CORRECTED DUE TO TYPO/MISTAKE - REPOSTED
Hello my lovelies! First, I want to thank you all for your support. The notifications I get for reviews, favorites, follows, and kudos for my AO3 readers has made my week. I love that you are all interested in my story and are enjoying it. We're still at the point of breaking down some of the issues so I'm sorry it's not a quick romance but we're getting there. After I prepared the chapter to publish earlier this week, I realized that I needed to include an important scene in this chapter that I had originally intended for a later chapter. Due to that I didn't have time to have it completely beta reviewed - so I apologize for any typos that may pop up.
Ichigo is kind of really sad right now - I mean she did just get married off to a man she didn't know. So bear with her and please don't worry - we'll get our asskicker back soon. A theme I wanted to include in my FemIchi series is that it's not just a Wham-Bam! TA-DA she only needed love to be happy and to be a successful person like one often sees in Otome games. Love the games, but sometimes I want to yell at my MC that she doesn't need a man and to figure out her troubles on her own. I want my female version of Ichigo to grow and be a respected member in the Soul Society and otherwise. Just as the original Ichigo Kurosaki did in Bleach.
I'll stop analyzing now and let you get to the actual story. Thank you all again for reading. Please comment, kudo, favorite, follow! Have an amazing week my friends.
XOXO ~ GirlX
Chapter Six: The Quiet Wife
"Alright, I think that brings our meeting to a close," Lord Enomoto smiled at the groups of Central Forty-Six members, nobles, Gotei Thirteen captains and lieutenants, and Kurosaki clan members. They had had a meeting regarding some of the more serious concerns with other quincy clans, non-members of the Kurosaki clan that are considered to be under the Kurosaki clan protection, and other various topics to strengthen the union between the Soul Society and the Kurosaki Clan.
"Actually, Lord Enomoto, there is an additional matter we have yet to discuss that myclan needs to have addressed immediately," Lady Kimiko turned her attention towards the woman who had stood up. She sat near Lord Kuchiki during the meetings and had attended all significant meetings and the wedding but had not been introduced to Lady Kimiko. Despite the lack of introduction, Kimiko already knew who she was based on her appearance and clan symbol alone. After all, Kimiko Kurosaki saw those determined eyes whenever she looked into her son in law's eyes. Even with her Masakis features presented in each of her granddaughters, both Ichigo and Karin bore the same eyes. Shiba eyes. The messy black hair, determined grey eyes, and circular symbol made it easy for Kimiko to determine a Shiba within a glance.
After the wedding while Kimiko prepared for bed, she had mulled over her son-in-law's family. Of course, Kimiko had never met another Shiba before. She knew his significance as Isshin had once detailed his prior position not only as a Captain but also as the head of the clan. A clan that, despite it being one of the four main noble houses, was dying out due the lack of proper leadership that took place for five generations before Isshin's grandfather had stepped up and single handedly saved the clan from extinction. The clan was repairing itself, but due to unfortunate events caused by Aizen, the repairs had gone slow. Kimiko ignored the sense of guilt and sadness that attempted to take over her as she thought of the little members of Shibas she saw during the large event in comparison to other noble families. If Isshin had stayed in the Soul Society instead of returning to save Masaki, would there have been more members? Would his clan be stronger? It was hard to ignore the guilt that came with the realization that the Shiba clan was struggling when facing it head on, but, the clear understanding that the fall of the Shiba clan after Isshin's grandfather had worked to prevent their extinction was caused by Aizen and not because of her daughter's love story. After all, Masaki thought with a chuckle, they don't even know yet that they have three additional members of the direct family.
While Kimiko finished up preparing for bed she had pulled out a locket that Masaki and Isshin had gifted her shortly after the twins were born. Now that Kimiko had seen more members of Isshin's family, she had a new perspective on how each of her granddaughters took after the two families physically. Yuzu was the most like the Kurosaki clan with her brown hair that had the slightest red tint to it and soft brown eyes. In ways she was a perfect clone of Masaki when Masaki was just a girl. Meanwhile, Karin was the most like the Shiba clan with her black hair, intense grey eyes, and determined smirk. Kimiko knew that when Karin grew up, she would look exactly like the current head of the Shiba clan. It was Ichigo that was the perfect mix of the two. She had the Kurosaki red curly hair in a brilliant shade and her mother's soft smile. While the shading of her eyes matched her mothers, it was the shape that was all Shiba. Shiba chin, Kurosaki cheeks, Shiba grin, but Kurosaki figure. How could a girl have the same kind smile of her mother but the same grin as her father? Each of her granddaughters were a symbol of her daughter and son-in-laws love for one another. No one could deny it. Still, Kimiko thought it was Ichigo that represented it best because of her appearance.
Lord Enomoto's voice pulled Kimiko back from her reflections and Kimiko kept her focus on Lady Shiba.
"What is the matter Lady Shiba?"
"The Shiba Clan officially requests any and all information from the Kurosaki Clan regarding the murder of Isshin Shiba, previous had of the Shiba Clan, and former Captain of the tenth division."
Murmurs broke out throughout the room. Besides Kimiko, Ryuuken ground his teeth. Captain Kurostuchi's grin widened. Lord Enomoto along with various other members of the Central Forty-Six attempted to settle everyone down. Lady Shiba met Kimiko's eyes with a familiar determined expression. This was not something Kimiko could simply talk herself out of, then again, she never expected it to be.
"Lady Shiba, as you are aware, the contract between the Soul Society and the Kurosaki Clan voided any and all claims against between the two parties. We cannot open the case and charge anyone with murder."
