Curiosity's Curse (Social, NDE, Open)

[Itami Shokutabi]

Sitting in the midst of a café in Karakura was a young man with a long, spiky black hair that covers most of his forehead and covers partially his right eye. His eyes were of jade green that scans throughout the café. His appearance was a silky black short sleeved shirt that was a v neck. The pants are of a black slightly baggy pants with many pockets. The same color goes to his steel toed boots.

Itami, a Fraccion of Septima and a formidable one at that. He decided to give the meeting new people thing a try. What better place than a café? It was due to his curiosity that he kind of despises convincing him to try it out. He's visible to humans, and his v neck shirt only exposes his collarbone so no one can see the hole in his chest. The mask fragment on his right jaw is hidden by a veil of Reiatsu to conceal it completely from humans.

Taking a sip of the drink that was bought by him mainly to test out this iced coffee. It was cold obviously, but it tasted good to him. Mocha flavored he believes it was. His spiritual pressure is filtered to where those who senses his presence won't feel the almost overwhelming dark aura he radiates daily. Basically he's like an open target for enemies of Hollows, but he's not in a fighting mood today so he has no intentions of killing.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru Kuchiki went to the human world yet again for patrol. Also, yet again, she was in Karakura Town. This time, however, instead of just staying in her spiritual form, she wanted to actually be seen by the humans that live in this town. She had been in the shadow long enough. Thankfully, before she left Soul Society this time, she asked for a Gigai. She had always wanted one, but never thought about it before she left. Thankfully, she did this time and they had an extra to give her. They also gave her a small pill. They told her that when she needed to get out of the body to use her powers, put the pill in her mouth and she would be able to get out with another being inhabiting the body as to not scare the humans.

So now, once she arrived on the roof of a building, she laid the Gigai down. Next, she just laid over it and felt a really odd sensation. She opened her eyes and it felt like something heavy was on her. She was able to stand up okay. She looked down. The Gigai was already dressed in clothes that fit the human world. She put the pill she was given into her pocket, so she wouldn't lose it. She looked down and her sword wasn't visible. It was good that the humans didn't see it, but it felt weird to know that it was on her body, but not in immediate view.

She walked over to a corner of the roof where the humans couldn't see her and jumped down from the roof. This Gigai was amazing. She walked on a street and people were saying hello to her. It was weird, but nice to finally be noticed. The Gigai felt really heavy to her, but she was wearing a body suit. She assumed that all Gigai's felt like this, but it was just a really weird sensation for her. It was nice to finally be seen. She would say hello to people that pass by and she gets to really look at what's around.

It was then that she walked by a cafe and noticed a man drinking what the humans called 'iced coffee.' She's seen it many times before and always wanted to try it. She was told she could actually drink and eat things with this Gigai on. The man was handsome, with jade green eyes and spiky black hair. She walked up to the counter and asked for an 'iced coffee' as well. While she waited, she looked back to the man and noticed something. A mask fragment.

It immediately put her on guard. It was an arrancar. She almost wanted to immediately attack him, but he wasn't doing anything. And, depending on his rank, there would be no way for her to even put up a good fight against him. Since he wasn't being aggressive, she decided to just keep an eye on him. She grabbed her iced coffee and tried to find a place to sit. She decided to be a little forward and walked up to the arrancar. She spoke softly to him, after a sip of her coffee, which was actually pretty good, "Hello Arrancar, do you mind if I sit here with you?"

[Itami Shokutabi]

The man that was sitting down on a chair next to a smooth plastic table with the chair set across from him on the other side. He was in the middle of thinking of what else he should try out in this world. Heck he hasn't really set foot on the world's soil without much of a worry for the past 220 years ever since he became a Hollow. Now that he thought about it, it didn't feel like it has been only 2 centuries to him. It really felt a lot longer than that. All he could really remember during the time he was Hollow was run, survive, and kill every second of his life.

The man's train of thought was broken when a woman called him Arrancar and asked if she could sit. He doesn't deny it nor does he show much of an expression. "Nobody else is gonna sit there anyways, so the seat is yours." He wasn't exactly great when it comes to sensing spiritual pressure, but he could already tell just by smelling the familiar scent of shinigami. He has a rather bad history with Shinigami for he's lost count of how many Shinigami that fell to his hands. According to the last one about six months ago Itami has a record of having killed around 170 Shini total. Hopefully this Shini hasn't read any files relating to him.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

He didn't say what he was, but it was just as well. She could tell he was Arrancar when she sat down with him. His mask fragment was pretty noticeable on his face. He has to be hiding it from the humans. She took a sip of her drink and took a breath. She could feel his aura as well. It was very strong, but I'm sure that he was hiding most of it. He was definitely out of his league if they ever fought. So, she tried to keep it civil, since he was doing the same.

