Ranting Author (Get-ready-for-winter Version): Winters a comin'. Y'all gon be col' if ya dun wrap up. Ain't no sense in gettin' sick now, when da bes' part o da years 'bout ta get here.
It's gonna rain.
The following chapter takes place over time periods of days—not extreme dates like 'day one' to 'day three-million-four-hundred-sixty-five'. I'll explain at the end.
Chapter V
Discovered Intimacy
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Frankly, the atmosphere in the room was enough to convince him that a particular acquaintance of his was currently gloomy.
Hitsugaya glanced up to the girl who sat opposite of him, the other side of the short table. She seemed so close, yet as far-off as one could mentally be. Her vision was concentrated on her hands in her lap.
"Hinamori…" The young man questioned, curious blue eyes focused on her, "Is there something wrong?"
"No…" The girl answered, almost automatically. There was no life in her voice.
"I see."
Her eyes flew to his face, a bizarre aspect within them. "Shiro-Chan," Hinamori spoke, a rather undeniable something about her tone. Was it mute resentment? "I can't believe that you'll elope with Kuchiki-San in only three days. Are you sure about this resolution?"
"Can't say that I am. Still don't know if I'm going through with it yet."
"What?! It's a little late to say that!"
"Yeah. I said I'd go through with it, but I didn't say when. In fact, I'm not fond of Kuchiki-Taicho's rush with all this."
"Still, it's too late to say that. Three days, Shiro-Chan! That's all you have left…"
It was then that he realized the 'something' of an emotion that was evident her voice since the very beginning: dejection. Having a reaction that speaking on his theory would upset her, Hitsugaya decided to plainly work the topic into their already tiny discussion.
"I'm sorry about you not being able to attend Hinamori," Hitsugaya began, using a calming tone, "It's a private set-up, so no one else is allowed other than direct family. Perhaps if I request, Kuchiki-Taicho will let you and Matsumoto through. Would you like that, or…are you against me marrying her entirely?" Secretly, he was impressed on how well his little speech came out—a smooth propaganda.
"Wha—no!" She replied sudden, almost too hurriedly, and then looked away from him. Hinamori was lying. "I think it's a fantastic idea. Though…" She sighed. "Oh…You know what I'm thinking already, don't you?"
He grinned, though there was a hint of mystification about his eyes. "Maybe I'm just rushing into something like this. I don't know for sure; it's all just a giant contract to me." Her eyes were on him, though distant at the same time. "Think I'm too young, again?"
"Young is right. I just don't want this now…not for you, Shiro-Chan. Wait for a few yea—"
"When did we start this again? Didn't I tell you it would be alright?"
"Yes. I know, but this is a marriage we're talking about—between two younger people. You're getting another and larger obligation early on. There's no getting out of it. Do you understand this, Shiro-Chan?"
"Were we so different," Hitsugaya stated gravely, "when we decided to become Shinigami? It's all the same. We joined knowing that once we were in the Seireitei, there would be no leaving. Simply now I have to live with someone my age and be bound to new rules. There isn't love between her and I—you know that. I'll still be the same as I am now."
"But…if you don't love Kuchiki-San, then why are you marrying her?"
There was a long pause.
Somewhat inquisitive, she tilted her head in silence and observed his present state. Hitsugaya had looked away from her, focusing on the window within Hinamori's room with a remote expression.
He was either thinking, or avoiding the question.
"Shiro-Chan."
"Hm?"
"You didn't answer."
"That's something…I really don't want to reply to."
"Tell me anyways."
"Momo…" he complained, sighing and looking back at her. For some reason, she seemed content at the moment. "I'm not in the mood anymore talking."
"So…write it down."
He stared at her for a short while, thinking of an explanation while she waited patiently. "Zanpakutou are theoretically—meant to be a reflection of yourself. Mine is ice and so is hers."
Hinamori raised an eyebrow in question. "I don't see what you're saying."
"Yamamoto-Sotaicho suggested a bizarre speculation that I still question…even now. He said: people that share similar zanpakutou have similar spirits. I'm guessing that he imagined that since she and I have parallel elements, we're not too much different—and this theory doesn't mean everyone. People could have very alike details, yet have nothing identical." Hitsugaya nodded, putting his speech in the easiest way he could muster up. "Though I don't feel affection for Rukia…I don't hate her either. I guess the hypothetical avowal was factual."
