"...Why? Why does saying yes to Rikuto's request feel...off? I mean, he's a great guy, and he's cute, even in Cree's eyes, but to me, something just doesn't feel right. I wish I could ask Toshiro for advice, but it seems that because of the memory problem, he's avoiding me, so his input is out of the question I suppose. Still, I don't know want to do, because in this situation, I'm alone, and I have pretty much no one to turn to for support. So, what do I do?? Seriously, I'm still sitting here alone with the idea in my head that something about me going out with the boy Rikuto is wrong, and my date with him is in less then 24 hours. Ugh, please, will someone help me out? Man, I want my memories back, then at least I would have at least a better idea of what to do right about now...sigh..."
June 27
SOUL SOCIETY
Mariya's Perspective
"I can't believe he asked you out! You're so lucky!" Kayla yells, happy and smiling big.
"I am, am I?" Mariya answers.
"Duh! Rikuto is sooo HOT! The fact that he thinks you're pretty is just a compliment beyond all others!" Bianca comments.
Mariya grins half-heartedly, tired by Kayla and Bianca's excited actions.
Cree nudges her on the shoulder, pulling her from Kayla and Bianca's demonstration.
"Yes?" Mariya asks.
Cree grins.
"It's not everyday that I do agree with them when they're acting stupid. Though, this time, I do agree. Rikuto is definitely very kind and caring compared to many other guys his age, on top of being attractive. He's something that isn't seen a lot. You should been grateful and glad out of all the girls in the world, he wants to talk and be with you." Cree says.
Mariya blinks in surprise, even Bianca and Kayla stop dancing around to stare at her.
"Wow, I think Cree has a crush on Rikuto." Kayla whispers loudly to Bianca.
"Kayla, I can hear you!" Cree snaps at Kayla.
"Well, you've never been so blunt about how attractive a guy is, so it's really the only idea we have." Bianca explains.
"Be quiet, Bianca." Cree says, blushing slightly.
"Look, now you're blushing Cree!-" Kayla comments.
"Kayla, shut up!" Cree snaps, silencing Kayla.
"Will you three stop." Mariya instructs, "Really, it's not professional to go at each others' throats like that."
It's Mariya's turn to get stared at, causing her to feel a bit uncomfortable.
"What?" she asks.
"Well, you've just...never been so...well.." Kayla trails.
"Strict...with us. Usually, you're more upbeat.." Bianca continues.
"..So, it's odd to hear you say something like that." Cree finishes.
Mariya's eyes widen a bit.
"Oh, I see." Mariya says as she looks down at the coble stone pathway, "I guess the memory distortion really did make me different, huh?"
"Distortion? Since when does she say distortion-" Kayla comments.
"-Kayla, stop talking." Cree instructs, silencing Kayla once more.
"No, it's alright. I'm sorry, I guess I'm just going to have to learn everything again." Mariya reassures them.
"Mariya, you really think you can replace all those memories? All that knowledge? Even your personality is different now." Bianca says, "How do you plan to get it back?"
"Hopefully, with all of your help, I'll be able to fully restore all of my past knowledge." she answers.
The trio just stare at her for a few moments before Cree grins.
"Yeah, we will help you the best we can, so in the end, you will be whole again. We promise Mariya." Cree says.
Mariya grins, before beginning to back away from the three.
"Well, I gotta go, I'll see you guys later, alright?" Mariya calls.
Kayla and Bianca nod.
"Yeah, see you then!" they call back as they begin to follow Cree to the training grounds.
As they disappear from sight, Mariya sighs, before looking up at the blue sky. Only a few white puffy clouds line the sky, making the day seem even brighter and warmer somehow. She looks back down as a breeze rushes past, causing her long hair to blow away from her, loosening her ribbon a bit.
"Captain!" Aneko's familiar voice calls from behind her.
Mariya turns to see Aneko jogging towards her, for once, nothing in her hands.
"Aneko? What is it?" Mariya asks.
"I heard you were going out and about today. I just wanted to see if you wanted someone to acompany you on the outting." Aneko answers.
Mariya grins.
"Thank you, but I believe I'm alright. Unlike the World of the Living, I actually have a good idea of where everything is, so don't worry about me, I'm fine." Mariya answers.
