Chapter Three: Second Years
Well, so they had made it in the end.
Juushirou glanced around him, feeling somehow soothed by the melee of students and buzz of friendly banter that surrounded him as he stepped through the big stone gateposts and into the grounds of the former Yamamoto-ke manor house. Kira had already hurried off to mark his name in and find his own friends, but Juushirou had paused for a moment, simply soaking up the atmosphere for what had, in a year, become almost his home from home.
It feels sad to be away from Chi and Hiro and the others - but it also feels so good to be back. In this place at least, I'm not the boy with the Ukitake curse. In this one I'm just another student - and one who does his best no matter what.
"Well, there's a familiar face at least. One person made it back alive, then – that's good to know."
Shunsui's voice rang through the crowd, and Juushirou turned, greeting his friend with a warm smile.
"Alive, but somehow I feel that it's only just." He said ruefully. "Not the most pleasant of trips I've ever made – so much so that both Kira and I agreed that neither one of us are making the journey home again until the winter at the very earliest. Crossing District Seven is never a pleasant business – but this time was positively hair-raising."
"District Seven, huh?" Shunsui frowned, running his fingers through his tousled curls as he nodded his head. "Mm, I'd forgotten you'd come via that path. You and Kira…? Together? What's the why behind that?"
"Okaa-sama worries." Juushirou said frankly. "Because she knows I've already crossed horns with Seimaru, she thought it better I didn't make the journey alone. Last winter, when you stopped with us, we travelled the long way around – but that's expensive and more than I can ask my family to pay each time. And when we went back in the Spring, Kuchiki-kun insisted that I rode with him and Edogawa-san – nobody contests the Kuchiki-ke unless they have a death wish, so that was all right. This time, Okaasama thought if I travelled with Kira-kun and if Kira-san arranged the transport, it would be a safer option than if I was to travel alone under my own name. Seimaru might not care at all about where I am at any one time – but I have to say, considering the experience, I'm glad we thought ahead."
"That sounds distinctly ominous, given that it's only the first day of term. Not even that, in fact." Shunsui's features became grave and he slung his arm across his companion's shoulders, leading him across towards the main entrance with a sigh. "And I'm sure it has connections to Endou Yayoi-sama's inconveniently timed death, too – you've heard about that, I trust?"
"Mm. Going through that way, we heard bits and pieces." Juushirou agreed. "And you needn't look worried. In the end it was all right – but some guards raided the inn Kira and I stayed at, and he in particular took a healthy dose of heebie-jeebies from the attack."
"Guards?" Shunsui looked startled, then, "Looking for what?"
"No idea. They didn't seem to find it." Juushirou sighed. "I thought maybe it was me – but when they saw Kira and my border tokens, they left us alone. I would've thought if they were bothered about finding an Academy student, they'd have questioned us more closely – so maybe not."
"Seimaru acts in funny ways, and his leash has almost been removed now." Shunsui warned. "Just watch your step, all right? If you have to travel back that way, at least vary the paths you take. I'm serious," As Juushirou frowned. "Or try and get Ryuu-kun and his people to escort you more often. He likes you, and so does Edogawa-san – so I'm sure it'd be possible to call in favours."
"The Kuchiki-ke don't really like granting favours to low born individuals." Juushirou looked rueful. "And I'm here now. But I will keep it in mind. Seriously, Shunsui – I'm glad to be well away from District Seven."
"A sentiment I imagine Hirata is sharing." Shunsui reflected. "Considering what you've just said."
"Yes." Juushirou sighed. "Have you seen him? Is he…are he and Shihouin-kun here yet?"
"Not seen them." Shunsui shook his head. "But so far the fears Nii-sama and I both had for the Endou administration haven't materialised. Yayoi-sama's death might have provoked mass slaughter or at the very least political arrests. But the last communication my brother had from the border outposts was that Misashi-dono had been formally appointed as an advisor to Shouichi-sama's inner council – an apparent final promise to his dying wife to mend the rifts in the family."
"What?" Juushirou faltered, staring at his companion in surprise, and Shunsui nodded.
"Nii-sama reacted that way, too." He agreed. "But it's true enough. Rumours have it that Yayoi-sama was as cunning a negotiator on her death bed as she's been through her whole life. Many of the Endou-ke would not accept Seimaru as Shouichi-sama's heir over Misashi-dono without her say-so, and Shouichi-sama didn't want a civil war. So in return for reaching out an olive branch to Misashi-dono, Yayoi-sama acknowledged Seimaru. There was a meeting, a document, and seals exchanged."
