A Most Awkward Meeting [Hyosuke/Hana]

Hyosuke had been in the middle of taking a sip of some wine when Hana seemed to be.... purposely making things difficult for him. In his mind's eye he could just imagine his wayward student reprimanding and pouting at him for daring to make her wear the mask of nobility when she'd much rather be doing something nerdy like reading a book or writing fanfiction or whatever it was that nerds did. Indeed Hyosuke could at least accept that Hana questioned why he had asked about Hiroe but the self-deprecation that followed all but played her hand too heavily. He was TRYING to get them out of this situation in a less obvious "I want to leave" fashion without tarnishing either of their reputations but by contrast Hana had more or less thrown mud straight at him.

With a small sigh Hyosuke lowered the cup and shook his head. While Hana's reaction was far, far from ideal he had been at this game for far too long to be thrown off balance by a single indolent reaction. When he responded his voice was level, polite and a bit brighter than Hana's comparatively wooden appearance. He was, after all, at least on some level genuinely trying to reassure her.

"You misunderstand my questioning Lady Aoyama, I do not ask of an acquaintance of yours for whatever their beauty might be, I ask out of curiosity for what use they may have as a political ally...."

Hyosuke could not help trailing off just a tiny bit due to one simple reason: This was normally when he would further reassure a woman by calling them beautiful or something of the sort but with Hana being his first student instead of words it was bile that nearly rose into his throat at the thought and his eye narrowed briefly in distaste. Though he did manage to turn the motion into one of fake thoughtfulness as he hummed. His tone stressing his next words rather pointedly as he set his cup down.

"If I remember the small amount of information I have heard of her she is not feeling well, currently, isn't that correct?"

Hopefully Hana could pick up on where Hyosuke was attempting to lead the conversation, though the stressing of his words was a very well-hidden mix of false concern and more genuine desire for Hana to play along.

A political ally? Something told Hana he knew exactly what type of woman Hiroe was. Hiroe wasn't noble or wealthy. She worked her ass off at the academy trying to become a member of the Gotei. There was nothing political about Hiroe, and that was one of the reasons Hana was so drawn to that woman. There was a freedom in knowing HIroe that let Hana push her own boundaries, try new things, and be excited about the world. Hana may be a bit protective of her friend.

"None," Hana said. Her smile continued, but the look in her eyes was quite new. It was a mixture of ice and venom, a cold threat lingering in her gaze as she looked at Hyosuke. Knowing him, he'd ignore it, joke it off, or something to let her know it meant nothing to him. But Hana's feelings in that moment, that over protectiveness she began to display, was indeed a real attempt at intimidation. "Hiroe is not one to be drawn into the political games of nobility. She's too good for that."

It seemed Hyosuke did dig deeper into Hiroe than Hana liked. The next training session, she would be the one with the broom. "I believe she was struggling with personal things in regards to her position at the academy, but I am not aware of her feeling ill... anymore. I have not talked to her for a couple of days, so I assumed she was better." Something clicked in Hana's mind. His tone was off. "Now, you have me worried. I-I'm sure she is just fine? Right?" Hana began looking through her bag, putting on a panicked performance for those who had their ears against the walls.

For all of Hana's ice and venom in her initial response Hyosuke was not angry with her and he did not laugh at her display. Instead he simply nodded a slow, solemn motion. Whether a real snap at him or not it was nothing if not a convincing performance either way so he responded as if it was serious to help sell the point Hana was, likely unintentionally, driving home. Hyosuke would take a bite or two of food, abdicating the conversation to Hana in silence as the younger noble seemed to process through the path he had laid out for her and, he had to say, even though he could tell most of it was too genuine to be a part of the act he was proud of her efforts in selling her later rummaging.

Hyosuke would hum, gently, as Hana allowed her voice to break, and would take a slow drink of wine. His eye peering off to the side gently as if he were drudging up a relatively minor detail, before he would swallow and sigh gently. Setting the glass down gently he would shake his head, rise from his seat slowly, and give Hana a startling genuine grimace as he rounded the table. Offering her his arm once more Hyosuke would nod.

"If what I have been informed of is correct she may be quite unwell."

Hyosuke paused for nothing more than dramatic effect, letting his words 'linger' in the air, before he would incline his head gently.

"Seeing how this distresses you My Lady I am afraid it is only proper I humbly grant you leave from my estate, as no doubt worry for your good-hearted friend would spoil any prospect of romance tonight. However, it would be the height of impropriety for me to not at least escort you back. That we may salvage what joy can be had tonight."