Aneko nods.
"Alright, where are you headed?" Aneko asks.
"Oh, um, I'm just walking around. I was thinking about maybe stopping by the Head Captain' office, though I probably won't. I don't think he would be happy if I bothered him with just a hello." Mariya explains.
"Oh, ok, well, you be safe now."
As Aneko begins to walk off, a question runs past Mariya's mind.
"H-Hey, Aneko!" Mariya calls after her, causing Aneko to turn back.
"Yes Captain?" Aneko asks.
"Um, what do you think of..." Mariya trails.
"What do I think of what Mariya?"
"What do you think of my accepting Rikuto's request for a date?"
Aneko's eyes widen in surprise.
"Um, well, I really don't know. Should I feel a certain way, Mariya?"
"Oh, n-no. I was just wondering how you felt about it, is all."
"Oh, well, it's not really my buisness to say, though I must admit that I do think that you did make a good choice by accepting his offer. He is kind, and quite a nice guy, as well as being a great Soul Reaper, so it's easy to understand that you would want to go out with him for a date." Aneko explains.
"Aneko..."
"Well, that's all my input, I'll catch you later Mariya." Aneko says as she begins to walk off.
"O-Oh, alright."
When she's gone, Mariya looks back up at the sky again, and sighs.
...I wonder...why does it feel...strange to me?...
"Maybe Toshiro can..." Mariya starts, before trailing.
She chuckles.
...Oh yeah, that's right. Toshiro hasn't come to see me since the incident...Cree thinks he's avoiding me...but, could it be that he's just...uncomfortable?...I mean, I really don't act the same as the others say I used to, so maybe he doesn't know how to act around me...
Mariya rubs her neck, and sighs again.
"I guess all I can do is wait and see what happens."
"What did you say?"
Mariya's eyes widen as she turns to see Rikuto looking down at her.
"Uh, Rikuto! I um, w-was...uh..." Mariya stutters.
Rikuto laughs.
"Were you talking to yourself?" he asks.
"N-No!...Not really...Ok, maybe a little, but it's normal. Everyone does it." Mariya strays.
Rikuto laughs again, making Mariya feel a bit better about the incident.
"Wow, Mariya, you really aren't a fan of being mad fun of, are you?"
"Not really, I mean, is anyone really a fan of it?"
He grins.
"True. I'm definitely not a fan."
"Then why do you do it?"
"Hmm, good question, Captain."
Mariya grins.
"Well, I need to get back to my quarters." Mariya says.
"You want me to go with you?" Rikuto asks.
"That's alright, weren't you going somewhere?" she asks.
His eyes widen.
"Oh yeah, that's right. I was told to get something from Squad 5." he answers.
"Well then, get going, you don't want to keep them waiting."
"Yes ma'am." Rikuto say happily as she begins to walk off.
As she walks along, she hears fast footsteps following her, causing her to turn.
"Mariya!" Rikuto calls after her.
"What is it Rikuto-" Mariya starts.
She stops midway as Rikuto takes her chin between his thumb and pointer finger and raises it so his lips kiss her forehead, causing her to blush insanely.
Suddenly, a vision passes her mind, taking her by even more surprise.
The air is now crisp and cold, the world dark, though is lit at the same time by the moon reflecting off new fallen snow. She feels herself rushing towards the earth, but suddenly, she's caught by strong arms, causing her eyes to widen a bit.
She looks up, and her eyes widen as she sees a boy that for some reason reminds her of Toshiro, clutching his jacket as he helps her up.
"S-Sorry. I didn't mean to-" she starts.
Without warning, the boy kisses her forehead, causing her to shut up immediately.
When his lips leave her skin, she looks up at him, blushing and a little confused.
"Wh-Why-"
"Mistletoe." he says as he points up.
Mariya doesn't understand.
...Mistletoe?...What's mistletoe?...
She looks up anyway to see he's right about them standing under something, they're standing right underneath it, it swinging as he shuts the sliding door behind them.
...That branch is misteltoe?...
Mariya looks around, happy for some reason to see no one saw the little moment that had just happened. Though as she thinks on, a thought pops into her mind.
...Did he want to kiss me?...
Without warning, the memory fades, returning her to the summer day, Rikuto just releasing her.