"But now she's dead, what's to stop him reneging?" Juushirou demanded, and Shunsui's grin widened.
"The fact that she was a cunning old lady, that's what." He responded. "Part of Yayoi-sama's stipulations involved sending copies of the documentation to the borders – to the Kuchiki-ke and to Nii-sama. Therefore they've been witnessed by outside Clans, making it Council jurisdiction if the ruling is breached. That's why I know about it – our copy was brought by Misashi-dono's personal messenger, who also happens to be a former resident of our District and so can cross the border unmolested. It came not long before I left for here, and Nii-sama thought I'd want to know. So long as Shouichi-sama is head of the Endou-ke – Misashi-dono and his family can't be touched."
Juushirou let out a sigh of relief.
"Then Hirata's family are safe?"
"For the time being, yes." Shunsui nodded. "No doubt Shouichi-sama didn't like making the concession – but he made it, and now it must stand. And it buys them some time, too. Shouichi-sama is an old man, but a strong one and still well able to lead and wield his sword. He's Gotei, don't forget – and he outstrips Seimaru still in influence, strength and ability. So he'll retain his crown for some time to come yet – time enough for Hirata to gain the strength needed to challenge for the Clan – if that is still his plan."
"Given this, it might not be necessary. If things are that way, Misashi-dono must be Seimaru's heir, now." Juushirou murmured. "Oh, but I'm glad. From how Hirata described his Grandmother, I suppose I should have known she'd have a contingency plan, even at death."
He shrugged.
"We shouldn't talk like this, anyway." He added. "We're at school, not a political rally- and I for one would like to build on last term's relative quietness and focus on studying what we're meant to be here doing."
"Nii-sama said something similar to me, too." Shunsui agreed. "But listen, Juu. We're not first years any more. They're going to want us to do more work this year, and they're less likely to take excuses, either. Are you sure you're ready for that?"
"Yes. And looking forward to it." Juushirou grinned. "I've managed to practice a little in the holiday, so I'm eager to learn new things."
"Practice?" Shunsui faltered, staring at his friend in consternation. "You do that kind of thing in your free time?"
"Unlike you, Shunsui, I actually enjoy classes." Juushirou laughed, clapping his friend on the shoulder. "And yes. I managed to disarm Hiro three times in succession with my bokutou, which he was most put out about. And when it was quiet, I walked down to the beach and cast a few spells into the ether before breakfast. It's difficult to do that when the kids are around - so I had to creep out - but I managed it."
Shunsui let out a heavy sigh.
"You're beginning second year in workaholic form, then? Figures." He said resignedly. "Oh well. Let's at least sign in and then you can make me feel lazy and incompetent by telling me all the things you've managed to achieve in our off time."
"It's a little funny, not being first years any more." As they approached the steps to the school's big front entrance, Juushirou glanced around him, a pensive look in his hazel eyes. "This time last year...so much has happened since then. When Kamikura-sensei brought me then, I didn't know anything or anyone. It seemed like a huge building full of people. I was just thinking when you appeared that this was like my home from home - and so many of the faces are familiar, too."
"This year we'll get to use asauchi, too, don't forget." Shunsui shot him an amused glance. "Proper swords, not just sticks. Aren't we grown up?"
"Mm." Juushirou laughed. "You might think it's a joke, Shunsui - but I'm quite looking forward to the first time we get to practice using asauchi. It will feel more and more like we're heading towards becoming Shinigami."
His gaze rested on the senior student standing at the entrance, and his brows knitted together.
"But...isn't that...Nagoya-senpai?"
"There's no fooling you, even after a few weeks away." Shunsui grinned. "Looks like him to me. The annoyed expression and high class clothing rather give him away, don't they?"
"But...Nagoya-senpai was a Senior last year." Juushirou's brows knitted. "Why is he back here this? That's strange - isn't it?"
"Wouldn't know." Shunsui shrugged his shoulders. "Though I did hear it said that Nagoya-senpai was younger than Anideshi and the others, so maybe that's why. Sensei decided he needed more time."
"Mm. Maybe." Juushirou pursed his lips. "But...Nagoya-senpai actually helping out...?"
"I guess Sensei must've collared him when he arrived." Shunsui rolled his eyes. "I can't imagine why that was a good idea, but no doubt Yama-jii knows what he's doing. Nagoya-senpai never seemed to give two hoots about anything any other students were doing - I'm quite impressed, actually, that Sensei's even made him go this far."
"But I wonder why he is still here." Juushirou looked pensive. "Even if he is young...he was a Senior last year, and if his age was a problem, surely Sensei would just have kept him out of that class until he was ready?"
