Log: Tomoka & Renji - Save Me
Who: Osakada Tomoka and Yanagi Renji
Where: Tomoka's Front Door and Town
What: Renji comes to take Tomoka out on another date that ends up with a little too much excitement.
When: May 8th
Rating: PG
Comments: Um... late log is late. ;>>
It had been a long time since Renji had wandered through the more residential areas of Tokyo. He looked around, and found the address that was on the screen of his phone. It was only the second date, but he decided that he would be nice and pick up Tomoka at her family home.
He raised his hand to knock, hearing some loud noises from inside. Renji took a deep breath and went ahead and knocked on the door. It couldn’t be as bad as it sounded.
Too bad it actually was...
The door nearly flew open in his face as two young boys came dashing out dressed in mini capes and carrying foam swords, one running off with a purse and the other with a cellphone as they circled around Renji to make their escape out the front door. Tomoka came rushing after but stopped short as she nearly collided with her date. Way embarrassing, and definitely not how she wanted to see him at the beginning of their second date. She let out a sigh of annoyance but gave him her best smile.
"A-Ara, Renji you're here already. That sure was fast." Tomoka tried her best to keep her attention on her date but it was hard not to keep an eye out on her rascal little brothers who were running around just behind him. At least they lived on a side street so she didn't have to worry about cars coming; so long as the twins didn't wander too far anyway. Oh boy, babysitting thoughts before going out on a date were not fun at all...
“Long legs.” Renji explained, with a slight smile. “The little brothers?” He asked, nodding towards the two running around behind him. Babysitting was one thing Renji didn’t have much experience with. The closest he’d been to that was when Inui would stay around their house while his parents were doing other things, but to Renji that was just more having extra playtime with his friend. “And I hope I didn’t come at a bad time...”
"Oh not at all, I was just about to finish getting ready until, well..." she sighed, shrugging and motioning to the brats still running around with her things. "They thought they'd play keep away." Too bad they were still doing an okay job of it but she had missed them greatly. She couldn't help spoiling her little brothers after everything that had been happening and being away from home for a while; even if she enjoyed that time she did miss them. But of course that didn't change the fact they were currently getting in the way of her date...
Renji chuckled a little. “I take it you could use some assistance, then.” There were advantages to being older and taller. He approached the younger boy that had Tomoka’s purse and reached out to catch him the next time he ran near. Renji “I believe you have something that belongs to your sister.”
"Boo, let go giant!" complained the boy as he squirmed in Renji's grip, still refusing to let go of the purse as he waved around his toy sword. "Yeah, yeah! Let go orge!" pouted the other as he stopped running around and started jabbing at Renji's hip with his foam blade-- not that it would make much of an impact. Tomoka let out a heavy sigh, willing the blush of embarrassment off her face as she put on the big sister mask.
"Kenta, Genta knock it off!" she scolded lightly, crossing her arms over her chest to show she meant business. They immediately settled down at the sound of her big sister demand, though both still had a clear pout on their face. "Now stop being rude to Renji and hand me back my things." Tomoka commanded, holding out her hands and beckoning for the boys to put her things back in them. They did so reluctantly, Kenta still held in Renji's grasp so he had to stretch out a little to return her purse. It was clear that they not only didn't want to let their older sister go on her date but weren't exactly approving of Renji just yet either as they slightly glared him down still. No doubt they were willing to attack them with foam still at a moment's notice.
Renji smiled, and let go of the young boy once they had handed Tomoka’s things back to her. “That wasn’t so hard now, was it?” He asked the boys. He looked back over at Tomoka. “I take it you could use a few more minutes?”
The boys ignored him and once Kenta was let go of he too joined his twin staring down their large opponent. They did not want their sister going out with another creep and this guy was so tall he had to be a bad guy of some sort!
"Yes... I'll be right back Renji." she smiled a bit sheepishly, her items reclaimed, as she took a few steps and was about to slip back inside to fix herself up. "Kenta, Genta you better play nice now or else I'll tell mom not to let you play video games tonight." Tomoka instructed, deciding it was better to let the rascals stay outside while she finished getting ready in case they tried anything else. She was pretty sure they'd behave and it seemed Renji was at least big enough to handle them even if he wasn't skilled with younger kids.
As the door closed and Tomoka ran to the bathroom to readjust herself Kenta and Genta continued to glare at the intruder. "What do you want with nee-chan?" they both demanded in unison.
Renji decided to kneel down, to put himself closer to the kids’ level. “For now, I want to be her friend, and maybe later, if she wants to, perhaps be her boyfriend.” He answered them honestly. He understood the twins concerns. He had done the same thing for his sister countless times, even though he was the younger sibling. Renji just associated it as being a threat to other males that were after the “weaker” female, even when he knew she could take care of herself. “Is that alright?” He asked. It probably wasn’t, but at least he had been honest.
The twins observed him for a moment as he was now down at their level. He wasn't as big a giant in front of them now and they almost believed him... almost. Genta poked Renji's shoulder with his sword to still try and seem menacing, "No it's not!" Kenta nodded and joined his brother by poking Renji's other shoulder with his sword. "Yeah, no it's not!" They held him at bay with their swords for a while as their sister continued to take her time getting ready. With all the chasing around she had messed up her hair and clothes a bit as well-- all part of their plan of course. But as much as the two enjoyed getting in the way of her date and wanted to keep their older sister safe they did want her happy.
