—@deuxscythetango
There’s something more.
It’s always been there, or at least in the past few years. The yearning. The watching and the wanting — the something more, the desire to hold in her hands something she never thought she’d want. Still isn’t sure she wants. Whatever. It’s just... every time she sees Kyoko with her parents, it’s there.
A few years have passed since she started opening her lieutenants’ quarters to the little girl — once every few months, Kyoko comes to stay for a weekend with ‘Aunt Rangiku’, a weekend in which her parents can take a break from the rigors of parenting. An occasion that both child and lieutenant look forward to, in which they can spend the days and the nights coloring and watching Disney movies on her old VCR television salvaged from a dumpster and eating ice cream.
But no, it’s not a child she wants, exactly. It’s–
“Come in, come in!” Rangiku holds the door and edges out of the way as Kyoko rushes past her, holding a bag full of clothing and toiletries with her chubby not-toddler fingers. The little girl still isn’t speaking much, which isn’t a problem since Rangiku can talk enough for the both of them. “There’s cupcakes in there!” Maybe buying those was a mistake, but how could she not? They were so cute, and she’d known that Kyoko would love them! Plus she can send some home with Shuuhei, so the two of them won’t completely pig out.
Then she stares at Shuuhei. “Your hair is still weird like that,” she informs him, as is her duty. “Are you gonna come in too? It’s still early, I’m sure they won’t be completely distraught if you take your time coming back.”