"So what are you doing this Saturday?" asks a new friend of Uryuu's for the third time this month. "Because I know this sweet little place that makes the best ramen you'll ever have in your life."
Grinning like he already knows the answer, Shiba Kaien leans over Uryuu's microscope and waits for him to look up. As a colleague at this research laboratory, Uryuu has been nothing but polite to all of his coworkers, no matter how much they may resemble a man he would much rather never be reminded of again. Save for a stark difference in hair color, Shiba is the spitting image of Kurosaki in too many ways. It's unsettling.
"I was planning on editing the final report on our latest findings so it will be ready for submission on Monday."
"Come on, Uryuu," as Shiba insists on calling him despite numerous requests for formality, "You can't work on Saturday. Nobody works on Saturday! Come out with me this once; you won't regret it."
Judging by the smoky eyes Shiba is giving him, Uryuu would bet he's right. Especially since Uryuu hasn't been on so much as a date in almost a year. If you could call his evening with Kurosaki a date…which he really shouldn't.
"Unfortunately, I respect this company's guidelines on inter-office fraternization."
"Define: fraternization." Uryuu shoots him a half-hearted glare and Shiba laughs, "No, really. Define it for me, would you?"
"I'm not comfortable with—"
"Look, you've been working here about three months, right? Then you wouldn't know that the higher-ups don't give a damn what us nerds get up to as long as we keep churning out the facts and figures." Shiba turns serious for a moment as he explains, settling onto his forearms to be level with Uryuu. "So all that bullshit from HR about not dating within the lab is just for show. If you ask around you'd learn that there's hardly anyone who hasn't dated somebody here at one point."
"Yes, that does seem to be the trend," he admits as he flips the electron microscope off.
Uryuu had heard rumors in the cafeteria and in the lounges of so-and-so breaking up with whoever due to something inane like fundamental disagreements over favorite theses. He has never heard anyone getting into trouble about it before. That's not the real issue here, however, and he is hesitant to admit it when Shiba would only ask more questions.
"Are you already seeing someone?"
"No, nothing like that."
"Ohhh, I see," Shiba nods with a wry twist of his mouth. "You're not into me but you're too nice to say it. That's cool, Uryuu. No big deal. Forget I said anything."
It would be so much easier to let the man believe it's a lack of interest. Sadly, he isn't that dishonest.
"I find you attractive," Uryuu blurts. Shiba's eyebrows rise until he adds, "And agreeable."
"Okay. But...?"
"I'm still getting over someone."
Shiba eyes him for a moment, contemplating that. Uryuu knows what he is thinking: he's been single at least as long as he has worked here and three months is a long time to mourn the loss of a relationship. Even though he realizes it's foolish Uryuu can't change how he feels. Who falls so deeply in love with someone over the course of about six months and then continues to pine after them for a full year? Particularly since they weren't even boyfriends! It's absurd and Uryuu hates it. Hates it so much he wants to push it all out the window and just go on the stupid date.
"Sorry to hear that."
"Yeah."
"Well, if you ever change your mind, you have my number."
Uryuu nods and offers a weak smile. He watches Shiba leave the lab for the night with an annoying splash of guilt coloring his mood. What he said about finding his associate to be good company was true; Uryuu wouldn't hesitate to accept such a proposal under normal circumstances. Part of him resents Kurosaki for making it impossible to do just that.
Yet, the larger part of him still churns with loss at every wisp of a thought regarding the man. Uryuu is angry—furious—at Kurosaki for leaving like he did. More than that, though, he is sad. Although he has moved on to the best of his abilities, even switching careers when the old one reminded him too much of Kurosaki, Uryuu is not happy.
He's beginning to wonder if he ever will be.
A familiar song guides Uryuu to wakefulness the next morning. He doesn't bother opening his eyes as he reaches for his phone and answers the call. But he does clear his throat before speaking the usual greeting. Orihime's high, soothing voice cheerfully responds. She wants to know if he will join her for lunch in a couple of hours an Uryuu readily agrees.
Until then, he has a few options as to how he will pass the time. Laundry needs to be washed, groceries need to be purchased, and his apartment needs to be cleaned. Alternatively, his research paper could use some attention, as he informed Shiba last night. What he doesn't need to do is spend those two hours moping about how his new job isn't any more fulfilling than his old job no matter how much he tries to tell himself it is. He did enough of that last weekend.
