Waterfall Eclipse

Shopping

Chapter Seventy:

Shopping

Four days later the girls were enjoying themselves by shopping.

"Should we go in here again?" Kiyomi asked.

"Oh, it's the shop where we got the hair accessories." Chiharu realized. "Yes, let's." She agreed as she opened the door.

"Let me know- oh my! How are you ladies?" The cashier said realizing they had been there before.

"Hi!" Kiyomi greeted. "We're great!"

"How did the pieces look with your kimonos for that party?"

"They looked great." Chiharu answered as Rani finally approached.

"Ah, and yours? Was it a nice surprise?"

"Yes. It was a shock. I am glad my friends bought it." Rani replied smiling.

"I am glad. Let me know if you see anything you like. I'll be in the back unpacking more merchandise."

"New merchandise?" Kiyomi asked enthusiastically.

"Yes." The woman answered. "You know what, help me bring the boxes out and we can all look at the items that just came in."

The girls agreed and went in the back to help with the boxes. They placed them on the floor or counter, depending on the size.

Rani worked on a smaller box by pulling out individual pieces that were carefully wrapped.

"This one is beautiful!" She stated showing Umeko.

"That's a pretty teal. It kind of reminds me of a certain boyfriend's eyes." Umeko teased.

"I didn't even think of that." Rani said with a giggle, as she placed it on the counter.

"This one is nice too. I think it matches Lily's kimono." Chiharu stated as she showed Rani.

"You're right. Put that aside, please. I may end up buying it as part of her birthday present."

"Good deal." Chiharu stated. "How often does she wear that kimono?"

"Often enough to warrant a new hair accessory. There are other dresses that she's allowed to wear, providing it meets the captain's criteria. Luckily, I know them so I can shop for her at any time."

"Has Hiroshi made her more kimonos?"

"Yes, she has like ten now. She loves wearing them."

"That's good."

The girls continued to help empty the boxes and organize the hair accessories by color, and put aside what they might buy, for another hour.

"This would have taken me all day. Thank you girls."

"It's no problem, ma'am." Rani replied. "It was fun. It also got us out of that heat."

The woman smiled.

"Now let me see what you girls have decided you wanted to buy. I'll get prices for you."

"It's this pile right here." Chiharu informed her.

"While you are doing that, would you mind if we tried on some kimonos?" Kiyomi asked.

"Not at all. We have a room in the back. Just take which ever ones you want to try on back there."

The girls smiled. They stood up and headed over to the kimono racks and started to go through all the kimonos. They picked out a few each and headed to the back and tried them all on.

"Wow! Rani! That's such a great color on you!" Kiyomi said as Chiharu helped Rani tie the obi.

"Thanks. I figured I would try a different color than purple."

"Oh, I know what I wanted to ask you!" Umeko shrieked. "Did Captain Kuchiki pick out that purple because of the bikini?"

"Probably." Rani answered. "I don't even want to think about it. I almost had a heart attack when I saw it hanging up that day. Luckily I played it cool."

After they were all changed, they girls decided to go out onto the main floor and show the store attendant.

"Oh, you ladies look wonderful! It's like I have living mannequins to model in my store." She said with a smile.

"Did you figure out how much our purchases would be?"

"Yes." She answered. "I have the list over there."

The girls smiled. They headed back to the changing room and switched back into their other clothes before buying their accessories. They left soon after and headed to continue their shopping before returning to the hotel.

"I'm wiped!" Rani said exclaimed as she flopped onto the bed causing the girls to laugh.

"I concur. I think we could all use a nap."

"Sure, but I'll take mine by the pool. Chiharu agreed with Kiyomi as she grabbed her suit and then went into the bathroom to change.

"You girls can go ahead. I don't think I can get up just yet." Rani said into the down comforter.

"What was that?" Umeko teased as she went grabbed her bathing suit.

Rani turned her head and smiled.

"You can go ahead. If I don't fall asleep I'll come down."

"You got a deal!" Kiyomi stated.

After the three changed they headed out leaving Rani lying on the bed. As they were about to get off the elevator, Captain Hitsugaya was coming on.

"Captain!" Umeko screeched as she almost walked into him.

"Ladies, I thought I've made it abundantly clear for you to nix the 'captain' stuff while I am here."

"Sorry!" Umeko apologized as she noticed his eyes darting. "She's up in the room still. Room seven ninety one."

"Thanks." He said as he smirked. "Have fun!" He said as the three continued to head to the pool. He walked into the elevator, put his room key in his back pocket, and headed up to the seventh floor.

Once he got off he found the room and knocked on the door. Hearing no response, he knocked again louder.

"Shit! Coming! What did you girls do? Forget your...key?" She asked opening the door. "Toshiro!" She said surprised as she stood gaping at him.

"Aren't you going to let me in?"

"Sorry." She apologized as she stepped back allowing him inside the room. He dropped his bags there. "I was beginning to think you weren't successful in getting your leave." She said as he pulled her into him and then kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled.

"Yeah, well, I had things to take care of, but Matsumoto was the one who actually asked him. He pretty much yelled at me for not asking him myself."

"Leave it to her."

"Why aren't you downstairs with the girls?"

"We just got back from shopping. I am exhausted so I was lying on the bed ready to fall asleep, and come to think of it, I might actually have until you knocked on the door." She explained as she let go and led him to the balcony.

"Sorry. I wouldn't have come if the girls told me you were sleeping."

"Don't worry about it. I am glad you came and would have no matter what."