New Homes for Ours (Social)

[Taiyo]

Taiyo had finally gotten into the academy, if only barely thanks to his lack luster physical and academic performances. If he had gotten just a few more points less, he wouldn't have been able to attend the school. Thankfully, the Spiritual Arts Academy was now within his reach and he was going to learn how to become a shinigami! Though first he had to learn to stop calling it the shinigami academy... which was going to take some time getting use to. Yet even as he walked down the corridor, wondering all of this, he was thinking of Toki who had been granted leave and also allowed to come back. He was glad she was going to be allowed an education now, and with their family backing them both... it was clear they were going to be just fine financially when it came to paying for their schooling.

Taiyo rounded the final corner, arriving at his new room shortly there after. His room was small but functional even as he entered, enough room to move about comfortable enough. Yet his eyes were drawn to the window leading outside. He could see a large portion of Seireitei from here, and all at once he felt a strange sense of... not belonging. Like this place would gladly remove him at a moments notice like a germ within a body. He felt foreign, intrusive all of a sudden and it caused a tightening in his chest. At first he felt no fear of being here, but now that he was here and alone... he felt vulnerable all of a sudden. Like the very foundations he had built under himself could crumble away at a moments notice. A terrifying thought to be sure, but one that Taiyo quickly washed away from his mind.

Setting his suitcase down, which had things for him to wear when he wasn't attending the academy, he would begin opening it up before placing things on the bed. After a few moments of this, Taiyo turned to his dresser where he soon discovered there were a few garments still left within. Someone had not moved completely out of this room yet and as Taiyo picked up a shirt to examine it, he began to wonder... just who's outfits did this belong too. Not all of their things had been moved out yet, so perhaps they had been in a hurry or it was a surprise to move out? Hmm...

[shinishinamba]

    Shiganosuke had just gotten settled into the barracks of the 1st squad when he received a message that he had left some of his belongings in his room at the Academy. He got himself dressed in his Shinigami robes, grabbing his Zanpakuto he got himself organized wanting to make sure to set a good example for any students that he may see. Once all set Shiganosuke leaves the barracks on foot, walking leisurely through the streets and receiving several odd looks due to his size. Shiganosuke nodded to several of the Shinigami that he walked past from the other squads, hoping to see someone from his graduating class but to no avail. The closer he got to the Academy the less actual Shinigami he saw and more students, remembering how exciting it was to see Shinigami when in the Academy. As he entered the Academy grounds, he was filled with an odd sense of belonging and a sense of this place being foreign. Shiganosuke walked toward the main building, he received stares and shocked looks from some of the new students with his large frame and 8'6 height he was an imposing sight but their reactions only made him laugh slightly. Shiganosuke would approach the main building and see several of his "old" teachers, greeting them he would approach the main desk.

Hello Akashi Shiganosuke here, I was told that I still had some belongings here?

The Shinigami behind the desk looked up at him, their jaw dropping slightly at the behemoth shinigami standing before them. They look down at some papers on the desk before handing a page to Shiganosuke.

Y-yes sir, it seems that you left several of your personal items in your old room. The faculty would like you grab your things before the new students take over the rooms. You do remember where your room was correct?

Shiganosuke nodded his head and thanked the attendent behind the desk and headed off toward the dormitories and his old room. As he walked through the halls he could see some of the new students entering the rooms and thinking to himself... 

I should be prepared that someone will be in the room and that my size might be intimidating   

As he approached his old room he could see that the door was open and peaked his head down and into the room. There was a student inside the room and Shiganosuke spoke up.

Hello, I hope you don't mind but I was told that some of my things were still in this room.

[Taiyo]

Taiyo had only just begun to see the clothing, his own thoughts lost on the matter that he didn't hear the footsteps coming to his room. His eyes realizing the shirts were bigger than anything he could wear, even when folded he could tell... or perhaps they were folded differently? No that couldn't possibly be- That was when Taiyo's thoughts were interrupted by a voice. Taiyo's nerves getting the better of him causing him to yelp with a loud "HIIIIIYEEEEEE" while at the same time leaping into the air with a startle. His strength propelling him into the ceiling head first where he smashed through the wooden ceiling with ease. His head now stuck in the ceiling, he hung there for a moment as his brain tried to process what had just happened.

At first he could only see darkness, blinking a few times to get use to this new sensation. He could only feel weightlessness in his arms and legs, so he knew that he was in the air but... it was then his senses caught up with him and he could see support beams. Wooden roof supports that immediately made his mind realize where he was.

"Oh..."

Was the only response he had at the moment as he silently hung from his new position.

"They did a really good job with the wood up here. I can appreciate craftsmanship when I see it! Hahaha!"

