Title: Apotheosis
Series: sequel to Nexus
Author: Akuni
Genre: Drama/Romance
Rating: M for 'Much Smut'
Pairing: Renji/Ichigo
Spoilers: read through Soul Society & Arrancar Arcs
Summary: One year after Nexus, Ichigo and Renji face personal challenges and a new crisis that threatens everyone.
Word Count: 65,000ish
Warnings: There is more talk about the war with Aizen that I wrote around in Nexus. There are mentions of character deaths during the war, but they're mostly minor. Should also be noted that there's some definite Shuuhei/Yumichika subtext, and off camera Hitsugaya/Hinamori.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, I'm just borrowing it for a while.
Distribution: Also posted to my LJ. Please ask if you want to share it :)

Dedication: To my wonderful beta Shelagh, for putting up with my writing process and for drawing the amazing art that goes with my stories. She keeps me on the path of reality when my feet try to take me down sugar plum lane. And for Sara, our partner in fangirling and BL love, for helping us stay silly and sane. And I suppose even for my husband, who has had to endure my mental love affair with Renji, my extended hours on my laptop writing this beast, and my ups and downs while writing it. One night we got drunk and he let me read all my fics out loud to him in one night (yes, even all of Nexus) - my voice was ruined the next day, but we had a great laugh. He laughed in all the right places, and wouldn't let me chicken out and stop reading at the sexy bits. :)

And as always, to all my fellow Renji/Ichigo fangirls/guys out there. We know it's impossible, we know it's silly, and we know it's damned hot!

A/N: I said Nexus ate my life - I was wrong. So very wrong. The idea for Apotheosis came to me while I was still writing Nexus, and I scribbled down a couple pages of notes as I went along. Nexus was posted at the end of August, and it's now December. I've only taken a handful of days off writing this story - I even took my notebook to work and scribbled lines and scenes as they came to me. This is definitely an obsession. And I loved every minute of it. I hope you all do, too.

Chapter 7 - Reinforcement

"You gotta wait… I'm not done playin' with you yet."

It was torture – pure, delicious torture – as Ichigo moved over him. He knew damn well what he was doing, and he did it oh so well.

Renji growled, closing his teeth around the soft flesh between neck and shoulder. His chest already heaved as he fought for breath; it wasn't easy with Ichigo crawling over him with those teasing touches that set every nerve tingling.

He wanted to feel those strong arms and legs clench around him as he buried himself deep inside his lover. He wanted desperately to thrust into that welcoming heat, again and again until they both saw stars.

"You're killin' me!"

"I know… and you love every second of it."

"Ichigo…" he groaned desperately, shaking from head to toe.

Ichigo straddled his lap, looking very satisfied with himself. His hair brushed Renji's cheek as he leaned in to lick the sensitive ear. "Take me," he demanded, wrapping himself around the trembling body beneath him.

"Thought ya'd never ask," Renji gasped as he shifted and was quickly sheathed in bliss.

"I wasn't askin'." His lover's voice was just as thick with need.

It took all his willpower to move slowly, trying to hold off on giving the body around him what it was clamouring for.

It was Ichigo's turn to groan.

"When ya play with fire, sometimes ya get burned," Renji purred. "So how do ya want it?"

"Renji!" The look on Ichigo's face was inspirational, and he couldn't hold out any longer. They set a fast pace intended to quickly satisfy their mutual desire. But as soon as he recovered his breath, Renji vowed to do his best to make Ichigo feel the same exquisite torture – and he definitely wanted a taste of the euphoria painted across his lover's face, too.

"Damn, I love when ya call my name."

"Renji!"

…

"Renji!"

"Renji, wake up!"

He shot up and fell off the couch in his office. "… the hell?!"

Rukia peered down at him, her cheeks faintly pink. "You um… were dreaming, I think." She cleared her throat. "You said something about Ichigo."

Renji looked at her, horrified. That was a side of himself he never, ever intended to share with anyone but his lover.

"It's nearly time. To go. Train the recruits." She was looking anywhere but at him, giving him time to compose himself.

"I… right." He pulled himself off the floor, straightening his uniform and swinging his cloak around his shoulders as they headed to the practice ground.

§

The earnest gazes of the fresh-faced shinigami waiting for them in the training yard were more unnerving now than they had been in previous years.

"It's going to be another war, and they're not all going to be ready." Rukia surveyed the young shinigami waiting in the practice yard.

