Break Me With Goodbye [Social]

[Hebika Nara]

How long had it been since she'd been to the apartment? Looking up for just a moment, she let those soft yellow eyes gleam for just a moment as she looked up to the window she had known so well. She let out a soft sigh and shook her head, a smirk spreading across her face as she felt those memories flickering through her mind. She pushed them away for now and stepped past the entrance, using the intercom, she let Shizuka know it was her. Of course, before she even got a chance to speak, the thing simply beeped and she was let in. Odd, was she expecting her? No that seemed unlikely. More likely perhaps Shizuka was expecting someone else.

She shrugged and made her way in, glancing to the side as she spotted a vase of flowers off to the side. The flowers were still bright and vibrant, but they were starting to wilt a little, the very edges of the blossoms beginning to curl. She tilted her head a little and suddenly they came to life. The stems and blossoms twisting together, before long the flowers were molded into a serpentine form, the little snake promptly making it's way out of the vase and slithering up her leg, perching around her shoulders as she made her way to the elevator, that fragrant little thing nosing against her throat as she headed up to the right floor.

She closed her eyes and let out a slow, steady sigh, rolling her shoulders as she waited for the elevator to stop. The elevator was playing what vaguely sounded like the tune to 'Pure Imagination' by Fiona Apple? She hummed along to the tune, her eyelids gently drooping to a half close as her mind...wandered. "If you want to view...paradise. Simply look around and view it..." she murmured, as the elevator at long last came to a stop, the door hissing open as she stepped out and made her way down the hallway, glancing briefly in a mirror to the side. She had the same gigai as before, she had simply been going through a lot. She had started wearing her hair in a ponytail, and because she now sealed various objects into her arms as tattoos using her new technique, she did have a good number of them in evidence.

She paused as she rounded that last corner. "Anything you want to....do it." She murmured as at last she came to the door and stared at it for several long moments. How long had it been since she'd seen Shizuka? Both of them had been busy. The most they had been able to manage was a text now and then. She shook her head and reminded herself of why she was here. She had been meaning to rejoin Xcution for a while now, and as it were, she was finally no longer os busy that that wasn't an option. "Want to change the world...there's nothing to.....it." she sang softly to herself, uncertainty in her voice before at long last...

She knocked on the door.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Anxiety welled up in Shizuka's stomach. She wasn't expecting anyone at all today. She was thinking about having a relaxing day off, one she hadn't had in so long, and was lost in a nap when she heard a ring. Her phone was connected to the gate system, so when she picked up, she was surprised to hear the voice that was there. It sounded so familiar and yet so foreign. It was one she hadn't heard in a good long time. In fact, she didn't think she was ever going to hear it again. She almost immediately pressed the button to open the gate and headed straight for her main door. She reached for the knob because she planned on running down the stairs to meet her lost friend, but she paused.

Was she really going to do that? Was it something that was welcome? Shizuka didn't want to startle her and certainly didn't want to give a bad impression. But she was excited! How long had it been? Forever? That was definitely a likely answer. It had been such a long time since the Fullbringer had seen this person. It had been so long since she hugged her. It felt like ages. So that was why she paused. That was why she didn't know how comfortable she felt going after someone like this. She pressed her forehead to the door as frustration settled inside her brain. She didn't know what to do.

None of that mattered, though. Next thing she knew, she heard a knock. Shizuka looked up quickly and gasped. She stammered for a bit because no words would come out of her mouth, and her hand habitually reached back behind her head as she began playing with her hair. Great, so now her nervousness was going to be extremely evident. That was exactly what she wanted. The first meeting they had in ages and she was just a total wreck! And worst of all, she was keeping her friend waiting. Ugh! Shizuka just didn't know what to do. She already let her in the building, so it made sense to open the door, right? Slowly, she turned the knob and opened it.

"Hebika! It's good to see y-- Oh, gosh. I must have mistaken you for someone else," she said rather uneasily.

While it was true that this woman looked similar to Shizuka's serpentine friend, there were a lot of differences. The hair was different and tattoos covered a lot of the visible parts of her body. None of those were how Hebika was when they separated. Well, when Hebika disappeared. Shizuka sighed and was about to close the door again. This must have been a trick. She probably heard the name wrong or something. This wasn't her. It couldn't be. Hebika was gone and Shizuka needed to accept that, so she should never have been surprised when she opened the door. This was just a real waste.