"I recognize that Lord Enomoto. If you allow me to present my case you will find the Shiba Clan does not ask for anyone to be charged or held accountable for his murder."
Not knowing what to do Lord Enomoto looked between Lady Kimiko and Lady Shiba. He was truly stuck. If he did not let Lady Shiba proceed then it would look as though Central Forty-Six favored the union over their own people. If he let Lady Shiba proceed it would appear that Central Forty-Six was not respecting the union between themselves and the Kurosaki Clan. With a stifled sigh, Lady Kimiko kicked her foot out and made contact with Ryuuken's shin forcing him to stand.
"The Kurosaki Clan recognizes Lady Shiba's request and stipulates to proceed with the matter," Ryuuken droned with a nod to Lord Enomoto before he returned to his seat. This was something they had hoped to avoid when they prepared for the trip to the Seireitei, but it was also something they still prepared for.
Shocked, Lord Enomoto nodded towards Lady Shiba and took his seat. Lady Shiba entered the center of the floor in which it was bare for the speaker to address all sitting in the surrounding seats.
"I, Lady Kuukaku Shiba, head of the Shiba clan, hereby requests any and all information in regards to the suspicious death of Isshin Shiba, previous head of the Shiba clan, and prior captain of the tenth division, from the Kurosaki clan. This requests comes from knowledge and belief, that a member of the Kurosaki clan executed the murder of Isshin Shiba, or was present at the time of Isshin Shiba's death." An empty seat was procured near the center of the room so that Lady Kuukaku would not need to return all the way to her seat while the Kurosaki Clan responded. Kuukaku gave a final nod and made her way to the empty seat.
Everyone waited for Ryuuken to stand as he had been the one addressing all issues during the meeting. Instead the stone faced man turned his head and met eyes with Lady Kimiko. Kimiko elegantly rose from her seat and entered the center of the room to everyone's surprise.
"I, Lady Kimiko Kurosaki, head of the Kurosaki clan, hereby accepts the Shiba Clan's request and counters with a need-to-know report on the incident involving Isshin Shiba."
The previous murmurs seemed like meer whispers when a roar of various whispers, murmurs, and outcrys overtook the room.
"Holy shit," Renji breathed and flinched at his captain's sharp glare. "Sorry, Captain." Renji had sat in on enough of these meetings to understand the ongoings. The roaring response of the Central Room emphasized the seriousness of the situation at hand. Shocked and angry expressions flickered around the room as people took in the new information that Lady Kimiko had provided. When Kuukaku Shiba requested information everyone was of the belief that Ryuuken Ishida would deny the request as there was no information to provide. It was only a rumor that a quincy from the Kurosaki Clan was involved in the death of Isshin Shiba. Those who had worked with Kuukaku before knew that her requests came from the desires of those loyal to the Shiba clan and not one of personal vengeance. His mysterious death was upsetting but as a soul reaper, not entirely unexpected. Asking for the report was more to prevent any conflicts between the parties. Kuukaku's shocked expression confirmed Renji's belief that she wasn't expecting there to be any information regarding his death either. Kimiko Kurosaki just confirmed that there was information. The fact that she confirmed that there was information meant that there was something out of line with his death, and a Kurosaki quincy was there to see it. Or worse, there to have executed his death.
Thinking quickly, Kuukaku rushed to her feet again. "Redaction will prevent full examination of the information and may cause the information to be twisted to prevent the truth from being passed on to the Kurosaki clan. Redaction is not in the best interest of justice."
Kimiko was well versed in this type of political battle. Without hesitation she responded just as sharply as Kuukaku. "What justice? You are already presuming that a member of my clan is responsible for the death of Isshin Shiba. Even if a member of my clan was to be blamed for the death of Isshin Shiba, they cannot be charged. As the incident took place twenty years ago, justice is not of interest. Pursuant to the contract between the Seireitei and the Kurosaki Clan, any quincy deaths that were caused by soul reapers before the marriage date of Captain Shunsui Kyoraku and Madam Ichigo Kyouraku shall be considered closed cases and not executable. The same goes for any soul reaper deaths caused by members of the Kurosaki Clan. Your purpose for the request is to be informed of the death of your previous head of clan. At this time the incident involving Isshin Shiba is under strict scrutiny as it bears protected information that is not able to be disclosed to the Seireitei. As our union matures, the protected information may become more available. Still, the redacted information should provide enough information for your clan to learn of the circumstances of Isshin Shibas death," Kimiko Kurosaki did not falter once in her argument.
"You'll redact the quincy's name who killed him. Even if we can't have justice, we should be able to look them in the face and call him out for what he did to our clan!" the voice of a young man rang out in the spacious room. Kuukaku's eyebrow furrowed as all attention came to a young man sitting in the observation seats near the door. An unseated soul reaper was standing from his seat. He had short black hair with a single long braid trailing from behind his left ear. He bore the same swirl tattoos as Kuukaku and had the striking Shiba eyes.
"Those in the observation deck are not permitted to speak out during Central Conferences, Satoshi Shiba," Lord Ginrei Kuchiki scolded from his seat next to Lord Enomoto. "The next time you speak out of turn you will be removed from Central and prohibited from returning."
Satoshi Shiba blushed and sat down again. Kuukaku continued glaring at him from her position on the floor until he looked away. Lady Kimiko fought the urge to smile. Not because she was happy that a Shiba had been scolded after attempting to slander the Kurosaki Clan, but because she had more than once been witness to Ichigo being given the same warning a few years ago.