"Then we just do what we can t' make 'em as ready as we can." They shared a grim look. "Anyone who ain't ready for battle will be ready for support duty, an' we'll make it clear that we need 'em t' do that job." The side of his mouth turned up just a little. "Don't want another mouse turnin' out t' be a candidate for the 11th…"

§

-4 years ago-

"Rikichi… can you teach me to fight?" Hanatarou asked earnestly.

"I… me?" Rikichi looked around at the powerful fighters in the room. "I don't think I'm a good cho—" A large hand clapped him on the shoulder.

"Good choice, Hanatarou," Renji nodded approvingly. "Rikichi's a strong fighter, an' a good teacher." His voice dropped to a stage whisper. "Don't think I ain't noticed ya helpin' the recruits, Rikichi."

"Renji-san! Ahh…" Rikichi blushed and stammered as his idol praised him openly. "I… I'll do my best!" he bowed low.

"G'head an' get outta here, this meetin's gonna take all night, an' ya got a lot a' work t' do." He nodded toward the back door, grinning a little as the two short shinigami slipped out to begin training…

§

-present-

Renji was pleased with this latest batch. They were sincere in their efforts, and they'd learned their Academy lessons well.

Now the real learnin' begins. Some of 'em won't make it through the first year, but most of 'em will. Got a good crew this time, and we sure's hell need 'em.

He gave each one his personal attention before calling a halt to the exercise. "Good work, recruits." They glowed under the praise. Many captains delegated training to the lieutenants, but Renji felt it was important to cultivate some kind of working relationship with everyone in his Division from the start. He respected Kuchiki Byakuya, but he didn't approve of the man's cool demeanour when they first began serving together. Granted, the Kuchiki heir had changed a bit in the years since, but he was still rather withdrawn from all but his most senior officers.

"All a' ya did great in the basic spar." They preened even more at this, and Renji didn't bother to hide his smirk. "Now let's see how ya make out with somethin' a li'l more advanced." The smiles fell off their faces as he stepped back and ran his hand down his zanpakutou.

"Hoeru, Zabimaru!" He nearly laughed at the dismayed expressions as they goggled at the extended blade.

"Alright, who's first?" he grinned.

§

"You're on your own from here." The 9th Division captain stopped outside the 5th Division headquarters.

"Thanks for this, Shuuhei," Ichigo grinned. "I owe ya one. Rukia, too."

"Just glad to have you back in the fight." Shuuhei clapped him on the shoulder. "And back in town. Party's at your place tomorrow."

"Sure thing." A tingle ran up Ichigo's back at that thought. My place. Our place. He gripped the letter in his pocket, and took a breath. Ichigo concentrated very hard on making sure his reiatsu was still locked down before he leaped and snuck quietly over the rooftops.

§

A short, stocky youth was the first to take up his new captain's challenge. Renji made note of the first to brave his blade, as he always did. The first ones came in two flavours – the kind who swaggered and wanted to test their captain, and the kind who faced down their fear and wanted to test themselves.

This would be the latter. Renji looked over the youth approvingly; he was nervous, but he'd taken firm hold of his fear and was standing ready.

Renji struck out without warning. The young shinigami was startled but managed to dodge just in time.

"Excellent reflexes," Renji complimented him. "Landin' was a li'l sloppy, though. Work on that."

"Yes, Taichou." Renji noted with approval that the recruit hadn't relaxed his stance, and was still eyeing him expectantly.

He lashed out again, and sure enough the young shinigami dodged in the exact same manner. Faster than most of the others could follow, Renji whipped Zabimaru around to catch the recruit's blade and yank it out of his hands.

"Reflexes still very good, but ya need t' be more spontaneous. Don't use the same move too many times, or your opponent'll anticipate ya like I just did." He handed the recruit his sword.

"I will, thank you, Abarai-taichou," the recruit bowed and stepped back into line.

Renji looked at the startled faces and resisted the urge to snort. Good batch, but still awfully green.

"Now I know a lot a' other captains keep this sorta thing a secret, but I don't believe in keepin' secrets from my crew. We fight together, so we ought ta know what we can do together." He flashed toward the other end of the yard to give himself room.

Renji raised Zabimaru and focused intently.

"BANKAI!"

§

Ichigo felt the blast of power and saw the ripple of energy. Bankai, huh? Must still be training the new ones. He approved of Renji's training methods, and his insistence on displaying his skills openly to his Division. A team couldn't fight properly together if they didn't know each others' abilities.