[Hebika Nara]

That look was.... priceless. A soft, gentle smile on Hebika's face as she watched the woman's joy, even if it was so very fleeting. With her own mental speed, it did last for quite a while for her, even if she had to watch it fade. Even while that apology came from Shizuka's mouth, Hebika stepped in, and suddenly her arms were around the woman. Her face buried in the woman's neck as she held them close and closed her eyes. She hadn't known, but....she had missed the woman. It was something she hadn't even noticed. A sort of pit she had just skimmed over. But suddenly having that pit filled? It was painful, but oh so satisfying. It was like she was whole again.

"I let my hair grow out and you don't even recognize me?" She asked playfully, smiling from ear to ear as she promptly delivered a very light kiss to the woman's nose, every fiber of her gigai was suddenly alive. And Shizuka would FEEL that, radiating from the mod soul like a furnace, burning away with an affection that would be so very strange. Of course Shizuka would be aware of that warm feeling that always hung around Hebika. But this was almost amplified, as if she were broadcasting her own joy at finally being reunited with the woman.

"Ffffuck Shizuka." She let out an oddly girlish squeal. It was almost as if she was young again. In that old snake body. Watching a little girl grow up into a woman. But this was so very different. A different, but similar sensation. "OH! Right, The tattoos! I came up with this special technique to store things." She explained, running a hand over one of them and the tattoo promptly vanished, as a suitcase promptly POPPED into existence, dropping onto the floor as Hebika put on a smile and tapped the top of it, the tattoo now gone from that spot on her arm.

"Neat huh? I'll teach you it if you want. Oh god, Shizuka, there's so much want to tell you! I've been to so many places, and... I've missed you a lot." She blinked. And that last sentence would strike a chord. With BOTH of them. Because Hebika sounded surprised. She HAD missed Shizuka. A lot. She had been, admittedly, miserable the entire trip. But she had always assumed that was because of the incompetence of the humans around her. The human race that she so hated with most of her being, almost as much as she despised shinigami. It was something that had always troubled Hebika. It had always caused her to be...hesitant. It had even caused her to suggest that Shizuka sleep with other people.

The thought that she was incapable of actually truly loving the woman. So it was.... startling to the mod soul to feel this way. She shook her head, rubbing her face and blinking rapidly. "I....um..." She paused, clearly a little...out of sorts. She got herself together, even if that face was a slight pink, she put on a smile. "Ugh, enough about me! Tell me how you've been! I know I left sort of suddenly. We both kinda do that a lot. Or well...you did." She noted with a sheepish smile. It WAS true. ever since Hebika had left Xcution it had been mainly Shizuka who would vanish suddenly for months on end. So it had been a bit odd that it had been on Hebika this time around.

"I should have sent you more than just a few texts, I really am sorry about that. But I had this guy in Morocco I met from Xcution. you know the guy, that fullbringer who owns that strip mine. Big dude, big muscles, tiny legs. Looks like someone glued a bodybuilder and a toddler together. He wanted to talk to me about some investment options and it wound up turning into.... a thing. Quincies,m Strip mine wound up blowing up. Crazy shit." She noted, waving it off before letting out a sheepish smile and....taking a deep breath.

"I'm talking a lot, aren't I? I'm sorry. It's....jesus.....it's been how long since I've been around anyone I've wanted to talk to. You know how I am around most humans." She chuckled nervously and took several calming breaths to settle down, and then smile at Shizuka, waiting to hear what they had to say, a soft, gentle smile on her face as she stared at the woman.
"And...don't hold back. I know that I sorta. left really suddenly. No matter the excuse I...I did kinda go off the grid. So...if you need to chew me out. Do it... after all." she paused and gently reached up, her hand lightly cupping the side of Shizuka's cheek.
"No matter how bitter the words you speak. These lips that I love, would always sweeten them.~"

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

She had to admit that she was surprised. She didn't really know what to do or say. All she could really do was stand there looking like an idiot. How could she react otherwise? Was there really anything for her to do that made appropriate sense? She was dumbfounded. Shocked. Just so many words could adequately describe how she felt about this situation. All of them revolved around some sort of unexpected feeling that she never thought she would have about this person again. None of them were negative, though none of them were positive, either. It was confusing. All of this was so confusing.

The person Shizuka had believed to be a stranger barged into her home and wrapped her arms around the utterly stunned Fullbringer. She spoke with such familiarity that Shizuka cursed herself for taking so long to notice. She couldn't believe herself. How could she not recognize someone she had come to know and love so closely? How was it that something small like hair and tattoos could make enough of a difference for her to be confused about who this person was? The eyes were the same. The overwhelming feeling of positivity and calmness was the same. Everything was the same!

"Oh, Hebika..."

