Title: A Reason For Rules

Rating: K+

Pairing: Hisagi Shuuhei x Kira Izuru

Preview: He should have listened to his parents when they told him to never break the rules.

Warnings/Personal Thoughts: Not sure what to say for this one... but decided I should write something on the unknown event that took place soon after the three taichous defected. Have to have read to ch.179 or watch up to episode 63. Also written in first person.

Prompt: 050. Breaking the Rules

"You are found not guilty."

I felt the weight on my heart finally ease up on it's pressure although it did not release it's hold. I was in shock that the Soutaichou didn't punish me for my actions that had assisted the traitor Ichimaru Gin. I suppose that there would be some leniency because they didn't want to lose any more members of the Gotei 13 and the fact I was supposed to follow my taichou's orders. It was just not to the extent I did especially when he tried to kill Momo in front of me and when I saw the dead members of central 46.

'Baka… should have known better then to trust him when he said he wouldn't hurt Momo-chan when he almost did that in front of you not that long ago.'

The rough voice of the Soutaichou broke through my thoughts "Kira Izuru, you understand that if you show any signs of betraying soul society the charges next time will be severe. This is your only warning."

"Hai."

I'm surprised at how clam my voice came out, no emotion in it despite my raging mind, the raging questions, the pain. I bow respectfully to the Soutaichou with a small arrigato escaping my lips before I take my leave upon Yamamoto's orders. I leave the building feeling my legs weigh heavy but each step confirms they are not that weight as they make no sound as I step. I finally exit the head quarter for the first division. I never want to think of this again, I never want anyone to know about this meeting I just had, of course all my friends "know" that I'm innocent…

They never have to know this heart break…

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- Couple years later

"Let me speak to him."

I know that voice from anywhere and my head whirls instinctively to the door. The tone doesn't sound angry but it is always hard to tell with Shuuhei, he doesn't get angry, sometimes annoyed but not angry. Shuuhei and the guards are arguing, the guards complaining that no one was supposed to see me but Shuuhei just says he'd take responsibility for any punishment and that it was an order to let him in. The door opens, it echoes off the small square of my cell and the light from the door hurts my eyes. Shuuhei is over by the bars before I have the chance to adjust to the light. He just looks at me.

"What happened? Why are you locked up in this cell?"

'He's going to hate me.' I just know it.

"I… was helping Renji-kun."

"…?"

"You know they think he's defected… although he's only helping Kurosaki-san get to the bottom of what happened recently with the attack on Kuchiki-sama. To do that Renji-kun had to leave because he believes it's one of the nobles but… he says soul society would never believe him so he took it into his own hands. I… managed to speak to him when I was hunting him down to arrest him… I… trust what he's doing. So I helped him and they found out…"

"Is that why you're here?" Shuuhei let out a curse, something rare for him to do since he was normally so careful in his language. He is mad at me…

"Are you alright?"

"Hai." Shuuhei seemed to notice my lie as he stares deeper into my eyes, making me awkward, lately it feels like he can read my soul.

"We'll talk after you're cleared, okay."

'But I won't be cleared, one warning was all I got.'

"Don't worry." He smiles at me, I feel the impact, the softness and for once I feel like someone doesn't hate me for my mistake.

"I'll get Renji's name cleared, just hang on till then, once they see that he's innocent they'll let you go. However… hopefully you'll be free before than."

With that Shuuhei made haste to the door "Just don't give up."

The door shut, my light had left, I was in darkness again but I'd try not to condemn myself to the crime even though I know it is already too late.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- Few days later

I am set free, although with quite a few disproving looks from the Soutaichou and I walk out relieved, and still a little guilty. I had almost betrayed them again but at least for the right reason this time. Renji was cleared of all charges because it turns out that one of the nobles hated the Kuchiki clan so they had tried to take out Kuchiki Rukia. Before they could succeed in attacking the Kuchiki manor, Kurosaki and Renji put a stop to them and managed to gain evidence. Actually it was thanks to Shuuhei, who had made sure, who found the evidence of the attack for them before allowing them to take down that member.

"Izuru!"

I was surprised as arms are wrapped around me in a hug, my body went rigid at the skin contact, making me feel awkward and trapped.

