Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach!
Conversing the Dragon
Pairing: Hitsugaya(Toushirou)/Rukia
Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Friendship/ActionAdventure/Drama
Summary: Now the head-captain of Seireitei Hitsugaya is suffering from stress and many other problems. Seeing his distress a rather concerned Rukia hopes to comfort him by talking—not knowing the change in destiny she makes for them both.
Warnings: Crack pairing, mild-AU, sex, maybe possessive and dark moments, mild Out-Of-Characterness, minor/some clichés, and language
Chapter Seven
In a Name
Rukia was limping painfully as she made her way back to the society with Hitsugaya. The same arms that held her in comfort were now keeping her stead on the trek back. It was making her a bit light headed. His natural scent was driving her crazy and despite being picked up and carried by quite a few men in her life, something about his arms and body made her weak body even weaker.
"I'm alright, Hitsugaya-soutaichou. I can walk on my own. Really."
He sneered, "You will fall flat on your face the moment I release you. Just shut up and take my help." He commanded, making her sigh. "I should be carrying you back."
"I can walk." She huffed.
"Are you trying to piss me off?" He snapped, green eyes narrowed. "Because if you are, good news, it's working." Hitsugaya hated it when his orders and intelligence were argued against. And apparently this was one of her many habits. She would argue against him, especially if it was concerning herself.
She pursed her lips, "Shouldn't I be the one in the bad mood? I failed the test, you didn't…though I guess you should be a bit upset at the fact that you missed out on three days of work."
"Will you let that go?" Hitsugaya hissed, growing more and more aggravated by her apathetic-attitude towards herself. "I told you I was fine with it. You didn't fail nor did you disappoint me." He then heaved a heavy sigh before he looked over at her.
Her body was still battered and it was taking a bit of strain for her to walk. She had pushed herself to the limit—instantly his eyes softened and those protective instincts were brought back into the surface, "I'm sorry…I shouldn't have snapped at you. But your attitude and how you are missing the big-picture is annoying."
"Missing the big-picture?" She repeated, her brows furrowing together in confusion. "How am I missing the big-picture?"
He heaved another tired sigh before he stopped their walking and turned and looked at her, making her do the same. He kept their eyes locked to show that he was serious about the topic, "Kuchiki…you have just failed a huge test and you didn't reach your bankai, something you have been striving to achieve for some time…"
"Thanks for reminding me." She grumped out, trying to maneuver her way out of his hold.
Hitsugaya ignored her and held on tight, "And back there you were almost in tears, not because you failed the test, but because you thought you made me waste three days on you. Everyone else would've been upset with the fact that they failed not that they might've wasted someone's time."
Rukia shook her head, "I am disappointed remember?"
"But it's nothing compared to your disappointment in the fact that you made me waste three days." He reminded.
"I can always retake the test! And I got something out of this…you used up three days, three days that could've been used for something better than training me, and three days you will never get back. I got something out of this…you didn't."
He sighed, another headache beginning to form. He didn't think that Matsumoto gave him this many migraines, "You are too selfless for your own good…Kuchiki, why can't you think of yourself for a change? I know you are disappointed…why not scream, cry, or get emotional about that?"
Her violet eyes rolled, "I am not selfless. I don't know why you and others think that. And I should ask you the same thing. You don't get emotional when you fail something."
"First off, this isn't about me—do not change the subject. And second, I hardly ever fail at anything," He gave her a haughty smirk making her frown. "So stop making things difficult and answer me. That is an order."
She growled. She hated it when he pulled the 'head-captain' card on her.
Rukia muttered and huffed, looking away from him. She hoped he would have mercy and let her go but he didn't. Of course he didn't. And it pained Rukia to admit defeat twice in a row. "I will admit it…I am very upset about the fact that I lost and I was close to getting emotional over it. But then that thought occurred to me; that I gained something from all of this and you didn't…and then I began to feel guilty and…" She trailed off and looked sheepish. "I'm doing the scapegoat thing again, aren't I?"
He nodded, "Yes you are. We're going to need to work on that."
