"Shh Ikkaku put that down!"
"Shutup Rangiku I know what I'm doing!"
"I don't think they eat Takoyaki for breakfast here."
"You're supposed to have my side Yumichika!"
"P-please don't fight guys. Be quiet both of you or you'll wake them! Toshiro-chan do something!"
"It's Hitsugaya-taichou to-"
"You're always wining to Hitsugaya-taichou!"
"Don't be so grumpy Ikkaku. I think it's cute."
"R-Rangiku don't say-"
"That's enough!"
Orihime opened her eyes, suddenly awake when the sound of breaking glass interrupted her sleep. Ichigo bolted up beside her and looked around with weary eyes. They widened when he saw their kitchen full of people.
Ikkaku, Yumichika, Hitsugaya, and Hinamori were in their standard Gigai's. Rangiku was misunderstanding the whole point of Christmas as she sported a revealing Santa dress. With the exception of Hitsugaya- who sat across the table from Orihime and Ichigo- they were crowded in the kitchen fighting over the appliances.
Ichigo's face twisted. "What the hell?"
"Look what you did," Yumichika sighed.
"Me?" Rangiku whined. "Ikkaku's the loud one."
"Don't blame me! It's only loud because you're fucking hungover Again!"
Hinamori looked frantic. "S-sorry Orihime-chan, Kurosaki-san. Um we tried not to wake you. But Yumichika thought it might be a good idea to make breakfast. So then Ikkaku wanted to get involved. But Rangiku said that Ikkaku would break something so she wanted to help."
A vein in Ichigo's face ticked while Orihime hid her face in her hands. "That doesn't explain why you're all here! Isn't soul society short staffed."
"Well," Rangiku lifted a finger to her lip. "Early this morning Hinamori called for back up when a Vasto Lorde appeared and brought a few menos with it."
"What?" Ichigo was out from under the Kotatsu in a heartbeat. He was halfway up the stairs for his badge when Rangiku stopped him.
"They're all dead," Rangiku called. "But Hitsugaya got the order to go. But since it was Christmas in the human world Yumichika really wanted to go. So, of course, Ikkaku signed up too. And if they were all going I couldn't be left behind!"
"I... see... and then you all decided to make yourself at home here?"
Rangiku nodded. She dove under the Kotatsu to take Ichigo's place next to Orihime. She pulled the girl into a tight hug. "Orihime-chan," she purred. "I see you and Ichigo are getting along well."
Things were moving too fast and overwhelming for Orihime. She didn't like being in a room full of so many people- even if they were all friends. She didn't like how they seemed to laugh at her and Ichigo's situation. But at least it was Rangiku. Orihime allowed herself to cuddle up to the slightly larger girl. The white fuzz on her Santa uniform tickled her face. "I- It's not like... that."
"Oh?" Rangiku glanced up at Ichigo with a devilish grin. "No? You mean you slept under this Kotatsu together all night long and nothing happened?"
Orihime thought she might die of embarrassment. Ikkaku made a strange coughing noise and Hinamori was bright red. "R-Rangiku..."
"Enough," Ichigo stomped back down. He didn't like how Rangiku was teasing Orihime. He pulled Orihime up by the arm and guided her to the stairs. "Since they decided to take over the living room..."
"Taking it to the bedroom like a real man Ichigo?"
"Shut up Ikkaku!" Ichigo slammed the door behind them. Orihime sat sheepishly on the bed.
"Sorry..."
"Don't be. Those guys are idiots Orihime-chan. I can't believe Hinamori let them in. On Christmas!"
Orihime wrung her hands together. "It... it's kind of nice. I Think."
"Having those idiots here?"
"I- I just mean It's not bad to not spend it alone."
Ichigo took a seat beside her. "You wouldn't have. Chad left early but I'm here. And my stupid dad didn't return any of my calls yesterday so he's probably at the ocean."
They sat in a silence of appreciation. Ichigo let his hand trail lazily across the top of hers. A lot hat happened and it was hard to gage Orihime's mood. Or her stability. He didn't know if what he was doing would cause progress or another deterioration. It was a frightening game when the girl he liked- and wanted to protect- was on the line.
"I'll shower first," She said softly. She gathered clothes together and Ichigo tried to give her the modesty of looking away when she opened the drawers. It didn't help when he caught sight of a red bra string hanging out of a bundle of clothes.
When she left Ichigo gave himself a firm slap to the back of the head. "C'mon Ichigo don't think about that!"
Orihime felt better after a shower. She walked down the stairs to face an odd assortment of foods. Takoyaki, soba noodles, seaweed soup, mackerel, and rice.
Ichigo scooted over to make room for her between him and Hitsugaya- the only other person he trusted to be half sane. "Tea?"
Orihime glanced at the pot and nodded.
Ichigo poured her a small cup of green tea and hesitated. He knew she might reject it and perhaps tea was a abad idea. He didn't really want to make the Jasmine tea but if it helped calm her...
To his relief, Orihime lifted the glass to her lips and took a small sip. She didn't miss the way Ichigo's shoulders fell. Truthfully she wanted to throw the cup across the room. She wanted to storm out or demand they give her normal tea back. Part of her was growing Irate for no reason.
Hinamori's words stuck with her. This was a jab against Aizen. He didn't control her. And it was a gift to Ichigo. Hinamori was right, the best she could do for him is the best for herself. The chatter was endless as they talked about Christmas plans. Ikkaku and Yumichika wanted to go out but Rangiku was content to stay with Hitsugaya.
"Go with them," Hitsugaya commanded to Hinamori.
"We don't need a babysitter," Ikkaku complained in the face or Rangiku's laughs.
They left anyways and Ichigo did the dishes with Orihime. Rangiku didn't offer her help but that was to be expected.
"I want to try fried chicken," Rangiku pointed to a picture in a magazine. "That's what you eat on Christmas right?"
"I'll go get some KFC later," Ichigo said.
"KFC? But I want fried chicken!"
"It's the same thing, Rangiku-chan," said Orihime.
Orihime was pulled away from the dishes to go talk to Rangiku at the table. "So... tell me everything that happened when I was gone."
Her question caused Orihime to shift. 'I killed a man, I was in a coma reliving a nightmare for four months, I pushed everyone away, I might be seeing Kurosaki-kun just because he doesn't listen when I say no, and I'm hallucinating' just didn't have a nice ring to it.
Rangiku picked up on the change. She draped an arm around her shoulders. "Well, I hear you took out a Vasto Lorde all by yourself. I don't think I could have done that alone three years ago! You really are amazing Orihime-chan."
