thenearshore | In A Crowd of Thousands

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In A Crowd of Thousands

Who: Hitsugaya, Goten, and Alibaba
What: Goten’s upset. Hitsugaya feels it and decides to check on him with Alibaba tagging along.
Where: Somewhere
When: September 21

[It hasn’t escaped Toushirou’s notice that something happened with Goten. There’s a sting coming from the back of his neck; the suddenness enough to have his distraction falter briefly during a spar with Alibaba. He barely manages to deflect a swipe at him, his sword coming up just in time to block it.

This wouldn’t be the first time that he’s been stung - Goten has stung him briefly once before and he felt the same from Alibaba a couple of times. However, this seemed to be different, a bit stronger now that it’s caught his attention and there’s some worry now for Goten. It’s what makes him signal Alibaba to stop.]

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That'll be perfect. [ Alibaba grins down at him and takes the giant pot to sit on the stove. ] now we just have to cut up some of these vegetables and this meat to go in the stew and let it cook for a bit.

[ He goes to browse the shelves in the kitchen, taking down a can of broth as well after finding it tucked away in the stores. He's been experimenting with these back at Hitsugaya's temple, since it's always cold, so soups and stews had been perfect. ]

Wanna help me get it ready? Or should I put you in charge of the rice? [ Was Goten old enough to use knives without hurting himself? It was hard to tell.... ]

I can start the rice and then help you with the other stuff.

[Rice take a little while to cook anyway. It's actually thanks to Yoon and Izumo he knows how to cook at all. With Alibaba set with the pot, Goten goes to get some rice started. He knows his way around the kitchen fairly well, or at least where Aymeric puts everything. Though when it comes to using the counter to make stuff he does have to float a few inches off the ground to be tall enough to reach.

Rice is basic enough that it isn't taking Goten long to set up. He actually is cheering up a little bit with something other then worry taking his attention.]

Hey Ali, I'm glad you know how to cook and stuff since I don't ever really see Hitsu eat. [Because, really, he never sees the god eat or drink really without shoving and insisting things on him. Even though he told Goten he didn't need to eat all that much, it still was weird.]

I think he really needed a friend and shinki like you.

[ Alibaba keeps an eye on Goten as they fall into their seperate tasks, quickly working through cutting up the vegetables to dump into the large pot for the stew.

When Goten speaks up after several moments, he listens to the kid before grinning. ]

I dunno, he has you, too, right? I think you'd make a pretty good friend, Goten. Especially when you're looking after him enough to notice that. But you're right, I'm not sure he'd remember to do it much if it was just him all on his own.

You're right but I think he needed you too. I asked for Hitsu to name me 'cause I was worried about him not having a shinki when he first showed up. He's super strong and stuff but gods need a shinki to help them with ayakashi and be there for them. Sorta like a best friend.

[He floats over to the sink with a pot and the rice. Washing his hands quickly, he then starts to rinse the starch off the rice so it'll stick better.]

I'm really happy he has you and I bet he is too.

[He looks over to Alibaba, giving a warm smile as he sets up the rice to cook.]

If-- After Aymeric wakes up and I find Izumo, if you want we should hang out more too. I can even show you some shinki stuff I learned. I know some spells and stuff.

Edited 2017-12-16 19:43 (UTC)

[ Alibaba can't help but grin at that, nodding, because it's not like he can argue that logic, either. And somehow knowing he shares a god with Goten, who offers in this way, rankles much less than when Yoon had offered something similar. ]

I'd like that. I have a lot to catch up on, so anything you could show me would be great. And... I'm really glad you were looking out for Hitsugaya, even before I got here. I'm glad someone was making sure he took care of himself, anyway. And keeping him safe. Even if he's pretty good at doing that himself, but even gods can't do everything on their own, right?

Right!

[Goten nods quickly to that. Hitsugaya needs them because he can't do everything on his own no matter how strong he is.]

