What Happened Next? - A Bleach Mosaic Collection
Disclaimer - We don't own Bleach or characters. We make no profit.
Proxyposter a/n: This is a mosaic work by TheFoxPack. Events here take place between Rukia's execution and the beginning of Season 2 of the Bleach anime. We wrote this to celebrate FFN's 20th anniversary! If you like a particular chapter please review THAT chapter so the authors of that particular piece get feedback. We all worked hard on this and well reviews are nice. Thanks :)
Summary - What happened behind the scenes after Rukia's execution? Several pov's depicting the aftermath of The Betrayal that we didn't get to see.
a/n: This is for this site's 20th anniversary! Of course, we don't own anything except The Wolf Den.
Warning: head-hopping, yaoi - subtle and not-so-subtle
Mosaic
The Monkey's Scarf
(By Timewaster123456789 and SesshomaruFreak)
"Actually, Captain, I..."
Those words were buzzing in the back of Byakuya's mind as Ichigo burst into his room, shouting about Rukia. Apparently, the boy had lost her. Soon after Ichigo had left, Renji offered to make tea, then go look for Rukia.
He nodded, and the redhead slipped out the door.
Left alone with his thoughts, Byakuya contemplated all that had happened in the past few days. His fight with Renji, his fight with Ichigo, hearing Isane's announcement that had changed everything.
Shame. That was the one word that he kept coming back to. It burned his throat, vile bitterness and he knew he deserved it. He'd done his best to do right by his oaths, and dishonored himself thoroughly. A pawn for a traitor, less than the lowest worm even if he had technically upheld the law. The law itself had been corrupt and where did that leave him? Everything he had ever done had been to bring honor to his clan and to set an example for the other Shinigami. An example of what? A sheep walking blindly to the slaughter? And if the law couldn't be trusted then what was left?
He thought about Juushiro. He respected the man both personally and for his ability, though he thought him something of a bleeding heart. He'd followed that heart, risked his very life for what he thought was right while Byakuya stood by a law he knew to be wrong. He sighed and was disgusted to hear it shake a bit. Failure. Shameful. Dishonored.
He would have to live with what he had done, but would do everything in his power to see that he never made those mistakes again.
His self-deprecating thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Thinking it was Renji returning with the tea, he took a deep breath and said, "Enter."
The one who walked in was the last person he'd expected to visit him in the hospital. Rukia stood just inside the door, looking awkward. The young woman stepped forward hesitantly, taking a chair near the bed. To his surprise, she reached out and touched his hand.
"Niisama, I'm glad you're gonna be ok."
He nodded and looked straight ahead, trying to calm his mind. She'd been through enough- he didn't want her feeling guilty when he'd been the one in the wrong. She would regardless; she was gentle like that, like her sister. Silence fell and lingered for a while. He watched her from the corner of his eye, she looked like she was on verge of saying a thousand things. Why was she here? She should hate him. What was that about not making the same mistakes?
He swallowed hard and spoke, his voice low and rigidly controlled, "I'm sorry."
She seemed surprised by his apology, those big violet eyes widening. "Wha...? You have already apologized to me, Niisama. On Sokyoku hill. I've forgiven you, and there's no reason for further apologies."
Byakuya held back a sigh; why didn't she understand? He owed her so much more than an apology. "Rukia...I have many things to apologize for, to many people. Abarai and yourself being at the top of the list."
XxXx
Out in the hallway, Renji froze at the words he heard. Byakuya was apologizing to Rukia. Then his name was mentioned, and he didn't know what to do.
He was just poised with the tea tray in the middle of the hallway. Knowing he had to move, he cleared his throat before opening the door while balancing the tray.
As he entered, two pairs of eyes lifted to him, one violet, the other the color of steel.
Byakuya blinked god he did not want a witness for this...then again at least now he'd only have to say it once.
"That was on a battlefield," he swallowed. "I wanted no doubts as to the sincerity of my apology...to both of you." He swallowed again, "I almost killed you Abarai Fukutaichou for no crime other than doing what was right and Rukia...I would have traded your...life to honor a law I knew to be in itself dishonorable," he looked away from both of them.
Renji and Rukia looked at each other, then at the noble who was still looking away. Rukia spoke first, her tone soft. "We both know your dedication to the law, Niisama." She suspected that birds in Hong Kong knew. "And more than the law itself, you were trying to honor your promise to your parents."
Renji set the tea out as he added quietly, "We know your apologies are sincere, Taicho. After all, you don't seem like a man to apologize without meaning it." Frankly until he'd actually heard it on the hill he'd thought his captain too arrogant to ever apologize let alone without meaning it.
The older man finally looked back at them, and Rukia smiled. "Your apologies are gratefully accepted, Brother." He nodded at her, grateful.
