Talking with Ishida earlier just gave him an idea how much different the real Quincy was compared to him. They had a way that he was unfamiliar with. Maybe it was time to bring that up with his mother, to learn more from her.
'I don't really want to involve her with my progress. But I think it's for the best that I know more about being a Quincy, so that I won't cause any suspicion.' He thought, looking at the others eating, 'And I have to find out how to tell Ichigo and his friend about this.'
After finishing their food, they all went out of the shop and parted ways except for Rukia who stayed.
Tessai asked the kids to help him do the dish, leaving only Urahara and Rukia in the tatami room. The shady shopkeeper sat in a relaxed manner as if nothing could disturb him.
"Now, Kuchiki-san." Urahara said to the Shinigami, his eyes turned serious, "Have you made your decision? Staying silent since earlier means you've decided, right?"
She hesitated before answering him, "Yes."
Rukia looked up, staring into his grey eyes that seemed to see through everything.
"I will go back and accept their judgment."
"You could die, you know?" Urahara warned her, "Based on Shirou-kun's intel, the one coming after you are two people. A red-haired man and someone he called Captain Kuchiki."
"Kuchiki Byakuya." Her brother's name slipped from her lips, and she sighed, "I guess that's how it is... Well, I don't care anymore."
She then looked away and muttered, "After all, I broke a law, I should face the consequences. Besides, my job is done. I can't stay and endanger Ichigo and the others anymore."
A hard decision for someone as prideful and dutiful as herself. Rukia knew she would be facing punishment, and she had no way of avoiding it.
If she decided to escape, she would become a criminal, a fugitive. She would be in constant danger, and her family name would be stained by her actions.
Not only that, as someone who stole her power, Ichigo would also be in danger.
She couldn't let that happen.
Urahara looked troubled at her decision. He had never expected her to be this headstrong.
But, what else could be done?
He was about to offer her an escape, to let him protect her and Ichigo from Soul Society, but then she spoke up.
"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone about you, Urahara-san."
"Are you really fine with that?"
No answer arrived, only a smile that showed her determination and resignation.
***
When Shirou arrived at home with Ichigo, he certainly didn't expect to be greeted by the sight of his sister, Yuzu, chasing after a black cat in front of the clinic.
"What's going on?" He asked the younger brother who was watching the spectacle.
"Beat me." Ichigo shrugged his shoulders and said, "I just arrived together with you."
"Karin-chan, help me!" Yuzu shouted for help, trying to catch the cat in her arms, "It won't stop!"
The said girl didn't move from her spot and simply shrugged, continuing to eat her pudding.
"You're better than me at catching cats, just do your best. I'll try to help you after I finish this."
"Ugh~ You're always like that." Yuzu whined.
Then, she noticed Shirou and Ichigo's presence near the entrance and brightened, "Ah, nii-chan! Help me catch this cat. I want to pet it!"
The black cat looked at Shirou and narrowed its eyes, conveying silent words, 'Don't even try.'
'Why am I the one getting threatened?' Shirou smiled wryly and scratched his cheek.
He didn't know whether he had to humor her sister's request by pretending not to notice Yoruichi's message or just stay silent.
Meanwhile, oblivious about Yoruichi's plight and identity, Ichigo rolled his sleeve and grinned, "Leave this to me."
He walked confidently and approached the cat.
"Hey, little kitty, be good and don't struggle- ouch! Hey, that hurts! Don't bite my hand!" He complained as the black cat suddenly bit him.
Shirou watched in amusement while Yuzu cried in panic.
"Ichi-nii, are you okay?! It bit you!"
"Hey, that hurts!" Ichigo exclaimed, trying to shake his bitten hand, but the cat didn't let him go.
In fact, it was hanging tightly onto his hand. Ichigo tried to shake it off again but to no avail. He couldn't use too much force since it was a small cat and could die from too much shaking, not to mention that Yuzu was watching him.
Only after Shirou approached did the cat release Ichigo and jump onto his shoulder. It licked its paw as if it mocked him.