Shizuka's voice was barely that of a whisper. She was in total disbelief but also incredibly happy. She had to stop herself from crying because she didn't want to look like a total idiot. All she could really do was allow herself to laugh and giggle as she wiped at her eyes a time or two. Hebika was showing off what her tattoos could do and Shizuka assumed the suitcase was her cute way of asking to stay. Whether that was true or not, the doors were always open. Shizuka had watched over Hebika since she was nothing more than a small snake toy. They had their separations every now and then, but the feelings didn't exactly cease.

Even through all of the nervous babbling, Shizuka listened. She could very much tell that Hebika was nervous, but that still calmed the somewhat anxious Fullbringer. It meant both of them weren't really sure how to handle this. They were so close to each other again and yet couldn't really relate to one another anymore. Surely that would repair over time, but they did change. They grew apart a bit as people do when they aren't around each other constantly. It was only natural, but it was so sad. Shizuka returned Hebika's gesture and also cupped her cheek, but then quickly bent down just low enough to hook her arms underneath the Mod Soul's.

With a quick gesture, she lifted Hebika up and spun her around. The difference in size was helpful in this scenario. Soon after, the spinning stopped but Shizuka kept her hold. She nuzzled her face into Hebika's shoulder while keeping her lifted and apologized profusely. Again and again she whispered the words. She didn't mean to leave Hebika behind or allow something like this to happen. She cared so deeply for this person and had done an awful job at proving it. Despite that, she was so very happy and thankful that this could happen. They could reunite and move on together. They could be friends again! So she hoped.

"You always know what to say, Hebika. I am so proud of you. You've grown so much and experienced so many things!" Shizuka finally put her down. "Talk all you want. I'm listening. I'll always be listening to you."

[Hebika Nara]

Hebika tensed, and went a bright pink when shizuka suddenly pulled her in and hugged her. But intruth, it wasn't until the woman nuzzled into her shoulder that she smiled, a heavy weight lifting from her chest as she hugged the woman back, even as they lifted her clean off the ground and spun her around, she couldn't help but chuckle just a little. How she had missed this. This contact. She beamed, rather proud of her words as Shizuka finally put her down and spoke of her own progress. She supposed she had. She certainly was much better with her emotions. Namely that she actually felt them more frequently. They seemed more...genuine.

As for Shizuka? Dear dear Shizuka... She shook her head. "Sweetie.... I offer you the chance at rebuking me for my absence and you shower me with nothing but adoration..." She reached up and gently covered her eyes with her hands. Her shoulders hunched slightly. "Shizuka... I've been gone....far too long. I've thought a lot. Tch, when being bored by businessmen, it's just about my only pasttime." a bit of mirth to that as she looked back up to the woman. "You have no idea how I've missed you. How I've thought about you. About Xcution. But mostly..... about Zack..."

She glanced off to the side. "He told us that we had to be careful. That being in Xcution means being capable of executing anybody if need be. I remember...looking at you. And I remember telling him that it wouldn't be a problem." She murmured, and then glanced back at Shizuka. "I've thought about that a lot Shizuka. And....I realized....I don't think...that I ever told you. But.....I was lying that day. Not to him, but myself." She looked down, and ran her fingers over a tiny little x tatood over her heart. With a bit of reiatsu, she pulled a locket from it.

"You....say you are willing to listen. I...I don't like long speeches. Nor....sharing. But....I don't...quite remember if I ever told you why I hate humans so much." She murmured softly, looking over the bit of jewelry. "You weren't my first owner Shizuka. The first human to take me in. There was another. A very young, beautiful little thing. A little girl. Who...of all things...had a thing for snakes. I was her favorite toy. She couldn't have been more than a toddler when I was given to her. But this ....cute little girl....she was handed me... and....I thought she would scream. But those eyes...." She closed her own, a clearly cherished memory.

"You'd think I was the most lovely thing in the world. the same eyes you gave me when you saw me shizuka. And for years...I was that girl's constant companion. Limp as I were, I was held in her arms when she slept. and when she came to be....sad...or lonely...I would sing to her in her sleep. A ssoftly as I could. I wanted to do everything to help her. I whispered advice in her ear, hoping that when she woke, it would somehow sink in and she would be okay. But.....like all little girls. She grew up. BOYs, happened to her. She started paying less and less attention to me. She had....her life. Loves. Losses. I learned how...selfish humans could be. How....locking, how exclusive. How they found someone, and then shut everyone else out. And then, tore eachothers heart out, and started the process all over again. That was why...ages ago, you'll recall I told you...I didn't mind if you slept with other people. I hate that about humans. And I didn't want to lock you up like I saw people lock her up."