Orihime flushed at the praise. Nobody had told her that yet. When Orihime thought about it taking out a Vasto Lorde was quite an accomplishment. "He had a name." But it had ended in a mess. And the sight of Elbats head- Orihime snapped her eyes shut quickly. She couldn't see that again.
"Orihime-chan?" Rangiku gave her a small squeeze.
"His name was Elbat." Closing her eyes didn't help much. His golden eyes had lost their light just like Ichigo's had when Ulquiorra killed him. She'd been the Ulquiorra in this situation. Orihime's hand clutched the hollow of her breasts.
She didn't realize she was in Ichigo's embrace at first. But she suddenly didn't feel so alone or afraid. She opened her eyes and she wasn't seeing Elbat's destruction. She was seeing Ichigo with his hands on either side of her face.
"Focus Orihime, there's nothing there," He put his hands over hers. "You're human. You're not one of them. Don't do that to yourself."
"S-sorry."
"You saved Elbat. You sent him to soul society where he doesn't have to feel hollow anymore," Said Ichigo.
Rangiku and Toshiro watched, fascinate with Ichigo's ability to defuse the situation. They had been briefed by Rose the facts and before they left Shinji had given Hitsugaya a word of wisdom.
"Tread light for tha' Princess."
It made a little more sense now.
"I hear Yuroichi-san got to you before Ichigo did," Rangiku said some time later when the mood was a little lighter. "Maybe I should learn from her."
"I've offered to help improve your flash step a dozen times," Hitsugaya sighed. "Honestly."
"But you're not the flash step goddess," Rangiku pouted.
Ichigo sported a frown. He'd forgotten all about that. Somehow Yuroichi had reached Orihime at the same time as him. There was no way they felt the spiritual pressure of the Vasto lorde out there and even if they had there was no reason for them to rush out.
Ichigo remembered when Mayuri informed him he'd infected him with bugs to monitor his movement. He shivered in disgust. Were they tracking Orihime? But why would they?
He couldn't distrust his friends. It wasn't like they'd previously planted the Hyogyouku inside of Rukia and tried to sap away all her power...
Scratch that, he was confronting Urahara about it before his trip to soul society.
"It's getting late. Let's go get some chicken Orihime-chan," Ichigo walked up the stairs for their jackets to return a minute later. "The lines are going to be horrible."
"C-coming," Orihime hurried to her shoes and sat down to lace them up.
Unfortunately for Ichigo, he opened the front door at a very inopportune time.
"Ichigoooooooooooooo"
Ichigo quickly sidestepped, parrying a large man attacking him, and sending him flying face first into the Kotatsu. "Goat chin! What the hell are you doing here!"
"Ichi-nii! Don't be so mean to dad," Yuuzu rushed in after their father.
Karin followed with a sigh. "Sorry for showing up uninvited. Dad wanted to stop by on our way back from Shibuya. The coast trip was a complete failure so he wanted to go downtown instead."
"Ahaha, What a loving and caring father I am! Visiting my son... on... Christmas..."
Isshin had stopped talking. Orihime and Ichigo followed his line of sight to their other two guests.
Rangiku and Hitsugaya were standing with completely different expressions on their face. Hitsugaya looked surprised while Rangiku's face slowly twisted into an expression of anger.
Then Isshin lunged, "If it isn't my old- mphh!"
He was on his back with Rangiku's foot in his face a second later. You could see waves of anger rising from her shoulders. Hitsugaya made no motion to scold or hold his lieutenant back. "If it isn't Shiba-san," Rangiku sneered.
Orihime stood slightly behind Ichigo. He'd told her once that his father had been captain of the 10th but she'd never put the pieces together.
"Ran-chan don't be so cold to your own captain," Isshin whined when she removed her foot from his face. He was still on the ground. "Toshiro-chan give me a little help."
Toshiro crossed hi arms and looked away.
"What the hell you perverted old man." Rangiku was definitely not as happy at their little reunion. "20 years and you don't even send a postcard. Then I come to find you and you left us to get hitched to someone who looked exactly like me!"
"Ran-chan-"
Her foot was in his face, silencing him again. "You could have at least said hi after the war! Baka-taichou! Hentai-taichou! Aho-taichou! You didn't even do your stupid paperwork!"
"Neither did you," Hitsugaya said in his old captains defense. "Enough Matsumoto-fukutaichou."
Rangiku obeyed her captain and stopped beating Isshin up. Reluctantly.
"Coworkers," Ichigo tried to explain to Yuuzu and Karin who were looking at Rangiku with shock and awe. She did look quite a bit like their mother had.
"Uh, well, you know Ran-chan, Toshiru-chan, I figured the war wasn't really a good time..."
"Excuses from a coward," Rangiku huffed. She stormed to the door. "Whatever."
She slammed the door a minute later and Ichigo and Orihime shared a look. They'd never actually seen Rangiku angry before. The only time they ever saw her serious even was in the midst of a battle. But it was always calm. She never lost her temper.
Hitsugaya walked past Isshin with his hands in his pockets. "What did you expect Taichou? I'll go talk to her."
Isshin stopped Hitsugaya with a hand on his shoulder. "I'll take care of it."
Reluctantly Hitsugaya let him go and turned back to the rest of the famikly. "Sorry about that," he sighed.
"I- I imagine Rangiku-chan might be a little upset..." Orihime stared at the closed door wistfully.
"Even Ichimaru had the decency to say bye," was what he left it at. "I think you guys were going to go get chicken?"
"Yeah. Yuuzu, Karin, want to come?"
"And walk another 25 flights? Nooo thankyou Ichi-nii," Karin waved them off.
"Good luck on your date," Yuuzu had attempted to whisper to her brother but of course Orihime heard too.
On their way out they saw Isshin and Rangiku sitting on the ledge not to far off. Orihime tugged on Ichigo's sleeve but Ichigo shook his head. "Let them be."
Rangiku didn't say anything when Isshin joined her on the ledge. He rubbed his hands together and looked into the sky. It was a little clearer but with the city lights he couldn't see any stars but a single bright one in the distance.
"Shooting star, make a wish."
"That's a comet, idiot," Rangiku sighed.
"Still works right?"
"Just go away. It's what you're good at."
Isshin went quiet again. He peeled his thick winter coat off and draped it over Rangiku's shoulders. He had to hold it their forcefully when she tried to shrug it off. "You looked cold."
"I'm Hitsugaya's leutenant," She shot back bitterly. "The cold doesn't exactly bother me anymore."
"That so?"
Rangiku nodded. She fiddled with the necklace around her neck.
