Not A Smoothie Episode [Erika, Yuujin]

Growing pains they say: physically, spiritually, and financially. Imagine wearing a small one afternoon and then wearing a medium the next. Luckily his brother allowed him some of his clothes until Yuujin could update his wardrobe, but he really can't get with the oriental style his brother possesses. He must admit, despite looking like a priest, he does find the wear comfortable. He just wished it didn't scream privileged and wealthy.

Anyway, it seems something had happened in his life to cause this change to occur. Was it his father's death? Erika's reality check? Or Shaoling's return and his sudden desire to be better than what he is? The main cause doesn't really matter, but it would be nice to have been able to plan for maturity. He's even grown about 2 inches, his hair's longer, and he hated when his mother said he looked like his father, bless her heart.

He couldn't sit there for too long as she started to breakdown though. He had to get out the house and take a walk, get accommodated. Books usually help, but he's finding it hard to read right now. He knew not where his feet carried him, but he soon found himself passing by a nearby field of trees. They're beautiful, but there's a certain edge. It's almost like something foreign is polluting the scenery with a bad atmosphere.

"Oh..."

His lips made a small O shape as he noticed a particular sight he'd never imagine seeing this far out. A particular Shinigami has found herself resting underneath one of the trees, and he must admit, upon closer evaluation, she's the one stinking up the place. Though, despite the clear warning signs she naturally gives off, Yuujin found her presence like a sharp gust over a hazy pond. He steadied his approach, easy steps to a tree beside her own, a hand against its bark.

"Sleeping on the job?" He mused, knowing his accusation would get himself a snip or nothing at all.

"Oh. Well, these are my brother's clothes until I can afford my own."

He didn't really perceive her words as much. If anything, he found them coming from a place of her usual annoyance. They did meet on Earth when he was working with Shaoling, after all, so his Noble status hardly did much for him in his current life. It's just that the current situation required for him to actually rely on family for a change.

But Shaoling is a bit of a bum, so that would undoubtedly make him a bum with her. That's okay.

"It's simply felt weird to see you around here, but I'm not familiar with your daily activities. I figured the Seiretei would be home to too many nuances."

Though, with the area as big as it is, finding a spot away from people probably isn't too hard. In fact, if he had not happened upon her, she'd still be resting without any worry, huh? He felt half the nerve to end their conversation short and leave her to rest, but...

"I hope you have been well though."

Why?

"Mmm... Just conversation. Simple social cues and all, but I guess I did go out of my way, huh?"

He folded his arms, a hand under his chin. A thoughtful expression, he seemed to ask himself why he did bother her. At first he figured it was only because he knows her, but her question made him ponder if there's anything else there.

"Why give me the time of day?" He shot back, moving his stoney eyes her way, actual curiosity painting his face.

"It's usually not hard for people to simply walk away from a lost dog," He muttered, raising a brow with actual confusion written all over his face.

It wouldn't be the first time someone's ignored him, but his family issues aren't for her to be bothered with. He doubts she'd care, but it's a bit interesting to hear her analogy. He wonders if Shaoling had the same thought when he appeared on her doorstep. Much like, Erika, the woman had told him to shoo, but he had made his case, and Shaoling had changed her mind just like that.

"But I guess I could be on my way. There is a lot of nothings to do."