Make No Apology [Social, Closed]

[Hebika Nara]

How long had it been since this whole....phase? The woman folded her arms as she made her way into the estate. She took just a moment to pause before she gently reached into her belt, pulling out an airhorn and humming softly to herself, running her fingers over the surface of it. There was a twist, and then opened like a flower, blooming the top open, twisting into a long pair of wings. She slowly molded the bottle itself, narrowing it out to look just like a bird. She smiled, petting her new creation.

After a moment, she leaned against the wall, gently running her fingers through that long blonde hair. How long had it been since she had seen Shizuka? She definitely hadn't shown the woman her current look so far. She was a little curious to see what she thought. Of course she had more...serious things to talk about. But all the same, she was still excited to hang out with her companion again. She raised her hand and that bird promptly flew off through the mansion, homing in on where she had sensed Shizuka to be.

She smiled softly to herself, humming gently, looking over her nails before it sounded. PHRRRRRRRRRH! The sound of an airhorn blaring as it tracked down Shizuka, flying around the air as the woman hung out on her little yoga mat, and began blaring that airhorn into the air as it flew about. The Signature of an inanimate object being alive making it very clear who had let themselves in as the little airhorn bird flew out of the room, and then returned to Hebika. Smiling to herself as she waited for Shizuka to show up.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

The bright light from the morning sun was shining harshly yet comfortably through the large arched windows that decorated an at-home gym. There was a generously-sized television mounted up on the wall playing a video of some girl practicing some extensive yoga poses and other various forms of equipment occupied the space. There was also only very few weights with low numbers on them, and none were less than five pounds. Most were actually up to one hundred. But within the room, among the equipment and windows and everything, was a woman exercising.

Shizuka had woken up earlier that day, much to her own displeasure since she enjoyed sleeping in frequently, and decided she would take advantage of the situation and do some yoga. She wanted to stay as flexible as possible because of everything her typical job entailed, and it was a rather calming practice in general. The blonde stretched and swayed along with the girl on the television and kept her breathing controlled. This was relaxing. It had been a while since she didn't immediately have a crisis to deal with.

But, of course, like all good things, this had to come to an end. Shizuka was so involved in her own activities that she failed to notice the bird-shaped fog horn until it blared so loudly that all the woman could do was scream as loud as possible in shock and tense so much that she accidentally unleashed some of her own gravitational pressure upon her dwelling. The walls cracked a bit and she panicked as she ran to one of them and focused as hard as she could, willing the souls of the house to stop breaking and actually pull itself together.

She saw the strange creature out of the corner of her eye and thought for a moment. It flew out of the room and Shizuka followed it suspiciously. She smiled, having a bit of an idea of where the creature came from, but was relieved so quickly when she saw her theory come true. Hebika was outside. The Fullbringer rushed downstairs and outside of the house, still in her leggings and sports bra, all but throwing herself at her friend as she extended her arms. The embrace that followed was long, tight, and extremely necessary.

"HEBIKA!!!!" Shizuka shouted louder than she had in a while. "Hebika! Oh my gosh, Hebika!"

Shizuka nuzzled the woman's cheek with her own as she smiled. She missed Hebika. Even their work in the same organization wasn't enough to allow them to see each other as frequently. This reunion was so appreciated, but the only major thing that made Shizuka pause was the new appearance. Hebika had a variety of looks she liked to create and the Fullbringer knew this, but if she hadn't made that bird creature, this might have gone very differently.

"You look amazing! This is very different. A good different! Actually, a great different! And your hair is so long now. And your eyes..." Shizuka's facial features softened but she held her smile. "I missed you."

[Hebika Nara]

Hebika smiled softly as she saw Shizuka running down the stairs, chuckling softly to herself as she had quite enjoyed sensing that little startled pressure spike from the woman. A little impressed with hearing the house creak in that brief little moment. And when Shizuka finally closed in she was....surprised when she noticed her flying toward her. Her brain calculating the force and trajectory. Oh fuck she was really getting in there! She had to brace herself before Shizuka flew into her arms, an OOF escaping her as she chuckled, giving the woman a squeeze and leaning in as the blonde gently nestled into her.

"Well well. Someone's excited. I'm glad to see you actually missed me, a little surprised." She noted with a calm smile, rubbing shizuka's back before giving her a peck on the throat and gently releasing her, putting a hand on her hip and canting her head to the side, smiling slyly as Shizuka took a moment to adjust to the sight of her new digs. She gently tossed her hair and smoothed her ponytail back, doing little song and dance of smoothing herself out, just to let Shizuka enjoy the look at it.

"I'm glad you enjoy it~ I'm quite pleased with my handiwork as well. Not often I take the time to make a gigai from scratch." She chimed, giving the woman a wink before she folded her arms, pulling her gloves a bit more firmly on before she leaned to the side, her head canting to the side. "My eyes? What about them?" She ventured, tilting her head as she took a few steps closer to the human, those piercing red eyes watching her calmly.

