Love Transcend
Author's note:
Decided to half the chapter,it seemed completely is it
Shuuhei had always been a tad bit jealous of all the time Tousen spent with Komamura who always wore a basket over his head (he wondered what exactly was under there but thought it rude to ask) .They were walking through a field,down a path, petals of cherry blossom petals falling to the vibrant green grass .He had no idea what they were talking about,but knowing Tousen,it was probably some philosophy shit or some important information that Shuuhei would've liked to be next to him and absorbing himself .Or pretending to and just being near Tousen .
Unfortionately,he was stuck with paper work and errands .
Shuuhei continued on his way and noticed in his peripheral vision,an old looking pagoda style house,flanked with two stone lamps and a set of cherry blossom trees ,one on either side,looking much like a gate way .Shuuhei stared at the place a moment,recalling his dream,then looked at Tousen .Tousen sometimes used the place to study and to meditate,and Shuuhei had only been there twice .
When Tousen turned in his direction,Shuuhei froze, a stack of papers in hand .Even if Tousen couldn't see him or anything for that matter,it still felt like he was gazing through his soul .Shuuhei hurried off to the 5th division to hand the papers to Aizen .He wondered what the hell everyone else in his divison was doing that left him with the task in the first place .
"You know if you like him so much,you should tell him",Renji said .They were sitting at a bar once again after Shuuhei told himslef he'd quit drinking himself under the table .But with Renji ,saying no was hardly an option so he went with it .Kira was sitting on the opposite side of Renji ,sipping on his sake .Interestingly,Renji's hair was down as opposed to being pulled back as usual .
They were sitting on a bar in the first district of Rokungai,one of the safer places to be .Renji was making rounds with Byakuya Kuchiki which stressed him like hell .He remained calm though and knew he needed a drink before he broke down and punched him in the face .
'If you get too drunk,you better have someone to haul your ass back .I certainly won't do it and if I have to look for you,you will not like my reaction when I find you',he said .Renji shrugged him off and left an irritable Byakuya behind his desk .
Now,he was calm and slightly tipsy,the warm feeling from the alcohol through his body and surrounded by friends .
Kira winded up getting dragged along just because,and Shuuhei happened to be in town,shopping for a scarf for Tousen .He nearly had a heart attack when Renji assaulted him demanding he come with them .He quickly agreed so no one would dare wonder about the square shaped item he shoved away .When asked ,he claimed it to be a new sash and they were gone .
"Wow ,thanks for telling the whole world I'm in love with my Captain, I really appreciate it",Shuuhei mumbled .Kira literally choked on his drink .Renji patted his back probably saving his life .Kira wiped his mouth embarrassed .
"Pardon me,but did you say you had eyes for Tousen Kaname?",Kira said .Shuuhei was blushing and he wasn't drunk enough for it to be the alcohol .
"I-It's normal, Momo's stuck on Captain Aizen . . .",he said .
"School girl crush,she'll get over it",Renji said .
"Actually .I doubt it .She's pretty infatuated with him",Kira said,rubbing tears from his eyes before pushing his bangs away so they didn't dip into his cup before he took a drink .
"Well,if he puts his hands on Momo,my foot's goin' right up his ass",Renji growled .
"Like you can beat Sousuke Aizen,Renji .He can look in your direction and just kick your ass by you staring back at him",Shuuhei said .The three of them laughed,but Kira was laughing more than he should .
"Okay,so who's the designated sober guy,me or you? I think Kira's almost down for the count",Renji said .
"Do you know how heavy you are,Renji? I have to use reiatsu to even move you"Shuuhei said annoyed .
"So what? It's good exercise .man",Renji answered,a smile on his face .
"I'm serious Renji,don't get too drunk!",Shuuhei pressed .
"Why not? We might end up in bed together",he said lowly and winked at Shuuhei .
"Renji!",Shuuhei protested as the other man literally slid his stool like a foot closer until they're elbows touched .Incidently,there was a time when they did end up in bed together . . .