Turning away from Satoshi, Kuukaku opened her mouth only to be silenced by an authoritative wave of the hand from Kimiko. "Before we continue to debate the redacted report," she trailed off making eye contact with Kuukaku and Satoshi Shiba before turning her body to fully address Kuukaku. "I'll be frank, as this union is important to me and my people. I did not come here and marry off my beloved Granddaughter because I didn't believe that this union would be unsuccessful. In order for this union to be successful, I understand that there are innocent members of my clan who were killed by the hands of soul reapers that I must accept and ask for their forgiveness for not asking for justice. In turn, the soul society will need to ask the same. We have gone far too long allowing the hatred that the Father of the Quincies created to rule us." She spat the title as if there was something bad in her mouth. Turning Kimiko took in the people in the room. Nobles nodding their heads in understanding. Captain Yammamoto's knowing gaze. The warm eyes of her grandson-in-law offering encouragement for her to continue. And the discontent eyes of the other nobles and members of audience that will not accept her words so readily. She turned back to Kuukaku.
"It is true that there was an incident involving Isshin Shiba, a member of my clan, and a hollow that led to the end of Isshin Shiba. There are circumstances of that incident that cannot be disclosed at this time to protect the family of those involved."
"The quincy you mean," Kuukaku responded heatedly. "If the quincy is dead, as you said, it is to protect the quincy's family. From what though? If it was an incident that involved my uncle, your quincy, and a hollow. The way you have addressed it Lady Kurosaki, implies that your quincy shot my uncle in the back and tried to blame it on the hollow. The report highlights his lies and you are preventing us from viewing it. For what purpose, to protect the quincy's honor to his family?"
"No," Kimiko's voice hardened at the mere idea that her daughter would do something so cowardly. "That is not the case. Your world is not so large that only the Soul Society is subject to scenarios that are deemed protected. As seen during the discussion we had earlier regarding Aizen, some information is considered privilege and is only spoken of with General Yamamoto and other trusted individuals within the Gotei Thirteen. I have already explained that there is a matter in the report that is considered privilege and thus is subject to redaction. Furthermore Lady Shiba, you have not even seen the report. You do not know what information has been redacted and what information has been released. Instead of throwing slanderous accusations towards my people, at least review the redacted report and if your clan still has issue, address it with my clan personally instead of making this a political matter. You request the knowledge of how he died. I will provide you with that knowledge."
"My family, my clan, would like to address the person who was involved in his death."
"Again, Lady Shiba, there was no one involved in his death."
"Then the person who was present for his death. We have the right to know his final words and if he suffered"
Lady Kimiko wanted to shout at that moment. She wanted to yell at this woman for accusing her daughter of killing Isshin. Wanted to shout the truth that he was alive and well but mourning his wife. That Aizen's victims were waiting for the Soul Society to realize the extent of Aizen's crimes and the list of his victims. She wanted to ask for the quincies last words. Her people's last words. What did they beg for when that monster used them for experiments? She knew though that if she asked that the situation would spiral. Perhaps one day she could address it, but not now.
"The person in question was killed by the Grand Fisher nine years ago, Lady Shiba. The only thing that remains from that day is the report."
"Lies!"
"You falsify the death of the quincy to protect him."
"End this? The union is to proceed without any charges. This is a meaningless venture."
"Bring them forward! Have them answer the Shiba's questions."
"They have a right to know!"
"If this union is to be started with accusation, how can you expect it to be successful? We are to let bygones be bygones."
Various shouts bounced through the room. Kimiko met Kuukaku's eyes as if asking her 'see what you did?' At this moment neither could move from the room as various cutting remarks were spat amongst the people. After what seemed like minutes General Yamamoto stood and slammed his cane down on the floor.
"SILENCE!" Instantly those in the room stopped talking. Some stopped breathing. The resounding noise of the staff meeting tile continued to vibrate in everyone's ears. With a subtle sharp inhale, Kimiko continued once Yamamoto returned to his seat. It was time to end this.
"The name of the quincy was Masaki Kurosaki, Lady Shiba," Grey eyes met brown eyes and Kimiko's determined look turned into a glare. "Despite what you may think of me and my clan, Lady Shiba, I would not lie about the death of my only child. Furthermore, I would not allow my granddaughter, Masaki's eldest and dearly beloved child, to marry into the Seireitei if I felt that there was cause for a soul reaper's death to be on Masaki's conscience.
It was Masaki that believed that soul reapers and quincies could not only co-exist, but work together. Let me be clear, I continued her efforts to bring the Kurosaki Clan and the Soul Society together to honor her memory and her dream after she was killed by a hollow. It was not my ideal, but hers," Kimiko's glare softened and she shook her head as if trying to remove the thought of her dead child. "An ideal, as I'm sure you know, that Isshin Shiba shared. She cared deeply for Isshin Shiba, and she mourned for him. I will not allow you to minimize that by accusing her of his murder. Not when both fell to a hollow in order to protect someone."