She paused, gently touching her chin for a moment before she leaned in, smiling just a bit wider so that Shizuka could get a better look at those bright blood-red eyes. "What about them? Did I mess something up? Any flaws that I missed?" She asked playfully, well aware that there were none. But all the same, she'd eventually take a step back.

"My lovely eyes aside. I was hoping to touch base with you. What with recent events, our ...numerous recruitments and the like. Our......more unique new members.", she paused, folding her arms. "And so now.....one can't help but wonder what the next phase of operations is." She ventured, drumming her fingers thoughtfully.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

"My eyes? What about them?"

Hebika approached Shizuka slowly and deliberately. Shizuka felt her heart start to beat a bit harder in response, though she had no control over it. Her face felt hot and she tried to calm herself down, but she couldn't help it. The Mod Soul was playing around in a way she was too familiar with, and while it was adorable and cheeky, it was also somewhat nerve-wracking. Not in a bad way, but it meant Shizuka wasn't doing too well with handling her reactions. Hebika knew damn well she didn't miss anything when making her eyes. They were beautiful.

"My lovely eyes aside. I was hoping to touch base with you. What with recent events, our ...numerous recruitments and the like. Our......more unique new members. And so now.....one can't help but wonder what the next phase of operations is."

"Well, do you want to come inside?"

Shizuka took her friend's hand and practically dragged her along until they made it through the front doors. She didn't want to talk too loudly outside since the trees have eyes, but she did think it would be beneficial to make Hebika privy to part of the plan. They had spoken of this not long ago, but with recent recruitment successes, especially with Santa and Col joining, everything was coming together. She still felt like they had room to grow, though.

"Hebika, with Satsujun's... absence," she paused with careful consideration. She didn't want to say the real word. "I've been doing some thinking. I have a good team. You're all exceptional and I feel like you've been growing so much that you hardly need me. I wanted to be a guide for each of you, maybe even a mentor, but we're beyond that now. I think it may be time I resign as one of the Seven Guns."

The Fullbringer pulled Hebika onto the couch in her family room. Large windows decorated the wall next to them and the view outside was lovely. Shizuka had gardens that she had tended to over some time with various plants, trees, and the like. A pool was in the yard that was accompanied by a pool house that could effectively function as another home with all of its bells and whistles. The woman certainly wasn't hurting for money anymore.

"That being said, I want you to consider becoming one, or maybe even consider applying for a promotion in general. Your talents are wasted as a Lance. You're amazing and strong and thoughtful. You're also brilliant! You deserve more. I just need to know I have that dedication from you."

Shizuka held Hebika's hands tightly in her lap. She was being genuine. She remembered the first time they met and how cute and small Hebika was as a little snake, but that wasn't who she was anymore. She had grown so much and trained enough that the Fullbringer knew there was no need to worry. Breaking that habit would be a bit difficult, but still. She was confident in Hebika's abilities and that's what mattered. Shizuka took a deep break and slowly let it out.

"I want to be CEO. I have been gathering able bodies and those with incredible potential because I need to flesh out the Guns. I'll have to talk to Santa, especially since she's my Shadow, and I think Col would do well in the group. But then there's you. I can't tell you where to go or what to do and I know that, but I can encourage you. You're great, Hebika. You need to be doing a job that makes you feel as special as you are. And from there, I have a few faction confrontations I'll need to make."

[Hebika Nara]

Hebika took a firm hold of Shizuka's hand as they went inside, glancing over her shoulder. Not concerned. If there were any threats in the area around them, she'd have sensed them. But all the same, she still allowed Shizuka to bring her inside, humming thoughtfully to herself as she watched Shizuka idly. Once they were inside, she sat down readily enough, and folded her legs, lounging a little in her seat as she allowed Shizuka to give her response as to her general plans for the organization.

She was not really surprised. She was, if nothing else, a smart woman. Satsujin's sudden 'lowkey mode' had not gone unnoticed. There were no longer orders from up above. There wwere no board members giving orders. These days, all orders came directly from the job boards themselves. The Organization was on autopilot. nobody was driving. She had her suspicions about what actually happened, but all the same, as shizuka spoke about becomming the CEO, she nodded along. It made sense. And of course, there was the subject of her own rank and abilities.

She considered this for a moment, and smiled slowly, fondly at Shizuka. And she leaned in, close, close enough that once again, they were eye to eye. She gently grasped Shizuka's hands with her own gloved ones. She always wore gloves these days. In case she needed to destroy something she had a grip on. And in some small part of her mind, she wondered if Shizuka in some small way had her guard up because of little things like that. All the same she moved in, almost as if she were hunting Shizuka, smiling, smiling the way a snake smiled at a baby bird it was gently encircling.

