Waterfall Eclipse

Better Than A Pillow

Chapter Seventy-Four:

Better Than A Pillow

Rani and Toshiro walked along the sidewalk holding hands.

"Where's that store again?"

"Just up ahead on the right. It should be open by now." Rani answered.

A few steps more and they were at the kimono shop. A different sales clerk greeted them.

"Let me know if I can help you with anything."

"Thank you. We will." Rani replied as she looked in the display cases for the teal clip she had in her hands the other day. "Oh, the cases have been rearranged."

"Yes, my mother and I did that yesterday. Are you one of those four girls who came in here and helped with the inventory?"

"Yes."

"Hold on. She put something in the back." The sales clerk stated and then hopped off the stool she was on to the back room.

"What would she have put away?"

"I have no idea." Rani said puzzled as she came back out with a small package.

"Here. I don't know if it's for you, or one of your friends."

Rani took it and then opened it.

"It's the first one I was going to buy, but I bought the piece for Lily instead." Rani realized.

"Did you mean to specifically like that color?" He inquired.

"No. I didn't even think about your eyes until Chiharu pointed it out." Rani answered slightly embarrassed.

"It's funny how you're getting all of these accessories, but you don't wear your hair up that often."

"Trust me. I will be. Captain Kuchiki has a lot of parties planned in the next few months that I apparently have to attend, since Lily so graciously requested it."

"You sound thrilled."

"Well, as long as I don't have a repeat of my promotion party, I am good." She answered causing him to smile. The sales clerk had a puzzled expression. "If you want a laugh, I got stuck into the newly lacquered floor. I didn't realize it for two hours."

The sales clerk smiled and then let out a small chuckle.

"My mother might get a kick out of that too."

"Feel free to inform her. How much is this clip?"

"Free. Mom wanted to give that to you as payment for helping her. I should have been here, but my little girl didn't feel well." She explained. "And your friends can come here and choose something as well."

"Thank you. I'll let them know when I see them later."

Rani continued to look at the accessories in the cases while Toshiro looked around.

"See anything else that catches your eye? I still want to buy you something from here since you're so fond of their merchandise."

"Nothing that's popping out at me." Rani said slightly disappointed. She then turned her attention to where he was standing. "Do you see something?"

"This isn't a normal kimono, is it?"

"That's a modern wedding dress, actually." The clerk answered. "I just put it out today on that mannequin."

"Oh wow!" Rani said in awe. "That's gorgeous! Different, but gorgeous!"

"You can't have it." Toshiro teased.

"Funny. I think Hiroshi would be offended if I bought a kimono."

"True." He agreed as she went back to the display cases.

Thirty minutes later, they left with a purchase and the free item, and then headed to do some more shopping before heading back to the hotel.

"My room or yours?" He asked as they walked into the elevator.

"Drop me off at mine and get me in an hour."

"Sure."

"You okay? You seem down today."

"I was just thinking about something."

"Oh?"

"Would you be willing to cut your vacation here short by a day?"

"Why?"

"Well, I want you to meet someone."

"Who?"

"My grandmother. I think she would want to meet you."

"I would love to."

"Really?" He asked surprised.

"Toshiro, yes, really. I don't know why you were afraid to bring it up."

"It's a big thing, isn't it? Meeting your significant other's parents, or parental figures?"

"Yeah, to some people. Me not so much."

He was about to ask her why, but then he remembered. He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her over to him.

The doors to the elevator soon opened and he escorted her back to the room before heading to his.

"What are you girls doing here? I thought you'd be by the pool."

"We were, but there are too many people there now. We came in to get out of the heat for a little." Kiyomi answered.

"Did you have fun shopping?" Chiharu asked.

"Yeah. Oh, that sales lady gave me that clip for free as payment for helping the other day. Her daughter, who is there today, said you girls could head back and pick something out too."

"Really? Wow. That's awesome!" Umeko said surprised. "We'll have to check it out later."

"Speaking of later, Rani, will you be joining us for dinner?" Kiyomi inquired as she put her arm around her friend.

"Maybe? I don't know."

"Or will you fall asleep on Toshiro again?" Chiharu teased.

"I might. He's better than a pillow." She answered and then stuck her tongue out.

"I think when we get back we should help Kiyomi with Lieutenant Hisagi." Umeko boldly stated.

"NO! Please, no!" Kiyomi said mortified.

"We won't. Umeko, drop it." Chiharu scolded. "How long before Toshiro comes back?"

"Less than an hour. I think he wanted to take a nap while he could."

"So why don't you join us at the beach? He'll figure it out."

"Actually, I will. I'll slip a note under his door. Just let me change into my suit."

"Meet us down there. We'll save you a lounge chair." Umeko stated.