’t paying attention. Outward he was calm, almost zen as he only offered a tilt of his head and a quizzical arch of his eyebrow. Inside his head he was suppressing every idle daydream that would cross his mind. Quiet Eiko-sama! Don’t you dare say anything embarassing! I can’t believe you would...well, no, I do believe...I...no, don’t think it, Shuu. Stop. An overload of his imagination with thoughts of him and Kotomi sharing a meal under a starry night which then quickly escalated to her in an extravagant wedding kimono. Was steam coming out of his ears? Was his face a bright red color?

Wait, was he really that thin? Quickly pinching his arms within the folds of his sleeves, he frowned slightly. Letting out a slight cough, Shuu bowed to the older woman to excuse the two of them, “My apologies, Eiko-sama. We really must get back on track. It was good to see you again.”

“Of course, of course, my dearies. Next time you’re in the neighborhood, bring your sisters along. And Kotomi-chan, if you swing by I’ll make sure we give you a discount! Finest rugs in all of Rukongai!” The old woman let out a chortle and a wink as she nodded to the two of them, diligently getting back to work as though she had never stopped in the first place. No hesitation to remember where she left off, an expert of her craft that effortlessly regained her focus.

As they walked, Shuu jolted for a moment as he realized he had not answered the questions Kotomi had asked of him. Would it be rude to say something now? So far he had done an awful job at keeping them on track and had done a terrible job on making his partner feel welcomed. It took a lot in him to keep his guilt suppressed. He wondered if being distant or distracted had been the reason he hadn’t had many friends? Rubbing the back of his neck, his sense of calm barely keeping his anxiousness in check, he cleared his throat.

“Ah, um, I seem to have taken us off course again. My apologies. You have been very patient and your words have been kind, Kotomi-san.” Very aware of his sheath pressing into his side, he chose to ignore it and leave it as is. Normally he would carry it over his shoulder but he wanted to impress his fellow Shinigami with his professionalism. Something he felt he was failing to do…

“Um...to answer your earlier questions? Kumiko and Masa are my younger sisters, they help my adoptive father’s partner with chores around the household. They live fairly carefree since we were taken in. They are rambunctious and full of energy, they keep the whole family busy,” Shuu smiled, an amused expression while he looked ahead as his eyes softened while talking of his family. “My other siblings are in the Academy right now, though Zenjin-sama has taken it upon himself to oversee their training on their off time more directly than he did with me.” Raking his brain, he was trying to think of a way to answer her other questions without boring her to tears. She was elegant and had an air of nobility to her, at least to him, and he did his best to hide his nerves.

“We came from the western fringes of Rukongai. I watched over a lot of children, had to move carefully as not to knock them over. I tried my best to keep our orphanage running but…” This time the look on his face was more wistful, distant, before being shaken by a whistle from a home they were passing. Blinking a few times, Shuu excused himself to walk up to a man with a slip of paper in his hand. Procuring an odd clipboard and pen from within his uniform, the Shinigami took the slip and jotted something down before sliding the paper into the clipboard and tucking it back into his uniform after exchanging a few pleasantries.

“Right, where was I? My family, right. I get to see them quite often, actually. I still live in Zenjin-sama’s home, you see. He used to be a former seat in the 5th Division before he lost his arm so he still has some sway, so I don’t really have to live in one of the division barracks. Plus I don’t really get along with some of my colleagues so it’s probably for the best I stay elsewhere...” Shuu mused, tapping his chin and trying to lay out the facts plainly. Was he being too blunt? Green-eyes stole a glance at his partner, trying to gauge her reaction.

They walked down the road further still, a turn here and there as Shuu blindly led, before another citizen flagged him down. Again another slip of paper, another bout of scribbling on the clipboard. Shuu seemed completely unaware if this was bothering his compatriot. Right, conversations flowed both ways. How selfish he was, only talking about himself.

“What part of Rukongai are you from, if you don’t mind me asking? Oh, you also mentioned you had a large family yourself? I’d love to hear about them.”