She groaned, "I honestly don't know how I got like this…I mean…it's weird. I just make connections that aren't always there and then it leads to me to thinking I am the blame for everything."
"Like this?"
"No, I really am to blame for this one."
He growled out dangerously, his infamous temper rising.
"But I am talking about the betrayal of Aizen and Hinamori-fukotaichou fighting you and-"
"Wait," He interrupted sharply. There was that temper of his again. "You blamed yourself for that bastard's betrayal?" He saw her body movement and could somehow read the whole story. Eyes narrowed, "People have actually blamed you for it?"
'Damn…I hate how good he is at this. I cannot be this easy to read…' She fidgeted as she looked away from his face, wondering if perhaps it was her eyes that he could read. "It's mainly those within the Kuchiki clan…in truth they don't believe I am the cause of it but-"
"Is that where this habit came from?" Hitsugaya interrupted again.
"Huh?" She blinked, confused at the question. "What do you mean?"
Hitsugaya did not look happy at all, "This scapegoat business…is that where all of this came from? From the clan?"
Rukia was silent a moment.
"I asked you a question, Kuchiki." He snarled. "Is this personality trait from staying with that fucking clan? They used you as their scapegoat all these years…"
She shrugged, "I can't be sure it is them. But if it was…I was weak in that I allowed it to affect me and mold my personality. I know that they were just being cruel and that I shouldn't allow what they say to affect me…but I allowed it to." She looked sheepish again at this confession. "This was during a period of time when I was very scared and vulnerable…"
"I see…" He was in another one of his irritable-grumpy moods. "I will need to have a discussion with Byakuya about this."
Rukia gaped, "W-What!? Why!?"
He glared at her, silencing her arguments instantly, "Because I won't have it allowed. I will not just allow a clan to put down and hurt a great warrior and comrade of mine."
'Yes, mine.' That same voice from before purred.
Hitsugaya shook it off like it was a bee buzzing about his head. 'I must really need rest.'
"B-But…" Rukia tried her best to think of some excuse to keep him at bay. It didn't sound like this would be any good for the Kuchiki clan. Facing a very upset Hitsugaya was something most have nightmares about and add an overprotective Byakuya into it? Rukia found herself pitying the whole family.
"But-"
"No." He hissed. "Now, shut up and rest and let me take you back home."
"Bu-but…alright." She gave up at his glare. His glares could be quite forceful and scary at times.
"Good." And then he scooped her up and placed her on his back.
Rukia squeaked slightly, rather shocked that she was receiving a piggyback ride from Hitsugaya Toushirou. "H-Hitsugaya-soutaichou!"
"It's faster this way…and don't argue."
"But aren't I heavy?" She asked surprised at how easy he could move with her on his back. He was shuponing easily. She guessed that was the power of a captain.
Hitsugaya sneered again, "Heavy? Kuchiki, You almost seem too light. And it sounds like you're doubting my strength as a leader. As if it's difficult to carry a body. Now keep your mouth shut and we can get there faster, understand?"
She pouted and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her nose scrunching slightly when his white hair began to tickle her. It wasn't just earth and water she smelled. It shouldn't be a surprise but there was a scent of cool mint. It was something that was totally Hitsugaya Toushirou.
She sighed, this time one that was relaxing and dreamy. She found herself very comforted by all of him, "I understand Hitsugaya-soutaichou…" It was silent for a moment and then, "Hey, what do you know about the living world's fantasy about the moon being made of cheese?"
Hitsugaya shook his head, 'At least she is better enough to talk about absolutely nothing.' "Kuchiki. I was not even aware of such idiocies."
"I wasn't either! But Karin-chan told me about it and said how stupid it was." And she went on to talk about the subject not stopping the entire way.
And Hitsugaya, surprisingly, wouldn't have it any other way.
Hitsugaya had placed her down gently outside the room of Kuchiki Byakuya, "Stay here." He commanded, making her nod. "I will be right back."
She bit her lip, "I really don't think this is necessary."
