With the Captains suffering casualties and heavy injuries on their side, all hope seemed to be lost... until Shinji Hirako appeared, along with the rest of the former Shinigami. Though the aid of the Vizards certainly helped to draw the battle in their favor, it seemed Aizen's power alone proved too much for them.
It had been a couple of weeks since the "accident", and Mizuki was going to be released today. Oh what joy! She would be free of this hospital, but not from a few things. One, her broken arm. Two, her feelings that she couldn't escape or even bottle up. It was hard when both of these guys weren't around. Makes a harder decision in all reality.
Mizuki sighed. She was still sitting in the lobby waiting to be picked up. God knows she would of walked right out of there if it weren't for their damn "leave in a wheelchair" policy. She hated this and her parents would still be a while. Maybe she could call someone else to come pick her up... But who? Mizuki took her phone out and started to pound away on it, texting someone. Who?, You may find yourself asking.
"I really wish I had someone to pick me up." Mizuki sighed out softly. It had been at least an hour since she was able to leave, and yet there was no one to get her, to take her home, or even just away from this god forsaken pisshole known as a hospital. She hated hospitals now, she really did.
Before she knew it, those thoughts were back, rearing their ugly little heads again. It started with Neko...
Man that Neko... I'm glad he left through the window that day, I didn't have to deal with him at all! That would of been horrible! He always yells, and makes a scene... Then again... He is cute, and I do like that he is honest, even if I don't like what he yells about... I wish I could get in his head...
Mizuki was deep in thought as people passed her by. No one really paid any mind to her, she was a smaller female, in a wheelchair, with no one talking to her, most people didn't wanna get involved in this, seeing as they usually thought she was crazy. Her thoughts about Neko passed, as thoughts of Toshioni approached.
Then there's Toshi... He's so sweet, and level headed. He tries to make the best of any situation, even if he doesn't know what to do about it... Like that day with Neko... I bet he still hasn't forgiven me for that, hell, I wouldn't. Then again, he may have... But why hasn't he been here since then? Why wouldn't he come visit me again? Maybe he needed time to think, try to figure it out... Doubt he did, he can be a bit of a doofus at times... A cute doofus...
Mizuki sighed again. Time went by so slow when she wasn't doing anything. She needed entertainment... Or to go home, either one would work.
Small bits of dust were kicked up as he drug his feet that day. He wasn't necessarily in the mood to go anywhere fast but he knew where he had to go. He had been meandering there all day but he got so beautifully sidetracked on his journey. As much as he hated to, Toshioni knew that he had to go back to the hospital to see Mizuki. If nothing else, he needed to fully understand why. Why did she choose that asshole over him? He tried to come to terms with it, he really had. But, it was too hard...he didn't know how.
He entered the hospital and saw Mizuki in a little wheelchair. He knew she was probably getting ready to leave. That worked in his favor, it meant that she would be forced to streamline the conversation. He didn't want an hour long sob full of excuses and apologies. He just wanted to know why she had done it and then he wanted to leave. It was really that simple.
"I really wish I had someone to pick me up."
"Oh I'm sure someone will be here for you soon. I mean, you parents wouldn't just forget about you," he said with a smile. He sat down in the lobby near her before kind of slouching and looking around. Breathing into his hands that he held over his face, he shook himself a little bit. Turning his head, he looked at Mizuki decisively before taking in one good deep breath.
"I didn't come here for a fight or a stream of apologies Mizuki. I'm sorry but...it wasn't okay. It's not right for me to have to accept what happened or pretend that it didn't bother me. I just want to know why? Of all people why him? Why that bastard over me?"
"Oh I'm sure someone will be here for you soon. I mean, you parents wouldn't just forget about you,"
Mizuki heard the familiar voice and was brought out of her vicious thought cycle. It was good to be able to hear someone she knew. It would work better for her in the long run. And, on top of that, it was Toshioni. Someone she really wanted to see. She would need to explain something to him, but first, his comment had to be answered.
"Toshi-kun! I'm so glad you're here! My parents didn't forget... My dad had to work overtime, and my mom, well, her job takes her out of town from time to time, and this happens to be one of those times..."
After making her little comment, Toshioni began on a little speech. Not something she really wanted to think about either, but it was about that time to decide, or maybe even tell him the whole truth about it. Well, the truth was pushing it, maybe just part of it for now.
"I didn't come here for a fight or a stream of apologies Mizuki. I'm sorry but...it wasn't okay. It's not right for me to have to accept what happened or pretend that it didn't bother me. I just want to know why? Of all people why him? Why that bastard over me?"
Mizuki was speechless for a moment. All the thoughts that were going through her head, everything that had led up to this moment. It all flashed before her. Meeting Toshi, kissing and being saved by him, meeting Neko, arguing and having mixed feeling about him... The incident at the mall, the accident, a couple of days after, where she cried in Toshi's arms. What could she say? What could she due for that matter?
