A/N - Some more Isshin bashing in this chapter, I'm not sorry.
Warning - Character death/suicide . . . kinda. Does it count if you know all about your afterlife?
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How many Shinigami were here, and how did they all find out?
Toshiro arrived, landing in a crouch at the edge of the arena and looking around for me. A loud cheer went up from the many members of the 10th at his arrival. I made my way down to him and we walked to the center for some small amount of privacy.
"I won't be using Bankai, just so you know. I spent the afternoon with Zangetsu, and I'm not ready for that yet. But I'll use the Hollow. I think that's fair against your Bankai."
"Agreed. Avoid critical injuries if possible, as is standard. Kido?"
"I don't see why not. So, I've been trying to figure out what I did to upset you."
He looked surprised. "I thought you figured it out. I was jealous. I'm not proud of it, and I'm over it."
Huh? "Jealous? Of who?"
"Kyoraku, and Kenpachi, if you can believe it. You said you wanted to fight me, and then you lined up duels with everyone but me. I thought you reasoned that out, and offered this to appease."
Toshiro would probably forgive me sleeping with half the Shinigami here without a second thought. But he got jealous of me fighting someone else before him.
"As if I'd fight anyone else first. Anyone betting on this?"
"You are 3 to 1 favorite. I am surprised that I ranked so well."
"Everyone here that you want here?"
He nodded and bared his teeth, eyes practically glowing in the fading evening light. "Game on."
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I didn't take it easy on Toshiro. He didn't let me. We started with just swordplay, hakuda making occasional appearances. I considered using just the longsword, since I wasn't used to this yet. But I settled on using both blades. It gave him an edge, and he didn't waste it.
He was fast. Physical speed wasn't the problem, I was much faster just in getting from place to place. No, his speed was more dangerous. He figured out strategies and readied counters instantly, and every time I hesitated he was already there, knowing before I did where to exploit openings I hadn't even left yet. Several shallow cuts and many, many bruises later I was only starting to get the hang of how to defend against his sneakiness.
Simply put, he outclassed me with sword and hand to hand; I hit harder, but he was too smart to let me hit often. For each time that I managed a hit, he hit back three times. Though I improved against him, I was on the defensive for the better part of 30 minutes. Even then he was kicking my ass. Based on round one, I'm sure the odds were shifting. But as he called on Hyorinmaru I raised my reiatsu and the fight truly began. Within seconds we were off the ground, and I was using sonido to evade ice, kido and that annoying chain that sneaked in when least expected. More than once I had to break an arm or leg out of ice, and my skin stung in a few places.
I had realized something new, and rather shocking. The wounds were disappearing in seconds, a minute at most for the more serious cuts. I had healed quickly before thanks to Shiro . . . dammit, thanks to Zangetsu. But now it was nearly instant regeneration. Toshiro had noticed, too. I saw him watch a couple of cuts heal over, and the growl that I heard after he deliberately cut me and backed off to watch it heal was proof of the psychological advantage I had gained. I smirked as I stood still, holding the arm up for his observation before I moved to attack.
Sonido seemed a little harder for Shinigami to track, and I was able to get within his guard several times. The wounds started to even out as I scored a few hits. Those ice dragons hit hard, though, and after the second time one caught me I called out my Hollow mask. We stood for a moment mid-air. Toshiro was smiling widely, eyes fierce, completely in his element. I'm sure the crowd below was startled by my Hollow's laughter as the evening sky suddenly grew much darker, clouds swirling above us and mist filling the air.
His Bankai was as beautiful as I remembered. My slight advantage was gone, the ice of his wings and tail making getting close to him much more difficult. After ten minutes of trying and failing, earning several wounds for my efforts, I dropped the tactic and went for raw power.
Toshiro held but had to fall back as I went straight for him, taking him head on, trying to use power and reach against him. But Toshiro was not Renji or Kenpachi. He did not simply answer power for power; if he had I would have defeated him in seconds. The chain was a feint as his tail snaked toward me and I dodged straight into a blast of lightening kido. Barely dodging a wide net of daggers made of ice, I put some distance between us.
He was going to lose, that much was obvious. While he may be keeping me from damaging him too badly, it was costing him. Just keeping up his Bankai used a lot of reiatsu, as the fracturing petals behind him indicated. And each time he pushed me back he had to employ three or four tricks and techniques that ate up more of his power. Really, I could simply run down the clock, with plenty of my own reiatsu left. But I wouldn't resort to that, I'd beat him fair and square while he still had power to spare. It wouldn't be much of a victory otherwise.
I unleashed two Getsuga Tensho in succession, using my speed to slip in close again as he dodged. A miscalculation as I sliced at his dominant arm cost me, and what would have been a light hit on my side was enhanced by a burst of ice that cracked a couple of ribs.
Getting close to Toshiro was a good deal more dangerous than I was used to. He was frankly too smart, and I hadn't figured out his weaknesses. They existed, everyone had them, but they were proving difficult to find. I had fought smart opponents. Halibel, Starrk, Byakuya all came to mind. I had found each one's blind spot, be it compassion, sloth, or overconfidence, and I found them in one battle.