"So you're saying that you feel somewhat of a link with her?"
"Yeah. Something like that. As if…this idea of marriage was intended, and I'm right where I should be. That's the only reason I'm doing this."
"Good answer…but…that's not the subject I asked for. I wanted to knowwhy you accepted."
He hesitated, as if he was choosing his words carefully. "Because…something seems to lead me to this endless trail, no matter what turn I take to end it. Every path leads back to this main road and I've decided to see where it goes."
The next three days were peculiarly pleasant for the bride-to-be. Though she was now completely healed, thanks to the visitation of Orihime, Rukia attempted to avoid everyone through any means necessary.
Finally, the fateful day came: her wedding.
It was to be traditional—only members of both families, close relatives and go-betweens were invited or allowed to come. There was an exception however, and few that were not family were admitted. None other than Hitsugaya invited all captains, though not all were present. It was for the better, nonetheless; there were less people that way, only if it was by few.
The ceremony had started during the evening to create a more relaxed setting, and everything had gone wonderfully.
All sat together at a lengthy table, a vast meal set before them with the utmost classiness. It was no surprise that everything was perfect, seeing that the wedding took place in Byakuya's own home. He pulled out all the stops for his younger sister. Nothing seemed rushed—all items in place. Even the cushions they sat on had a certain feeling of expensiveness.
It was a lighthearted night now, Matsumoto's drunken requests for some undercover pleasure to the handsome young Kuchiki men in the area, not to mention single fellow Shinigami.
Only three hours before had she and Hitsugaya exchanged nuptial cups, becoming spouses. Rukia had been wearing her beautiful Uchikake gown, worn only by upper-class women. It gifted to her before the wedding by another woman of the Kuchiki House, stating that for such an honorable woman there needed to be only the best. Here hair was ornamented with gorgeous golden combs and other accessories. To symbolize her obedience to her husband, she was to wear a tsuno kakushi.
On the other hand, Hitsugaya wore something similar to his uniform, with a few details that told it was different. He was a soldier of the Soul Society—and one of the highest ranks at that; because of this, he was allowed free reign of what he wore; yet it could not be something outrageous. His look was plain. There was no Captain's robe or zanpakutou. Instead, he wore a black kataginu, a sleeveless jacket with embellished shoulders.
Rukia was dressed gracefully in white, while he was fully clad in soothing black.
Presently, Hitsugaya and Rukia lingered at their own specially prepared table, eyes wandering out to the others. A few feet away were two separate tables: to one side, the inhabitants' of the Kuchiki family, consisting of Byakuya and fellow relatives; and the other region was the friends and colleagues they knew from Seireitei.
Orihime waved vigorously from her seat until Ichigo put his hand over hers; pulling her arm down quickly before she embarrassed everyone around her unintentionally.
She smiled to herself as she observed the sight, a generally blissful sensation running through her currently. For some reason, she was happy.
"Now let's all give a warm welcome to the new pair," the thunderous voice ordered, obviously Shunsui. The slurred words of the captain led one and all to believe he was intoxicated. His voice seemed to drown out the others. "This night's over and now the mornin' is about ta set in. Maybe you two'd like to have a little time to yourselves, if ya know what I mean. You know what they say, after all: you can learn some delightful things at ni—"
He never finished the statement. Nanao had reached and used her trusty fan of submission to strike Shunsui atop his head with no force held back. "That's enough! There's no need for vulgar comments! This is a ceremony…!" Throughout the night, especially starting from the time he became inebriated; she was put on lingo responsibility. It was somewhat easy of a task, considering she was seated next to him.
"Calm down. He didn't mean it." Ukitake smiled reassuringly while glancing over Shunsui's slumped body to Nanao; currently on the other side of his drunken friend.
"He's got a point though!" Shouted Matsumoto from three seats down, leaning around the people between them to get a good look at Ukitake. She did not seem as wasted as earlier. "Some fun would probably get Taicho in a better mood. He's always frownin' and stuff."