"I didn't ask for your opinion, Kuchiki. Now stay here and I will have a quick discussion with your brother…and stop chewing on your lip."
Inhaling, she nodded and stopped biting her lip, "I understand, Hitsugaya-soutaichou."
"Good." And with that walked into the room with his head held up high. He was such a natural leader. Everything about him was powerful and strong, to his body and strides to his serious face and demeanor. Even Byakuya could be put in a respectable place when facing the white-haired man.
"Ah! Kuchiki-sama!"
Rukia looked over a smiled at one of the maids of the Kuchiki household, "Hello, Kin-san. Are you well today?"
The brunette maid smiled bashfully at the girl, "I am well. I haven't seen you here in such a long time. Are you well? Oh my goodness, Kuchiki-sama, you are a mess! I shall draw a bath for you. But…uhm, before I do…was that Hitsugaya-dono I saw walking in?"
She nodded, "Yes…he's been training me. And you don't have to draw me a bath Kin-san. Thank you though."
"Oh! I am so jealous, Kuchiki-sama!" Kin stated breathlessly. "He is strong, powerful, intelligent, and absolutely stunning!"
Rukia nodded, as he cheeks grew warm. "Yes, I know. He is and he is very kind. He has done so much for me."
"Oooh. I beg your pardon if this is out of my place, but you two would make such a lovely couple! And the house would just love to have a union between you and Hitsugaya-dono."
Rukia stopped at this. Her heart sped up and twisted around. It felt worse than heartburn. "Kin-san…we are just good friends."
The maid pouted, "Aw, how disappointing…I would love to serve him." She winked at the girl before giggling, thinking the girl caught her drift. "Anyway, it is great that you are back, I hope that you spend more time here and not at the squadrons. They are no place for a noble lady such as yourself."
Rukia grimaced, "Yeah…"
Kin bowed and hurried off to continue her jobs for the house.
A sigh, 'A noble lady huh?' She then waited for Hitsugaya to come back out, hoping it would be soon. She didn't want to run in with any of the clansmen.
Luckily the wait was not very long and Hitsugaya came back out, "He wants to see you."
"Thank you. And thanks again for this." She smiled. "Are we back at the same place?" He nodded, and even though he didn't smile she knew that he was rather happy and looking forward to it. "Alright then-I will see you tomorrow, Hitsugaya-soutaichou!"
Another nod and then he was gone.
She smiled after his disappearance for a moment before her face fell as she turned and walked towards her brother's room.
"Nii-sama?"
"Sit down Rukia," He said, ushering her to kneel across the table he was at. There was already a cup of tea awaiting her.
Doing as told she looked at him rather sorrowfully.
"I see…" Byakuya stated solemnly. "You failed your test."
Rukia nodded, "Yes, nii-sama, I did. I'm sorry if I failed you and the clan. I didn't reach your expectations."
"Not everyone makes it the first time…and there are only two more reapers within this family and none of them are even in a rank nor have they taken the test to reach bankai. No one would have the right to put you down for failing on your very first try." He explained calmly, pushing forward her herbal tea. "Drink…you look unwell."
"Uh…oh, thank you." She took a sip, "Hitsugaya-soutaichou said he will personally see to it that I reach bankai." Her cheeks flushed a slight red as she remembered the hug she had received. Despite him being a controller of ice and rather cold in personality, his hold was exceptionally warm and comforting.
'Stop heart. Stop it. Don't do this to yourself. Of all people to feel this way for, the head-captain is the last person you want. He's too busy and too good for you.' Her heart still gave the twists and loops as she thought of the man. 'Please, don't do this to us.'
"That is a great honor. He is taking you under his wing and personally training you, despite his busy schedule and the fact that you have already failed once." He saw her wince slightly and elaborated. "Hitsugaya Toushirou has never been much of a patient man, even towards those he cares about. The fact that he is still offering to teach you despite failing once is something you should not take lightly."
The girl nodded, "I understand what you mean. Do not worry, nii-sama, I will reach bankai and make both you and he proud…I will live up to the Kuchiki name."