She talked low, only so he could hear. She didn't want anyone else overhearing what she had to say. "Just so you know, I haven't met any other Arrancar, so I have no idea who you are. I also don't read into the Arrancar as much as I do hollow, since hollow would be my basic enemy. I know that you're stronger than me, so I'm not going to fight with you here. My name is Hotaru Kuchiki by the way, if you care. I just thought you should know, I don't want people to be caught unawares about things. I do have honor."

She sat there and drank more of her coffee. She said this louder. "This iced coffee is delicious! I've never had anything like this before! I'm going to have to try another one before I leave here." She did really like it. She glanced over at the counter to see what else they had while she was waiting for his response.

[Itami Shokutabi]

He didn't show much emotion nor did he appeared to be paying attention. But he was listening to her the whole time. 'A Shinigami is willing to not kill me this time?' He thought to himself. In his mind he always saw the Shinigami as hunters looking for prey. Aka Hollows. Though he also had a second point of view of the entire realm with all four worlds connected. This world, Earth, is the linchpin of the Three Spiritual Worlds.

That is what he thought, and should that linchpin be removed. Chaos would wreck everything and burn to ash in an everlasting conflict. Which is where he comes in, Harbinger of Chaos as his name relates to it. However, he knows it's not time for it. Mainly because he still lacks the strength to do anything.

"Itami... Itami Synderfell..." He finally spoke in a casual volume. His voice was deep yet smooth. Granted he's not one to talk to usually, but he's a listener that much is for sure. "This beverage is indeed satisfying. I wonder what else these places have to offer."

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

She waited for his response and then he finally said his name, Itami Synderfell. She quickly locked that name away in her memory. She would definitely look him up later in the records to learn more about this Arrancar. It was curious that this Arrancar was just chilling around in a cafe in the Human World. But, she thought to herself, everybody needs to have a little bit of lag time.

"I'm glad you agree with me. I honestly don't know what else these places would have. I'm going to go and look to see what they have. I'll come back and let you know. That way, you might know what else you want to order." She then got up and quickly went to the counter. She glanced through everything and went back to the table she shared with the Arrancar. She then listed off everything they have here. She waited to see if he wanted anything, since she wanted to go back and get some of the delicious looking pastries.

[Itami Shokutabi]

Itami may appear to be an Arrancar, but he is no longer with the Espada. He left no sooner than Myza Synderfell passed away. He was once the Septima's Fraccion, a faithful one at that. But she was the sole reason why he was even with the Espada. Of course there wasn't any romance or anything like that involved. Myza actually saved him from death when he was too weak to fend for himself.

In fact he's never known the emotion of 'love'. For he was killed by his own mother, and he felt so betrayed. It caused him to stone his heart to where he could hardly feel anything mentally. Now he assumes that getting close to anyone is weakness and leaves you vulnerable to get stabbed in the back. Or get shot in Itami's case. He was pondering on whether he should even be acquaintances with this woman, Hotaru Kuchiki. Of course he's heard of that family name once or twice before, but he was too busy surviving than playing Q&A.

"That depends on what your tastes are." He said as humanly as he could, but no matter how much human he tries to sound. He still has that blank face that refused to show any emotion including his heart. His jade green eyes shifted from his iced coffee to the menu which Hotaru brought. "Ever tried the Lemon Filling Doughnuts? I heard from some that it's supposed to be tangy yet sweet too."

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

"Ooooooo, that sounds delicious. I'll go get some and some other pastries that I was eyeballing over at the counter as well." She then walked up to the counter and ordered four lemon filled doughnuts, another iced coffee for herself and then ordered four eclairs. Those 'eclair' pastries looked so delicious she couldn't help but order some. She ordered extra just in case her companion wanted to try any. She stood at the counter and waited for her order.

She looked back at her company for this little cafe. She never thought that she would be talking with an Arrancar. She had heard that Arrancars were deadly and loved to kill shinigami, like herself. It was surprising that this one wasn't trying to kill her. But, since he wasn't going to attack, she wasn't going to. While she waited, she also looked around at the humans. They had no idea of who they were. It was interesting to her how regular humans are so oblivious to the spiritual stuff that goes around them.

Her order came up and she retrieved it. She walked straight back to the table and placed the order around the table. She put the doughnuts in front of him, the eclairs in front of her, as well as her iced coffee. She chugged the remainder of her iced coffee so she could start on the next one. She took a deep breath to center herself. This coffee was affecting her more than she thought. She started to nibble on an eclair. "So, what would you like to talk about?"

[Itami Shokutabi]

Itami was a bit surprised that this Shinigami was being nice, though he doesn't show it. His mind was trying comprehend this as he kept thinking that it was a trap, a setup. But he has a feeling that she won't take such a risk. Which is good for him and for the humans around them. Last thing they need is almost an all out war between two people.

Itami was even more surprised when she walked up to the counter to buy some of the pastries. It makes him wonder if the coexistence is possible between the two natural enemies. Of course he knows that Hollows do sometimes go overboard when it comes to consuming souls. However, from what Itami has heard, is apparently the Hollows kills their family and devours their souls. Itami never done that with his sister Claire, he just killed her abusive boyfriend and took off. That was over 200 years ago though, a few years after the Revolutionary War ended and maybe a year or two before the Civil War began.