"If you make nee-chan ever cry..." began Genta, slowly lowering the blade as he and his brother heard the sound of their sister scurrying to the door. "...we'll make sure you pay." Kenta finished, lowering his foam weapon as well. It was of course a light threat from children but they were very serious about it in their beady little eyes.
“I promise I won’t.” Renji assured the boys. Being poked with foam was sort of annoying, but at least it wasn’t painful. “And I don’t doubt that you will try to get revenge if I do.” Renji stood back up. “Trust me, I don’t want to hurt her in any way, if at all possible.”
The boys both nodded to each other and up at him as if to say they accepted his answer either way. Then, flipping their capes over their shoulders, they both sheathed their swords in their little belt loops and dashed toward the door as it opened up revealing a dolled up Tomoka. The boys rushed up to her and hugged her affectionately, but were mindful not to mess up her outfit again. She blinked and pat them both on the head. "Were you good boys to Renji?"
"Yep!" they both smiled up innocently at her. "Take care of nee-chan!" the twins called out to Renji again and then hugged their sister once more before heading back inside before she scolded them again. She was pleasantly surprised by how well they were behaving suddenly but hoped it meant things had gone okay while she was inside.
"Well then... shall we go now?" she sighed out happily as the door closed behind her and the twins were safely inside.
“Indeed.” Renji answered. “They’re...something else.” He commented to her as they headed back out to the streets and eventually towards the city.
"Yes... that's one way of putting it." she shrugged slightly, just glad she was able to recover her things and composure in a timely manner. "I hope they weren't too bratty to you." Tomoka couldn't help worrying a little.
“Not at all. They’re just being a bit...protective of their sister.” Renji replied. “And you look nice today.”
"They can be charming most days, really. They're not very bad boys just a bit rambunctious." Tomoka smiled lightly, at least not as embarrassed as she thought she would be about them being protective of her. "And thank you, you don't look too bad yourself." she couldn't help winking up at her escort.
Renji smiled. “Thank you. Though I must admit, I didn’t dress up too much.” He told her. “So where would you like to go first?” He asked. Renji would prefer to work from a plan, but he could work with being spontaneous as well.
"Well... I did want to do a bit of shopping." She knew it wasn't exactly a good thing for a date or something a guy would want to do. "But if you don't want to go along to that I suppose I could squeeze it in tomorrow." she offered just in case. "So whatever you'd like, Renji."
“I don’t mind going shopping.” He answered her. It wasn’t like it would be the first time he’d gone along with someone to do so. “Honestly, I’ve been meaning to do some shopping of my own.” He told her. “Some of those things you don’t realize you need until you’re without them.” Being out on his was starting to feel slightly strange, but it was also something that his family had encouraged him to do as well, so there he was in an apartment by himself.
"Goody~ Then how about we start with what you need?" she offered. That way she might end up getting things along the way but if they took too much time shopping she'd simply opt to do her own the next day. She was a bit of a power shopper anyway; though trying on new outfits was fun but she wouldn't bore him with that if they didn't have the time.
“Alright.” Renji agreed. It sounded like a plan to him. He wasn’t planning on getting too much though. Mostly a few supplies he might need for classes, and maybe something he might need around the house.
The time shopping felt like it flew by only that by the time they had finished up it was already getting dark, not that it meant the day was over just that they had been at it for a few more hours than expected. Both of them had managed to find exactly what they were looking for and Tomoka even had had time to try on a few outfits before getting them as well. The baggage load was surprisingly light between the two though, or rather hers was as Renji insisted on being the typical gentleman and carrying her things. She had gotten away with a small bag at least-- not that their shopping had been very heavy anyway.
"Ara, I hope that wasn't too boring." Tomoka couldn't help worrying. "A shopping date isn't exactly super exciting, especially having you accompany to the girl's clothes." she giggled slightly. It had been highly amusing but she made sure not to keep them there too long, there were better things to do on a date and spend time together after all.
“It wasn’t too boring at all.” Renji reassured her. “I didn’t mind at all. I’ve been through worse.” He assured her, as he looked around. The bright lights of business were starting to light up the city to replace the light of day that was waning. “Do you have a curfew?” He asked, curious.
"Until ten normally but if we're an hour or so longer my parents won't throw a fit so long as I call them." Tomoka smiled up at him. "Have something in mind?" She wasn't familiar with the part of town they had ended up in at the end of their shopping so she wondered if he was up to any planning. He was the calculating type after all-- she felt like he always had a plan of some sort; not in any bad way of course.
“Well, would you like to go dancing then?” He asked. “If I remember right, there’s a club that has an underage night, and I believe this is that night.” It was probably an unusual request, but this was a side of him few people knew about - the fact that other than ancient Japanese music, he did indeed enjoy the fast rhythms of modern music.