"Ri-Rikuto-" she starts.
"I'll see you tomorrow." he interupts, smiling as he walks off.
Now standing alone, she clutches her fists, and turns the other way.
...Is that it? Is it that boy that makes me feel uneasy?...But who was he?...I don't know why, but he reminds me of...
Her cheeks begin to turn redder then before.
...Toshiro...
She shakes her head, trying to shake her idea out of her mind, to no avail.
"No! I can't think like that! It isn't right!" She gripes at herself.
She groans, now walking towards her home.
...Maybe I do talk to myself...
---------------------------------------------------
She sighs as she flips through more pages of the photo album, trying, but failing to remember what the meaning is behind the pictures. Familiar faces, such as Aneko's and Toshiro's faces pop up a lot, making her grin, glad to be able to at least pick people out.
"Ugh, I'm getting nowhere with this!" Mariya yells, picking up the album and throwing it across the room, irritated by her memory.
"You almost never give up that easily Mariya, it's strange to see you do it."
Her eyes widen as she gasps, recognizing the voice.
...No way...it couldn't be...
Before she knows it, Toshiro is beside her, staring at the stack of albums for unknown reasons. Also, he holds her lime green ribbon, which she now realizes isn't holding back her hair, explaining why her hair is suddenly resting against her back and trailing the ground.
"T-Toshiro...." she trails, not knowing what to say as she feels her cheeks redden a little.
He doesn't look at her for a moment.
"Hello, Mariya. I'm sorry I-" Toshiro starts.
"Toshiro!!" Mariya yells, throwing herself on him.
"Whoa!" Toshiro says as he falls over, Mariya wrapping her arms around his neck.
For what feels like forever, they stay like that, Mariya hugging him tightly as Toshiro does nothing to release her grip, until he hugs her back taking tight hold of her back through her hair, causing her to blush more.
...I thought you wouldn't come to see me....Toshiro....
"I missed you Toshiro." Mariya admits as her still holds him tight.
Without her knowledge, he begins to blush even more then she is.
"I know, and I'm sorry I haven't come by until now."
"It's alright. I know why you did." she answers.
He doesn't answer for a moment.
"I hear that you've accepted a date request from Rikuto." Toshiro says.
She sits up immediately, her hair bouncing a bit as she lifts.
"You know about that?!" she yells, blushing.
Toshiro blinks in surpise, before nodding solenmly.
"Yeah, Aneko told me." he answers.
"Oh..."
They fall silent again.
"Mari-" Toshiro starts.
"Toshiro, I'm so confussed." Mariya interupts.
Toshiro's eyes widen.
"Huh?"
"I don't know what to do about Rikuto."
"What do you mean?" Toshiro asks as he sits up.
"I don't know why, but I feel weird about going out with Rikuto."
Toshiro raises an eyebrow.
"What? Why?"
"I don't know. I asked Cree and the others what they thought, and they said that I was lucky and I should be thrilled that he asked me out."
"And you're not?"
"That's the thing, I don't know. It's just...it doesn't feel right. I mean, for example, when he kissed me on the forehead-"
"Wait, he kissed you?" Toshiro interupts, taking her by surprise.
"Yeah, well, I mean, just on the forehead. But, when it happened...I..."
"You what?" he asks.
"I saw something." she answers.
"What?"
She falls silent for a moment.
"I don't know, that's the thing-" she starts.
She places her hand accidentally on his, and instantly, the scene replays, but this time, for both of them.
As it ends, she blushes as she looks at him to see his eyes widened.
"Uh, I, um-" she starts.
"You remembered that?!" Toshiro snaps, grabbing her by the shoulders.
"Uh, I, wait, what?" Mariya asks.
Toshiro begins to redden a bit, causing her to put the pieces together.
"Wait, was that...you?" Mariya asks.
He reddens even more.
"Um...y-yes." Toshiro answers.
"Oh..." Mariya trails, now blushing herself.
They sit like that for a few minutes, neighter able to say anything, at least until she breaks the silence.
"So, what should I do?" Mariya asks.
"Huh?" he asks.
"Do you think I should go out with him?" she asks.
He stares at her for what feels like hours, though he finally grins.
"Come with me." Toshiro says as he stands.
