A/N: Anyone else going a little crazy over the currently manga chapters? I know my psyche's seen better days.
'I'm hangin' on another day
Just to see what you throw my way
And I'm hanging on to the words you say
You said that I will be okay'
'Broken' -Lifehouse
Rukia and Toushiro were up most of the night in their room, talking, laughing, and just being a general pain in the ass to each other. It was fun, almost as relaxing as actually getting some sleep, only much more entertaining. It had been awhile since the two of them had spent some time with just each other.
They begrudgingly tore themselves from each other just after sunrise, each to their respective division. Toushiro was more than a little surprised to find Nami Takami already standing outside his office. "How long have you been here?" he asked her, letting them both in and closing the door behind them.
"Not long," she mumbled. "Hour or so. Half the division knows you come in early; figured you'd want me to as well."
"It will make things easier," he admitted. "Have a seat, we'll get started."
It was nearly noon before the damn thing was finished to his specifications. Matsumoto had come in at about ten to tell him that everything Akihiro had in his possession in the sewer was now inventoried and property of their division- she'd even had a list. And negatives. But those were just for Toushiro, he shared the opinion that the fact there could be more pictures (and multiple different ones at that) didn't need to be displayed on paper. Pretty sure they'd interest Ichigo, though, which instantly begged the question- how would Ichigo get them developed? He was way too shy to go anywhere public, despite antics that would suggest otherwise. Ask him later. Right now, he had a report to turn in.
He'd chosen to hand-deliver the document to the chotaichou himself, hoping the old man would appreciate the effort and not be a dick about the whole thing. As usual, It seemed, that was clearly asking too much.
The older man had read through the report quietly, Toushiro standing, waiting, for him to finish at his request. "There are other photographs of this nature?" he finally asked, looking up.
"They will be destroyed." Destroyed, given to Ichigo- same thing.
"Hitsugaya-taichou, you will think it is not my place to say this, but as a captain, certain things are expected of you."
This old fart better not be about to lecture him on his personal life. It was exactly that- his own and personal.
"I know you are aware of this despite how you've spent the majority of you time thus far, that those within the Gotei 13 are to set an example in all aspects in their lives."
Oh, yeah. Lecture done now. "I'm here before sunrise, here until at least sunset, all my work is on time or early, so don't you dare give me that 'I don't get a personal life' bullshit."
The chotaichou was unmoved. "Impressive, Hitsugaya-taichou, but that is not what I said. A captain of the Gotei 13 also sets an example, and this-"
"Ichigo isn't some toy to us, if that's what you're thinking," Toushiro further dared. He knew he was skating on ice so thin it could collapse under his feet at any second, but he couldn't let this man keep thinking this lunacy about people so dear to him. "He's as important to us as Rukia and I are to each other. You can call her in; she'll tell you the same."
"As if she would say anything else in front of me."
"If you want proof, I don't know what else I can possibly say besides what I have, or do other than what we continuously do."
"Which is?"
Toushiro kept his mouth going so the part of him screaming that this was none of the man's fucking business didn't kick in. "We're together as often as we can be. The instant Ichigo does die he has a place under the same roof Rukia and I already share."
"Ichigo Kurosaki is still young. How do you know this is not just a phase for him?"
"Forgive my bluntness, Sir, but with that statement, you've shown just how just how little you know about him."
"And how do you know that's not just wishful thinking?"
"I don't think wishfully. Ask anyone."
If the older man found any humor in the comment, he didn't show it, but did relent in questioning. "Discretion, Hitsugaya-taichou. Surely that is not too high an order?"
"People will talk no matter what we do."
"I am very aware of that, Hitsugaya-taichou, but perhaps there can be a touch more caution in the future?"
He believed him. "Even if you hadn't said so, that would not be a problem, Sir."
The chotaichou gave a shallow nod. "Dismissed."
Toushiro wasn't really surprised to find Rukia waiting for him outside the building. "Does Matsumoto have to go captain-shopping?" she asked, meeting his stride and walking with him.
"She's still stuck with me."
"Good."
"On to other matters." He could've asked when they we messing with each other the previous night, but he'd kept getting distracted by her cute smiles, laughing eyes, by- by her. "Where did that cold tolerance come from?"
"Training," she smiled.
He sighed. "I'm going to see it eventually anyways."
Something shook in her eyes when she looked at him. "If what Shirayuki says is true, I hope you never, ever do."
His brow furrowed. Given her existing strikes... "Some blast radius thing?"
"Something like that. Though, I suppose you might survive if you did that 'balling yourself in your wings' thing."
"Also known as 'shielding.'"
"In any case, once Ichigo gets his powers back, we should all spar together. We had so many opportunities before and… I guess I thought they'd never stop."
"You had no reason to believe they would. That is a very good idea, however, if you would let me know once you've completed your training-"
She was laughing. "I could kill you and you still want to see."
"You won't kill me. And even if you did, I can think of much worse ways to go. Still up for Ichigo's tonight?" he asked before she could reply.
"Have you ever known me to turn down a hot shower and warm bed with my favorite people?" she asked after a pause, probably debating whether or not to continue berating him. He was glad she decided against it.
"I have not. My office or yours?"
"Whoever finishes first goes to the other."
"Sounds fair." She gave him a quick kiss, his hand a squeeze, and took off the flash-step the rest of the way back to her division. He took a breath, smiled, and did the same.
When they got to the house, the bedroom the normally landed in was empty. "Probably working," Rukia muttered.
"That just means we can get clean without him being a letch," Toushiro stated. "Get your gigai so I can get mine."
She reached out to his hands instead, pulling him to her, already in the closet, laughing the entire fucking time as she pulled him into his gigai.
"A little warning next time!" he yelled, but in way too good a mood to be angry.
Rukia pushed him back out so she could get into her own; there was a… cautious knock on the door. "Rukia-chan? Toushiro-kun?" Yuzu's voice came. "So you know, Ichigo's still at work."
"Good," the tensai repeated, still laughing.
"Good?" Karin this time, daring to open the door, letting herself and her sister in.
"Oh, don't mind him," Rukia said, jumping out to the floor. "He's just happy the chotaichou found out about Ichigo and we still got to keep our jobs."