Another hop put Ichigo right over the training yard. He peered down, an idea slowly forming in his head.

§

"Hihiou Zabimaru." The faces were awed now, taking in the awesome sight of the skeletal snake.

"You…you don't want us to fight that, Taichou?"

Renji laughed. "Nope. I'm still learnin' how t' fight properly with it." He looked at the creature curiously as it screamed for no apparent reason. "Takes a lotta years t' get it right. I only practice with people I know won't get hurt when I make a mistake."

"Aww." They looked disappointed.

"Guess I'll do it, then."

Renji's head snapped around, eyes wide in shock even as the familiar figure landed lightly in the yard.

"BANKAI!"

A cloud of dust rose with the swell of power, engulfing the orange-haired man in the shinigami uniform. Renji's heart was hammering in his chest as the aura washed over him, unmasked now after the moment of surprise. How'n the hell did he sneak up on me?!

When the dust settled, Ichigo stood there imposingly. "Tensa Zangetsu," he intoned. Then he dropped the pose and grinned. "Renji, you can't show 'em somethin' that cool and not let 'em see what it can do." Ichigo waved a hand toward the monstrous figure rearing overhead. It screamed again, and Renji would've sworn it was a welcome.

"Ichigo!" He wondered how no one could hear his thudding heartbeats. What is he doin' here?

Excited whispers broke out. "Ichigo?" "Kurosaki Ichigo?" "The shinigami from the living world?!" He heard Rukia ordering the recruits to stay well out of the way.

Renji took firm control of his emotions. "Yeah, that's him." He lowered his voice so the recruits couldn't hear. "Yanno they got a whole class at the Academy devoted t' the war – includin' an entire section on you."

"They do?"

Renji nodded and grinned, then raised his voice. "So ya ready t' get your fancy coat torn up an' show these recruits some real fightin'?"

Ichigo's response was to vanish. At least, that's all they can see. Renji chuckled to himself as he spun Zabimaru in a defensive whirlwind around him. He heard the crack as Ichigo's blade struck a bony segment zipping in front of his knees.

You're fast, but I see ya. Renji broke out of the defensive pose, flashing far off to one side as Zabimaru roared around to strike at Ichigo from the other. But Ichigo wasn't there, and the great fangs skimmed the ground before the creature reared back into position.

"Too slow!" Ichigo taunted as he flashed away again.

"All that speed an' ya still missed me, Ichigo," he called back. Suddenly Ichigo's voice was right in his ear, sending a shiver down his spine. "Fast enough, in my fancy coat that you like so much."

"Hah!" Sparks flew as a tail segment slid into place to block the strike from behind. "Nice try, but that ain't gonna work—oof!" He'd blocked the sword but couldn't avoid the foot to the back of the knee before Ichigo sped off.

Renji focused; he picked up the faint jingle of chain just in time, narrowly dodging a strike that still left a thin slice down his arm. He followed the sound immediately, and launched Zabimaru in the opposite direction.

Ichigo cursed, swerving wildly to avoid tripping over the giant body that was suddenly blocking his intended path. Renji was ready to take advantage of the opening. "Gotcha!" Zabimaru undulated, catching the substitute shinigami a sharp blow just before he flashed away.

Blows having been exchanged, they both sensed the exercise was over. Renji returned Zabimaru to a state of coiled readiness as Ichigo came to a halt.

"Good trick… damn thing's gettin' stronger." Ichigo met the skeletal grin with one of his own as he rubbed his shoulder. The orange-haired shinigami seemed to shimmer in the late afternoon sunlight as he let his bankai fade, his uniform and zanpakutou returning to their normal state.

"His head's big enough, don't waste compliments on this punk," Renji jerked a thumb toward the serpent swaying lazily in the sky. "We're done now, Zabimaru. Thanks." The creature roared before dissipating. Renji sheathed the sealed katana.

"Still can't believe you talk to him that way." Ichigo shook his head wonderingly. "Zangetsu would skin me."

"Hah – should hear the shit he says t' me! Mouthy bastard, loves a good argument."

"Wonder what that says about you?"

"Probably better not t' think 'bout it," Renji laughed, inspecting the slice on his arm as they walked back to the wide-eyed line of recruits. "I go through more damn uniforms when you're here…"

Renji stopped in front of the fascinated young shinigami. "Ya understand now why bankai takes years t' learn? An' why ya might not want t' use it every time?" He scanned the attentive faces – some looked pensive, but some still looked puzzled.