"I'm glad to see that you had more going on than just idle recruitment. I admit Shizuka, sometimes I do wonder. But every time I decide to have faith I'm rewarded. That these plans have ultimately blossomed into a real plan. Even if perhaps, I'm not sure why I could not have had this brought to my attention before..." she paused, thinking, musing for just a moment, before smiling once again. "But thankfully to say. I also have been making my own plans and ...explorations." She hummed thoughtfully.

"You know. We have a small group of bounts who are taking up residence in Karakura. I was part of such an interesting meeting the other day. Between a friend mod soul of mine, and her bount associates. Actually, one of them I already knew. The other was new. But they are, evidently, taking up residence in a facility in one of the nearby mountains. A bit of talk about how these new vampires should be careful. I wonder what they will be like in the future.... you see. This woman. Taka she goes by. She let these bounts know, that she would give them this facility. This....gift. But inform them that if they step out of line that there would be consequences. She even hired me to check up on them now and then. I'm sure you may have seen my report. Perhaps not." She noted cooly.

And then she glanced up at Shizuka and smiled wider. "The reason I was fine with remaining a lance, was because well. I wanted to understand things. You guns are an important part of the group. But you're also watched rather closely. As a Lance, I've been able to ....enjoy a good number of things without much oversight. Explorations if you will." She smiled and leaned in just a bit closer. "I tell you about the bounts, because one of them, actually provided me with some...very interesting information. Aura, her name was." She chimed, remembering the poor girl.

"She was a very poor girl. Plagued by some sort of curse. Every night, she would, without fail, rampage. There was an accident, and she made it out of her cage. And so, I was asked to do what I could to help. To use my talents to look into her soul, and see what could be done. And I discovered that this curse was just a thing in her soul. Just some...dead little thing. It wasn't...alive or anything." She reached up, and gently pointed to the very center of Shizuka's chest. Paused...and then slowly just a bit lower, to her navel.

"I remember it like it was yesterday. Right there. In the very pit of her soul. Where all of her reiatsu was being generated. The damn thing was practically inscribed in her soul. So...I reached inside of her...." She slowly curled her finger, and flattened her palm against Shizuka, as if going through the motions of what she had done that night. "And I used my power. You see. My ability is so much more than making rubble dance, or making an airhorn fly." She smiled up at Shizuka.

"I first discovered this when I was fighting an a Quincy. I almost killed her. And it turns out that whoever had made her into a quincy hadn't done a very good job. Her old power. Her old self as a fullbringer, was still hanging around inside of her. Slowly killing her. So. I tore it out of her. Brought it to life. Into it's own, fully living hollow. And watched it eat her. After that. To make sure it wasn't just a fluke, An arrancar I fought. That woman, Lagos? That we both met with? She unleashed some sort of hurricane. And I was able to bring it to life. Eliminating the technique, and gaining something to help subjugate her with." that smile widened just a bit more.

"And then. That young bount. Aura. I found that curse ingrained into her very soul. I tore it out of her. I brought it to life. And then, along with her. We killed it~ And now she's just like any other normal bount." She noted with a soft little smile. "You see. As a lance. I had to understand what it meant to be in Xcution. Shizuka." She hummed, removing her hand from the woman, and slowly pulling the glove off of her right hand. Still watching the woman closely, smiling.

"Satsujin was always such a....wonderfully paranoid man. And I imagine, paranoid as they are, some things you will probably keep that he put in place." She opened her hand, showing off that black X on her palm. and gently touched it with her finger. Smiling. Her reiatsu pulsing before that tattoo peeled itself off of her skin, the nonliving ink. The Reiatsu. The Curse that was in every Xcution tattoo. That kept them all in line. Was peeled out. and then condensed. Until there was a small, black snake in the palm of her hand, with a white X across it's head.

"I've never been one for curses Shizuka. Especially not from my employer. You're right. Lance is above me. Which is why I want your Gun seat." She noted calmly, continuing to smile. "You're welcome to tattoo whatever you like on my tongue, or wherever you fancy putting your hands on me." she winked playfully, that serpent slithering along her fingers, then winding up around her bicep, almost like a piece of jewelry. "But you're going to have to understand that you won't be able to control me. The tattoo will be nothing but ceremonial. I don't plan on defying you. Or harming you. Or usurping you. I don't need to be CEO. I'm not cut out for leadership. and certainly I wouldn't want to hurt you." She reasoned and sighed.