"Ooh, a dance club?" There was no way she was going to say no to that, especially since he definitely did not seem like the type to enjoy that sort of thing on first appearance. Then again Tomoka wasn't the type of girl people would think could flip people twice her size over either and regularly roughhoused with her twin brothers to keep them in line. "Sounds fun, I haven't been out to one in forever~" she smiled and wrapped her arm around his, "Lead the way."
Renji chuckled, and lead them towards the club he remembered, even though it had been a while since he had been there himself. Though he had a pretty good sense of direction, and had a fairly good memory.
In about a half hour or so, they arrived outside the building. It was a rather non-descript place, but you could feel the music playing through the wall. “Here it is.”
"It's a good thing I just happen to have my dancing shoes on." Tomoka giggled as they stood outside. Her foot was already idly tapping to the sound of the bass bumping through the door. Definitely not the type of place she imagined him taking her, but amusing all the same.
Renji laughed a little. Hopefully they could find a safe place for their things while they had some fun. “I suppose that is a good thing. “Are you ready, then?”
"Always~" she chimed happily in response. There weren't normally many thieving people in clubs that just had one night for an under-aged crowd anyway. She was pretty confident in her ability to chase back down and get their things back anyway-- they had made a pretty decent team with her brothers earlier after all.
There wasn’t much of a line, and getting in wasn’t too difficult. The flashing lights and loud music were different from what were outside, and it was almost as dark inside as it was outside. Renji looked at Tomoka. “Shall we?” He asked, over the din of the music.
"Absolutely~" she giggled, as if he had to ask. It had been a while since she was in a club and it was a welcome experience again with someone like Renji, even if they had some baggage to go safely store away before they were able to head to the dance floor. The music wasn't deafening but the beats were contagious and the bass was definitely willing her toward the dance floor soon enough. Too bad she wasn't in usual clubbing attire but at least her clothes were still comfortable and acceptable. It wasn't as if she needed to impress anyone there for once anyway.
Renji watched Tomoka as she got into it. He was rather impressed with it. As he glanced around, there were all sorts of other teenagers, some of which were doing some rather inappropriate dancing. Renji frowned at them, and resolved to stay close to Tomoka. Hopefully no one would have those kind of thoughts towards her tonight. He would stop worrying for the moment, and have fun. He could respond to trouble when or if it happened.
It was easy for Tomoka to get into the groove of the music. The atmosphere was playful and calm thanks to it being a crowd around their ages though it still seemed like some were planning to get a bit more into it. However she ignored them and didn't pay attention to any possible advances as she stuck close to the only dance partner she needed that night. She smiled up at him as she twirled herself around him a few times to the beat. He wasn't that bad of a dancer at all, though he seemed like he would be awkward in a dance club of all things yet somehow he didn't quite appear out of the element here.
Renji was glad they were both having fun. It was loud and noisy, and hard to talk, but he didn’t need to hear. Body language was being rather loud and clear at the moment. He looked over at Tomoka, and frowned a little as someone walked up to her and grabbed on to her wrist. Renji started moving closer just in case this turned into trouble.
The tug on her wrist was not the disturbance the girl had been expecting. Sure she was aware that quite a few eyes were on her other than that of her real dance partner and throughout the time they had been dancing there was a few approaches however she hadn't thought there would be physical action. Tomoka instinctively pulled back to try and free her wrist from the stranger's grip. His was a bit stronger than she thought and there were too many people crowded around for her to attempt to flip him. It didn't help the music was still blaring loudly; a yell for help or scream would do her little good, not that she had planned to. If anything she wanted to call out for everyone around to simply move out of the way so she could get free to make the guy let go. But there wasn't even room enough for her to kick him square in the crotch.
It simply was not a good situation to be in and as she felt another tug back at her wrist she wasn't too sure if she could get away, Tomoka was indeed a strong girl more than strong enough to handle herself but in the crowd of dancing teens she was finding it hard to break away. She looked up in search of Renji, not wanting to be saved but at the same time hoping for some sort of help. It was a conflicting feeling, being the girl one wanted to be saved but at the same time she didn't want him to think she was weak enough to be pulled off by some other guy.
The strange guy leaned in, and shouted into Tomoka’s ear about her possibly going back to his place. He was hoping that she was either that easy or hopefully drunk, who knows for certain.
Renji came up behind Tomoka, glaring at the stranger that was holding onto his date. “I suggest you leave my date alone.” He told the other guy, wanting to not cause trouble. Renji came up beside Tomoka, grasping her other hand. Unfortunately, that only made the stranger sneer at them.
Tomoka was relieved when she felt Renji take her other hand but at the same time helpless now that she was caught in an awkward tug of war between the two. The guy wasn't deterred by Renji's appearance at all-- in fact he was considerably tall himself so he saw no real threat in him. He moved his face close to Tomoka's so he could whisper in her ear. When she tried to move back toward Renji the stranger simply tugged her back by her wrist. The stranger kept saying things like how she should ditch a boring guy like Renji and how he was no doubt weak. He bragged about being some big shot and worst of all, making it worth her while if he came back to his apartment.
If only there weren't so many people Tomoka could simply have handled it herself but she was feeling helpless under the guy's forceful advances and had to dodge away when he tried to plant a kiss on her. She looked up to Renji with a pleading expression in her eyes, as much as she didn't want to seem weak or have to lean on him for help. But it didn't look like she had any choice, the guy simply would not back down and she couldn't fight back like this...