"Best dodge this one, Toshiro!" I called, and showed off my new Getsuga Jujisho.
He did dodge, and half turned with a startled look to observe the powerful crossed blades of reiatsu, which I had carefully aimed upward so as not to destroy half of Seireitei. I thought he was still watching as I stepped to his side. I had him, my long blade a split second away from touching the back of his neck.
I felt him appear behind and slightly above me. Of course that was a decoy, Toshiro would not pause at this stage of a battle. He had gone so far as to nearly drain his reiatsu, leaving power laced in the decoy to fool me. A serious gamble, and it paid off. I whirled just in time to catch Hyorinmaru's blade, the edge opening a thin cut along the side of my neck. My shorter blade was pressed against his chest.
I was my own worst enemy. Trying to trick a trickster, it was a stupid move throwing a flashy technique and expecting such a simple distraction to take him in. And with a perfect touch of irony, he had used an equally simple distraction to get the upper hand. Next time I would not try to fight him on his own terms. If I had stuck to what I knew best, hitting hard and fast, I could have crushed him. It was too tempting, though, to match his style, and I had fallen into the trap very early in the fight, handing him the victory.
The air was so cold this close to him, I wondered how he could breathe to say, "A draw, then?"
"For now, love." I let the Hollow mask go as we both eased our swords away. I smiled in joy and he ducked to kiss my cheek, the movement easily disguised from the eyes below. I flash-stepped to the ground as he soared down, dismissing the breathtaking ice wings as he touched the earth in perfect control.
There was an awful lot of noise as everyone commented on the fight, sorted out bets, argued whether it was draw or Toshiro's victory, and shouted compliments. I sensed at least three captains in the crowd.
I accepted the draw, really a loss, knowing that next time I would soundly beat Toshiro. In a straight swordfight he might always have the advantage. But as soon as power came into the equation I would be able to take him as long as I didn't make any more stupid mistakes. I still had a lot to learn, and that left him with too many chances to take advantage of my inexperience. But today was an honest fight, and my weaknesses were easy for his experience to exploit.
Fighting him was as arousing as foreplay, and I'm sure he felt the lust in my reiatsu before I managed to get it under control. His face was flushed from more than the fight. What I really wanted was to pin him right here on the ground.
"See you at the home, or do you need the 4th?"
"Home. I'll be right behind you. I have to pay up."
"You bet against yourself?" It's the only way he'd owe money. A draw would pay out anyone who supported him.
"Obviously. If you weren't learning something new, I'd never have made it to Bankai."
"My ribs say otherwise."
"Go on then, see you soon."
Time was up anyway, as the crowd had gotten the courage to enter the sparring grounds to press their opinions on us more directly. I was gone before they got there. As soon as I got home, I flipped on some hard rock to suit my mood as I downed a second glass of water. I felt energized and ready for anything, taking the stairs two at a time. I stripped torn clothes, and rinsed off the blood, all damage now erased.
Where was Toshiro? My body wanted him badly, and my mind agreed. The music was faded into a pulsing beat, rhythms sometimes familiar were all that reached this far. I flung myself naked on the bed, on my back with feet dangling over the edge, wishing for gold and silver skin. I could almost feel him, closing my eyes and breathing in his scent that clung to everything around me. My craving for him was as strong as ever, a thirst that seemed impossible to quench.
I stretched and couldn't stop myself from reaching for my hardening cock as I replayed the duel in my mind. The feel of his deadly cold reiatsu, the whisper of that fine blade cutting the air, the way his eyes glowed as they tracked my every move. Stroking slowly, I recalled every detail of the ice talons covering his feet, ice curling around his neck, and spreading out in graceful feather-like blades. He danced on the air so lightly, but hit as hard as the dragon that he resembled.
"Toshiro . . ." I moaned his name and a smooth voice answered me.
"Oh, you wicked man." I turned my head to see him leaning on the doorframe, eyes fixed on me as I continued to move my hand. He moved, not toward me but toward the bathroom.
"Don't you dare stop," he commanded and I gladly obeyed. I smiled. Was he finally ready to take me? I had to admit, I was surprised he hadn't done so already.
Toshiro took his time shedding his clothing, and wiping off blood and sweat with my damp towel. His eyes stayed on me. My eyes stayed on his, waiting, daring him to take control, practically begging him to.
Though I liked to do this slow, I was starting to move faster as he came closer. His gaze was burning me, and I wanted him to touch me so badly. His head tilted to the side as he stood at the edge of my bed, almost but not quite touching my knees, and he wet his lips with a pink tongue. I started to sit up but stopped when he glared at me.
"No, my darling," he purred, "you stay down. But I will help you out." He reached for the nightstand.