[Kotomi Shirasagi]

She gave a smile and bow to Eiko as they moved to depart with the promise that she’d try and find time to swing by off the clock -- the woman’s craftsmanship was exquisite, the only problem being Shira’s lack of space in the barracks for such personal trivialities. Maybe one day, when she climbed up the ranks… if she seated at a high number - forgiving the fantasy that she’d somehow place as Lieutenant or even Captain one day, as it was absurd - she’d be able to afford her own loggings. She began to daydream her furnishing of it as she fell back into step, swaying with every breeze like it could lift her up and carry her away. Definitely a rug… two, or three, even… hardwood floors, so she could use them in place of carpeting… her old vanity was nice, but it could do with a new mirror and chair… a bed, a big bed, so big she’d disappear in the center of it…

She snapped back to reality with Shuu’s voice, blinking once to re-center her vision to the path ahead and bring her arms closer to her chest from where they swung at her sides. Her expression reflected serenity, the warmth of joy behind the violet irides that drifted back over to her partner. “Oh! Please don’t feel as if you need to apologize, Katsuragi-san. Your friends have been a delight, and your company even more so besides. We are a little late, but that’s nothing hard work and dedication once we arrive can’t solve!” She pumped her arm, flexing one and holding it with the other like a motivational poster. She felt immediately bashful after this presentation and retracted them, smiling sheepishly. Her tone softened. “You’re a diligent worker and member of the community, Katsuragi-san. Anyone can see that. You can’t be faulted for it.”

Her features perked as if her ears could swivel and stand at attention when he continued, tuned attentively to his words. “They sound lovely, Katsuragi-san. They must be very proud of you, your adoptive father especially.” The genuine manner of speech he had when speaking about his family made her feel like she could melt into his gentle gaze, such was the aura of reliability he exuded. She was once more thankful this was the stranger she had been assigned alongside. She didn’t doubt her ability to get along with anyone, but how easy - and pleasant - it was to get along with him unburdened her anxieties.

You can do this, Shira. Criminals beware! Her and Katsuragi-san were on the job! She laughed, a sound so soft as to barely leave her lips. “The Seiretei is in good hands if every member of your family carries themselves the way you do.” She meant this as a compliment to his manner, navigating a level of social conversation with a peer she wasn’t used to. She didn’t spend much time making friends since becoming a Shinigami, as much as she enjoyed the company.

She stalled on the way he trailed off his explanation, finding another trace of kinship in the wistfulness of his expression. A pang in her heart, tugging at the strings that shaped her personage. “Even more reassuring, Katsuragi-san, to know you helped guide our lost little ones. You’ve done so much for the people of the Rukongai. Please allow me to extend my thanks as well.” She would have stepped up to interface with the citizens they passed with him, but the automatic way in which Shuu handled the interaction led her to comfortably wait by the side for him to come back. She trusted his expertise and intentions.

“You live at home? That’s lovely!” She spoke with a gleeful tenor of sincerity, eyes widening and brightening with a shift forward of her head to get a better look at him without invading his space. Her hands clasped at her front, fingers trailing over each other. “It’s so gratifying to hear that you haven’t had to leave your family behind after everything. I know the job is demanding. I can understand not wanting to live in the barracks if you don’t need to, though…” She tilted her head the other way, sending strands of white hair to obscure one of her thoughtful eyes. “I couldn’t imagine you not getting along with anyone, Katsuragi-san. You’re so effortless to talk to. You have this… comfortable presence.” She smiled at him, squinting her eyes shut before she’d right herself and open them again.

She took note of the second time he met with someone, fixing her hair behind an ear. “Is everything okay, Katsuragi-san?”

Still, she wouldn’t hold up the conversation. “I don’t mind at all. We’ve led very similar lives, actually, though I didn’t have as much responsibility to speak of. I’m from the Southern fringes, namely the 71st to 73rd districts. We had to move around a little, but we always had each other. My family was very big. It was like… hm… your orphanage? It was just a lot of us with nowhere else to go, so we found each other. I remember everyone’s name. Mother Makoto, Akise, Maria, Hanson, Taiwei, Kazu… I could go on for hours, but I’ll spare us that.” She laughs. “We were a very short distance from the Kouya, so we…” Her footsteps slowed. It took a moment for her to find her pace again. “There were a lot of people who didn’t know where they could fit in. We took care of each other. I was never really in charge of anything. I just helped more people join our family, and we lived like that for a very long time.”

A hand played over her wrist, thumb stroking down the side of her other. “I haven’t really seen them since the Academy. I’ve heard they mostly have comfortable lives now. I know a lot of them live in the middle and upper districts, the ones that were willing to relocate when offered. It was part of the reason why I became a Shinigami. It helped them. It gave them… more security.” She seemed to struggle with finding the words. “My recruiters gave them food and housing, and they’re happier now. They’re happy.” She quieted down.

“I’m happy for them. That’s why we do this job, isn’t it? To help everyone, like that. It’s working, I think.” A gentle smile, playing off the soft light in her eyes. It was a moment longer before she’d look to meet his gaze again.