"Still wear that old thing?"
Rangiku shrugged. "Everyone suspects I got this from Gin." But Gin never left her anything to remember him by.
"I see Toshirou-chan's doing a good job."
Rangiku nodded. "At least I don't think he'd ever leave without saying anything."
Isshin recoiled from the mental slap. "Ran-"
"You knew didn't you? You knew about Gin the whole time. But you let me- you let us- get taken by surprise."
"Would you have believed me?"
Rangiku met him square in the eyes. "You were my captain."
"Ahh," isshin pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his breast pocket. "I fucked up huh?"
"Yeah," Rangiku scrunched up her nose at the cigarettes. But the smell was nostalgic.
"I heard you always covered for me."
"I figured you had your reasons to go to the world of the living. I trusted you."
"I made it hard for you, hm?"
Rangiku scooped up some snow and formed a tight little ball. "They found out I lied for you after you defected. Your actions had consequences."
Isshin blew some smoke into the air and regarded her haphazardly. "What happened?"
"One week confinement in the Kurojigo": Rangiku shrugged. "They wanted to strip me of my rank but Kyroraku made an appeal. Hitsugaya said he wouldn't accept the promotion to captain."
"The Kurojigo, eh? Nobody told me."
"They ended up giving me the choice. One week in the Kurojigo or I go through basic conditioning again. I figure one week devoid of all senses was cake for someone as lazy as me."
"I've seen people go mad." Isshin pressed the cigarette out in the snow. "I should have done it differently."
"Yeah. But I don't blame you. I know it was Aizen's fault. I'm just pissed you left me behind."
Isshin laughed. "But you wouldn't have followed. You've always put soul society first."
"I was never given the choice. You and Gin both. If I knew what Aizen was up to I would have come with you. I would have helped. But I'm not the type to beg. I'm wasn't going to beg for you or Gin to want me back. I wasn't going to beg for your affection. Nobody's worth that."
"I wasn't going to let you live on the run away from your friends. And Ichimaru cared bout you as well. Too much. I found out it was Ichimaru's idea to use me. He wasn't acting as Aizen's puppet that time."
"I know Gin wasn't a good guy, Isshin. I'm not stupid. He terrified me. He'd never stop. Not even for me. Not until he achieved his goal. And our relationship wasn't as friends. It wasn't as lovers. It was another kind of bond. I see it in Ichigo and Orihime. We belonged to eachother and nobody else could break that."
"I'd like to think Orihime and Ichigo are more like us," He grinned while stroking his Chin.
"You wish," Rangiku mumbled, rubbing her hands together. She blamed the cold for the tint in her cheeks.
"You used to be so cute and innocent, just like her."
"As if. I had to get used to your perverted ass," Rangiku laughed. "My charms were the only way I could get you to do paperwork. It doesn't work on Hitsugaya though, but he does his paperwork without being asked."
Isshin found the mental images of Rangiku trying to rile the stoic captain up funny enough to laugh out loud. He wiped a drop of liquid from the corner of his eye, "I'd pay to see that."
She looked him over and realized how much older he seemed. "I hear you're aging like a human now."
"Closer to a human, thanks to this gigai," Isshin rubbed the back of his head. "Gotta make the most out of this life."
Rangiku regarded him fondly. "I missed you."
Isshin looked back at her, a small smile on his lips. "Don't tell me you're going to kiss me or anything."
"You wish," She smiled gently.
"Yeah, I probably do." Isshin took the snowball from her hands and molded it into a square. "Any chance of you bringing some Sake from Kyoraku's stash to me next time you visit?
Rangiku was silent. She considered how Gin wasn't around anymore. How Hisagi and Kira tried to keep her entertained but she just couldn't see them as real men. She remembered how fond she'd been of her captain. He really had been a handsome man. Mature, strong, and able to raise the moral of the division.
She shook her head, no.
Isshin glanced back at the sky, letting the snowball fall from his hands and disappear below. "You aren't going to come back again, are you."
It wasn't a question. She shook her head, no. Rangiku had a habit of pining over men that'd left her. She wouldn't do it this time. Rangiku would take care of herself. She'd accept her loss in life and in love and pass that hope on to the next generation. When she saw Ichigo and Orihime it gave her courage. Don't accept anything less.
Isshin stood with her, deciding it was time to go back in. They faced each other. Rangiku gave him a determined look, meant to shown how she was older, a full fledge lieutenant.
"You've grown up well, Ran-chan," He patted her head.
Rangiku closed her eyes, reminiscing in the heat between his hand and her head. She felt something soft brush across her forehead. When she opened her eyes he was gone. He touched the spot on her forehead and stared back at the sky.
Commet or no, maybe making wishes wasn't useless after all.
"Thanks for helping me," Ichigo carried a bottle of sparkling wine and a small boxed cake. That was the special this year at KFC.
Orihime was carrying a small tub of chicken in her hands. "N-no, it's warm so I don't mind carrying it."
"I didn't expect the line to be that long," Ichigo admitted. "It's already 7. We should have ordered last month. How annoying."
"I- I didn't mind. It was never this busy in Karakura town. Minato really is different."
"Yeah. I would say we should stop for some sushi too but I think they're probably getting hungry."
"I wonder if we should invite Hiro-sempai," Orihime wondered aloud. "No, I think we shouldn't."
"You'll have to talk to him and Tatsuki eventually," Ichigo said.
Orihime clutched the bucket of chicken tighter as they walked. "I'm sorry, Ichigo."
Ichigo rubbed the top of her head, messing up her hair. "I told you to stop apologizing."
She turned her head up to him. "S-sorry."
Ichigo let his gaze grow annoyed as it fell from her eyes to her lips. He flicked her forehead lightly with his index finger. "I'll punish you if you keep saying sorry."
Orihime flushed and nodded, looking past his head at a shooting star. "Ne, Kurosaki-kun..."
"Hm?"
"Do you think a wish made on a shooting star would come true?"
Ichigo glance up at the sky and caught the small moving object. He stopped walking. "That's actually a comet."
"O-oh? Is that so..."
"I've never believed in that stuff. I mean who would be granting it?"
"M-maybe Ukitake-sama," Orihime said quietly. "I don't know if god exists, but the soul king is pretty close, ne?"
"Yeah, I guess Ukitake would grant your wish if you asked."
Orihime closed her eyes for a long minute, pressing her hands around the bucket of chicken like she was at a temple. She clapped her hands together twice and then looked back up at the sky. The star was gone. "I'd like to think so."