I fell back down with a moan, my mind hazy with lust. He stepped closer, between my knees and I shuddered in anticipation. One cool hand wrapped around mine, slowing the strokes down. His other hand caught my left knee and lifted it to drape it over his shoulder.
Slick fingers warmed as they circled and teased. His hand on mine stopped me from jerking myself when a slender finger pushed inside. He turned his head and kissed the inside of my leg as he slowly, so slowly moved his hands.
Sure, Mr. Do It Now would be into slow teasing when it wasn't him on the receiving end. But I didn't mind. I loved it. I had quite enough of rough handling. This was all new, as neither of the men who took me were gentle in any way. It was thrilling just to see how Toshiro was completely focused on me and my reactions.
Though his hands were thin, the addition of a second finger definitely made itself known. He kept it slow, just moving in and out until I relaxed and then he started stretching and reaching deeper. When his fingers pressed against that sensitive gland I bucked my hips with a low groan.
His other hand pulled my hand away, and I whimpered. He bent down and took me in his mouth as this hand curled around the base of my cock and the third finger entered and brushed my prostrate again.
"Oh, god, Toshiro!" I pushed up into his mouth. Suddenly quite desperate, my hands gripped his hair, holding him while I pushed up again and he hollowed out his cheeks, sucking lightly as he let me in deeper. His fingers didn't stop moving, and I nearly lost control when I felt him allow the head of my cock all the way into his throat.
Fuck! I didn't even realize how aggressive I was, thrusting while gripping his hair. He didn't stop me, didn't fight me, and that made it all that much more satisfying when I released right into his throat. He pulled back slightly as he swallowed, and held me in his mouth until I settled down.
As my mind cleared I looked down at him and moved my hands from his hair to stroke the sides of his face as he straightened.
"Sorry, love. I was way too rough."
He just grinned widely and turned his head to kiss my palm before leaning all the way down, letting my leg drop, kissing my chest and teasing my nipples in between harsh breaths. His fingers were still inside of me, moving in and out and apart, not pressing or teasing.
His movements were gentle, in stark contrast to the recent aggression. His caresses were deliberate, with all his awareness totally focused on tasting and petting. Every line of him, every look, every lick told me that I was everything, the only thing in his mind and heart. Did it feel this way for him? Did he feel like a god when I worshiped every texture, every flavor of him?
"Ichigo, is this okay?" He was looking up at me seriously. He was worried, given my experiences with the traitors, that being taken would bring back bad memories.
"It's you, my love. It's better than okay."
He believed me and he smiled tenderly, returning to his caresses with more urgency. I was already half hard again and surrendered to the attention he was lavishing on my pleasantly sore muscles, and the ribs that had mended but still throbbed. His lips and tongue lingered everywhere he had cut or bruised, though the marks were long gone.
Soft lips sucked on the skin above my navel while a small hand slid down over my hip and thigh. I pushed against his hand and he nipped my skin lightly and let go. I sighed as his fingers left me. The time in between, as he stopped touching me to coat his length in lube and wipe off his hand, that time was forever. No wonder he always became impatient.
His hands pulled my hips, moving me to the edge of the bed, and I felt the tip of his cock pressing against me as he pushed my knees further apart.
"Look at me, Ichigo," his voice was strained but demanding. I locked my eyes with his darkened teal irises and he pressed forward. He groaned as he entered, lashes shivering as intense pleasure washed over his features, but he didn't look away from my face.
I panted and gave up trying to keep eye contact. My head fell back with a moan as he filled me completely. It was nothing like what I had experienced before. The feeling had no hint of pain, no fear, no shame, just completeness. This was Toshiro, the only person I'd ever truly desired, and the thought of him inside of me was maddeningly erotic.
His hands were massaging my hips lightly and I flexed against him to let him know it was time to move. He pulled back half way and pushed back in. I felt his hands shaking with the effort to hold back as he made those gentle movements a few times. I glanced and saw his expression of ecstasy blended with intense concentration. Knowing exactly what he was feeling, I reached for him, my hand making beckoning motions as I called his name.
He pulled all the way back and thrust back in quickly, pausing for a moment as I cried out in appreciation, my head stretching back and pressing into the bed. His head dropped to his chest as he gathered his control, and then he was thrusting again and again, and it felt so good that I could only moan and try not to cry with relief.
I could see now that I had been scared that I would not be able to do this, that I had been damaged by what had been done to me. It would have been such a horrid loss if I couldn't have this with Toshiro.
As I started matching his rhythm, pushing in time with him, he raised both of my knees over his shoulders, lifting me and changing the angle and depth. I shouted and convulsed as he struck just the right spot. I lost the ability to feel anything else as repeated shockwaves of euphoria raced up my spine. This was how it was supposed to feel; this was what I had been denied, what had been twisted and distorted beyond recognition.
His hand wrapped around my cock but he needn't have bothered. I was already gone, only sheer will making it last a few more thrusts before I shouted his name and felt him stiffen as warmth spread inside me.