Now a small, definitely more genuine smile crossed Hyosuke's handsome features, though only Hana would ever know it was one of relief at them having a suitable excuse to cut this rather awkward dinner short.

Hana's hands shook as she looked for her denreishinki, and when she finally found it, she dropped it. She was putting on a damn good act, and a few worried voices coming through the walls confirmed that. She "tried" to speak, but everything came out in a "worried stutter." Hyosuke's offer was accepted with a nod and "concern" in her eyes. She stood up quickly, noting that smile he gave. They were almost free of this farce. All she had to do was follow him out and be escorted away.

"Th-Thank you," Hana said, putting the denreishinki to her ear after dialing something random and not pushing send. After a few moments, she hung up.

"She's not answering." Hana said. "Can we hurry?"

In a way, even this rush they were doing was kind of awkward. Instead of sitting and fake talking for a couple of hours, they created this lie about her friend being ill. Over thinking it, Hana made herself feel both guilt and worry about HIroe. She was silent as they made their way out of Hyosuke's manor, looking sick herself.

Hyosuke nodded politely and allowed Hana her call, though he could see it still lingered on the "make call" stag and he almost chuckled, thinking perhaps turtle-san was even more deceptive than he gave her credit for. As Hana hung up her call, so to speak, Hyosuke inclined his head in an excellent impersonation of genuine solemn duty.

"But of course my Lady."

Offering Hana an arm Hyosuke would maintain a bit of propriety but his stride as they left would be one of a considerable fast walk, just enough to not pull Hana bodily along, but fast enough to likely make her scamper to keep up. Admittedly, once the two were out into the night air and out of the estate grounds Hyosuke did give a relieved sigh and narrow an eye. The very first words out of his mouth being a low, solemn promise.

"There will be firings for this, turtle-san. You have my sincere apologies. I do NOT date students, as a rule."

Hyosuke would genuinely bow to her, his apology sincere and devoid of his usual teasing demeanor, though when he straightened up he did release her arm and sigh once more. Looking down the street he would smooth his hair back and motion for her to lead the way.

"But, after you, if you wish to return home I mean. If not we can simply walk and converse for a bit. I already have your next lesson planned, after all, but I am sure you have much on your mind.~"

Assuming Hana did start to walk Hyosuke would follow along beside her, his posture much more relaxed, and his eye politely giving Hana attention whenever she spoke.

With a relieved look in her eyes, Hana took Hyosuke's arm and hurried along side him out of his estate. There was a freeing feeling that came once they were out of those noble walls. Hana sighed in relief, visibly relaxing. Hyosuke's first words were a lot more tense than she expected. He looked tense, angry. Seeing him bow, she could not help it. There were so many alarms going off in her mind, but she reached out and actually pat him on the head. She sucked her lips in between her teeth and stared at him, trying not to smile because she knew she was gonna get the broom.

"I would rather not return home just yet," Hana said, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. "My parents will assume everything went horribly and likely blame me for something else going wrong. I would like to go for a walk. It's at least a nice night, so why not enjoy it?" Hana reached up and pulled out the ribbon in her hair, letting it all fall loosely. "So, what is this new lesson plan you're talking about?"

Hyosuke did not mind the odd pat to the head, allowing turtle-chan the odd display of affection if for no other reason than it did calm him a small amount, though he did right his posture and clear his throat.

"Just for tonight, I'll forgive that turtle-chan, but make no habit of it."

There was a subtle, sly warning of many broom bonks in his words, alongside a soft smile as Hyosuke gave a knowing nod at her words. He had definitely not expected her to agree to go home, but getting her to vocalize her desire to stay out in the night reassured him, gave voice to her determination not to do so. Turning a single eye to the sky Hyosuke would purse his lips, nod slowly, and chuckle.

"It is a nice night..... and I could want for better company, I suppose."

Turning his attention to Hana Hyosuke would nod a bit more firmly as she asked after the lesson plan.

"Well, that is a topic I did wish to discuss tonight after learning you were my.... unexpected suitress. Lewd as it may be for you to try and seduce your teacher it's not enough to make me quit the role."

Smirking softly Hyosuke could not help but make at least SOME light barb at her after his sincere apology.

"That said, I wished to ask if you did wish to bring Hiroe to train with you, I hate for your lessons to deprive you of your time with friends, but as for what I had definitively planned I have another student who is somewhat close to you in skill level I believe would do you well to spar with while I got Hiroe acquainted. I have also received some missives, assignments and reports of entities that may require attention. As such having something of a..... squad of our own may be a bit enjoyable don't you think?"