"Your skills really have improved Abarai," he said, immediately feeling a fool for implying that the man cared anything for his opinion. He wondered how much he'd gotten for the scarf.
"I'm sorry too Niisama," Rukia blurted out. Byakuya actually turned to look at her surprised. "I know my powers haven't...I'm sorry I wasn't good enough to be an officer and living up to..." she broke off as Byakuya raised a hand for silence and swallowed the lump in his throat. He closed his eyes in resignation.
Renji was pleased by the praise, hoped his blush wasn't too obvious. He tuned back in when Byakuya started talking again.
"That had nothing to do with your ability. The only reason that you were never seated is because I asked Ukitake not to. I asked him to keep you unseated so...so that you would be safe."
Renji saw tears well up in Rukia's eyes. The diminutive Shinigami sniffled, trying not to cry. "I understand, Niisama. You were trying to protect me."
He cleared his throat, having always been uncomfortable with her tears. He noticed a similar discomfort on his superior's face. "Umm, Rukia? Visiting hours are almost over, and Unohana said Taicho needs rest."
To his relief, Rukia simply nodded. "Alright. Rest well, Niisama." Then she walked out, leaving them alone.
Byakuya closed his eyes for a moment. No matter how hard he tried he seemed to cause her pain, Hisana would...he quickly killed that train of thought before it could shatter what was left of his composure and focused on his vice. "I never thanked you. Rukia's lucky to have you in her life," he said.
He saw pain fill his subordinates eyes and the younger man swallowed visibly. He looked away to give Renji a moment to compose himself, wondering what he could have possibly said to offend. As the silence stretched, he decided that the brave dog had more than earned a slight bending of propriety.
"What's wrong?"
Renji heard the soft question and struggled to get his shit under control. But the thought of how he'd treated Rukia when they went to get her in the Living World... Rukia wasn't lucky to have him at all.
Finally, he answered the question. "Taicho, you saw how I acted towards her when we went to retrieve her. She was terrified of me because of it."
He lowered his eyes. "Even with everything, you're probably a better brother to her than I could be. You can keep her fed and protected. You can make sure she never has to go back to the Rukon. Those aren't things I could promise her, especially if you bring charges against me for our fight and defying direct orders."
Renji was ashamed to hear a catch in his words as he continued. "You know if you do, nobody else is gonna want me. I won't have any choice but to return there."
Closing his eyes, he leaned his head back against the wall, thinking about the scarf in his shihakusho. He could probably buy land and a home in the Seireitei with it. But...he could never bring himself to sell it. Besides, anyone he tried to sell it to would probably just think he stole it.
The best he could hope for was for his superior not to file those charges.
Byakuya almost gasped in shock, "Charges? No...no Renji. You were doing the right thing. The honorable thing." Something occurred to him and he allowed a slight self-deprecating smile to reach his lips. "I won't file charges if you promise to stand against me if you think a law is evil. Rukia is lucky you give her warmth and support, besides she doesn't need the same things from family as from a husband."
Renji cocked his head. "I can promise that, Taicho. But I'll only stand against you if I think you're wrong." He bowed slightly. "And thank you for not pressing charges, sir."
Then the last part hit him. "Husband? What the...? Is she getting married or something? She never said anything..."
"No but that is your plan is it not? You have many skills Renji but subtlety is not one of them," he replied frankly.
XxXx
A mile away Kira and Hisagi sat at the bar in the Wolf Den trying to forget about the betrayal they'd been both victim of and party to.
Their captains were gone, and they were each wondering if there was something they could've done to stop it, if there was some shortcoming that had caused their superiors to leave.
Shuuhei raised his hand for another round. Kira shook his head. "Nah, Shuu. We's drunk 'nuff." Shuuhei frowned. "No' nearly 'nuff. I still 'member cap'n T'sen left me - us. The squad. Yeah."
Kira simply sagged in his seat. "I knows tha'. Gin - cap'n Ich-maru lef' too, ya know. I thought...never mind."
Shuuhei gazed at his friend in sympathy, then turned to the bartender. "Keep 'em comin'."
XxXx
Meanwhile, Renji stared at his captain, before he succumbed to a fit of snorting laughter. "No way, Taicho! She's, like, my best friend. We grew up together, looked out for each other. She's more like a sister than a love interest!"
His laughter died when he realized what he'd just said. "I...I'm sorry, sir. That was outta line."
Byakuya took a moment to process this new information, "And you're more a brother to her," he whispered finally. He took a sip from the glass of water on a stand by the hospital bed, in the hopes that it steady his voice. At that moment, Rukia walked in and he immediately snapped his head away unable to look at her.