Renji was normally calm and collected. He also for the most part disliked violence, despite some things that had happened in the past. He kept himself from squeezing Tomoka’s arm to the point where he might bruise her, but his free arm was clenching and unclenching as he watched the other man attempt to take Tomoka with him.
The last straw was the kiss. Renji let go of Tomoka and pulled his arm back and punched the stranger in the face. He was far from weak. He was well muscled from years of playing tennis and the other training associated with it., not to mention that he had occasionally sparred with Sanada. He took advantage of his weak looking body to surprise anyone that dared to test him - like this guy had. “I don’t appreciate someone that would take advantage of a girl like that, and I especially don’t like it when they do it in front of me while I’m on a date with her.” Renji told him, cold brown eyes staring him down.
The man did not take the hit gracefully at all and simply released his grip on Tomoka and almost crumpled to the floor. He cursed trying to act manly still but soon retreated into the crowd holding his face, and mainly nose which was most likely broken from the strong hook. It was enough to get the attention of a few people around them who backed away enough to avoid any further wrath of her date and to let the loser escape. But soon everyone returned back to their dancing, ignoring the couple as if nothing had happened.
Tomoka was shocked, but incredibly relieved and couldn't help but retreat to holding onto to Renji's side. "Thank you..." she muttered, her voice a little shaky from the surprise and slight panic of being nearly dragged off. Though chances were if they had gotten out of the crowd she would have been able to strike him back but she hadn't expected Renji to for her. It wasn't as if she didn't think he could or would but she definitely was not used to being rescued. With her ex she had had to save herself, after all; he was no gentleman or hero to her really... "Sorry I couldn't get away myself..." she couldn't help adding, remembering those times with her ex.
Renji wrapped his arms around her and gave her a hug. “You’re welcome. I’m sorry you had to see that.” He told her. “Do you want to leave?” He asked, thinking it was probably better for them to get out there than to remain. After all, dealing with a jerk like that had taken the fun out of their outing.
She nodded and hugged him back tightly, though it felt a bit awkward surrounded by the dancing crowd. "Yes... that's probably a good idea." The mood had been completely broken after that and Tomoka definitely did not feel like being there any longer in case it happened again.
Renji grabbed their things and led the way out. It was much quieter outside, and once they were away from the club, it almost became an unbearable silence. Renji glanced over at Tomoka. “Are you alright?” He asked, worried about her. He wasn’t entirely certain, but he had thought she had been trembling a bit earlier.
It took a while for Tomoka to realize they were out of the club and that there was a long silence between them. After a few moments his voice registered to her and she jumped a little and then looked up to him a bit embarrassed. "Y-Yes, I'm fine now thanks to you, Renji." she said truthfully, though was still a little out of sorts.
Renji wrapped his arm around her, partly to reassure her and partly to protect her. “It takes a lot for me to get that angry.” He said quietly. “I would rather not have done that.” He admitted. “I can’t stand people that try to use their strength to overwhelm those they think are weaker than they are.” He looked down at the ground. “I’m sure you can take care of yourself, but....I wasn’t entirely certain back there.”
The arm around her was reassuring, and she leaned against his side as they continued to walk feeling safer. "No, it's alright I understand...." After all it wasn't his anger that had surprised her but the fact he had saved her. "And... I'm not so sure I would have been okay for a while back there, so really thank you Renji." she managed a small smile up at him and then glanced back down at the sidewalk. "I've never had a date come to my rescue." Tomoka couldn't help admitting. It wasn't as if she minded really, she could normally take care of herself but it was nice to know she could be rescued.
“You’re welcome.” He told her softly. “Someone has to rescue the damsel in distress occasionally.” Renji smiled a little as they headed back to her home. He enjoyed the extra warmth of her leaning against him, as the cooler evening air had settled in. “I hope any future dates don’t turn out this...exciting.” He commented. Of course, that would be if there were any further dates.
"It's a good thing I was with such a brave knight in shining armor then." she giggled lightly, as she leaned in a little closer and walked in step with him. "Especially one who dances so well." Tomoka couldn't help teasing a little, winking up at him. It was nice to rest against his warmth in the cool night air, almost a shame their night was ending together once he dropped her off at home. But she definitely didn't feel like it needed to be their last time together, unless of course he did. "Indeed, there's only so much excitement needed for a date. But we'll just have to make up for it next time, ne?" she smiled, hopeful for it.
Renji smiled at that. “Yes, we will have to make up for that.” He said as they turned towards the door to her home. “Other than the excitement, I had a good time.” He told her. He wasn’t sure how she’d react to this, but it was worth the attempt he thought as he leaned down and gave her a kiss.
Once again it surprised her as his first had on their first date, but this time she didn't quite flush as much. Instead she smiled against his lips and kissed him back once more, though didn't go as far to deepen it. She wasn't that daring on her own doorstep after all. As she pulled away she took his hands in hers to squeeze happily. "I had a great time. Thank you Renji, for everything." she winked and leaned up on her tiptoes to give him a small peck on the cheek to show her gratitude.