"It's hard to explain. But in many ways, I consider you mine. Sure, the young man you're dating is borrowing you. But he's just some man. eventually he'll die. and I won't. You won't ever have to worry about me harming you. I would never harm something of mine. and I do apologize if this sounds....strange. I know humans have odd ideas about things like this. I'm simply trying to be honest." she shrugged, and then smiled back at Shizuka. "If you're fine with all of this. Then by all means. I would very much look forward to being a gun. The top gun. Unless we have someone who is stronger and more versatile than I am. Something I would be fascinated to find." She noted with a smooth, confident smile. Watching. Curious, if nothing else, about how Shizuka would react. If nothing else, she adored how prone Shizuka was to surprising her.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Hebika was no stranger to gossip, much to Shizuka's delight. She had some incredible information to share about the Bounts in town and it made the woman's heart skip a beat. She was curious as to which ones were actually involved in such a thing for one obvious reason, but she pushed it out of her mind for the time being. It wasn't important enough. What mattered more was what Hebika had told her. That, and the guilt Shizuka felt to not having thoroughly read through the folders Hebika handed in the way she needed to.

What Shizuka didn't realize was that Hebika had been doing her own projects on the side all along. She shouldn't have been surprised by this, and to an extent she wasn't, but there was something nagging at her that made her feel even more guilty than simply not reading a report. Shizuka really did take Hebika for granted and that was unforgivable. She even saved a girl from a curse, regardless of who this girl was. This Mod Soul was extraordinary and deserved recognition.

And recognition she asked for. Hebika peeled the tattoo that marked all members of Xcution off her hand and brought it to life into a familiar and somewhat inviting shape. Shizuka had grown especially fond of snakes thanks to this woman, actually. Seeing the change not only surprised the Fullbringer, but also intrigued her. She knew she was safe with Hebika, though the reassurance was welcome. But she knew. She always knew. Shizuka smiled and touched her forehead against the other woman's for a brief moment before sitting back up.

"It's hard to explain. But in many ways, I consider you mine. Sure, the young man you're dating is borrowing you. But he's just some man. eventually he'll die. and I won't. You won't ever have to worry about me harming you. I would never harm something of mine. and I do apologize if this sounds....strange. I know humans have odd ideas about things like this. I'm simply trying to be honest."

"You are not someone I'm worried about. Could you kill me? Probably. I'm most vulnerable around you. But you're someone I can trust without any doubt in my mind. When I picked you up that day so many years ago, I made the choice to do everything in my power to never let go of you. As for your position, I think we might have something to discuss."

"If you're fine with all of this. Then by all means. I would very much look forward to being a gun. The top gun. Unless we have someone who is stronger and more versatile than I am. Something I would be fascinated to find."

Shizuka thought for a moment. She had every intention of approaching Hebika with this question down the road because Hebika was so close but not quite where she needed to be in order to be Number One. Plus, there was Col. Shizuka needed Col to be a Rifle, as well. Her intention was to have both of them lead the Guns after she was able to take CEO, but there was just a little bit extra to take care of before this could become official.

"I agree with you and intended to extend an offer, but you have a small amount of growth left, I believe. You're strength is immense and I need that from my Rifles. I just want to make sure you've reached your full potential. As for me... You can feel the difference. How far I've come since we met. You've changed so much within that time, as well, but I need to ask for a little more from you again. If you can do that, and I'll help you, then I would love absolutely nothing more."

[Hebika Nara]

Hebika smiled calmly as she made note of Shizuka's responses. She wasn't surprised, but it was still wonderful to see. The Amiable look on her face when she saw the snake. And a number of ....other responses that she could tell Shizuka was supressing. But she pushed that aside for the time being as she listened to the woman talk, and Hebika admittedly wasn't entirely sure she agreed with it. She was fairly sure that Shizuka didn't give herself enough credit. Mortally wounding someone was fairly hard to do when they were a strong spiritual being. And truth be told, she had a feeling that deep down, Shizuka just didn't have it in her to hurt Hebika. At least not in the past or probably present. But that, like anything, ESPECIALLY in such an unpredictable woman as Shizuka, could change. But she refrained from correcting her for the time being, simply enjoying the gentle pressure of Shizuka's forehead against her own.

"Oh? I do?" She ventured in response to Shizuka informing her she had room to grow. Something she was well aware of, but admittedly had been ....so-so about actually pursuing. fights were already a bit on the dull side, the notion of making them easier was a bit of a sore spot to really think of. But as Shizuka explained her reasoning, Hebika couldn't help but sigh just a little, shaking her head and reaching up, lightly resting her hand on the side of Shizuka's neck for a moment as she pulled them in, arms slipping around her superior, her partner, her friend, and giving her a hug.

"Well, don't you just know how to make me feel guilty for being lazy~" She murmured, smirking just a little before she released the woman and drummed her fingers, as the serpent she'd made from her Tattoo slithered along her shoulders, and then promptly made it's way to Shizuka's, curiously noodling about as Hebika looked Shizuka in the eyes, blood reds watching Shizuka's before she raised her hands in surrender. 'Well damn. I can hardly say no to you when you come to me with such a passionate argument." She noted with a sigh, eyes lidding a bit, before she smiled slowly at Shizuka.