Uryuu spends half an hour on showering and clothing himself. Then he settles onto his sofa and spends the rest of it brooding about his new job.
At Orihime's restaurant, Uryuu slips comfortably into his usual standby persona, blithe as he ever manages. She runs over to hug him when he walks in; he straightens her chef's hat and smiles. The aroma wafting off the plate Orihime sets before him is enticing. Perceptive as ever, she somehow knows exactly what Uryuu is craving before he does. He eats with quiet gratitude while she excitedly fills him in on her week.
"I spent two hours reading about popular sauces last night so I can make all kinds of new pasta dishes." Listing some off on her fingers, Orihime misses the occasional cringe from Uryuu as she counts some truly strange flavors among them. "And Hachigen-san says he'll teach me the new pastry recipe he just learned in France!"
"I can't wait to try it."
"Tomorrow afternoon, I'll bring you some of the first batch," she promises. "Do you have plans tonight?"
"I—not really." Detecting his uncertainty, Orihime gives him the eye until he continues. "Shiba asked me out again."
"Shiba-san from your work?"
"That's the one."
"What did you say?"
"I turned him down…"
"I think you should go."
It is said somberly and with great consideration. This is something they do from time to time. Uryuu has had offers over this past year and he has told Orihime about them when asked. Each time she has gently advised him to accept. Each time he passes she becomes more adamant. To the point that she is now staring him down with a small frown and a soft hand on the back of his.
"Was considering it, actually," Uryuu sighs, leaning back in his seat. "He is persistent."
"It's time."
"If nothing else, it will save me from the monotony of household chores and working on my day off."
"I want to hear all about it when I stop by tomorrow!"
With an energetic flounce, she leaps from her seat and drags him from his. Uryuu is shoved out of the front door after another hug and a well-wish. He ambles numbly down the street as he pulls his phone from his pocket and calls Shiba.
Hours later, Uryuu pulls up to this magical ramen shop Shiba won't shut up about. He is brimming with equal parts trepidation and excitement, plus a generous dash of sadness. Shiba's friendly, confident smile shifts some of the latter from his mind, though. The man dressed in sleek slacks and a nice shirt looks totally different from his usual white-coat with pocket-protector uniform. The unruly spikes of his black hair have even been lightly tamed with a dab of product. As he draws close, Uryuu smells a hint of expensive cologne.
"Wow, you look amazing, Uryuu," his coworker whistles appreciatively. Shiba comes to stand before him, eyes trailing up his form just leisurely enough to make Uryuu want to blush. "Glad you changed your mind."
"Yeah, well I figured it would be easier to concede now and save myself some trouble later."
Shiba smirks at his quip and holds the door open as Uryuu returns it. Inside, they are led to a private booth near the back of the restaurant. He listens to Shiba closely as the man shares an anecdote about the reproduction habits of mutant paramecium. Towards the end, he realizes it is a joke because Uryuu finds himself smiling in humor. It's more than Shiba has ever won from him and the man grins in success.
So, Uryuu shares some details about himself in return. He answers Shiba's questions honestly, if a bit obliquely at times, and soon they have established an easy rapport. Their server comes and goes, returning with drinks and then their meals. Shiba chuckles around his noodles as Uryuu tells a modest joke of his own. By the time the food is consumed and the check is paid, Uryuu is warm with more than one type of satiation.
The entire night goes so well.
It would be suspicious if not for the presence of the negative tag on Uryuu's mood. Beneath the veneer of casual amusement and unexpected pleasure runs the perpetual undercurrent of doubt. That obstinate pocket of his mind that reminds him who he is and what he really wants at all times. Its walls are plastered with images of Kurosaki, filled with the sounds of his voice, and scented with the strains of his essence. It is not a shout but a whisper in the chorus of Uryuu's thoughts.
Perhaps sensing this unease, Shiba doesn't pressure him to go for drinks. He doesn't even ask Uryuu back to his place. They walk out to their cars and Uryuu meets his open gaze. Shiba is the type of man who will be patient when necessary. He would have to be, working with bacterial cultures for a living. It serves him well now as Uryuu searches for the words amidst a mélange of confusing sentiments.