Toushiro paused. Was that it? The more he thought about it, the more he realized she was right. Somewhere along the way putting up with orders and paperwork, he'd genuinely started liking his position, even wanting to keep it. Huh.
"But if it's okay with you guys, we really need a shower," she added.
The girls laughed. "Of course!" Yuzu said. "I'll get you some extra towels. Do you have something to change into?"
Toushiro hung his head. Rukia could borrow from the girls, but he'd have to haul ass to Urahara's if he-
"If you like, Toushiro-kun, Dad still had some of Ichigo's clothes from when he was younger. They probably smell a little stale, but that's better than having to run across town, right?"
"Depends. Did he wear clothes that practically stuck to him then too?"
It took Yuzu a minute to realize he meant her brother's preference for slim-fitting clothes and laughed. "No, they should fit you the way those do."
"Then that'll work. Thank you."
There are those who think shower sex is amazing, but Rukia and Toushiro had never been in that group. Get in, get washed, get out.
But the warm water had effects. Rukia was energized by it- Toushiro, not so much. "Aw, I think you actually look even sleepier than before we went in," the woman told him with a smile. "Wanna lay down awhile before dinner?"
"It… probably wouldn't be a bad idea," he agreed.
Rukia gave him a kiss on the tip of his nose, which he promptly scrunched, making her laugh. "Go on to Ichigo's room. I'll wake you later."
"All right. Thanks." He gave her a kiss, and watched her head downstairs before heading into Ichigo's room.
It was always so warm in here. Logically, Toushiro told himself that was because the sun hit the room in the afternoon, but felt it was more the memories that hit him whenever he entered that made it welcoming. Heat raised temperature, comfort made it warm.
He laughed at himself, curling up with a pillow on the made bed. "I really must be tired," he muttered, and let himself nod off.
Something was trying to pull him back to consciousness, something soft, pleasant… His neck. What was it? Soft, warm… Oh. Lips. That was nice. "Rukia," he muttered contently, stretching out.
A chuckle. That wasn't feminine.
Toushiro's eyes snapped open. "Ichigo. I'm- I didn't-"
"Down, Boy," the teen laughed. "You were barely conscious and you asked her to wake you up. She just got caught up with Karin and a video game so I offered."
"Y-Yeah," the tensai replied, sitting up. "I really am-"
"Shaddap. Let's go." He gave the shorter man a once-over as they left the room. "I remember that outfit."
"Fuck you, Kurosaki."
"Maybe after dinner."
"Who's helping with dishes?" Yuzu asked cheerily when the meal was done. No one would even look at her, mumbling dumbass excuses. Toushiro sighed, standing and helping her gather the plates. "Aw, thanks, Toushiro-kun," she smiled.
"Someone should show you gratitude for your efforts," he said pointedly in the group's direction before following her out, now avoiding his gaze as well. "Unless you're just trying to get me on my own again," he added once in the kitchen. She didn't usually ask for help with the housework.
"Well, actually…"
"Yuzu," Toushiro laughed. "You know you can just say so if you want to talk to me."
"I-I know, I just don't want Karin-chan to get mad."
"Why would she be mad?"
"Her friends keep asking where you are." Oh, right, that soccer game while Ichigo was playing with Vizards. "She probably feels bad asking you to come play soccer with them when she knows you're probably readjusting your schedule just to fit Ichigo in. We know you must have a lot of responsibilities."
"My responsibilities are my problem," he sighed. It had only been one game, he hadn't seen the harm, but the harm always came. At the same time, soccer was fun. Angle calculations and running around. Good stuff. "And I enjoyed myself. According to both Rukia and Ichigo, I need to do that more often. I'll talk to her."
"Thank you, Toushiro-kun. You don't need to help or-"
"Oh no, you're stuck with me until these are done. I meant what I said; someone should show you some appreciation."
"But they do!" Yuzu chimed, brown eyes lit. "Everybody eats so much, tells me how delicious it is, it just makes me want to work harder!"
"Wow," the other chuckled. "Are you sure you and Momo aren't the same person?"
The girl giggled. "Ichigo and Rukia-chan have probably already gone upstairs; you should go be with them."
"Having me do your bidding he politest way possible and sending me off, again politely as possible, when you're done with me. I fear for the man you marry."
"Aw, you're teasing me again!"
"I'm stating a fact," he said only, snickering, and left her to go upstairs, if she was going to be so persistent about it.
The kitchen and living room were empty, so he continued up to Ichigo's room. Listened at the door. Talking. Rukia was catching Ichigo up on their latest drama. Surprising.
"I didn't know you were such a pervert, Toushiro," a voice snickered behind him.
Karin. Perfect. "They're only talking," he defended himself. "And I hear you and I need to talk."
"Yuzu," the dark-haired girl sighed. "I knew it; she never asks for help with stuff."
"Do I seem the sort who would agree to something I had no time for?"
"Well, no, I just didn't want you to feel obligated."
"When's the next time you're playing?"
"Friday after school, in the gym."
Friday. Most people looked forward to Friday- his were usually horrific, people trying to get their shit in last minute. "I can't promise I'll be there, but I'll do what I can."
She tried to her optimism, but she was about as skilled at hiding her emotions as her brother- not at all. "Okay, thanks!"
"I'm gonna go be an annoying jerk now," he said, hand on the doorknob.
"You flirting with my sister, Toushiro?" Ichigo's voice kidded from inside.
And pushed it open. "You sick fuck!" the tensai snarled, coming inside and hearing the girl laugh as she continued on her way, probably to her own room, and closed the door behind himself.
"I hear you guys have had an eventful week," the cheeky tone continued. Both of them were on the bed, Ichigo back against the pillow, and Rukia back against him.
"Yeah. I have a present for your perverted ass."
"Douche bag made copies?"
"Better," the shorter man replied- Rukia was already snickering, trying to hide it and failing. Toushiro reached into the bag she'd brought and pulled out an envelope, handing it directly over to the teen.
He peered inside. "Ooo, negatives."
"The chotaichou thinks those are destroyed, so however you decide to develop them, be fucking careful about it."