Yeah, you don't have to worry about catching up though 'cause I'll show you everything I know. I've been here for....a long time, I don't really remember how long...April-ish...maybe?

[He pauses for a moment, thoughtfully, before shaking his head and shrugging his shoulders. It doesn't matter that much. Point is, he wants to help Alibaba the best he can.]

Borderlines come with practice but spells take some work...most of them only work on other shinki though I think.

[His attention shifts to the rice as it's ready. He moves it to a cutting board, turning the pot upside down so the rice spills out onto cut-board...hopefully it will cool faster so he can start shaping the rice and stuff. That encourages another loud grumble from his stomach too.]

On other shinki?

[ Alibaba glances up in surprise, hands pausing in the process of cutting the vegetables as he blinks at the kid in alarm. ]

Wait, we fight other shinki?

Sometimes. I've never fought anyone for real but I think it's more of a training thing or maybe there are some bad shinki? I've only met a bad god before though...borderlines work against gods.

[Goten gives a small shrug again. He's not too sure and hasn't really thought about why a spell that only works against shinki is useful. It was just fun to learn.]

I donno if it counts as fighting either. The spells I know, Umbra, Silence and Bind only turn me or a person invisible. Then Silence makes it so you can't talk and bind makes you stay still.

[ He listens as he goes back to cutting vegetables, dropping them in the pot and then carrying the pot to the stove to start to heat it. ]

Huh. Those do sound like they're pretty useful, in the right situation. I guess it makes sense that there could be bad shinki. But wait, you met a bad god? What happened?

Uhm....

[Goten stops, frowning a bit nervously. He doesn't really want to share. It's something he's only told Izumo about but....maybe if he doesn't give Alibaba all the details, it would be fine. He doesn't know if Loki is still around or not and that makes him nervous.

Glancing around, Goten lowers his voice a bit. He's fine with Hitsugaya hearing but...its more out of his own worry. As if that one bad god will somehow hear him]

He was a really scary god. I was still pretty new so I didn't know borderlines or spells yet. But I was pretty strong 'cause I can pick up cars and stuff but none of that mattered 'cause that god made me stay still. He had a weird power and I couldn't move...at all no matter how much I tried.

[Goten frowns more, eyes narrowing down at the rice. He shivers a bit. Yeah, he doesn't like talking or remembering Loki. It makes him too nervous. Goten still feels so powerless about it and He doesn't want to jinx himself by talking about it. Especially now that he has two gods he really loves and adores along with lots of amazing important friends.]

... But I couldn't do anything against him. I was really scared. I don't wanna be scared of anyone 'cause now I got Aymeric, Hitsu and Izu--...

[Well, he hopes he still has Izumo. Shaking his head, he lifts his gaze to met Alibaba's eyes. He's nervous, shaking a little but he is determined.]

I don't want to lose any of my friends. I wanna be strong enough to protect them from anything.

Edited 2018-01-09 03:10 (UTC)

[ Alibaba sets the pot on the stove and starts it cooking as he listens with a frown. When Goten finishes, he comes over to where he is, crouching down a little so he can be at eye level with the little shinki. ]

So do I. [ He agrees serious, understanding. ] That sounds really scary, so I'm glad you're okay now. And you have friends who want to protect you, too. I know Hitsugaya would. And I will, too. I might not be able to lift cars or anything, but... If there's anything I can do to help, when you're scared, I will. We've gotta keep our gods safe together, right? But we can also help keep each other safe, too. I don't have many friends here yet, but I don't want to lose anyone either.

[Goten stares at Alibaba, blinking slowly when he crouches down next to him. Talking about Loki was never a good idea, especially now with Izumo missing and Aymeric practically reenacting Sleeping Beauty. He doesn't know what has happened to either of them. If that mean god did just show up...it would be really bad. He doesn't want to think about it but he can't help it. Goten really just wants to bolt out of there and just focus on looking everywhere for Izumo!