"I think this is just what I needed," he candidly states with a small smile. "I haven't been on a date in a while—"
"Too long, probably."
"Probably. It's been...refreshing. Thank you."
"Anytime," Shiba smiles back and Uryuu can tell this is as close as he is going to come to asking for another date. "Seriously."
Uryuu opens his mouth to suggest it when he sees a flash of movement over Shiba's left shoulder. Peering beside the building into the dim slice of space beside it, he makes out the general shape of a person in the shadows. Noticing his focus, Shiba follows his gaze but the shape oozes away before he turns. He looks at Uryuu with a raised eyebrow.
"Wait for me here a moment, would you?"
"Uryuu?"
"I'll be right back.
He leaves Shiba standing beside his car. Striding purposefully towards the narrow alley, Uryuu follows the refuse-dotted path and peers into the darkness clustered on the other side of a Dumpster. Beside it lurks a thin man with silver hair and slatted eyes. He steps out as Uryuu approaches.
"Whadda we got 'ere?"
"Excuse me?"
"That's Gin's accent for you," murmurs a voice to Uryuu's right, directly behind him. "Annoying affectation at best. Utterly unintelligible at worst."
Side-stepping gracefully from the one behind him, Uryuu tenses as he recognizes the name, then their faces. Ichimaru Gin and Aizen Sousuke. He pulls both of them into view as he backs up towards the opposite wall. Easily recognizing the scars inflicted by Kurosaki's attack hacked ropily into their skin, Uryuu recalls a list of their injuries to match them to their indicators. Ichimaru had lost the lower quadrant of his left lung in addition to sustaining a cracked cranium, broken radius, and numerous cuts and bruises. Aizen had sustained a severely damaged liver with pancreatic complications as well as several deep slices and contusions. It was less than they really deserved.
"I don't believe we've met," Uryuu coolly responds. "How can I help you gentlemen?
"Don't pretend y'ain't seen us on the news," Ichimaru sneers as he steps closer. The two are cautiously boxing him into a corner in preparation for what will doubtless be a physical attack. "It took us a while to find ya, though, seein' as ya weren't tied to that Kurosaki kid anywhere public."
"We had to bribe a few people to even learn your family name."
"And that was after someone blabbed about ya bein' the brat's friend in the first place."
"So imagine our glee when you come crawling over to our little trap all on your own."
"Trap?" Uryuu puffs a bravado-rich laugh. "Two men in an alley is your idea of a trap?"
"It was enough to slice Kurosaki a couple dozen new'uns," murmurs Ichimaru. The amusement is swiped from Uryuu at the reminder. "'Course we'll prob'ly do ya in jus' one or two."
"You are the first one on the list, as the furthest from his sphere of 'loved ones'. We have a lot more to get to and the night is so young."
Uryuu almost laughs again at that for a different reason. These two idiots have no clue what kind of relationship he had with Kurosaki, much less who they are dealing with. He hasn't spotted weapons thus far but he will assume they are carrying concealed. Uryuu is unarmed and unperturbed. He has never lost a fight and doesn't intend to start now. Still, two mentally unhinged, violent individuals bent on petty revenge are not to be underestimated.
"I haven't spoken with Kurosaki-san in over a year."
"Thirteen and a half months, to be exact," Aizen nods as if he has all the facts. "Since the boy skipped town like the coward he is."
Scowling, Uryuu bites back the retort he wants to snarl at the accusation.
"Let's jus' get 'im, Sousuke. I'm bored."
"Talking with your prey is overrated," the man imperiously agrees.
They reach under their hems to pull out short knives
"Hey, what the hell are you guys doing!?"
Shiba's exclamation at the end of the alley gets their attention and Uryuu uses the distraction. Two steps in and he swings a leg against the back of Ichimaru's knee, easily shifting the tall man's momentum before he can regain it. Before he hits the ground, Uryuu swivels to deliver two hard jabs to Aizen's solar plexus and throat. Then he switches back to Ichimaru, kneeling in the dirt. Uryuu backhands him with a fist to his jaw and knocks his head into the Dumpster with a resonant bang. Aizen is sputtering on all fours so Uryuu kicks the man's elbow in the wrong direction. The wrenching snap is masked by the man's hoarse shout.