Without saying another word Kimiko turned and took her seat next to Ryuken. No one said anything as Kuukaku mulled over the information she had just been provided. Memories of her uncle flashed through her mind. His kind smile. His generosity. His broad shoulders she would gaze at as he walked into a fight saying he'd be back soon. She believed him too. Isshin didn't speak of his thoughts on quincies. At least, he didn't speak her ideas to her. Despite that, knowing her uncle as she did, she believed Lady Kurosaki. Which would be why Lady Kurosaki wasn't disclosing the information. Because Isshin was involved more in the Kurosaki Clan than anyone could have originally thought. Isshin and the daughter of Lady Kurosaki's involvement with one another was a larger situation than Lady Kurosaki was presenting. Kuukaku knew she needed to end this debate and schedule a time to meet personally with Lady Kurosaki at a later time. Kuukaku felt like slapping her head. Lady Kurosaki had been hinting at this the entire time. Offering a redacted report. Opening an opportunity for Kuukaku to request further information from the redacted report when they were not in the middle of Central Forty-Six. A way to keep it between the Kurosaki Clan and the Shiba Clan, and Kuukaku missed it.
"The Shiba Clan accepts the redacted report of the incident involving the death of Isshin Shiba," Kuukaku concluded and made her way back to her seat next to Ganju.
In his seat next to Ukitake and Nanao, Shunsui felt as if he'd just been through a sparring match with Yamamoto and Kenpachi. The urge to defend his old friend Kuukaku and the urge to defend his wife's grandmother caused his insides to knot. Only when Kuukaku finally returned to her original seat next to Ganju did he feel like he could breathe again. Marriage was supposed to be simple right?
The days following the wedding consisted of visits with Ichigo's grandmother and Captain Yamamoto. Ichigo spent most of her time taking strolls with her grandmother and participating in tea ceremonies. Nights were spent in awkward silence in Shunsui and her quarters. They would eat together and Ichigo would excuse herself to her room where she would consider her new life. Finally the days came that Ichigo's grandmother and her godfather would be meeting with Captain Yamamoto and other people in power and Ichigo wasn't invited to attend. The days were supposed to be spent with Shunsui as they were still in what was considered the "honeymoon phase" but Shunsui was needed at his squadron. So, with an "okay" from his wife he left for his office.
With her solitude Ichigo began familiarizing herself with her new home. Most of her time was spent out on the deck in what would be determined as their backyard. There was a nice pond and garden behind their living quarters. A deck spanned out behind their quarters. It reminded Ichigo of those hotels with the personal outside bath's right outside their rooms. Ichigo got to go to hotels with such rooms a few times when she was growing up.
She had yet to leave their quarters on her own as she wasn't sure where she would go. The only times she had left was to visit people in the noble housing section of the Seireitei. She didn't know what to expect out there which caused her to stay where she felt the most comfort. In her room. Shunsui had promised to give her a tour, but his responsibilities to his squad had prevented it. His kitchen had also not been stocked with anything but snack foods. He had explained that because he had lived alone for so long he didn't have much food in his kitchens and hadn't had it stocked in a while. If he was hungry he'd go to the squad's kitchen and she was welcome to do the same if they were ever out of food. Ichigo didn't even know where the kitchens were and meals were usually taken with Shunsui so Ichigo would have to venture out eventually to try to find food. The small snacks weren't much to go off of. The man didn't even have rice. Granted, even if the pantry was filled with food, Ichigo wouldn't know how to cook it. The sight of the wood burning stove and oven gave Ichigo an entirely different homesickness. Oh how she missed their electric stovetop and microwave. The kitchen was so dated that there wasn't even a fridge, but instead an icebox took up the corner of the room. If Yuzu were here she would likely be excited to test out the kitchen and live out her "cottagecore" experience. For Ichigo though, it made her want to cry. There won't be any tubbs of tiramisu flavored gelato in that icebox that's for sure.
Ichigo glanced at the clock that subtly ticked near the entryway. It was nearing eleven o'clock. Lunch was served promptly at half past twelve if she recalled correctly from previous lunches that were delivered to the home upon the Captain's request. If she left now to try to find the kitchens she would likely be able to find them and establish a better idea of the squad. With that in mind Ichigo slipped on her sandals, as much as she hated them, and exited the quarters.
The squad was bigger than she originally thought. She hadn't even thought that there were multiple buildings with apartments for the soul reapers in the squad, but here they were. Tall and riddled with windows and doors. Ichigo counted five total, but she wouldn't be surprised to find more. The paths between the apartments weren't paved. Ichigo had to walk carefully so as to not let a piece of gravel embed itself between her foot and her sandal until she got onto paved sidewalks. Ichigo made her way towards what she believed to be the center of the squad. Really it was where she heard the most noise. Where there was noise there would be people and generally, if it was anything like the world of the living, there would be food.
Ichigo trudged her way between the buildings and gardens that resided in the eighth division. She relaxed a bit as she walked. It wasn't as confusing as it looked and even if she did get lost she would be able to find her way back as long as she stayed calm long enough to seek out her husband's spiritual pressure. Surprisingly his spiritual pressure was a lot like hers. It was dark and cold. Ichigo's was dark and warm, well, it was dark and warm when it wasn't suppressed. Ichigo wasn't sure what Shunsui's zanpakuto did when it was released. It was always hanging from his hip so he obviously was capable of using it. He was a captain so he had to be able to use it well. Though, Yoruichi was once a captain and she didn't carry a zanpakuto. Either way Ichigo would like to spar with him. She'd only ever sparred with those that taught her and her friends- and hollows, but those didn't count. It would be interesting to spar with a current captain. Just the thought of it made her hands twitch in excitement. She could picture herself trapezing through the air as their swords clashed again and again.
"Come on Satoshi, she's Captain Kyoraku's wife," a male voice drew Ichigo out of her daydream and she stopped short of turning a corner. She couldn't see who was talking but it was obviously about her.
