Hello all! Welcome to my newest chapter story, 'Ups and Downs.' The title may change, though. And if it does, just E-mail me if I forget to change it on here. But, now, it's on to the boring stuff.
Warnings: This story will contain eventual IchiHitsu. Along with fluff, smut, slight angst, swearing, blood, cheesiness, and plenty of other things. This is yaoi. No like, no read. Oh, and major doses of Urahara that may cause addiction. Spoilers!!!!!!!!!!!!
Disclaimer: In my dreams.
Summary: The war is over, reconstruction has began, and Seireitei is in need of a few captains…
And, now, on to the story!
With the Winter War finally finished, Aizen dead, Ichigo was back at home. With his family. And he was bored out of his skull. He almost wished he hadn't killed that bastard, Aizen. Then, at least, there would be something to do. He was currently lying on his bed, hands tucked behind his head, staring at the ceiling. He sighed. Shifting his gaze out the window, he looked out to the blue sky, and the clouds drifting lazily.
He turned his head toward the door as he heard Yuzu's delicate footsteps ascending the stairs. Sure enough, a few moments later, there was a light knock on his door. "Onii-chan, lunch is ready," She called, her voice slightly muffled. Sitting up, he said, "Okay, thanks, Yuzu. I'll be down in a minute." Scrubbing the weariness from his face, he threw on a shirt and headed downstairs, and into the kitchen.
Karin was already seated at the table, digging into her lunch, in hopes of getting outside again soon to play soccer. She looked up as he entered the room. "Hey, Ichi-nii." He placed a hand on her head and ruffled her hair. "Gah! Ichi-nii!" She smacked his hands away and leveled a mild glare in his direction. He grinned crookedly at her.
He settled down, looking at the plate Yuzu set in front of him. He mumbled a thank you, and settled into the mechanic motion of pulling his chopsticks to his lips, and back down again to gather more food. His thoughts strayed to those still injured in Seireitei. Rukia had been released yesterday, Renji was still under Unohana's watchful eye, Ikkaku, Yumichika, Rangiku, Shuhei, and Kira had all been released the day before he left and insisted on dragging him to drinks. Ukitake took a stab to his already damaged lungs, but should live. Kyoraku-taicho had barely left his side. Kenpachi was in intensive care, but already up and talking, Yachiru glued to his chest. And Byakuya had lost an arm and a good chunk of his abdomen- though Orihime and her Shun-shun Rikka had taken care of those easily.
Urahara's gang all safely back at the Shoten, along with Chad, Inoue, and Ishida. His mind lingered on the prickly captain of the Jubantai. Toshiro Hitsugaya had suffered some of the worst physical injuries, besides himself, and perhaps Renji, but was already Okayed to walk around and leave the care wards. But, with the loss of his sister, Hinamori Momo, he was under strict watch.
He had come to see Ichigo off, thanking him for defeating 'that Bastard', when he himself couldn't, and bringing him Momo. He was unable to be there for her last words, but, according to Ichigo, they were best wishes to her Shiro-chan, and her apologies fir not coming to the light sooner, when they still had a chance. Ichigo knew had badly it hurt to lose someone so deeply cared for, and his heart and admiration went out to the icy captain. It was a feat worthy of Byakuya Kuchiki not to show your grief. But, as always, Toshiro's face was a mask of careful indifference; only by looking into the emerald eyes-and knowing what you're looking for- could you see the many unshed tears for Hinamori Momo.
They had an understanding. The kind that comes from the death of a loved one. The kind of understanding that comes from blaming yourself for that death.
Hitsugaya Toshiro was not happy. Not happy at all. Unohana had given him, two weeks of what amounted to a mental health leave. Two bloody weeks! There was no way he could leave his division for that long. Not with the restoration of Soul Society already proceeding slowly. And so, currently, he was pacing the length of his quarters, hands linked behind his back, and a severe scowl propped on his face. Matsumoto visited him every day, giving reports on the divisions recovery, and their members that were still incapacitated in the infirmary. He was satisfied with the progress they were making, but just wished that Matsumoto would break her damned oath, and start doing the paperwork! It was going to take days of all-nighters to finish all the excess-most unnecessary- reports and applications. On second thought, can he just never go back to work?
He glanced up at the clock ticking on the wall. Time to see Unohana for his every-other-day check-up. Yay. Shrugging into his pristine captain's haori, he pulled on his waraji and trudged to the relief stations. He kept his head up, but his gaze lowered to his feet, letting the rhythmic sight of the socked swaying in and out of view to lure him into a brain-dead autopilot. The lull in his thoughts ended all too soon, ad he found himself facing the rather large and intimidating, yet homely, sight of the front entrance. Unohana strolled out to meet him.
"Hello, Hitsugaya-taicho," she said kindly, waving a hand softly at the open doors. After addressing her, he followed her to the west wing of the wards, eyes trained on the bold blackness Fourth division's insignia on her captains' cloak.
Settling onto the exam table, he laid back, folding his hands over his chest. He felt the tips of soft fingers come to rest on his temples.
"Breathe deeply, and relax, Hitsugaya-taicho." She said. A pale green glow encompassed her graceful hands as they rested on the sides of the white topped head. Toshiro closed his eyes and breathed deeply through his nose. Unohana frowned lightly. He is recovering…but he is too distracted here. I think I shall send him on a small vacation. Her frown turned to a small smile. The green glow faded, and Unohana removed her hands. As Hitsugaya sat up, she turned on him sternly. "Hitsugaya-taicho," she admonished. "I gave you these two weeks for you to relax. You are doing anything but. I am extending your leave," Hitsugaya's jaw loosened slightly, but he said nothing. "Thirty-one more days. And, to make sure your promise of relaxation is kept, you will spend it in the living world. I trust our friend, Kurosaki-kun, will be happy to have you." He bowed his head in defeat, scowling inwardly.
"Yes, Unohana-taicho." He consented.
She nodded, satisfied. "You will leave in two days time. Thank you for your cooperation. You are dismissed, Hitsugaya-taicho." She led him to the large double doors in the lobby, and bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Unohana-taicho. Have a good day." He bowed as well. Smiling, she did not watch him walk away, but turned and headed toward the Eleventh Company's captain's office.
Well, there goes chapter one. Sorry it's so short, but I hope tou like it anyway.