Matsumoto felt a tug at her kimono sleeve and she turned to the one who called silently for her, vision focusing on Hinamori after a time. Alcohol can do that to a person.
"Huh? What is it?"
"Shiro-Chan can hear you, Rangiku-San. I think you should tone down the talking—if only a little."
"Ahh! Let him hear me! It doesn't make a difference 'cause I already said it."
"But…" She sighed, frustrated and gave up.
Kira glanced across the table to Hinamori, a kind smile showing. He was amused.
Two hours passed and it was extremely late. Few of the respectable Kuchiki members had decided to call it a night.
Something extraordinary had occurred during the past few hours. It seemed as though love was blossoming between the newly weds. They were chatting quietly to themselves, only breaking away from their conversation to make tributes to the ones who came and converse with those who wished to discuss their future together. The young couple seemed to have more in common than what many believed, though it did not show through their serene expressions, but was perceptible in the affectionate voices they used with each other during their exchanges.
Byakuya seemed rather pleased; a scarcely noticeable expression of approval was visible as he glanced in his sister's direction time from time. She was either speaking with Hitsugaya or becoming familiar with the rest of their family. Even if he never mentioned it, he was proud of his younger sister.
It was an idyllic celebration. Everyone was content.
The only one who was not present at the ceremony was a certain redheaded male. He was nowhere to be found. Many assumed he was on a mission, but their postulations were proved wrong when the doors to the room slid open, revealing a suavely dressed Abarai Renji in traditional clothing.
Rukia's face turned white as she viewed the person beyond her guests, standing in the doorway silently. She had completely forgot about him. That night, she was only focused on her future—not on the past.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself," his surprisingly husky and placid voice spoke; as he watched her smile fade to a somewhat desolate expression. "Well, at least you seemed…until now. Is everything alright, Mister and Misses Hitsugaya? You appear dazed at my arrival." Something about his recent statement sounded cruel, as if he was mocking her. "Kuchiki-Taicho. Hitsugaya-Taicho. I'm so glad to see you're both content with this, and I'm sorry but could I borrow the bride? It's imperative that I take her—only for a minute."
"Forgive me, Renji…" Rukia uttered automatically, dropping her ladylike act. "…Can it wait until afterwards? I can't leave at the moment." If she up and walked away suddenly, it would be disgraceful to all of her family, and especially her husband.
"No…if it's so important, let him speak here." Hitsugaya nodded to the redhead, giving him permission to speak, however Renji had no intention of addressing the crowd. "Go on. We're listening. Whatever needs to be said can be acknowledged in front of all and sundry. What is it?"
"I'm not going to answer that question. I just want to talk to Rukia."
"And the theme would be of…?" Questioned Byakuya.
"Something that I want to speak with Rukia about."
"That's not a very interestin' topic," blurted out Matsumoto, obviously on her last conscious moments before the sake would take over her system. "You should jus' take 'er an' go. No harm in tryin'. I mean, jus' call 'er to the side one day and do what'cha gotta do, Lieutenant!" She raised her cup in the air, promoting her idea.
"Well!" A voice boomed and a hand slammed down onto a table, breaking the tension in the room. It was a desperate act from Ukitake to silence both sides and end everything at once. "I think it's time we all brought this terrific occasion to a close. I'm afraid I tire now and I really should be getting to bed. I advise you all to do the same." He stood, grabbing an arm of Shunsui's and swinging it over his shoulder, supporting his acquaintance's weight. Shunsui was half gone; yet he still had a drunken sense of cleverness about him. He could be completely under the influence, but somehow he still kept his wits, nevertheless his common sense was spent. They bowed together and shuffled bit by bit towards the doorway, Nanao straggling behind to assist if they where to suddenly miss any steps. "Every Shinigami should follow soon. Unfortunately, tomorrow is still another workday for us. You'll only spoil your sleep by remaining here." Ukitake paused, bracing Shunsui as they turned to face the couple in the background. "Hitsugaya-Taicho… Kuchiki-San, but now I guess I call you Hitsugaya-San," he nodded towards Rukia and Hitsugaya correspondingly, "I desire only but the best for your impending future. Live long, joyful lives and treasure every moment of it. No matter how big the obstacle, you both can overcome it by working together. Good night." Easing past Renji, they left.
