Disclaimer: Oh so colorful…oh so wonderful…oh so BLEACH…oh so Kubo-sensei.
A/N Been awhile since I let Aizen-sama play with the orange berry and the last time I attempted to write TouIchi it crashed and burned before things even got started…this time…well at least I'm presenting a finished project and yeah…let's see what you think!
Warnings: AU, Fantasy, Humor, Romance, Spelling, Punctuation, lots of OOC-ness, plot is loose and kinda random, serious and crackish elements, view switch, Grammar, run-ons, Aizen, others.
Pairings: TousenxIchigo, AizenxTousen, TousenxRangiku, AizenxIchigo, others…not necessarily in this order. Split into two parts…first part is heavily centered on Kaname because he is underappreciated.
This is …I'm not sure exactly… not a one shot or a two shot…its more like two stories that tie together…companion pieces I guess you could call it.
Summary:
There's a reason why a man shouldn't try to out run a tiger. There's a reason why a man shouldn't trust a woman who constantly shows up in wearing costumes. There's a reason why a man shouldn't fall asleep underneath an orange tree.
All events are connected and yet not entirely. Curious?
THANKS FOR COMING IN! ENJOY!
Theme: Oranges taste even sweeter when dipped in chocolate
Originally called…Nymph in the Orange Tree Tops but that's too long so…now I'm calling it
NYMPHS DO EXIST
First part is Tousen-centric…
Being born with out sight made Tousen Kaname only that much more determined to be the best of the best. Face and overcome any and all obstacles and challenges thrown his way.
()
As a child Kaname spent most of his time in seclusion-away from viewing eyes-away from other children.
His only companions were leather bound books and a yellow parakeet he affectionately named Wonderweiss.
Even though he was home-schooled Kaname excelled in all subjects and was an absolute whiz in the kitchen. Yet even with these multiple talents Kaname had been shunned by his own parents. They had refused to acknowledge him as their son. Often told lies about how Kaname was a charity case-that they had opened their hearts and home to him.
Rather than curling up into a ball, even at such a young and impressionable age Kaname convinced himself that his parents denial had less to do with his being blind and more to do with their own shame.
The shame-the disgrace-the ugly truth that Kaname had been bore out of wedlock. His Asian-American mother slept with an African prince and yet the man who sat at the head of the table every morning and night-the man whose name was written on Kaname's birth certificate is in fact an Egyptian.
Words spoken through the vents through the loose floorboards underneath his bed-whispered behind closed door-not meant for Kaname's young ears-never meat for him to know. And it wasn't so much a matter of paper-thin walls as it was the boys' heightened sense of sound.
Fact was fact. Kaname's mother was ashamed of her behavior but refused to acknowledge her faults. To make herself feel a little bit better she treated her own flesh and blood as though he was nothing more than another mouth to feed.
And Kaname found the woman's reasoning to be absolutely ridiculous but refused to hold it against her.
()
During Kaname's teen years…
After begging and pleading, his parents relented and agreed to let him attend a regular high school with and these were the years Kaname would never forget.
These were the years Kaname discovered just how cruel, judgmental and ignorant teenagers could.
His classmates thought it was funny to trip in the hallways-slam doors in his face-throw his books in to mud puddles-steal his cane and medical goggles-point and jeer-make comments on how freakish his eyes looked. Calling him alien-bug boy-many other colorful choice words that a decent human being would never repeat in civilized conversation.
Still Kaname did not let any of this discourage him-refused to tattle-refused to rat-he would not stoop to his tormentors level and behave like a barbarian even when he came home day after day covered in scrapes and bruises.
It was only after his guidance counselor intervened and made a house visit, expressing his deepest concerns, that Kaname's cold, indifferent mother agree that the situation could no longer be ignored.
Something needed to be done. And so it was…
()
Komamura Sajin entered Kaname's life taking the role of big brother/mentor
"Be strong! Become the mountain. Once you become the mountain they cannot touch you. Teach them to respect you not fear you!"