"Huh? To where?" Mariya asks.
"Trust me, it'll be worth it." he answers as he holds out a hand to her.
She blinks as she looks down at his hand, before she chuckles.
"Well, I do trust you." Mariya says as she takes his hand, "So, where are we going?"
"You'll see, just hold on." Toshiro answers, before picking her up and flashstepping out of the room.
June 27
SOUL SOCIETY
Mariya's Perspective
"I can't believe he asked you out! You're so lucky!" Kayla yells, happy and smiling big.
"I am, am I?" Mariya answers.
"Duh! Rikuto is sooo HOT! The fact that he thinks you're pretty is just a compliment beyond all others!" Bianca comments.
Mariya grins half-heartedly, tired by Kayla and Bianca's excited actions.
Cree nudges her on the shoulder, pulling her from Kayla and Bianca's demonstration.
"Yes?" Mariya asks.
Cree grins.
"It's not everyday that I do agree with them when they're acting stupid. Though, this time, I do agree. Rikuto is definitely very kind and caring compared to many other guys his age, on top of being attractive. He's something that isn't seen a lot. You should been grateful and glad out of all the girls in the world, he wants to talk and be with you." Cree says.
Mariya blinks in surprise, even Bianca and Kayla stop dancing around to stare at her.
"Wow, I think Cree has a crush on Rikuto." Kayla whispers loudly to Bianca.
"Kayla, I can hear you!" Cree snaps at Kayla.
"Well, you've never been so blunt about how attractive a guy is, so it's really the only idea we have." Bianca explains.
"Be quiet, Bianca." Cree says, blushing slightly.
"Look, now you're blushing Cree!-" Kayla comments.
"Kayla, shut up!" Cree snaps, silencing Kayla.
"Will you three stop." Mariya instructs, "Really, it's not professional to go at each others' throats like that."
It's Mariya's turn to get stared at, causing her to feel a bit uncomfortable.
"What?" she asks.
"Well, you've just...never been so...well.." Kayla trails.
"Strict...with us. Usually, you're more upbeat.." Bianca continues.
"..So, it's odd to hear you say something like that." Cree finishes.
Mariya's eyes widen a bit.
"Oh, I see." Mariya says as she looks down at the coble stone pathway, "I guess the memory distortion really did make me different, huh?"
"Distortion? Since when does she say distortion-" Kayla comments.
"-Kayla, stop talking." Cree instructs, silencing Kayla once more.
"No, it's alright. I'm sorry, I guess I'm just going to have to learn everything again." Mariya reassures them.
"Mariya, you really think you can replace all those memories? All that knowledge? Even your personality is different now." Bianca says, "How do you plan to get it back?"
"Hopefully, with all of your help, I'll be able to fully restore all of my past knowledge." she answers.
The trio just stare at her for a few moments before Cree grins.
"Yeah, we will help you the best we can, so in the end, you will be whole again. We promise Mariya." Cree says.
Mariya grins, before beginning to back away from the three.
"Well, I gotta go, I'll see you guys later, alright?" Mariya calls.
Kayla and Bianca nod.
"Yeah, see you then!" they call back as they begin to follow Cree to the training grounds.
As they disappear from sight, Mariya sighs, before looking up at the blue sky. Only a few white puffy clouds line the sky, making the day seem even brighter and warmer somehow. She looks back down as a breeze rushes past, causing her long hair to blow away from her, loosening her ribbon a bit.
"Captain!" Aneko's familiar voice calls from behind her.
Mariya turns to see Aneko jogging towards her, for once, nothing in her hands.
"Aneko? What is it?" Mariya asks.
"I heard you were going out and about today. I just wanted to see if you wanted someone to acompany you on the outting." Aneko answers.
Mariya grins.
"Thank you, but I believe I'm alright. Unlike the World of the Living, I actually have a good idea of where everything is, so don't worry about me, I'm fine." Mariya answers.
Aneko nods.
"Alright, where are you headed?" Aneko asks.
"Oh, um, I'm just walking around. I was thinking about maybe stopping by the Head Captain' office, though I probably won't. I don't think he would be happy if I bothered him with just a hello." Mariya explains.
"Oh, ok, well, you be safe now."
As Aneko begins to walk off, a question runs past Mariya's mind.