"Maybe, although it might be hard to do if you're dealing with a Kuchiki who's got a bucketload of pride to add to the mix." Shunsui reflected. "If you don't care about your life, you could ask him - but there's a storm in those eyes, and silence might be a better strategy."
"I think you're right." Juushirou acknowledged. "Let's just sign our names in - and leave well alone. No doubt we'll find out everything we need to know in due course, after all."
"No doubt." Shunsui echoed, as they joined the crowd of students making their way up the steps to the main entrance. "Onwards and upwards - so the saying goes."
"Are you spouting rubbish already, Shunsui?"
The shrill voice of Shiba Sora broke through the conversation at that moment, as a whirlwind seemed to come out of the crowd towards them, flinging one arm around Shunsui's shoulders and one around Juushirou's as a dark head popped up between them, casting them both warm grins. "Well, you both made it back to Second Year - which I guess is something in itself, given the adventures of First."
"Your manners are as bad as ever, though, Sora-chan." Shunsui pulled a face in her direction. "Even now I feel we should be calling you Saru instead of Sora - you act more like a monkey than a human being, the way you grab hold of people at a moment's notice."
"Given your reputation, you're no doubt an expert on grabbing." Sora retorted, shooting him the most expressively ugly grimace she could manage, before turning her attention to Juushirou with a grin.
"How about you, Juushirou-kun? You look like you've had a long trip - were the roads bad for you as well?"
"It was a bit...full of unexpected people, yes." Juushirou said ruefully. "I'm glad to have finally stopped travelling, to tell you the truth."
"Next time we'll have to work it so you travel with me." Sora decided. "Since you don't live far from our border and those trader paths are tedious and then some, if you listen to the merchants moan. If you came with us, it'd be much quicker and nobody would bother to check your papers - the Shiba-ke scare the hell out of most of the other Clans, so it'd be fine."
"That's because the Shiba produce specimens like you." Shunsui disentangled himself from her grasp, tapping her gently on the head. "But I don't think that's a bad idea. Maybe you should travel with Sora, Juu-kun. I won't be on hand to play chaperon till you reach the borders of Eight, unfortunately...or maybe fortunately, depending on how the mood goes."
"Shunsui..." Juushirou sent his companion a resigned look, and Sora thwapped her fellow Clansman across the chest, shooting him a dark look.
"Stop trying to invent scandals that don't exist." She said indignantly. "Juushirou is my friend, and you know it. There's nothing funny or like that between us - so stop pretending that there is."
"Shunsui says things like that about everyone. I've gotten immune." Juushirou assured her. "Just ignore it, Sora. It just shows he's in full form and his normal annoying self, that's all."
"So cold." Shunsui pretended to look hurt. "And we've been parted for so long too - Juu-chan, how could you?"
"You see my point?" Juushirou met Sora's gaze, and Sora grinned.
"He's a good friend for you, Shunsui." She reflected. "He puts up with your nonsense admirably - you should shut up and appreciate it."
"How about you all shut up and sign in before you block the doorway for everyone else?"
An austere voice cut across them, and Juushirou glanced up, meeting the exasperated grey eyes of the senior student on duty. He frowned, pursing his lips as he took in the older boy's stiff demeanour.
Yes, there was no doubt. He was definitely not happy.
Nagoya Shirogane was something of an enigma to Juushirou. Though he had been in the Senior class the previous year, he had rarely seemed to be involved in any of the things the others had been, and whilst the other Seniors had rallied round to provide guidance for the younger students and errands for the staff, somehow Shirogane had avoided the bulk of these - instead ensconcing himself in the Senior study with his books or his flute. A descendant of the Kuchiki-ke, he was elegant and fine-featured, a haughty laziness and condescension in both his manner and his appearance that had always rubbed Juushirou up the wrong way. He was both intelligent and gifted, about that there was no doubt, and the distinctive curled hilt of the sword at his waist proved that he had already succeeded in summoning a sword of his own. Probably, given his Kuchiki heritage, he already had a well controlled shikai release, and Juushirou thought it strange that, given that fact, the boy should still be there in front of them, robed in the clothing of the Academy.
"Well?" Shirogane snapped now, glaring at them each in turn. "Or have you forgotten your names in the short time you've been away from the school?"
"No, Senpai. We've not forgotten our names, or yours." Shunsui met the older boy's eyes with solemn ones of his own, innocence in his expression as he obediently took the brush that Shirogane had jabbed out in their direction. "We were just catching up on each other's news - that's all."
"You can do that when you're out of my way." Shirogane said inflexibly. "And if you know who you are, shut up and mark your name."