He sighed, "You are too consumed with being accepted into the clan."
"But…I don't want to dishonor them anymore or dishonor you for taking me in. They probably say terrible things about you simply because you took me in and I have never been Kuchiki material."
"You have never been Kuchiki material, and from the sound of it; don't want to be. Why are you so desperate to fit in?" He had wanted to know this for some time. He knew that Rukia would never truly fit into the noble clan. She was too kind, too pure, and too modest for them.
The Kuchiki clan was the opposite; they were cruel, they were filthy (despite their claims that they were cleaner than the common folk), and they were vain and high in their own world. Rukia didn't fit in, she shouldn't fit in and yet she wanted to…
And he had a feeling it was all for him, just so as he wouldn't be seen as a terrible head of the clan.
"It's because you are my brother and the leader…I would like to be welcomed into the family of my brother and I would love it if they all stop insulting both of us…especially you." She shook her head. "Some have even questioned your leadership for keeping up with a an—a girl like me…"
His eyes narrowed, "What was it you were going to say?"
"Huh?"
"Don't play innocent with me. You were about to say something besides girl…what was it?" He saw her wince. "An…animal?" Her head bowed and fury began to boil, but kept a calm and apathetic mask on his face. "They've called you an animal, haven't they? Simply because you are from the street."
She looked down, "Yes…"
"Rukia…I want you to stop this foolish thinking. They will never accept you as part of this family, they never did with Hisana…this family is not good enough for the two of you and probably never will be; you should never be apart of it."
Rukia blinked, "Then what should I be part of?"
"You need to figure that out on your own," And with that encrypted statement he ushered her to bed, knowing she was exhausted after her three-day ordeal.
A sigh escaped her lips, "Alright…" In truth she was very tired and really did want to go to bed and rest. "Good night, nii-sama."
He nodded back, listening as she left the room and back to her living quarters at the Thirteenth Division. He was going to have to thank Hitsugaya for conversing with him earlier on about his discovery about Rukia's, what has been now called, the scapegoat-attitude. Hopefully this talk would've pushed her a bit away from the wanting to be accepted in the family.
She would not be a part of this place…
Yes, Hitsugaya would have to be thanked personally…after he had a long talk with some select members of his clan.
Hitsugaya Toushirou rubbed the back of his neck as he gazed at his desk that was covered with papers. It was messier then when he had left it three days earlier. 'Why the hell am I not surprised?' He twitched in aggravation, that famous 'tick' beginning to form.
'I should've known this was going to happen…' He thought a growl now crawling up his throat. All he had wanted to do was take a bath and get into his bed. But he had left Matsumoto in charge of his paper work, so no surprise…
He crossed his arms over his chest and looked down at the dazed and sleepy Ise Nanao who seemed to have been tricked into doing the woman's work and still there was hardly anything done. "Matsumoto…" He growled out, a vein beginning to throb.
He was going to strangle his missing lieutenant.
Storming over he glared down at the woman.
Feeling a very scary and cold glare, Nanao looked up and found herself looking in the sea-green eyes of the head-captain, "H-H-H-H-Hitsugaya-soutaichou!" She squealed jumping out of the seat in terror before she looked around and horror began to sink in.
She had been on the verge of falling asleep in the head-captain's office.
Bowing deeply she let out her apology, "I am deeply sorry for this intrusion Hitsugaya-soutaichou! I was just helping out Matsumoto and I must've dozed off!"
He sneered as he looked over at the mess of his desk, "Leave."
"D-Don't you wish for me to at least help clean this up?"
"Leave!" He snapped out.
She yelped, her glasses nearly jumping off her face, "Of course, I won't question your authority again." She bowed deeply and scurried off, praying that her own captain had done something stupid to release her frustration and wrath upon; Matsumoto had left her!
Shaking his head as the other woman disappeared, Hitsugaya looked down at the mess, his fist clenched. He had another long night ahead of him.
Being stopped by Renji was no surprise to her, after all it had been three days since they last spoke to each other and after the execution-incident they tried to remain in constant contact.