()
In his first year of college Kaname caught wind of a name. Aizen Sousuke.
A med student from over seas, who, rumor had it, had recently developed a special formula (drug) that would not only restore a person's vision but also give the gift of sight to a young man like Kaname who hadn't been born with it in the first place.
People were calling it "Miracle Eagle"
Even though Kaname had lived his life to the fullest thus far-had never complained about his handicap-he often dreamt-dreamt in colors-bright bold beautiful shapes. It was a secret Kaname kept to himself-one he never intended to share with a single living soul because they would ask questions. Expect answers and Kaname could not answer for he could not understand it himself.
He was both intrigued by the idea of this "drug" and the endless possibilities-what it could spell for his romantic life (which was sadly lacking at the moment) and yet Kaname was also skeptical.
After the entire world was full of crackpots and con artists how could he be certain that this "Aizen" was legit?
()
After a great deal of poking and prodding from Komamura and incessant nagging from the woman who birthed him, Kaname relented and set off in search of Aizen.
What he found did not disappoint him.
Aizen was interesting to say the very least. 2 years younger than Kaname himself, the only son out of a family of 6. Ambitious, clever, driven, highly intelligent, power hungry. The kind of man Kaname wished he had encountered earlier in life.
They had a great deal in common. Their views on life, love and literature were practically in sync. And even though Kaname could not visually "see" Aizen just as he could not "see" all other who had waltzed in and out of his life, instinct, intuition and reading/feeling the energy and aura around the man told him all he needed to know.
Kaname could trust Aizen.
()
One night…
After a 5 course meal, a round of chess, several glasses of red wine and a sloppy session of tonsil hockey, Aizen passed the "Eagle" into Kaname's hands.
()
The results were not instant nor had they come without side effects. Severe migraines, upset stomach, temporary loss of feeling in his left shoulder. As with everything else Kaname had face up until this moment in time, he refused to let some "formula" defeat him.
Mind over matter. Weeks of meditation and exercise-working both his brain and body to their limit and beyond.
()
The first burst of light-the bright vivid swirl of colors nearly dragged Kaname to his knees. Kaname would have surely fallen down if Aizen had not been there to catch him-to steady him-to lead him back to bed. To the bed that was still warm-stained with bodily fluids-evidence from their activities during the previous night.
It was not love that Kaname felt for Aizen. The man played far too many mind games and had made it quite clear that he no intention of ever settling down. What Kaname shared with Aizen-well that was something very few if any could ever understand. Sex was merely another activity-another way to enjoy one another's company-a way to pass the time.
And time it suddenly seemed was flying by much more quickly than Kaname liked.
()()
Kaname returned home. His mother couldn't contain herself-barely giving the young man a chance to remove his hat and shoes before she peppered his face with kisses and cried out with joy.
"My son! My son can see! This truly is a miracle!"
Kaname wanted to slap his mother but refrained and instead turned to his friend, taking in Komamura's features for the first time with seeing eyes.
"Tousen, welcome back."
Not what he expected but then again what had he expected?
Less hair maybe?
Not that it mattered. Kaname would not pass judgment on appearances alone. It went against everything he stood for. Everything he believed in.
()
A year later…
During a particularly cold day in mid October, while out hiking along the riverside, a tiger leap out of the trees and charged for Kaname.
Where the tiger had come from was of no concern to Kaname-at the moment running for his life was all that mattered.
But really how can a man out run a tiger?
The words 'it cannot be done' did not exist in Kaname's vocabulary.
And so he ran. And ran and ran until the tiger gave up on its chase.
But Kaname did not escape unscathed.
()
"Well on the Brightside at least you still have one good eye."
That was Komamura. Always focusing on the positive aspect of things rather than the negative. Like the fact that one of Kaname's eyes had when ripped from its socket and in addition, he had a large gapping wound in the side of his stomach near his ribcage.