"Class Three this year." Juushirou squinted at the list over his friend's shoulder, a faint smile on his lips as Shunsui made an elaborate gesture, sweeping the brush slowly and deliberately across the page to mark the box beneath his name. "I suppose that's the top class for the second year, judging by the listing. Otherwise we're the same, though. Last term's exams settled that - no changes in personnel."
"Can I mark Sora and Juu in too, Senpai? Or would you rather they proved their reading abilities to you as well, considering we're now second years?" Shunsui raised his dark eyes once more to Shirogane's slate ones, and the Senior's brows knitted together.
"So long as you're all marked in, I quite frankly couldn't care less how you do it." He said archly. "So do it and get out of my way before you really make me cross."
"God knows what really cross is, because I'd call that hopping mad." Sora muttered, even as Shunsui put a neat mark beneath her and Juushirou's names, turning to indicate to them that he was done. "And at last - let's get out of this crush. Are you heading to the dorm to unpack your belongings now, or are you going to take a break in the common room first?"
"Let's get out of the monitor demon's line of sight first." Shunsui suggested, as they hurried along the corridor towards the big main staircase. "No kidding that he's ticked off - something major must have happened, because he's definitely on the verge of a full scale sulk."
"Sora, do you know what the story is?" Juushirou questioned, as they reached an empty stretch of hall, and Sora dimpled, nodding her head as they paused to catch their breath.
"Of course. The Shiba know everything." She said simply. "And Father's on the board, remember, so he knows more than most when it comes to the school."
"Well?" Shunsui leant back against the wood panel wall, folding his arms across his chest. "What happened, then? Why is he even here? He was in last year's Senior Class - he should have graduated to squad by now."
"Uh-huh." Sora shook her head. "Nagoya-senpai hasn't graduated. Not yet, in any case."
"Not...yet?" Juushirou's eyes became big. "But he has a zanpakutou, and he can release it - why not?"
Sora held up her hand, beginning to count the reasons off on her fingers.
"One, he's still only nineteen and a half. He's like Hirata, and enrolled here when he was fifteen." She said frankly. "So that means he was a lot younger than Anideshi and the others - he summoned his sword and skipped up from the end of his third year into the Senior Class, whereas the others all went there from their fifth. Two, the head of the Kuchiki-ke flat out refused to have what he termed a 'juvenile' as a ranking member of his squad. Three, he paid no attention to the junior students last year and Sensei therefore thinks he needs to be more actively involved with them before he can be called squad-ready."
"Yeesh." Shunsui grimaced. "That means that he's going to be actively involved with us...how lovely. I'm so looking forward to that."
"So Sensei kept him back because he was good at the studying side of it but not the responsibility side of it?" Juushirou murmured. "I see. I suppose that makes sense. Nagoya-senpai may have done duty last year in the library from time to time, but I never saw him get involved in anything else. And when he was there he spent his time reading, rather than actually helping anyone out."
"Plus, his attitude sucks. He looks down on everyone who isn't Kuchiki-ke." Shunsui supplemented. "And I've even heard him talk down to some who are."
"Yes. I've had that experience, too." Juushirou sighed. "So we're stuck with him? Great."
"Mm. Maybe not all year, though." Sora shook her head. "Only till he's turned twenty and has proven he can be responsible in a squad. The thing is, you guys, Nagoya-senpai is one of the more gifted members of the Kuchiki-ke for a while now. And the reason they won't have him yet is because the vacancy being kept open is essentially the Clan leader's right hand man in the Sixth District squad. Vice Captain, I suppose you'd call it. Considering that the Kuchiki-ke's Clan Leader is often involved in family business, his second-in-command would have to be pretty kickass capable. And they want it to be Nagoya-senpai. But...on current form..."
"He doesn't make the grade." Shunsui pursed his lips. "So we get the pleasure of him instead. Joy."
"Something like that." Sora grimaced. "But I think it'll be the first years who get him most of all. See, the other thing is that Sensei's denoted him as Anideshi this year."
"He's done what?" Juushirou's eyes became huge, and Sora shrugged.
"If you keep a Senior back, and say it's because he was too young last year, you have to somehow make amends with the Kuchiki pride and not offend the Clan in the process." She said evenly. "And if he's going to be a Vice Captain type of figure, he needs to be in that position. So he can't avoid being involved with the other students now - Sensei's made sure of it. And I think he knows it too, probably. That's why he's there - even though he's annoyed. He realises that it won't just be Sensei's wrath he'll face, but the leader of the Kuchiki-ke. And that's not a wrath anyone ever wants to face. Believe me."