Hebika glanced at shizuka. "She grew up. and...one night....he got drunk. And she looked at me with...disdain. She muttered to herself, wondering why she kept a ratty thing like me around. And she threw me in the trash. This girl I had more or less raised. and I was nothing to her anymore." The mod soul closed her eyes and shook her head. "She had turned out to be just like every other human that had tormented her. She was lovely. she was smart. But...I....I was just a toy. One she'd grown out of." She took a slow, deep breath.

"But you never did that. Even when I spoke of killing you. Even when I encouraged you to seek comfort elsewhere when I was not around. You didn't. You held me.... and you said that I was the only one you loved. And....I admit. I wasn't sure that I believed it. It's so hard to be sure with humans. Not that you would ever lie to me, but still, I was afraid." Hebika looked Shizuka straight in the eyes, and she felt her smile widen. "Which is why...I want to tell you the truth. Shizuka Sanamizu. I love you. And I could never hurt you."

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Everything was so sad. Hebika had never shared this much of her story before. It was almost flattering, though Shizuka wondered if it was what she actually wanted to hear. How could anyone throw her away? Any old toys that the Fullringer had as a child that she lost interest in were either carefully stored away and preserved or donated to a child who needed them. The rest were kept normally. She felt like they each had a soul of their own. Being who she was, they all basically did. She hated that people would do things like this. It's part of why she cared for everything so much. She knew the truth about them.

And Hebika, even as a toy snake, was no different. Knowing that a girl had abandoned her like that was heartbreaking. Shizuka clutched at her own in response. How? How could she let that happen? She knew she wasn't there at the time, but it didn't make it any easier on her feelings. She still listened, though. The blonde paid close attention to her Mod Soul friend's story. She wanted to learn more but didn't want to ask. Prying was not an option because she knew it took a lot for Hebika to feel comfortable sharing even this much. For now, she was thankful. Shizuka was just thankful Hebika was back.

But she had to tell Hebika the truth. She had to be honest. It would be no question that she'd come back thinking the two of them could reconnect like old times and begin their relationship once more. In a way, Shizuka somewhat wished they could. But the Fullbringer had to be honest with herself now. She had to come to terms with something important. Fairly recently, in her rematch with Luke, she felt something deep inside her soul pulse with such extraordinary strength. She'd only known this feeling once before with this much intensity, and it was directed towards Hebika, herself. She felt a deep connection with this one. But the new feeling was overwhelming.

Shizuka was finding out exactly how she felt about this man. Luke somehow worked his way into her heart in ways she didn't think were possible. Hebika had done something similar in the past, but their time apart on and off prevented Shizuka from growing as attached as she probably could have. This meant that she had time to diffuse her feelings and move on once Hebika had left once again. But she didn't want to be like that other girl. Hebika meant more to her than just a friend or a work buddy or whatever. She wasn't even just a roommate. For a time, Shizuka was in love with her. And even if it wasn't quite there now, she still loved her. She wasn't going to stop that.

"Hebika, I'm not going to stop loving you even after the day I die. I will come back here and do everything in my power to be human again just so I could stand by your side. But I have to be honest with you now," she began, hesitation in her voice. "I met someone during your absence. I didn't expect anything out of it, but feelings just sort of... grew, I guess? And I think they may have become stronger than I would have thought. I say this to you not to hurt you or make you upset, but because I respect you enough to let you know. I feared you would never come back."

[Hebika Nara]

Hebika saw it on her face. Even before she was finished speaking. She knew that face so very very well. As Shizuka spoke, there was an odd sensation. The ammount of thinking that fit between every pause. She knew that this was her own doing. She could have been so much more attentive. So much more....anything. She paused, her eyes closing for a moment. And she couldn't help ....but smile softly. Even in this, shizuka couldn't dissappoint her. The fact that this human still had Hebika in her heart, was....thrilling. This man she spoke of. Even with his hold on shizuka's heart, the woman hadn't relinquished Hebika.

"Shizuka...." The mod soul shook her head gently, and gently reached in. She smiled softly and let her fingers gently slip into the girl's hair, a soft, gentle stroke, one that always soothed the human in their time together. She pulled them close....but she didn't kiss them. For just an instant, she almost did, but she knew better. Gently, she held the woman close, and let their foreheads touch. A soft, warm smile on her face. "I never wanted to keep you just for myself. You're a gorgeous, wonderful woman. The moment that you said that you love me. You could never hurt me." She chuckled softly, and smiled even brighter, shaking her head.

