Morning Escapes (Hachibantai district) (closed)

[Bishiglomper]

Masaharu leaned against the balcony, overlooking one of the courts in Hachibantai district. It was fairly busy, with the amount of shinigami passing through, for whatever reason or agenda. He was resting for a moment, taking out from within his shuhakusho a bamboo canteen filled with water. A few refreshing sips was all it took to quench the shinigami's thirst after a few hours of light morning training.

Hamasaki had a few hours at least before needing to attend a few of the afternoon's miscellaneous tasks. He hoped to visit a couple people during said free time. But he took a moment to stroll through the courts, exchanging a few hellos to some members of his squad.

[Suigintou]

Masaharu wasn't the only one without an errand to attend to. Riku, too, had a free morning - but for a different reason. Though his shihakusho concealed them, bandages were still wrapped around his body, clinging to wounds that hadn't fully healed. Any mundane tasks he was normally assigned were being given to other shinigami, despite his insistence that he could handle them. The treatment frustrated Riku. He hated feeling like he was being tossed aside, useless, fragile.

And he hated himself for being weak enough to be put in that position.

Unexpected anger rose into the sea of his emotions. He walked into the courtyard that he had stood on the edge of, no clear destination in mind, wanting to clear his thoughts, to be alone.

No shinigami gave him a second glance as he passed, none tried to stop him or inquire as to his condition. His detachment from the others of Hachibantai, at least, gave him that small comfort. He walked past the familiar buildings, out into the labyrinthine paths that made up much of Seireitei, and kept going, making no acknowledgment of anyone he passed, eyes dark and downcast.

He was troubled, and had been since he had left Yonbantai. Questions rose in his mind, but before he could even attempt to find an answer they were replaced by others, and regardless of how much he thought, he couldn't quell his uneasiness.

Arrancar didn't simply come and go from Rukongai as they pleased. He hadn't once heard of a previous incident of one appearing there - why now? And what was she doing, exactly? He hadn't been able to get information from her, despite his efforts, and regardless of her comments of "entertainment" he didn't believe that she had simply come for a fight. There was a reason for it...even if it eluded him.

And what would she have done if he and Minamoto hadn't been there to catch her...?

Letting out a sigh that was barely louder than a breath, Riku stopped walking. He turned, rested his back against the wall, raised his eyes to the cloud-filled sky.

He hated this lingering feeling of unease...it felt like he stood on the edge of a storm, one growing ever more violent, and he had no choice but to fall in.

[Bishiglomper]

Masaharu was about to wander in direction of his personal quarters, with the intent of visiting the first person on his list. He hadn't seen him for a few days, not since right after the incident in Rukongai. He had left Riku in the care of Yonbantai; Where he knew he would recover quickly despite the severe wounds he had, being in the best care Seireitei had to offer. He only hoped the boy wouldn't beat himself up more; being the type who's ego was hurt more than any physical beating.

From across the court, his eyes caught a familiar figure. They walked, almost wandering to whatever destination they had in mind. Masaharu would have called out but his friend seemed distracted, his eyes downcast. Instead Masaharu swiftly made to follow him before he lost him within the walls of seireitei.

It helped that he made mental note of where his reiatsu was headed. It didn't take him long after a few rows to find his friend rested against a wall some yards away, just staring skyward. From his place at a corner turn, Masaharu's eyebrows furrowed in concern; his first impression being he had stopped due to his injuries. It did seem a bit soon to be out and about... But something about his expression told him whatever was bothering him, it wasn't physical. Masaharu stepped out, addressing the young friend and hopefully pull him out of whatever troubling reverie he was lost in.

"Rikkun," He smiled softly as he made his way up to him. "Ah, I haven't come to see you recently. Are you well?"

[Suigintou]

It took Riku a moment to reply. In his distraction, the words were slow to reach him, slower to process. "Aa...Masa-kun. I'm fine."

Were it anyone else addressing him with such a nickname, Riku would've been irritated, but in his distraction and with Masaharu speaking, it barely registered in his mind. His thoughts were still far elsewhere, and it showed on his face and in his voice; he barely gave his friend a glance before returning his eyes to the stone path below, frowning.

Riku was quiet normally, but this quiet was different, as though the troubled atmosphere surrounding him was almost tangible. He had little desire to speak, caught up in his thoughts, but at the same time didn't want to push Masaharu away.