"Very well. Realizing my potential it will be. On the condition that you be involved. I've gotten a little weary of giving you your space. And I expect to spend more time with you. Especially now that you've hit your own peak in power." She noted with a smile, having more than been able to sense that little spike when Shizuka had been startled, reaching up again and lightly touching the girl's chin. "Even if perhaps you're still getting used to controlling it. Ms demolitionist." She noted just a bit slyly, letting the human know she had noticed that little almost-demolition when she had been spooked.

"Now, with the business out of the way. IS there anything else you have to say?~"

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

This was nice. The change of pace was nice. The fact that she didn't have to worry about any craziness and could focus on this moment was everything she needed. Hebika was such a comforting soul that it was almost unbelievable. The Fullbringer blushed at Hebika's comments and giggled. She didn't have complete control over herself quite yet and was practicing, but it was a lot to handle. It's as if you go from not being able to walk to running at full speeds in the course of a day. It was a lot of stress on her body, and yet also very exciting. There was a lot for her to learn about these changes.

"Now, with the business out of the way. IS there anything else you have to say?~"

"Well," she began, standing herself up not too far from the other woman. "I wanted to ask about you. We meet every now and then and chat, of course, but we never have casual conversations. You know where I stand with this organization and what I'd like from you, but that aside, how are you?"

Most of the time, their meetings consisted of Shizuka getting flustered over something and whatever business-related topics they could think of. She started thinking about how selfish it made her seem. They never casually hung out or did anything as friends or whatever they were, and it was disappointing. Shizuka was interested in what Hebika had going on in her life. She was her own person, her own Mod Soul, and she was alive. There had to be something she enjoyed doing or some hobby of hers she was proud of. Shizuka was so proud of Hebika and her growth but felt terrible for never taking the time to just... talk.

"The reason why I ask is because, y'know, we take a lot of time away from each other. I like hearing from you and hearing about you. I like talking to you."

[Hebika Nara]

Hmmm. Hebika sighed just a little and folded her legs as she laid back, those blood-red eyes watching Shizuka in clear disappointment in her gaze as the woman popped to her feet, put on a smile, and tried to rerail the subject of conversation. She let her cheek rest on her knuckles, lightly bouncing the heel of her foot in the air as she waited for Shizuka to finish speaking. What essentially amounted to a nervous pickup line at a coffee shop. Or a nervous attempt at breaking the ice between two women who hadn't seen eachother in far too long.

"No dear." She responded softly and calmly, watching the human closely. "You are, in some way right. Perhaps this is my fault. Letting all of this nonsense go on for so long. You've no interest in asking me that question Shizuka. Because you know me well enough to know that the only personal life I have is a bore and a chore. I'm not fond of interacting with humans. and that's most of what I do outside of my personal work and company missions." she surmised, those blood-red eyes locking onto the fullbringers.

"I asked you what was on your mind. Come here." She gently leaned back in her seat, curling a finger toward Shizuka as her demeanor changed slightly. She was no longer speaking to her superior. She was speaking to Shizuka, and there wasn't even any sort of scowl or weight behind her words. she was not bulling the woman into doing as she said. She was speaking calmly but firmly. "If you would. Look me in the eyes, and tell me what's on your mind."

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Shizuka should have entertained Hebika a bit sooner, especially since she could see the obvious disappointment on her face. Trying to do everything she could to keep things a bit more professional wasn't working, but when were they ever particularly professional, anyway? The Fullbringer knew she was being silly. She just didn't want Hebika to think she only ever thought about her for one reason. Hebika was so much more than that.

But, unfortunately, Shizuka couldn't deny what she felt. Hebika looked beautiful and the gigai she was using was simply so well-crafted. The response Shizuka received was not shocking, but she obliged anyway and walked closer to the Mod Soul. She playfully rolled her eyes and smiled, leaning over Hebika as she braced her hands against the back of the couch. She used it to balance herself as she straddled Hebika, resting her knees on either side of her partner. Shizuka lowered herself so she was gently sitting on Hebika's lap, looking into her eyes.

"I've got a few things on my mind. One is that you truly do look stunning. Another is that I respect the confidence you have and could not be more proud of you for wanting to replace me and accepting the challenge. And the third is admiring how you came about telling me. You have so much energy and charisma already, and it's attractive. Also very alluring, but I think you know that."

The Fullbringer braced herself against her left hand and used her right to trace a finger along Hebika's chin, somewhat forcing the stare between the two. She missed Hebika dearly and she knew it was noticeable. So if she was going to put her guard down anyway, then she didn't mind doing that. There was no reason for either of them to be uncomfortable around each other, and it's not like Shizuka was uncomfortable to start, but she didn't want to change the atmosphere of the conversation.