"She's her daughter Regan! You heard the old lady, Masaki Kurosaki killed my uncle. He went to the world of the living and she stabbed him in the back," the voice made Ichigo flinch. It sounded like a younger version of her father's, but it definitely wasn't him. It was harsher.
"That's not what Lady Kurosaki said. You shouldn't scare people into believing her mother was the one that killed the former Captain Shiba."
"I bet she knows exactly how it happened. I bet her mother gave her all the details in how she murdered my uncle."
"You don't know that that's what happened, Shiba," a feminine voice gently responded.
"Yeah well the Gotei Thirteen already let another Shiba killer walk free. I wouldn't be surprised if they let the quincies get away with it too. It's not right and I'm going to make sure they pay for their crimes."
"Woah, dude!"
"That's not fair Shiba. You know what happened to Lieutenant Kaien wasn't Kuchiki's fault. He had a hollow inside of him. What did you expect her to do?"
"Save him."
"Satoshi, look man, just stop. You shouldn't be saying stuff like that about Kuchiki and you most definitely shouldn't be saying stuff like that about Madame Kyoraku." It was the original male voice again.
"Oh that's rich, Regan. You can bitch and moan about having to deal with a civilian living in the division, but the moment I make a valid point on why she shouldn't be here, you start kissing quincy ass."
"Shiba-" the feminine voice pleaded.
"Even if her mother didn't kill my uncle. She's a Kurosaki quincy. She's a murderous abomination. She's just the starting point of all of us getting screwed in the ass by the quincies."
Ichigo turned on her heel then and retraced her steps back to the gravel paths. She wasn't fearful. No, she could handle her own, but she didn't want to have to deal with that situation quite yet. Especially with her grandmother still in Seireitei. Confronting them would just cause more problems than she could handle at the moment. Her priority was ensuring the family's position within the Seireitei and with the marriage unconsummated how could she be sure it was truly established. Even though those people were angry confronting them wouldn't make it better. At the moment it really was best to lay low.
She made it to her new living quarters fairly quickly. It was empty inside, as she expected. It had been empty, save for her, all day. With a flick of her feet her sandals settled in the corner of the entryway near an older looking pair of what she presumed were Captain Kyoraku's sandals. He never wore this pair but left them out. Perhaps he kept them because he didn't want to get rid of them. They were clearly worn enough that he had needed another pair.
Ichigo had a pair of shoes like that too. Her favorite converse pair from her first year of high school. Her dad bought them for her as a congratulations for entering high school because he knew she wanted them. She wore them whenever she went out to hang out with her friends. They were red and white and made her feet hurt when she walked for too long but they were perfect. Ichigo kept hers for sentimental reasons even though she really couldn't wear them anymore, perhaps Captain Kyoraku was doing the same. They probably would be better in a closet rather near the entryway that way people wouldn't mistakenly try to get rid of them. Ichigo picked up the pair and slid the nearest closet open and found a perfect space for them on the bottom of the closet. Bending down to place them in the newfound spot Ichigo paused, turned, and flung them back at the entryway. What was she doing moving his things? She shouldn't be moving his things. That would be like him going into her room and unpacking her things.
She stood and looked around the closet. It was full of blankets, books, and games. By the looks of the cards Ichigo determined Captain Kyoraku must have played often. She raised her hand to close the door when a newspaper caught her eye, or more particularly the title of a story in the article caught her attention- Rose-Colored Path by Shunsui Kyoraku. It was in the "Literature" section of the newspaper.
"He writes?" Ichigo asked aloud while she picked up the newspaper and began skimming it. It was a romantic story about the protagonist falling in love with a beautiful woman. It didn't take long into reading for Ichigo to get the whole point of the story. Stereotypes littered the segment. The strong hero and desperate maiden. It wasn't that it was badly written, he seemed to have a decent talent for writing; he just could do more than stereotypes. It fell under his womanizing interests though if what was being whispered behind her back had any bearing. Ichigo put the newspaper away and closed the closet door. She ignored her stomach's demonstration of a whale's cry and entered her room, closing the door behind her. With a huff she ripped off her veil, and flopped onto her bed with a pained 'oomph'.
"My beds better," she sighed into the pillow and wrapped her arms around it so it was more firmly pressed against her face. What is this, she asked herself. Throughout the multiple lunches, brunches, and dinners she had to take with others she had silently listened, well listened in on, tales of her husband's womanizing ways.
One woman, the wife of the bald fat man that was somehow related to the other fat man from the second division, went into great detail about an affair he had with a noblewoman before she had married. Apparently there were often visits when the noblewoman would be using the baths. Another told of his time in the Academy and called him a skirt chaser. Then the woman that had commented about birthing him children had whispered to her friend that Captain Kyoraku and his old lieutenant were into some "pretty kinky stuff." It was at that point Ichigo felt she was on a crossroads. One side of her wanted to run away. She'd dealt with annoying womanizers before. Two of her friends were womanizers, Mizuiro being better than Keigo at it, but nonetheless they were womanizers. The other side of Ichigo, the curious side, wondered if the kinky stuff they were into was like those books that Keigo's older sister introduced her to. That side was also cursing her for not reading them. Even worse she could swear she heard her hollow cackling gleefully at her just for thinking about the ludicrous books.
He could be a womanizer all he wanted as long as he treated her with respect. He hasn't shown any indication that he would treat her ill so far, but that didn't mean anything, it had only been a week. Still, Ichigo didn't know how she would feel knowing he was having relations with another woman. This was a marriage of necessity so she couldn't expect him to have feelings towards her, but, the idea of living with the whispers behind her back about her husband's conquests didn't help.