When Hotaru comes back, he had already finished his coffee as the breeze gently combs through his long, jet black spiky hair. Seeing those lemon filling doughnuts he had suggested earlier set in front of him, he asks the nicest thing since he's even been dead. "Don't you want to try one as well? Just to see what it tastes like?" He offered as he picks up one of the pastries and takes a bite into it. It was soft and almost fluffy and moist in his mouth. The sweet and sour taste of the lemon filling almost filled in his mouth as well. It was good, almost like the local humans had explained. "As for what do I want talk about... Honestly I was going to ask how your team is doing. I left mine, so I'm sort of being wanted on both sides for dead now." He was being careful of his choice of words for the humans are present. So he's basically saying things where he knows only Hotaru and him could understand.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

When he offered her some of the doughnuts, Hotaru was kind of surprised. She didn't think that an Arrancar would be so nice. Just like Quincies, it seemed like Arrancar can be different from what she learned in school. Since he offered, she snagged one of the doughnuts off of his plate and started to eat it. She nibbled at it and once the filling hit her mouth, she was in heaven. She couldn't believe humans weren't fatter from all the goodies they have here.

She then heard Itami say how her team was doing. She knew he was talking about Soul Society. What he said next surprised her. He left his and is being hunted on both sides. She had never heard of an Arrancar leaving the Espada, once they joined. She figured they all died in their roles for the Espada. It was interesting that he decided to just leave them. He was definitely unique to her. She finished her doughnut before talking.

"Thank you for letting me try a doughnut, they were delicious! You can also try an eclair. They looked so good I couldn't help myself. As for my 'team,' as far as I know, things are going good. I'm not high up in it, so I don't hear too much. They send me out on so many patrols, I don't hear too much about what goes on in the actual team." She pushed her eclairs closer to him so he would have an easier reach.

[Itami Shokutabi]

Itami didn't show much of an expression save for his usual stone cold stare. He was listening to everything she said of course, but his expression didn't change. While he was listening, he reaches for one of the eclair and took a bite into it. He liked the lemon one better, but this one was still good nonetheless. It kind of makes him forget that he's an Arrancar.

"Sounds to me like you need to spend more time with your squad. The closer the squad's bond as a whole is the stronger you'll be in your tasks. Mainly because it'll help motivate you to get down with your assignment and head back home. That's what I think anyways." Itami was actually giving her advice and the true value of the squad. It's not just some group that you're a part of, it's also home to those who's in it.

Off in the distance, there was a distinct howl that only the two beings could hear. Itami sensed that it was a Hollow, a newborn at that. He can tell because it's Reiatsu is fresh of suffering and agony. Itami let's out a sigh as he finished eating the pastry and hears a scream piercing through the streets. "Duty calls it seems." Itami murmured as he gets up to his feet and assumes his usual Arrancar appearance. His appearance still appears to be human, though his clothes is shimmering to reveal a crimson red cloak that looks shredded at the end. Normally Arrancar wore that white robe, but Itami was never really with the Espada in the first place. His eyes changes from his jade green to a pair of crimson red eyes like almost seem to glow under the light.

Shifting his gaze to Hotaru. "See you later." His deep yet silky smooth voice spoke to her. Then he shifts his gaze to the direction of the Hollow's presence. There's really no reward in doing what he's about to do. But he can't have a Hollow who can't control himself go on a rampage. So he starts to walk off in the direction of the Hollow as every human around them doesn't pay a hint of attention to him merely because they can no longer see him.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru was happy to see that he was actually eating an eclair. She nibbled on one as well and it was pretty tasty. She liked them a lot better than the lemon doughnuts. She listened to what Itami said and he was right. She really did need to bond more with her squad. They were like her second family, at least they were supposed to be anyway. He was very insightful. It made her wonder how old he actually was. But, she would never ask.

She then heard a hollow roaring in the distance. It seemed as if Itami could feel the reiatsu better than she can. But, he would know it a lot better than she would, since he used to be a regular hollow himself. Once, he said duty calls, she saw that he changed into his regular attire. He wore a crimson red cloak shredded at the end instead of the white of the Espada. His eyes changed to match his robe.

Itami then told her that he would see her later and looked off in the hollow's direction. He walked off to deal with the hollow. It was interesting that he would go deal with another hollow. She would go check it out, but she knew that Itami could take care of himself with it and she wasn't going to get in his way. She got a box and boxed up the remainder of the pastries. She thought they would make a good snack for her squad. She ran out of the cafe and jumped up to a roof. She used the pill as she called the spirit gates back to Soul Society. Her gigai went in first and she looked back. She hoped she would met the peculiar arrancar again. She then quickly went through the gates to actually make some friends in her squad.