Kaname was grateful for Komamura's high spirits because at the moment he wasn't quite sure if he could remain positive and hopeful. Fact of the matter was Kaname was pissed. His mother certainly wasn't helping matters with her uber dramatics.
"How can you stand there and grin? How can you crack jokes at a time like this?!" The woman shrieked loud enough to crack the window "He's ruined! My beautiful son was mauled a beast and well…just look at him! How is he to recover from this?"
Kaname did not wish to hear another word.
"Out! Get out the both of you! Just get out of my sight!"
He turned on his side-the one with out the gaping wound. And then Kaname did something he had never done all throughout his 22 years of life-he sulked.
()()
At age 25, Kaname has readjusted to living his life to the fullest with his one good eye and one glass eye.
He is a number one best selling author on the Bankai Times list, a successful day time television producer of his own cooking show and ranked the 5th most eligible bachelor in Seireitei.
Kaname has gained love and respect from those all around him. He is accomplished and proud and has ever right to be.
But unlike so many other self-made men (celebrities) Kaname has not let the fame and glory go to his braided head.
He remains patient, kind and forgiving.
This is not to say Kaname doesn't have his moments-the occasional outburst from time to time-for he is but a human-a man.
One can hardly blame Kaname for being a bit testy or short tempered at times especially when he can't even step outside of his house without being hounded by swarming paparazzi and overzealous fans.
Women of all ages clamor for his attention/affection-declaring their undying love and absolute devotion.
As always, Kaname takes it all in stride, dismissing most and welcoming the select few who have managed to capture his interest.
Still…
After some time even those select few have worn out their welcome and Kaname makes the decision to dismiss this lot just as he has done with the first set.
()
One woman however, does not back down and bow out gracefully because she is stubborn, persistent and refuses to leave Kaname's side.
Her name is Matsumoto Rangiku and she paints this picture of happily ever after with Kaname-declaring herself the mother of his future children and his faithful and devoted housewife.
Kaname has no other choice but to file a restraining order against the woman but this does not deter Rangiku-au contraire it makes her that much more stubborn and determined.
Rangiku finds loops holes such as posing as a school girl and standing in line at one of Kaname's book signings. Ginger blonde hair in high pigtails, green lollipop in her mouth, batting her long lashes, leaning over the table in order to him a (more than just a little glimpse) of her massive cleavage.
Then during flu season when Kaname goes to the doctor's office for a routine checkup, instead of seeing his doctor on the other side of the door he is greeted by nurse!Rangiku, her periwinkle blues dancing, her full pink lips stretched into a smile-she holds up a thermometer and purrs, "Now I'm going to take your temperature."
Over a long distance phone call Aizen chuckles, "The woman is clearly mad about you. Why not humor me? Take her to paradise."
Komamura finds the entire thing as amusing as Aizen does. And as for Kaname's mother…
"Count your blessings! No other woman will want you so you might as well put a ring on her finger and give me some grand children to spoil."
Kaname refuses. He knows something must be done. But if a restraining order didn't work what other option is available to him. Besides fleeing the country?
No. Wrong again!
Even out in the middle of nowhere somehow-some way Rangiku finds him and once again the woman is dressed in a silly costume. A grizzly bear in bright pink heels skipping over rocks and humming some annoying little jingle non stop.
()
Although Kaname refuses to admit it right off the bat late at night when Rangiku curls next to him by the fire the sudden urge to inhale her sweet smelling mosquito bitten neck is there.
Kaname is baffled at first-thinking perhaps some bug in the great outdoors has injected one of its many poisons into his skin and as a result he is delirious-thinking and feelings things for this woman he normally would not think and feel.
Somehow Rangiku snoring like a bear seems cute and endearing.
()
And before Kaname realizes what he's gotten himself into, Rangku has him wrapped around her perfectly manicured finger, love is in the air and wedding invitations are sent out.
