Chapter 7: Delirium
A soft, tremulous moan brought Ichigo instantly awake. He turned in the bed to find Byakuya had pushed the blankets off, and that his yukata was opened, and his heavily sweating body was exposed. Ichigo would usually have blushed as Torio entered the room and found them that way, but the two wore serious faces as Ichigo helped Torio remove Byakuya's drenched yukata completely, then he soothed the sick noble's damp flesh with a slightly warmed, wet cloth.
Byakuya groaned in relief, and his body shook noticeably, but he remained calm and compliant under the Shiba heir's hands, looking through hazy grey eyes and panting softly. His lips moved, but the words were unintelligible. Ichigo finished washing the sweat away as Torio arrived with a fresh yukata and the two carefully dressed him. Tetsuya's attendant entered next, bearing a tray with fresh, warm green tea, warm broth and a cup of ice chips. He set the tray on the nightstand, and Ichigo picked up the tea, capturing a bit on a spoon that he touched it to Byakuya's lips as Torio lifted the Kuchiki leader's head slightly so that he wouldn't choke. Byakuya managed several sips of the broth and tea before turning his head away and refusing more. Ichigo dipped the spoon into the ice chips and earned a sigh of relief as the bits touched Byakuya's lips and were quickly accepted. The old healer arrived and examined Byakuya, carefully recording his vital signs and nodding in tentative approval.
"He seems to have stabilized for the moment," Michio reported, "although he is still in serious condition. I would like you to let him rest, and when he stirs, continue to offer him the soup, tea and ice bits. Whatever he will take. I will be back in another hour. There are several staff members who have become ill as well, so I am seeing to them."
"It's spreading?" Ichigo asked, giving him an alarmed look.
"Well, it really couldn't be helped," Michio said, yawning sleepily, "We acted quickly to contain it, but these things are always insidious. I think Byakuya-sama will be all right, but he needs constant care and when the human girl arrives, he will need her assistance."
Ichigo sighed wearily, looking out the garden doors.
"I hope they get here soon. It feels like it's been forever."
"He's holding up well, my boy, thanks to you, Torio and Koji attending him so closely. We just need to keep him stable now."
The room grew quiet again as the healer left and Torio and Koji finished cleaning up, then stumbled off to bed, leaving Ichigo alone with Byakuya and curled up at the noble's side, his worried eyes looking out into the darkened gardens and his ears listening intently for the sounds of approaching horses. His mind drifted back to his conversation with Rukia, and he pondered the emotions that roiled inside his chest and stomach as he considered.
I've never been in love, so I don't know what it's supposed to feel like. I mean, I know the fluttery feeling like butterflies that you get when you see someone cute. Love is different, I think. But I don't know yet what that difference is. I remember that, with my folks, I did see them smiling and laughing together. They hugged and kissed a lot. But, I think they also acted a certain way when things weren't good. If one was sad, the other was sad for them and tried to help. When one was sick, it was like what's happening now. They took care of each other. I do really want Byakuya to get better, and I couldn't make myself leave, even if I wanted to. I think it might be love, but how can I know it? People always say 'you'll just know,' but I don't.
How can I be sure?
He noticed then, that Byakuya's glazed eyes were open and looking quietly at him, and that the fingers on one hot, fevered hand were tracing his cheek. He hesitated for a moment, his common sense telling him not to be hasty, then he leaned forward and kissed the noble very gently on his hot, moist lips. Byakuya's senseless eyes blinked slowly and one understandable word escaped him.
"Mitsukai (angel)," he whispered.
"Naw," Ichigo chuckled, "it's just me. But you don't even know me right now, do you?"
"One always knows the face of his zetsumei no mitsukai (angel of death)," Byakuya whispered sleepily.
"What?" Ichigo exclaimed softly, "Byakuya, I'm not…!"
"It is fine," the noble continued, squeezing his hand, "though it is ironic that my father, who was weak in body died valiantly in battle, saving numerous lives, while I am taken by illness."
"Byakuya, you're not gonna die."
"I just wish that…"
Byakuya's eyelids fluttered and his voice faded out for a moment. Ichigo held his hand tightly, kissing the sweating fingertips.
"Byakuya."
The noble's dazed eyes fixed on his again.
"I wish that I could have had a child," he whispered, "and I hate that the child who wishes she was mine, is going to mourn me like a father, when I could never make myself break the rules again to adopt her."