Taiyo's voice rang out, probably muffled a little bit for the other person in the room as if he was, as he truly currently was, on another side of a thin surface. With a gentle nudge using his hands, Taiyo removed himself from the ceiling and tumbled onto the ground. Landing on his back with a resounding "UMPH" before looking up at the new person who had spoken earlier.

"Hi! Names Taiyo Kodomo! A pleasure to meet you, Whoever you are!"

Taiyo's smiled radiantly at the person though dust coated his face in a thin layer along with the wood of the ceiling. A few bits of splinter and what not in his clothes while also a few pieces in his face. Though it wasn't like he could feel it, as he was pretty hardy and sturdy. 

[shinishinamba]

Shiganosuke watched as the man had put a hole in the ceiling and laughed slightly. He stepped into the room and even though he was there as a few days ago it seemed that the room was very small. He had debated helping the man out of the ceiling but before he could, the man had freed himself. Shiganosuke looked at the man and could tell that there was something different about this man. As the Man in front of him introduced himself, Shiganosuke smiled slightly at the sight of the man covered in dust and pieces of wood

My name is Akashi, Shiganosuke. It is a pleasure to meet you. Also I would not sorry about the hole in the ceiling they are very good at patching holes here.

He bowed his head slightly as he spoke, realizing that there was definitely something different about this man that stood before him. Shiganosuke had gotten use to people being suspicious of him due to his "condition" so interacting with Taiyo Kodomo who was not aware of it and was welcoming was refreshing for him. As Shiganosuke looked the man over he noticed how new Taiyo's uniform was and smiles...

So Taiyo Kodomo, I assume that you are a new student here from how clean your robes still are, even with parts of the ceiling covering it. I believe that I have some things left in this room, I had hoped to get them before someone had arrived so that they could get settled.

[Taiyo]

Taiyo stood up then, dusting himself off while keeping his smile happily. He noticed then how large he was and but it quickly left his mind as the other introduced themselves proper. Akashi was the name of the large individual and he seemed gentle enough but he wasn't truly able to tell right away if he was good or bad. Taiyo had a gut feeling about most people he met right off if they were good or bad people, but always gave them a chance regardless. He wasn't getting a slimy feeling from this guy, so he seemed alright. Upon the mentioning of the ceiling on his uniform, Taiyo looked down at his chest, pulling his uniform forward while gazing over it. Noticing the bits of wood, he smiled before shrugging.

"Aye! Just joined recently, though I feel uneasy being here. Like its not very welcoming to me. But I guess its just the nerves making me feel that way."

Taiyo nervously chuckled, placing a hand on the back of his head and ruffling his hair a bit as he looked away. Yet he quickly returned his attention to the dresser upon the mentioning of it and stepped to the side.

"Oh you mean the clothes in there! Yea, I was surprised but none of my stuff has gotten mixed in though. I am guessing you graduated recently?"

Taiyo asked, looking back to Akashi finally and watched him. He was kind of glad to talk to someone though, it felt odd not having the little ones around making noise. The quiet always unsettled Taiyo a little so the idea of no one being around made him nervous... At the thought of his children though, Taiyo's expression warmed up immediately his eyes half lidden as a goofy smile shown through. He was already wanting to show off his kids to the stranger, such adorable little things! How could he not show off his wonderful family to everyone immediately about! 

[shinishinamba]

I apologize if my things being here have been an inconvenience for you.

Shiganosuke bowed to Taiyo and then stepped forward to grab his things and as he collected them, he was glad that for the most part it was just a few things and not truly anything super important. He looked around at the room that was once his as he put his things in a bag that he brought with him, the fact that he had spent 9 years in this room and now in this instant someone else would take this place as their own was bittersweet. Shiganosuke resettled his things in the bag that he brought and when satisfied he walked back toward the door, turning around and bowing to Taiyo again

I again apologize for any inconvenience my things may have caused; you should be able to get settled better now.

[Taiyo]

Taiyo didn't get a response about graduating, so he simply let it go. He didn't want to inconvenience the man in anyways more, even as he collected his stuff and apologized if it had caused him problems. Taiyo simply bowing slightly and responding with a "It truly was no inconvenience." Though as the man stood at the door, Taiyo's expression softened, pondering why he was in such a hurry. With a resigned sigh, he would begin rummaging through his bag for a few moments, his hands digging about in the suit case. It was then that Taiyo moved in front of Akashi with a goofy agility befitting himself.

"Well before you go... I'll show you something glorious."

With that Taiyo pulled out a photo and presented it to the man. The picture was of his eight children, Toki and his wife Hyuki.