Shunsui sighed heavily.
"Well, there goes any hopes of having a fun second year." He said regretfully. "If Cheery-sama is going to be in our face all the time, we'll never get away with anything at all."
"You should take a lesson from it." Juushirou advised. "If you skip off classes, you get held back. And if we all graduated and you didn't - you'd be all by yourself, wouldn't you?"
"Shut up." Shunsui looked rueful. "You know I'm not going to let that happen. I'm sticking with you guys, whether you like it or you don't. You're the only thing that makes enforced study bearable."
"I think that was a compliment, Sora." Juushirou cast the girl a grin, and Sora dimpled, nodding her head.
"Yep. I think it was." She said playfully. "Maybe we've cracked him, after all."
She offered Shunsui an amused glance, then,
"I'm going to run on up to the dorm and see if Mitsuki or Naoko have got back yet. Try and keep him out of trouble at least for first night, Juushirou - and I'll no doubt see you either at dinner or class roll call tomorrow morning."
"I'll do my best." Juushirou promised, and Sora grinned, haring off down the hallway towards the main stairs.
Once she was gone, Shunsui sighed.
"As much a whirlwind as ever." He murmured. "Oh well. It's gone now. Shall we follow her example and head upstairs?"
"To our dorm, I presume?" Juushirou raised an eyebrow, and Shunsui snorted.
"Of course! Where else?"
"If it was anyone else's suggestion, I wouldn't be asking." Juushirou said pointedly. "But considering the way you are, I wanted to be sure you weren't planning a raid on the girls' dorm while they were unpacking undergarments."
"It's so nice to know what you think of me, Juu-kun." Shunsui rolled his eyes, but there was amusement in his tones. "No. I meant our dorm. Flirting with the girls can wait till we've at least settled back in. There's a whole term ahead of us, after all - let's not spoil all the fun on the first night!"
Endou Hirata unfastened his thick cape, folding it neatly over his arm and setting it to one side as he removed his travel boots with a heavy sigh. It was not a long way from District Two to One, but the trip had been a difficult one nonetheless. He had risen early, yet they had not left till late morning on account of the news that had been received just as they had been preparing to depart - and as it had begun to sink in, Hirata had immediately begun to think of the potential ramifications for his family.
Obaasama is dead. I'm exiled from District Seven. I'm barely trained...and now what will happen? Is Grandfather really going to acknowledge Father? Is Seimaru going to accept that? No matter what they say, it worries me. No matter what they say...I can't help but worry, knowing how things are.
"Are you coming or are you going to stand here and stare at the wall for the rest of the evening?"
The sharp question of his companion brought him back to himself and he turned, a rueful expression in his pale blue eyes.
"I'm coming. I'm sorry, Kai-kun. I'm trying not to dwell on it, but it seems to be all I can do right now."
"Right now it's not your problem. Right now, there is no problem." Shihouin Kai grabbed him by the arm, taking his cloak and tossing it over his own shoulder. "So stop it. I haven't seen you cry over something in at least two months - let's not break that record by starting now, all right? Crying when you've been beaten black and blue in kenjitsu training is one thing. Crying over something you can't change is another."
Hirata was silent for a moment, then he nodded.
"I know." He said slowly. "I'm sorry."
"Then stop saying sorry and move." Kai said gruffly. "We've done nothing but talk about this the whole ride here, and it's enough, okay? If you care that much about helping out, then put it out of your mind and focus on training to be stronger."
He led his companion along the hallway and up the main stairs, not stopping until they reached the dormitory which had been a home from home for them both since the beginning of their studies the previous spring. Somehow that first night seemed more than a year ago - Hirata smiled faintly, reaching up to adjust his glasses on his nose as he remembered how frightened and homesick he had been then.
And now being in District One makes me feel relieved. Well, maybe Otousama would be glad about that. And at least here, all the political chaos seems further away.
"Hirata! Kai-kun!"
As the door slipped back, Shunsui's unmistakeable tones cut through his thoughts, and he stepped into the dorm proper, Kai in his wake as he gazed around him. They were the last back, then, he reflected, and somehow he felt a second flood of relief at the sight of his classmates gathered together in such normal, mundane style.
In his corner, the stiff-mannered Kuchiki Ryuu was laying out his belongings in fastidious piles, but at their entrance he raised his head, casting Kai a derisive look before offering Hirata a slight bow of his head.
"You were late back." He said in his arch, aloof tones. "Have the Shihouin become so poor at reading maps that they can't even manage to get from one division to the next without taking a wrong turn?"