Where: Tomoka's Front Door and Town
What: Renji comes to take Tomoka out on another date that ends up with a little too much excitement.
When: May 8th
Rating: PG
Comments: Um... late log is late. ;>>
It had been a long time since Renji had wandered through the more residential areas of Tokyo. He looked around, and found the address that was on the screen of his phone. It was only the second date, but he decided that he would be nice and pick up Tomoka at her family home.
He raised his hand to knock, hearing some loud noises from inside. Renji took a deep breath and went ahead and knocked on the door. It couldn’t be as bad as it sounded.
Too bad it actually was...
The door nearly flew open in his face as two young boys came dashing out dressed in mini capes and carrying foam swords, one running off with a purse and the other with a cellphone as they circled around Renji to make their escape out the front door. Tomoka came rushing after but stopped short as she nearly collided with her date. Way embarrassing, and definitely not how she wanted to see him at the beginning of their second date. She let out a sigh of annoyance but gave him her best smile.
"A-Ara, Renji you're here already. That sure was fast." Tomoka tried her best to keep her attention on her date but it was hard not to keep an eye out on her rascal little brothers who were running around just behind him. At least they lived on a side street so she didn't have to worry about cars coming; so long as the twins didn't wander too far anyway. Oh boy, babysitting thoughts before going out on a date were not fun at all...
“Long legs.” Renji explained, with a slight smile. “The little brothers?” He asked, nodding towards the two running around behind him. Babysitting was one thing Renji didn’t have much experience with. The closest he’d been to that was when Inui would stay around their house while his parents were doing other things, but to Renji that was just more having extra playtime with his friend. “And I hope I didn’t come at a bad time...”
"Oh not at all, I was just about to finish getting ready until, well..." she sighed, shrugging and motioning to the brats still running around with her things. "They thought they'd play keep away." Too bad they were still doing an okay job of it but she had missed them greatly. She couldn't help spoiling her little brothers after everything that had been happening and being away from home for a while; even if she enjoyed that time she did miss them. But of course that didn't change the fact they were currently getting in the way of her date...
Renji chuckled a little. “I take it you could use some assistance, then.” There were advantages to being older and taller. He approached the younger boy that had Tomoka’s purse and reached out to catch him the next time he ran near. Renji “I believe you have something that belongs to your sister.”
"Boo, let go giant!" complained the boy as he squirmed in Renji's grip, still refusing to let go of the purse as he waved around his toy sword. "Yeah, yeah! Let go orge!" pouted the other as he stopped running around and started jabbing at Renji's hip with his foam blade-- not that it would make much of an impact. Tomoka let out a heavy sigh, willing the blush of embarrassment off her face as she put on the big sister mask.
"Kenta, Genta knock it off!" she scolded lightly, crossing her arms over her chest to show she meant business. They immediately settled down at the sound of her big sister demand, though both still had a clear pout on their face. "Now stop being rude to Renji and hand me back my things." Tomoka commanded, holding out her hands and beckoning for the boys to put her things back in them. They did so reluctantly, Kenta still held in Renji's grasp so he had to stretch out a little to return her purse. It was clear that they not only didn't want to let their older sister go on her date but weren't exactly approving of Renji just yet either as they slightly glared him down still. No doubt they were willing to attack them with foam still at a moment's notice.
Renji smiled, and let go of the young boy once they had handed Tomoka’s things back to her. “That wasn’t so hard now, was it?” He asked the boys. He looked back over at Tomoka. “I take it you could use a few more minutes?”
The boys ignored him and once Kenta was let go of he too joined his twin staring down their large opponent. They did not want their sister going out with another creep and this guy was so tall he had to be a bad guy of some sort!
"Yes... I'll be right back Renji." she smiled a bit sheepishly, her items reclaimed, as she took a few steps and was about to slip back inside to fix herself up. "Kenta, Genta you better play nice now or else I'll tell mom not to let you play video games tonight." Tomoka instructed, deciding it was better to let the rascals stay outside while she finished getting ready in case they tried anything else. She was pretty sure they'd behave and it seemed Renji was at least big enough to handle them even if he wasn't skilled with younger kids.
As the door closed and Tomoka ran to the bathroom to readjust herself Kenta and Genta continued to glare at the intruder. "What do you want with nee-chan?" they both demanded in unison.
Renji decided to kneel down, to put himself closer to the kids’ level. “For now, I want to be her friend, and maybe later, if she wants to, perhaps be her boyfriend.” He answered them honestly. He understood the twins concerns. He had done the same thing for his sister countless times, even though he was the younger sibling. Renji just associated it as being a threat to other males that were after the “weaker” female, even when he knew she could take care of herself. “Is that alright?” He asked. It probably wasn’t, but at least he had been honest.
The twins observed him for a moment as he was now down at their level. He wasn't as big a giant in front of them now and they almost believed him... almost. Genta poked Renji's shoulder with his sword to still try and seem menacing, "No it's not!" Kenta nodded and joined his brother by poking Renji's other shoulder with his sword. "Yeah, no it's not!" They held him at bay with their swords for a while as their sister continued to take her time getting ready. With all the chasing around she had messed up her hair and clothes a bit as well-- all part of their plan of course. But as much as the two enjoyed getting in the way of her date and wanted to keep their older sister safe they did want her happy.