"You, damn cat." Ichigo cursed and tried to reach it.
However, Shirou stopped him, "Ichigo, don't do anything violent."
The cat purred contentedly, making Shirou smile wryly. Yoruichi was playing around too much. Even the other twin was looking at them in confusion.
"Hey, why did the cat like nii-san more?" Karin wondered.
Yuzu approached Shirou and looked at him with puppy eyes, "Can I touch the kitty? Please?"
Looking at her pleading eyes, Shirou sighed. He looked at the cat and she averted her gaze, not content with the request.
'Since Yoruichi-san is silent, I guess she doesn't want to be caught yet.'
Shirou looked at Yuzu who had a hopeful expression and couldn't help but smile, "Well, I think it's better to wait a while. I will try to see whether she's safe to touch or not. After that, I will call you, okay?"
"Really?! Yay! I can pet a kitty! Thank you, nii-chan!"
Yuzu jumped around in joy. Her smile was like an antidote for stress. Shirou was glad that his family was fine and there were no Hollow attacks.
After that, the four of them entered the house. Their parents had been waiting, with Masaki setting meals on the table.
"Ah, you finally arrived." She greeted with a smile, "Dinner's almost ready."
"Let me help, mom." Shirou offered, and Karin and Yuzu also followed suit.
"That would help. Can you set the plates then?"
They quickly finished the preparation for dinner and ate together.
It had become a habit for the Kurosaki family to gather every night for dinner. No one complained since the meal time was a precious bonding moment for everyone, especially with Ichigo and Shirou being busy with school.
As usual, Isshin exaggeratedly praised his wife's cooking.
"You're really the best, honey! I can eat this everyday. Give me more!" Isshin praised, smiling brightly as he put more food on his plate. He had been complimenting his wife ever since he sat on his seat.
Masaki giggled and smiled gently, "I am glad you like it."
Shirou couldn't help but narrow his eyes. His competitive spirit started to act up. He knew his meal wasn't worse than his mother, his little sisters liked them more after all.
Noticing it, Isshin turned and grinned challengingly at his son, "I also like your cooking, but it just always lacks something for me."
"What is it?" Shirou asked curiously. He didn't mind hearing criticism if it was constructive, so he could learn from it.
"Well, your food just lacks love. Like, a lot of love. Hahaha."
"..." Shirou's eyebrow twitched at the comment, and his fist clenched under the table.
Love, something he would never admit to lack. Something that had always been with him.
A meal without love, his cooking, was the worst insult he could think of. And the old man dared to say it. To his face. He could take it if it came from anyone, but his father? A father who ate his cooking every day and still said it lacked love?
"Come on, son! You should make something with more love next time, so your dad could eat it every day. Just like how your mom cooks!"
He wanted to retort but kept it to himself.
Not worth it, he thought. He ate silently as his father continued his barrage of praise for his mother's food. Masaki didn't stop him either, simply giggling at her husband's antics. She enjoyed their bantering.
After dinner was done and the dishes were cleaned, everyone retired to their rooms. A perfect time to ask a privy question.
"Mom." Shirou called out to her as they did the dish.
"Hmm? What's wrong?" Masaki hummed questioningly. She glanced over her shoulder and saw him looking serious. Curious, she stopped doing her work and faced him properly. "Is there anything bothering you?"
"Can you tell me more about Quincy?" He asked seriously.
The sudden change in atmosphere didn't escape her, and Masaki understood that her son was serious. She thought for a moment, wondering where she should start, before nodding her head.
"Well... Let's finish washing the dish first so we can talk comfortably later."
Shirou agreed, this was something important.
***Chapters END***
Now it's time to explore their bond a bit, and ask about Quincy in earnest!
No longer could Shirou enjoy his normal life. If he want everything to be normal, he need power! To obtain that, he need information!
Just like me, to post more chapters, I need more stones! cough, not shameless, I swear!
Also, might I interest you with 20 more chapters? Feel free to visit pat-reon . com/ShuviLily . You know what's written in front of it, don't you?