"Shit," he realized. "Anyone I'd trust enough to I wouldn't wanna scar like that. You're a prick, Shiro-chan."
"That's known," was the smirking reply, sitting on the bed beside them.
"Hey, he went against the chotaichou for your ass," Rukia sighed.
"I know, I know… I think… I think I know someone," Ichigo was musing. "I will have to scare the shit out of him so he doesn't speak a word about it or try anything sneaky, but he probably would."
"…You better not mean Urahara."
"I don't think I could scare Urahara if I wanted to."
"Fair enough."
"I bet Toushiro could, though."
"Flattery will get you nowhere, Ichigo," the tensai drawled, plopping down against the bed's backboard.
"Say what you like, I know that cocky gleam in your eyes."
"Now, now girls; you're both pretty," Rukia sighed.
"You little…" the orange head growled, and dug his fingers into her form, tickling her mercilessly.
Toushiro pulled his feet back to keep them out of the fray. These two were too much sometimes.
He smiled.
It was a few days later that his office held a surprise for him. Matsumoto had managed to drag him out of the space, saying Rukia's brother wanted to see him, but when they found the man he had no idea what the buxom woman had been on about. Toushiro growled threats he had no intention of acting on to make himself feel better, and when they got back, there it sat.
The rose was real, as was the ice that lined and sprinkled the edges, but perfectly held in time.
"Aw, Taichou! Lookit you smile!" the blonde cooed.
"Stop it, Matsumoto," he drawled back, then noticed the tag hanging off of it: 'Ichigo found the rose, I made it awesome, and don't worry, we have something less sappy and much more fun planned for later.' He barely stopped himself from scoffing in laughter- his fukutaichou didn't need to get interested in reading that.
"Aw, Taichou; what's it say?"
"Rukia's only clarifying that Ichigo picked it out and she did something so it will stay like this indefinitely."
"Taichou!" she scolded. "Don't say it like that; it kills the romance."
"Good." He had been worried as he birthday approached that someone would try to do something outlandish and annoying, but it appeared the assumption had been wrong.
Mostly.
Momo came bounding into his office to wish him a 'Happy Birthday' and hug, Matsumoto tried to kill him with cleavage- that much was expected. What wasn't was the two women over Ichigo's that night with himself and Rukia to have dinner and dessert with everyone.
Toushiro was terrified there would be cake. No cake. Yuzu made a fruit tart that was sweet but not sugary, and absolute heaven on his tongue. He wasn't alone in the thinking, didn't hear a note of a certain song and was glad of it.
Near the end of the meal, his own food finished, the tensai excused himself for the bathroom. He didn't really need to go, but so many people, even people he liked, for so long was a little overwhelming. He just needed a minute.
Having everyone together with no outside concerns was fantastic, it wasn't often he had so much fun, but at the same time… it was snowing tonight. The wind and the chill called to him just as much as the laughter in the next room. 'Surely they won't miss me a few more minutes,' the tensai told himself, knowing even as he thought it that it was a lie. Someone would come looking, find an empty gigai-
"Go on."
He turned at the voice. Rukia. Smiling.
"I can make something up so you can slip away awhile," she told him, taking his hand. "Just don't make us wait too long, okay?"
"It's fine. I'm sure you want the same, I just-"
"Toushiro," she repeated. "Go on. We can both play in it in the morning, and that's enough for me. You look like you're gonna jump out of your skin if you don't go outside."
It never ceased to amaze him how well she knew him. "You are a goddess," he told her, squeezing her palm before reverting to his uncontained form to take some time in the snow. Running rooftops was sometimes necessity; sliding along and down them was just fun, especially when you could catch yourself in midair just as easily as crash into a pile of fluff.
As long as no one saw.
"I knew Rukia-chan was lying!" Matsumoto's voice laughed.
Toushiro, currently (and accidentally) half-buried in snow, shot up to attention. Both the woman and his sister appeared to be walking from the house. Was it that late already?
"She said Haruhi-chan called you away," the blonde was continuing. "I knew she'd never do that on your birthday!"
"She would if it was important enough," he retorted, dusting himself off making a sad attempt at reclaiming his dignity. "You also know it looks like you're talking to no one, right?"
"That's fine," she told him. "The look of horror on your face when you heard me will be more than enough to comfort me."
"Ran-chan!" Momo admonished her girlfriend, but she was laughing too. "I'd get back inside, Shiro-chan; everyone's winding down for the night. I think Rukia-chan and Ichigo-kun went upstairs after we left. It's a lot later than you think it is."
"That became obvious when I saw you two." He sighed. "Thank you though; I'll head back now."
"Happy Birthday, Shiro-chan."
"Thanks, Momo."
"Happy Birthday, Taichou!" Matsumoto laughed, doing that hugging thing again. It still felt like attempted murder.
Rukia had mentioned something 'a lot more fun' for tonight. Sex. Had to be. It was just a matter of what form it took. And those two were proving to be the best with surprises.
The house was dark but the back door left unlocked, his gigai still sitting up against the wall. His devil-angel had done him the favor of pushing him out of it, no need for a pill this time. Door locked, gigai donned, Toushiro went upstairs.
Karin, Yuzu, and Isshin in their rooms.
Rukia in Ichigo's.
Ichigo in the shower.
Decisions, decisions.
As stated previously, bothering people in the shower isn't on the list of things the tensai enjoyed, so he went to the bedroom.
Rukia was looking out the window, the glass about a third of the way open. The snow was still falling, piling on the sill, and she had a soft smile as she watched it, a smile which was given to him when she saw him enter the room. "You looked like you were having fun."
"I'm just grateful Ichigo couldn't see."
"Not this time. Maybe by next year."
"I wouldn't be surprised," he replied, hearing the teen enter the room behind him. "That was an exceptional gift you both sent, by the way. Thank you."
"You're very welcome," Ichigo's husky tone came, behind and directly above him.
Toushiro looked up. Ichigo looked weird looking down. A warm, almost damp hand smoothed across his collarbone and continued up his neck, settling against his jaw as the other leaned in for a kiss.
Okay, that was just bizarre. Ichigo's tongue against his own was good, but the angle was crap. He pulled away, straightening his neck.