"If you make nee-chan ever cry..." began Genta, slowly lowering the blade as he and his brother heard the sound of their sister scurrying to the door. "...we'll make sure you pay." Kenta finished, lowering his foam weapon as well. It was of course a light threat from children but they were very serious about it in their beady little eyes.
“I promise I won’t.” Renji assured the boys. Being poked with foam was sort of annoying, but at least it wasn’t painful. “And I don’t doubt that you will try to get revenge if I do.” Renji stood back up. “Trust me, I don’t want to hurt her in any way, if at all possible.”
The boys both nodded to each other and up at him as if to say they accepted his answer either way. Then, flipping their capes over their shoulders, they both sheathed their swords in their little belt loops and dashed toward the door as it opened up revealing a dolled up Tomoka. The boys rushed up to her and hugged her affectionately, but were mindful not to mess up her outfit again. She blinked and pat them both on the head. "Were you good boys to Renji?"
"Yep!" they both smiled up innocently at her. "Take care of nee-chan!" the twins called out to Renji again and then hugged their sister once more before heading back inside before she scolded them again. She was pleasantly surprised by how well they were behaving suddenly but hoped it meant things had gone okay while she was inside.
"Well then... shall we go now?" she sighed out happily as the door closed behind her and the twins were safely inside.
“Indeed.” Renji answered. “They’re...something else.” He commented to her as they headed back out to the streets and eventually towards the city.
"Yes... that's one way of putting it." she shrugged slightly, just glad she was able to recover her things and composure in a timely manner. "I hope they weren't too bratty to you." Tomoka couldn't help worrying a little.
“Not at all. They’re just being a bit...protective of their sister.” Renji replied. “And you look nice today.”
"They can be charming most days, really. They're not very bad boys just a bit rambunctious." Tomoka smiled lightly, at least not as embarrassed as she thought she would be about them being protective of her. "And thank you, you don't look too bad yourself." she couldn't help winking up at her escort.
Renji smiled. “Thank you. Though I must admit, I didn’t dress up too much.” He told her. “So where would you like to go first?” He asked. Renji would prefer to work from a plan, but he could work with being spontaneous as well.
"Well... I did want to do a bit of shopping." She knew it wasn't exactly a good thing for a date or something a guy would want to do. "But if you don't want to go along to that I suppose I could squeeze it in tomorrow." she offered just in case. "So whatever you'd like, Renji."
“I don’t mind going shopping.” He answered her. It wasn’t like it would be the first time he’d gone along with someone to do so. “Honestly, I’ve been meaning to do some shopping of my own.” He told her. “Some of those things you don’t realize you need until you’re without them.” Being out on his was starting to feel slightly strange, but it was also something that his family had encouraged him to do as well, so there he was in an apartment by himself.
"Goody~ Then how about we start with what you need?" she offered. That way she might end up getting things along the way but if they took too much time shopping she'd simply opt to do her own the next day. She was a bit of a power shopper anyway; though trying on new outfits was fun but she wouldn't bore him with that if they didn't have the time.
“Alright.” Renji agreed. It sounded like a plan to him. He wasn’t planning on getting too much though. Mostly a few supplies he might need for classes, and maybe something he might need around the house.
The time shopping felt like it flew by only that by the time they had finished up it was already getting dark, not that it meant the day was over just that they had been at it for a few more hours than expected. Both of them had managed to find exactly what they were looking for and Tomoka even had had time to try on a few outfits before getting them as well. The baggage load was surprisingly light between the two though, or rather hers was as Renji insisted on being the typical gentleman and carrying her things. She had gotten away with a small bag at least-- not that their shopping had been very heavy anyway.
"Ara, I hope that wasn't too boring." Tomoka couldn't help worrying. "A shopping date isn't exactly super exciting, especially having you accompany to the girl's clothes." she giggled slightly. It had been highly amusing but she made sure not to keep them there too long, there were better things to do on a date and spend time together after all.
“It wasn’t too boring at all.” Renji reassured her. “I didn’t mind at all. I’ve been through worse.” He assured her, as he looked around. The bright lights of business were starting to light up the city to replace the light of day that was waning. “Do you have a curfew?” He asked, curious.
"Until ten normally but if we're an hour or so longer my parents won't throw a fit so long as I call them." Tomoka smiled up at him. "Have something in mind?" She wasn't familiar with the part of town they had ended up in at the end of their shopping so she wondered if he was up to any planning. He was the calculating type after all-- she felt like he always had a plan of some sort; not in any bad way of course.
“Well, would you like to go dancing then?” He asked. “If I remember right, there’s a club that has an underage night, and I believe this is that night.” It was probably an unusual request, but this was a side of him few people knew about - the fact that other than ancient Japanese music, he did indeed enjoy the fast rhythms of modern music.