Suddenly,the door swung open and Rangiku was at the door with Toushiro grabbing her by her arm and trying to drag her away .
"Drinking contest,who's in!",she called .
"I accept your challenge Matsumoto!",Renji shouted back .Shuuhei face palmed,knowing that he was going to have to drag Renji back to his baracks .Shuuhei slid the rest of his drink to Renji .
"I don't even want it now",he said .
Rangiku won as expected and though he refused to participate,Shuuhei betted on Rangiku,knowing her legendary drinking skills .He left with Renji,Toushiro and Momo were dragging Izuru .
By the time Renji was done,Rangiku was only a bit tipsy and left for the night,still somewhat sober .
"I almost had'er ",Renji said .leaning on Shuuhei .
"Came closer than most .Just let me see the battle scar's you;re gonna get from Byakuya tomorrow and we're even",Shuuhei said,dropping him off at his baracks,before leaving .
Renji sat down on the steps and leaned agains the still open door,relaxing himself for a bit until he was sure he could move again .
Shuuhei was trying to get back as quickly as he could ,as he had to finish marking the last of the editorials tonight .Again,he wondered what the hell was up with the rest of his squad that left tp much of the work to him .
As he leapt up on a roof,the orange scarf he kept with him slipped from his robe .H cursed and landed on the next roof,sliding to a halt as the wind took the scarf back in the opposite direction .He chased after it as if his life depended on it and snatched it,just as he landed on a roof .Just as he prepared to leave,he saw someone at the baracks,Byakuya to be exact .He decided that he could stay and watch the show,waiting for Renji to get his ass kicked .
What he saw instead was Byakuya kneeling in front of Renji,running his fingers through his hair .He was showing levels of concern and affection that he didn't even know the cold hearted bastard was capable of .
Shuuhei ,shocked quickly left he premises ,heading back to his baracks .He made his way through the halls and paused breathly at his and Tousen's office,wondering if he should present it in hand or wait for Tousen .
"Hisagi?",he heard Tousen's voice nearby .
"Yeah,it's me,just checking the last of my work ,sir",Shuuhei said .Tousen rounded the corner,a box in his hands .
"Good .Have it on my desk tomorrow .Also ,this",he handed Shuuhei a box .
"I would organize these myself but as you can see,I clearly can't",Tousen said .
"Alright",Shuuhei said .Tousen reached his hand out and patted Shuuhei's shoulder and gave him a serene smile .
"Thank you .Good night",he said before turning away .Shuuhei retreated to his room a nervouse wreck .
"Yeah,even Kyouraku .I think her name was Yodamaru something but she's gone" .Renji said .
"What do you mean gone?" .Shuuhei said .Renji shrugged .
"I don't know the details .But what I do know is that you need to man up and tell him .Even if he doesn't like you back,you;ll feel better .Besides,if it gets ugly,you can always get a transfer",Renji said .
"Maybe,but-"
"As shinigami,our lives can be in danger at any time .Do you want to regret not telling him?",Renji said seriously .
"Did you tell Rukia?",Shuuhei asked .Renji looked away .
"Rukia can and will love only one man . .He's gone now",Renji said,looking off into the distance at the persimone trees .
Rangiku was there with her basket but she was alone .
Shuuhei realized he really should've heeded Renji's words now more than anything .In the forests of Rokungai,there were hollows heading towards a village .Him and three other nearby officers were slaying the smaller hollows ,except for the one large hollow that had the appearance of a skull faced lion and another that resembled a centipede .They were nearly impossible to catch and were bounding towards the nearby village .
"Somebody needs to go get a Captain ,now!",someone called .
"I'm the lieutenant of the 9th division,I'll handle this . Everyone else take care of the others",Shuuhei called .