"Toshioni... I said I was sorry, and I told you why. You really didn't have to accept it, or even help me, I would of understood..." Mizuki took a deep breath and exhaled heavily. "You want to know why... Well, quite frankly, I don't know. I didn't really choose him, things just sorta... Happened. Just like what happened in that crazy place... Me kissing you... It just kinda happened."
As Mizuki continued to try and explain, her thought began to swirl up again. She wasn't sure about what to say or do. She just wanted Toshioni to forgive her... But the likelyhood of that happening was slim, at this point at least. Mizuki would try to continue.
"Toshioni, I live in the now... Everything I do is done without critical thought, I just do it. I don't stop to think about what could happen, unless it related to my parents... I guess this is the only way to really explain it..."
"Toshi-kun! I'm so glad you're here! My parents didn't forget... My dad had to work overtime, and my mom, well, her job takes her out of town from time to time, and this happens to be one of those times..."
Toshioni had thought about what it must have been like to have to worry about two parent's schedules. He admitted that he didn't have those problems in his life since his father had died. But, that wasn't the kind of thing he wanted to think about. Having gotten over self-pity for losing his father, Toshioni figured that he had other things to worry about in his life.
"You want to know why... Well, quite frankly, I don't know. I didn't really choose him, things just sorta... Happened. Just like what happened in that crazy place... Me kissing you... It just kinda happened."
Toshioni let out a sigh at this. That really wasn't what he wanted to hear and it wasn't really an answer. Leaning forward in his seat, he put his face between his hands and breathed heavily. This was hard to do. He knew that she was going to end up hurting him; he also knew that he was going to end up forgiving her. That was who she was and that was who he was. It fucking sucked every now and again.
"I get it Mizuki." He said, looking up at her between his fingers that stretched over his face.
"Toshioni, I live in the now... Everything I do is done without critical thought, I just do it. I don't stop to think about what could happen, unless it related to my parents... I guess this is the only way to really explain it..."
"So what do you want? I mean, what do you want out of me and what should I do? Because I don't know and I feel like I kind of need to. I mean, could you catch me up and everything?"
Did he really get it? Or was he just saying that. It was a complicated matter, and Mizuki, herself, didn't fully "get" it. She would really have to explain everything, but she wasn't really sure how to do it. To be fully open with someone, like she has never been but maybe once before. She was always honest with herself when ever she took time out to watch the moon, but this time it was different. For the moment, she would have to say something to this.
"Toshi-kun... You don't completely get it... I don't even get it for that matter... I'm not really sure how to explain any of this right now..." Mizuki looked down at the ground. Her eyes had a distance to them, as if she was a million miles away, even though she was physically right there.
"So what do you want? I mean, what do you want out of me and what should I do? Because I don't know and I feel like I kind of need to. I mean, could you catch me up and everything?"
Toshioni seemed to dance around the subject, trying to find the answers that he needed, and wanted for that matter. Mizuki wasn't completely sure how to respond to this this time. She would have to just go with it, if she could only find the answers that she was seeking.
"What do I want...? I don't really know.... I'm so confused right now... I... I...."
Mizuki covered up her face as she started to cry a bit. It was so difficult to even try to think of an answer. Her head was starting to hurt, along with her arm and back. It was almost as if the world was spinning, going down a drain, and she couldn't stop it, she was falling into it, swirling about, with no hope. She sniffled as she tried to finish the answer to Toshioni's request.
"First there was you... Then the other guy and I met a few days later, it was raining, and cold, and I brought him back to... to my place. He was... angry... I tried to calm him by multiple means.... To no avail... I even... tried, uh, kissing him... He didn't like that.... He crashed on my bed, and I slept next to him..."
Mizuki took a deep breath. She was trying to explain, and trying not to cry at the same time. She didn't want to tell Toshioni all about it, but knew she had to, so, she would continue on.
"The next morning, he left in a rage from me sleeping next to him... Then I went to the mall and met up with you... And he was that guy that I was yelling at, before I disappeared. That night... A hollow attacked me.... And.... the other guy saved me... for whatever reason, I don't think he really knew what he was doing, but that was what had happened that put me in here in the first place....." Mizuki kinda finished. Hopefully that was clear enough for Toshioni.
"Toshi-kun... You don't completely get it... I don't even get it for that matter... I'm not really sure how to explain any of this right now..."
Letting out a small sigh, Toshioni had to admit that he really didn't fully understand what Mizuki was thinking and why she was doing this. He fully admitted that that other mother fucker had been extremely rude and obscene. Why in the fuck was she even remotely interested in him? Was Toshioni really that bad that the other asshole was even on his level at this point? What the fuck?