"Ya saw how Kurosaki-dono got right under my guard? An' ya saw how I caught him?" Most of them nodded. Well the rest'll just have t' work a li'l harder t' catch up.

He pointed at Ichigo. "I've been fightin' him for years. With him an' against him – ya all know the story. Point is, we still ain't got it perfect. We make mistakes, an' accidents happen." The young shinigami began nodding thoughtfully.

"Sometimes ya need all that power. But sometimes ya need a li'l finesse more. Teamwork's important, but ya can't relax an' rely on havin' someone there t' back ya up – ya gotta know where your own limits are." Renji looked at them intently. "It's all about control. Which brings ya t' the next exercise."

Some of the recruits looked surprised when Rukia stepped forward. "Kuchiki-fukutaichou's better'n me at this part," he told them.

"Do you need to take Kurosaki-dono to get settled? I can finish up for the day with the kidou," Rukia suggested.

"Actually I do need to check in with Kira-taichou. He already knows I was comin' in today, but I should see him," Ichigo agreed.

"Good idea, Rukia. Unohana-taichou'll need t' know, too – before Zaraki-taichou finds out." Renji chuckled. "Wonder how long that'll take, after that bankai?" Ichigo groaned – clearly he hadn't thought of that.

They made their farewells and Rukia began her inspection of the recruits' kidou abilities. They heard her chanting reach its peak as they left the yard. "Shakkahou!" There was a terrific explosion; the assembled shinigami barely had time to let out an amazed "ooh" before she began another chant.

They were very careful not to get too close physically or spiritually as they headed for the offices of the 3rd Division – the air practically crackled between them after the brief workout, and they didn't dare light that spark until they were alone.

"What're ya doin' back?" Renji chanced the question, keeping his voice steady by sheer force of will.

"I'm needed here," Ichigo replied. "This's more important than anything else right now."

The trips to the 3rd and 4th Division offices were mercifully quick. Kira simply handed Ichigo a patrol schedule, smiling just a little as Ichigo noted that he wasn't on duty until the day after tomorrow. Unohana took one look at Renji's torn sleeve and told them to please let her know when their next training session would be before sending them on their way.

§

It took all of his strength to hold his reiatsu in check as they headed to the quarters they would once again share. Now that he was established back in Soul Society, Ichigo was nearly trembling from relief of the nervous tension that had been gripping him since the moment he'd left. He recognized the phenomenon as the same one that had driven Renji into the living world to seek him out after the tragedy in Rukongai in the summer. Their impromptu sparring had only heightened his anticipation.

As soon as the door slid shut behind them, Ichigo spun; he grabbed a double handful of Renji's robes and pushed his lover's shoulders to the wall. Their reiatsu bonded in a flash, sending the energy level in the room soaring.

Renji's hands were on his face, pulling insistently as Ichigo pressed him against the wall with his entire body. Hot mouths met hungrily, tongues delving to taste each other desperately. Matching groans sharpened the edges of their lust when Ichigo's knee pressed between his lover's thighs.

Ichigo pulled away to catch his breath. "Missed you so damn much." He couldn't keep the stupid smile off his face.

Renji grinned back. "Welcome home."

They tore at each others' clothes impatiently, zanpakutou skidding across the floor to rest together in a corner. Renji swore at the knot in Ichigo's sash, cursing his fumbling fingers until Ichigo simply tore it off.

Uniforms fell in a pile at their feet; Ichigo fastened their lips together again as he pulled his lover toward the futon. He hooked his foot around Renji's ankle and sent them both tumbling down.

"I needed to be here." Ichigo was unable to stop the words that fell from his lips between every bite as he marked a path down Renji's chest with his teeth. He looked up into his lover's rapidly-glazing eyes as his lips reached their goal.

"I know… s'where ya belong right now. 'Specially if you're gonna keep doin' that—"

A few rapid flicks of his tongue as he slid up and down pulled a throaty moan from the shinigami lying beneath him.

A foot nudged his side. "Swing 'round."

Ichigo complied, enjoying the tremor that ran down his body as Renji began copying his movements. Each stroke, each suck, each nibble was mirrored, and the response echoed in their energies.

They didn't do this very often; it required a certain level of concentration and detachment that was difficult to achieve when they were bonded so tightly, each physical sensation translating into spiritual feedback in their combined reiatsu.

Those echoes made the experience that much more intense – it wasn't long before they were both straining for release.

