Title: The Bright Side of Arguing with Your Zanpakuto in Public
Date: 25 March, 2009
Words: 4497 (Long. But you guys like long, right?)
Characters: Hitsugaya, Matsumoto, implied Gin
Pairings: Toshiro & Rangiku, implied past Gin & Ran
Inspiration: Something I started forever ago, and just happened to stumble across on my computer. So, I apologize for any serious OOC-ness.
Summary: Rangiku has been acting unusual in regards to her birthday, and the young taicho is determined to find out why. Contrary to his belief, it has nothing to do with Gin.
Rating: PG/K+ There's one word in here that could actually merit a 'T' rating. But, only one.
A/N: This is something that I uncovered in my computer's archive of unfinished Bleach stories (and there are a lot). This was started several months ago, so I apologize if there is any serious OOC-ness. I tried to clean it up as much as possible, but it still feels a little… well, not as good as it could be. 8-)
However, please read, enjoy, and review! And, yes, it's long, considering the usual drable-esque nature of this fic. :-)
-Rachel Noelle
Normally, he gave her the day off, so she could celebrate by drinking sake with her friends. Or, in their first years together, she'd traipse out of the office the night before to spend the next twenty-four plus hours with him. For some reason he was, at the time, too young to understand, he was quite happy when she announced she'd no longer be spending that time with him. He was happier to know that she'd drink all day and into the night with her buddies then return to her own rooms, quite alone, after the celebrations had ceased.
And now, he didn't even want her out with anyone. In fact, he was quite unhappy with the thought that she would be out with anyone at all. Especially since he wouldn't be in the picture. He supposed he could be, but she never invited him to come along on her birthday celebrations. Granted, he rarely drank, and very little, if at all. But, she never hesitated to invite him out on other nights. And she deserved something better than the day off, anyway. The gifts she gave to him were always thoughtful, and looked pricey.
But the thing that bothered him the most was the fact that she'd not mentioned anything at all about her birthday this year. Normally, he knew three months ahead of time what she wanted, besides the day off, and usually the rest of Seireitei knew it as well. Even last year, with the war and the betrayal, she celebrated as lavishly as she usually did. So why was this year different? Did he finally just catch up to her? He intended to find out, regardless of the shock value. Just because everyone wanted to think his heart was black, didn't mean it really was.
Even he had had enough of a heart to apologize to her before he left.
oOoOo--RN--oOoOo
There I sat, in my office, doing my rapidly multiplying stack of paperwork, per the norm in my office, when she finally waltzed through the door. Late as usual. "Matsumoto," I spoke, my voice a bit softer than typical, though lately that had become typical, what with her unusual mood. "Matsumoto, where have you been? Sleeping off a hangover again, I presume?" I scowled. That was my bad habit and I simply couldn't break it.
She looked up at me as she crossed the threshold, plastering that innocently-guilty look on her face, scratching her head absently as she walked. "Um, of course not, Taicho!" she chirped. Happy as usual. Right before she squeezed my face into her 'valley of death.' I mumbled my demand for her to release me before she did, my face burning red for more than one reason. I know she knew.
If only I knew for sure. Although, I had a damned good idea why. Like any healthy, hot-blooded male, alive or dead. Maybe I did know, after all. Fuck, I was in denial. Rock and a hard place. Hormonal teen versus unorthodox office relationships.
Since when did I ever care if things were unorthodox? I wasn't the youngest captain in the Gotei 13 from following orthodox traditions. "Here," I handed her a sheath of papers, "Take these to your desk. We need them done by 5:00. Today."
Looking dejected, Matsumoto took the papers from me and trudged to her own desk. "Aw, Taicho, you're so mean. You really should get out more, loosen up some. And stop scowling, you don't want wrinkles!" she laughed. I relaxed my face, considering her words for once.
"Get to work," I grumbled, still not relenting my grumpiness. Finally, some quiet fell over the office, Matsumoto humming a song to chase away the stillness.
After a couple of hours, amazingly, she brought the finished forms to me. I glanced at her skeptically, quickly returning to my own work. "Here, take some more. These all need to be finished by five." She grudgingly took the paperwork and set them on her desk.
"I'm parched. I'm going to fix us some tea, Taicho. I'm sure you could use some, as well. Right?" she asked. I noticed a note of concern in her voice. I wrinkled my brows in confusion, still focused on my work. Something really seemed out of place. I nodded in response to her question, looking up as she walked swiftly into the kitchenette.
There was a light clanging of the kettle settling on the stove, and minutes later she returned with two steaming mugs of tea - two cubes of sugar set precisely on the saucers each cup rested on. She sat one down on my desk, standing beside it herself, sipping her own. I added the sugar before sipping at mine. She always knew when sugar would be appreciated, and when it wouldn't. I sighed, happily I might add, enjoying the feeling of the warm, lightly sweetened tea.
"You know, Taicho," she began, seating herself on my desk. I quirked one eyebrow at her, never able to be sure what she was up to. Most often it wasn't good. At least not for me. "After we get these reports finished, I have something I want to show you. Will you come with me?" she leant forward, emphasizing her bust with the movement, to grab the bottom hem of her hakama. I received a very good view of her leg as she pulled the hem up with her hand, fingering some small imperfection or tear in the material.
I caught myself marveling, and relocated my focus, hoping she'd not noticed. She did. She smirked at me flirtatiously, giggling lightly to accompany it. "Like what you see, hmm, Taicho?" she asked, watching me blush hotly and face the opposite direction. This only encouraged her to lean closer to me, her lips brushing the lobe of my ear as she whispered suggestively, "You know, if you come with me tonight, I can show you more."