"I told you so," Rukia sighed. "Really, Ichigo, your life would be so much easier if you would just listen to me."
"And you'd hate it cause then I'd be boring," he reminded her. He went to sit with her too, dragging the tensai along and pulling him against him in his lap.
Toushiro didn't fight it.
"Ready and willing, huh?" Ichigo asked cheekily, hugging the shorter man like a child would their favorite teddy bear.
"Why would I fight you two?" he muttered back, flushing darkly.
Ichigo grinned against his ear, loosening his grip. Oh. Because Rukia was crawling over, her own lips set in a promising smile. Toushiro didn't ask what they were up to. He didn't want to be told- he wanted to be shown. Scarcely able to keep track of who's hands belonged to whom, he did know it was Rukia that freed his hardened member from it's confined space, Ichigo's mouth on his neck when the woman's engulfed him, his own head hanging helplessly on the teen's shoulder.
Toushiro let go. Completely surrendered to the touches and sensations and Rukia's mouth and Ichigo's hands and oh yes don't-
"The fuck?" he cussed hoarsely when everything stopped.
"You'll thank us in a minute," the orange head told him as both his assailants rid everyone present of any and all clothing.
The tensai let himself be eased forward, meeting Rukia's warm mouth with his own. He heard a bottle cap pop open, and was very unsurprised when two slicked fingers slid inside him. Moaning at the contact, he pushed against the digits, earning a groan from their wielder. "Fuck, Toushiro; I'm not gonna be able to hold back if you keep that shit up."
The shorter man turned minimally, the edge of his mouth still sitting against Rukia's, taunting, "Then don't."
Another groan, and the fingers withdrew. "You might regret that, Toushiro."
"I've a good idea what you two have in mind and I very greatly doubt it."
He could see Ichigo shrug in the corner of his eye. "Okay, Toushiro."
The heavily-lubed tip of Ichigo's penis rubbed his entrance. The teen really wanted to do this, but was also really afraid of hurting his partner. Idiot. As soon as he could, Toushiro thrust all the way down to the base.
His mouth opened again, this time soundlessly. Ichigo felt twice as big as normal; pain shot up his spine and froze him, but despite that, it wasn't entirely bad. His entire being was pulsing, but that one push had hit him just right and that was amazing.
"That wasn't smart, 'Shiro," the other man admonished him.
"Says you," Rukia told him. "You should see the look on his face."
"Oh?"
She was grabbing for her cell. "Thrust up; I'll get a shot."
"Are pictures really neces- Oh!" Toushiro called out when the teen did as requested.
But apparently they were. Rukia snapped a photo of his reaction. After seeing it, Ichigo focused on getting it as many times as he could. "Fuck," he cussed over and over, digging his nails into the tensai's hips even more.
"Oh, look who's right on the edge," she said, trailing a finger up Toushiro's painfully hard and leaking member.
"Ah-Rukia," he could only gasp, his own fingers leaving dents in Ichigo's thighs.
She licked up what had leaked out, kissing the tip.
"Rukia- I'm… Fuck, don't…." The teen's urgency increased; he must be close too. "Fuck, Ichigo, I'm not gonna…" Ichigo thrust in, stayed, and hit that perfect spot as he came, trigging Toushiro's own mind searing outcry.
"Aw, look at you two all worn out," Rukia cooed as they caught their breath. She moved forward to give them each a kiss; leaning over him to Ichigo put her pelvis right in front of Toushiro's face, her glistening entrance right in plain sight. He twisted slightly, turning his head to her hot scent, and hooked his arms around her thighs the second he started delving into her.
Rukia jumped, or tried to, a squeak of surprise leaving her lips- Ichigo's chuckle followed. "Not completely worn out," he edited for her, already lost in happy little sighs. Toushiro redirected his hand to rub against her clit, and the sighs became muffled moans.
Muffled. Probably kiss- Hello! Going by warmth and size, Ichigo's hand had wrapped around his hardening cock, the teen's own doing the same, still inside him.
This was going to be interesting.
He felt Rukia turn, Ichigo's hand leave, and the woman's hot entrance take its place. This was almost too much; inside Rukia's welcoming warmth, Ichigo very much hard again and both thrusting on or in to him. He was losing his mind, he had to be, there was no way anyone could survive an assault like this…
Rukia took his hands, using them to support herself as she leaned down to kiss him. Was he making noise? Probably. All he could see, all he could hear and feel were those two and he was close, too close-
Ichigo spilled into him again, and that took him over, shooting inside Rukia as she clenched around him- she'd come too. Good.
She leaned down to kiss him again as they calmed. He nuzzled against her neck and chest; so warm, so full, so nice…
When he woke it was light out. Not good. He was cleaned up. Very good.
"Don' worry about calling in," Rukia's groggy voice came. Toushiro had woken laying on Ichigo's back, and she was on her back under the teen's arm. "I already called people. Ichigo too. Go back to sleep."
"…After I go to the bathroom," he decided, not at all happy about leaving the cocoon but peeing the bed wouldn't win points with anyone.
Once his bladder was empty, however, his stomach started complaining. When Ichigo work awhile later, it was to Toushiro making breakfast despite that it was nearly lunchtime. "What's the matter, Ichigo? Think your sister was the only one who could work a kitchen?"
"No, just surprised you can," he replied, taking a seat. "Didn't you have Tessai catering for you? And you're not gonna get me to believe you make your own meals now."
"No, but whenever Tessai and Urahara went away for a few days, I got stuck cooking for the brats. He was good enough to teach me a few things. This was one of them. Where's Rukia?"
"Bathroom. I beat her to it, so I went first."
Toushiro held the hot (and empty) frying pan in his hand, looking between it and Ichigo.
"You wouldn't."
The tensai grinned. And charged.
Ichigo caught the skillet in in his hands over the shorter man's, both pushing for opposite ends.
"He beat me fair and square, Toushiro," Rukia said, completel unaffected when she entered the room. "Knock it off. Both of you."
"I'll ice it for him, promise," the taichou persisted.
"Toushiro," the woman sighed.
He pulled back. "Fine."
"Why don't we just enjoy whatever it is that smells so delicious?"
