Midnight Dwelling {Kasumi}

[Fumiko Kurosaki]

It had been two weeks. Two entire weeks of being able to do nothing and to feel useless. Lucky for her that she had moved into a new apartment and had someone who could at least help her tend to her wounds. The apartment was a decent sized one and the neighbors seemed nice enough toward Fumiko, but then again she did not know of what type of beehive she had just moved into.

These thoughts came to her as she sat outside in the night air, her only companion the gentle wind and moonlight of a full moon. She was laid out on a sunbathing chair that was atop the building. Laying there she had no shame as she was laying there in a simple tanktop and her panties being the only clothing on her. Minus the bandages that wrapped around her body in places.

She had her head hanging back and her wild hair would be hanging backwards off her face as she closed her eyes. She was reflecting on her life since returning to Karakura Town. Though the one thing that always stuck in her side was the way her relationship with her brother that used to be as strong as steel had deteriorated so far.

The incident that occurred during the last battle with that adjunchas arrancar made it evident to her that no matter what she does he will not mend that bit of the bridge. So to Fumiko that meant that she would have to just trudge onward without any help from her family. The next event that popped into her mind was the absolute beating she had received at the hands of Grimmjow a couple of weeks back.

Placing a hand gently on her side made her wince sharply as the slowly healing ribs would scream at her. As the pain would subside she would slowly drag her leg up and would hug her leg as she would shiver. It was one of those shivers that anyone who had been hurt would know. As the pain faded away completely Fumiko would speak to herself.

"Stupid Fumiko real stupid. Leave it alone. You will heal better and faster. I need to thank Kasumi though... She helped me when I returned home that night and never asked a single question..."

[Fujihara Kasumi]

Kasumi had awoken after a short nap to an empty apartment. She was finding that her shifts didn’t quite coincide with her new companions (who had rather erratic working hours due to the nature of her job) but Fumiko had been in no fit state to do anything after the injuries she had sustained from her recent scuffle with those abhorrent demons that lurked in the shadows of their sleepy little town. Padding quietly from her bedroom and around the darkened rooms, she found that she was indeed alone and this was rather concerning. Slipping on a pair of jogging pants and a Karakura University hoodie that had been left behind by a previous visitor, she exited her lonely home and began to ascend the stairs to the rooftops where she was almost certain her new friend would be. It was her favourite place to go for solitude and reflection, and she guessed that Fumiko was seeking that just now. Though they hadn’t met long ago, she had taken it upon herself to look after the woman in her current state, and late night roof lounging was not a suitable recovery tactic.

Opening the door silently she peaked around, inhaling slightly as the cold night air breached her lungs. Scanning swiftly she noticed the lone figure with the magnificent mane of shaggy orange hair huddled up alone in little more than her underwear and her heart almost broke. Not wanting to waste a moment she quickly pulled off her sweatshirt (glad she had slipped on a bra before exiting) and strode over to Fumiko, draping the warm jumper over her shoulders silently. She caught the end of the woman’s words and mulled them over as she dropped to the ground cross-legged and gazed up at the stars, clearly visible against the cloudless night as they blazed millions of miles away. It hadn’t been her place to ask questions, and despite her curiousity she was content just knowing that Fumiko would be okay. Many thoughts crossed her mind but they became tangled as she considered the infinity of space and pondered their significance in the grand scheme.

“We all have many purposes,” she said absently, missing her usual focus but understanding the profoundness of such a simple thought, “I’m just glad that you made it home that night...”

[Fumiko Kurosaki]

Her gaze had made it to the stars when she felt something warm drop onto her shoulders. Looking down she would notice Kasumi had come up onto the roof. A smile crossed onto Fumikos face and she would curl up into the sweater ever so much. Hearing Kasumi drop onto the roof beside her Fumiko would turn her head and face her. Listening to Kasumi's words kept the smile on Fumiko's weary face.