To Ichigo's annoyance the only ones at his house when he got back were Hitsugaya and Rangiku. Apparently his dad had taken off. Ichigo sent an accusing glance at Rangiku who just feigned ignorance.
"So..." Ichigo swallowed a large bite of chicken. "My old man and you..."
Rangiku had started on the cake instead of the chicken. She wiped a piece of chocolate from her lips. "Hmm?"
Ichigo couldn't look her in the face. He fiddled with a glass of champagne. "Er, you said you looked just like my mom."
"Well based on the picture Urahara showed me, I'd say she could have been my sister. I guess Isshin did have good taste in the end."
Ichigo coughed, uncomfortable. "You and him..."
Rangiku's face split into a big grin as she leaned across the table. "Oooh you're really curious aren't you? Aren't you? You want to know if we ever had-"
"Matsumoto-fukutaichou!"
"Aw Captain you're no fun. I just want to tease him a little..."
"They were never intimate," Hitsugaya sighed. "Though Rangiku liked to tease him."
"All men are the same- listen to this Orihime," Rangiku turned her attention to the much less suspecting girl at the table. "To get a man to do what you want you just have to come up behind them and press your chest against their back. Then you wind your hands-"
"Matsumoto-fukutaichou!"
"Aww captain," Rangiku whined. "You're the only one this never works on. I'm telling you it's for Orihime's sake!"
Ichigo didn't know what he found more mortifying. The idea of Rangiku trying to seduce his father to get her ways in the past, or the idea of Orihime doing it to him. Well, maybe that wouldn't be mortifying. Maybe it wouldn't even be bad.
"Ooh, someone's thinking about it."
When Ichigo came back to the real world Rangiku was in his face giving him a knowing look. He shot back quickly in embarrassment. "N-no!"
Orihime saw how red Ichigo's face was and kind of wished she'd heard the rest of Rangiku's story. Tatsuki was often saying things just like that. But Ichigo probably wouldn't ever fall for something so simple. At least not from a girl like Orihime.
But he had confessed. Kind of. He hadn't brought it up again. And they weren't dating. Orihime nibbled on a piece of her own chicken and followed quickly with a sip of Sake- Rangiku had devoured nearly the entire bottle of wine before they started and didn't seem even remotely drunk.
The Sake was sweet with a coconut taste. Orihime sipped it diligently and let it warm her up after the cold day. Ichigo had called it quits with his single glass of champagne.
Hitsugaya stood after a bit. He motioned for Rangiku to follow. "I think it's bout time we found the others and headed back. Hisagi-fukutaichou is in Karakura with kisuke but he's keeping an eye on this town. If anything comes up just get ahold of Kisuke."
"Aww I want to see Shuhei before we leave," Rangiku pouted.
"The last thing he needs is you distracting him from his bankai training," Hitsugaya glowered. "Come on Lutenant."
"Yes sir," She pouted as she followed diligently behind. She stopped at the door the the apartment, looking back at Ichigo as if vascilating between two choices.
"Matsumoto-fukutaichou?"
Rangiku reached behind her neck and unfastened the necklace she'd been wearing since Ichigo and Orihime had first met her. She coiled it neatly in her hands and held it out to Ichigo. Ichigo stood and walked to her.
"What's this?"
"Give it to Isshin" Rangiku dropped it in his hand. She smiled at Ichigo and turned to head out after her captain. "And tell him thanks. And that I'm not sorry."
It was a vow more to herself than anyone. Rangiku followed closely after Hitsugaya and vowed that this time she'd be strong enough to stand besides her captain if he ever needed her to.
Ichigo stashed the necklace safely in his pocket. "How odd," he said, turning back to Orihime.
Orihime fiddled with her hands. "I wish we could do something for Rangiku-chan."
"Rangiku-san doesn't need any help," Ichigo laughed. "I think if anything my dad's the one that need help. He probably gave this necklace to her because it mad her boobs look good. What a pervert."
Orihime smiled. Ichigo was right. Rangiku was stronger than any of them. "What now?"
"Rangiku ate all the cake, but I think Yuuzu said she left something in the fridge," Ichigo said. He stood up and walked to the fridge, rummaging around until he spotted a light pink box. "Ah!"
Orihime reluctantly left the warmth of the table and helped Ichigo put everything away and get two small saucers out. Ichigo cut two pieces of the strawberry cake and they ate quietly until Ichigo decided to break the silence. "I forgot to get you something for Christmas."
"W-what? You wouldn't need to do that for me," Orihime flushed. "Only couples and family embers give gifts on Christmas."
Ichigo regarded her carefully. "You didn't get me anything?"
Of course he knew the answer. The girl wasn't able to leave the house alone let alone go out shopping. When Orihime looked like she was going to cry he wanted to take his question back. "Orihime I was just teasing you."
She nodded slowly. But how could she have not made him anything? He'd given her the last 5 months of his time and sacrificed his own safety for him again and again but she didn't even think about getting him a gift. It had just seemed presumptuous of her to do so. "S-sorry Kurosaki-kun..."
She found herself pushed onto her back a moment later. Her first reaction was one of fear as she felt the weight of a body press onto her. But she calmed herself down quickly with a mental reminder that she was safe.
A laugh was forced from her lips in the next second as Ichigo wiggled his fingers against her side. Orihime was on her back with Ichigo kneeling over her, positively torturing her side. She tried to keep the giggles vin but since she was little she'd been ticklish. Nobody other than Tatsuki or her brother ever tickled her.
"I told you to stop apologizing," Ichigo grinned down at her.
How embarrassing! She tried weakly to fight him off but Ichigo was much stronger than her. After what felt like an eternity Ichigo let her go, lying down next to her and propping himself up on his elbow while she caught her breath.
"T-that was m-mean Kurosaki-kun!"
"Not sorry," he grinned back. "We can count that reaction as my Christmas present from you."
"That's a lame present," she said. She stared up at his gentle face. Her eyes drank in every line. He had small wrinkles between his eyebrows from glaring too much. He was going to age earlier than the rest of them due to his stress. But he'd look handsome just like his father.
Ichigo's face had grown a little more tense. He wasn't frowning but his lips pulled together in concentration and thought. "Do you have a better idea?"
For some reason Orihime felt like she couldn't shake her head no, as if that would disrupt the moment. She settled for a soft, "No, sorry."
Half of her expected him to tickle her again. The other half of her wanted that closeness.
Ichigo rested his other arm on the opposite side of her, leaning over her. She could feel the tips of his hair brushing against her face. It tickled. Her breath hitched in her throat. "Kurosaki-kun..."
His adams apple bobbed as he swallowed his nerves. "I'll ask permission this time."