"The fact that you still have feelings for me....you....you have proven yourself so different from every human I have ever known. So selfless. So open. I won't lie: I have every intention of being everything to you that I can be. But I have no qualms about this...man." she paused and smiled sheepishly at that. " If he has found his way into your heart, then that is a place he has earned as much as I have." She noted calmly. And then she took a step back, smiling gently. "And Shizuka..." She held out her hand to the woman, and that serpent made of flowers slithered free, from her shirt, onto her arm, and into her palm, before it used it's tiny little floral nose to boop her on the cheek.

"No matter what happens." she reached out with her other hand, and gently took the woman's in hers, she held it for just a moment, and then let the snake slither into it before she looked them in the eye. Every mote of warm, brilliant aura within her shone in those eyes. "I will always come back."

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

"Then live here! Stay with me. You always have a home here and you know that. No more of this living apart stuff. I don't want you to be on your own and I don't want to lose you again. I don't care if we're judged for that or whatever. I don't want you to leave."

Shizuka pleaded with tearful eyes. She was trying to hide the fact that she felt pain from when Hebika left those few times before and especially from this time now. Everyone she had ever been romantically involved with ended up leaving her one way or another. She had accepted her fate long ago and just assumed that she'd never experience that joy. She was an assassin, right? It was best for her to be on her own. But Hebika made her feel so warm and welcome. It was hard to let those feelings go so easily. If all Shizuka could do to pay her back was offer a permanent home, then by all means, she'd do it.

Luke might care, though. If he caught wind of this, he may think that it was a little odd. He'd have a valid point. These two used to be romantically involved. It would make sense to be suspicious. But Hebika was more than just some ex to this Fullbringer. She was a friend and a partner. She valued her time with Hebika even when all they did was work for the same company and she still values it now. Their history didn't mean they had to become strangers. If this was something Shizuka would have to explain, then so be it. She would. She didn't mind any of that. All she wanted was to have Hebika back in her life.

But then came the issue of whether or not she'd want to actually move in. Shizuka had the space, but Hebika had to make the choice. It was concerning because she had every right to say no. Even through the sweet words and the warm feelings, Shizuka was worried that Hebika was actually upset with her deep down. Out of kindness, she likely just wasn't sharing her feelings. A bit of anxiety rose up in the pit of Shizuka's stomach. She didn't enjoy that at all. Convincing Hebika that this was a good idea may be difficult, but she hoped it would work. She wanted it to work so desperately.

That, and perhaps she would even be looking for a job! Shizuka had zero issues inviting her back to Xcution. They would welcome Hebika with open arms. Nothing would be a problem there. But would Hebika want to rejoin? Her life seemed to great now. She got to travel anywhere she wanted and wasn't restricted to paperwork. She wasn't bored all the time with nothing to do and could actually feel useful. Despite the fact that Shizuka knew she'd be able to make a job for the Mod Soul, that didn't mean it was a guarantee. It would ultimately be up to Hebika. She was going to have to finalize that opinion.

"So what do you say?"

[Hebika Nara]

Hebika blinked, rather surprised at the sudden outburst! Both brows perked in response to the way Shizuka spoke, and she felt more pain in her chest. It....it didn't seem very long. Not to shizuka perhaps. But the way Hebika processed those words, it was like ages of anguish between the syllables. Shizuka got as far as 'I don't care if we're' before Hebika closed in and put her arms around the woman, leaning in, and lightly pecking the girl on the lips. She didn't know if perhaps that was a bit too far. But....it had always been her facorite way to interrupt Shizuka's train of thought, especially when it was so painfully clear how much they were hurting. To interject. She always hated talking. It required processing, work, the mind had to chew and swallow the words. But that soft brush of soft flesh would be an immediate validation, an understanding, and an expression of her feelings. She didn't care if Shizuka shoved her away, or slapped her. IT was better than listening to those thorny words scraping through her ears, digging that pain of regret through her heart. Anything was better than the reality of just how much she had heart Shizuka with her absence. All she wanted, was to do all she could to make it better.

"I'll do it, sweetie. So long as we're both alive. And as long as you'll have me. I'll be here." She promised, hugging the woman close. "I confess, I have been wanting to get back into Xcution. If...that's alright with you. I know that missions could make it a bit....like before. So if you disapprove, I can find something else to pick up in Karakura. I owe you far too much as it is." she noted sheepishly and let out a grunt, shaking her head. "I know that may sound odd. and I know that you might feel hesitant to tell me not to join something I enjoy. But I want to make it clear Shizuka. The job..... my old place. My old....things. I've been alive for a while. Not long in a spiritual sense, but in human terms...it has been a long time. My job. My possessions. They mean little to nothing to me. If I wished, I could become a snake, and slither itno the wilderness and live in peaceful solitude. If I wanted power, I could go to some far off land and be a god to some primitive people, or simply those weaker than me. If I wanted to be rich, well... I have a lot of business connections as it were, and that's from half-assing it." She chuckled, and then looked into those lovely eyes.