Tessai called it 'eggs in a basket,' essentially an eggs fried in a hollowed-out piece of bread. Pretty good, pretty easy to make, and in his own experience, always got people awake. Never failed with Urahara, and certainly hadn't here.
After eating, Ichigo and Rukia played a few video games, and Toushiro trashed a few high scores. The picking on each other and messing around lasted until Ichigo had to go to work- a location he begged them not to follow him to. He should know better than to do that. "Now we have to go," Rukia had said. "I wasn't all that interested before, but I am now."
Toushiro agreed.
Ichigo hung his head. He really should've known better.
The walk down was pleasant. It was a perfect day; snow on the ground but sunny, a comfortable winter chill blowing by- lovely. It would've been even nicer if Ichigo wasn't being all moody. "Is pulling your head out of your ass too much to ask, Kurosaki?" Toushiro finally spoke up. "Your boss can't be that bad."
"She's a lunatic."
"Then why do you work for her?"
"Why did you work for Urahara?"
"Because despite what he thought, paperwork and inventory doesn't do itself," the shorter man snarled back.
"He ran that place successfully before and after you being there. Do you really think that's true?"
"What are you getting at?" Why would be avoid his work just to make someone else do it? Even for Urahara, that didn't make any sense.
But Ichigo had another answer. "I'm guessing you were probably pretty depressed after you came here. Needed something to occupy your time, something to give you purpose till you figured one out for yourself."
Toushiro halted. Rukia had one of those little smiles he didn't like. So did Ichigo. Was that what Urahara had been doing? If so, he owed him several apologizes.
"That sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach? That's what it feels like to be wrong."
"I know what it feels like to be wrong! I just don't feel it very often. I have a visit to make. Excuse me," he said, and switched his path to the Urahara Store.
It was the usual zoo. Toushiro still had the hard-made survival skills needed to make it through the jumble of occupants and customers going this way and that, always in a hurry.
Urahara was in his office. There were papers he appeared to be looking over, quietly sipping tea. "Hitsugaya-taichou, this is a surprise," he said with his ever-present smile. "What can I do for you?"
There was only one way he could think of to go about this. "For as long as I can remember, people have always called me a genius and I've hated it. It implys I know everything and I don't. I learn quickly, that's all, and Hyorinmaru's the one with all the power. There's many things I don't see, like… when people are trying to help me."
A small smile was stretching the store owner's face. "Is that so?"
"…Yeah. I see the irritating part first, sometimes only, and-"
"Hitsugaya-taichou," the other finally chuckled. "You're forgiven. And despite what you might think, you did have your moments of showing gratitude, apparently without realizing it. Kurosaki-kun asked once, didn't he, about why I addressed you formally?"
"You actually do have a reason for that?"
"I have a reason for everything I do. It was because I knew you wouldn't be long under my roof. You have so much wrapped up in you, waiting to be shared."
Teal eyes narrowed, looked away. "You're not making sense."
Urahara laughed again. "I'm told I do that. But while you're here, would you mind doing me a small favor?"
Typical. "What?"
"If Jinta doesn't rid himself of some energy soon, Tessai or myself just might kill him, and he says he bored of sparring us."
"On it," the other agreed. "They're not expecting me back immediately." Rukia could tell him about Ichigo's boss later.
"Thank you," the older man replied with very real gratitude, not the usual cheery indifference.
Toushiro gave a nod, then went right to finding Jinta. If he was ticking off even Urahara, baiting him would be a snap.
Annoying as Jinta was, it was nice getting a good spar in; he hadn't realized just how long it had been. And didn't realize just how long they'd been in underground training, yelling, running, attacking and dodging, until he heard Ichigo cuss as loudly as possible, "Fuck, it's cold!"
He looked up, Jinta nearly getting caught in a wave of ice sent slightly off-target by the distraction. "Of course it's cold," Rukia shot back, climbing down with him.
"Yeah, yeah, bankai of ice- can we go now?"
Toushiro rounded the teen, Hyorinmaru raking the floor. Now he just needed to step on it. "What the hell is he up to?" the teen glowered.
"I'm not sure," Rukia told him, eyes curious on the small streak he'd left.
"We really haven't sparred in awhile," Toushiro commented.
"Don't step where his zanpakuto touched the ground!" Jinta warned.
"How am I supposed to- Oh. Hey," the orange head was muttering upon closer inspection of the ground around himself.
"You see it?" the tensai asked.
"Kinda. I think," he replied. "Looks like someone left glitter lying around."
"Not well, but you can see it," Rukia smiled. "That's great, Ichigo!"
"Y-Yeah," he replied with a little shit-eating grin of his own.
That was great. So great. "To answer your earlier question, Ichigo," Toushiro intervened. "Yes, we can go now. I just had to help someone burn some energy so his housemates didn't kill him."
"They'd try!" Jinta bit back.
"In any case, let's go. Maybe you'll remember this temperature the next time I threaten to encase you in it."
"It's more I want a body attached to your voice at this point," the taller male admitted. "And so you know, Kai's upstairs ruining your reputation."
"Eh?"
"Yeah. He's helping Ururu with customers; people are gonna think you're friendly."
Toushiro could only hang his head.
After reclaiming what was left of his shredding dignity, the trio went back to Ichigo's. Yuzu had left food for Ichigo but no one else, not know his lovers were with her brother. "It's okay," Rukia said. "We can eat at our house; we should be getting back anyway."
Aw. Responsibility was so cute on her. "Probably a good idea," Toushiro agreed. "I know I'll have to get up early to catch up."
"I guess I'll see you later then," Ichigo said, trying not to look disappointed and failing horribly. "I know it's early yet, but do you think you guys will be around for New Year's?"
"As long as nothing comes up, it should be fine."
"All right," came the slightly-happier reply. "See you then, if not before."
"Before might be optimistic," Toushiro told him just after he snagged a kiss from them both.
"Eh, whatever. I'll just hope nothing comes up."
Something came up.
Toushiro had never seen so much paperwork in his life.
This was not his own doing. Toushiro Hitsugaya would never let his work fall so far behind. This was the work of a certain 'super' fukutaichou that was getting her neck wrung if the two of them crossed paths any time soon. Why the hyperactive idiot had even been allowed near official paperwork was beyond him.