Orihime considered bolting- avoiding her problems. Once again they weren't dating and Orihime still needed to sort out both her feelings and Ichigos. None of the words she formulated in her mind would come out.
She as pretty sure she nodded. Or inclined her head in some way. Ichigo kissed her so gently her lips felt warmer than the kotatsu. He pulled back a second later, caressing her cheek. "Come to soul society with me when I check my seals?"
How unfair, Orihime thought. To ask her something like that at a time like this. She couldn't do anything but nod, while a smile stretched across her lips. Maybe things really were better. She was able to drink green tea, she was able to laugh and smile with the rest of her friends, and she was still as in love with Ichigo as ever.
Her hero captured her lips once more, in a different manner. She felt his control slipping. She could feel the slight tremble in his arm and the way his breath hitched when he finally pulled away and looked her in the eyes.
"You're so beautiful when you smile," Ichigo said.
A train wreck of emotions hit her.
His own smile slowly dissolved when he felt Orihime's trembling start. Her eyes were still on him but it didn't look like she was actually seeing him. It was like she was looking right past him. A scene he couldn't see. "Orihime?"
It wasn't Ichigo's hand on her cheek anymore. It wasn't his thumb brushing her lip. The room felt ten degrees colder and bigger and brighter. She could hear the soft echoing of footsteps in a large hall as the world spun around her and a new scene replaced her reality.
"A girl like you should smile more often."
She could feel his warm breath and smell the sweet aroma of jasmine. She could taste the bitter sting.
"Orihime-chan?"
Hold on, she chanted to herself. For Ichigo, hold on. He's done so much. You can't give up without trying.
"S-sorry Kurosaki-kun. I- I'm tired. I think I'm going to bed."
He reached out for her as she pulled away, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "Orihime-chan-"
It was too familiar. She forced him to let go by using her strength to pull forward. "I'm tired."
Her voice was firm, but he had felt the way she trembled. He wanted to call out to her and demand she stop pushing him away. Ichigo was also tired of it. For 5 months he'd tried his best but every time something happened. It felt like he wasn't making any progress at all.
He'd hoped foolishly that his confession to her would make her all better. He'd put his love for her on a pedestal. Like a medicine with a 'one dose cures all'. It was a childish fantasy. He returned, defeated, to his own room.
That night Ichigo dreamt of blue flowers and red bras complementing soft skin.
That night Orihime dreamt of red tile and white hallways that echoed soft cries.
The morning of the 27th came quickly.
"Ready?" Ichigo asked.
"Mhm" Orihime nodded her head. She allowed herself to be scooped up into Ichigo's arms as he prepared himself near the gate.
Kisuke held his cane out to the frame. "Alright you guys know the drill. Don't touch the walls and avoid the big ball of death."
Ichigo nodded, looking a little annoyed. "I still can't believe we still have to use this method!"
Orihime selfishly thought she was glad. Without a soul reaper to guide them they had to potentially outrun the dangai. Since Orihime's strength wasn't at full power Ichigo had decided that he'd just cary her.
"Stop complaining Ichigo, We all know you're happy about it," Yuroichi said lightly, ignoring the color change in Ichigo's face.
The gate opened and Ichigo bolted through. He flash stepped through the gate- relieved when there was no immediate sight of the cleaner. It didn't take long to get to the other side. This time they didn't end up in the middle of west rukon but were able to make a normal appearance in the first division courtyard.
The courtyard was mostly rebuilt- though there was miscellaneous debris in wheelbarrows. Ichigo set Orihime down and took off to meet Rukia and Renji halfway. Orihime hung back and watched as the three interacted. Ichigo was grinning- something she hadn't really seen in a long time. With her it was always soft smiles or frowns of contemplation.
But the smile he showed to Rukia and Renji was her favorite.
"Orihime-Chan~"
Orihime turned, not ducking in time as Shinji wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "I can't believe tha princess came all tha way 'ere just ta spend new years with me."
She didn't have the courage to tell him otherwise when he gave her such a big grin. She'd forgotten how much she'd missed Shinji. His appearance was comforting. "Mhm. I'm happy to see you."
"We rebuilt most of the 5th division headquarters," Hinamori was trailing close behind her captain. "U-um I prepared a room for you there. If that's okay?"
"Thank you Hinamori-chan," said Orihime. And she meant it. Hinamori had no idea how much she'd done for Orihime.
Orihime looked back to where Ichigo was. Rukia had him locked in a headlock- yelling about something- while Renji laughed at the guys luck. She turned back to Shinji. "I'm looking forward to the visit."
"Of course ya are, let me show ya what changed."
She didn't say anything to Ichigo as they left. Her eyes followed him a little wistfully. She wished she had the courage to be part of his fun. The best she could do for him now would be to leave him be.
Shinji showed her around the divisions. They were rebuilding in pretty much the same spots. The captain houses and the barracks were the most important parts. They'd been building temporary barracks to house everyone in the meantime.
The 13th, 4th, and 7th division were all without captain. Iba- the vice captain of the 7th- was no where to be found as he'd taken his Bankai training under extreme consideration to try and replace the captain. Lisa was too busy taking over the 8th. Byakuya was busy with paperwork and didn't spare them so much as a hello. Hitsugaya asked if they'd seen Rangiku and half an hour later they found her in the 9th division passed out drunk on Kensei's couch mumbling things better left censored.
When they got to the 11th Zaraki was laying in the middle of the courtyard watching his men train with a lazy eye. Orihime bowed respectfully to the large man. She half expected Yachiru to bounce over his shoulder and ask her to play some sadistic game.
But of course the little girl was no longer around.
"Ichigo here?"
Orihime nodded. "Um, I think he's with Rukia-chan. Uh but he's going to be getting his seals redone."
Zaraki picked himself into a sitting position. "Tch, I better go find the kid."
Shinji held his hands out. "Ma Ma Zaraki-taichou, let's let Ichigo get settled in first eh?"
"I didn't ask you," Zaraki growled. He flicked his sword lightly. Then his eye turned to Orihime. She swallowed.
His brain seemed to be computing something. He had a wide range of expression from interest to annoyance to a vacillation of sorts. Then he brought his sword down in her direction.
Hinamori was the first to react. "Zaraki-taichou!"
Shinji hoped out of the way to save his own ass.
Orihime rolled to the side with wide eyes. Hinamori hung back ten feet away. She'd stand up to most of the captains for her friends but Zaraki didn't exactly listen to reason.
"Z-Zaraki-sama," Orihime's eyes were wide.