"Wow…what an evocative speech," a certain female lieutenant grumbled, words becoming less slurred from easing off the sake. "Wonder if he's good a eulogies…" She paused for a moment, and then turned to her Captain with a mischievous grin. "Well, I dunno if you're gonna get anythin' tonight Taicho, but I want you to know that…this has been fun. Oh, and Rukia—gimme all the details tomorrow. I wanna know if he treated ya nice."
Hitsugaya rapidly silenced her.
In time, people were following Ukitake's example, paying their respects and quietly retiring for the night. Renji was prepared to wait for as long as it took.
"Renji." Ichigo was positioned behind the distressed lieutenant without his knowing, a serious look in his eye. "The party's over. Time to move out. Go home and get some sleep." There was a deeper meaning to his statement, and he hoped that his nostalgic comrade would grasp it.
With that the orange haired young man led the dog-tired Orihime out the door. In their residences' it would be equivalent to two o'clock in the morning. It was not late for most, but for some it was way past their bedtime.
With determination, his watch fixed upon Rukia—who still sat by Hitsugaya with an uncomfortable reaction. His eyes widened as if he remembered something and he shook his head, looking away with depression in his appearance.
Suddenly the rebelliousness left Renji and he silently politely bowed as an apology, and then shambled through the doorway, fading into the night. Something had made him change his mind.
The morning sun—welcoming, promising, and the indication of a new beginning.
It was the radiance of the sun that greeted Rukia after a couple hours of sleep and from the look of the position; it most likely was not morning at all—maybe even past midday. She turned over to her other side, but something was not there.
Hitsugaya was gone.
This caught her attention and she took her vision off the big, dazzling outline of the sun on the paper-thin door and adjusted her focus to the bright settings of the room. His futon was neatly folded and placed into the corner where it would not hinder her movements.
"Hitsu—Toshirou-Sama?" She amended her title for him and called at the same time, remembering the night before when he requested that she call him by his first name. Having her address him as a 'Captain' and overly formal would have been inept to him. If she did not add some sort of respectful alteration to it, however, her brother and partner would be aggravated, so to appease them both, she made the combination and it worked.
Byakuya believed in obedience while Hitsugaya was always a glutton for formality. Call him Hitsugaya-Taicho, or do not say anything at all. However, he was extremely lenient with few.
"Toshirou-Sama?" Rukia called again, somewhat louder this time.
Seeing that he was currently gone, she dressed and tided the room they slept in for the previous night. It was the tenth division captain's private quarters; nevertheless Hitsugaya never used the remote lodging area. Instead, he simply took up residence in another region that was still located in the barracks—though his earlier residence was a little closer to Matsumoto than he had preferred. Nonetheless, now it was a must that he lived in the official captain's area from time to time, for the sake of having enough room for them both.
Upon finishing, she found a letter placed neatly over Hitsugaya's folded futon, addressed to her. Mainly it read: 'I have gone to inspect the tenth division and ensure Matsumoto is not avoiding authority. I will return shortly. However, if I do not come back by sundown then I am busy with paperwork. And yes, I do recall that we were supposed to spend the first few days together. Forgive me for the first of perhaps many days I will spend absent. I'll understand if this discourages you. Feel free to do as you wish while I'm not there. I will atone for it later.'
She sighed before she even read his signature at the end. It was well known for the Tenth Division's Captain to be a workaholic, always enveloped with the well being of his company. Even the day after his commitment to her was no different, he still acted the same.
Though, she never expected him to change just for that outwardly significant reason. He was an essential individual. If he was not working, then his entire squad was behind.
Deciding that perhaps she was behind schedule for an overdue roaming experience witha certain someone. Once again, she would have to face him.
Four days later.
Time seemed to fly when there was nothing but paperwork and visitations to do. For the past days it was nothing but work for Hitsugaya, and Rukia accompanied him to the Captain's office or visited when she pleased. After all, she had the time—considering that Ukitake permitted her one-week of time off. He was thoughtful to the subject and allowed her to a short vacation.
However, Hitsugaya seemed different from the first day—perchance even spiteful.