It's all over in a matter of seconds and Uryuu dips down to check their pulses, just in case, before addressing Shiba's shell-shocked demeanor. He whips out his phone and dials as he walks over to him and visibly checks for signs of excessive distress.
"I need an ambulance for two men," Uryuu tells the dispatch, rattling of the address and hanging up before giving his information. He shoves the memory of that same action last year to the back of his mind as he focuses on his friend. "Are you all right, Shiba?"
"Y-yeah—hey, that's my line! Uryuu, those guys could've killed you!"
"They're not as dangerous as they seem," he dismisses with a disdainful glance to the passed-out pair. "All talk and no real skill."
"Still, that was nuts! Where did you learn to fight like that?"
They spend the next ten minutes waiting for the ambulance to come and trying not to squirm from awkwardness. Secretive as he tends to be, Uryuu isn't comfortable telling Shiba all about how he used to be a psychiatrist for ex-convicts who would snap sometimes, attempting to take their anger out on him. Doesn't want to get into how he had sought power growing up because his father was such an overbearing slave-driver that he never truly felt good enough for anyone. Isn't about to admit he was in a relationship with someone who occasionally got rough enough to leave bruises that Uryuu ended up returning—with interest—to the kinky pleasure of both parties.
So they wait.
When the ambulance and police cars arrive, they spend the next two hours explaining events and giving statements. The disabled assailants are revived, treated, and arrested to their avid distaste. Ichimaru screams unintelligible profanities until he is shut into the secure confines of a cruiser alongside his stoic partner. Uryuu leaves Yoruichi, still his lawyer despite the change in career, a voicemail as the cavalcade pulls away at last.
"Still eager to see me again?" he half-jokes, attempting to lighten the mood.
"You're kind of a mess, aren't you?"
The comment carries the cadence of a joke but Shiba's smile is strained. Uryuu knows a polite rejection when he sees one. Unsurprisingly, he is not disappointed about it. Shiba is a great man but he is not Kurosaki. He is nothing like him.
"See you on Monday?"
"Yeah."
The chill silence of his loft is a welcome reprieve from the noisy heat outside. Uryuu toes off his shoes and drags his feet over his carpet as he collapses onto his beloved couch. He is so worn out that he doesn't respond to Nel's concerned nudging against his arm. Pulling off his glasses, Uryuu rubs at his eyes and sighs long and slow. It has been another one of those weeks quaintly punctuated with a little social awkwardness and misplaced aggression. Just enough to fit the norm of his existence.
He contacted Kurosaki's father on the drive home to let him know about Ichimaru and Aizen's mention of attacking the man's family and friends. Only as a precaution in spite of their incarceration. Talking with him sent Uryuu right back to those days following Kurosaki's exodus. When he had called everyone he could think of to track the man down before it was too late. Before he understood that it was Kurosaki's choice.
His hands are shaking. A glance down at them confirms it. Also, one of his knuckles is split from the force of cracking into the dense bone of a human mandible. Dried blood snakes down his middle finger and ends at the cuticle. Uryuu knows he should get up and clean it.
Nel steps into his lap and peers up at him with a calm question.
"I'm okay. Really. I'll be okay."
Her stalwart gaze calls him out on his bullshit. He doesn't have the energy to argue with a cat at the moment so he settles for petting her into complacency. Soothing purrs lead him into a semi-trance state, the one preceding sleep. Uryuu readily accepts that he will be passing out on his sofa once again. He has had trouble sleeping in his own bed since—Uryuu cuts off that tendril of thought before it takes malicious hold.
Eyelids drooping, he feels the rhythm of his respiration lengthen and sift shallowly. His heart slows, body cooling as metabolism lowers. The phrases and images in his mind slide into abstraction. Snatches of video and mismatched audio play over the fading backdrop of his reality. Pieces of dreams swoop in and Uryuu's last conscious wisp of thought is concern for Kurosaki's sisters.
AN: Final chapter will be up tomorrow! I might also end up posting both epilogues tomorrow, too.