Even now at the peak of his own orgasm his hands were careful, supporting and letting my legs down gently as he moved in me a few more times. Then he was drooping over me with his weight on one arm by my side. His other hand reaching to pet through my hair.
"Ichigo, that was incredible. Thank you."
I was the one who should be thanking him, if I had the breath or ability to speak. It had been the exact opposite of what I had endured before. Brutality changed to tenderness, cruelty changed to absolute dedication to my pleasure, hate turned to love. He leaned down and licked all the drops off my chest and belly, only then pulling out as I lay smiling and content.
I understood now why he was so limp after sex, and what he meant when he said he was the selfish one for being on the receiving end. He leaned toward the nightstand and grabbed a few tissues to clean himself off, always the neat-freak. Then he smirked as he wiped my ass and I snickered at him.
With some effort, I pulled myself all the way up on the bed and reached out my arms. He crawled up my body and lay full length on top of me. He kissed my neck gently, and I held him quietly until we were both relaxed.
Only then I realized. "Toshiro, you're still injured." Just how horny did you have to be to not notice that your lover was covered in bruises?
"Well, I had planned on healing as I cleaned up, but I got rather distracted by the show you were putting on."
I chuckled, "That was a good fight, and an even better ending." My hand pressed his back as I poured reiatsu into healing the cuts and bruises.
"Yes, it was. It's too bad I won't be able to match you when you master the dual blades. Not to mention your Bankai."
"What makes you say that? Yeah, I was clumsy tonight but you didn't show me everything you can do, either. I still can't figure you out, you mix too many styles. If I get better, you just have to hold back less."
"Hmm, we'll see. You would be a good target for some techniques I have a hard time with. It's difficult to practice when you're too worried about killing your opponent. Not to mention any innocent bystanders."
"Sounds fun. I'm starving. Wanna go raid the fridge?"
He got off me and stood, wrinkling his nose as he stretched.
"Go ahead, and make some green tea for me while you're at it. I smell like I've been fighting and fucking all night, I'm going to shower."
I got up and started for the closet, laughing at the crudeness he was starting to show every now and then. He smacked my ass as we parted ways, making me laugh harder as I grabbed a robe and headed downstairs. I toned the music down and started heating the water. Chizuru had restocked, and I found a bowl of chilled watermelon chunks as I munched on an apple. I quickly went out in the garden, placing the bowl and trotting back in.
Toshiro came down as I was scooping tea into the pot. His hair was flat as he rubbed it with a towel. I finished the tea and took the towel from him, massaging his head with both hands. There was a chill tonight, winter finally announcing her approach after that last fall heatwave. I wanted his hair nice and dry.
He didn't protest, just scowled at me as I fluffed his hair, the half-eaten apple clenched between my teeth. I tucked the towel around his shoulders, grabbed the apple and smiled as I chewed. He took the apple from my hand, taking a bite and handing it back to me before going into the kitchen to get his favorite tea mug and one for me.
"Remind me tomorrow, I left some things at Urahara's."
He looked up from pouring tea. "Sure. There are a couple of things I want to pick up, too."
I took my mug and tossed the blanket that was on the couch over my shoulder. I reached for his free hand as he looked at me quizzically. We slipped on the sandals kept by the back door and I pulled him along into the garden.
He chuckled as we rounded a corner of the path and the hammock was revealed. I took his tea and set it on the tall stump strategically placed within reach. I sat and swung my legs up and patted beside me. He hopped on gracefully, and I adjusted a mound of pillows so we could sit slightly up and look up at the stars Through the dark web of bare branches, sides pressed together. I reached for our tea and pulled the blanket over us.
"This was a very good idea."
"I have been known to have them from time to time."
We were quiet for a while, sipping and gazing upward as crickets hummed to the faint music drifting from the house. What odd creatures we were. We lived for war, we had just fought each other like lions, and tomorrow I was going to die. But at this moment, nothing mattered except tender closeness.
When my tea was gone I placed the mug aside and pulled up the bowl. Toshiro looked, and snorted when I plucked out a small chunk of watermelon and held it above his lips. He opened his mouth, and his eyes closed as he bit down on the sweet fruit. He relished it and looked at me as he swallowed.
"How did you know?"
"Rangiku, of course."
I popped a piece in my mouth and then held out another. He let me feed him like that until the bowl was empty. Then he grabbed my hand and sucked my fingers clean while I held my breath. With a sigh, he twisted a little so that he could lay his head upon my shoulder. As I put his empty cup down, I pushed on the stump and the hammock swayed gently as we cuddled under the blanket. Yep, the hammock was one of the best ideas I'd ever had.
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We moved inside after Ichigo began to shiver despite the blanket. We cuddled into bed together for a few more hours of sleep. I was awake early, and carefully unwrapped our limbs so that he could continue to rest. Eating and sleeping, Ichigo excelled at both.
I left him a note on the kitchen counter to join me at the division cafeteria for breakfast if he was up in time. My day was going to be cut short, so I made progress on reports before dawn, then made some black tea for the caffeine boost. The dojo had a high roof with a clear view. I took one annoyingly long report with me and settled in for the sunrise.