"Aw jeeze…you failed!?" He whined making Rukia roll her eyes.
"Yeah, I did…thanks for blaring it out so the world can hear." She snapped, brushing past him.
"Well, I'm just shocked! I would think you would be the one who would reach bankai on the first try!" He stated.
Rukia paused, "I…just feel as if I have disappointed everyone; you, Ichigo, Ukitake-taichou, nii-sama…Hitsugaya-soutaichou…it almost sounds as if you all had this great image of me and so much trust and faith in me and I've just crushed it for you…"
"Hey! You know that isn't true!" He snapped, "And don't think like that. We are disappointed in the situation but not at you. I know you tried your very hardest and used all the balls you have to get bankai!"
"Don't have any balls, Renji. I'm a girl, remember?" She reminded, shaking her head at the crudeness of her best friend. A loud yawn then broke out from her lips; she could almost hear her jaw popping her mouth was open so wide.
"Shit. I'm sorry Rukia. You must be exhausted…we'll continue this after you sleep." He gave her a pat on the head. "And don't worry so much about other people, kay? No one will be disappointed in you for this!"
Rukia shifted, "I guess…but I cannot help but feel this way, you know."
He shook his head, "You need to sleep. Just go rest and we can talk about this another time." He ushered her away, shooing her off towards her quarters to go rest.
"Alright…alright!" She cried out, slapping his hands away. "We'll talk about it later then. Bye Renji!"
He nodded and gave her a noogie, making some of her black hair stand up before he hurried away laughing.
"Damn you Abarai!" She shrieked, instantly combing her hair back down. She hated it when he did this. Once her hair gave birth to cowlicks it took forever to get them back down. Growling she continued to walk back to her squad, her fingers continuously trying to smooth down her hair.
Rukia almost prayed that she didn't run into Hitsugaya.
'I don't want him to see me…well…' She stopped and looked down at herself. She was already filthy and he had seen her beaten, bloody, sweaty, and over all gross. 'I never cared too much what Renji or Ichigo thought about me when I liked them. Why am I feeling so different with Hitsugaya-soutaichou?'
She continued on her way, still combing her fingers through her hair. She just wanted to get a bath and sleep. Things will be all better after that. And then tomorrow she would be back on her normal routine with Hitsugaya.
She loved their conversations and now, because of this test, she felt as if they had an even deeper relationship.
A bright smile made its way up on to her lips, 'We're just good friends…It's not the same as what I felt for Ichigo or Renji…' She remembered Kin's words and shook her head. 'He won't return your feelings Rukia. He has so many better options. He has Hinamori-fukotaichou. He's just your friend. Please, just accept it already. Please.'
"I can't thank you enough, Hitsugaya-soutaichou…" Rukia stated rather bashfully, shifting one foot to the other.
He rolled his eyes, "I got the concept, Kuchiki. You've told me enough times already…" He rubbed his head a bit before sitting over on the rock near by and raised an eyebrow towards her, "You going to talk or what?"
A grin went on her face and nodded, "Yeah." Walking over she sat down next to him, her shoulder and arm brushing up against him. "Want to give it a try?"
Hitsugaya sighed, "Not particularly."
She laughed, "Come on, it won't hurt you. Just whatever pops into your mind."
Another sigh escaped his lips, "Alright…no promises that this will work." Rukia just looked happy that he would be trying it out. 'Don't think…don't think…' He cringed, he was always thinking. He was constantly planning, thinking, contemplating, and everything that deals with using the brain.
And now he couldn't.
This was going to be difficult.
'Say something, think of something…' And that's when he remembered something, something that had always made him blush almost in embarrassment-it was such a stupid thing and he couldn't believe that he—Hitsugaya Toushirou—had even thought of something so stupid.
"Have you taken notice that…" He stopped a small blush on his face.
Rukia found this adorable, "Hitsugaya-soutaichou, it's alright. Trust me, it's fun being random! Just give it a try. Besides no matter how dumb it is I have either talked about something dumber or will so in the future." She smiled, "Just talk about it."