Her own thoughts would be slow to develop as there was still much on her mind. Most had been dredged up that evening several weeks earlier and had not been put to rest. The words would have a effect as the other things would slide to the side and she would think on what her purpose was. Something she had not even thought of since the night her parents died. ::My purpose... Last I thought of that... I guess right now my purpose is to do what I can to help others. ::

Her own thoughts would die down when she heard KAsimo speak up about her returning home that evening. Fumiko would look down at the rooftop as she had still not been able to ever tell Kasumi the whole truth about herself as being a shinigami was not something many others wished to know about or be associated with. Though Fumiko would speak up in a few seconds after Kasumi had finished speaking.

"Yes I was lucky... Whatever that thing was was distracted by men in black old looking robes... They looked like something out of a history book whoever they are..."

As she spoke though she was hesitant as she felt horrid at holding back from her new friend, but she did not know how much she knew of the spiritual world. This would be a perfect time to see if she knew of the shinigami and what she thought of them.

[Fujihara Kasumi]

She brought her gaze back to her companion, straightening her back as she pondered the implications of the previous statement.

"Black robes? Like... monk robes?" She was finding it hard to picture such a scene and her imagination began to weave pictures of dark, forbidden rituals before she forced herself to stop. The whole thing seemed ridiculous to her that such beings could even exist but Fumiko's run-in was testament to that. Kasumi had only caught vague glimpses of them at the edges of her vision but that was enough for her. She silently prayed that she would never have an encounter like her roommates.

"Well, they must be protecting this place and keeping those monsters a secret. I guess it's a blessing that they're hanging around looking out for us, I'd hate to think what would happen if they ever decided to leave..." She smiled deciding to change the tone of the conversation as it was too late to be having such dark thoughts. "I'd like to meet one someday and thank them for protecting our city. But not any time soon, I think we've got enough to worry about for just now..."

"Anyway," she spoke after another moment of contemplation, "Haven't you had enough of the stars for one night?"

She desperately wanted to get Fumiko inside and into bed, knowing that the cold wasn't doing her fragile body any good. The sweatshirt wasn't enough protection and if she got pneumonia or the likes Kasumi worried that she wasn't strong enough to fight it off. It would be no good to force her however, she had already garnered that Fumiko could be stubborn, but maybe if she was gentle enough she could persuade her. Her words were casual enough but the concern in her eyes was evident and she would remain by her side until she made her decision.

[Fumiko Kurosaki]

Hearing the question hit her ear confirmed what she figured, and that was that Kasumi had never seen them other than in the periphery of her vision. Fumiko would mentally exhale as she would be easily be able to explain away the shinigami to Kasumi until the time was right to reveal them to her. Hopefully that day was a long time ahead in the future as she would not wish to endanger the young female she had grown fond of quite yet.

Listening more to Kasumi, Fumiko would chuckle a little and internally she would tell herself "Oh how true those statements are Kasumi..." Then she heard Kasumi mention heading inside out from the slowly chilling night sky. That is when the feeling of cold would hit her and she would shiver. Looking over to Kasmui, Fumiko would slowly stand making sure to not reaggravate any of her injuries. Reaching a hand down she would speak up.

"May I help you up Kasumi? And you asked of my wounds how are the ones you received doing? I tried my best to heal you as fast as I could without drawing any attention to you."

As she spoke of Kasumis injuries her mind would flash back to that evening. She had seen Kasumi stumbling toward the ER she worked within when she had snuck outside for a smoke break. She had assisted Kasumi right there in the parking lot ripping apart her scrubs to bandage her so that she could cover the wounds and carry her into the ER itself. It was a rather oddly fond memory as it was one of the first times she had dived headlong into a situation and saved someone life.

[Fujihara Kasumi]

She reached up to take her hand and held onto it after she had stood, glad that Fumiko could see the sense in heading indoors. Resisting the urge to hug the woman, she instead lead her by the hand back inside and downstairs, back to their home. Though her smile remained, it was being tested by the memories of that horrid night when she was sure that she might die in the arms of the nurse who had ended up saving her life, the woman whose hand she was squeezing right now. The scars from where the thing hand bitten her still throbbed on her chest, marring the otherwise perfect skin. She was sure she would lose the arm as the thing had latched onto it with its dagger-like teeth set into its soulless face. Only fragments of what happened were clear in her memories but she had no wish to recall them now. Aware that her silence was probably telling, she opened the unlocked door to the apartment (there was no danger of a break-in here) and replied as she pulled Fumiko gently through the door.