"Ooh, a dance club?" There was no way she was going to say no to that, especially since he definitely did not seem like the type to enjoy that sort of thing on first appearance. Then again Tomoka wasn't the type of girl people would think could flip people twice her size over either and regularly roughhoused with her twin brothers to keep them in line. "Sounds fun, I haven't been out to one in forever~" she smiled and wrapped her arm around his, "Lead the way."
Renji chuckled, and lead them towards the club he remembered, even though it had been a while since he had been there himself. Though he had a pretty good sense of direction, and had a fairly good memory.
In about a half hour or so, they arrived outside the building. It was a rather non-descript place, but you could feel the music playing through the wall. “Here it is.”
"It's a good thing I just happen to have my dancing shoes on." Tomoka giggled as they stood outside. Her foot was already idly tapping to the sound of the bass bumping through the door. Definitely not the type of place she imagined him taking her, but amusing all the same.
Renji laughed a little. Hopefully they could find a safe place for their things while they had some fun. “I suppose that is a good thing. “Are you ready, then?”
"Always~" she chimed happily in response. There weren't normally many thieving people in clubs that just had one night for an under-aged crowd anyway. She was pretty confident in her ability to chase back down and get their things back anyway-- they had made a pretty decent team with her brothers earlier after all.
There wasn’t much of a line, and getting in wasn’t too difficult. The flashing lights and loud music were different from what were outside, and it was almost as dark inside as it was outside. Renji looked at Tomoka. “Shall we?” He asked, over the din of the music.
"Absolutely~" she giggled, as if he had to ask. It had been a while since she was in a club and it was a welcome experience again with someone like Renji, even if they had some baggage to go safely store away before they were able to head to the dance floor. The music wasn't deafening but the beats were contagious and the bass was definitely willing her toward the dance floor soon enough. Too bad she wasn't in usual clubbing attire but at least her clothes were still comfortable and acceptable. It wasn't as if she needed to impress anyone there for once anyway.
Renji watched Tomoka as she got into it. He was rather impressed with it. As he glanced around, there were all sorts of other teenagers, some of which were doing some rather inappropriate dancing. Renji frowned at them, and resolved to stay close to Tomoka. Hopefully no one would have those kind of thoughts towards her tonight. He would stop worrying for the moment, and have fun. He could respond to trouble when or if it happened.
It was easy for Tomoka to get into the groove of the music. The atmosphere was playful and calm thanks to it being a crowd around their ages though it still seemed like some were planning to get a bit more into it. However she ignored them and didn't pay attention to any possible advances as she stuck close to the only dance partner she needed that night. She smiled up at him as she twirled herself around him a few times to the beat. He wasn't that bad of a dancer at all, though he seemed like he would be awkward in a dance club of all things yet somehow he didn't quite appear out of the element here.
Renji was glad they were both having fun. It was loud and noisy, and hard to talk, but he didn’t need to hear. Body language was being rather loud and clear at the moment. He looked over at Tomoka, and frowned a little as someone walked up to her and grabbed on to her wrist. Renji started moving closer just in case this turned into trouble.
The tug on her wrist was not the disturbance the girl had been expecting. Sure she was aware that quite a few eyes were on her other than that of her real dance partner and throughout the time they had been dancing there was a few approaches however she hadn't thought there would be physical action. Tomoka instinctively pulled back to try and free her wrist from the stranger's grip. His was a bit stronger than she thought and there were too many people crowded around for her to attempt to flip him. It didn't help the music was still blaring loudly; a yell for help or scream would do her little good, not that she had planned to. If anything she wanted to call out for everyone around to simply move out of the way so she could get free to make the guy let go. But there wasn't even room enough for her to kick him square in the crotch.
It simply was not a good situation to be in and as she felt another tug back at her wrist she wasn't too sure if she could get away, Tomoka was indeed a strong girl more than strong enough to handle herself but in the crowd of dancing teens she was finding it hard to break away. She looked up in search of Renji, not wanting to be saved but at the same time hoping for some sort of help. It was a conflicting feeling, being the girl one wanted to be saved but at the same time she didn't want him to think she was weak enough to be pulled off by some other guy.
The strange guy leaned in, and shouted into Tomoka’s ear about her possibly going back to his place. He was hoping that she was either that easy or hopefully drunk, who knows for certain.
Renji came up behind Tomoka, glaring at the stranger that was holding onto his date. “I suggest you leave my date alone.” He told the other guy, wanting to not cause trouble. Renji came up beside Tomoka, grasping her other hand. Unfortunately, that only made the stranger sneer at them.
Tomoka was relieved when she felt Renji take her other hand but at the same time helpless now that she was caught in an awkward tug of war between the two. The guy wasn't deterred by Renji's appearance at all-- in fact he was considerably tall himself so he saw no real threat in him. He moved his face close to Tomoka's so he could whisper in her ear. When she tried to move back toward Renji the stranger simply tugged her back by her wrist. The stranger kept saying things like how she should ditch a boring guy like Renji and how he was no doubt weak. He bragged about being some big shot and worst of all, making it worth her while if he came back to his apartment.
If only there weren't so many people Tomoka could simply have handled it herself but she was feeling helpless under the guy's forceful advances and had to dodge away when he tried to plant a kiss on her. She looked up to Renji with a pleading expression in her eyes, as much as she didn't want to seem weak or have to lean on him for help. But it didn't look like she had any choice, the guy simply would not back down and she couldn't fight back like this...