He sighed, unable to believe that he was actually going to say this, "Abarai's hair looks like Ikkaku's Zanpakto when in shikai form…"
Rukia blinked, "Those pom-poms…." She trailed off and thought for a moment before she burst out laughing. "I-I never noticed that!" She laughed, close to holding her sides. "It's like he snuck into Renji's room when he was sleeping and cut the hair off!" Covering her face with her hands she continued to laugh at the thought.
Hitsugaya found himself happy that he did tell her. He heard her laughter. It was nice to hear after seeing her in such a depressed state.
"I can't believe that you took notice of this…" She stifled another laugh. "I don't think I can look Renji in the face anymore after this."
He shook his head; "Now that I have that story in my mind I don't think I will be able to either."
"Hey! It's like an inside-joke!"
Hitsugaya blinked, "What?"
She gave him a flat look, "An inside-joke…I know for a fact that you know what it is." She shook her head. "It's a secret between friends that is also a joke. Now whenever we see Renji or Ikkaku's weapon we will think of this and have a laugh." A grin went on her face. "And it will just be between us. That's what it is."
He stared at her, "That's stupid."
"Is not!" She snarled.
"What? You know it is…"
She glared daggers to the man, "You love it anyway."
Hitsugaya glared right back, "I do not."
"Do too."
"I do not, Kuchiki."
"Do too."
"I do not."
"Too."
"Not."
"Too."
"No-" He then groaned, coming to a realization at the immaturity of the argument the two were sharing. "How do you drag me into these things?"
Rukia shrugged, "I honestly can't say Hitsugaya-soutaichou. It must be a gift."
"I'm not very pleased at your ability to make me regress to such a state of immaturity. I hold myself higher above that."
"Uh-huh…believe me, I know. You are much to mature." She snorted. "You need to loosen up a bit more."
"I loosen up greatly around you." He confessed in a cool tone.
"You need to learn how to smile more."
"I know how to smile I just don't wish to use the ability to do so that often. Should I have more things that actually make me happy then perhaps I would."
Rukia blinked, "I make you happy?"
Hitsugaya stiffened, "Where the hell did you get that idea?"
"Well you said that you would smile when you have something that makes you happy. You do smile around me…does that mean I make you happy?"
His cheeks began to warm slightly, he threw his head to the side and his arms crossed, "Tch. I guess so."
The girl then grinned brightly. Her poor heart was soaring over the mountains. "I'm glad."
Hitsugaya could feel his ears burn slightly at her smile, "I-It's no big deal."
"It is to me. I'm happy that I am able to make you feel happy and forget about other things." Her eyes brightened. "And, as selfish as this sounds, I'm happy that it's me."
His face was slowly going from soft pink to brick red. "A-a-as I sa-said; it's no-no big d-deal."
"You're blushing." She pointed out. "Do you have a fever?"
He shot up to his feet, "No I don't! I-I need to go-Matsumoto didn't do the paper work an-and…"
Rukia waved him off, "Say no more. I understand completely." She gave him another smile before she brought out her sword. "I'll be staying her and practice a bit more…I will see you tomorrow!"
The white-haired male nodded, his cheeks still warm, before he ran off.
"Hm…he sure was acting odd." She thought aloud with a shrug before she placed herself in attack position. "Let's make it three-hundred swings today."
Back towards Seireitei, Hitsugaya was trying to control the blush on his face, 'What the hell was that?! Stop it, stop it, stop it, STOP IT!'
But neither his face nor his pounding heart felt like giving him a break any time soon.
Hitsugaya glared daggers at the busty strawberry-blonde who was sitting in front of him with a large grin plastered on her face. "I told you I wanted these papers done by the time I got back. You had THREE days to do this."
The woman then pouted, if it had been anyone other then Hitsugaya she would've looked incredibly sexy. But it was Hitsugaya and at the moment she looked anything but.
"But taichouuu, I was going to do it!"