"You did an amazing job, it hardly bothers me at all." She didn't know why she would even spin such a petty lie but she didn't want Fumiko to have any worries while she was recovering. Kasumi hadn't managed to properly wield a shinai since she had returned to teaching her Kendo class, and though the muscle damage was impermanent, the thought of losing her livelihood terrified her. "Thank you for saving me..." More sincere words had never been spoken, and she led her savior over to the sofa in their living room, motioning for her to sit.

"I'll make us some tea, unless you'd rather just go straight to bed?" She walked to their open plan kitchen anyway and began to boil some water, then entered her bedroom to retrieve some fleece blankets for Fumiko. The heating had been on in the apartment all day and though it was certainly warmer indoors, Kasumi still felt shivers threatening as she padded around barefoot.

[Fumiko Kurosaki]

Walking down hand in hand with Kasumi made Fumiko's heart flutter ever so slightly. To her it felt as if it was something more than a passing fancy as most of her relationships had ever been. When they reached the apartment door she would open it for Kasumi and then close it behind the two of them. Once inside the warm apartment Fumiko would shed the sweater placing it on a chair beside the door. A smile was on her face as she released Kasumi's hand and headed over into the living room section of the apartment.

The carpeting felt good on her cold feet as she shuffled her feet to warm them up. After a few seconds she would jump onto their couch. Stretching out on it she would grab her bottle of sake and hear Kasumi speak up. As she poured herself a small shot of sake she would speak up in response to Kasumi.

" I only did the job that I am to do upon this world. I want to help others and being a nurse helps with that... Though does not spare me seeing those creatures everywhere..."

As she spoke the last line she would overexagerate the shudder and would quickly down the shot of sake. It was while she downed the sake she heard Kasumi exit the room and reenter it. As she downed the sake she heard Kasumi speak back up. Offering tea which was something of a soft spot for Fumiko made her giggle a little. Raising her hand over the couchback so that Kasumi could toss her a blanket. Once that was done she would cover her half naked body with the blanket and speak up.

"Make us the tea. We can watch a movie or something before nodding off. We could watch something you wished to watch since I choose last time."

[Fujihara Kasumi]

Nodding, although she was pretty sure that Fumiko was more interested in warming herself up, she brewed a pot of fresh oolong, pouring it into two large ceramic glasses before carrying them over the little coffee table in front of the sofa, easily within the reach of her companion. She switched the television on, filling the room with a pale flickering glow before padding back over to sit down next to the woman.

Though at first she had thought it would be impolite to offer comfort in the form of contact, she edged a little bit closer so the right half of her body was resting against Fumiko's. That should keep her a little warmer... A flush flitted across her cheeks, but she kept her attention on the screen ahead without registering what was actually on it. In truth she cared very little for the myriad of inane shows that seemed to be repeated every week, but she did enjoy the chance to spend a little bit of time with her intriguing new flatmate and she hadn't worked up the courage yet to ask in any other way. Smiling shyly as a feeling of contentedness washed over her, she leaned forwards to carefully grasp the steaming cup of fresh tea and brought it to her lips to savor the warmth.

"Is the tea alright for you Fumiko-san? Have you warmed up yet?" She hated to pester the older woman, but as soon she had confirmed her well-being she would allow herself to become more relaxed.

[Fumiko Kurosaki]

As Kasumi entered the room she was smiling at the sight of Kasumi entering with the glasses of tea. Both would be just the thing to make the night perfect. Fumiko would move on the couch making room for Kasumi as she reached for her own cup of tea. Drinking down the hot oolong tea she would at first inwardly reel backwatds but would enjoy the heat and taste of the tea.

She had placed it back on the table as Kasumi made her way back over. As she sat down Fumiko would smile and turn her attention to the television. As the pressure from Kasumi would be applied to her side she would smile and reach one of her arms over and place it on Kasumis shoulder pulling her in a little tighter. Fumiko would smile as she heard the questions pop up from Kasumi. Chiming up during a quiet period in the show they where watching.

"Yes it is good for me... As for being warmed up..."

As she stopped talking she would pull Kasumi over and hug her.

"I think I will be just fine..."