"Lieutenant Hisagi? Is that-",a shinigami shouted .He just dodged an energy blast from the lion hollow .He slid across the grass and dropped his zanpakuto feet away .A snake like hollow slivered toward him but Shuuhei slashed it's mask stopping it before it got close .He grabbed the other shinigami's sword and tossed it to him .
Just then,the large,lion like hollow dove at Hisagi but he dodged it and slashed one of its paws .Angry,the creature began launching energy blasts .Shuuhei dodged them easily .But he didn't see th hollow charging through the smoke .He only felt the ground shake before he was slashed across the chest and hity by the hollow's paw,sending him flying several feet .His head was throbbing as well as other parts of his body .In was when he felt something wet that he realized he was bleeding .
"The Lieutenant's down!Somebody help him!",a voice called .Shuuhei fought on though .He stood up slowly,his zanpakuto in hand .
Shuuhei swung the chained, double bladed scythes that were Kazeshini and ripped right through what was left of the smaller hollows before striking one of the larger ones .The lion hollow let out an unholy cry of pain as a large gash ripped into it .The still spinning chained scythe wrapped arround the hollow an hooked into the ground,constricting the creature .It pulled at the chain and Shuuhei used it as momentum to launch himself in the air .He hurled the other spinning scythe at it and slashed its mask,destroying it .He landed on the ground skidding across the gras,catching the scyth in his hand .Yanking the chain of his zanpakuto,he pulled the other one back .
All that was left was the last hollow,a giant centipede like creature .The other shinigami were fighting it,but couldn't get to it's mask .
Shuuhei had now lost so much blood that he was getting dizzy .His hands were shaking now and the hollow was drawing closer .He hurled one of Kazeshini's scythes at the hollow but he missed it,only putting a scratch on it's mask .He yanked the chain of his zanpakuto,pulling the scyth back and letting it drag beside him on the ground .Shuuhei stumbled back and leaned against the tree .He readied his scythes once more .He hurled the scythes again but with his lack of strength,the hollow easily dodged his blow .Shuuhei began to feel ill before he passed out .
"Hisagi! Hisagi!",he heard the other shinigami calling him .He lye there ,feeling weak,his blood seeped into the grass .Momennts later,Shuuhei felt his body being moved and he was sitting against a nearby tree .
"You lost alot of blood . . .will you be alright for a moment while I take care of this?", a voice said .
"Yes ,Captain",Shuuhei said .
Tousen Kaname left quickly removed his scarf and tied it over Shuuhei's should tightly,making him wince .He left Shuuhei by the tree and went to go face the hollow .Shuuhei closed his eyes ,dazed and calmed,knowing that his Captain would take care of everything
Though the other shinigami sustained injuries,him were minor cuts and scratches,Shuuhei was the most damaged of the group .Tousen Kaname waited anxiously outside the division 4 barracks,his head bowed and his hands clasped together as if in prayer .
The other Shinigami were not under his jurisdiction,therefore he wouldn't be held accountable .However,as a Captain,it was a disgrace to endanger one's officers ,especially a lieutenant who was in line to become a Captain .Tousen was aware that there were shinigami that thought little of him and this did not help the situation .Worse than that,the idea of losing Shuuhei terrified him more than anything .He felt a literal weight over him,a darkness sweeping over his being .
"He is stable now,there is but a mere cut left .However,lot's of rest,drink lots of water and eat right .He will be fine soon if he obeys those rules",it was Retsu Unohana speaking .
"Thank you,Unohana-san",Tousen said,his head still down .Unohana frowned .
"I'm fine ,Unohana-san",Tousen said .She nodded .
"He wants to see you now",she said .Tousen did nothing for a moment,before he slowly rose from his seat .
Entering the room,Tousen walked over to Shuuhei ,who was sitting up in his seat with an unreadable expression on his face .
"Hisagi-san,I failed you .I am sorry ,I was not fast enough to prevent you from sustaining injury",he said .Shuuhei simply stood up, a slight smile on his lips and approached Tousen .He reached over his shoulder and shut the door .
