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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Oct 13, 2024 21:43:33 GMT -6
Kita crossed her arms, a familiar spark of frustration flashing in her eyes as she glared at Gin. “You’re always so full of riddles,” she muttered, her voice laced with annoyance. "Why can't you just be straightforward for once?"
Gin’s smirk widened as he shrugged nonchalantly, as if to say it was out of his hands. "Where's the fun in that, dearie?"
Before she could retort, Sojiro interrupted, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Mom, Dad... really?" he huffed, clearly exasperated by their back-and-forth. "Are we going to have another one of these moments right in front of me?"
Kita softened, her arms dropping as she turned her attention to Sojiro, her irritation fading. “Sorry, Soji,” she said with a sigh, running a hand through her hair. "I just don’t want your father’s methods to get to you the way they got to me."
Sojiro raised an eyebrow, caught between frustration and concern. "Mom, I’m fine. I can handle it."
Kita glanced between her son and Gin, her expression a mix of worry and resignation. "I know," she said softly. "But that doesn’t mean I won’t worry."
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Post by Sojiro Ichimaru on Oct 13, 2024 22:17:17 GMT -6
"It's okay if you worry, Mom. It is," Sojiro murmured. "But I don't think you need to hover over us to stop Dad."
Kita looked over her shoulder to the man in question. "I don't know, Soji. Your father can be pretty sly."
Gin smirked down at her. "I take that as a compliment."
"Of course you do," Kita gave a smirk at her lover.
Sojiro huffed. "Well I think I might need some of his tricks with my zanpakuto, and that's what started this." He looked to his mother. "Can I show him to you? I won't go crazy but you were gone when we started and I want to show you too."
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Oct 13, 2024 22:39:46 GMT -6
Kita’s gaze softened as she looked at Sojiro, her lingering frustration easing away. She took a deep breath, nodding slowly. “Alright, Soji,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. “Show me what your father’s taught you. But just... don't push yourself too hard, okay?"
She glanced at Gin again, giving him a half-playful, half-warning look. "And you, don’t encourage him to go overboard.”
Gin chuckled, raising his hands innocently. “I wouldn’t dream of it, dearie.”
Kita rolled her eyes but smiled as she turned back to Sojiro. "Go ahead, then. Let’s see what you’ve got. Just... take it easy."
Sojiro’s eyes lit up with a mixture of excitement and determination. “I promise I won’t go too far, Mom.” He unsheathed his zanpakuto, the blade glinting in the underground light. “I want to show you what I’ve been working on.”
Kita stepped back slightly, watching her son closely, a mixture of pride and concern settling in her chest.
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Post by Sojiro Ichimaru on Oct 13, 2024 23:11:53 GMT -6
Sojiro focused on his father, who moved further away from his mother, expression unchanged as he drew the zanpakuto at his waist, revealing the shimmering wakizashi that Sojiro was becoming to respect more and more each time they sparred. Shinsou was wickedly fast and sharp, deadly with his father’s skill. He had grown up knowing that, but now, with his own zanpakuto in hand, he lived through the many reasons.
“Keshou ni Hitsukakeru (Trap in Crystal), Mayuboshi.”
His zanpakuto shone as it transformed, releasing a fine dust that continued to glimmer around him and Sojiro altered his stance into a lower crouch.
Kita started giggling, making Sojiro blink in confusion. “Sorry, Soji. But it’s short like your father’s. It’s a funny coincidence.”
Gin snickered. “Yes and no, dearie.” He waved at Sojiro to come closer. “Though they appear the same at first glance, our son’s blade is a kodachi and mine is a wakizashi.” He set the two against each other so Kita could see that their son’s blade was a slightly wider than Shinsou and another’s hand’s size in length. “A wakizashi is universally known as a short sword and is rarely a primary weapon. It's too short.” He grinned, his eyes flickering with the signature nameless fire. “Unless you’re me. However,” he pulled back and Sojiro followed suit, “a kodachi’s prowess lies in its deceptive size. This zanpakuto may seem short but it’s just long enough to be a major problem for others to perceive its correct length and therefore our son’s reach with his blade, and that's without any abilities attached to it."