Ichigo felt the hard flesh pulse in his mouth even as the swell of pleasure peaked and spiralled out to engulf him as well. It was an effort to resist the instinct to cry out, allowing only deep moans that vibrated in their throats.

Ichigo raised his head at last. He paused for a moment to swallow and catch his breath, bringing his trembling limbs back under control; he could hear and feel Renji doing the same. He followed the tug that turned him around again, on hands and knees above his lover's flushed body. Renji's mouth latched onto his, his eager tongue licking and demanding entrance.

"I love the way we taste together." Renji's murmurs against Ichigo's lips sent his passion back into overdrive.

"Mmm." Ichigo's assent was muffled.

Time was meaningless as they moved over each other, encouraging the fire between them to burn even hotter, rousing their bodies once more.

One long arm reached out to grab a small bottle off a low shelf. Renji spilled some of the contents into his palm, his slick hands quickly coating Ichigo expertly.

Ichigo pressed another kiss against Renji's reddened lips before turning him over on his knees and moving to reclaim what was his. He slid inside, marvelling as he did each time at the impossible heat and tightness of this embrace that drowned all his senses in pleasure.

Each thrust was hard and fast, each desperate groan echoed by a gasp of pleasure. He shifted his angle just so, drawing a lust-filled cry and a choked exclamation.

"Sonuva… do that again!" Renji rocked back against him sharply, driving him on. Ichigo grasped his lover's shoulder, snaking one hand around to stroke in time with every roll of his hips. The shared sense of urgency brought them to another swift conclusion, sweat-slicked bodies shuddering together.

Short, panting breaths filled the air. In a daze, Ichigo tugged gently on Renji's ponytail until the shinigami straightened up on his knees; Ichigo wrapped his arms around Renji's waist and held him tightly from behind, pressing his lips against the familiar tattooed patterns.

Renji shifted to face him; strong arms wound around Ichigo and drew him down into the soft blankets, pushing the sticky top sheet to the side. Ichigo relaxed into Renji's embrace, still reeling from the intensity of the encounter. The nervous energy was gone, and he felt only the satisfaction and thrill of being in his lover's arms.

As usual, sleep claimed them both for a brief time after… and as usual, the short nap was nothing more than an intermission.

"Damn, that was a good start," Renji ran his fingers over Ichigo's side, grinning at the shiver that ran down his lover's spine. "Ready for round two?" Tattooed eyebrows quirked upward.

Ichigo grinned back. "Hell yeah." He reached for the little bottle as Renji pulled him up onto his knees.

This was another tradition that required no further explanation.

§

Renji woke early the next morning, despite having the day off. His body was getting used to less sleep after all the emergency alerts. He could definitely use more sleep after the previous night's activities, though. Renji didn't want either of them to have to suffer through the kinds of experiences that triggered these reactions, but he had to admit that it had been, as Ichigo had said as he collapsed breathlessly under Renji's enveloping form, a 'wild ride'.

We're both gonna be sore as hell this mornin'. Good thing we ain't on duty. He stretched, pulling the knots out of his muscles as he peered out the window aimlessly. Wonder what'll happen today. Hope it's quiet, or we'll never be able t' rest.

Behind him, Ichigo shifted and sat up, blinking in the low light. "Renji?"

"Yeah?"

"What're you doin' up? 'S our day off," Ichigo mumbled.

"Too used t' gettin' up lately. Forgot what sleepin' late was like." Renji stretched again. "I dunno why I got up though, with you all warm over there in our bed."

"Oh, while you're up, Yuzu sent ya somethin'. 'S in my bag." Ichigo nodded toward the knapsack abandoned next to the door.

"What is it?" Renji fished around and pulled out a brightly wrapped package.

"I guess you could call it breakfast." Ichigo's laugh at Renji's eager expression turned into a yawn.

"Damn, ya got great sisters, Ichi," Renji mumbled through a mouthful of his favourite snack. "Yu-chan's taiyaki is outta this world."

Ichigo raised his eyebrows. "Well, yeah, actually, it is," he smirked.

Renji groaned. "That's just…"

Ichigo settled back down under the blankets. "Had to be said. You look like the cat that caught the canary."

"Goldfish. Cat that caught the goldfish." Renji waved a half-eaten pastry at him.

Ichigo snickered tiredly. "Come back to bed," he invited, throwing back a corner of the blanket. "We both need more sleep, and I sleep better with you next to me."

"You got it." Renji tossed the rest of his breakfast on the table and slid back into bed. "Yep, this's definitely better'n gettin' up early."