Muguruma-taichou was too soft with her.
So now, because of a 'filing error,' all the forms from nearly three months prior needed to be resorted and re-filed. For the first time in a long time, he'd actually wanted to cry.
He was able to work with Rukia, at least, as Ukitake-taichou was feeling ill again and his own fukutaichou was useless with this shit. So, silver lining.
Looking up now from the piles between them on the floor, he saw her looking at another of many forms, absentmindedly chewing on a fingernail. Too cute- not fair.
"You should probably stop staring at me if you want this to end any time soon," she told him, finding a new pile for the parchment.
"Why would I want this to end?" he countered.
She scoffed. "And you say you're not romantic."
"That was honesty, not romanticism."
"If you're doing it right, it's the same thing."
He smirked. "I suppose so. I hope you got your fill of Ichigo for a few weeks; this is going to take at least that long."
"You know, I bet if we piled these just right we could make a bed."
"I'll take that as a 'no.'"
"I meant to nap!" she laughed, reaching over to wap his him over the head with yet another paper. "After your birthday, I'm going to be down for a week."
"A week?" Toushiro asked, disappointed, before he could stop himself.
"Relax," Rukia laughed again. "I was exaggerating."
"Oh. Okay."
"Wow, we've created a monster, haven't we? An adorable, sarcastic, loveable little monster," she edited at his arched eyebrow. "I'm cute and you love me."
"That I won't argue with."
But the work carried on. All the divisions were working on it, some had started a petition to have the one responsible removed. Toushiro thought that was a little harsh, but still wasn't exactly thrilled about spending New Year's in this cramped little space with piles of paper instead of in the living world with both his lovers.
Rukia was here with him now. She'd nodded off a few hours ago, and he'd easily bet she hadn't even realized it. He'd told her four times she should go back to the house, get some rest- but he'd also bet she didn't want either of them spending the night alone- Ichigo, at least, had his family to celebrate with, and they weren't with an organization currently up to its neck in paperwork.
There was a knock on the door. Soft, hesitant, like the person on the other side expected to be snapped at. He opened the door.
The person had right to be fearful. "Something you need?" he asked dryly.
Mashiro Kuna held out a small box to him. "I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you. This isn't much, but people seem to like homemade chocolate and it was all I could think of."
Her eyes weren't averted as most in apology would be; they looked right at him, and seemed genuine in both the apology and 'I don't give a fuck if this is good enough for you, I tried.' Hard look to pull off.
He took the box from her. "That was kind of you," he offered.
Her round eyes looked past him into the room. After reaching into the bag he now saw beside her in the hall, she offered another to him. "For Kuchiki-fukutaichou."
"With all due respect, she'll be eating this one."
Her green-haired cocked slightly. "You don't like sweets?"
"Not particularly, no. But it is a kind gesture."
She started rummaging again. This time the box she produced was the same size, but red instead of white. "Here. These are dark chocolate; not nearly as sweet."
"Thank you." He took the box, genuinely touched.
"You know," Mashiro said. "I heard something kinda crazy once. About New Year's. In some places, people kiss at midnight. Their, um, spouses or whatever. It's supposed to set the tone for the year or something. So, um, I'll go now. I am sorry for this mess again; Kensei made me picky-promise not to go near the work on his desk ever again."
"That's good to know."
"Yeah. Good night!" she smiled, and took her bag off to the next office with lights on.
Toushiro had a little smile himself, closing the door and setting the items on his desk, next to the rose, still present in its little glass vase, and looked down to Rukia, still snoozing on the floor against it.
The moon was high in the sky. If it wasn't midnight yet, it was pretty damn close.
With care, he eased himself down next to her. She didn't flinch, sitting up against the desk, drooling a little. He brushed it away with a chuckle. Whether Mashiro's ramblings had merit or not, he'd take an excuse to kiss Rukia, and leaned in.
After a moment or two, she started to kiss back.
"Trying to start something?" she breathed when they broke apart again.
"Just wanted to kiss you. Been watching you sleep awhile now."
Now she was awake. "You have?!" Eyes darted to the window. "Shit. I bet you have. I'm sorry, Toushiro, I can't believe I-"
"It's fine; we're all overworked. We should probably be getting back; sleep for at least a few hours. Even if we are just going to do it again in the morning."
She scoffed. "Thanks to my nap, I think I have a second wind in me. Think I'll go with it." He was thinking he must've let his disappointment show again, her adding, "Aw, were you hoping to get a little before bed?" His lips pursed, eyes narrowed. Rukia giggled. She smiled, leaned in for another kiss, and started pulling at the knot that literally held him together.
"Rukia, you don't-"
She bit into his wrist. Hard.
"A-Ah!" he cried out, praying no one was close enough to hear. "Rukia," he said again, pushing her back by the shoulders. "Not. Here. Home."
"What's the difference?"
"If someone hears or catches us? Do you not remember the stern verbal warning that could've been a dismissal from a couple weeks ago?"
The woman sighed, but gave a nod. She tended to be silly around him, and he was pretty sure that was to balance his own personality out, but thankfully, she did know when to reel it in. "Home then?"
"I need a few minutes before I feel comfortable about moving, but yes."
The demonic angel snickered. "I'll bring what you sorted while I was asleep to Central, then come back for you. Okay?"
"Okay," he agreed. While she was gone, he thought about everything his could to turn it off; not puppies or kittens, his childhood, grandmother, sister, that fucking dog next door that drooled all over everything- somehow that made him briefly think of Ichigo and not in a helpful way, but he managed to push the imagery aside- and his mission finalized recalling the first time he'd run into Matsumoto. He still didn't know if he should thank or stab her for that encounter.
Rukia came back, violet eyes bright in the moon's light and smiling as she reached out to help him up. Oh, thank. Definitely thank.
The work wasn't done for another month, but once it was, the last paper re-filed, the chotaichou decided to give an early weekend.
It was Wednesday.
It Toushiro and Rukia all of a half-second to decide where they were spending it. They left immediately, but Toushiro got caught up in his never-ending battle with Jinta while gathering some clothes for himself- he couldn't believe that both an hour had passed and Rukia had already gone ahead to Ichigo's house.