Kita studied Sojiro’s blade, her eyes narrowing in thought as she compared it to the blades she’d seen before. “It reminds me a bit of Captain Kyoraku’s zanpakuto,” she mused, her tone contemplative. “How he uses two swords, one slightly shorter than the other. The difference in length plays into his strategy. Your kodachi might have that same deceptive quality, making your opponents miscalculate their moves.”
She glanced at Gin, her lips twitching with a small smile. “But, of course, you would know all about using a weapon that seems harmless until it’s too late.”
Gin's lips pulled back into their signature grin of merriment but Sojiro cut in before he could retort, tone still mild despite his following words. "Dad's actually a bit jealous of my zanpakuto."
Kita giggled. "No? Really, Gin? What will Shinsou think?"
Gin snickered. "That he likes the size we keep for him just fine, but he enjoys the challenge. As do I. If Soji's using a kodachi, there's more fun for us. And more secrets I can impart to my son."
"Providing I can keep up," Sojiro interjected. "That's part of the reason we were fighting like that. I can't just rely on what I've learned with a katana." He stepped further back, getting back into his crouch. "The other part is Mayuboshi's primary power."
Gin's smirk turned downright wicked. "Indeed~"
Kita facepalmed at that expression on her lover's face. "Don't you dare go killing our son because you're having fun, Gin Ichimaru!"
Gin chuckled in turn but didn't reply because Sojiro disappeared, shunpo'ing to one side to attack his father. His father's eyes danced as their blades clashed and Sojiro turned his blade up as his father moved to retaliate. More dust sparked off his blade. He jumped back a moment later, blade going up.
Gin smiled at his son, ignoring even Kita as he beckoned him to try again. "Come on, Soji. I thought you weren't too tired."
"I did say that," Sojiro responded, moving again, "but it's still takes a moment to attack you when you're looking at me like that!" he delcared, parrying blades with his father again. He grimaced and tried to attack again instead of dropping back, more dust glittering at each pass.
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Oct 14, 2024 0:01:13 GMT -6
Kita watched the sparring between father and son, her eyes following their every movement. Sojiro’s blade sparked as it met Gin’s, and despite the intensity, she could see the flickers of amusement in both of them, as if this was their way of bonding. Gin’s grin hadn’t faded, his enjoyment apparent, while Sojiro moved with the kind of determination that reminded her of herself at that age, always pushing to learn more, to be more.
She smiled softly to herself, but the thoughts that had been circling her mind for some time now bubbled to the surface. “You know, Soji,” she began, her voice breaking through the sounds of clashing steel, “everyone’s been saying you need to join the Academy. I’ve heard it a dozen times now.”
Sojiro paused for just a moment, glancing at his mother before turning back to Gin, not missing a beat as their blades connected again. “Yeah, I know,” he muttered, clearly not thrilled about the topic.
Kita’s expression softened further as she watched him, her eyes reflecting both pride and concern. “It’s not about the pressure, Soji. I just wonder what you want. Are you planning to attend the Academy at all?”
Gin’s smile faded slightly as he too listened, though his stance remained firm. This was a question that would weigh heavily on their son, and it was up to Sojiro how he would choose to answer.
Kita was not completely happy with this idea, but she also knew that Gin, Kisuke, Ichigo, Isshin, Seto and Vacanze could only teach Sojiro so much. In time if he wanted to continue learning he would have to break down and attend the academy. And with the rumor she heard about Ichigo attending this year, it would be a good idea for Sojiro to enroll this year as well. He would at least know someone in the academy.
"You know Ichigo is enrolling this year, right?"
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Post by Sojiro Ichimaru on Oct 14, 2024 0:30:25 GMT -6
“I remember hearing someone say something about it, but I didn’t hear the details,” Sojiro called back, recalling his zanpakuto for a moment. His father followed suit. He turned back to his mother. “I’ve always wanted to attend, but you-” He leapt back as his father’s sheathed zanpakuto slid upwards at him, his blade blocking the advance. “Hey, Dad!”