Matsumoto surprised me. She was not normally an early riser, and she had a blanket wrapped around her from neck to ankle as she settled next to me.
"Mornin', taicho!" She was perky even when she was sleepy and cold.
"Good morning, Matsumoto."
"That was very impressive last night. I haven't seen you that aggressive in a long time."
I reminded myself that I had fought a duel yesterday and fought down a blush at the double meanings.
"It was . . . fun. Thank you for getting the word out, I saw quite few members of the 5th in the crowd."
"Forget the 5th, the 10th is strutting like a peacock."
"What?"
"You should have seen it, taicho! The two of you really put on a show. It was nothing like when you and I train together. 10 years of recruits had never seen you fight like that. The way they've been acting ever since you'd think each one of them defeated Ichigo."
Seems I kept stumbling on ways to strengthen my bond with my own division lately. Showing a captain's power always helped, but it was usually a display or a planned fight to make sure no one was hurt. A real captain class duel at full strength was very rare. But with Ichigo around, it might not be so rare a thing anymore.
"I'm glad they like it, but I didn't defeat him. He would have run me through as I decapitated him."
"That's a win, taicho. You could have survived. Why, it seems to me a certain orange haired Shinigami just recovered from being run through. But that blow to the neck would have been fatal."
I hid a smile in my cup as I looked at the first hint of the sun on the horizon.
"Guess I should have bet on myself."
"Oh, that would be poor form. But don't worry, I put all the office petty cash on you. We can afford some upgrades now."
I growled as I rubbed at the bridge of my nose. Matsumoto had a gift for instantly destroying every good mood. I swear she had gotten up early just for this.
"Well, better go get started on paperwork!" She could move fast when she wanted to. And she knew I would calm down before I came back to the office.
I finished my tea and my reading as the sun completed its ascent from darkness. As promised I went to breakfast. The cafeteria was crowded and I took the first offer of a seat as several people tried to get my attention to sit with them. I had to field many questions about the duel, and kept my answers brief, with my usual cold demeanor. Eventually they shut up and let me eat, but I still had to deal with more fans on my way to the door.
I walked into the office as Matsumoto and Ichigo laughed about something, chatting together on the couch. Ichigo twisted his head up and around to grin at me over his shoulder.
"Congratulations, Toshiro! I hear you officially killed me, and a day ahead of schedule."
"And you say I have a dark sense of humor." I settled at the desk and signed off on the report I had finished.
Ichigo hopped up to refill my empty mug. Matsumoto watched him, amused at how quickly she was discarded when I walked in the door. I hid another smile by sipping the new cup of tea.
"Anything I can help with?" Perhaps he needed some distraction, given we only had a couple of hours before we would head for his execution.
"Pull up a chair at the end of the desk. I'll pass you anything that doesn't really require my attention. Just tell me if anything stands out, sign and stack."
"Sign my name?"
"Well don't sign mine. You are officially a captain in training. I'm sure no one cares if you authorize the purchase of . . . let's see, two dozen new sets of sheets for the barracks." I handed it to him along with a brush.
He took the form, looked it over and signed with enthusiasm. Oh, to be young again.
It really was a big help, and when I had given him all the basic forms I sent him over to Matsumoto to sign off on drill and patrol reports, much to her delight. The time was eaten away, and I looked up to find Ichigo staring at me. I put my things away, stood and stretched.
"Matsumoto, take care of the deliveries. Solo training is on your schedule, so do it. You can take the rest of the day off. I have that phone with me if there are any emergencies."
"Very good, taicho." She looked sadly between me and Ichigo, and then focused on her paperwork, head down to hide her expression as we retrieved swords and shoes and left.
Today's gate guards put on a braver face, though I'm sure Ichigo and I both looked even more dangerous with our thoughts of what was to come. Word would have already spread, these two would have heard of our fight yesterday. But they didn't tremble like the last fool. I nodded to both, and heard Ichigo snort after we had stepped through the gate. We rushed through, and stepped into crisp autumn sunlight near Urahara's shop. Kuchiki and Abarai were close by and heading toward us with Ichigo's body and the mod soul, having been informed of today's agenda.
Sensing a familiar reiatsu, I put my arm out in front of Ichigo as he started toward the shop. He glanced at me, then his eyes narrowed as he also caught the presence. Out of the door walked Shiba Isshin, former captain of the 10th, in a shihakusho with a tattered haori hanging from his shoulder. My lip curled in a snarl, knowing my insignia would be on that shameful rag.
He looked surprised to see me. I would expect Urahara had informed him of my relationship with Ichigo, but it seemed I was wrong. His reiatsu was weak, definitely not as I remembered it. Would he regain the strength of a captain in time, or had he lost it entirely?