"...Minamoto-san. How is he? Have you heard? The attempt to change his focus worked to an extent, at least, though he couldn't fully bring himself to put aside his concerns. He didn't know if it would help, but he intended to talk to Kyouraku-taichou about them later, and if possible, find out if the taichou had learned anything else.

For now...maybe it would be good to think about something else, if he could.

[Bishiglomper]

Masaharu gave Riku a reassuring smile, "Since you're up and about I'm positive Renjirou-kun is recovering just as well. I was more concerned with your wellfare, honestly..." His expression changed to a sheepish sort of smile as he brought his hand down in a friendly pat to his friend's shoulder. Masaharu was relieved that if Riku was fine (Who Masa thought to have gotten a bit more damage than Ren), then Ren himself would be fine and the last recon wouldn't have been a complete failure.

"So Riku-kun. Are you busy this morning?" The older shinigami wasn't impervious to the dark atmosphere Riku was emanating. He wanted to do something for his ailing friend to take his mind off whatever was bothering him. It was the downfall of being the brotherly type. He wanted to keep his little brother as content as possible. If he wasn't happy, how could he call himself a successful friend, let alone adoptive big brother?

Yes, Masaharu definately had a place in mind to visit, if Riku would join him.

[Suigintou]

Riku frowned a little at the touch, but didn't step away as he may have from another. The assumption-based report was somewhat unsatisfactory, but he didn't press, aware that if his condition were too bad there would be talk of it all over Hachibantai.

The question and change of subject took Riku somewhat by surprise, evidence of how his thoughts still wandered. "I'm not." The bitterness he felt over his response didn't transfer to his tone, and he glanced up at his friend, expression calm if perhaps still somewhat dark. "Why?"

He had plans, no doubt, and though Riku didn't know what they were he supposed he would go along. It was unlikely he would be able to put the arrancar attack out of his mind, but at least he could avoid brushing Masaharu off. Perhaps some company would do him good.

As long as the company could accept that he wouldn't get his full attention.

[Bishiglomper]

Riku's expression as he asked didn't phase Masaharu in the slightest. He supposed was used to Riku's moods and how they worked. He knew he didn't mean any harm. Riku was just self reserved, and Masaharu could respect that. Masaharu just hoped he didn't hold it against him to take him out of his comfort zone.

"I was wondering if you'd like to go with me somewhere," Masa smiled, "It won't take long. And I'd very much like your company."

-----

Masaharu didn't have to ask twice, Riku followed him as he led the way down countless roads through Hachibantai. The walk was silent for the most part, aside from the occasional greeting from more friendly shinigami that they passed. Being the nice guy that he was, Masaharu made friends easily. He felt bad for Riku. Since his friend wasn't as open as he was, Riku was often overlooked in the way of conversation. He had the feeling others perceived the shinigami as intimidating to talk to. Perhaps they could work on that sometime in the future.

Soon Masaharu stopped at a hut just outside of the Hachibantai district, halfway down one of the side paths. They weren't quite next to kyuubantai, but it was close enough. The hut they stood before didn't have any distinguishing signs that told what was sold there; but Masaharu knew. The place didn't much business but to those who knew where it was, they were in for a treat.

Masaharu rapped on the bamboo shades that were drawn over the window. It was a few seconds before he was answered, leaving him wondering if anyone was there before a face peeked out from a side door. "...Ah. Hamasaki-san!" The face dissapeared for a moment while the shades drew back revealing a grinning middle-aged man in a casual juban. "I haven't seen you for weeks. Who's your friend?"

"Hai, hai. Things have been... busy. Ah! This is Kouyama Riku-kun. He's accompaning me today." Masaharu gave the man a broad smile at the news, "I was wondering Shizuka-san. Are you open?"

The man nodded, turning his attention to behind the stand for a few seconds. It was obvious he was rearranging items behind it, setting things in order before turning his attention back to Masaharu and Riku.

"So. What can I get you?"

Masaharu didn't skip a beat, "The usual for me. And for Riku-kun..." He regarded his friend for a moment with a thoughtful expression.

"...plum."

Shizuka nodded in confirmation, his hands working with a finess and promptness that told them he did this quite often. In no time at all two small bamboo bowls were set in front of Masaharu. He thanked Shizuka-san and handed Riku one of the bowls.

Masa's bowl was topped with strawberries. The extra juice smothered the top, dying the contents within the dish a bright pink. The bowl that was handed to Riku had pieces of sweet plum. It mirrored the other bowl, dying the contents not pink, but more purple.