A helpless smile crawled onto Ichigo's lips.
"I knew you wanted to adopt her!" he said, sniffing softly and wiping his eyes, "I don't blame you. Gia's really, really sweet."
"C-can you tell me, mitsukai, will Gia live?"
"Gia's gonna be fine," Ichigo promised, taking a cool, damp cloth and washing the noble's face, "and so are you. Will you sleep now?"
"Are we leaving now?"
"What? No!" Ichigo chided him, "We're not going anywhere. Your family and friends need you here. We love you, Byakuya. We're not gonna let you leave us. So, stop talking about dying, cause it isn't gonna happen."
Byakuya sighed drowsily, rolling onto his side so that he could see into the moonlit gardens, outside his door. Ichigo curled up against his back, lacing their fingers together.
"Do you feel any better now?" Ichigo asked.
Byakuya took a slow, shaky breath and sank more deeply into his embrace.
"I feel…safe," he whispered, beginning to drop off to sleep, "I feel warm."
"Good," Ichigo said approvingly, "Go to sleep, now. I'll be right here."
"Thank you…mitsukai."
Ichigo smiled and kissed him on the cheek.
"No problem," he whispered, "Go to sleep, Byakuya."
The noble relaxed in his arms and fell asleep quickly. Exhausted after losing so much rest, himself, Ichigo nodded off soon after, and the two remained curled up and dreaming, until several hours later, when hoofbeats sounded outside in the gardens, bringing Ichigo awake again. He pulled free of Byakuya's limp body, feeling a little worried twinge as the movement fail to rouse the noble.
"Byakuya?" he called softly, rolling the noble onto his back and quickly washing his face, "Hey, c'mon, wake up. They're here!"
A more powerful jolt of fear passed through him and he quickly checked and found Byakuya was breathing raggedly, but not responding to his voice or touch.
"Byakuya!" he cried, shaking the noble more firmly as scampering feet sounded on the walkway and Gia ran into the room.
"Kuchiki taicho!" she howled, jumping onto the bed, "Kuchiki taicho, we're here!"
Ichigo stared in surprise as green, healing power streamed from the little girl's hands and into Byakuya's still form. He breathed a sigh of relief as Orihime entered the room.
"Hurry up, please, Orihime!" Ichigo exclaimed, "Byakuya won't wake up!"
"He'll be all right," the weary human girl promised, invoking her power and surrounding Byakuya in her golden healing field, "I promise."
Ichigo turned his attention to the little girl, who sat at Byakuya's side, tears streaming down her anguished face.
"Please don't die!" she pleaded, "Kuchiki taicho, y-you promised!"
She turned her wide, wet eyes on Ichigo, making his heart sink.
"You said you would protect him!" she accused him, "You…"
"I am protecting him," Ichigo insisted, "I haven't left Byakuya for a minute while he's been sick. And who do you think called for Orihime?"
"I heard Kuchiki taicho made her come to us first," Gia said skeptically.
"Yeah, that's because there were a lot of people at risk in the orphanage, and he didn't want all of you to get too sick. But I told them to bring Orihime here as soon as things there were under control. See, I did what I said."
"Well, you didn't do a very good job," the little girl snapped, making Ichigo have to bite at his lips to avoid smiling at her, "Just look at him!"
"You sound like Rukia," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately.
He started to climb out of bed, only to feel a little hand wrap around his arm.
"Where are you going, Ichigo-sama?" she demanded, "He's still really sick."
"Can I go to the bathroom while Orihime heals him?" Ichigo asked, biting harder at his lips to hide a smile.
"Okay, but you get right back here. He's still in the woods."
Ichigo looked at her blankly for a moment, then an amused snort escaped him as he realized.
"Oh! You mean, he's not out of the woods yet."
"That's what I said to you."
"Whatever," he laughed, ruffling her hair again, "Gia, it's gonna be okay now. Orihime's got this. Byakuya will be fine. But you look a little tired. You want me to have Torio find you a guest room?"
"Mm-mmm," the little girl said, shaking her head emphatically, "I'm staying right here."
"Okay, I'll be right back."
Ichigo went into the bathroom and relieved himself quickly, then washed his haggard looking face and walked back out into the bedroom. He found Byakuya awake and sitting up in the bed, with Gia leaning up against his side and holding an open book in her hands.