"I guess that's a start."

[Hebika Nara]

The Mod Soul couldn't help but smile fondly as honesty broke through that anxious denial. She watched, pleased, as the woman she had grown so fond of closed in. Watching as most of her field of view was taken up by her. Her own blood-red eyes locked onto Shizuka's as the warmth of the woman settled onto her lap,and she saw the breach of that sultry confidence through hard professionalism. And finally there she was, the mod soul's hands resting on the other blonde's hips as naturally as if they belonged there, and she listened intently as the Assassin started to speak, and she relished every word.

The soft trail of that finger along her chin was exactly what she adored about the woman, closing her eyes for just a second before looking back up at her, as her own hands gently made themselves comfortable, fingers wrapped around her hips, thumbs gently slipping in just inside of that pelvic girdle to rub in slow circles at the soft skin just within it, along the thin line where not even muscle protected the soft flesh of the fullbringer alond those lines of connective tissue.

"There you are~ She whispered, leaning up and in, devouring the distance between them as she kissed her. No hesitation, no pause for consideration. There was only the brief warning of warm air, the curl of Hebika's breath against Shizuka's lips before they met in a slow twisting warm lock of sudden passion as the Mod soul gently pulled them closer by her grip, only to part in a soft sigh. "I'm so bored of humans, Shizu. I've been bored of them. The way they disappoint me. The way they disappoint themselves. The way they drone through their short lives lying to themselves." She sighed, refusing to pull away, so that every word was a soft brushstroke of warm air against the woman's lips.

"Which is why I just can't get enough of you dear~ You're so much more honest. So much more.....you. When you went to that little distraction of yours. I admit, I started to wonder if maybe it was for the best. Something more....normal. Something stable. Something human for you to fixate on. It felt..... concerning perhaps. That maybe I enjoyed you for being broken or hurt. That maybe I was taking advantage, that I was being selfish for wanting this ....inhuman part of you. So I backed off. And watched, to see if you would heal." She trailed off and closed her eyes, sighing for a moment before that smile slithered back, and a DEEP, relish and mirth was shown across her face.

"But you never did~ You didn't start becoming like the rest. You didn't start turning normal. You didn't 'heal'. And that's when I found it out." She whispered softly, releasing her from the grip of one of her hands and reaching up. She gently touched the side of Shizuka's face, fingers slowly fanning across her cheek, curving back to her jawline before gently slipping down, a slow, gentle caress down the length of her neck, before finally her fingers stipped at the very center of the woman's chest. And that smile deepened.

"You were never broken to begin with. There's something inside your soul. I don't know how on earth it happened. But you're not entirely human. You're different." She kissed at her throat. " You're special." Another brush of lips, higher now, at the underside of Shizuka's chin, until finally they were face to face once again, and the remaining hand down below relaxed, slipping her arm slowly around Shizuka's waist, pulling her firmly closer. Those eyes lidded slightly as she stared up at the woman. "So I'm afraid I'm going to have to rescind my support of your...exploration. You're mine, Shizuka. And I plan on being as patient and annoyingly attractive around you as it takes to get you back." She said with a sly, mischievous grin.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Thankful for the welcoming response, Shizuka rested herself and sighed a pleased sigh at Hebika's touch. The little massages against her hips felt amazing, and she didn't even realize she was tense there until she felt Hebika's thumbs. Any amount of physical contact between the two of them was exciting to the Fullbringer, and this was part of why she originally tried so hard to resist it. But after a while, she threw that resistance out the window because she figured it didn't make sense.

That, and apparently Hebika wasn't a fan of it, either. This thought was cemented into Shizuka's mind even more the moment her lips met Hebika's, eyes closing in response to the action. She missed how warm Hebika was and how gentle she could be. Well, gentle, yet ravenous. Shizuka felt her lower abdomen tighten with a pleasurable aching that she had not felt in what seemed like forever, but it subsided a bit when Hebika began to speak.

Her words stung at first. Shizuka didn't take too kindly to hearing how Hebika was bored with humans, especially seeing as she was one. This quickly turned around when she started talking about how Shizuka was different, not boring, more honest. Hebika also was very obviously talking about that distraction being Luke. Despite the smile on her face, Shizuka's heart sank. She hadn't heard from him in months.

Maybe what Hebika said was true, though. Maybe he was just a distraction. At times, there were moments of weakness where even she wished she could be a regular person instead of a Fullbringer. She had so many more responsibilities as a spiritually aware being, so many things she needed to watch out for, and so many people she had to be cautious of. She could have lived a long and healthy life away from all of this if she chose to, but she felt like she was stuck in her ways for good.