Shizuka reached from over the stand to hand them each a spoon. "Enjoy!"
---

Masaharu took a bite of his ice, savoring it. "Mmm. It's refreshing, isn't it?"

He watched Riku though his peripheral vision, frowning slightly. 'He still hasn't said much to me today... perhaps whatever's on his mind is bothering him more than I thought...'

"Nee, Riku," he hesitated; a thought dawning on him. Could this be about....? Ah. That must be it. Leave it to Kouyama-kun to carry such heavy thoughts. It saddened Masaharu to think it took him this long to catch onto his friend's turmoil. After such an experience...

Though Masa was but one of the shinigami called for back-up that day, he missed most of the action. All he got there in time for was to see an arrancar. In Rukongai. That in itself didn't bode well; though Masaharu knew it would do no good to delve too deep into the situation afterward. That was a job for the other special forces. It did no good to him to agonize over something he had no control over, nor had any involvement with. He just wished his friend realized this too. It was not his fault the arrancar had escaped. He knew Riku wouldn't listen to him; should he enlighten him of this fact.

"Riku-kun," He tried again, taking a more solemn expression as he met Riku's gaze. His words were soft, laced with concern. "If you ever need to talk, you can come to me. ...You know that, right?" Masaharu looked down to his melting flavored ice, reflective.

He wanted to be there for Riku. He knew the boy wasn't as open with anyone else. Everyone needed a confidant at times. Masaharu only wished Riku could find that in him. He returned to smiling at his friend, a genuine one, as he said one last thing;

"...You needn't bear the weight of the world on your shoulders alone."

[Suigintou]

Shaved ice...how long had it been since Riku had seen any, let alone tasted it? So long that even the nostalgia it would have once brought had faded, leaving only a lingering pleasantness as the boy looked at the bowl, the shining white of the ice growing constantly more stained by plum. He glanced at Masaharu. He hadn't asked what flavor Riku preferred...he really did know him well, despite his quiet nature.

Spoon dipped into ice and Riku tasted it, the coldness and the sweetness blending together pleasantly in his mouth. It was nice, he supposed, occasionally being able to relax like this...at least he could let go a few of his troubles for a little while.

Masa spoke, and Riku looked up at him, but he didn't continue. Silence fell between them; Riku didn't press to find out what he had been about to say, but there was no need, as just as he touched spoon to ice, he continued.

Riku rested the spoon in the bowl; both lowered, forgotten. Momentarily, words failed him. At length he nodded, his own eyes lowering. Somehow, he couldn't meet Masa's.

"I know." His voice was quiet, perhaps even quieter than usual. He looked up again, but this time, his eyes did meet his friend's. A smile formed on his face, small, weak, but nonetheless true. "Thank you."

It hit him, suddenly, how distant he had been. It hadn't been intentional, but his unrelenting sense of responsibility and his contemplation weighed so heavily on him that he had seen little else around him. Guilt struck him. Perhaps...it would be okay to ease the burden a little.

Just a little.

"Later, okay?" He glanced around. It wasn't that the other shinigami didn't know of the arrancar, but Riku didn't feel comfortable discussing the subject publicly. "I'll tell you what I've been thinking about later. This isn't the place for it."

[Toboe]

"My, my, such gloom. I hope I am not interrupting anything too important." Said a voice which seemingly appeared out of thin air. Shunsui walked up and stood beside Masa, turning to face away from the hut's window and looked out towards the street; letting the a small breeze pass over his face.

It troubled him to be bothering Masa and Riku, especially because of the state Riku was obviously in. He knew that Riku was going to need time to recover and the only way he would be able to do that fully was if he had a good friend at his side. Nevertheless, Shunsui had to put other things before Riku... for the time being that is.

"I do hope you forgive me Riku-kun, but I am going to have to steal Masa-kun away from you for the time being." He stated, getting to the point. The taichou turned his attention to the older of the two, his expression oddly serious. "I am bringing you along with me to Karakura. My reason for choosing you is of my own, but I wouldn't worry too much about that if I were you." He gave Masa a kind smile before looking over towards Riku.



"As for you Riku-kun, I would like for you to stay put. You haven't fully recovered from your last excursion and this may turn out to be more than a small check on the living and I would prefer if you were not injured further." The captain let out a long sigh as he looked up towards the sky, watching a cloud passover ever so slowly, almost elegant looking. "However... I am only going to recommend that you stay, hoping that you will do just that. But if you really want to go, that is you're decision to make."

