Chapter four:
(A few months later)
Ichigo's POV
A couple of weeks ago, both squad six and nine were sent out to Hueco Mundo. Finishing off the Arrancar for good was the main priority, any other hollows on top was a bonus, however there was an incident where both squads suffered heavy casualties. Renji had taken over the position of captain of squad nine and I took over as squad six lieutenant in his place. Somehow I lost control again and it resulting in me becoming a hollow myself. When I came to, I was in the squad four barracks- Obviously losing myself had taken its toll and Captain Unohana informed me of my misdeeds. I had injured many squad members and severely injured both Renji and Byakuya as well as a couple of seated officers when they tried to stop me going on a rampage, without killing me. The worst thing is, I could see everything that was happening but I could do nothing to stop it.
Unohana told me they'd be out-of-action for a while, meaning I was to make sure everything remained calm in squad six for the time being. As soon as I could,I visited Renji, he seemed to be doing okay, nearly covered in bandages but better than I expected.
"So you'll be released soon?" I was currently sat in the chair beside Renji's bed, I visited nearly every day with Rukia. "Yeah, when I do I'm going to kick your ass and send you back here though so watch out…" We both chuckled and I got up to leave "Have you been to see Captain Kuchiki yet?" I paused and shook my head, I haven't dared to go near there since Unohana told me what happened. "You should. Regardless of how you feel he is your Captain after all, well I'll see you around~" I nodded and left the room, closing the door behind me. Do I dare go and visit Byakuya? I guess Renji's right but is it wise to do so… I decided to take the risk and venture to his room. What's the worst that could happen?
I knocked on the door, or else be scolded for it "Yes?" I opened the door and poked my head round the side. "Can I come in?" He set the book he was reading down on his lap and looked at me "If you must" So cold. I stepped in and closed the door behind me, taking a seat in the chair by the wall. "Might I inquire why you're here? I assumed you-" I held up my hand to silence him, a bold decision on my part. "You assume too much, I felt guilty but I haven't dared to come here because you're so damn unforgiving" His expression was priceless, he actually looked shocked at what I said. "Anyway. I'm sorry I put you here again, even though the first time wasn't entirely my fault" He frowned at me and looked away, I assumed irritated. "I have a question for you, answer me this honestly, do you truly hate me or is it just a farce?" I was tempted to say yes but then I'd be lying."Well… Truthfully no, I don't. Why do you care though?" I heard a quiet sigh and he looked at me once more, this time with an unreadable expression. "I don't really but if you hated me you wouldn't care what happened to me, you wouldn't have felt guilty and on top of that your drunk behaviour wouldn't have resulted in what it did" God damn it. I wanted to give a snide comment in return but I had none.
"Akira also told me something interesting, she said that you looked relieved when you found out that she was just a friend of mine. She's very intuitive, mind how you act around her. I'll admit it amused me to hear that, care to tell me why or will you simply deny it?" Damn… Was it that obvious? "Even if I did deny it, you already know why. Are you trying to embarrass me?" The very small smirk that tugged at his lips kinda told me that was his intent. "If you know that I already found out why are you avoiding the question? The growing blush on your face and Akira's words tell me everything I need to know regardless of your answer" All I could do to preserve what was left of my dignity with silence.