"H-Hey, Aneko!" Mariya calls after her, causing Aneko to turn back.
"Yes Captain?" Aneko asks.
"Um, what do you think of..." Mariya trails.
"What do I think of what Mariya?"
"What do you think of my accepting Rikuto's request for a date?"
Aneko's eyes widen in surprise.
"Um, well, I really don't know. Should I feel a certain way, Mariya?"
"Oh, n-no. I was just wondering how you felt about it, is all."
"Oh, well, it's not really my buisness to say, though I must admit that I do think that you did make a good choice by accepting his offer. He is kind, and quite a nice guy, as well as being a great Soul Reaper, so it's easy to understand that you would want to go out with him for a date." Aneko explains.
"Aneko..."
"Well, that's all my input, I'll catch you later Mariya." Aneko says as she begins to walk off.
"O-Oh, alright."
When she's gone, Mariya looks back up at the sky again, and sighs.
...I wonder...why does it feel...strange to me?...
"Maybe Toshiro can..." Mariya starts, before trailing.
She chuckles.
...Oh yeah, that's right. Toshiro hasn't come to see me since the incident...Cree thinks he's avoiding me...but, could it be that he's just...uncomfortable?...I mean, I really don't act the same as the others say I used to, so maybe he doesn't know how to act around me...
Mariya rubs her neck, and sighs again.
"I guess all I can do is wait and see what happens."
"What did you say?"
Mariya's eyes widen as she turns to see Rikuto looking down at her.
"Uh, Rikuto! I um, w-was...uh..." Mariya stutters.
Rikuto laughs.
"Were you talking to yourself?" he asks.
"N-No!...Not really...Ok, maybe a little, but it's normal. Everyone does it." Mariya strays.
Rikuto laughs again, making Mariya feel a bit better about the incident.
"Wow, Mariya, you really aren't a fan of being mad fun of, are you?"
"Not really, I mean, is anyone really a fan of it?"
He grins.
"True. I'm definitely not a fan."
"Then why do you do it?"
"Hmm, good question, Captain."
Mariya grins.
"Well, I need to get back to my quarters." Mariya says.
"You want me to go with you?" Rikuto asks.
"That's alright, weren't you going somewhere?" she asks.
His eyes widen.
"Oh yeah, that's right. I was told to get something from Squad 5." he answers.
"Well then, get going, you don't want to keep them waiting."
"Yes ma'am." Rikuto say happily as she begins to walk off.
As she walks along, she hears fast footsteps following her, causing her to turn.
"Mariya!" Rikuto calls after her.
"What is it Rikuto-" Mariya starts.
She stops midway as Rikuto takes her chin between his thumb and pointer finger and raises it so his lips kiss her forehead, causing her to blush insanely.
Suddenly, a vision passes her mind, taking her by even more surprise.
The air is now crisp and cold, the world dark, though is lit at the same time by the moon reflecting off new fallen snow. She feels herself rushing towards the earth, but suddenly, she's caught by strong arms, causing her eyes to widen a bit.
She looks up, and her eyes widen as she sees a boy that for some reason reminds her of Toshiro, clutching his jacket as he helps her up.
"S-Sorry. I didn't mean to-" she starts.
Without warning, the boy kisses her forehead, causing her to shut up immediately.
When his lips leave her skin, she looks up at him, blushing and a little confused.
"Wh-Why-"
"Mistletoe." he says as he points up.
Mariya doesn't understand.
...Mistletoe?...What's mistletoe?...
She looks up anyway to see he's right about them standing under something, they're standing right underneath it, it swinging as he shuts the sliding door behind them.
...That branch is misteltoe?...
Mariya looks around, happy for some reason to see no one saw the little moment that had just happened. Though as she thinks on, a thought pops into her mind.
...Did he want to kiss me?...
Without warning, the memory fades, returning her to the summer day, Rikuto just releasing her.
"Ri-Rikuto-" she starts.
"I'll see you tomorrow." he interupts, smiling as he walks off.
Now standing alone, she clutches her fists, and turns the other way.
...Is that it? Is it that boy that makes me feel uneasy?...But who was he?...I don't know why, but he reminds me of...
Her cheeks begin to turn redder then before.
