Chapter 3:D SapphireElric's OC is formally introduced in this chapter, despite her brief mentioning in the first chapter.
Well, thanks to those who reviewed! -passes out pie-
Tap tap…tap tap…tap tap…
"Will you stop that?"
Tap tap…tap tap…tap tap…
Kiyoshi sighed. He had arrived ten minuets ago when he had heard about his sister, and Toshiro had been here when he arrived. Since then, he hadn't changed- he sat rigid in the seat, eyes staring at the wall, tapping away on the armrest without faltering in the tempo. It was starting to aggravate him a little.
Though Kiyoshi wasn't one to start small talk-heck, he hardly spoke at all- this strained silence was beginning to make him feel uncomfortable. Hearing someone approach, he was glad to see it was Assistant Captain Nyoko, from Thirteenth. She looked startled to see them there, and after glancing at the papers in her hand she joined them, twirling a finger around a lock of her light purple hair nervously. "Um…Captain Noukon and Captain Hitsugaya…what brings you here?"
Toshiro had looked up when she had approached, but not being someone he was expecting, returned to staring at the wall, though to Kiyoshi's relief he had stopped tapping.
"Mitsuki passed out earlier today, and Captain Hitsugaya brought her here to make sure she was ok. Captain Unohana is checking her now. What about you?"
Machiko nodded. "I'm here to ask Assistant Captain Isane to see if she has anymore of that medicinal tea for my Captain. He's running low…if three full boxes count as 'low'."
He sighed. "Did his third seats get to him while you were gone?"
"I think so, but he denied it. Ah well, Captain's orders." She said, sitting down in the chair beside him. "How long has your sister been in there?"
"About fifteen minuets." He replied, looking around. There wasn't much in the waiting room- plain white walls, with the occasional picture of something-or-other up, and the ever present anti-septic smell. Basically, Division Four Headquarters was a giant hospital.
He watched the girl next to him out of the corner of his eye. She was fairly pretty, seemingly seventeen or eighteen years old. A natural excitement seemed to hide under the surface of her skin, since he could see the gleam of it in her eyes as she looked around her surroundings- anywhere, actually, but at him. Sighing inwardly, he wondered why she had joined them if she was like the others.
"I don't mean to be rude, but why did you join with Ryuu?" she asked. Though he was expecting the question, he still flinched slightly. Noticing his reaction, she blushed. "Look, you don't have to answer the question if you don't want too…"
He shook his head. "No, I want to. When I first heard about Ryuu I was an inexperienced Shinigami who wanted a little adventure. I searched for him, wanting to find him so I can be a double-agent- get on his side, find out his plans, then warn the Soul Society and become a hero. As foolhardy as I was, I willingly walked right into his trap and allowed myself to become possessed by him, slowly but surely. If I was in my right mind I would've realized what was happening, but my ambition overcame my judgment."
Machiko thought about it. "So you were basically brainwashed?"
"I…guess you could put it that way."
Satisfied with his answer, she said, "I believe you. Just so you know, I think you've been a wonderful Captain so far- your squad admires you, and Captain Ukitake respects you too. I'm on your side."
Not knowing what to say, Kiyoshi nodded. A second later Unohana walked out, a secretive smile on her face. Toshiro scrambled up, and she nodded. "You can go in now." She said, and Toshiro went in, followed closely by Kiyoshi, who said a quick good-bye to Machiko. She tilted her head in acknowledgement, leaving to go find Isane.
Mitsuki was sitting up when they entered, smiling brightly, even though she was still a little pale. Relaxing significantly, Toshiro gently clasped her hand. "You're feeling better?"
"Yes, I am." She responded, eyes twinkling. She looked at Captain Unohana when she walked in, and they traded smiles.
His eyes narrowed. "Ok, what's going on?" he asked. Turning to the doctor, he said, "Is there something wrong?"
Unohana shook her head. "No, nothings wrong- just remember to take it easy Mitsuki, no matter what happens, alright? I've already told Yamamoto- he understands but is letting you continue your mission."
"Alright, thank you." Mitsuki said. Turning to Toshiro, she continued. "I hope you finished packing- we're leaving right after this."
"You still haven't told me what's going on." He insisted.
Ignoring the Tenth Division Captain, Unohana directed her attention to his wife. "Don't take any medication, remember that. Tea will help the sickness, especially the headaches. Well, that will be it for now- contact me if you two have any questions, and I will be more than happy to help you. You'll be in good hands at the Kurosaki's, no doubt about it. Good day, and you to, Captain Noukon." She said, fighting to keep back from laughing. Kiyoshi noticed this, and raised an eyebrow as she passed. She winked at him, closing the door as she left.
Crossing the room, he stood beside Toshiro, arms crossed as he listened to his brother-in-law and sister arguing.
"Mitsuki, what is she talking about? Are you that sick?"
"I'm fine, Toshiro! Besides, the truth would probably surprise you too much." She said, glancing over at her brother, who had guessed what was wrong when she first had the symptoms and was trying hard not to explode from laughter.
Toshiro looked at both of them, eyes narrow. "There is something you're not telling me, and I have a right to know!"
"You sure?" Kiyoshi drawled.
"Of course I'm sure!" he shot back. Kiyoshi gestured at Mitsuki, who was laughing. "Ok...Toshiro...I…I'll tell you." She gasped, trying to calm down. Realizing the position he was in, her husband forced himself to relax, and asked more gently, "Please tell me?"
She nodded, yawning. "According to Unohana, I'll be having morning sickness for a little longer, but it's for a good cause." She paused, suddenly finding a spot on her sleeve that seemed interesting.
"And?" Toshiro prompted.
Mitsuki broke out grinning, and Toshiro realized there were tears in her eyes. Hugging him, she squealed, "Toshiro, you're going to be a dad!"
He froze, eyes wide. Had he heard that right? But looking at Mitsuki's joyful face and Kiyoshi's slight smile, he knew it was right. Yet, he couldn't help but feel….overwhelmed.
"A…dad…" he echoed. Mitsuki frowned slightly, worried he was disappointed. Suddenly he seized her, laughing loudly and spinning her around the room. "I'm going to be a father!" he called, kissing her firmly.
Kiyoshi smiled to himself, watching the two celebrate. He was truly happy for them, but a slight hollow spot rang out in his heart, and he realized that it was truly time to accept that Mitsuki was moving on and didn't need his protection. Sighing, he left the room, leaving the happy couple to themselves. Maybe he should pay Ukitake a visit- not that he was hoping to run into someone, of course.
oooooooooooooo, did I sense sparks? And Mitsuki's pregnant! What problems will that cause:)
And I know that in Blue Moon I said I'd post some alternate endings, but honestly I don't have the time nor the energy to post them. I've been home sick with the chicken pox all week and I have A LOT of homework. D: I'll try to update again on Monday, but I doubt it...
Well, please reveiw! next treat is cake!