According to Urahara, she had warned him. And taken the bag of things with her.
No matter. He took off to the house, not wasting any more time.
The run left him a little winded, he stopped in front of the building, and saw… Oh, for the… He could see his lovers kissing in the teen's bedroom window. From across the street. Seriously. Discretion. Sure.
As if reading his mind or realizing it herself, a pair of thin arms pulled the orange head down and out of view.
He snickered, jumping to the quarter-opened window someone had forgotten to shut.
"I don't care. Just don't stop touching me," Rukia was muttering, her tone heated in Ichigo's arms. Someone was feeling submissive today.
"Ain't that my line?" Ichigo asked. "You and Toushiro get to live together."
"High-ranking jobs leave little free time," she reminded him, even as his tongue ran up her neck. "We haven't been together in almost two weeks."
He looked back up to give her a weak glare.
"I know, it's nothing compared to how long we've made you go without, but maybe we can make it up to you now?"
"We?" was the hopeful repeat.
"Unless you just want to watch the show, Toushiro," she said over her shoulder to him. The tensai wasn't sure what to say. While suggestive language clearly got him going, he wasn't sure how to voice it himself. Luckily, Rukia appeared to see that. "Come on over," she smiled. "Why watch when you can play?"
"Cause that has perks too," Ichigo informed her.
"Maybe you'd just prefer to watch us, then?" she added, moving to get off his lap.
"Oh, no-no-no," the teen quickly changed his tune, pulling her back to him. A month and a half, Rukia; neither of you are getting away."
She laughed, against him again, looking over to the newcomer. "What's the hold up? Gigai are in the closet, not beside it," she added of his position.
"Would someone care to explain why it's naked already? That's creepy."
"We were saving you time!" the woman cheerily told him. "Now hustle!"
And then there was a knock on the door. "Ichigo?" Yuzu's voice called experimentally.
"Just a sec," he called back, sitting up, reluctantly allowing Rukia up off him. "Hey, Kaoru," the shinigami heard him say after opening the door. "What brings you by?"
"Um, test tomorrow?" the obvious tone answered. "Said you'd help me study."
"…So I did."
"Did something come up?"
"Ichigo, you are not so hard up that you can't wait another couple hours," Toushiro scolded him, knowing Rukia would agree if she could.
"Oh, you have company already," the newcomer realized, seeing Rukia, still sitting on the bed.
"It's fine," she chirped, jumping down.
"Uh, yeah, this is my friend Rukia," Ichigo managed. "Rukia, Kaoru, the kid I've been tutoring."
"A pleasure to meet you," she smiled with a small curtsy.
"S-Same here," the other replied. "Y-You went to our school for awhile, right?"
"Right! Good memory! I'll just hang out downstairs with Karin and Yuzu until you two are done; no problem," she stated, still smiling brightly. "I have all night, no need to rush," was the add, and left the room.
The door was still held open; hazel orbs peered in the in the corner of their sight to where Ichigo had last known the tensai to be, where he still was, and informed his lover, "I'm not going anywhere."
The orange head's lips pursed only a second, but closed the door behind Kaoru.
Toushiro snickered.
"Okay, so remind me," Ichigo was continuing to his guest. "What part's your test on?"
Kaoru looked up from his small pile of books, noticing the other had sat down at his desk, rather than on the bed beside him. "Come here, I'll show you," he said casually, opening the book.
The orange head paused. Toushiro figured he was mentally weighing his options; warding off blatant come-ons became ten times more awkward with your boyfriend in the room, your girlfriend downstairs no doubt awaiting a full report, which she would certainly get. He stood again nonetheless, sitting with him. Kaoru immediately leaned toward him, also putting the book in clearer view. "You seemed to have that stuff down yesterday," Ichigo calmly observed. "Something about it still giving you trouble?"
The book dropped back to his lap. "No. I got the hang of all this stuff awhile back." He looked back up at the taller teen. "I just wanted to get to know you better."
"Um… whattya mean by that, Kaoru?"
"I-I know you're when that white-haired grumpy guy-"
"Toushiro."
"…Yeah. Him. But… all you two seem to do is fight, and when Jean said he was checking out some girl-"
"Jean is a moron. And yeah, we do bicker, but you've only seen us together a couple times, right? You shouldn't make assumptions."
'Damn right he shouldn't,' the tensai silently seethed where he stood, and noticed the focus of his anger getting chilly- Ichigo managed a glare from the corner of his eyes. Reluctantly, Toushiro reeled himself in.
"I guess you're right," Kaoru replied, head still hanging. "I won't bother you anymore."
"If you need help studying-"
"I don't. I do understand this stuff better because of you. Thanks. But I still… Yeah, I'm gonna go," he finished quickly, and was gone from the room.
"Let him go, Ichigo," the taichou stated, climbing inside the closet.
"I know there's nothing I can do, really, I just feel bad."
"He'll figure his own shit out," was the reply after donning the gigai. "Now go get our girlfriend," he added, leaning out of the space. "And we can get back to where we were before this interruption."
Ichigo formed a grin, then a chuckle. He did stand, but walked over to where the tensai was, leaning in for a warm, gentle kiss. Absolutely no aggression was in it, no heated promises, only a light 'I'm so happy to have you.'
And was missing someone. "You've made your point, Ichigo," the other chuckled now. "Now go get Rukia before she kills us both for starting without her."
"Oh, no, you saw her; she's all submissive today," he grinned.
"She was. It could have passed by now."
"Oh, I hope not." His grin widened, and went to go get the woman.
He wasn't disappointed. Rukia came back up into the room, hand in his, and as soon as the bedroom door closed, allowed Ichigo to lifted her up against the wall next to the closet, her legs wrapping his waist and her palms flat between his and the wall while he delved into her mouth, even thrusting his midsection against hers.
Toushiro's eyes grew heavy watching the display, suddenly wondering if Ichigo might've gotten one right. The orange head released Rukia's mouth, his own leaving a wet trail along her jaw, neck, and shoulder. His hands were running up her legs, lifting her skirt, fingers digging into her hips as he bit into the joint of her neck and shoulders- she cried out at the assault, her heels digging into his lower back. Ichigo groaned, thrusting against her again.