"But the only thing I ever had that I cared about was you. I know how humans work. And ....I may never have you again in that same....capacity. Much as that pains me. But I'd love to live with you~" She gave the girl a squeeze and then smiledm and shook her head a little, mildly...amused. "I admit I am a bit....intrigued. Do people often tell you that they love you and refuse an offer to live with you?" She asked playfully, giving the blonde a bit of a poke to the side teasingly. That little floral snake from before had slithered it's way up to Shizuka's shoulder, more than happy to perch there for the time being as Hebika chided the girl.

"Hmmmm, clearly I am going to need to have a conversation with this boyfriend of yours. My dear, these humans have been jipping you. If they are throwing words like love around so casually. It's clear that I'm going got need to start spoiling you again." She smirked, casually picking the woman up off the floor by her waist.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

A quick breath entered the Fullbringer's lungs as her eyes grew wider. She couldn't believe it! She couldn't believe it! Hebika actually didn't mind! Oh, that would be wonderful! And she wanted to rejoin Xcution! Shizuka could never deny her. Hebika had been one of the strongest members this organization had ever seen. Allowing her re-entrance wouldn't be an issue, especially not now that Shizuka was handling these things. An excited smile broke loose as the blonde showed off her pearly whites. She just could not contain herself and did everything in her power to remain calm. After all, it was only at that point that Shizuka realized she had been kissed. She blushed and smiled, but tried to distract herself with other thoughts. Hebika was still able to make this poor girl so flustered.

Being able to have more members would be amazing. Shizuka was doing her best to slowly build that back up, but it could be difficult at times. It wasn't always fun. Sometimes she had to genuinely put in effort. But it would end well, and she was definitely sure of that. For now, focusing on making sure what members Xcution had felt welcome was also important. This included former members. Saying yes to Hebika couldn't happen soon enough, so Shizuka simply nodded in response. She couldn't think of anything else to do and forgot how to talk for a moment. She was too distracted by the happiness that was Hebika coming back into her life.

"I admit I am a bit....intrigued. Do people often tell you that they love you and refuse an offer to live with you?"

Shizuka welcomed the adorable little snake Hebika had made. "Well, the only person I've ever asked is you."

"Hmmmm, clearly I am going to need to have a conversation with this boyfriend of yours. My dear, these humans have been jipping you. If they are throwing words like love around so casually. It's clear that I'm going got need to start spoiling you again."

"Actually, I think you'd like him," Shizuka started as she grabbed the luggage Hebika had summoned and invited her inside. "He's a Bount, though. I was so embarrassed. I had no idea what that was. I'd only ever met one Bount before him and that one was a bit different."

Shizuka briefly recalled her time with Iian. The Bount was significantly older than his physical age allowed him to look and had a highly grotesque Doll that Shizuka willingly took on. It leeched Reiatsu from her to give to its master, but that was the sacrifice she needed to make at that time. She didn't see him at all after that and it was a shame. She felt like they left on good terms, but she'll probably never know. Other than that event, though, she didn't have any experience with these people. They seemed to be even more uncommon than Fullbringers and the only other one she really knew of very well was Kazura.

After giving Hebika freedom to roam the apartment, Shizuka sat down on the couch and propped her legs up underneath herself. They were folded off to the side so she played with the tops of her feet for a moment. Being so relaxed was such a welcome feeling. It had been a while since Shizuka's anxiety was eased off, but having Hebika around helped tremendously. She knew it had something to do with the Mod Soul's radiant positivity, but it was amazing, nonetheless. She hoped Hebika would be okay with everything. She didn't want anyone to be uncomfortable. But, all too late, she finally remembered to answer Hebika's question.

"Oh! And you know Xcution would love to have you back. I can make arrangements for you effective immediately if you so wish."

[Hebika Nara]

Hebika couldn't help but smile. Shizuka was always such a delight, even now helping calm her down, having thought that this would be...well...complicated. But it wasn't, it was rather lovely in fact. Seeing Shizuka so...happy and excited, even that bit of fluster in response to the kiss. Oh it was tempting. Hebika herself didn't really have much of a sex drive, and certainly she rarely acted because of it. But with shizuka, what g ot her going was those reactions. Perhaps just about the only human she actually gave a damn about. She loved her, and all the more when she saw those little reactions she managed to illicit from her. Reactions that made her want to see what else she could get out of them.