A small pang in my chest reminded me briefly of how I had mourned the loss of my captain. For all his faults, Shiba had been someone I looked up to. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that he was a father figure to me, a teacher, and though I never took it, he always had his hand outstretched, offering honest friendship. But that did not excuse the way he left, the untenable position he abandoned me and Matsumoto in. And it sure as hell didn't excuse what Ichigo had gone through.
"Toshiro?"
My eyes narrowed and I said nothing. Ichigo was calm. His weight shifted into a deceptively relaxed pose, head high and arrogant. This was how he looked when spitting on Espada, and I knew how dangerous he was at this moment. His father, however, didn't have a clue. He had let his son face becoming a Shinigami alone, face a Hollow within alone, and then his son was taken and faced a living hell alone. Ichigo was no longer a boy, and no longer anyone his father knew.
"Son, please hear me out . . . "
"You've had your say, old man. You had your reasons for fucking up my life. They don't matter to me anymore."
"Then for your sisters' sake, come home and let's work this out."
I should not have interfered, but I hissed at him before I could stop myself. "How dare you use your children against one another!"
Ichigo's hand took mine, fingers weaving together. In my head, I started chanting.
"I will try to forgive you, Dad. Let that be enough. But fuck up with Karin and Yuzu, and I'll be there."
He stiffened at that, and glared at our joined hands, glared at me before looking back to Ichigo. Did he blame me for his son's belligerence? I would have laughed at him and explained who exactly was at fault, but it was not my place.
My captain, your son may forgive you someday. I never will.
"Has it gone so far? Are you actually threatening your own father?"
"If you got the message, please leave. You have no place here today."
"How can you say that to me? I only ever wanted . . ."
I spoke and he collapsed. Ichigo jumped and looked at me, startled.
"Sorry, did you want to hear more of that? I can wake him up."
He chuckled and shook his head, squeezing my hand in thanks before letting go. Kuchiki, Abarai, and Kon arrived and watched as I tore off the tattered haori and stepped over the unconscious former captain of the 10th. I stalked into the shop, where Urahara hid behind the counter and his fan. I thrust the cloth at him.
"Burn this. And if that filth is here when we return I'll make no apologies or reparations for the damages."
Turning on my heel, I did not listen for a reply as I returned to Ichigo. He was showing his new swords to Abarai, who was fussing over the longsword like a kid. These two were going to be captains soon. I kicked Shiba as I passed.
Guess we're all a little childish.
Kuchiki stood slightly apart, face composed and eyes nearly closed so he could pretend not to see anything that might offend his sensibilities. Ichigo turned to Kon and I stayed back to give them some semblance of privacy. When Ichigo took the body, he walked awkwardly to me and showed me the small green pill.
"I'm just going to give this to Hat-and-Clogs. He promised to make arrangements for Kon."
When Ichigo had left, Abarai asked, "Is that Ichigo's dad?"
"It's his sperm donor at any rate."
Abarai looked confused, but I heard a muffled snort from Kuchiki. He had known Shiba, but not well enough to have recognized the noble captain in the asinine, disheveled head of the Kurosaki household. And he now knew Ichigo could claim noble blood. Fallen nobles, but still, things like that mattered to him. Ichigo returned as Kuchiki was excusing himself and his lieutenant. They would meet us back here in a little more than 2 hours.
"Did you remember your shopping list, honey?"
I chuckled, "Yes, dear, shall we?"
ooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo
Coffee, coffee maker, Belgian chocolate for coco, guitar strings, battery operated alarm clock, batteries, what was I forgetting?
Fountain pens – a compromise. The salesman couldn't see Toshiro, but didn't think it odd that a discerning shopper would try out a few different pens by practicing his signature on paper. Toshiro approved, and liked the broad tipped calligraphy pens that could easily pass for fine brush strokes with a little practice. The salesman did a poor job of hiding his shock that a teenage punk would fuss over pens and then buy two dozen fairly pricey ones and some replacement nibs.
Toshiro guided me to a tea shop he had hunted down for a specific tea he hadn't been able to find in Seireitei. Then we scouted a few used bookstores and he found two rare items to add to the collection. He also had me buy a fine copy of the novel he had been reading in Las Noches. Most of the items were small, but I looked like a pack mule again when we got back to the shop. No sign of the old man this time, but Kurotsuchi's team was hard at work in Urahara's yard while the two mad scientists argued on the porch.
I sighed and considered the 20-story building a few blocks away. I could save everyone some time . . .
As Kurotsuchi stormed away in a snit, Urahara turned to greet us.
"It seems things are going well out here. Why don't you two come in, put that stuff in the storage room and I'll get all your things on the next delivery. Your tea will be included, Hitsugaya-taicho. You can settle the bill any time."
We followed him as he chattered, and found Byakuya, Renji, Unohana and Yoruichi gathered around the table with tea. I didn't ask what Unohana was doing there, I assumed the answer wouldn't be comforting.
"This is just normal tea, Urahara?" Renji looked at his tea suspiciously.
"Yes, yes, Kurosaki-kun. Though if you ask me this crowd could do with something stronger." He set two more cups down and filled them, then went to make another pot.