To an extent, sure. Maybe Luke distracted her from the dangers of her typical life. He was able to make her feel a bit more normal, relatively speaking, and she often forgot about her worries and sorrows. Hebika, on the other hand, made Shizuka feel stronger. She tried to encourage her actions and abilities. She tried to say and do what she could to remind Shizuka that, yes, she was a Fullbringer. But she wasn't abnormal because of that fact.

But something that Hebika said stood out to the woman. "Wait. Figured what out?"

"You were never broken to begin with. There's something inside your soul. I don't know how on earth it happened. But you're not entirely human. You're different. You're special."

The woman giggled, relishing in the sudden rush of compliments. This was part of why she loved Hebika so much. This supportive nature and appreciation were hardly ever realized by anyone else. Shizuka yearned for that type of a relationship more than she realized, and that's possibly why she and Hebika did so well together. They had undeniable chemistry between each other and it was amazing. And when Hebika admitted that she planned to do whatever it would take to get Shizuka back, the Fullbringer smiled and softly kissed the Mod Soul's forehead.

"You never lost me, Hebika. I don't think you ever could. You're strong and lovely and extremely admirable. I find myself wishing I could be more like you, honestly. So with the knowledge that you make me a better person, I don't think I could ever say no to you."

[Hebika Nara]

It was good to see the woman like this. Not just being around Shizuka, but enjoying the reactions she could garner from the woman. The way she seemed to brighten in response to her. Oh how she glowed when she was praised~ even though she could sense that hesitation around the subject of the young man she had been so attached to. She had figured something like this would happen. She had, in earnest, hoped that Shizuka's endeavor might have been successful. But things couldn't always work out. And she smiled at the woman's words, at the compliments the woman gave her. But more than that she was a bit surprised that of all things, Shizuka seemed to envy her. Her brows lifting for just a moment as she considered this. She didn't really consider hers an enviable position. But ....with the gorgeous woman settled into her lap. She found herself hard-pressed to say as much.

No, she much rather felt pride in where she was. In the way Shizuka looked at her. In the feel she enjoyed as she leaned up and gently snared the woman's lips once again as if to devour the last of those words she was speaking, as she felt .... something switch on. No sooner had Shizuka finished speaking, than would she suddenly find herself flipped onto her back, the Mod soul solling over, pressing the woman back against the couch as she took her turn in planting her palms on either side of the fullbringer's head. Those blood red eyes shining as she smiled down at her. Hands having drifted down pale thighs to get a grip on the woamn as she switched their positions, pinning Shizuka beneath her as she claimed her lips.

Ravenous? She didn't quite know if she agreed with that. But she couldn't help but feel a hint of truth in that as she stole her breath, and her grip slowly drifted back up toward the blonde's hips, up her sides, and ultimately cradling the sides of the fullbringer's face before their lips finally parted. "Ahhh, now you've done it." She sighed softly, that smile deepening as she gently ran a gloved hand through the fullbringer's hair, staying intimately close, every word felt in hot rushes of air against the woman's lips. Crimson eyes searching hers as her other arm coiled around the blonde's waist and pulled them flush up against her own form. "I've had a good amount of time to think about this Shizuka. And I admit, I've probably been neglecting certain biological needs. Even before I had to leave for a while." Her hand slowly crept up the woman's cheek, her thumb gently reaching in to slowly rub a slow line across the woman's lips. "Which is why I made this Gigai." She grinned, her voice a whisper now as there was a gentle pulse of her reiatsu, and all of the curtains in the house promptly began to close themselves, dimming the lighting so that the brightest source was the dull glow of red in Hebika's eyes as she smiled so wickedly down at her snared love.

"I had obligations that I ignored. Obligations I don't intend to ignore in the future..." Her hand slowly drifted down, resting over the center of Shizuka's chest, as those slips bowed into a smirk. "Obligations I intend on taking care of. Immediately. Repeatedly. I have .... So much time to make up for~"

---

Keeping track of time had not really been a priority. With Shizuka fast asleep, at least for now, Hebika took a moment to glance around. Where the fuck was she? It seemed like some sort of guest room? They certainly had moved around the estate quite a lot. Well no matter. She got up onto her feet and sighed as she started tracing their little foray around the house. Intent on tidying up. Maybe finding the kitchen and making something for Shizuka for when she woke up. The girl would probably need something to eat and drink. Especially seeing as Hebika wasn't done with her yet. And as she began straightening up the furniture, she couldn't help the devilish smirk on her face when she imagined the loo of surprise on Shizuka's face when she found out. Maybe they could train or something after the fact. She'd figure that out when it came to it.If Shizuka still had the energy.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

She shouldn't have been as surprised as she was, yet she was easily pinned down by Hebika in a matter of moments. That pleasurable ache grew inside of her as she looked up at the Mod Soul's eyes, loving every bit of affection she could read in them. Something about her face, despite being different, was so familiar. The change in appearance meant nothing when she could practically see that original body, those same eyes from before, even if their color was different now. Shizuka smiled and accepted Hebika's kiss, delightfully returning it.