"Shuu-Shuuhei-kun!"

Feeling myself blush I look at him critically for the contact, he releases me quickly enough though and he rubs the back of his head.

"I know, I know, you don't like hugs but it looked like you needed one. Why so guilty?"

"No reason… arigato though… for clearing my name."

"You name was never dirty."

"…"

I saw Shuuhei's face muscles tense and his mouth was pulled to a frown. "Izuru." It was a statement to get my attention with an undertone of questioning but I tried to ignore it. He gripped my arm and I wanted to cringe at the unnecessary contact.

"You. Are. Innocent."

"Iie I'm not." And out came the pain that I was holding in.

The pain that soul society even doubted my loyalty to them, I was loyal to Gin because of my loyalty to the Gotei 13. I thought I was loyal but they always found a way to doubt me, I always found a way to betray them. I hate it. I hate myself for my trust issues, is it wrong to trust my friends? I'm trusting to a fault but I can't help it, I can't see my friends doing something against soul society without a good reason. I'm at fault for my loyalty and I don't understand…

"Izuru."

He gripped my arm tighter but some how more affectionately.

"Why?"

I looked at him confused for his questioning "I trusted him."

"Renji or Ichimaru?"

I wanted to hiss or move away at the sound of his name but my body held it's ground. "Why would it be about him?"

"It's just… the look in your eye, you get that look when you think about him."

"I guess I'm just stupid."

"Eh?"

"For trusting them."

Shuuhei rapidly shook his head "Iie… what's wrong with believing in your friends despite the odds… I thought that that was a good thing."

"The Soutaichou sure doesn't think so." I snapped back and had to calm the anger that was threatening to burst out.

"He sort of has to have a black and white view on things but everyone else sees the greys and that's what matters. What matters is not what soul society or the Soutaichou thinks of you because me, Renji, Momo, and everyone else know why you did those things. Renji wants to thank you, you know?"

"Wh-why?"

"For helping him get at the noble family, if you didn't sneak them in and cast Kyakko on them, they never would have been able to do this. You did good. I'm proud of you."

"Pr-proud?"

That word sounds so foreign… Shuuhei's proud of me? P-r-o-u-d? Proud. Proud? Iie, it still sounds weird no matter how many times I say it. However it makes me happy though, when was the last time I felt this… light? I know I just smiled despite my best attempts and I half-expect Shuuhei to laugh at me. Instead he just tightens his grip on me and moves closer. I can't read what's on his face right now but he looks happy although the blush confuses me, not to mention the goofy smile.

"Nan-nani?"

Shuuhei just laughs nervously and rubs the back of his head. "I just… ano… like seeing you smile like that." His blush grows. "But we should get to Renji."

He lets go of me finally and for some reason I feel disappointed. I don't ponder on the feeling, I guess it was the lack of warmth, most people respond well to contact. Guess I'm the same way? I pick up my pace to catch up with Shuuhei and he's still smiling and blushing at me. Maybe he just feels that it's embarrassing to compliment someone like me. Iie. Don't think like that, his face displays such honesty that I don't want to doubt his words… besides he's the only one who is proud of me and for that… I'm very thankful. I give him a thankful smile and I see his eyes light up with such a strong emotion at the gesture and a wider smile saying that "I'm welcome". He turns away to pay attention to the path in front of us.

Some day I'll figure out what that emotion is.

A/N: Wow, a fic actually done in someone's POV, not a normal for me to write but I think it went well enough. I found when I put it in the format it told the story better. This is my interpretation on what happened after Gin left soul society and Izuru's feelings. Plus a little story taking place years later of a "what if it happens again" question. Although this one obviously having a much happier ending. Sorry for posting so late but I said I'd have it up within 2-3 weeks, it's still within the time.

Translation:

Soutaichou = General commander, first division captain
Taichou = Captain
Baka = Idiot
Arrigato = Thank you
Hai = Yes
Iie = No
Kyakko = Bakudou (Binding) # 26. Curving Light - [Description belongs to Bleach Wiki] Hides the target from sight, by bending light. The spell has the ability to totally hide the presence and reiatsu of the user or specified object.