"But you didn't, and now look at this mess…" He pointed to his desk, watching as a large stack of papers lean over and then crash to the ground. "Ise seemed to have gotten a few things done but since she is not part of the squad nor is she aware of all that is going on she was unable to do any more." Glaring at the woman again he raised an eyebrow telling her to explain herself.
"I was just having a celebratory drink with Renji, Shuhei, and Izuru! Since they have reached captain-position they have had no time for me."
That famous 'tick' of his began to form, signaling he rise of temper. "Matsumoto…" He growled trying his best to control himself. Though he had to admit this bout of anger was distracting him from the blushing-attack he had suffered earlier. "Are you telling me those three got drunk last night?"
"Uwah…er…" She shifted a bit, knowing she just got her and her drinking buddies in some deep trouble. "I…er…how was your time with Rukia-chan?"
"Rukia?" His cheeks began to pink slightly at the name. Rukia, the girl with the bright smile and selfless personality? The one with small white hands and a strong fighter's form? With pretty eyes that couldn't hide any of her thoughts or emotions? That Rukia? He gulped.
"Of course Rukia! Or as most everyone else calls her, the little Kuchiki! She's such a cute little thing!" She clasped her hands together and gushed. "She has such a baby-face and big-eyes! And I think it's adorable how she acts all mature even though I know she is just a cute little girl. Isn't it adorable?"
"A-Adorable?" What was he doing? He already admitted she was attractive. It shouldn't get him all flustered.
"And you two are just adorable together! Tell me, tell me! Did anything happen while you two were alone?" She wiggled her eyebrows at him.
His green eyes went wide a bit, "W-What?"
"I'm saying you two would make a fabulous couple! Both of you are strong, ice-controllers-"
"That is enough, Matsumoto." Hitsugaya spat, interrupting her, trying his best to keep any redness glowing obnoxiously. "You are avoiding the subject." He then pointed to the papers again, "I will give you another day to get all of this done, understand?"
She pursed her lips, "Alright, taichou. Mou…you're no fun at all."
"I don't care." He grumbled, pushing the nonsense she was saying out of his mind. "Just get it done."
"Right-right…" She saluted. "I will have this done by this time tomorrow! You can count on me!"
He twitched at the promise but nodded and then stormed off, hoping that after a good night's sleep all of this blushing trouble would go away.
The week after Rukia failed her test and it almost seemed as their friendship had grown and strengthened all the more.
They trained every day, but not too hard. Hitsugaya found himself a bit worried about her and wanted to give her a break. She deserved to relax after her ordeal.
But there was something he found himself unable to stand. It was getting annoying. It was getting more then annoying, it was getting down right aggravating and it was biting at his temper. He didn't know why it was, but it was and he was going to put a stop to it.
"Ok, I've had enough." He hissed, interrupting the girl from her talking.
"Hm?" She blinked, use to his grumpy-mood-swings. "What, Hitsugaya-soutaichou?"
"That!" He exclaimed, losing his patience.
"You're gonna to need to be more specific." She mocked, raising an eyebrow.
He rubbed his head, not really understanding why this was angering him so much. "I…enough of this Hitsugaya-soutaichou." He had hoped the girl would actually drop it on her own and that they would just ease into the next step of their 'relationship' and call each other with more loose-term names, but because of being raised in the noble family for so long, dropping formalities for someone in such high power was difficult for Rukia.
From the beginning he had just bathed in the glow of all his titles, he liked being so young and receiving titles like -sama, -taichou, -soutaichou…but now with Rukia…he just found himself growing flustered. He actually wanted to be on a first-name basis with her.
"N-no Hitsugaya-soutaichou?" She seemed rather shock, as he was when he first discovered that he wanted no title. "Then what do you wan me to call you? Hitsugaya-taichou?"
He shook his head, his cheeks pining slightly. "No…let's settle for Toushirou-taichou."
Her eyes widened somewhat. To be allowed to call the head captain by his first name was a deep and great honor that many do not have the pleasure of having. She didn't even know if Matsumoto had this privilege.