"I didn't know you could read that," Ichigo said in a surprised tone.
"I can't really," Gia admitted, "but Kuchiki taicho has read it to me so many times that I know it from the pictures. I do know some of the words, though."
"That's good," Ichigo said approvingly, "I knew you were smart."
"I don't know very much," Gia said, frowning, "I'm only four…well, five in a few days."
"Your birthday is in a few days?" Ichigo asked.
"Uh-huh. But, there probably won't be cake, since everyone is still getting over being sick."
"Did you get sick?" asked Ichigo, "Byakuya was really worried about you."
"I didn't get as sick as the others," the girl reported, "Kuchiki taicho said I have a strong contitusion."
"C-contitusion?" Ichigo repeated, frowning.
"The word is constitution," Byakuya said sedately.
"Damn, you look pretty good, for a guy who was out cold a few minutes ago!" Ichigo chuckled.
"You said a swear!" Gia exclaimed, pointing at him.
Byakuya gave him a look of mild disapproval.
"Well, it is wrong to swear, especially in front of children, but Ichigo did help us, so we will overlook it."
"Gia-chan," Orihime said as she rose and prepared to leave the room, "you remember that the healer in Inuzuri said that you needed to rest."
"But, I was reading to Kuchiki taicho! He's still…"
"Byakuya will be fine," Ichigo said firmly, "Now, you go with Orihime and get something to eat, and a good night's sleep. Byakuya has me and his attendant taking care of him. And you see? He's fine, now."
"Run along," Byakuya urged the girl, "I will see you at breakfast, Gia."
"Okay," the girl sighed, hugging him before hopping down, off the bed, "Goodnight, Kuchiki taicho."
"Goodnight, Gia," Byakuya said, watching as the girl took Orihime's hand and let herself be led away.
Michio entered the room and briefly examined Byakuya, then left as Torio arrived with a fresh tray of tea and broth. Ichigo waited until the others left, then sat down in a chair by the bed.
"You feeling all right now?" he asked.
"I am fine," Byakuya assured him, "and I thank you for assisting me."
"Well, I had nowhere to go, since they kinda quarantined me with you. But, I didn't mind helping. I'm just glad you're better now. You were pretty out of it for awhile."
"I am sorry to have troubled you, by getting you quarantined and…"
"You didn't get me quarantined," Ichigo laughed, "I was exposed at the orphanage, just like you were."
"But, you were only there to assist me."
"I wanted to go and help you."
"Because you felt you owed me," Byakuya surmised, "Ichigo, you do not owe me anything. If anything, I owe you. I am grateful for your presence here while I was ill. If you would like to rest in a guest room and join us for breakfast in the morning, Torio can have a room prepared for you."
"Th-thanks," Ichigo said awkwardly, "But I ah…I should check in with my family, now that I'm not quarantined anymore. My dad probably has a whole list of…of possible partners for me to consider."
"I see," Byakuya said quietly, "Goodnight, then, Ichigo. I hope that we will cross paths again soon, though maybe not under such conditions."
"Right," Ichigo chuckled, "Goodnight, Byakuya. I'm glad you're okay."
Ichigo felt a knot of guilt in his belly, but he forced himself to turn and leave the room. Byakuya loosed a weary sigh and sank back against his pillows. He took several slow breaths and caught a trace of Ichigo's lingering scent. Shifting slightly, he found the pillow on the bed, just next to him to the Ichigo-scented culprit, and he raised it to his nose, breathing in slowly.
I must have troubled him more than he admitted. He left so quickly. He looked like something was wrong. I wonder if I said or did something that offended him, maybe while I was delirious.
Byakuya looked up as Tetsuya entered the room.
"Ah, Tetsuya," he greeted his cousin, "are things more stable now in the Rukongai?"
Tetsuya nodded.
"Our quick action, and that of the fourth division seems to have kept this from spreading. There are a few new cases, here at Kuchiki Manor, but they seem minor. I have had to provide a room for Kurushimi-sama, as he became ill while we were returning. He is feverish, but I've made him comfortable."
"That is good," Byakuya said quietly, "And you are well, watashi no itoko? You did not get ill? I was worried because you tend to become ill quite more often because of your history."
"I am fine," Tetsuya promised, "I have been especially careful not to let myself be exposed."
Tetsuya moved closer and sat down on the bed.