Zaraki just grinned. "I heard you defeated a Vasto Lorde."
Orihime clenched her hands in front of her chest. "U-um, I..."
She hated that memory.
"Alright, I'll play with you for a bit then. Been a minute since anyone let me stretch my blade."
"Zaraki-Taichou you mustn't-" Hinamori was stopped from rushing forward by Shinji. "Hirako-taichou?"
"Ma ma Hina-chan, let's see how this plays out, eh?"
Orihime looked like a deer caught in the headlights. "I- I don't think it would be any fun to spar against me, Z-Zaraki-sama."
"Quit calling me that," Zaraki stretched his neck. A few loud pops permeated the air. "Alright, get your sword ready."
"I- I don't have a sword Zaraki."
"Then how the hell do you fight?"
Orihime hesitated for a moment before bringing her fairy's forth. "U-um I don't really fight Zaraki-sa.. Zaraki. I use Tsubaki. He cuts people in half."
Zaraki's grin lit up further. "Interesting. Try it on me!"
Orihime was shellshocked. Try it on him? Try to cut the captain in half? "I- I can't just- AH!"
His sword was brought down where she'd been standing. Orihime had rolled to the side at the last moment. She looked back at where Shinji and Hinamori were. Hinamori looked terrified but Shinji had a grin from ear to ear.
Zaraki had aimed to kill, she could feel it. She didn't want to play with him though. Not with how ridiculously strong he was. They said he was probably the strongest in soul society now.
"Since getting this damn power," Zaraki held out his sword, "Things have become a little dull. I'm even having to make a trip to Huecco mundo to try to keep things interesting. Ah, but that isn't till tomorrow. So entertain me today."
Zaraki had sighed like he was generally upset. Orihime's eyes had perked up when he mentioned Huecco Mundo. "Y-your going there?"
"The fuck I just say? Get the cotton out of your ears," Zaraki readied his sword again. "Now come on and cut me!"
She couldn't. Orihime's shield flashed up to block the blow. To Zaraki's, and even Shinji's surprise, the shield held fast. Sure Zaraki was holding back but if he'd done that 2 years ago the shield would have shattered easily.
"Interesting..." Zaraki drew his sword back. He slashed down again. And again. And again. He didn't seem to be trying to get around the shield he just wanted to break it. Orihime poured her spiritual pressure into it to keep it going strong. It started to crack around the edges after a few minutes. Zaraki had increased his strength to as powerful as it would go without releasing his eyepatch or his sword.
Orihime wanted him to stop. She could see how thin her shied was becoming and if he kept it up he really would get through. This wasn't fun for her.
"T-Tsubaki," she mumbled.
"Leave it to me," Tsubaki shot out from around the shield. She saw the streak of light hit Zaraki. He didn't bother moving or dodging. He took the flash of yellow against his chest. it seemed like nothing had happened.
"Tsubaki!" Orihime cried. Luckily the fairy returned to his side, wings battered as he tried to stay in the air. "I'm sorry I wavered."
"That guys's just too strong," said Tsubaki, before he disappeared into the hairpin, energy depleated.
A very minute wound appeared on Zaraki's chest. A few drops of blood fell from his chest but steam was rising as his spiritual pressure began to heal it. Almost like instant regeneration.
Orihime doubted Zaraki was really a man. He was completely inhuman. She had hesitated, but she truly meant to give Zaraki a wound- if only to get him to stop hitting her shield.
Behind them Shinji's grin had grown even larger while Hinamori looked genuinely impressed. Sure no real damage had been done but not even Hinamori would have trouble wounding that captain at his current power. For only having one attack ability, Orihime truly was strong.
"Interesting," He grinned again. Orihime's eyes widened when a faint yellow glow of spiritual pressure danced around him- so thick it was visual. He raised his sword high, tensing his muscles, prepared to bring it down. Orihime's heart stopped. She'd seen him fight against Nnoitra. She'd seen how much more a beast he'd become when he got serious.
She braced herself for impact. A cloud of dust was kicked up around them. She felt the ground under her dip. When she looked up her shield was still in tact but that wasn't right- it had never even felt a blow.
"Oh my, Zaraki-taichou, awfully dangerous of ya wouldn't you say?"
Shinji had blocked the attack, holding his sword with two hands. He didn't seem to be struggling under the blow but the ground had a small crater under his feet.
Zaraki pulled his sword back, grumbling about people interfering with his fights. He rested his sword across his shoulder and looked past Shinji at Orihime. "You didn't die."
Orihime thought wistfully that it was pretty close to a compliment coming from the big captain. She let out a huge breath when Zaraki left them and they could return to the 5th.
"Sorry 'bout that princess, wanted ta see what ya'd do."
"That was really mean Hirako-Taichou," Hinamori scolded. "Kurosaki-sama would have really been mad."
"But you didn't die," Shinji laughed at Orihime. "I think a little more strengthening might be good for ya Orihime-Chan. You have too much potential."
Orihime turned red under the praise. "I don't think so."
"Who cares what ya think," Shinji yawned.
They returned to the 5th division and Orihime wondered where Ichigo had gone off to. After Hinamori returned to her quarters to finish up on some paperwork Orihime settled in the 5th divisions office. She sat on the ground by Shinji. "I'm surprised they built this so fast."
"Oh my captains room wasn't demolished. The 5th division avoided the most damage. This room hasn't changed since I had it last. Guess I should thank Aizen for keeping it the same."
Orihime stared around the room with newfound wariness. "Um Shinji-kun, can I ask you?"
"About what?"
"Aizen... you said you knew him best. Him and Ichimaru."
Shinji turned around on the ground, facing Orihime. His face twisted into a thoughtful expression. "Might say that. He was the opposite o' Ichimaru."
"How so?"
"Ichimaru was a textbook psychopath. He could mimic the emotions pretty well, but he didn't have em himself. Not normally. I never saw him show emotions fer anyone 'cept Ran-Chan. He didn't 'ave any loyalty. I think when ya look at it this way ya find yerself thinking, how could he have followed Aizen? How could he follow anyone but himself? Ya know Ichigo could tell what Aizen was thinkin' but now old Ichimaru.
"But Aizen was different. Aizen felt all of those emotions like love and hate and kindness. And he liked it. Kid was creepy. Always organized things. He didn't like it when people touched his stuff. Like we'd get it dirty. He was a megalomaniac."
"W-what's a megalomaniac?"
"Someone that's obsessed with their own power. Aizen felt like his power meant everything belonged to him. Not just things but people. In tha' winter war everyone was fightin' ta stop him. Everyone but you."