[Fujihara Kasumi]

A rush of warmth flooded over her as what started as a casual hug became a full embrace. Stunned for a moment before her body began to respond, she pressed herself against the woman, nuzzling into her chest as she wrapped her arms delicately around trying to avoid upsetting the wounds. Her lips parted to unleash a gentle sigh of relief as she revelled in the moment, using all of her senses to drink to Fumiko in.

“I’m glad…” she breathed, listening to her lilting voice as she reassured her. “But you have to be careful. Promise me you’ll avoid those monsters. They seem to follow you…” Her hands drifted to the bandages on the woman’s torso, caressing them gently. Kasumi could sense reiatsu, but she had no concept of what it really was. All she could tell was that Fumiko’s was different, stronger and somehow more pure and she suspected that might be why the demons were chasing her. With no way to protect herself or her companion against these things yet, she had no way to ensure their safety. She felt so helpless and foolish, like she was missing something that was vitally important. With a dejected sigh, she closed her eyes, listening to the steady heartbeat of the other, a calming metronome in her stormy thoughts.

[Fumiko Kurosaki]

When Kasumi nuzzled up into her Fumiko would blush and her heart would skip a beat, She did not wish to move even the tiniest of muscles at this moment. Within her mind she was fully content and felt a deep sense of belonging. It was odd to her to feel for such a younger woman and yet it still felt right for her to just chill out with Kasumi as such. Hearing her speak Fumiko would respond to her.

"I can handle myself Kasumi... But for you I will avoid them until we can figure out whatever they are and find some way to fight back. I hope that someday we will be able to fight back instead of just running away...."

As she spoke she would release Kasumi and then move the blanket to cover the both of them. After doing so she would pull Kasumi in tight and place her head on top of Kasumis and look at the television. She would speak up again after a few minutes.

"Kasumi... Can I come to one of your sparring sessions? I have always liked and have tried my hand in it once or twice in the past. I would love to try my skill against someone I know is good at it..."

[Fujihara Kasumi]

As the woman started to reply she wondered if she had overstepped her mark. Of course Fumiko could protect herself and what right did she have to tell her how to live her life? But she finished by assuring her that she would keep herself safe and that was more than enough for Kasumi. She shifted her weight slightly as the orange-maned woman pulled the blanket up, engulfing both of them in its warmth. It was such a cosy, safe feeling that she feared she might drift off to sleep in the woman’s arms. Her eyelids fluttered, straining to remain open as her mind pondered ways in which they could counter the monsters and protect humanity. She straightened up to look to Fumiko as she requested a visit to the dojo, reluctant to allow such a trip in light of her current weakness.

“Well… you can drop by whenever you like. But you will spar with me and we’ll take it easy. No sense in making our injuries worse. It will be good to strengthen our bodies though…”

She didn’t want to hurt Fumiko and she worried that her (assumed) lack of experience might make such a fact likely. It would be fun though and give them a chance to bond, plus Kasumi could show her that she was capable enough to offer her protection, even if wasn’t required. Her right arm throbbed ominously but she ignored it as she snuggled back down into her companion.

“We can go tomorrow if you feel up to it. Are you comfortable?...”

Unable to overcome her tiredness she gave in, allowing her eyes to close and her mouth to curve into a sleepy smile as she slipped into unconsciousness. She murmured a soft goodnight and nuzzled into her chest, dreaming of kendo and Fumiko.

[Fumiko Kurosaki]

Fumiko would smile at the thoughts of going to the dojo alongside Kasumi and learn a pointer or two. Hugging Kasumi a little bit tighter as she felt her snuggle up closer to her. Inside of her mind Fumiko was smiling at what was going on. Internally it felt like pieces where starting to come up and start healing her heart as she was never going to get the respect or bond with her brother. When her thoughts came onto her brother she could feel a few tears well up from within.

She did not want for their relationship to be so sour and yet that seemed to only be the way it would be. Hearing KAsumi speak up about going there tommorow and if she was comfortable at the moment. Fumiko would speak up hiding her emotions as she spoke.

"I would love to go tommorow... We can have a fun time. And yes I am quite content right now. Feels like something needed is there..."