“Talk while we spar,” Gin instructed. “The distraction will teach you another kind of instinct.”
Sojiro grimaced again but retaliated in the same moment, following through with another attack.
“Remember to respond to her,” came more orders from his father.
“Is that necessary now?” his mother called back. “You both already overdid it.”
Sojiro’s blade came up again, blocking the sword, his eyes narrowing. “It’s alright, Mom. I’ll handle it.” He fell silent for a few more passes, getting into the rhythm before turning his mind to the question at hand. “I’ve always wanted to go to the Academy, but I didn’t want to rush you, Mom,” he stated. “School’s not a challenge for me here, though chemistry is fun. And maybe it will different there.” The intense expression lightened as he spoke, weaving around his father’s lazy blade. “But I could stay here longer. Evita’s more bored with school than I am. Ouch!” He winced as the sealed zanpakuto whammed his side.
“You’re losing your focus again,” his father reprimanded.
Sojiro sighed. “Do I have to continue replying?”
“Are you done showing your mother what you want today?” his father retorted. Sojiro’s shoulders stiffened, his zanpakuto darting in at his father. “Then keep going.”
Sojiro huffed. “Evita is bored but it’s kind of nice when nothing is happening, not that it’s always nice or always calm. Dad, slow down!”
“And you should stop panicking.”
“I’m not panicking.”
“Then you’re second guessing yourself. Stop thinking about it so much.”
Sojiro growled. “I’ll try.” The two started to go at it once more, the pace growing more rapid. Sojiro spoke up again a few minutes later. “If you want me to stay longer, I can. I don’t want you to be upset, and if this is important to you, then I’m happy.”
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Oct 14, 2024 0:41:23 GMT -6
Kita watched them, her heart tugging in two directions as she saw Sojiro torn between his desire to attend the Academy and his concern for her. She couldn’t keep him by her side forever, no matter how much she wanted to. That was the reality she had been quietly struggling with for some time. As the sparring continued, she found her voice again.
“Soji,” she called out softly, waiting until their blades clashed one more time before continuing. “I know you’ve always wanted to go to the Academy, and I’ve been holding onto you… longer than I should.” Her eyes softened, filled with love and a hint of sadness. “But I can’t keep you with me forever, no matter how much I want to. You have your own life to live, and I can’t hold you back from that. I don’t want to.”
She glanced at Gin, who had fallen quiet as well, his ever-present smirk fading just a bit as he listened. “If you want to go,” she added, her voice strong but tender, “I won’t stop you. I’ll let you go, because you deserve to live your life, not the one I might have wanted for you. It’s time for you to follow your own path.”
The words felt heavy, but there was a sense of release in them too. She was ready to let him go, even if it hurt.
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Post by Sojiro Ichimaru on Oct 14, 2024 0:49:28 GMT -6
When his father’s blade paused its relentless pursuit of tormenting him, Sojiro straightened, listening to his mother. He glanced to his father who nodded. Then, he sheathed his zanpakuto and hugged her. “Are you sure?” he asked. “I’m completely serious. I can wait. Kadaj is still very tiny, and I won’t see him as often if I go. I can wait another year or two if that will help you. My life’s going nowhere.”
Kita felt the weight of his words, and it pierced her heart. She gently cupped Sojiro's face, her thumb brushing against his cheek. “Oh, my dear Soji,” she said softly, her voice trembling slightly, “you’re not the one whose life isn’t going anywhere. It’s me. I’ve been so caught up in my own fears and worries that I forgot to let you take your own steps.”
She wrapped her arms around him tightly, pulling him close, as if to shield him from the doubts that clung to her. “It’s okay for you to go. Really, it is. It’s not like you can’t come back home and visit us, and we can come to see you too. You’ll always be my son, no matter where you are.”
Kita held him for a moment longer, taking in the warmth and comfort of their embrace. “You have so much to offer the world, Sojiro. I want you to explore that. So if you want to go, I won’t hold you back. I promise.”