Now there were more whispers. Whispers about her family. Having quincies in the Soul Society wasn't going to be easy. Having a quincy marry into the Soul Society wasn't easy. Ichigo expected that. But this Satoshi guy seemed to have a personal grudge. Ichigo thought back on the conversation and recalled the man's name who was bad mouthing her and her family: Satoshi Shiba. He said a Quincy killed his uncle, a Captain Shiba, but as far as Ichigo knew there were no fatalities on the Soul Society's end when it came between the Kurosaki Quincy Clan and the Seireitei. Unless of course they meant the one incident her parents were a part of.
"Dad," Ichigo murmured as the names started to make sense in her head. Her dad was a captain once and his previous name was Isshin Shiba. He had disappeared when he gave up his spiritual pressure to save her mom after she had taken a blow from a specialized hollow. They must have come to the conclusion that a Kurosaki Quincy had killed him when he didn't return. Her dad had told her that he wasn't able to explain his position to the Soul Society. Aizen's influence had already been too involved in the running of the Soul Society and no one really trusted quincies. In order to protect her mother, he had simply left and faked his own death. So, really, that would make Satoshi Shiba her cousin. And he would be spreading false information. False information she could not prevent because she still needed to keep her father hidden. Aizen's influence may still be within the number one job next to ensuring the union between the clan and the Seireitei was protecting Aizen's victims.
With another groan Ichigo flopped onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. When had she started worrying about people's whispers? When was the last time she walked away from a confrontation? When was the last time she felt alone? Vulnerable?
Her hand reached up and touched the choker around her neck. The cool butterfly clasp felt heavy against her throat. It suppressed her large amount of spiritual pressure as she'd never been able to contain it before. She hated it.
This was all too much. She needed the floor back under her feet. She was falling. Grasping. She needed something to hold onto. How long could this honestly last?
Shunsui worked quietly in his office. Nanao was out on Women's Association business, leaving him alone for the rest of the afternoon. Usually at times like these he would sneak out of the office and have a relaxing afternoon with Juushiro but with his new wife at home he felt guilty. It wouldn't be fair to have her sit at home all day while he was out enjoying his afternoon. If only their relationship was easier; then he could just invite her to go with him, but it wasn't. Ichigo had barely spoken more than a few sentences this week. It felt like he knew less about her now than when he found out he would be marrying her. He could count the things he knew about her on his hands.
She was seventeen and cared about her education. Ironically she liked strawberries, he knew that from watching her take three strawberry desserts on their wedding day. She liked butterflies, if her kimonos and hairpieces were anything to go by. She had worn a butterfly decorated piece of clothing everyday since he met her. She rubbed her eyes when she was tired. She cared deeply for her grandmother, when talking amongst themselves she called her by an informal 'grandma'. She didn't feel comfortable enough here, she hadn't unpacked anything but one of her suitcases. She was quiet, which didn't match her energy. Shunsui could see the energy in the way she moved. While she would take evenly matched steps there was a little pop in her steps as if she were ready to leap forward and run. The night they were married a piece of that energy burst forward when she lectured him on his not reading the full marriage contract. He wished he could see that again. Instead he had a quiet wife that only responded. His quiet wife was leading to a quiet life thus a constant state of walking on eggshells. Shunsui sighed deeply and pushed his paperwork aside. Marriage had to be easier than this. Being awkward housemates was not working.
It was night now. The busy sounds that were heard among the squad during the day had died down and in their place crickets chirping could be heard. Lanterns were lit within the hallways and walkways. Ichigo herself had lit a lantern when the sun had begun to set. It's auburn glow was dim in Ichigo's room. It made Ichigo miss flipping a switch and having her room fully enveloped in light. She closed the book she was reading and rubbed her tired eyes. She had spent all day holed up in her room and was still hungry. Captain Kyoraku hadn't returned home yet and her stomach was clenching a lot tighter than it was earlier. Perhaps it was time to try to find the cafeteria again. Ichigo yawned as she stood from her table and grabbed a veil that matched her kimono. She had just finished inserting her crescent moon pin into the veil when a knock sounded from the front door.
Ichigo furrowed her eyebrows and looked towards the door. It wasn't Captain Kyoraku, he wouldn't knock. It wasn't a quincy, the spiritual pressure didn't match. It was a soul reaper, and why would they be knocking on the door if Captain Kyoraku wasn't home?
"One minute," Ichigo called out and made her way across her room to her book bag to retrieve Kon. With Kon safely in a hidden pocket in her kimono she made her way to the door, unlocked it, and slid it open. There stood a young woman in a soul reapers uniform with a tray of food.
"Hello," Ichigo blinked in surprise and her stomach made a gurgling sound much to her embarrassment. If the soul reaper heard she didn't respond.
"Madam Kyoraku, Captain Kyoraku asked that I ensure you had dinner and wanted me to pass on his apologies. He was called to a meeting." the soul reaper explained and gestured up with the tray of food. "I didn't see you come into the cafeteria and the kitchen staff informed me that the Captain has failed to provide them with a list of food to stock his personal kitchen. He's really bad at that. Anyways I thought I'd bring you a tray, just in case. I hope that's alright."
"Oh," Ichigo blinked in surprise. "Yes. Thank you. I really appreciate it," Ichigo reached her hands out and took the tray from the woman. "And thank you for letting me know about Captain Kyoraku's meeting."
The woman seemed startled at being addressed by Ichigo. Granted Ichigo wasn't one to really talk lately, so she really couldn't blame the women.