"It's first night, Kuchiki. Let it go." Before either could react, the eldest member of the group raised his voice, casting them both a warm grin as he got to his feet. At more than six foot and built like a house, Houjou Enishi was considered something of a hulk or a giant to many, but to Hirata he was one of the first real friends the boy had ever had, and as Enishi clapped a warm hand down on the young boy's shoulder, Hirata offered him a grin in return, taking in the relaxed atmosphere that filled the chamber.
Between the bunks belonging to Juushirou and Shunsui, the two boys had spread out what looked like a makeshift shougi board drawn out with ink on expensive pink fabric. There the similarity ended, however, for the game pieces comprised various odd items such as Shunsui's Clan emblem, three noble hairties, one of Enishi's rings and a broken segment of bokutou that by some mysterious means had found its way into Shunsui's hands at the end of the previous term. This kind of shougi had become affectionately known as 'Shungi', as it had first been devised by Shunsui during one long and boring stormy night, and most of its rules would have made generations of tacticians turn in their graves, for they consisted of various forfeits and random dares. Many of these were also of Shunsui's own invention, and whilst he still stubbornly lost every game of proper shougi he was ever challenged to, he was rarely defeated at his own pet game. Despite this fact, though, it had become a popular activity in the dorm, and only the staid Ryuu had so far refused to compromise his pride enough to play.
"We'll call it a night, Juu, so that Hirata can get to his bunk." Shunsui said now, reaching across to grab the corners of the cloth board and pulling them together. "We were pretty even, after all, this time."
"All right." Juushirou shrugged, sitting back against his bunk with a smile at the newcomers. "I was starting to worry about the pair of you, though."
"We left later than we planned to originally." Hirata responded. "But that's my fault. The news about my Gran came through just as we were going, and Midori-sama thought it would be wiser to send an extra retainer with me to cross the border, just in case of any problems. She's protective of me, after all - and we had to wait till the retainer in question returned from an earlier mission. So that's why we're back as late as this."
"We heard about Yayoi-sama." Shunsui looked grave. "I'm sorry."
"I wasn't close to her, but her dying does worry me some." Hirata sighed. "But at least if it's true that Father and Grandfather have reconciled...that's something, at the very least."
"It's true, Hirata-kun." Shunsui nodded. "Our Clan have been sent documents as witness to the fact."
"The Kuchiki likewise." Ryuu chipped in at that moment. "You should not worry, Hirata. Shouichi-sama may be a ruthless heathen, but he is a man of his word. He has sealed this document and allowed it to be witnessed by objective Clan members. He intends to honour it."
"I hadn't realised he'd done that." Some of the weight lifted off Hirata's heart at this. "So he is serious."
"Yayoi-sama seems to have made it a stipulation of the agreement, if Nii-sama's to be believed." Shunsui grinned. "So you just work on building up your strength - for now, your family are fine."
"Thank goodness for that." Hirata sighed, sinking down onto his bed. "I was worried."
"He's done nothing but talk about it since we left, so I'm glad too." Kai grimaced. "It's not that I don't understand - but there's not much to be done about it from District Two. At least if it's that way - maybe the kid will let it drop for a while."
"I'm not a kid." Hirata shot Kai a cross look, and Shunsui chuckled, shaking his head.
"At sixteen, I guess you're really not any more, are you?" He reflected. "It's a pity. You were so much cuter last year. Now you're starting to get a sense of self about you - I'm going to have to stop calling you Hirata-chan, aren't I?"
Despite himself, Hirata reddened.
"I'm not Hirata-chan." He objected firmly. "I never liked you calling me that at all, Kyouraku-kun. And especially not now."
"Yeah, you'd better mind out what you say." Kai looked amused, stretching out on his bunk and slipping his hands behind his head as he glanced from Hirata to Shunsui. "He can actually hold a bokutou the proper way now, and even manage to land a few hits before he drops it or falls over his feet."
"Kai-kun!" colour flooded Hirata's features, and Kai chuckled.
"He's coming on quite well, considering he's such a physical weakling." He relented. "I don't think he's ever going to be a star in the Ouyoudou department, but at least I think he'll be able to disarm some of the lower level people in Minabe's class. He's made improvements - and there is one thing in his favour. He's quick. If he can focus on that - I think he'll be fine. Everyone has their own style, after all - and it's just a case of finding his particular strengths."
"But this year we begin proper sword work, with proper asauchi." Shunsui pointed out.
"I know." Kai agreed. "And they're heavier than the bokutou we've been using. But I promised I'd help Hirata train in the holidays, if he remained a ward of District Two. And I have. We've done some sword work, too - he'll be fine, Kyouraku. Don't worry about that."