Rukia hid her hurt at being disregarded, she was well practiced at it and spoke to Renji, "Momo's getting worse, she got an infection, I thought you should know, I going to go find Kira now, but you know, you might want to go to her...Soon."
Rukia left as quickly as she'd come, Renji sat down on the chair with no intention of going anywhere just yet.
XxXx
When Rukia found Kira, he was staggering home with Hisagi, reeking of Sake and at least one of them of vomit. Kami, what had Aizen done to the gotei 13?
They were obviously still in pain, and Rukia bowed politely, knowing she had to deliver the message. "Kira, Momo has gotten an infection. When you're sober, you should go see her."
Devastated blue eyes rose to hers, but Shuuhei answered. "Understood. I'll make sure he gets to her in the morning."
Rukia nodded and headed off to her next personal mission.
XxXx
Hisagi helped Kira to bed, but the blond, sniffling and too drunk to be ashamed, clung to him.
As he held his friend so Kira wouldn't fall, he noticed just how bright those blue eyes were, even filled with tears. The younger man looked so sad and lost. Without consciously deciding to move, he was kissing the tears away.
The man in his arms gasped, surprised right out of crying. "Sh-Shuuhei? What...?"
He slid one hand into soft blond hair as he dipped his head to kiss Kira's pale throat. Another little gasp, followed by the softest moan. "Oh, Shuu..."
Shuuhei felt Kira hesitate, and took a gamble on why. "Shhh, Izuru, I'm not him. I won't hurt you."
The younger man relaxed in his arms, and he knew he'd been right. Cursing the absent captains, he led his friend to the bed and proceeded to show him just how precious he was.
XxXx
Renji didn't move, only watched his superior from the corner of his eye. Byakuya seemed troubled, though his face was still stoic. Renji saw faint tension around the dark steel eyes, and the slight fidgeting of slender fingers.
Finally, he asked softly, "What's the matter, Taicho?"
He stared straight ahead and fought to keep his voice steady, "As I said...I'm no family of hers."
Renji's eyes widened at the way his superior's voice caught. Even when he'd recounted his motives and past to Rukia it had remained an unaffected statement of fact. So much so, that he'd wondered if there was any actual feeling there or mere obligation.
Renji was searching his mind for anything to say that wouldn't make him sound like a sycophant. "Well, sir, she does consider you her brother. Anytime we've been together since the betrayal, you're all she talks about."
The noble didn't look convinced, and Renji smiled. "C'mon, Taicho. You saved her when none of us coulda. You made some mistakes, but when it counted, you were a fine brother."
Byakuya nodded, still unconvinced. "You know some things will be changing after the betrayal," he said, retreating to business. "I could put in a word for you to captain the Fifth or Third. Hinamori is in no condition and the questions surrounding Kira's loyalty make his promotion unlikely."
Renji blinked, his mouth falling open. "But I wanna stay in your squad!"
He snapped his mouth closed after the outburst, afraid he'd given too much away with his words and tone. He didn't want to leave the noble's side. Those steel eyes had focused on him, and he felt his cheeks warming.
"What I mean is, I still have a lot to learn, especially before trying to be a captain. I'm sure there's lots more I can learn from you, sir."
Byakuya shook his head, "You've proven yourself, you have bankai...granted your power level must improve if you're to command respect, but you still exceed the other available candidates with the exception of Ikkaku. Why are you opposed, you have many flaws but you've never been a coward," Byakuya actually winced, falling into old habits, "What I mean is...we all have deficiencies, but none of yours would impair your performance as a captain, quite the opposite."
Renji cast his eyes aside with a sigh. "Look, I just...I want to stay in your squad, Taicho. I don't care if I'm qualified; I don't want to leave."
He could feel those dark eyes on him, but he refused to look.
Finally, his superior asked quietly, "Why?"
"I want to be by your side," Renji admitted, sheepish and hopeful.
He wondered if the noble would realize why he wanted to stay, wondered if he'd be ridiculed. He desperately wanted to stay near the older man, hoping to truly be noticed one day.
Byakuya thought for a minute, going back over the conversation. Even if Renji took the 'stand against me' order as obligation he could do so more easily as a captain, it wasn't to get close to Rukia he'd said...His train of thought ground to a halt, eyes widening as he looked at Renji. No, wishful thinking, there was no way that Renji was dumb enough to want to be involved with him.
Renji saw the dark eyes widen and focus on him, and he felt himself blushing deeply. The noble had such a piercing gaze; it was like he could see into your soul.
Taking a deep, shaky breath, he held the silvery eyes as he asked softly, "Do...do you not want me to stay, Taicho? Don't you want me by your side?"
"No...I think that would be...mutually beneficial if it's what you desire," he replied, choosing his words with precision and not missing the pain in Renji's face at the word 'no'
Renji barely hid his wince. 'Mutually beneficial' wow that was romantic.