Renji was normally calm and collected. He also for the most part disliked violence, despite some things that had happened in the past. He kept himself from squeezing Tomoka’s arm to the point where he might bruise her, but his free arm was clenching and unclenching as he watched the other man attempt to take Tomoka with him.
The last straw was the kiss. Renji let go of Tomoka and pulled his arm back and punched the stranger in the face. He was far from weak. He was well muscled from years of playing tennis and the other training associated with it., not to mention that he had occasionally sparred with Sanada. He took advantage of his weak looking body to surprise anyone that dared to test him - like this guy had. “I don’t appreciate someone that would take advantage of a girl like that, and I especially don’t like it when they do it in front of me while I’m on a date with her.” Renji told him, cold brown eyes staring him down.
The man did not take the hit gracefully at all and simply released his grip on Tomoka and almost crumpled to the floor. He cursed trying to act manly still but soon retreated into the crowd holding his face, and mainly nose which was most likely broken from the strong hook. It was enough to get the attention of a few people around them who backed away enough to avoid any further wrath of her date and to let the loser escape. But soon everyone returned back to their dancing, ignoring the couple as if nothing had happened.
Tomoka was shocked, but incredibly relieved and couldn't help but retreat to holding onto to Renji's side. "Thank you..." she muttered, her voice a little shaky from the surprise and slight panic of being nearly dragged off. Though chances were if they had gotten out of the crowd she would have been able to strike him back but she hadn't expected Renji to for her. It wasn't as if she didn't think he could or would but she definitely was not used to being rescued. With her ex she had had to save herself, after all; he was no gentleman or hero to her really... "Sorry I couldn't get away myself..." she couldn't help adding, remembering those times with her ex.
Renji wrapped his arms around her and gave her a hug. “You’re welcome. I’m sorry you had to see that.” He told her. “Do you want to leave?” He asked, thinking it was probably better for them to get out there than to remain. After all, dealing with a jerk like that had taken the fun out of their outing.
She nodded and hugged him back tightly, though it felt a bit awkward surrounded by the dancing crowd. "Yes... that's probably a good idea." The mood had been completely broken after that and Tomoka definitely did not feel like being there any longer in case it happened again.
Renji grabbed their things and led the way out. It was much quieter outside, and once they were away from the club, it almost became an unbearable silence. Renji glanced over at Tomoka. “Are you alright?” He asked, worried about her. He wasn’t entirely certain, but he had thought she had been trembling a bit earlier.
It took a while for Tomoka to realize they were out of the club and that there was a long silence between them. After a few moments his voice registered to her and she jumped a little and then looked up to him a bit embarrassed. "Y-Yes, I'm fine now thanks to you, Renji." she said truthfully, though was still a little out of sorts.
Renji wrapped his arm around her, partly to reassure her and partly to protect her. “It takes a lot for me to get that angry.” He said quietly. “I would rather not have done that.” He admitted. “I can’t stand people that try to use their strength to overwhelm those they think are weaker than they are.” He looked down at the ground. “I’m sure you can take care of yourself, but....I wasn’t entirely certain back there.”
The arm around her was reassuring, and she leaned against his side as they continued to walk feeling safer. "No, it's alright I understand...." After all it wasn't his anger that had surprised her but the fact he had saved her. "And... I'm not so sure I would have been okay for a while back there, so really thank you Renji." she managed a small smile up at him and then glanced back down at the sidewalk. "I've never had a date come to my rescue." Tomoka couldn't help admitting. It wasn't as if she minded really, she could normally take care of herself but it was nice to know she could be rescued.
“You’re welcome.” He told her softly. “Someone has to rescue the damsel in distress occasionally.” Renji smiled a little as they headed back to her home. He enjoyed the extra warmth of her leaning against him, as the cooler evening air had settled in. “I hope any future dates don’t turn out this...exciting.” He commented. Of course, that would be if there were any further dates.
"It's a good thing I was with such a brave knight in shining armor then." she giggled lightly, as she leaned in a little closer and walked in step with him. "Especially one who dances so well." Tomoka couldn't help teasing a little, winking up at him. It was nice to rest against his warmth in the cool night air, almost a shame their night was ending together once he dropped her off at home. But she definitely didn't feel like it needed to be their last time together, unless of course he did. "Indeed, there's only so much excitement needed for a date. But we'll just have to make up for it next time, ne?" she smiled, hopeful for it.
Renji smiled at that. “Yes, we will have to make up for that.” He said as they turned towards the door to her home. “Other than the excitement, I had a good time.” He told her. He wasn’t sure how she’d react to this, but it was worth the attempt he thought as he leaned down and gave her a kiss.
Once again it surprised her as his first had on their first date, but this time she didn't quite flush as much. Instead she smiled against his lips and kissed him back once more, though didn't go as far to deepen it. She wasn't that daring on her own doorstep after all. As she pulled away she took his hands in hers to squeeze happily. "I had a great time. Thank you Renji, for everything." she winked and leaned up on her tiptoes to give him a small peck on the cheek to show her gratitude.