"Of course Madam," the woman smiled once the shock wore off.
"I didn't catch your name," Ichigo remarked in hopes she could know more of the soul reapers around her.
"Tenth seat Tabata, Akane Tabata, Madam," the woman responded flustered. Her cheeks grew red and Ichigo gave a soft smile
"Tenth seat Akane Tabata. Pleasure to meet you." A blush decorated the woman's features and her chest rose with pride.
"Welcome to Seireitei, Madam." With a final nod the woman had left and Ichigo brought her dinner into the room.
She gently placed it on her low table and looked around the room for more lights. It felt too dim in the room. That, or perhaps she just felt lonely. At home her sisters and Dad would sit around a tall table. Ichigo would sit across from her Dad next to Karin. Yuzu sat next to their Dad and would dish out the meals. The only time they didn't have meals together was during school, extracurricular activities, and when Dad was needed at the hospital. Even during clan events they sat near each other for meals. Ichigo took in the basic meal of rice, fried fish, curry, and green tea. Yuzu made a similar meal. Yuzu's tasted better. No, Ichigo shook her head, it wasn't that Yuzu's tasted better. It was the enviornment that tasted better.
It was eating with someone that had made it better. Someone she cared for. Like her ex-boyfriend, Shinji.
Ichigo sighed and leaned on her elbow. She had been hoping to not think of him. Even going so far as not thinking of his name and only calling him her "ex-boyfriend" mentally. Of course that didn't prevent him from constantly coming back to mind. He was her first love. He was the man that walked her home after a tough training session with her hollow. The one that her father tried to forbid her from dating while simultaneously celebrating the fact that she was out having fun. Shinji was funny and he made her laugh. He was thoughtful and would listen to her teen angst as if it meant something to him. He told her stories of his time in the Soul Society and she couldn't help but hold onto every word as if he was inscribing them into her heart. She didn't want to forget one thing about him. She told him she loved him. He told her he loved her. Yet, somehow, she was here.
Ichigo felt her face scrunch up. A thing she did when she tried to fight back tears. She also felt the hot wetness slide down her cheek. This was why she didn't want to think of him. She didn't want to think of what they could have had and what was no longer hers.
Once she finished her crying and emotionally eating her food she washed the dishes and stacked them neatly back on the tray. She found some cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink and wiped down the table as she used to do in the World of the Living.
Ichigo brought the book she was reading into the living room and read at the table as she waited for her husband to return home. She figured she could ask him where to take the tray rather than going out on another field trip in the dark. After two hours of reading and finishing her book she determined that it was getting too late and she should go to bed. Stretching she made her way around the room to blow out all but two lanterns. She had the one near the door and the one near his room remain lit as she went into her own lit room. While changing into her pajamas Ichigo took the little green pill that contained Kon out of her hidden pocket and held it up. She wished she could place him in her stuffed lion just so that she would have someone to talk to but at the moment it was just too dangerous. Instead she placed him back in the hidden pocket inside of her bookbag and blew out the remaining lanterns in her room. In bed, for the third or fourth time of the day, she struggled getting to sleep but eventually fell into a slumber.
Shunsui gave a loud yawn when he made it back through the gates of his division. The old man had wanted to see him in preparation for the captain's meeting that would take place in two days time. It would be the last meeting between the Central Forty-six and Lady Kurosaki, and all of the Captains were included. A one hour meeting turned into a four hour meeting due to the interruption of Captain Kurotsuchi who may have found out some information regarding some research Aizen had made while he was a lieutenant. An hour and a half later the three men determined to look further into it and Captain Kurotsuchi left so that Captain Yamamoto and Shunsui could finish their meeting. It was nearing midnight now.
"Welcome back Captain Kyoraku," a voice called out. Shunsui looked up to see the smiling face of his tenth seat, Akane Tabata.
"Ah Tabata," Shunsui greeted and nodded in thanks. "I didn't know you had patrol tonight."
"I don't, sir. I just got back from meeting with some old friends from the seventh division."
"I see, welcome back to you as well," Shunsui smiled. "Best get off to bed now. We have another day of work tomorrow."
"Of course," Tabata turned towards the direction of her apartment but turned back around towards Shunsui. "Captain, before you go I need to tell you something."
"Hmm?"
"Well, sir, I did that task you asked of me. I informed your wife, Madam Kyoraku, of your meeting." Damn that sounded weird just hearing it. Wife. Madam Kyoraku. "Well, you see, the thing is I was originally planning on telling her when she came to the cafeteria as the kitchen staff said they hadn't stocked your kitchen with groceries this week. She never did appear at the cafeteria. I asked around and no one had seen her all day. I figured she must have been visiting with Lady Kurosaki while she was still in the Seireitei, but I wanted to make sure. So, I made her a tray and took it to your quarters and she was home.
It looked like she'd been home all day and her stomach was growling so she hadn't eaten all day other than the breakfast you had delivered from the kitchens. I gave her the tray and gave her your message. She was really nice. She thanked me and asked my name. I'm not sure why she didn't go to the cafeteria herself to get dinner, but she never did go to the cafeteria to return her tray either. Maybe she was planning on bringing it back tomorrow during lunch time. We've all done that. Either way, I just thought you should know," Akane said everything so quickly she needed to catch her breath once she finished.
"She hasn't eaten all day?" Shunsui asked.
"Not that I know of, sir. Her stomach gurgled though, sir, so I don't think she did. I know that souls and living beings are different. Living beings have to eat which is why I am so concerned."