"Don't worry. I probably won't ever do it again; it was a little out of character for me," Hana said with a soft smile. "It was just something I read in books for years, manga specifically. It's dumb, I know, but I had the chance and went for it."

It wasn't often that Hana found herself outside in the night air. She normally returned to her place sometime around sunset, unless she was going out on mission of course. That was a different, more busy, atmosphere though. RIght now, things were calm, even if she were cursing her parents mentally.

"You probably would have had better if my parents and your servants weren't so foolish," Hana said, though her tone was light, trying not to incite anymore anger.

Hana glared at him for but a moment and then pushed the annoyance down. Instead, she brought about her princess demeanor once more and kept her eyes forward. "Lord Niyagata, how shameful to say such a thing to a young woman." A moment later, she looked at him, smiling, and just giggled at it. Might as well laugh.

Everything he was saying was something Hana was considering, until he mentioned the squad of her own. Confused and surprised, she stopped walking and looked up at him. "Wait, what do you mean? I just got my job in the Gotei, I can't quit. It is... well, paying bills. I'm kind of proud of it, so... what exactly is the offer?"

Hyosuke would join Hana in chuckling at her rather offended demeanor, his brow arching softly, and he would stop as she did. His lips quickly pursing in a display of distaste, not at her, but at his own failure with his language. He would consider for a moment, turning his gaze out to the night-time around them, before sighing.

"It seems my use of familiar language had the wrong effect turtle-chan. I was meaning to imply that I could provide yourself, your friend Hiroe and this other student of mine a group and curriculum to train with. Becoming an able combatant on one's own is one thing but being able to combine the tasks of improving the three of you as well as making you more capable members of a cohesive unit is a rather potent opportunity."

Hyosuke would begin walking again, humming to himself briefly, before he shrugged.

"Though, I do suppose, to be fair it is not at all unheard of for graduates to be hired by those in my position."

Rubbing his chin Hyosuke would then muse a bit.

"I suppose I could think of diverting resources for such a thing but for some reason I believe you would be quite the fearsome negotiator Hana-san."

Hyosuke would then chuckle again and turn down a street, idly lifting his eye to the luminous lights overhead, and would silently nod to himself.

"On the whole it is a topic for another time, I think, but I suppose making you aware that it was a topic I was even considering has it's own value.~"

Turning down another street Hyosuke would pause in front of an illuminated window, glancing inward at a single object in the window. A softly glimmering turtle hairpin and Hyosuke would turn his attention to the attendant locking up for the night and, approaching the man, would exchange a few hushed words, provide the man quite a bit of money, who would then vanish back inside as Hyosuke turned back to Hana. A small, easy smile on his lips as he commented.

"Speaking of value, I don't think it will do to provide you nothing but an apology tonight Hana...."

The gentleman would return with the turtle hairpin and Hyosuke would nod to him.

"Thank you good sir, you have a wonderful night...."

Gently turning Hyosuke would grin a bit wider and, inclining his head, would offer Hana the turtle hairpin.

"...as such..... please accept this token Turtle-chan. I think it quite suits you.~"

The offer had Hana thinking for quite some time. She was silent as they turned down one street and then another. She had her hand on her chin, thinking, her eyes slightly lowered enough to watch what is ahead of her though she looked like she was staring at the street. Could she fit in more training beyond what she was currently doing? She had her patrols, her normal training sessions, and wanted to be able to hang out with her friends. What she valued out of her free time was different than a lot of Shinigami. Harsh routine was something she had as a child, so she was pulling away from that as an adult. Though, it was becoming clear Hyosuke did not see her as an adult because he kept calling her Turtle-chan!!

As they stopped next to some building, Hana's attention came back to Hyosuke. She was curious what he was doing, but figured out he was buying something when she saw a quick exchange of money. His words about value also kind of made that clear. Suspicious! Hana watched him, her eyes narrowed in caution as he came back to her. She looked at the little item in his hand and her eyes sparkled for a brief moment. She forced that to fade and then snatched it from him.

"You're making fun of me again, aren't you?" Hana said, sliding the hairpin into her bag. She liked it, but she wasn't going to say it! Instead, she kept this childish dull face, hiding her excitement. She wasn't one to get a real gift often, especially one as cute as that. "Am I ever living that down? You can't call me turtle forever."