Thread: High School of the Dead: The Decent into Darkness Chronicles (Wingshadow and Mech)

As Hitomi felt Souji's arms go around her, she recalled the fragrant scent of his hair and the firm tension of his arms as he held her, comforting her, telling her that she did not need to hold all of it squarely on her own shoulders. She could feel the sincerity and the concern in his tone, the strength of which dabbed away her tears and calmed her. She had often believed that she did not need any one else's support, but in times such as these even her resolve had begun to crumble under the mental and physical strain. T-thank you, Hitomi stuttered, a bit shocked but nonetheless appreciative of the sudden gesture while a hint of redness kissed her cheeks. Tomoki merely shot the boy a poisoned glare, deciding against speaking his mind. Yes, Hitomi pulled away from the embrace in a polite manner as she stood and turned to the two girls, I will fill the bath if you will give me a few minutes. I'm sure you would like to spend some time relaxing rather than dwelling on what is past. She took the two younger girl's hands and led them to the bathroom with her, making sure to hand them towels before heading down the hall. She turned the knobs on the large faucet that fed into the large square bath and ran her fingers through it to determine the temperature... Marasaki-sensei?! Emiko grabbed Hitomi's shoulder and shook her a bit, the water had nearly overflown the edges of the bath by the time she had regained her attention. The two girls behind her exchanged concerned glances and helped her undress and step into the warm, soothing waters. I'm sorry, I suppose I must have just spaced out there, Hitomi laughed, I usually take cold baths, they say it is good for the circulation. They do? Kirino blinked. At least it helps me be awake and alert in the morning, that much is certain, Hitomi replied, reaching for the body soap. Emiko handed the soap to Hitomi, and figured it would be best to make conversation rather than dwelling on their concerns, So, when did you decide to become a teacher? Well, I originally wanted to be an athlete like my mother and father were, Hitomi shrugged, but it turns out that by the time I graduated I was much too old to start training so I decided to try for the next best thing. Besides, I like being able to meet all you young people. Plus the boys, Emiko blew some bubbles in the water. Why of course, Hitomi struck a pose and laughed. ------ There are some canned goods, bread, and some snacks in the pantry, Tomoki said to Souji, Make yourself useful and put something together for us if you can. He leaned forward slightly, propping himself up with his elbows while peering over the back of the couch, So, I presume it that you have taken a likening to my future wife, correct? I understand what a boy of your age might see in her, Tomoki nodded with a somewhat condescending smile, but let me tell you straight that unless you get past your reluctance to make yourself heard you won't be getting anywhere with girls... Least of all someone like Marasaki-sensei. She's the sort of person that thinks things over a lot, but she doesn't come to any complete decisions about things without concrete evidence, Tomoki continued, She's been worried about you for quite some time now, she often talks about you when she gets back from work. She seems to think you have a lot of potential, but was afraid that you might not actualize it since you didn't put yourself out there. Girls can see that sort of thing, after all. Just let me make this clear, Tomoki glanced back over at the boy, Don't you dare even think about pulling something like that again like you just did a short while ago. She doesn't need anything else messing with her head than she already does, and... face it, if I wasn't stuck here on this couch I would probably be beating your face in right now like you did to that other fellow. ...Just so we understand each other, he said with a cough as re went back to reclining on the couch.