Oh well. He'd accepted that Byakuya would never feel the same about him; it just caught him off-guard sometimes when the older man said some of the things he did.
Renji sighed. "Yeah, Taicho. That's what I 'desire'." Then he frowned. "'Mutually beneficial'? I get how I'd be benefitted, but what's in it for you?"
Byakuya glanced away for a moment, blushing a bit, and cleared his throat, "Having a second in command whom you both respect and trust...explicitly is a rare thing." he offered. It was not even close to the whole truth, but it was true and today he couldn't take the repercussions if he were wrong, if he was just being a hopeful idiot. In this, for today, he'd be a coward. He'd talk to Renji about it at some point, when he didn't feel quite so brittle, physically or otherwise.
Renji tilted his head at the statement, smiling warmly. He sensed his superior was holding something back, but still. To have explicit trust and respect... It was more than he'd hoped. He had wanted the noble's respect so badly, and if anything were ever to happen between them, he wanted and needed his trust.
It was a start.
"Thank you, sir. That...means a lot to me. I want you to know, I respect you, too. And I trust you with my life, with everything." Under other circumstances he'd never have been so bold, but the noble actually seemed shaken. He wanted to help and it just sorta slipped out.
Byakuya looked at him searching for a lie. He saw nothing but sincerity and devotion. His eyes burned and he glanced away again, humbled by this street dog who'd proven himself more honorable, noble as it were, than he could ever hope to be. As it stood, given a Shinigami's lifetime he might redeem himself, but this day would forever tarnish his own view even if Renji seemed to have entirely forgiven it. That was something of a solace, and he swore to himself that he'd find a way to repay it.
He coughed and changed the subject before things got more awkward, "So tell me, how much did the scarf fetch?"
Renji's eyes flew wide. The scarf! Stumbling over his words, he admitted, "I ..ah...you see...I..umm..I didn'tsellit."
Byakuya seemed to frown in confusion. "You...did not sell it? Why not? Do you not realize how much it is worth?"
Renji blushed deeply, speaking in a small voice. "I don't care how much it's worth; I ain't sellin' it cause...cause it's yours. You gave it to me."
Embarrassed beyond all reason, he clutched at where the scarf in question rested inside his shihakusho. "I refuse to sell it."
Byakuya was struck speechless, he had been right? "Lust," it was a statement of fact. So that was why he'd been forgiven. "You're an idiot. Sell it." he didn't let the bitterness he felt touch the words.
Renji looked like he'd cut off an arm. He didn't want Renji to look like that, how ridiculous given that he'd nearly beat the man to death.
"No one in their right mind would feel that way, for my wealth perhaps or title. Idiot. You're keeping it because you want something from me? I can give you another token," he said.
Renji was mortified when an actual whimper escaped him. He thought they'd been making progress and now Byakuya was calling him an idiot.
He looked down at his lap, fighting the burning in his eyes. "I'm not an idiot," he mumbled. "Even if you gave me something else, this would still be the first thing you gave me. I shouldn't have told you if you were just gonna be an ass and call me an idiot. You just said you respect me, didn't you? You can't respect someone if you really think they're a fool."
He started to stand and leave. He may have loved his superior, but that didn't mean he had to sit here and get called an idiot twice in the same breath. He also realized exactly how far over the line he'd gone in his pain and every fiber of his being wanted to bolt.
Byakuya closed his eyes, rebuking himself for being so loose with his tongue normally he had more restraint, eloquence. "What I meant is you shouldn't feel that way, but if you do then please sell...Actually," he picked up the bag of his effects ignoring the burning in his chest and rifled through it to retrieve a small medallion. "Go to the manor and show them this," he handed Renji the medallion. "Tell the head of the staff that I order you to be paid a reward of your discretion."
Renji closed his hand around the medallion to keep from throwing it, frustrated that Byakuya didn't seem to want him to keep his treasured prize.
"I told you, I want to keep it. Why can't you let me do that?"
Byakuya sighed before catching himself, he suddenly felt exhausted, "You misunderstand me, I'm saying that if you do not wish to sell it you may have your reward in cash. With that medallion, the coffers are open to you. You can keep the scarf," he explained blushing slightly that Renji was so attached to it.
Renji blinked. "Oh. Ok. Thank you for letting me keep it. Umm what exactly am I being rewarded for?"
Sometimes he really felt like an idiot.
"Services rendered," Byakuya whispered because he going to lose it if he actually gave voice to his gratitude.
Renji wasn't quite sure what that meant but he smiled anyway. "Ok, Taicho." He tucked the medallion in his pocket, not intending to use it. He didn't need a reward for anything he'd done. He'd do it all again. For his Taicho.