"Captain Kaname,I have to say something important to you .Permission to speak freely?",he asked .
"Permission granted",Tousen answered .Shuuhei sighed .
"For the longest time I had looked up to you as a mentor and a teacher,you had been there for me when other people weren't .Then ,over time as I began to come to my own as a man and as a shinigami I realize that my feelings for you have changed",Shuuhei said .
"Is that why you've been drinking yourself under the table lately?",Tousen asked .
"No,no,that's not it .Personal demons . . .what I want to say is . . .",Shuuhei paused .The possibility of him losing Tousen forever hung over him .The regret that telling him would ruin everything .Hell,as far as he knew,Tousen only liked women . . .
"You don't have to say it,I already know",Tousen said .Shuuhei looked back at him shocked .
"Then why . . .?"
"The same reason as you,Shuuhei,rank and unprofessional-ism .I don't want to abuse my position as your commanding officer",Tousen said .
"I don't care about that! I mean . . .do you "
"I've been in love with you for longer than I care to admit,Shuuhei Hisagi .I had lost faith in this world,but you gave it back .I found a benevolent spirit,a pure heart and I'm drawn to you .I don't care if you're another male,I love your soul .And love like that is rare and surpasses all other forms,transcends that of what other understands .I only hope that the love you have for me is the same kind",Tousen said .
At that moment,Shuuhei felt an overwhelming sense of elation,unlike any he felt before .He pulled Tousen into hug,burrying his face in his shoulder .
"I love you too,Captain",
"No,just call me by my name",Tousen said .
"Alright . . .Tousen",he said .
Suddenly,there was a gentle knock on the door .
"Captain Kaname? Yamamoto has requested a meeting in regard to the recent attack",Retsu Unohana's voice was muffled through the door .
"I will be there shortly",Tousen said .
"Tousen?",Shuuhei said .Tousen raised an eyebrow .Shuuhei grabbed Tousen's sleeve and gently pulled him forward .He leaned down slightly and kissed him gently on the lips .
Tousen smiled and clasped Shuuhei's hand firmly in both of his .Despite not being able to see,he faced Shuuhei .
"Remember,no matter what happens ,I will always love you',he said .
"Me too",Shuuhei answered .
There was another knock on the door and they were brought back .Reluctantly,Tousen pulled away and left the room .He turned back to Shuuhei one more time, before leaving for good .
Shuuhei sat down,happily on the bed .He grinned happily and sighed,lying back on the bed .
Later that day,when Tousen returned to the office,there was a flat ,black box sitting on his desk .He ran his hands over the box .Finding no words on it,he opened the box and reached in,wear he found a small stone tab lying against soft cotton .The paper read in breil letters 'From Shuuhei,with love' .
Tousen smiled to himself and lifted up the item,letting it slide around his arms and hands discerning what it was .
It was a bright orange scarf .
Like the other scarf,he twisted it until it resembled a rope .Knotting the ends,he draped the scarf over him,twice around his neck and once under his arm across his chest before tying it * .
Tousen Kaname sat still in the emptiness that was Las Noches,his heart heavy .He his fingers traced over the scarf that hung around him .Suzumushi was sitting on a nearby table,close enough that he could reach it in a moment's notice,but far enough away so as to put distance between him and the sword .Not able to hold back any more,Tousen let silent tears flow freely as he dropped his face in his hands .It was only the sound of footsteps that snapped him back to the horrible reality was living in now .He quickly whiped the tears away,using the scarf to dry his face completely .He sat up straight ,his posture stiff as he stared into nothing .
"Aizen-sama requests your presence",a voice said .
"I will be there shortly",he said .He discreatly reached his hand into his pocket and felt the ,stone tab that said 'From Shuuhei,with love' .
And with that,he strengthened his resolve and pushed on .
This is a prelude to a longer fic that will be coming soon .Still doing 'The Breaking Game' (Star Fox) and I need to find missing files for 'Descend' (Naruto) if you're wondering what happened with that .