"Just gaze upon the beauty of this picture! Doesn't it set your heart ablaze!"

Taiyo's voice was full of joy and pride as he presented the photo to Akashi.

"This is my wonderful family! Aren't they just the best ever~! This ones name is Akio~, he is the oldest and this one is-"

With that he pointed out each of his family members one by one, gushing over them in a quick but extensive explanation of each one. The whole time unable to sit still while he praised his family and relished each moment of being able to talk about his family. 

"Aren't they cute? Aren't they just adorable?! Its ok, you can tell me! I totally get it! OH my darling children, so full of promise and wonder! AHH I already miss them so much! It feels like its been years and its only been a few hours!"

Taiyo quickly clutched the picture to his face as he hugged it to his cheek, and caressed the back of it gently.

[shinishinamba]

Shiganosuke stood just inside the doorway and watched as Taiyo gushed about his family, he looked at the photo which even now was still something that he was impressed by. The photo made him think of his childhood and of his father, it made him wonder if his father would ever gush or talk about him like the man in front of him. Shiganosuke was not unfamiliar with having pride in one's family and though he had not found any of his family here, he had created a family in the students he had before joining the Shinigami. Smiling Shiganosuke responded

They look strong and will likely bring honor to your family, you have a strong family one deserving of such pride.

Shiganosuke had seen many people over the years, but his man had a vigor about him that few could maintain and he could wait to see what he would be capable of. 

[Taiyo]

Taiyo was happy that the man was willing to listen to him ramble about his family and enjoyed this moment of respite from his nerves. Once he finished his little session of pride, he placed the photo back into his pocket. The man truly was a kind hearted individual to endure it and even compliment his treasured family. Aye, he agreed whole heartedly with the statement. He knew his family would make him proud, how could they not as long as they followed what their heart told them! His smile went from goofy to warm, the smile of someone proud and of a heart that brimmed with love. Yet a sadness in his eyes as he remembered the death of their mother and sister.

"I agree... So long as they follow their heart, and do what makes them happy. I could not be more proud. How could I be disappointed in them? When they are my pillar and reason."

Taiyo looked into Akashi's eyes gave him a thumbs up then.

"You are an alright person Akashi! I can tell we could be friends! Glad my gut was right on this one!"

A bell then began to sound, one of the older bells that required a string, a sign that they were to gather up. Whatever the reasoning was, it was clear Taiyo could no longer spend his time carelessly speaking about his family. As disappointing as it was, Taiyo sighed with resignation and bowed to Akashi in thanks.

"Thank you for your kind words and for listening. I wish you well in the future Akashi-san. May we both grow strong enough to protect those we love and those who cannot protect themselves."

Taiyo stated before moving to leave, waving back to Akashi as he took down the hall.

"I gotta go! I hope we meet again Akashi-san! Be well!"

And with that, Taiyo rounded the corner disappearing from sight... if only for a moment until a crowd soon washed past like a wave carrying Taiyo with it in the wrong direction while he flailed wildly against the tide.


!~EXIT~!

[shinishinamba]

Shiganosuke watched the man in front of him, it was refreshing to see someone so proud of their family and memories of his own flooded his thoughts. In the time that he had spent in Soul Society he had met hundreds of people but this one, this one was different. Shiganosuke relaxed his massive frame, realizing too late that he was posed to defend himself but there was something about this man that made him feel like he could let his guard down. Shiganosuke listened to the man speak and then a bell rang out, it was a bell that he had heard many times over the years and knew that their time conversing would soon be coming to an end. Taiyo had paid him a compliment and it made him feel some joy as it was rare for him to hear kind words. As the Taiyo left the room Shiganosuke waited watching several of the other students rush by as he took in the feeling of the Academy, of this room.

It was an honor to meet you Taiyo Kodomo, may your future be fruitful and joyous. I hope your time in this Academy is informative and that you find shelter inside this room

Shiganosuke reached into his bag pulling out a pencil and a piece of paper, he began to write down his information about how to find him and if he needed anything to feel free to reach out to him. He placed the note on the bed and carefully walked out of the room, with his sudden appearance from the room, he scared a couple of students. He continued to walk down the hall reminiscing of his time there and out of the dormitory, into the courtyard. He looked around at the students rushing around and was hopeful that he would see Taiyo Kodomo amidst the students but unfortunately he could not. Shiganosuke walked back in the direction of the 1st squad barracks, he passed by groups of students and fellow Shinigami though this time he seemed to move a lighter from having made a new friend.

-Exit-

[Kitai Yoru]

18 paragraphs for Taiyo, 10% bonus awarded
10 paragraphs for Shiganosuke, 10% bonus awarded