"I might not have been a lot of help but I tried... I wanted to help stop him."
"No ya didn't," Shinji rebuked her own opinion. "Ya wanted to fight alongside Ichigo. Ya wanted ta help and protect 'im. Ya didn't do it for Aizen. You didn't pay him any attention. Even when he took ya. Am I right?"
Orihime twisted her hands in her lap. "I guess you're right. I went to huecco mundo for Kurosaki-kun. I wanted to reverse the Hogyoku for Kurosaki-kun."
"Everyone needed to be under Aizen's control. But you weren't. You couldn't give two shits about him."
Orihime stared at the ground, mind reeling. "It made him mad..."
"Exactly. Does that answer your question?"
She looked up at the blond captain. He seemed borderline disinterested but his eyes were with her.
"Ya didn't want me ta tell ya 'bout him. You wanted me ta tell ya why he did it."
Her eyes stung and she shut them to keep the waterworks in.
"Probably not what ya wanted ta hear," Shinji admitted. He leaned backwards against his desk, elbows on the tabletop. "Sorry princess."
"I thought maybe after hearing that I could hate him."
Shinji reached out for the delicate girl. Only 18. He pulled her closer so she could rest against him as she let it out. "But ya can't. That's alright. I'll hate em for the both of us. How's that sound princess?"
Orihime closed her eyes. Shinji looked warily at the door. He was going to be in trouble if Ichigo found them.
"What a pain," He mumbled.
"Where the hell is she?" Ichigo frowned. He had just left the 11th division. He couldn't find Zaraki anywhere. Soifon had been no help. Byakuya didn't look at him. Iba was missing. Hitsugaya had turned him away at the door. And he couldn't feel her spiritual pressure. He was growing annoyed.
"Relax Ichigo, who would she wander off with?"
Ichigo regarded Rukia with annoyance. "Hell would I know? I thought she'd be with Rangiku but she won't wake up. Why was she at Kensei's anyways?"
Rukai shrugged. "She's taken a liking to him. No way am I prying into that! I have enough trouble keeping up with you and Orihime."
"Argh! How could she run off without telling me!"
"What about Hirako-taichou," Rukia suggested as her face lit up. "They seemed pretty close."
Ichigo's scowl deepened. It was likely. Too likely. He didn't like it! He took off in the direction of the 5th with Rukia guiding him. "Stupid captain of the 12th took too long! Kept asking me questions about her."
"About Orhime? Why?"
"I don't know. Wanted to know what happened when she tried to destroy the Hogyoku. I don't plan on letting that creep anywhere near her!"
"Head captain wouldn't approve of any research involving Orihime don't worry," Rukia tried to soothe him. "Ah! I can feel her!"
Ichigo sped up and then abruptly stopped in front of the captains quarters. He could sense Orihime and Shinji inside."Why couldn't I feel her till now?" Ichigo frowned.
"It's the captains quarters Ichigo. They put barriers up to contain spiritual pressure in case large amounts seep out. It's mostly for those like Zaraki Taichou that let out large bursts while sleeping."
Annoyed further, Ichigo slammed the door open without knocking, then stopped upon turning deathly still.
Rukia angled her head around the stone form of Ichigo. Her eyes widened briefly. Luckily Rukia wasn't a vice captain for nothing and her reflexes were fast. She had her arms around Ichigo's waist just as he moved to lunge.
If he hadn't just spent 2 hours getting his spiritual pressure squashed down Rukia wouldn't have been able to hold him back. "Ichigo calm down!"
The sight before Ichigo had him seething. Shinji was lucky he had good reign over his inner hollow now. Shinji was sitting up on the ground, wiping blurry sleep from his eyes and taking in his own situation. Besides him Orihime was still sleepign soundly in the nook between his left arm and chest. His captains Haori was draped over her form.
Shinji took his hand off of her shoulder like her bare skin was lava. "U-uh Let's not do anything rash Kurosaki. You're going ta wake the princess if ya get all mad."
Probably not the best thing to say given the situation, Shinji came to realize as Ichigo broke free from Rukia's hold and lunged at Shinji. He had the captain pinned to the table behind them in a loud bang that echoed through the room. "What. The. Hell." Ichigo fisted his knuckled into the front of Shinji's Shihakusho.
Shinji had his same carefree smile on, hands up at his side. He looked like a kid with his hand in the cookie jar. "Ma ma let's not-"
"Ichigo! You can't attack a captain! What the hell are you doing?"
"What the hell am I doing Rukia? What the hell was HE doing?"
"Who are ya ta overreact Kurosaki?" Shinji raised an eyebrow. He didn't seem to care for the severity of his own situation. "Don't tell me yer the only one that can sleep 'sides the princess-"
BANG!
Ichigo's fist nearly went through the table besides Shinji's head. Splinters pricked against his knuckles and scratched Shinji's face. "Give me a reason Shinji. Give me a fucking reason."
"K-Kurosaki-kun?"
The room stiffened. Ichigo didn't tear his eyes away from Shinji's or follow their line of sight. He'd recognize that voice anywhere. The way she said his name. The slight shake. His eyes lost their anger.
"Kurosaki-kun why are you... why are you..." Orihime sat clutching Shinji's haori tightly, nervously twisting her hands. She didn't know why Ichigo was on top of Shinji in such a matter. She surveyed Rukia's flustered appearance, Shinji's amusement, and the way Ichigo wouldn't turn to look at her.
She stood quickly and reached out for Ichigo. The moment she touched his back he flinched away and she recoiled back into herself.
Ichigo straightened himself back up and let go of Shinji. He swallowed hard, turning to face Orihime. His face was conflicted and when he caught the concern on Orihime's face he didn't know who it was for. Him, Shinji, or herself?
He moved to reach out for her but Orihime avoided the outstretched hand like she didn't see it. She moved past Ichigo and crouched in front of Shinji. "Why?" She took Shinji's chin in her hands. She ran a finger across the scratch on the side of his face.
"It ain't nothin' princess," Shinji brushed her aside. "Seems yer guard dog got a tad protective."
Orihime straightened herself back up and turned to Ichigo. Her features were still delicate but their was a hardness behind her eyes. She wasn't upset. She didn't even understand the situation. She was just disappointed. "Why?"
Ichigo clenched his fists to his side to keep them from shaking, or reaching out for Shinji again. "I want to ask you that."
Orihime's eyes tightened in confusion. She trailed her eyes down to Ichigo's clenched fists and as soon as she saw the small bead of blood across her knuckles her healing instincts kicked in. "You're bleeding..."