"So, I don't get it. Am I seriously that bad that that other asshole is a viable option? I mean, I'm a little biased, but I don't really see how it's a competition. All he's ever been to you is rude and a prick."
"First there was you... Then the other guy and I met a few days later, it was raining, and cold, and I brought him back to... to my place. He was... angry... I tried to calm him by multiple means.... To no avail... I even... tried, uh, kissing him... He didn't like that.... He crashed on my bed, and I slept next to him...The next morning, he left in a rage from me sleeping next to him... Then I went to the mall and met up with you... And he was that guy that I was yelling at, before I disappeared. That night... A hollow attacked me.... And.... the other guy saved me... for whatever reason, I don't think he really knew what he was doing, but that was what had happened that put me in here in the first place....."
At first, Toshioni didn't know what to focus on first. The fact that she had kiss him and slept by him before, or the fact that she had been attacked by a hollow, or that this guy had somehow saved her. Toshioni did mental math and thought about when she had gotten hurt in relation to when they went out. They had gone out the same night that she had gotten hurt by the hollow. Toshioni knew that that had been the only hollow in the area that night. Wait, he had helped kill that hollow but somehow this other guy had been there as well. Had he been the figure that fought the hollow? Had he seriously shot at a human?
However, that wasn't what he really wanted to focus on right now. He wanted Mizuki to choose right now. He hated being in that state of limbo with her and he decided that he didn't want to be in it any longer. Deciding to stand up for himself, Toshioni looked up at her and breathed deeply.
"Mizu-chan, I can't take being in this state of limbo. I get that you're confused and indecisive, but I need feedback. I...I feel that I deserve a choice from you. I'm willing to forget the past and move on but I need to know what you want from me. Him or me Mizuki?"
"So, I don't get it. Am I seriously that bad that that other asshole is a viable option? I mean, I'm a little biased, but I don't really see how it's a competition. All he's ever been to you is rude and a prick."
This was to be considered, though, both of them did save her life at one point or another. How would she go about that? It wasn't like she could just choose. That would be to easy, this, was by no means easy. Mizuki took a moment to think it over before replying to Tooshioni's challenge.
"Well, Toshi-kun..."
She couldn't even really reply as Toshioni began on it some more. He was determined, she knew that much. How could she choose between the two? They were both completely opposite from one another! This took Mizuki back through her days with Neko, and her days with Toshi. This would help her make a decision.
"Mizu-chan, I can't take being in this state of limbo. I get that you're confused and indecisive, but I need feedback. I...I feel that I deserve a choice from you. I'm willing to forget the past and move on but I need to know what you want from me. Him or me Mizuki?"
Mizuki looked at Toshioni with skepticism. He threw this question straight forward, no beating around the bush, though she would of liked that way more. It would of helped at least. Maybe what Mizuki needed was an outside opinion. She needed someone to talk to, that wasn't Neko or Toshi.
Either way, Toshioni wanted a response right then, right there. What could she really do? Her hand was forced, she had no more time to think it through, it was one or the other, that's what it came down to. Her mind began to fluster up, things started flying through her head; possibilities, futures, loss, gain, everything on this particular subject, that could be involved in her thought process, was involved.
"Toshioni... I really should have some more time to think... I don't want to make a rash decision... "
Mizuki's eyes began to water again. It wasn't to try and make him feel bad, it was just that she want to know what to do, she wanted someone to tell her exactly what she should do, and there was no one. But Toshioni was there... And where was Neko? NOT THERE! That's where! Why should he even be a consideration at this point? He didn't visit her, he trashed her bedroom, her hospital bed, and almost got her caught by her dad. On top of this, she risked herself, put herself on the line for this guy, and he did save her life. She couldn't chose him, it was just wrong.
"Ya know what?" Mizuki looked up and wiped her tears away, along with looking up at Toshioni. "Toshi-kun... I can't chose him, so it's kinda obvious what my choice is, now isn't it?" Mizuki smiled. Neko slowly drifted from her mind, as Toshioni took over, but for how long would this be?
"Toshioni... I really should have some more time to think... I don't want to make a rash decision... "
It kind of made him angry that she was worried about making a "rash" decision when the choice was him or that asshole. It made him feel really bad about himself. Looking down, Toshioni began to evaluate himself to see if he was really that bad. He was a decent looking fifteen year old. Fuck, he was a great looking fifteen year old. His recent training with Roy had made him stronger and his body reflected it. He had worked his ass off to be stronger and that came with looking much better.
Then he thought if it was his personality, no that didn't make sense. Given, with a lot of girls he was outwardly sexual to the extent of driving them away. However, with Mizuki he had only really protected her from hollows and been pretty decent to her. After all, he had paid for their food and had planned out that whole date. Shit, what did he do wrong. As he sat there in silence, he continued to go down check-lists about why it could be that she was having to choose. He didn't notice her tearing up and thinking hard about her decision.