"S-Shiro," she mumbled, her heavily-lidded eyes on his glassy gaze. "D-Decide watching was fun too?"
"Right now it is," he replied, and Ichigo reattached himself to her neck. The woman's breath caught, arching into the touch as his hands ran up her back. Bringing them down again to support her, he took her from the wall to lay her back against the wide shelf Toushiro was on. Her rear hung off the end, but her thin legs still clung to Ichigo's middle.
His hands slid back up her sides, pushing the dress she wore along the way- she was good enough to pull it the rest of the way off herself, exposing the lithe form and exquisite skin the fabric hid. She reached for Toushiro, pulling him in a mind-melding kiss, but broke away suddenly, eyes refocusing on the teen. The tensai almost laughed when he saw why.
Ichigo had her blue and white striped underwear between his hands- looking ready to rip it off. "You can take them off like a normal person," she informed him. "I've lost enough to you."
Had she now? Huh. Ichigo looked a little disappointed, but did as requested, still leaning up against her, but pulling the garment off her lifted legs before tossing it to the floor. Her back arched again, his long fingers penetrating and massaging her. She ground her hips against the touch, voice growing louder as her desire climbed- Toushiro muffled her mouth with his own; one hand supporting his weight while the other cascaded over her writhing body. A small whine of protest escaped when the stimulation ended, Ichigo taking a lingering taste of his fingers before undoing his pants and letting them fall to the floor. Good timing, if he didn't think he'd last long, anyway; Rukia was so flushed, Toushiro was sure she'd come soon.
Another arch when the teen sheathed himself inside her, hands again gripping her thin waist. Toushiro recaptured her mouth with this own for noise control. She still broke free once or twice, and her grip on his hair nearly pulled the strands out when she finished- and finished hard- panting as if the air in the room had thinned.
"One down," Ichigo grinned, then reached out to grab Toushiro by the scruff of his neck, his hair, and pulling him into a kiss despite suddenly half-sprawled over Rukia. The tensai wasn't complaining, aside from the momentary worry for the woman, but that was quickly extinguished, seeing her scoot back and sit up behind him. Oh. And Ichigo clearly hadn't come yet. Was he actually trying to finish them both off before himself? Idiot.
And something he could quickly bring an end to, but let the moron have his fun. Toushiro was also about ninety percent sure Ichigo was also taking the opportunity to get some memorable scents back in that closet for future use. So let him.
Toushiro also expected Ichigo to get him in Rukia's position, and no surprise there, either. It was only reversed, up on all fours. A little embarrassing, but it was another thing that horny teenager seemed to thoroughly enjoy. The height was almost too high for good leverage, but Ichigo had no trouble pulling him to himself to compensate for it even as those mischievous fingers were penetrating him. The onslaught made thoughts hazy and actions compliant- not even a muffle of a protest left his lips as Ichigo eased his ass down against his aching shaft- and not just because Rukia was occupying them. What was it about these two that made him want to do whatever they wanted?
Rukia's nails lightly raked his skin as they found their way down his body, eventually wrapping around his own throbbing length and matching Ichigo's thrusts perfectly. All he could do was fall victim to the ecstasy, legs wobbly as he neared his finish, Ichigo's grip tightening, and he himself making a mess of Rukia just before feeling Ichigo shoot inside him with a low, contented groan, bracing himself against the closet after, regaining his balance. After a moment or two, he stumbled back to his desk chair, beginning to clean himself up.
"Unbelievable," Rukia huffed. "Got me going again and you're both down."
"Bitch, I'm just cleaning up," Ichigo shot back. "After that, I'm good when you are."
"Awesome. Toushiro?"
"I think I'll need a bit." He usually did when Ichigo took him like that, and he'd bet almost anything the bastard knew it. "But don't let me hold you back."
Rukia proceeded to push herself off the ledge she was on, taking a few agile jumps to land her butt on the bed. "Ready when you are," she grinned.
Ichigo literally jumped at the chance to appease her, taking long strides to join her.
Toushiro smiled, shaking his head. If someone had told him all those years ago he'd be this happy… Well, he would've smacked the shit out of them for lying. But here he was. Happy.
He dared to let himself hope it would last.
As had become habit, they went downstairs after everyone else got back home (after making themselves presentable, of course), and found what they normally did- Karin and Isshin at a video game he was probably letting her win and Yuzu making dinner.
Toushiro stopped dead at the sight of the raven-haired girl, remembering what he'd forgotten. "You game," he sighed. "That was it."
"It's okay, Toushiro," Karin laughed. "You said you'd try; I figured you'd gotten busy. Ichigo said you got guys got hit hard with some serious re-filing."
He nodded numbly. "If that alleged fukutaichou touches paperwork again I'll freeze her to death myself."
To his surprised, she laughed. "We're playing next Tuesday, if you have time and want to."
"Tuesday should be fine," he agreed.
"Hey, Ichi-nii," she continued as they settled on the couch- Rukia had made a stop at the bathroom. "The next time you're rocking Rukia-chan's world, you might wanna have her keep it down." Ichigo couldn't reply. He was struck silent, instantly the darkest shade of red ever seen.
Toushiro couldn't breathe- he was too busy laughing. Tears were welling up in his eyes, but he couldn't stop, even feeling the teen's hard stare on him.
"Okay…" he heard Rukia say as he was beginning to collect himself. "What'd you guys do to Toushiro? Even when we were tormenting you with your candy he wasn't laughing this hard. I don't think he's ever laughed that hard."
The tensai gladly replayed what she'd missed- Ichigo flushed again and she turned a bright pink. Toushiro continued to snicker.
"Why do they blame us?" the woman finally stated Karin. "It could, and was, you too."
"But I was doing what I could to keep you quiet. They know you're the reckless ones," the tensai replied simply.
"You're lucky you're cute, you know that?" she snipped, slipping in beside him and giving him a quick kiss.
"I am not."
"Pfft," Ichigo scoffed. "You're fucking adorable, 'Shiro; deal with it."
Toushiro crossed his arms. At least the idiot hadn't used that stupid nickname.