"We should have had a cake or something." Yoruichi loved her celebrations. I guess it was the date of death that Shinigami used as their birthdays.
"That would have been nice. Now I feel cheated."
Toshiro got up and went to the kitchen, probably to yell at Urahara about something. The two seemed a little tense around each other today.
"Renji, when are you coming back? I'm off medical leave."
"Should be soon. It's gotten pretty boring over here, the Espada don't seem interested in playing."
Byakuya glanced at him out of the corner of his eye and Renji stiffened.
"More secrets. You guys ever think maybe all the secrecy might lead to something bad like, I don't know, captains being able to deceive everyone for decades and pinning the blame on other people?"
Yoruichi snorted. Unohana smiled and I could see a glint of mirth in her eyes. But stick-up-his-ass had to argue.
"Information may be classified for many reasons, Kurosaki Ichigo. You will need to respect military protocol if you expect to become a captain."
Shaking my head, I just stared at him in disbelief. Luckily, Toshiro distracted me before I could say anything that would piss Byakuya off even more. He walked up behind me and set a white cupcake in front of me, a small candle glowing above the chocolate icing. He licked a bit of icing off his thumb as he sat back down.
"Happy Birthday, Ichigo."
I gave Toshiro my widest smile as Renji whispered "Whipped."
Ignoring Renji's teasing and Yoruichi's laughter, I made my wish and blew out the candle. November 20, just a month away from Toshiro's birthday. That would do.
I fought off Renji when he made a grab for my tiny birthday cake, and stuffed the entire thing in my mouth as soon as I could get the wrapper off. Byakuya ran out of tolerance and left. Sitting between his mannerless oaf of a lieutenant and boisterous Yoruichi had him wound tighter than usual, I mean, I was sure it had nothing at all to do with me. Toshiro just propped his chin on one hand, elbow on the table and watched with amusement.
Urahara finally brought more tea, and announced that everything would be ready in five minutes. The table went quiet and I looked at Toshiro with a sigh. He lifted an eyebrow with a slight quirk of his lips, as if to say, 'Of course they don't understand.'
Unwilling to sit in the gloomy atmosphere for the last five minutes of my life, I stood quickly, almost losing my balance due to the unfamiliar weight of my body. I offered a hand and pulled Toshiro up. Renji stared. Honestly, how long was it going to take him to realize he'd been wrong about Toshiro for years?
The others trailed us as we walked out to find the front yard just a bit changed. Five metal posts marked the points of a pentagram traced on the grass in black. Ominous.
An even scarier chunk of equipment set off to one side, Akon and four others in white lab coats fussing around it. Gods of Death we all may be, but did we have to have computers with what looked like intestines as cable and random eyeballs sticking in weird places? Gross.
Kurotsuchi and his quiet lieutenant stood observing from the other side of the pentagram. Even on the day of my death he was going to make me come to him. He looked me up and down with faint disgust as I approached. I was a lot less intimidating without swords, in slightly baggy cargo pants and a sloppy T-shirt.
Yeah, thanks, Kon, for making me look respectable. It wasn't like a special occasion or anything.
"What's the plan, Kurotsuchi-taicho?"
I was semi respectful, at least until this was over. If I pissed him off it wouldn't surprise me if he made this ordeal more painful or difficult than it had to be. He extended a white hand, with one unnaturally long nail. In his palm was a large, pale yellow pill. I took it and held it up.
"That's it?"
"It should be painless and nearly instantaneous."
"And all of that," I gestured toward the posts and the freaky equipment, "should keep my soul from disappearing?"
"That shouldn't be a concern. The shielding will help keep your soul here, and act as a barrier if you are consumed by your Hollow. But its main purpose is to hide your death from Hell."
"Hell! Why?"
Toshiro answered since Kurotsuchi seemed bored by the conversation.
"Regardless of any other actions you may have taken in your life, suicide is a touchy subject. Often the gates of Hell appear for suicides who have otherwise led unremarkable lives. But other times there seems to be mercy, such as when someone ends their life due to suffering. It would be easier if your death went unnoticed."
Kurotsuchi walked away, yelling at his subordinates about something technical and waving his hands around. They put up with the verbal abuse as he pushed them away from the console. A barrier glowed white between and above the metal stakes, then vanished after several seconds.
"Step into the center, without touching the lines. Then wait while I calibrate the sensors."
Toshiro gave me a reassuring smile, echoed by most of the other observers. I took a deep breath and walked forward, the barrier lighting up again as I crossed the line.
Alright, Zangetsu. Stick with me now.
ooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo
Alright, Hyorinmaru, stop fussing. We're both okay with this, and nothing is going to happen.
Ichigo looked around at the small crowd. What others might mistake as trepidation was, in fact, eagerness. He was ready for this, and so was I. There was a distinct buzzing sound in the air as Kurotsuchi fiddled with buttons and dials. He looked up with an unnerving grin.
"Whenever you are ready."