"Am I the only one who's never touched an actual sword?" Juushirou asked plaintively, and Ryuu cast him a faint smile.
"You have superior kenjutsu skills to Hirata, no matter how much practice he has done." He said firmly. "You will have no trouble transferring the skill, Ukitake. You are a natural, after all."
"I'm not sure if that's praise to Juu or a dig at Kai's training." Shunsui was amused. "You're on good form today, Ryuu-kun."
"There was nothing humorous in what I said." Ryuu seemed affronted. "And of course a compliment was paid. Ukitake has a good fighting technique. That's obvious to even the most basic of amateurs."
"I don't think Shunsui was trying to offend you, Kuchiki-kun." Juushirou hurried to smoothe it over, and Ryuu tut-tutted under his breath.
"Even now, you have better manners than Kyouraku does." He said resignedly. "Nobody has ever given you leave to call me by my first name, Kyouraku. Nor have they given you leave to call Hirata by such a derogatory nickname. You would do well to pay attention to Ukitake in this regard. He, at least, understands that there are ways in which you address those around you - and certain rules have to be met."
"Kuchiki, shut up." Kai grimaced, rolling his eyes. "Kyouraku is Kyouraku. That's how he is with anyone, and there's no use getting offended by it now."
"I hadn't realised my terms of address were under such scrutiny." Shunsui was not noticeably crushed. "My sincere apologies, Kuchiki-sama. I won't do it again."
"Until tomorrow, most probably." Enishi laughed, breaking the rising tension with his good-natured comments. "Though honestly, with us spending so much time together, it doesn't bother me. If people want to call me Houjou, then that's fine - but if they want to use Enishi, I won't be offended. Kyouraku's the only one who does - but it's a good name and I don't mind folk using it."
"You should be more discerning, Houjou." Ryuu reflected. "An open invitation is one you may eventually come to regret."
He shrugged.
"I do not mind Ukitake calling me by my given name, since he is polite enough to use it respectfully." He added. "But otherwise, I dislike it being casually tossed about."
He sent Shunsui a meaningful look, and Shunsui chuckled.
"Ruffling your feathers is one of my favourite pastimes, unfortunately." He said regretfully. "My apologies, Ryuu-kun - but it's like Kai says. It's how I am. Rude and annoying and very rarely attentive to social standing."
"And there you go again." Ryuu sighed heavily once more. "I suppose it is true. You are a hopeless case after all."
"It's just Shunsui." Juushirou grinned. "But I'm like Enishi. I don't mind people using either Ukitake or Juushirou - not now we're all friends like we are. And now I know it's all right, I'll start using Enishi-kun and Ryuu-kun as well as Hirata-kun and Shunsui. It sounds friendlier that way, after all."
"Then you might as well add me to your little buddy list too." Kai waved his hand languidly in the white-haired boy's direction. "I'm not particularly offended by my name, and you're welcome to use it if you like."
He stifled a yawn.
"Right now I'm too tired to really bother about who calls me what, but I haven't any real objections. Being tagged Shihouin has been a tricky one since last summer - so I'm quite okay with being Kai."
"Did you manage to even eat? You both missed dinner here." Juushirou asked anxiously, and Hirata nodded.
"We paused en route and grabbed something quickly in one of the towns." He agreed quietly. "We're fine, Ukitake-kun. Just tired."
"It was a long ride, somehow." Kai grimaced. "I don't mind riding with most of my sister's staff, but when we're being body-guarded by one of Uncle's old battlers, well, it's more difficult to talk freely. The guy's intensely loyal to the Clan and would rather cut off his own head than betray anyone of Shihouin blood - but he's old school and you have to be so careful what you say around him."
"He's quite scary." Hirata agreed, pushing his glasses further up his nose as if to emphasise his point. "I didn't know what to say to him really at all. And I don't think he liked the idea that he was protecting me more than he was Kai - because I'm not Shihouin."
"Neesama's made it clear that you're her ally and that's the end of it." Kai assured him. "Most of the staff accept it without any problems at all -you needn't worry."
"Maybe they think Midori-sama's planning to marry Hirata instead of Seimaru." Shunsui suggested provocatively, and Hirata's eyes almost fell out of his head.
"Kyouraku-kun!"
"Hirata's a little young to be getting married." Enishi grinned. "Especially to a dame like Midori-sama."
"In Shunsui's strange mind, all alliances are potential scandals to be exploited at the first opportunity." Juushirou said wryly. "Don't mind him, Hirata. He hasn't had anyone to tease for a few weeks, and it's starting to have a negative effect on him. That's all."