"I heard from Koji that you had a rough time of it."
"Yes. I was fortunate to have plenty of staff to assist me. And Ichigo, of course."
"Koji said that Ichigo-sama never left your side," Tetsuya added.
"Well, he was quarantined here," Byakuya said more softly.
"But, he certainly could have asked for another room," Tetsuya pointed out, "Instead, he stayed with you to make sure that you were all right. Before we arrived, Torio came in and found Ichigo-sama holding you against him, comforting you."
Byakuya felt a flush rise suddenly on his skin.
"He would have done so for anyone," the Kuchiki leader said, feigning a lack of concern, "It is in Ichigo's nature to care for others."
Tetsuya smiled patiently.
"Of course. I will just be glad that you are all right, and that you had good people taking care of you."
Byakuya let the edges of his lips curve upward slightly.
"You and everyone else needn't fuss over me anymore. Go on and take care of that Shima rogue. Just do not let him charm you, Tetsuya."
Tetsuya blushed.
"I think it is too late for that," he said shyly.
Byakuya's breath caught.
"What did he do?" he asked, frowning.
"He didn't do anything to me," Tetsuya said softly, "but the way he was with the little children at the orphanage. And…we cared for a baby that was ill, and her mother was also sick. I watched Kuri-kuri-sama hold her baby, and his eyes were so soft and loving. He was singing to the baby in Spanish, and it sounded so peaceful. I know you don't approve of him…"
"Tetsuya," Byakuya began.
"But, I think I am falling in love with him."
Byakuya froze, staring at his cousin wordlessly.
"I remember how it felt when Naoki was with me…and when we were expecting our baby. Some of that came back while Kuri-kuri-sama and I were caring for the Rukongai baby girl. He confessed that he is attracted to me, but he also told me that he is afraid. He lost someone too."
Byakuya sighed softly and touched his cousin's hand comfortingly.
"I am also afraid," Tetsuya went on, "but when I am with him, I am more happy than afraid. He calms my fears so that I can see past them, so that I can dream of being in love again."
A little smile found its way onto Byakuya's lips.
"Then, if he wishes to court you, he needs only to ask. I will give the union my blessing."
Tetsuya gave him a confused look.
"But, you always complain about his drinking and language, his…"
"Watashi no itoko, I have also seen Kurushimi in love. It has a positive effect on him. If he makes you happy and you wish to court him, I will agree to it."
Thank you," Tetsuya said gratefully, hugging him gently, "Thank you, Byakuya-sama."
Tetsuya sat back in his chair, thinking quietly for a moment.
"Are you not going to return to Kurushimi to care for him?" Byakuya asked, arching an eyebrow.
"I will," Tetsuya answered, "But I…I just think you should know. I saw how Ichigo-sama was looking at you when we arrived."
"He was frightened because he could not wake me," Byakuya reasoned, "It does not mean…"
"But, it could," Tetsuya said pointedly, "Byakuya-sama, Ichigo-sama is a young adult. He has admitted to me in the past that he has never been in love."
"And why should that concern me?" asked Byakuya, looking down at his hands, "He told me several times how many girls his father is considering for him. He has many friends, some who would be more than happy if he would shed his innocence with them."
"But what if that isn't what he wants?" Tetsuya asked, "What if the reason that he left so quickly after was because he was confused?"
"Then, he will sort out his thoughts and he will decide what to do. Tetsuya, I cannot interfere. If Ichigo has feelings for me, he needs to resolve that in his heart first. Pushing him will only push him away."
"But if you tell him…"
"No."
Tetsuya went silent, his blue eyes sad.
"I am sorry. I should mind my own business."
"No, you were only following your heart, watashi no itoko. Go on and follow it to the man you are falling in love with. I will be fine, whether Ichigo decides he desires me as a friend or as more."
"I know you will. I just want you to be happy."
"I am happy," Byakuya assured him, capturing his hand and kissing the back gently, "I am blessed to be loved in just the way that you love me. It may be true that Hisana will be the only love of my life. If it is, I will accept that."
Tetsuya smiled and stood.
"Just don't accept it too soon, Byakuya-sama. Give Ichigo-sama a chance to think. But then, go and speak to him. Either way, you should put your heart into this."
"You think that I should say something to him?" Byakuya asked.
"Yes," Tetsuya said firmly, "I think you should."