As she finished speaking she noticed that Kasumi had closed her eyes and was sleeping. Leaning over Fumiko would place a kiss on Kasumis forehead before she would allow her own tired mind to start to wander. Placing a hand on her temple she would feel her mothers hairpin. A few tears would well up and would roll down her cheeks as she sat there in the moonlight as the tv had turned itself off a few minutes earlier.

:: I am still tormented by that night, and of my actions afterwards. Running away was the worst thing I ever could of done... I lost my family and just cannot seem to ever find a friend or someone to confide in... Perhaps that is why I feel so contented with Kasumi... Maybe she reminds me of that anchor point. The place I can always return to safely and just let off steam...:: As she thought she would cry to herself letting out more held back emotions. As she did so she would become weary and would close her eyes allowing sleep to overtake her.

[Fujihara Kasumi]

The sun woke her as it rose, creating shafts of light that flooded the apartment and illuminating the sofa where they had slept. She stirred slightly, hot and disorientated, suddenly recalling last nights events. Tilting her upwards slightly to gaze upon her sleeping flatmate she froze, ecstatic that she hadn’t dreamt the whole thing up. Carefully she untangled herself from Fumiko and stood, stretching in the early morning sunshine. The woman looked upset even in sleep, a sad frown on her lips and dried tear tracks on her pretty face. Unsure what to do but knowing that she didn’t want to wake her, Kasumi brushed a few golden strands from her companions face and leaned over slowly to kiss her softly on the cheek, blushing at the thought of her being caught. What am I doing? Ashamed, she retreated to the bathroom cursing herself in exasperation as she threw herself into a shower cold enough to cause her muscles to protest with a roar of pain.

Washed, dried and fully clothed in her red and white tracksuit ready to train, she began to make breakfast for Fumiko, determined to cheer her up with some home-cooking. Unfortunately she had been lazy with shopping this week due to their circumstances, she all she could find was some eggs, milk, butter and a little flour. Pancakes it is! It only took fifteen minutes or so until the delicious smell of the freshly cooked result permeated through the apartment, and she placed the food on the table in front of Fumiko, rushing back on tiptoe to grab her a mug of coffee she had just brewed. Knowing that it would appear slightly odd if the woman woke up under her gaze, Kasumi headed out onto the balcony to watch Karakura come to life, the cool morning breeze lifting her hair as it rolled over her, ensuring that she was fully awake. She couldn’t deny that she was excited, perhaps the most that she had been since her parents had left for South America; the day would be full of opportunities, giving her a chance to get to know Fumiko better and discover what made her tick. There was something about the woman that was deeply and inexplicably attractive, and it was confusing her to no end. All she knew was that she craved her presence more than anything, and Fumiko was gifting it to her today. Kasumi would make sure everything was perfect.

[Fumiko Kurosaki]

Fumiko was out like a light when Kasumi had been awoken by the suns rays so she did not even feel her getting up, moving, or the touch from Kasumi. There was a small smile on her face after the kiss as if it was a reactionary reflex. It would slowly fall back to the frown that crossed her face on most occasions when her guard was not up which was not often.

She would begin stirring as she heard the shower running. It would of disturbed the first calm dream she had had since the hollow had emerged into the limelight of her mind. Taking several minutes she would begin to first stir and then awaken fully as she heard Kasumi inside of the kitchen cooking, or having finished cooking grabbing coffee for the two of them.

As she looked she would see a plate of food for her and as Kasumi would place the coffee down she would mumble out a sleepy "Thank you." Reaching down she would eat her food faster than she imagined she could of. Probable out of intense hunger was her appetite, but she had other inclinations, but none of that mattered. Glacing up she would see Kasumi standing out on the balcony overlooking the sunrise.

Slowly Fumiko would stand. Surprisingly she felt almost fully healed, but would not know if that was true or not until she made it into the bathroom and took her shower. That would have to wait as she would walk out to Kasumi. Her mug of coffee still sitting on the table. Upon sneaking up on Kasumi she would place her arm around Kasumi and lean against her. Speaking up she would sound a little tired yet not.

"Thinking of your family Kasumi? I can tell that look from a mile away as I feel it and display it all the time... I am sure they are fine wherever they happen to be. Right now the only concern would be. Did you sleep well?"