"What's wrong, Rukia-Chan? Were you so tired that you went into blackout until evening? Taicho must have rougher than I thou—"
"Matsumoto…" Hitsugaya warned, shooting her a grave look from behind his desk.
"What? All I did was ask. I mean really, did you even do anything? I'm guessing not. You're still too young for interaction, I think. Unless…you're actually ready…and waiting for the other to make their move."
Both flushed a deep shade of red upon hearing the out of place comment from the eldest in the room, they put the thought into consideration.
"Wouldn't it be something to remember. It's really fun. Trust me," she added, killing the mood.
"Enough…I won't say it a third time," Hitsugaya declared, retuning his mind to the labor.
"Fine, fine. I'll stop." She added quickly, forcing the malevolent grin from her face as she turned away from Rukia and back to the papers scattered across her own writing table. Without forewarning, she stood instantly and crossed the room, seating herself on the couch next to Rukia with an outlandish smirk. She leaned in, whispering, "What'cha do with Renji that night? Then you stayed the night with your Kuchiki-Taicho."
"Wh-What?"
"You know what I'm talking about. The day of after your marriage with Taicho. It's rumored that you met up with him. What happened?"
Rukia opened her mouth to say something, but she froze, glancing frantically to Hitsugaya. "Well…I…" She then turned to face Matsumoto again, a distressed look in her eyes. "We didn't really do anything—only cleared up a few matters."
"Oh… Like what?"
Now she was aware that Hitsugaya had been listening. There was the slightest jerk in his writing, almost as if he disliked what the subject matter was about but listened on at any rate.
"He's irritated with me—and has every right to be. My actions are making him undergo tremendous misery. It's my entire responsibility. I should have never…"
"Hm? Never what?"
"I…" Her voice cracked; she was choking up with emotion. "Nothing. Nevermind." Rukia looked away and watched as her partner rose from his seat, starting for the door.
"H-Hey! You can't stop in the middle of the story—and you, Taicho, where are you going?" The other woman shouted childishly before standing herself and strolling after her Captain. "Hold on. What's wrong?"
"Nothing. The paperwork is done so I'm going for a walk. If you need me I'll be around," he answered frostily before leaving. Though in truth, he merely lingered outside the door, listening to the chat in silence.
"He's…not thrilled with me also. Toshirou-Sama…I was wondering why he had kept his distance from me ever since then. He heard about the confrontation I had with Renji a few days ago. Now I know why I've been getting those malicious looks from him." She lowered her gaze, oblivious of him standing on the other side of the door. "He thought I was unfaithful…?"
"Um…well…yeah. He's been pretty horrible around here too, if you're wondering." Seconds later, Matsumoto was sitting on the couch again, a miniature distance between both women. "Now then…what really happened?"
"Nothing. We talked and that was all."
"Talked huh? Any special conversation subject?"
Rukia wavered. "Yes…what was planned before Hitsugaya and I were to wed: Renji and I marrying."
"Uh-huh…" Matsumoto raised an eyebrow, not quite shocked but also not expecting the reply. "So Renji was jealous because Taicho beat him out?"
"No. He is infuriated because he was the first to propose marriage. Renji…was my fiancée, if only for a few hours, he was. At least until I informed brother and Toshirou-Sama became a suitor."
"What?! You mean to tell me that you blew off marrying Vice-Captain Abarai because Captain Kuchiki ordered you to?! You're a spiteful lady."
"I know…"
"I guess you did the right thing bodily, but did you emotionally? I don't know if you're okay with that now or not, but—"
"It doesn't matter anymore. It's all over now. I cleared it all up with Renji."
The older woman shot the other a stunned glance. "Really?" She sounded surprised.
"Yes. He won't be a difficulty anymore. I told him that…I'd never loved him."
There was awkward tranquility in the room and for once, Matsumoto was speechless.