She pulled back slightly to look into his eyes, searching for any lingering doubt. “You’re meant for great things, and I treasure you more than you know. So go, and chase your dreams.”
Sojiro made face at the intense scrutiny in his mother’s eyes. “Can’t I be normal for once? I don’t really want to be greater than I already am.” His parents chuckled at him and he rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ll think about it then. I want to go. I know that. But a part of me wonders if I should stay a little longer. If not for you. Then for Evita. She’s lonely, and I don’t think she connects to people at school. She didn’t before it closed, and it’s not like she could come with me.”
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Oct 14, 2024 1:14:20 GMT -6
Kita’s expression softened as she listened to Sojiro. “You’re absolutely right,” she said gently. “Maybe spending more time together could help Evita realize she’s a likable person without all those walls she puts up. You have a way of making people feel at ease, and I think she really needs that.”
She smiled, the warmth of her thoughts wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. “You could help teach her how to open up, to see that it’s okay to be vulnerable. You both have a unique bond, and I know that your support could mean the world to her.”
Kita’s eyes sparkled with encouragement. “It would be wonderful for you both to grow together. Who knows? Maybe this time will help her find her own path, just as you’re starting to find yours.”
She hugged him tightly again, feeling a swell of pride for her son’s compassionate nature. “Whatever you decide, just know that I believe in you. Whether it’s for your own journey or to help Evita, you’re capable of so much more than you realize.”
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Post by Sojiro Ichimaru on Oct 14, 2024 1:22:50 GMT -6
A bit overwhelmed at his mother’s words, Sojiro patted her as they embraced, looking over her shoulder to his father. “Okay, Mom. Thanks. I’ll remember that.” He paused. “I think I’ll show you Mayuboshi’s power another day. Right now, I think I want to go home. Get something to eat." He looked over at his father again. "Dad can explain more while I get Kadaj."
Gin waved his hand. "I can do that. Go get your brother."
Sojiro nodded, pulling away from his mother's embrace. "Thank you, Mom. I think I'll make dinner tonight." He waved at his father and turned around to head up the stairs.
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Post by Gin Ichimaru on Oct 14, 2024 1:25:15 GMT -6
Gin wrapped his arms around Kita after their son left them on their own, pulling her close as she sniffled at bit, drawn to the courage in her words and the warmth she represented. “Are you okay?”
Kita leaned into Gin’s embrace, the familiar comfort of his presence grounding her. “It’s hard, you know?” she admitted, her voice thick with emotion. “After having Sojiro so close for the last 15 years, letting him go feels like tearing a piece of myself away. But I know this is part of my healing. I have to let go and stop being so paranoid about him being on his own.”
She looked up at Gin, her eyes reflecting a mix of vulnerability and determination. “I want him to grow and explore his own path, just like you’ve always encouraged him to. It’s just… difficult to accept that he’s ready for this. I can’t hold on to him forever.”
Kita took a deep breath, the weight of her words settling heavily in the air. “As for being alright, well… I’ll get back to you on that one.” She managed a small smile, knowing that the road ahead would be filled with ups and downs but grateful for the support of the two most important people in her life. “Right now, I’m just trying to take it one step at a time.”
Humming in understanding, Gin continued to hold her as he kissed her forehead. "You're stronger than you think, dearest, if you can tell him those words and not be sniveling in my arms afterwards." She giggled slightly, wrapping her arms around his that held her. Leaning into him. Gin kissed her ear next. "Brave, kind, and wise. He won't be far away, and it won't be immediately -- if he goes this term. If it becomes too much, you can visit him after each therapy session. Go eat somewhere with one of your friends. He'll enjoy it and it will make the sessions less of a burden on you afterwards." He kissed her other ear. "Sojiro will miss you, too."
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Oct 14, 2024 1:44:52 GMT -6
Kita giggled, the warmth of Gin’s words soothing her heart. “I hope he misses us,” she replied, a playful glint in her eyes. “And don’t think for a minute that I won’t be visiting when I have to go to therapy or even just because.”