For the first time Ichigo backed away when Orihime reached for his hand. The rejection hurt. Orihime didn't try to reach for him again, but a gold shield encompassed his fist without command. "Why did you attack Shinji-kun?"
Ichigo knocked her shield aside. A small sting penetrated his skin where he'd made contact. The wound on his hand was already healed. She wondered if her healing shield had always had such a property. He'd never tried to break out of it before. "Why were you here with him?"
They stood facing each other in a standoff. Orihime wanted to disappear. She wanted to go back home, curl up into bed, and pretend she was never part of this. She wanted to pretend she didn't see the stern look in Ichigo's eyes.
Those eyes had been her comfort since waking up from- no, from even before that. He'd treated her gently to an annoying point. She'd felt like a cornered animal they were too afraid to touch. But now she realized just why Ichigo had been so gentle with her. It was because she couldn't stand anything else.
She wasn't strong enough. She couldn't face that look in his eyes alone. Her gaze wavered, threatening to break.
Shinji rose and stood besides Orihime. A comforting presence that gave her just enough courage to not look away. He firmly put a hand on her arm, stilling the shaking.
"Kurosaki-kun you-"
"Ichigo you-" Rukia had started talking at the same time as Orihime. Her eyes flashed with instant regret as she realized she'd cut Orihime off. "Sorry."
Orihime shook her head softly, finally breaking the eye contact as she suddenly found her feet rather interesting.
Ichigo.
How could Rukia so easily say his name?
"Whatever. You don't need to explain," Ichigo said. Orihime could hear his footsteps trail away. She could hear Rukia calling after him with harsh words. It didn't make her feel better.
"Did I do something wrong?"
Shinji shook his head. "Humans. C'mon let's get ya settled in. I'm sure Hinamori-Chan will be happy to share her room eh?"
"Sorry Shinji-kun I think... I think I want to be alone for a while."
Shinji nodded. "I'll leave you to it. Don't let him get you down. He's just a human."
Ichigo's entire body was on fire. Anger seemed to bounce between his toes and the tip of his head. He was deaf to Rukia's scolding as they walked away.
"-attack a captain like that! Do you really think you can get away with that! If that was anyone-"
"Just shut up!"
Rukia halted her steps. Ichigo continued going. She wouldn't have it. Not for long. She crouched back and hunched down like a cat ready to strike. Then she sprung and aimed both feet at his head.
Ichigo spun round in time to block the attack with his arms, skidding backwards several feet. "What the hell?"
Rukia pushed backwards, bouncing off her hands back into a standing position. "Are you listening now?"
"Why the hell do I have to listen? Why are you acting like I'm the bad guy here!"
"Because you are! You attacked Hirako Taichou for no reason!"
"No reason? No reason! You saw that! He was on the ground and- and she was- and they were-"
"Oh my god! Jealousy?" Rukia growled in frustration. She pulled on her hair. "You're such an idiot Ichigo! You got mad because you think something happened? You think Hirako-taichou made a move on Orihime?"
Ichigo pursed his lips. He knew how ridiculous it sounded.
"This is why we don't get involved with humans. What kind of person do you think Hirako-taichou is? Do you think he'd take advantage of a human 500 years younger than him? One that the whole of soul society owes a life debt to? And while she's like THAT?"
When Ichigo just crossed his arms and looked away in denial, Rukia stamped her foot down hard. "Even if you don't have faith in Hirako-taichou can't you at least believe in Orihime?"
Ichigo snapped his head back to Rukia. His anger was ebbing away. "Thats..."
"That's what?"
He rubbed the back of his head, trying to hold onto his anger. HE was starting to feel stupid. "They're too close. He calls her Orihime."
"So do you. Well, at least now you do. Though I don't know when that started..." Rukia contemplated. Last time she was in the human world he was still calling her Inoue-san.
"She calls him by his name," Ichigo kicked a few small pebbled of stone rubble. "You saw it. How they..."
Rukia leaned against a nearby wall. "You call me Rukia. I call you Ichigo. But Renji's never tried to attack you has he?"
"Don't scold me like I'm a child."
"But you are, Ichigo! To me and shinji and the rest of us you're a fraction of our age. And how do you think Orihime feels?"
Ichigo shoved his hands into his pockets and regarded her with distrust. Rukia was his friend, Rukia gave it to him straight, but he hated how she could be right. "I probably scared her."
"Wrong," said Rukia. "Orihime trusts you. But do you think she's ever been jealous? She's ever looked at us and wondered? I know you don't catch it but I do. Every time you call my name. Every time I call yours. She's questioning her own standing."
"I don't-"
"You don't do it on purpose Ichigo. You're a good kid. I just want you to think sometimes. I want to spare you the trouble humans normal go through. Because you don't deserve it and neither does she."
Ichigo thought back on it. When they'd arrived he'd been so stoked to see Rukia and Renji after the long break he'd almost forgotten about Orihime. He'd fucked up, he knew. But so had Orihime. She'd been so close to another man.
He stormed off again, leaving Rukia behind this time. She made motion to follow but a hell butterfly interrupted her. A captains meeting was taking place. They needed her to secure her squads quarters in the meantime.
Ichigo needed to blow off some steam. Perhaps finding Ikkaku would do him some good.
"Soutaichou consider," Mayuri rubbed his hands together. His yellow teeth brought a grim sense to his smile. "The possibility isn't one we can ignore."
"Ma Ma Kurotsuchi-taichou, what you're asking is a little difficult don't you think?" Kyoraku stretched his neck back and forth in thought. It was such a pain.
"It's preposterous! Soutaichou you can't let him experiment on a human like that!"
"Calm down Hitsugaya-Taichou," Rose interjected. "Kurotsuchi-taichou has a point."
"Still she's-"
"If I may, Kyoraku-san," Shinji raised his hand in a schoolboy fashion. "How 'bout I go and supervise? Ya know I won't let any harm come ta the princess."
Kyoraku let out a sigh. What would Yamamoto do? What would Ukitake have done? They warred with eachother like the devil and angel on his shoulders. Yamamoto would have assessed the risk. Ukitake would have refused to let any harm come to the girl.
"Half an hour. No harm is to come to her. And no matter what you find you report to me first. Understood?"
Mayuri's face twisted in anger. "Half an hour isn't nearly enough-"
"It must be frustrating," Kyoraku drawled. "I'm not quite as nice as old man Yamamoto. Sorry about that."
Mayuri spun on his heels, glaring down the line of captains and at Kyoraku. "Yamamoto knew when to make sacrifices. I hope your sense of justice isn't the end of us all."
"Me too," Kyoraku sighed.