Hebika watched as Shizuka took her luggage, the girl had always been physically stronger than her, to say the least. And Hebika followed along dutifully enough, closing the door behind her and sitting next to Shizuka as the subject shifted to Xcution. She scooted in and smiled, watching Shizuka. And admittedly, she could stop herself from pounding Shizuka, but the fullbringer would MORE than recognize the look Hebika was giving her. One which usually came just before a pouncing. It wasn't anything overt or obvious. It was that very very....subtle smile. That 'I know something you don't know' sort of look. Normally Hebika was quite cheery and chipper-looking, even if her voice was a bit smarmy. But shizuka would know that whenever that smile grew...sly or just a tiny bit sinister, that Hebika had her on the mind.

"I don't see why not. As I said, I'd love to come back. She got that out of the way before she paused, and glanced over to the window. She did tap her fingers just a little. "As for this Bount. Who knows.... I tolerated Zack. But you're the only human I've ever come to like Shizuka." She frowned and looked at the window. She didn't have to, she simply wanted Shizuka to know that she was speaking seriously at this juncture. "Bount or not. At base. This man. He is still a human Shizuka. I know that humans enjoy talking about things like love. But when...they say it. That's not always what they mean. when they say 'I love you'. What they really mean is that they want you. With a subtext of 'all to myself'." She murmured and sighed.

She was being careful about what she said. She made no accusations. She thought far too fast for her thoughts to show up on her face. That this man would not like her at all. Especially if she lived with Shizuka. Humans were not, at heart, loving creatures. They were greedy creatures. Hebika knew she loved Shizuka. Which was why she...faltered. she wanted to be with Shizuka, of course she did. But she knew that the girl also liked this boy. And if she...infringed on that. Then this man, as good, as handsome, or as nice as he was. Would likely not tolerate it. No matter how much he thought he loved Shizuka, his own feelings would be put above hers. And he would force a choice on the girl. And no matter what the answer to that choice was. Hebika, or him. She knew that the one who would be hurt the most was Shizuka.

It was why she hated humans so much. But she had no other choice than to hope. And, for now, restrain herself. If Shizuka had not already asked her so direly she would have never thought of living with her. Not knowing about the boyfriend. That already was making her a bit anxious. But well...she wasn't going to make shizuka unhappy because of her anxieties. Looking at the blonde, she decided to trust the girl's judge of character. Perhaps he would be like her. Different. And the very thought brought a more...sincere smile to Hebika's face. "But you've proved me wrong. My lovely exception." She reached out and gently caressed the fullbringewr's cheek. "If hes managed to get your attention, then I have full confidence that, perhaps indeed, he will prove to be just as much an exception as you." She leaned over and gave the girl another little peck.

"However, on the note of Xcuton. Are you sure you don't need to test me? I admit I've been gone a while from it. But I remember they used to be fairly strict about that." She mused, rubbing her chin. She didn't want Shizuka getting in any trouble for skipping a bit of protocol. There were enough things to worry about as it were.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Hebika's agreement made Shizuka beam with light. She was so excited! Everything was falling into place. She'd have one of her closest and most precious friends back in her life and they'd be able to work together again! This would be wonderful. She had been longing for this day for such a while at this point. After Hebika's disappearance, Shizuka had fallen into a slight pit of despair. Things weren't looking too great, but she hated relying on someone else to make her happy. It was just that she cared for Hebika so much, so hearing about her disappearance was a blow to the Fullbringer's confidence in her ability to keep someone by her side.

And something Hebika said was gnawing at the woman's soul. Love was fleeting? Shizuka's brows furrowed as she frowned and looked at the floor. What if her serpentine friend was right? What if Luke didn't actually care about Shizuka? What if he was using her? Did that even make sense? He seemed so genuine when they were together. He appeared to care a lot. He wasn't rude or mean or anything like that. But this actually hit Shizuka pretty hard. Maybe Hebika was speaking the truth. Perhaps their relationship was useless. But Shizuka didn't want to believe that just yet. She couldn't.

Not only that, but humans were fairly flaky in general. Shizuka recalled many a time when her friends simply stopped being her friends because it was too difficult. Maybe she moved or had gone to school or something else entirely. The reason didn't matter, but it was true. She felt forgotten so much. She felt like they didn't care. People who claimed to love her and want what's best for her cut themselves out of her life because she was inconvenient. But she learned to deal with it. She didn't want to feel those negative emotions anymore so she tried to make friends in other areas. She had a couple, but she'd felt like she was missing something.