She squeezed his arms around her, reveling in the comfort of his embrace. “I mean, who else is going to remind him to clean his room and not live off instant noodles?” She chuckled, imagining their son trying to navigate the world without her reminders. “I’ll be that embarrassing mom who shows up unannounced with a home-cooked meal just to make sure he’s eating right!”
Kita tilted her head back to meet Gin's gaze, her smile softening. “But seriously, I think it’ll be good for both of us. I can show him that he’s not alone, and he can see that it’s okay to grow up and step out into the world. Plus, I’ll need to check in on Evita too.”
She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “And if I’m being honest, I’ll probably need the visits just as much as he will.”
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Post by Gin Ichimaru on Oct 14, 2024 1:56:26 GMT -6
“I agree with that sentiment,” her lover murmured, kissing her forehead before another smile broke free. “But I hate to break it to you, dearest. Our son can cook. So I don’t think you’ll be the crazy mother with a son buried in instant noodles when he goes there.” He snickered as she swatted up at him from her position in his arms. “No, instead, if I know our son, you’ll be pulling him out of a mountain of books, making sure he’s eating right, and not getting a girlfriend.”
Kita giggled and hid her face in her hands. “Nope, you’re wrong about that. He’s too sweet. There’s no way he won’t get a girlfriend.” She leaned back to look into her lover’s beautiful eyes. “With eyes like those and a smile that’s not always plotting mischief, I bet he’s going to have the girls fawning over him.”
She frowned. “As long as they don’t blame him for being our kid.”
Gin’s embrace tightened as he set his chin against her head. “Don’t worry about it. As you said, Ichigo will be attending and there will be enough friendly teachers around to put idiots in their place. Plus,” he kissed her neck before nibbling on her ear, “our son doesn’t like bullies. He can punch them until they learn their proper manners.”
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Oct 14, 2024 2:03:37 GMT -6
Kita sighed, leaning into Gin as she rolled her eyes playfully. “You know that’ll make him a bully too, right?” She shook her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips. “Punching his way through problems isn’t exactly the solution, no matter how satisfying it might feel in the moment.”
She shifted, tilting her head to look up at Gin, her expression a mix of affection and concern. “He’s too kind-hearted for that, though. I don’t want him to become someone who solves everything with his fists. That’s not who he is.”
Her gaze softened as she spoke, her thoughts drifting back to Sojiro’s gentle nature. “He’s got such a good heart, Gin. I just want him to stay true to that, even if the world tries to harden him. And I know life at the Academy might test him in ways we can’t always protect him from.” She sighed, feeling the weight of letting her son go grow heavier again.
“But…” She smiled slightly. “I also know he’s strong enough to handle it. He just needs to remember that punching a bully doesn’t make things better. It just makes you like them.”
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Post by Gin Ichimaru on Oct 14, 2024 2:24:45 GMT -6
“I disagree, dear heart,” Gin purred, keeping her against him. “No one was turned into a bully if they fought back. It’s if he starts tormenting them, but then again, that can be fun too.” He snickered as Kita playfully kicked at him and then yelped as he lifted her into his arms. He kissed her quickly. “Don’t worry about the trials at the academy. He remained pure after nearly a decade in Las Noches, and there was little you, me, or Kira could do to shield him there. What he will learn at that school won’t be big enough that it will break him. It will give him direction and a purpose beyond his family. Perhaps he’ll find friends like his mother and perhaps he’ll be a loner like his evil father. But no matter how he goes about this, he’s ready for this. He’ll miss you, Kadaj, the shop, and maybe me. But this isn’t some big test for him. It’s just the next step in his life.” Kita lifted her hand to caress Gin’s cheek. “You know our boy doesn’t have an evil father, right? At least when he’s not teasing people. And even then, Soji will miss him. That’s just who our baby is.”
Gin kissed her fingers. “Yes, that's true. Remember that when you’re worried. We made him in the only place of light in that dark world, and he continues to carry that light. Sojiro will alright.” Gin continued to hold Kita as they went upstairs. - END RP - "New Neighbors"
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