"I've had a good amount of time to think about this Shizuka. And I admit, I've probably been neglecting certain biological needs. Even before I had to leave for a while. Which is why I made this Gigai."

The curtains closed and everything grew dark aside from the shimmering left within Hebika's eyes. Shizuka's cheeks grew warm and she knew they would likely be glowing pink if any light dared to touch them. The threat of Hebika's 'obligations' made the Fullbringer excited at the thought of being able to have fun once again, and she found it hard to say anything as her mind turned to mush. She only had one thought at the moment and it was completely over-powering anything else she tried to distract herself with.

Within a few seconds, she gave in. It wasn't hard to say yes to someone like Hebika, and she certainly had no reason to right now. She could feel some evidence pooling itself in her panties, making her mildly embarrassed since Hebika would be able to tell. But, then again, that would just make things a bit easier. Shizuka knew what Hebika meant when she expressed why she made the Gigai. She could feel it, and she was excited about it. In the past, Hebika was very good about trying to take care of Shizuka's needs and Shizuka did her best to reciprocate, but it was obvious that the Mod Soul understood one interest Shizuka had that couldn't necessarily be taken care of.

Until now. And Hebika definitely took care of it.

---

With a yawn and a decent back crack, Shizuka rolled out of bed and finished off her morning stretches before slowly and groggily making her way downstairs. She sniffed, smelling out Hebika like some kind of dog, and trailed her scent throughout the house. Some things had already been cleaned up, likely to Hebika's doing, but a lot of it was still very crazy. Shizuka half-smiled and admired how much effort they put in to last night. Two spiritual beings inside of closed quarters were dangerous, apparently.

"Hebika!" Shizuka called, though not too loudly. She knew Hebika likely wasn't far. "Where'd you go?"

[Hebika Nara]

When Shizuka finally made her way over to the Mod souk, she was sitting at the table in the kitchen. Half-dressed and drumming her fingers next to what seemed like a full breakfast for the both of them. though Hebika herself had already touched a bit of hers. However thosr deep crimson eyes were all too readily drifting in the woman's direction as Shizuka called out, but simply waited until Shizuka scented her way into the kitchen proper. A brief moment taken to admire the woman's state of partial dress before the Mod Soul gently nodded toward the spot across from her. A calm smile gracing her features. "I thought you might need a little food. Go ahead and dig in." She encouraged the woman.

and of course at that point, Hebika would be fairly insistent. She would, of course return any affections given to her, but she would be rather intent that Shizuka at least touch the food that had been made for her. and once while that went on hebika would watch the woman thoughtfully. any number of subjects scrolling through that mind of hers as she watched And indeed, she did have a couple subjects on her mind as she waited for the woman to eat, her fingers continuing to drum thoughtfully along the surface of the table, enjoying the nice, quiet (or quiet-ish, depending on how talkative Shizuka was feelling) she had with the woman as they dealt with the human's nutritional requirements.

"I hope it tasted alright. Admittedly I've not really made anything for someone other than myself, so there may be some taste discrepencies. I never actually did take the time to see if this Gigai's tastebud configuration is abnormal or not." she noted, making a bit of small talk before she closed her eyes, taking a slow, steady breath in before she sighed, an almost rueful smile craped across her lips as she then turned her attention to Shizuka. "You know, it's always hard for me to interact with humans. There are so many things one has to account for. And of course, there's a tendency to not quite work in a linear fashion." She noted, seeming almost achademic as she collectd her thoughts.

She glanced back in the direction Shizuka had come from. Almost as if she were looking back in time to their little vigor foray. "I would very much like to believe that providing something I had once neglected would fix things. I suppose even I'm inclined to behave a bit rashly from time to time." She murmured, taking a sip of orange juie before looking back to the woman across from her. "As lovely as that was. There's still quite a lot I think we need to discuss. Not necessarily right now. But at some point. What this is that we have going on. Just what the deal is with that boyfriend of yours. What exactly it is you want. What you need." She leaned back in her seat.

"The thing is that I'm still not quite sure what's best for you, Shizuka." She hummed, shaking her head. Then opening just one eye to glance at her. Before a slight smirk crossed her features. "And unlike most things I take a fancy to. I don't think killing you and reanimating your corpse with a piece of my soul would quite solve my conundrum. I've grown quite attached to your personality." She noted thoughtfully. Fondly even as she surveyed Shizuka. Recalling so long ago when she'd found the woman, when she herself had been just a lone mod soul slinking around in a toy serpent. She took a forkful of her eggs and took a bite of it, adding a small crisp of bacon as well before she glanced off to the side. "How are you feeling bye the way, dear? You seem to be walking well enough"