"Really?" Rukia asked, hoping that she would be allowed to. There goes her heart, it was singing and dancing around.
"Yes. Call me that."
A smirk then went on her face, "Is this an order or a request?"
"Would you prefer it to be an order?" He stated back, raising an eyebrow, amused at her smart-mouth.
She shrugged, "I just thought it sounded like an order. And then you would, once again, be abusing your power as an authority figure."
"And, once again, you are being a smart ass to the head-captain." He retorted.
Smiling she shook her head, "I'm just hiding my shock. I honestly was not expecting that I would be allowed to call you by your first name. I mean…does Matsumoto-fukotaichou-"
"No. She has enough leniencies and privileges…if I give her too many she will lose whatever focus she has."
Rukia laughed, "I think you are too hard on her at times, she is a great lieutenant."
"I have never doubted that…" He paused at Rukia's look. "Ok, there have been plenty of times when I have doubted her sanity and her high position as a lieutenant. Especially mine. Her fighting skills are amazing but her maturity level, her disability to follow orders, do paper work, and over-all behavior is something I have always been very unsure about."
"Well…anyway…" She moved a bit, trying to find the right words. "Thanks…it means a lot to me that I am able to do this and I will not make you regret-"
"Will you stop with that? I don't see how you could possible make me regret allowing you to use my first name." He snapped, glaring at her.
She flushed, "I guess not…but still thank you…oh!" She then nodded and looked at him. "And you can call me Rukia. No more Kuchiki."
He nodded. He had actually really wanted for her to tell him that. He had wanted to use her real name. It really was very pretty. "I understand…Rukia."
The girl grinned and saluted, "Alright then, Toushirou-taichou." Rukia found she liked saying his first name, a lot. She felt down right giddy. "Toushirou-taichou…" She grinned up at him. "I like it."
His cheeks warmed slightly at her smile but shook it off, "Just don't over use it."
"Understood, Toushirou-taichou."
"Now you're just trying to make me mad."
"Perhaps." A laugh broke form her throat at his growl. "Sorry, sorry…but I will probably have to keep saying it for awhile otherwise I will call you the one you don't want me to say. I have a hard time with transitions like this at times."
"Just don't over use it."
"Alright, alright. I already told you that I understand. You need to lighten up." She then looked over at him. "Has Matsumoto-fukotaichou done her job?"
"After my constant demands and orders for four days…yes. Though now, thinking back, it probably would've been easier if I had just done it myself."
"It might've been." She shrugged. "I guess you'll never know…Oh, that's right." She smiled at him again. "I plan on bringing food again tomorrow. Do you want anything special or just a surprise?"
"Surprise me." He replied flatly.
Rukia raised a dark brow, "It seems it would take a lot of surprise you. But alright! I will bring us something good. And then we can get back onto the training." She clenched her fist. "I promise you that with a little more training I will reach bankai."
"This again…" He sighed. "Rukia, that is enough. You have not disappointed me. Besides I made my own promise to you that I would help you reach bankai. If you do it on your own then I have broken my promise."
A sheepish smile went on her face; "I guess that's true…sorry about that."
"And damn it, will you stop apologizing for everything you do? There is no need for that, you know."
"Oh. Sorr—I mean, alright. So! How should our training now take place?"
"Our sparring will become more intense and soon we will release our shikai and then you can face me when I release bankai."
Rukia nodded, "Sounds tough. I can't wait to start."
He smirked, "You're probably going to be cursing me soon. You will be extremely sore after each training session. I will not go easy on you."
"I wouldn't have it any other way." At her smile something within the man's chest began to constrict and throb.
'What is wrong with me…? This is stupid. This has to stop. It's just a smile.' He looked at her again. 'A very beautiful smile.'
(Revised)Author: There-it took them some time, but now after five-months and seven chapters they are on a first-name basis. Took them awhile.
And I got the Renji-Hair, Ikkaku-Pom-Pom thing from this like;
http/ tarkheki. deviantart art/ Weapon-Decor- 70375580
All credit goes here (I just literally could not think of something)
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