Helping Hand[Hana, Koga]

"Alright, if I've got these directions down correctly..."

Since at least half of the chaos in Soul Society was dying down, Koga decided it was high time he finally visited Hana. She left directions by his bed on where he could reach her. He was rarely an early riser, but that didn't matter. Morning or afternoon, he wanted to make time for her and check in on her. With so much going on, he understood just how much a helping hand could be of assistance.

He wasn't exactly swimming in cash, but fuck it - he decided to buy her some of her favorite muffins and two smoothies. Koga hadn't got the appeal of these yet, but she enjoyed it. And that's all that mattered. Having finally arrived, he would hold the bag at one side of his arm as he loudly knocked on her door.

"Yo! Hana! I'm here! And I've brought treats!"

"Sure did. I know it might not be much compared to a noble's breakfast or somethin', but hey, it's the thought that counts, right?"

Koga grinned from ear to ear as he chuckled. It was nice to see her again. Reading her expression out of curiosity, his mind could only wander about how she might be feeling right now. Was she holding up well? Well, he supposed that was why he was here now. When she directed him to set down the treats and snacks, he followed her directions, setting them against the kitchen counter. He had to admit it was mighty nice seeing that smile brighten up, so much so that he could hug her---but that could wait. He was here to check in on her, after all. After handling that, he turned down to gaze at her as she posed her question.

"I'm here to check up on ya, of course. Life got pretty busy after I left the hospital, but I wasn't going to forget about ya and not visit. How are ya holdin' up, Hana?"

"Good. Glad to see yer holdin' up well. I know things've been rough, but I wanted to visit and let ya know I'm always here if ya need someone to talk to."

Which was true. Koga didn't exactly think he was the most well-equipped for that, but he'd feel awful if he didn't at least try. Over the time they'd spent together, he'd developed a profound fondness for the woman that had developed into a genuine crush. Of course, admitting that was an entirely different matter altogether.

When she clung to him, he blinked in surprise for a moment, directing his gaze to the side, a firm shade of red filling his scarred countenance. Fuck. What type of sneak attack was this? And she was in her pajamas, too? Come on, Koga. Mama ain't raise no bitch. He returned the hug with his characteristic grin in an attempt to look cool as he held her close.

"It'll take a lot more than a fuckin' kido spell to take me out of the game. I'm happy yer doin' pretty alright, too. Felt awful that I couldn't offer helpful advice the other day. Especially after ya fed and cuddled up to me. Like I told ya, I'm always here if ya need me. Trainin and sparrin' ain't the only things we can do together, ya know? Life's short. It took me a minute to realize that, but after nearly goin' six feet under, I gained a bit of insight."

"Well... it's been on my mind for a minute, but..."

Koga slowly reached over to gently rest a hand against her shoulder, cycling through the different ways he thought of asking the question. Life was short, right? Any day now, with conflict of this magnitude, he could meet an untimely end, and die on a battlefield with regrets. Did he want to go out like that? Without enjoying life and all it had to offer? Hell no. Thus, it didn't take long for him to decide on what he wanted to say. Reaching out with his other shoulder, Koga sighed softly as he flashed a polite smile, or at least as polite as someone with an appearance like his could display.

"Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself... I want to go out with you full-time. I'd like to have the honor of callin' myself your boyfriend. Ya know... you, me, becoming a couple..."

After coming out with it and feeling stupid about the words that exited his mouth, he quickly removed his hands and turned his head to the side, as that same shade of red returned to his face. Fuck, he was vulnerable now. Ah well, shoot your shot, right?

What the hell? Why's my heart beatin' so fast? It must be that freakin' smile right now...

Koga was rendered speechless himself for a moment. From his point of view, he expected rejection. She was a noblewoman, he was a rebellious bastard from the slums, one who somehow got lucky enough to fight alongside other members of the Gotei. He imagined she had plenty of options beyond him. Noblemen, suitors, the whole nine yards. So, why did he confess?

He supposed the near-death experience probably made him feel brave. And even beyond that, he was a competitive bastard who found this cute woman endearing. Maybe it clicked when he thought her life was being threatened, or maybe... it clicked when he first laid eyes on her. Either way, he knew where his heart was pointing - and all roads led to her. He kept his hands on her shoulders, shaking his head to assuage her worry about being inexperienced.

"Guess we're in the same boat, then, eh? Ain't ever been in a relationship myself. You'd be my first, and if I may be a little blunt, I'd go as far as sayin' that I hit the fuckin' lottery with you as my girlfriend... if, you want to be my girlfriend, of course. We can be inexperienced, and uh... l-learn together. Yea."

God, he sucked at this shit. Good thing none of his wingmen were present.