But Alibaba's words make him focus on him and help kept him from getting lost in his own worried thoughts. They almost seem to steady and keep him grounded. Goten remains still but slowly gives a firm nod.]

W-well, you and me are a team now so we're friends too. You're my friend. So I don't wanna lose you either, Ali.

[Friendship isn't instant given that they're both named by the same good. Goten knows that but given how kind Alibaba is, Goten can't see them not being friends. He wants to be friends.

Taking a breath, Goten pats his chest.]

You watch my back and I watch yours and we both watch Hitsu's....and make sure he doesn't hurt himself and eats more.

[The last bit is added with a tiny smile.]

Thanks Ali...

[ Alibaba just gives him a warm smile and reaches out to ruffle his hair a little, the gesture fond as he gives a decisive nod. ]

You got it, Goten. I'm sure between the pair of us we can do it. And anything you need help with... well all you gotta do is ask, alright?

[ A pause, before he gives a faint laugh. ]

....Even if it's just making Hitsugaya eat more. Maybe between the pair of us we can manage that much at least, right?

[Goten gives a slow nod, the ruffle making him relax more. Hitsugaya really got a good shinki. If Goten wasn't so attached to the shinigami god, he could ask him to remove the name without worry. Originally it had been for fighting an ayakashi and then being sure Hitsugaya had somebody with him. Meeting Alibaba and talking to him despite everything seeming to crash down in his life, it's realy nice. He doesn't need to worry about Hitsugaya at all but....he would like to stay name just to be with the god and be a team with Alibaba.]

R-Right!

[Goten gives a firm nod before suddenly bouncing closer and throwing his arms around the blond's neck to hug him.]

[ Alibaba makes a surprised noise when the kid suddenly flings himself at him, but he catches him, even as he topples over a little bit to land on his ass on the floor. Goten's way stronger than he looks.

But Alibaba doesn't mind, just wrapping his arms around the other shinki in a hug, giving a fond chuckle. He's a good kid; he can see why Hitsugaya's so fond of the little shinki. If it's with him, Alibaba's pretty sure he doesn't mind sharing at all. ]

Come on, now. Gotta keep an eye on the food so we don't burn anything, right?

You two seem to be having fun in here.

[The god speaks from the entry, leaning against it as he watches the two shinki with his arms crossed. It's likely he's been listening to them the entire time, though nothing shows that he has.

But he gazes at them with an arched eyebrow, only a flicker of amusement noticeable in teal eyes.]

[He squeezes Alibaba a little, happy the shinki did come with Hitsugaya. He was a bit unsure of the blond at first but that's practically all melted away. Alibaba is good and he's happy to be teamed up with him. Goten giggles a bit, sitting in the older shinki's lap after he falls back.]

Ah, right! It won't be good if it burns-

[He perks at Hitsugaya, turning his gaze to him as he lets go of Alibaba]

Ali was cooking with me. We're gonna team up when it comes to making you take care of yourself Hitsugaya.

[Goten isn't shy at all about that. Almost unwillingly, he does slowly float out of Alibaba's lap.]

Is Aymeric okay? Did you figure anything out?

[ Alibaba gives a slightly guilty jolt when he hears his god speak from behind him, wondering how long he'd been there. And how much he'd overheard. He just tips his head backwards to give his god a sheepish smile, upside-down, even though he doesn't really look all that guilty for his decision to team up with the little shinki for Hitsugaya's own good.

But letting Goten ask about his own god, Ali pushes himself to his feet to check on the food while they talk. ]

[He gives Alibaba a knowing look, eyebrow quirked at him, but there is still some faint humor in those teal eyes. But his attention shifts to Goten.]

Aymeric is fine. Just give him a couple of more days, alright? [A pat on the head for the young shinki.] It's happened with Botan once before, but she woke up after a few days. If he ends up sleeping longer than a week, then come and get me.

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In A Crowd of Thousands

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