Ichigo turned toward Renji, looping his arm around the shinigami's waist and burying his nose in the bright red hair. "Tha's better," he mumbled, his breath tickling Renji's ear. They lay quietly together, enjoying the stillness of the morning.

"Renji…"

"Hmm?"

"They're wrong, yanno… your letters don't suck."

"Ya… ya got that already?"

"Today… jus' before I left…" Ichigo was already half asleep again. "Never got a love letter before…"

"I…" Renji was at a total loss for words. His face burned, and he swallowed hard against his nervousness.

"…was nice… wanna write one back, but'm here now…"

"It wasn't very good… I'll try t' make 'em more interestin' next time," he offered.

"…don' change…love all your letters… an'…" Ichigo trailed off into sleep, his words leaving Renji with a contented smile and a pounding heart.

His bein' here is the best thing Soul Society coulda asked for, short a' everythin' goin' back t' the way it was before Aizen. Definitely the best thing I coulda asked for. Renji tightened his arms around his lover and let the warmth of their embrace and their bond lull him back to sleep.

§

Omake

Note: I really did have the flu when I wrote this. I was very sick, and I had a lot of very weird dreams… this was only one of them. Hope you enjoy this peek into my twisted, obsessed subconscious, lol!

Chapter 7 omake

Akuni: (wanders in suffering from the flu)

Renji: …like a fuckin' horse! Both of us!

Akuni: O-O

Ichigo: Totally mind-blowing!

Renji: Hell yeah. Knew she had it in 'er!

Akuni: …

Ichigo: Good job! (kisses Akuni on the cheek)

Akuni: (blushes beet red)

Renji: Ya got that right. (throws an arm around Akuni)

Ichigo: Ah, go ahead Renji, yanno it's you she's in love with, and she's earned a little personal fanservice. (winks)

Renji: (grins mischievously)

Akuni: C'mon guys, don't tease me abo—mmph!

Ichigo: Hehehe!

Akuni: (thud)

Ichigo: Akuni? (peers down at the floor)

Renji: 'Kuni? (shakes her shoulder)

…

Renji: Um… oops? Heh. (sweatdrop)

Ichigo: Aw hell, now what do we do?

Renji: Well, yanno ya still owe that artist friend a' hers a visit. That shower piece was hot.

Ichigo: Ooh, you're right. Make sure she doesn't die on us, I'll be back in a few.

Renji: (hollers) Tell 'er I said thanks, an' I want a copy for my office!

-

Shelagh: (headdesking) So… much… work… I need a break.

Ichigo: And as if on cue…? (chuckles)

Shelagh: Ichigo! You know I'm always glad to see you, but… I'm sorry, I'm totally swamped, I don't have time to start another pic just yet.

Ichigo: That's ok, I'm not here for a session. Just a visit.

Shelagh: Oh? (checks watch) Aren't you supposed to be with Renji at Akuni's place right now?

Ichigo: Yeah, small problem there… (rubs neck)

Shelagh: Why isn't Akuni writing? Did something happen?

Ichigo: You could say that. She passed out.

Shelagh: What? She wasn't that sick when I talked to her!

Ichigo: No no, nothin' like that. She um… heh… Renji kissed her, and she fainted.

Shelagh: …

Ichigo: My own fault really, I told him to go ahead and do it.

Shelagh: Why on earth would you do that? We both know you two are utterly devoted to each other.

Ichigo: Eh, was just one kiss. She earned it - you'll see why when you read the chapter.

Shelagh: If I ever get time. (gestures to work-laden table) Just look at all this! I might not see you guys again for a while. (forlorn expression)

Ichigo: About that… Gotta thank you again for the art. Renji especially likes the shower pic, yanno, he wanted me to tell you that. He had to stay with Akuni and make sure she didn't swallow her tongue or somethin'.

Shelagh: (smiles) Aw, you guys are sweet. You know I'm happy t—mmph!

Ichigo: Thanks. (grins) Er, wait a minute… did you say she was sick?

Shelagh: (thud)

Ichigo: Shit.

Renji: (flashes in) She's ok now, and— Eh? Her too? Damn, we're good! (laughs)

Ichigo: I didn't know Akuni was sick…

Renji: (sneezes) Well shit.

-elsewhere-

Akuni: Best… two seconds… of my life… (wobbles)

Akuni's husband: You realize it was all just a fever dream, right?

Akuni: Don't ruin my fantasies… (sobs)