Ichigo stared into my eyes as he put the pill in his mouth and swallowed. I held my breath for about three seconds. Then he clutched his stomach as he doubled over.
"Fucking liar," he gasped, falling to his knees and then his side.
His eyes shut tightly and his mouth was a grimace of pain. My fists clenched and I stepped forward as his breathing became rapid and erratic. I was about to shout at Kurotsuchi to drop the barrier before I shattered it, but then his face relaxed and I couldn't tell if he was breathing or not.
And that was the end. Ichigo pushed himself up and stood above his body, looking like the fearsome, magnificent Shinigami that he was and I let out the breath I had been holding, relief calming my nerves. He grinned down at his body, then looked serious as he checked the sky. No sign of trouble, no demons coming for him.
Ichigo turned toward Kurotsuchi, who was messing with his equipment again. "Is that it?"
"One moment," he snapped. Both Ichigo and I were suppressing our growing irritation with the 12th Division captain. That had obviously been excruciating, and while quick it certainly wasn't instantaneous. But it was over, and there didn't appear to be any complications.
Time passed, all eyes drifting between Ichigo and Kurotsuchi, who didn't bother to explain what he was doing. The barrier fizzled out with some sad little sparks. I looked at the scientist expectantly.
Finally, he glanced up and flicked a hand at Ichigo dismissively. "Go on, then, I'm done with you."
My glare was wasted as Kurotsuchi became absorbed in studying strips of readouts with his insane cohorts. Ichigo just shrugged and walked out of the design. Unohana cut in front of Yoruichi and Renji to insist on examining Ichigo.
I walked quietly to the discarded body. Kneeling, I smoothed away the lines of pain and stroked the cheek. I stood, lifting the body and carrying it into Urahara's shop as Ichigo and the others watched solemnly. Urahara followed me in and directed me to a side room where I took the time to lay the body out on a futon, making sure it looked peaceful and composed, messy clothes and hair straightened. Kissing the cooling forehead, I silently said my respectful goodbyes, eternally grateful for this brief human existence that gave me the love of my life.
I stood and turned to be wrapped in warm arms. He stroked my back and I rested my cheek on his chest for a while before I started laughing lowly.
"Now you're the one comforting me, after you just died. We're a bit fucked up, Ichigo."
"Dark sense of humor, my love." But he chuckled, too, and his voice was light, nearly carefree.
If Byakuya or Kurotsuchi cared that our hands were full of commercial shopping bags as we walked back out, they didn't mention it. The 6th Division captain and lieutenant went their way. Unohana claimed she wanted to discuss something with Urahara, likely just to let us return to Soul Society on our own. We walked a block away to not interfere with Kurotsuchi's equipment and I opened a gate.
Ichigo couldn't stop smiling as we walked through the dengai, and I was in pretty good mood myself. All he had to do now was not die in battle. Otherwise he had just started a very long afterlife, memory and power intact. There were some memories in there that were painful, of his friends, his parents, and his struggles against himself and his captors. But they were part of what made him the man I loved, and I would not give those memories up any more than he would.
"We should invite Matsumoto, Abarai and Kuchiki Rukia for dinner. Tonight, if they can make it, to celebrate. I should have thought of it sooner."
He looked pleased, "That would be nice. Tomorrow I'll have to start training, so I don't know how much time we'll have free after that and I won't want to share you."
Today's guards were treated to two captain class Shinigami laden with bright paper bags chatting about dinner plans. I stopped the hell butterflies that had accompanied us, and sent a quick message to the sotaicho that all was well, and another to carry a message back to Abarai. A third came when I called, and I sent it off to Komamura, and to continue on to Kuchiki Rukia.
"Why haven't you taught me how to do that yet?"
"I just have not thought of it. If you watch carefully you can figure it out. It is easy to learn."
We took off for the 10th, and an anxious redhead who tried to kill Ichigo a second time with her trademark bear hugs. Then she stuck her nose in the shopping bags, and I produced a delicate gold bracelet in a pretty gift box. I knew better than to shop without bringing back something, and the more I bought for myself, the pricier the gift had better be.
As she cooed over the bracelet Ichigo snapped onto her wrist, I realized that I had made a good choice taking a male lover. I really did not need a second wife when I had Matsumoto to please. Then I smacked myself mentally. I worked hard for true equality in the 10th, though the Gotei was years ahead of the living world on at least this one issue.
Ichigo's hand waved in front of my eyes and I frowned at him.
"Admire the damn bracelet, Toshiro."
How long had Matsumoto been holding her wrist under my nose?
"I picked it out, I know what it looks like." Matsumoto huffed and crossed her arms, flouncing away.
Ichigo snickered. "It's a good thing you ended up with me." I blinked as he echoed my sentiments from moments before.
"Whatever. We have the rest of the afternoon free until dinner. Anything you'd like to do for your birthday?"
He smiled widely. And that was how I trapped myself into spending two solid hours letting him do anything he wanted until I passed out on top of him.