"Enishi's more Midori-sama's age, in any case." Shunsui agreed casually. "You're twenty, after all - and she's about what, twenty one? That might be more appropriate - Hirata is still a babe in comparison."
Enishi laughed.
"If I landed a woman as pretty and as clever as Midori-sama, I'd not know what to do with her." He said pragmatically. "Age has little to do with it, Kyouraku. I'm not in her league."
Shunsui sighed.
"You're always so up front and honest about things." He observed. "That's not a bad thing - but it makes it less fun teasing you about things like that."
"None of us are thinking about girls or marriage or any of that right now, anyway. We're all at the Academy to train, not find a prospective soulmate." Juushirou pointed out.
"Soulmate?" Shunsui snorted. "What fairy stories do you read, Juu? I said nothing about soulmates. Just life is a more interesting prospect if it's co-ed. That's all."
"Sora's a girl." Enishi pointed out. "And so are Edogawa and Shikibu. Isn't that co-ed enough for you?"
"Sora?" Shunsui grinned, shaking her head. "Sora's my sister, more or less. What kind of guy are you taking me for? No. Even if she wasn't like a typhoon to talk to, she's off the radar. Mitsuki-chan...well, she's a pretty girl, that's for sure. Bu-u-ut, she has scary Clan connections, so any potential suitors would probably be filleted alive. And as for Naoko-chan - much as I love flirting with her, she's far too fussy to take seriously."
"What do you mean, scary Clan connections?" Ryuu demanded. "Are you insulting the Kuchiki again?"
"Witness, one scary Clan connection." Shunsui laughed, indicating Ryuu. "I rest my case."
"I fail to see the point." Ryuu frowned, and Shunsui shook his head.
"You wouldn't like it if someone messed with your cousin's honour, would you?" He asked softly, and Hirata frowned, his keen senses noticing the change in tone as the question was asked.
Ryuu tossed his head.
"If it was you, blatantly not." He said frankly. "Even if your bloodline is suitable - your manner is not. No, Kyouraku. If that is your suggestion, you are correct. I would not allow any 'messing' to happen to Mitsuki or her honour. As a Kuchiki, I would protect her. And so would Shirogane-senpai."
"Ah yes. Our new Anideshi." Shunsui rolled his eyes. "How pleasant of you to remind me of him."
"Are you keen on Edogawa, Kyouraku?" Enishi eyed Shunsui quizzically, and Shunsui shook his head.
"No." He said honestly. "She is pretty, and she does have an appeal that's all her own. But no. She's not my type. I was just hypothesising."
"Ensure that you keep it that way." Ryuu said archly, returning his attention to his unpacking, and Hirata frowned, taking in Shunsui's expression before turning to do the same.
What was that in aid of? Kyouraku-kun never asks questions without there being a reason. Was he just teasing Kuchiki-kun, after all? But why bring Edogawa-san into it? If he's not interested in her...does that mean...
He paused, seeing Shunsui quickly glance Juushirou's way, and his eyes widened.
Is that it? Is it Ukitake-kun who likes Edogawa-san?
He frowned, processing this information for a moment.
"Something wrong, Hirata-kun?" Juushirou's voice cut though his ponderings, and he reddened, shaking his head hard enough for his glasses to slip down his nose.
"No. Nothing's wrong." He said quickly, straightening them with a hasty left hand. "I was just thinking."
"About your Gran? Or about Shunsui's hopeless affliction where women are concerned?" Juushirou grinned, and at the openness in the other boy's hazel eyes, Hirata felt twice as puzzled.
If that was what Kyouraku-kun was getting at, I guess he was way off base. Ukitake-kun is the same Ukitake-kun, even despite all of that talking. If it was different, he'd have taken something from it, I'm sure. So then it makes even less sense. Maybe Kyouraku was just teasing, after all – or I'm reading too much into it. But it looks a lot to me like he thinks Ukitake-kun likes Edogawa-san - even if Ukitake-kun doesn't seem to think so himself.
"Both." He said now, returning the grin with a sheepish one of his own. "I guess overall I was thinking that it's nice to be back."
"Yes. It is that." Juushirou nodded. "Back to what passes as normality at the Academy. It's good to see everyone again, Hirata - and I'm really looking forward to everything this term will bring."
Author's Note:
'Saru' - the Japanese word for monkey. ;)
Nagoya Shirogane
This guy had a cameo role in the Second Manuscript. He has a very particular role to play in my mind in this story and has had it since I wrote about him in the other story - so hence he got held back (and is a tad ticked with me about it, too).