[Suigintou]

"Taichou!" Riku looked up quickly, startled by his sudden appearance. He had been so focused on his conversation with his friend that he hadn't noticed the man's approach, though he didn't doubt that if he didn't want to be noticed, he wouldn't be.

Karakura? He looked back and forth between the two of them, curious if Masaharu knew anything about what Kyouraku-taichou wanted, but found no answers. If a taichou was going, though, it had to be something unusually important...

A connection to Rukongai?

As he continued, however, Riku couldn't help tensing unconsciously. There it was again - a reminder that he was still useless, so long as his wounds hadn't finished healing. Much as he wanted to protest, he resisted, his frustration manifesting as no more than a tightening of his grip on the bowl in his hands. His eyes dropped to avoid theirs. He didn't want to see pity or concern, and he knew Masaharu - he would offer it, wanted or not.

But it seemed he would get neither. Recommend...? He was being given a choice? The shock nearly caused him to drop his bowl, but he recovered quickly, looking back up. "...Thank you, Taichou." He couldn't conceal the surprise in his voice, and paused, resuming his calm demeanor before speaking again. "I'm going."

Masaharu's treat would have to wait until later.

"When do we leave?"

[Toboe]

Shunsui couldn't help but smirk a bit by Riku's reply. The captain grabbed at his chin and looked up towards the sky in deep thought, as if he was about to reconsider his previous statement. That however, wasn't something he'd do.

"We're to leave within the hour. Make sure you're up for this."

Not surprised, not in the least bit. Shunsui already knew ahead of time that if he were to give Riku the choice to either stay or go, he'd most certainly go. After all, with everything considered, Riku probably felt that it was something he must do.

Shunsui reached out and firmly grabbed Riku's shoulder. "One last thing. Don't do anything to hasty. If you're not ready to face whatever is down there, than turn tail and get out." He glanced towards Masa. "That goes for the both of you."

Placing his hat upon the top of his head, he turned away and gave them a quick wave. "Don't be late, or we leave without you~" And with that, the captain walked off and disappeared into the distance.

((Such... a bad post o.o Sorry Shunsui!! D=))

[Bishiglomper]

He smiled in return to Riku. Inside Masaharu was relieved. A part of him was afraid by trying to get Riku to open up to him, he would inadvertently push him away with his badgering. He always did have a problem not getting in what he considered his adopted little brother's business.

Masaharu nodded, "Whenever you're ready."

Not seconds later, Kyouraku Shunsui appeared in the alley on their way toward them. Neither noticed the captain until he spoke; both exclaiming their surprise in unison. "Taichou!"

--

Karakura? With Kyouraku-taichou? Masaharu glanced worriedly at Riku before bowing in acceptance to his taichou. "Ah.. hai, taichou." True, Masa didn't have any idea about what his captain had in mind but he trusted him fully.

He looked at Riku when Kyouraku-taichou began to tell him that he prefer he didn't come along- He knew being told he was a potential burden was a sting. He was gripping his bowl of ice obvious, to Masaharu, that he was struggling with his frustration over their taichou's words.

But then he surprised them both.

Only recommend? Maraharu's brows furrowed in concern and confusion. He was giving Riku the choice to join them on the trip to Karakura? Riku's answer was no surprise. He would go if his wounds were still bleeding. Even the concern of taichou had no effect on him at this point.

Kyouraku left the two alone at the stand. Soon they would be off doing Kami-sama even knows what in the real world. At least this time he would be with Riku. Though the last thing taichou said worried him a bit. Either way, they'd see what awaited them once they got there.

He sighed in defeat, returning his half eaten ice to Shizuka-san's window. He would have to take a rain check.

"I suppose we should be preparing. For what, I'm not sure..." He added, his thoughts drifting off to something else.

"Ah!" suddenly Masaharu exclaimed. "Excuse me Riku-kun, there's something I need to do before we leave. I'll catch up with you later." Masa quickly bowed apologetically and turned to run to whatever secret destination he had in mind he didn't feel like sharing. And leaving Riku back at the stand, with Shizuka looking a bit amused.

"So Kouyama-san..." The proprietor leaned on the stand's large window, addressing the remaining shinigami. "How about I'll open up a tab for you under Hamasaki-san's. Next one's on the house." Shizuka winked.