...Toshiro...
She shakes her head, trying to shake her idea out of her mind, to no avail.
"No! I can't think like that! It isn't right!" She gripes at herself.
She groans, now walking towards her home.
...Maybe I do talk to myself...
---------------------------------------------------
She sighs as she flips through more pages of the photo album, trying, but failing to remember what the meaning is behind the pictures. Familiar faces, such as Aneko's and Toshiro's faces pop up a lot, making her grin, glad to be able to at least pick people out.
"Ugh, I'm getting nowhere with this!" Mariya yells, picking up the album and throwing it across the room, irritated by her memory.
"You almost never give up that easily Mariya, it's strange to see you do it."
Her eyes widen as she gasps, recognizing the voice.
...No way...it couldn't be...
Before she knows it, Toshiro is beside her, staring at the stack of albums for unknown reasons. Also, he holds her lime green ribbon, which she now realizes isn't holding back her hair, explaining why her hair is suddenly resting against her back and trailing the ground.
"T-Toshiro...." she trails, not knowing what to say as she feels her cheeks redden a little.
He doesn't look at her for a moment.
"Hello, Mariya. I'm sorry I-" Toshiro starts.
"Toshiro!!" Mariya yells, throwing herself on him.
"Whoa!" Toshiro says as he falls over, Mariya wrapping her arms around his neck.
For what feels like forever, they stay like that, Mariya hugging him tightly as Toshiro does nothing to release her grip, until he hugs her back taking tight hold of her back through her hair, causing her to blush more.
...I thought you wouldn't come to see me....Toshiro....
"I missed you Toshiro." Mariya admits as her still holds him tight.
Without her knowledge, he begins to blush even more then she is.
"I know, and I'm sorry I haven't come by until now."
"It's alright. I know why you did." she answers.
He doesn't answer for a moment.
"I hear that you've accepted a date request from Rikuto." Toshiro says.
She sits up immediately, her hair bouncing a bit as she lifts.
"You know about that?!" she yells, blushing.
Toshiro blinks in surpise, before nodding solenmly.
"Yeah, Aneko told me." he answers.
"Oh..."
They fall silent again.
"Mari-" Toshiro starts.
"Toshiro, I'm so confussed." Mariya interupts.
Toshiro's eyes widen.
"Huh?"
"I don't know what to do about Rikuto."
"What do you mean?" Toshiro asks as he sits up.
"I don't know why, but I feel weird about going out with Rikuto."
Toshiro raises an eyebrow.
"What? Why?"
"I don't know. I asked Cree and the others what they thought, and they said that I was lucky and I should be thrilled that he asked me out."
"And you're not?"
"That's the thing, I don't know. It's just...it doesn't feel right. I mean, for example, when he kissed me on the forehead-"
"Wait, he kissed you?" Toshiro interupts, taking her by surprise.
"Yeah, well, I mean, just on the forehead. But, when it happened...I..."
"You what?" he asks.
"I saw something." she answers.
"What?"
She falls silent for a moment.
"I don't know, that's the thing-" she starts.
She places her hand accidentally on his, and instantly, the scene replays, but this time, for both of them.
As it ends, she blushes as she looks at him to see his eyes widened.
"Uh, I, um-" she starts.
"You remembered that?!" Toshiro snaps, grabbing her by the shoulders.
"Uh, I, wait, what?" Mariya asks.
Toshiro begins to redden a bit, causing her to put the pieces together.
"Wait, was that...you?" Mariya asks.
He reddens even more.
"Um...y-yes." Toshiro answers.
"Oh..." Mariya trails, now blushing herself.
They sit like that for a few minutes, neighter able to say anything, at least until she breaks the silence.
"So, what should I do?" Mariya asks.
"Huh?" he asks.
"Do you think I should go out with him?" she asks.
He stares at her for what feels like hours, though he finally grins.
"Come with me." Toshiro says as he stands.
"Huh? To where?" Mariya asks.
"Trust me, it'll be worth it." he answers as he holds out a hand to her.
She blinks as she looks down at his hand, before she chuckles.
"Well, I do trust you." Mariya says as she takes his hand, "So, where are we going?"
"You'll see, just hold on." Toshiro answers, before picking her up and flashstepping out of the room.
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