Chapter 2: Gotta have fun damn it
-10 years later-
"Izuru-san, tell me why?" Captain Otoribashi asked, sounding slightly put out and actually aggravated with his stubborn lieutenant. As new head captain Shunsui decided it was time for Izuru and Hisagi to take a much needed and earned vacation, both having been working their asses off since the end of the Quincy war. When he informed their captains of his decision to grant them six month leave both Rose and Kensei agreed whole-heartedly.
Shuuhei, of course, jumped at the chance even managing to convince Captain Hitsugaya to allow Rangiku to come with him. However, when Rose advised his second in command Izuru argued he didn't need (or deserve) the break. When Rose pressed him again for his reasons he hedged, not wanting to explain the true reason for his reticence, "I simply don't need one. What I need is to be here; I'm needed in Soul Society."
Shaking his head Rose heaved a heavy sigh, "So you say, but you know what I see Izuru? You've carried the entire weight of this squad on your shoulders for the past ten years!" Pacing in front of the silent lieutenant his captain continued, "Not only that, you assisted Hisagi-san when he was overwhelmed prior to Kensei, Shinji and my return. And during that entire time you haven't laughed or even truly smiled. You've done well, but even you can't keep this up forever." Still Kira said nothing.
"Can I be honest?" Rose asked making the blonde's eyebrows rise, " You haven't smiled or laughed since Inoue-san came and talked to you after healing us all." He saw Izuru stiffen but pressed on, "She seemed to be a light in your soul you enjoyed briefly but as soon as she left it was snuffed out. You went back to no nonsense work, forgoing even simple pleasures. I understand duty just as much as the next soul reaper, but even I know how to take a break."
Finally meeting his eyes Izuru stated calmly, "We've already lost so much: Head Captain Yammamoto and Captain Uonhana to death, Captain Kommura stepping down; you, Kenpachi and Mugaruma were almost lost to us. I will not forgo Inoue-san's sacrifice of time and energy by engaging in idleness. We should thank Kami for all she did."
Rose smiled sadly, "You're right, we should thank Kami for her. She kept coming back here to help, even after she healed us. That is why you should take a vacation and go see her."
Izuru's eyes widened considerably, "You want me to go see Orihime, and what? Just drop at her door step like some lost puppy?"
His captain shrugged, a slight chuckle emanating from his chest, "Why not? Orihime-chan is a sweet soul and hasn't changed the last ten years; other than the fact she has grown to be a very beautiful woman."
Izuru narrowed his eyes, annoyed for some reason that his captain acknowledged what he already knew: Orihime had grown from a beautiful seventeen year old girl to a gorgeous twenty seven year old woman. He'd wanted to kick himself the day he realized his feelings for her had changed from friendship to something more. It had been a subtle change, not a big moment, but little things built up over time. Like when she was would check on him at his apartment (which he suspected his captain put her up to) when she'd come for a visit or to assist Soul Society.
Usually she brought a meal for them to share, Izuru shocked to find he liked some of her cooking despite her concoctions tending to be a little out there. But the consistency of her visits had him believing there were done more in her own free will. They would sit talking, her cracking jokes in an effort to get him to smile and most of the time succeeding.
And when she would ask how he was doing she was willing to really listen. To listen and sympathize (not pity) with how much pain he was in to see Momo with Toshiro and how he still couldn't understand her choosing the white haired captain over himself.
Izuru was charged out of his thoughts by Rose's voice, "Look Izuru, no matter what could potentially happen again, you must remember to live not merely exist. It's time to get out there and have a little fun damn it!"
Shaking his head Rose exited the office not seeing the haunted look in Izuru's eyes as memory took hold of the last time he decided to have "fun".