"It must sound like a horrible thing to say to someone—especially a childhood friend, but…that's in the past, and Toshirou-Sama is my future. 'You cannot progress if your desires are in the past.' That's what Nii-Sama told me before all of this and I stuck to that saying." There was a hint of gloominess in her forcibly existing content tone. "I've let go of the past. Now…I'm going to continue my life with him, because…I feel like I'm supposed to do this. Maybe I'm meant to be with Toshirou-Sama, because I get a sensation that I'm doing something right when I think back on this. I don't regret my actions in marrying him, but I do feel remorse of turning Renji down." She smiled truly, somewhat embarrassed. "I do not believe that he's fond of me really, but I'll understand that—"
"You're going to let him be angry at you for the rest of your days?"
"No…I'm going to inform him on what justly happened and hope that he doesn't dislike me still because…I do have a have a feeling of affection for him. And he's my husband. If I can't tell him my problems, then whom else can I turn to?"
Hitsugaya smiled to himself, secretly pleased with her answer, and then vanished.
Night came quicker than Rukia had wanted it to and she trudged home through the strong winds, clutching her kimono closed to help ease the chill of the icy gusts, she glanced around the area for recognizable landmarks. She had taken the chance to visit her Captain in the Thirteenth Division barracks, staying for longer than she had realized.
It was dark, stormy—and now starting to rain. At this rate, she would have to settle in with a nearby acquaintance or brave the storm. Most likely, the rainstorm would win if she tried to journey any further.
Just when she was beginning to get frustrated from the zero visibility a hand grabbed her own and towed her in an unclear direction. The white hair, captain's robe and height of the person gave away the identity. Hitsugaya had come to find her.
Rukia stumbled, releasing his hand to not drag him down with her as she fell. She winced at the sudden motion and heard him call her name.
Looking up to him, she saw that his hand was outstretched, offering help. "We should hurry. It's too cold to tarry."
She stared at him, a distant look overtaking her vision. "Why are you…? Aren't you unsatisfied…?"
There was a moment of stillness between them as both seemed to wonder what the other was thinking.
He hesitated.
"I will…protect my wife." Hitsugaya's voice was amazingly affectionate and husky. It was strange. He appeared unusual—gentle.
His answer caught her off guard as she took his hand.
If she staggered again, he caught her.
It was a short amount of time before they reached the private quarters of her partner, the door slid open forcefully from a strong gust of air and she slipped inside with him.
His mat was unrolled and in the middle of the floor, as if he had been asleep before hand, then decided to confront the storm to find her.
She exited the room silently after noticing that he was not paying her any attention whatsoever. The howling winds helped drown out her movements as she changed to sleeping clothes and unrolled her futon without a sound. He seemingly slept soundlessly. She hesitated before getting under the covers, staring at his back for a while before uttering the words, "Thank you for helping me and…there's something I wish to discuss with you."
However he did not respond.
Rukia put a soothing hand on his shoulder as an attention raising gesture, and then removed it quickly. He was either listening or too deep asleep to notice. Hitsugaya stirred before sitting into an up right position, contemplative eyes on her.
"Don't worry about it," he stated. "I get it."
She looked away, somewhat confused and nodded. As Rukia moved to lift the covers, he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him swiftly. He did not move away from her with caution like before. This time, he accepted her, allowing access into his vicinity. It would be the first time they showed fondness for each other since the four days of their marriage.
Hitsugaya decided he would award his recently wed companion something as an apology; for the many mistakes he had made since the beginning and for the errors yet to come.
Rukia had proved her dedication to him and Hitsugaya decided to confirm his in a different manner.
He decided to demonstrate his commitment to her physically.
The young captain swung himself above her, gazing down into her unexpectedly interested eyes before kissing the woman-to-be underneath him tenderly and with caution. With a free hand, he began pushing the covers away while the other hand felt along her body until it reached her kimono sash.
Ranting Author (Ooooh-Sexual-Healing Report): I tried to. I really tried to make him a sweet character but I couldn't get it. Hitsugaya just came out calm and collected for most of it. Not to mention distant.
This could have been rated "MATURE" but I didn't want to go into details of what happens between Hitsugaya and Rukia. Too much describing and stuff.
The first part of the story with Hitsugaya and Hinamori is a couple of weeks after the argument between Renji and Rukia. At that moment it was three days before the wedding.
Then I skipped to the day of the wedding.
After that, it ends with the four days later thing.
Basically, the story takes place over eight days mainly.
-Non-lecherous Vincentre