"Ya know what? Toshi-kun... I can't chose him, so it's kinda obvious what my choice is, now isn't it?"
That had snapped him out of his mental haze and he looked up at Mizuki; he didn't know what to say at first. It quieted his fears of inadequacy, if only momentarily and it overwhelmed him with joy. The memories of the dark-skinned beauty he had talked to a long time ago were far from his mind at this point. Here was Mizuki, willing to give him the time of day. As he thought about what would come now, he was slightly overwhelmed by it all. Given, he had pushed her against a figurative wall to get this answer. He had given her an ultimatum that was almost impossible for her to choose. But, he had gotten what he had desired. She had chosen him.
"Mizu-chan..." he said, leaning forward towards her a little. He couldn't fight off his broad grin or the slight tremble of his shoulders from joy. He continued to lean forward until he had slid out of his seat and was on his knees in front of her wheelchair. He didn't know what to say to her now; he just kept smiling.
Mizuki looked at the now kneeling Toshioni. He looked like a little kid on Christmas morning, all happy and full of hope. Mizuki was happy, but still kinda hurt, seeing as she had to make the decision to chose one or the other, and she liked both of them a lot, for what it's worth.
"Toshi-kun... Quit making that face, you look silly." Mizuki giggled and gently pushed on Toshioni's forehead, as a sort of tease.
Mizuki was kinda happy, when she thought about it. It was a difficult decision, but it should be fine now, right? Why would there be any other problems now? This was the only issue, wasn't it? Of course it was! It couldn't be any other way, but Mizuki felt like there was still some bottled up feeling by Toshioni. Maybe she'd find out later, or now, but probably later.
"So, Toshi-kun, what are your plans for the day?" Mizuki placed her hand on Toshi's cheek, with a smile to accompany this.
Mizuki thought of something. She needed to be released to someone, probably anyone, not just family, so maybe, JUST MAYBE, Toshioni could sign her out. If this was the case, then she could go home and rest, and maybe think some more. Or, she would go somewhere with Toshioni. If she did, it would probably be at his place, but if she told her parents, she was sure they wouldn't mind, as long as they knew it wasn't a guy... That could be bad. She would have to put this theory to the test, and quick. She didn't really want to be there any longer.
"Toshioni... Maybe you could sign me out! Then we could go and do something... After I go to change..." Mizuki smiled once again, asking this question. It may or may not work, but she sure hoped it did.
"Toshi-kun... Quit making that face, you look silly."
Sticking his tongue out childishly at her, Toshioni didn't stop making that face. He was overjoyed at this moment for some reason. His fears of inadequacy were quieted for that moment because of her. Her choosing him had taken his fears and put them to the side for at least now. He was unaware that these fears would readily creep back in sometime. For now, he would remain lost in this moment.
"I may look silly Mizu-chan, but you're the one who looks ridiculous." He was referencing her hospital gown and how it looked awkward on her. Frankly, it was odd seeing her in something so plain. She was typically dressed in such an outgoing manner.
"So, Toshi-kun, what are your plans for the day?" As she spoke, she had placed her hand on his cheek. Wanting to soak in all of that warmth, he placed his hand on hers and smiled sweetly. This wasn't the same as his broad, goofy grin. It was warm and almost comforting in nature. He thought about it for a moment, he really didn't have anything to do all day. That was kind of awkward for him as he thought about it. Wait, what was she getting at?
"Oh, I'm not doing too much for that rest of the day. I mean, there's no school; I'm not training today. So, that leaves me pretty opened up. Why do you ask?"
Almost like clockwork, she answered him readily. "Toshioni... Maybe you could sign me out! Then we could go and do something... After I go to change..."
Thinking about it, Toshioni was a little skeptical. Surely the hospital of all institutions would make sure that not just anyone was able to sign out a patient. However, he wouldn't let that hesitance get in the way of Mizuki's hopefulness. He would try to do so, even if it was to no avail.
"I'll see what I can do Mizuki." He got up from the ground and offered her a brief smile before walking over to the front desk. Feeling a little nervous, he leaned over the counter a little to kind of ease his anxiety. This wouldn't work...it just couldn't. "Um, excuse me, could I sign out a patient?" The nurse on call looked up at him very skeptically before handing over the sheet.
"What's your relation to the patient?"
"I'm her older cousin." The nurse eyed him up but took the sheet after he signed it and told him that he was free to take her. He walked over to Mizuki with a look of shock on his face. How in the hell had that worked? He looked down at Mizuki and smiled at her. "We're good to go. Need me to push the wheel-chair?"