()
His mother sits at the front pew inside the cathedral, wiping the tears from her eyes with an embroidered handkerchief-Aizen is seated on one side of her-Komamura on the other. Both of his friends have come to support Kaname on his big day.
Kaname has a difficult time grasping it.
No he is not getting cold feet. Or having regrets about all of this and yet he cannot quite shake the feeling that something is off-something is not quite right.
()()
Everything becomes crystal clear just as they are about to take their vows a man appears-a man who is the exact opposite of Kaname. Loud, violent, brash, reckless, spits tobacco, wears a baseball cap.
He is here for Rangiku. Kaname feels baffled.
Who is this man and what does he want with his soon-to-be-wife? Rangiku's expression hasn't changed much-if anything there is some sort of pity in her eyes as she pats his hand and announces
"I never intended to marry you. I only made you believe it and now that I have what I need playing this charade is no longer necessary."
She rips her wedding train and runs off with her true lover and Kaname is left standing at the alter looking like the biggest fool in history.
()
As a final slap in the face-less than 24 hours after the sham of a "wedding" Kaname discovers that his fiancé has some how hacked and drained his bank accounts.
And while having money stolen out right from under his nose hits him hard, having a harlot run off with a piece of his heart is a million times worse.
Rather than swearing off love, women and humanity as a whole Kaname focuses his attention on work, pouring all of his time and energy into his books and his cooking program.
()
On a random summer day when Kaname is supposed to meet up with Komamura for a game of squash, he opts for something different instead.
Going to the airport on a whim. Destination matters not. Kaname simply tells the woman behind the desk to send him somewhere warm and secluded.
But the woman, much to his irritation, is stubborn and insists that Kaname hurry up and pick a place because she quote "can't just send him anywhere."
Feeling his irritation increase but not letting it show on his face Kaname takes a few minutes to consider his choices flipping through pamphlets until he settles on an island baring a name he can't even hope to pronounce. "Here. Send me here."
The woman looks a bit apprehensive but schedules his flight and hands Kaname his ticket, he dimly notes that her beaming smile does not reach her hazel eyes
"Have a good trip!"
()()
It's a long flight but Kaname sleeps through most of it. Only waking up every now and then. The sound of loud crunching has reached his ears and even though Kaname knows it shouldn't irritate him it does.
Kaname scans the area before zoning in on the one responsible for disturbing his slumber. Sitting across from him, a Youngman who loos to be about 17 or 18-short feathery dark hair, slanted tiger-shaped gray eyes and a bold 69 tattoo etched into his high-boned cheek.
Wearing headphones-drumming the beat out on his lap with reddish-orange stained fingers. An empty bottle of chili-flavored chips crushed beneath his black boot. As if he can feel eyes on him, the young man turns and winks at Kaname.
Words are never spoken. But the invitation is clear. Kaname goes first. After a minute or so the dark-haired youth follows.
In a ridiculously tight bathroom that really shouldn't have the title "bathroom" at all, pants are dropped and fluids are exchanged.
It comes to a close almost as quickly as it started.
()()
The plane lands. Kaname breathes in cool unpolluted air and decides to find a place to rest. That orange tree looks like a good option. There will be plenty of time to explore the island later.
()()
Kaname is completely unaware of the fact that he is not alone on this island-completely unaware that there might be possible dangers lurking on this island-completely unaware that a magical creature is watching him.
Not just any creature but a nymph-a scorned nymph who does not care much for humans.
Of course this wasn't always the case there was a particular time when this nymph whom shall be referred to as Kurosaki Ichigo from this moment on, welcomed any and all species to the island.
Well maybe not welcome with open arms exactly but…
Ichigo had his reasons-he (unfortunately) learned the hard way how oh so very foolish it was to trust a human.
And even though the chocolate beauty down below seems nothing at all like Aizen, Ichigo is not taking any chances-he is going to tread carefully.
()
TO BE COMPLETED
Bottom note: The second part is about 80 percent finished so it shouldn't be too long til the finale is posted. Hope to see you again.
~SLY~