"Yes, thank you Tabata. I'll check into it. Have a good night," Shunsui nodded and watched Tabata make it back to her shared quarters. On his way back to his own quarters Shunsui wondered why his wife wouldn't go to the cafeteria to eat. Was she going on a hunger strike to make him and everyone else involved in the arranged marriage pay? Was she so depressed she couldn't force herself to eat? Perhaps she was too stubborn to eat squadron food. She was raised as a noble, perhaps her palate was too defined. Either way he would need to figure it out. He'd talk to her as soon as he entered his quarters.
At least, that's what he told himself; instead when he made it to his quarters he found all the lanterns but two were unlit. There was no light coming from her room which indicated she was asleep. He took note of the two lanterns that were lit. The one nearest the front door and the one nearest his room let of warm glows. It was as if she was saying 'welcome home'. He entered the living room and locked the door behind him with a soft smile on his face. He had never had a lantern lit for him to come home to before. It was nice. He pulled his zanpakutos from his belt and sat down on the step near the entrance to take his sandals off before he quietly made his way across the room in hopes to not disturb Ichigo's sleep. He could hear her soft, even, breathing from her room and didn't feel it was right to wake her when she had gone through the effort of making sure he could see when he got home.
As he made it towards his room he noticed the cafeteria tray on the table and remembered why he had wanted to talk to her in the first place. He took a closer look at the tray and noticed that the plates were washed and put back on the tray in an organized manner. She had eaten and had even gone to the effort of cleaning the plates and preparing them to be returned to the cafeteria. If she hadn't planned to take the tray back she would have left the dinnerware out on the table. "So why didn't she?" he murmured to himself as he looked around the room.
"Oh," he realized with a whisper as he saw her sandals haphazardly next to his two pairs of sandals at the doorway. She doesn't know where to go. Shunsui had said he'd give her a tour but he hadn't had time and had forgotten. Of course she didn't know where to go. She probably ventured out and then got overwhelmed and returned home when she couldn't find it. Nice Shunsui. He'd have to talk to her tomorrow and ensure she had a tour. He'd even sit with her at the cafeteria to make sure she felt welcome and maybe introduce her to some of the members of the squad.
The next morning Shunsui left a note for Ichigo explaining he ordered her breakfast and he'd be back to give her a tour just before lunch. He was determined to spend time with her and hopefully get her talking. He hoped to crack his quiet wife. Shunsui didn't care for the masks other's held. He much preferred a person's true personality over anything else. He understood why she had the mask in place. He couldn't expect more from a seventeen year old girl that was pushed into an arranged marriage to a being that had caused so much pain to her people. Despite his understanding, he knew that for this marriage to be okay, to work, he would need to help her lower the mask. They would both benefit from it. So today, he would push her to talk about herself. Learn about her. Encourage her to tell him stuff about herself and share his own information. They would go from awkward housemates to amicable friends. His little wife wouldn't feel the need to be quiet. He knew her personality was louder than she had portrayed, and he was going to ensure she showed it. No more walking on eggshells for either of them.
He would make up leaving her to fend for herself for the last couple of days as he had barely seen her and that wasn't fair to her. Thus after he dropped her tray from the previous night off at the kitchens and placed an order for her for breakfast to be delivered, he shocked Nanao by being to the office early, finishing his half of the paperwork without her having to drag him into the office to do it. He had to admit her shocked expression gave him a sense of glee.
"It seems marriage has done you some good Captain," Nanao remarked as she picked up the files. "Shall I retrieve the backlogged files while you're on such a spree." She had ruined his glee.
Shunsui was able to escape around a quarter after eleven o'clock. Nanao had pulled up months worth of backlogged paperwork. He hadn't a break all morning, not even to relieve himself, and man did he have to pee. He'd hurry home, relieve himself, and take Ichigo to the cafeteria followed by a tour of the squadron and the squadrons placed closed by. With his thoughts on the different places he would take her he didn't pay much attention when he actually walked through the doors. Ichigo was usually in her rooms anyways so the living room being empty wasn't a surprise as he moved directly for the door leading to the bathroom. The sight in the bathroom, on the other hand, was a surprise.
Steam wafted towards him. It caressed him softly as it drifted past him. The flowery scent filled the room. A woman stood just outside the tub, right in between the sink and the toilet. She had peach skin. She wasn't pale, wasn't tan, she the perfect peach color. She looked soft. With a toned stomach and blissful leg muscles. She was wet. Water rolled down her body and ended it's ride on the blue towel beneath her feet. She was leaning forward and rubbing another towel through her hair, and she was singing.
Shunsui made a shocked choking noise. Shunsui, the usually cool romancer, choked on air at the sight in front of him. This scene shocked him. Truly shocked him. He wasn't sure what was shocking him: his naked wife or his wife being relaxed enough to rub her hair dry while singing.
The strange noise emitting from Shunsui's throat jerked Ichigo out of her hair drying ritual. Towel still hanging from her head she glanced quickly at Shunsui. He couldn't see her face or her hair. The towel was practically like one of those veils she always wears.
"Wha-" Ichigo cut off and Shunsui held his hands up in an attempt to present his apologies for walking in on her. His voice was still stuck in his throat though.
Not that it really mattered. Ichigo was already reacting. Shunsui couldn't exactly remember what came first. It was either the painful impact of her foot colliding with his face, which led to him being flung across the room into the doors leading to the back yard; or, it was her passionate scream of: "YOU PERVERTED OLD MAN!"
His wife wasn't quiet anymore.