Still... Hebika came back. That mattered, too. Hebika wasn't even afraid to start back where they kind of left off despite the fact that Shizuka was involved with someone else. And she was so, so kind. Shizuka never saw the bad side of the Mod Soul. She never considered any side of her bad. In fact, she rather liked pretty much all of her. Hebika was so easy to love and so easy to get along with that Shizuka never thought about her in a negative light. Even now, she was being so understanding. Even now, after all this time, she was being so sweet. Shizuka blushed when she received another kiss and smiled widely. She missed this girl.

"I could test you. I could. But do you want that? You've worked for Xcution before. You don't need to prove your powers because I've seen you fight. You're highly capable. But is this something you'd prefer?"

[Hebika Nara]

As happy as she was when she saw that initial joy. She did feel a bit of pain as Shizuka processed the ...ordeal with Luke. What was more was the fact that she wasn't sure if it was unfounced. Humans were very....complicated. She pulled the human close and held them tightly, sensing their thoughts. "Don't be so worried about it dear. As I said, it may not even be an issue. The fact that I'm a girl will also probably smootht hings over, haha. I'm sure he won't get all greedy or anything. I just worry is all." She noted, playing it off a little in hopes of dispelling the girl's concerns for the moment. She then focused on the next topic of discussion.

Her brows lifted slightly "Hmmm, that is a good point. Plus in the past we HAVE sortof figured out that my particular ability has you at a disadvantage. I think that perhaps we should skip the test. If someone raises concern about it, they will be more than free to test me themselves." She noted with a light smile and a squeeze to Shizuka's frame as she held them close. The look of glee on the girl's face in response to that little smooch made her tense a little. Restrain Hebika....Restraint. "In any case. How about we head to HQ then? Get the paperwork all out of the way eh? Then we can spend some time catching up! Maybe see a movie. Tell me, is Adam Sandler still making awful movies?" It was a joke, she actually quite enjoyed Adam Sandler's movies, but a meme was a meme.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

"Headquarters?"

Shizuka thought back on the events that happened to Xcution's headquarters in Karakura not too long ago. The building was standing, though not exactly very well. It needed a lot of upkeep to get it back where it needed to be. It was no longer the epicenter of Xcution's dealings for that reason. She wished it hadn't been that way. She didn't like thinking about it too much. She didn't want to remember what she saw. But it happened. It happened and she had to learn how to move on. If Hebika really wanted to see the headquarters, then she'd take her. That much wasn't a problem.

The problem came from what Hebika wanted. She would make an excellent Lance. She really would. At this point in the game, however, she was stronger than that. Still, there wasn't much opportunity otherwise. Shizuka thought for a moment about what it would be like for Hebika to be something more than that. Would it take proving that she could do it? Perhaps. But that wasn't necessarily reliant on a test. It could be anything. So Shizuka made a choice based on what she felt was best. Hebika may not be impressed at first, but it would be a start. Hopefully that could be enough.

"Sure. I can take you. I want to offer you something, though. If you start as a Lance, you would have the chance to grow. I would be able to see that. And if you're able to prove yourself, maybe more so than any amount of favoritism I already have towards you, we can have you request to be invited elsewhere. I think you know where I'm going with this."

If Hebika accepted, then that would be that. Shizuka would take her to Xcution's headquarters and show her everything. Nothing would be a secret anymore. Hebika would understand Shizuka's hesitation in bringing her there, but they could complete everything necessary in order to bring the Mod Soul back. This was only if she accepted, of course. Shizuka didn't want her to think she was being insulting by any means. She knew about the Mod Soul's powers and how strong she was. That was no question. What she wanted was simply proof. Proof, and a desire to fill Xcution with nothing but capable hands.

[Hebika Nara]

Hebika blinked. Almost immediately she could tell that SOMETHING had happened to the headquarters. Had it been attacked? She wouldn't be surprised. That eyesore was an enormous target. But even so, she listened carefully as Shizuka began to explain. She nodded slowly at that and stroked along her chin. If she just wanted in, she could start as a Lance. and by doing so, prove herself to be something more. She rubbed at her chin and offered a gentle little smile at that. She could tell that Shizuka was hinting at something. Perhaps was she wanting Hebika to take up a Gun Position? She would have to find out. But in any case she nodded, and gently slipped her hand into the woman's.

"Sounds like a good idea dear~ Let's get going then! It's been a while since I've seen the place. I do hope they've redecorated. Wasn't much a fan of the old layout." She hummed, glad that Shizuka seemed to have fully shifted her attention. Good, no more worry for the woman. Hebika even gave the gal a half-hug with her other arm before she gestured for them to lead the way. It shouldn't take them long to get to headquarters. "If you think that's the best course of action, I .....suppose I don't mind starting out on the bottom." She absolutely minded. But she was going to keep that to herself for now.