I instinctively jerked my head around in an attempt to face her, accidentally forcing her lips to meet my flaming cheek. Which now heated more, if that were possible. "Matsumoto," I ground out between my teeth, "if I agree to go, will you get your work finished? Now?" she nodded happily, releasing the material from her hands, covering her leg again. "Fine. I'll go. Now get to work, we only have another hour."
An hour and a few minutes later I found myself as good as being dragged behind my fukutaicho, to some unknown location. I felt apprehensive, thinking I would not fare well from the evening, no matter what her intentions may be. We wandered through the streets of Seireitei, through the gates into Rukongai. Finally she released the grip on my arm, allowing me to walk behind her. I suppose she saw that I really would follow her.
After a trip through some paths in the woods, what seemed like days later, I found myself at the top of a hill. I looked around, seeing no significance in the setting, glancing to Matsumoto to see if she would indicate the purpose. She trained her gaze out from the top of the hill, over Rukongai. I cleared my throat to gain her attention. She started before looking to me.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" she asked.
"It is lovely, but why did you drag me through the mud and brush to get to here, of all places?" I returned cynically. Quite from habit. The view really was lovely, made all the more so by the way the sun reflected from her hair and skin.
"I just wanted to show you the view," she stated honestly. Then she turned things around, teasing me, "Unless, of course, you'd rather see more of the view you had earlier?" I growled in disapproval. Of course I would. What straight male with active hormones wouldn't? But, would be frowned upon? Though no one had ever specifically stated that a taicho could not have a relationship with his fukutaicho, I feared we would likely risk loosing our positions. But then, one had to wonder about that. Shiba Kaien, a fukutaicho, married the third seat of his squad… I always wondered if taichos would be different, though.
Though, that was never discussed in my training for taicho.
"Matsumoto," I stated quietly, and seriously, "please, don't tease me." She looked at me, surprised and shocked. I felt shocked myself, not sure I really did say what I thought.
"Gomen, Taicho. I really am sorry," Matsumoto apologized, looking sincere. I looked at her for a few moments, for some reason unhappy with her response. At least if she put on airs like always, I suppose I had some hope or denial to hide my emotions in. "I suppose it does bother her, doesn't it. It always bothered me a bit, too." She smiled, I think she was faking the happiness behind it. That actually made me happier.
"'Her' who? Do you mean Hinamori?" I asked, puzzled which her she could mean. She nodded as if I were stupid for not already knowing that. I chuckled darkly. "Everyone thinks Hinamori. I'll never understand why. Even if I did feel for her that way, she's still so wrapped up in her allusions of Aizen that I couldn't be with her without having to live up to unreal standards set by a traitor," I laughed full out this time, rue still tingeing the tone.
"Oh, well, then." That was all she had to say. For a long moment I waited, expecting a response. None came, so I took the initiative and changed the topic.
"So, you really only wanted me to see the view?"
She nodded lightly, contemplating. "Yes, I think so. I even brought food!" she chipped, perking up to her normal happy state. She produced a small basket I had not noticed before from somewhere, and a blanket. I shook my head softly in amusement. She saw my reaction, and chastised me, "You don't ever eat properly anymore, Taicho. Someone has to take care of you, and if you won't that responsibility falls to me. It's a fukutaicho's job, right?" she smiled brightly.
I was taken aback. I knew her loyalty, and no doubt she'd taken care of me for some time, all things considered. But did she really think that was part of her job? There was no way I could act on my feelings for her now, for certain. Not if she could consider that a part of her position as well. She was smart enough to know that wasn't the case, correct?
"I'll eat when I want, dammit, Matsumoto. It is not your job to 'take care of me' like that," I scowled, genuinely and not from habit. She mumbled her assent as she squished my head into her chest for the second time in not so many hours. Still unhappy, I didn't even allow her the satisfaction of watching me try to wriggle from her grip.
"Come on, Taicho, let's eat," she told me as she released me to spread the blanket on the ground. I huffed and sat opposite her, still feeling foul. No, I hadn't fared well. Even with the setting as innocent as this. Typical. "Here you go," she handed me a rice ball and other foodstuffs, "Eat up, I promise it's good and sake-free."
As we ate in pleasant silence, I released my brooding, much to Hyourinmaru's delight. After eating, we sat together, talking of insignificant things, such as the ridiculous forms that often crossed our desks.
As the moon and stars began appearing in the sky, I gathered the resolve I had left from the day, and asked her a question I found on my mind often the last few days. "Matsumoto, what are you requesting for your birthday? I'm sure you'll want the day off, but you've not asked for it yet. It will be a Monday, after all, won't it?"
Again she looked genuinely surprised. Then, suddenly, her face took on a disheartened look. She sighed before answering me, "I… suppose so. It has become tradition, hasn't it?" She sighed again, returning her attention to the skyline and the stars.
"Liar." I stated softly but firmly, just loud enough for her to hear. "You're a terrible liar." She looked scorned when she turned back to face me. "Matsumoto, I know something is wrong. You've been moping around for the last few weeks, and you haven't even spoken of a party to celebrate."
Her scorn turned to pissed as she huffed and faced opposite me, swinging her hair about her shoulders while she turned. She rested her chin in one hand, propping it up with her elbow on her leg. She closed her eyes, reigning her emotions into check. After several long, uncomfortable moments, she finally spoke, her voice trembling a bit. "What I want most, I don't think I can have. I'm afraid people will say… things."
"Matsumoto, you and I both know people talk, about us both. Have you heard some of the rumors lately?"
She smiled halfheartedly. "I know people talk. They always have, and I can take what they say about me now. But, if I give them a reason to talk, to really hurt me, they will. Without a moment's hesitation, Taicho. And the things they would say… I'm not sure I can take that with a smile… Besides, Yama-jii probably wouldn't be very happy about it. Even if Ukitake-san is acting as the soutaichou and there are no rules against it," she laughed sarcastically. "Though he and Kyoraku-san and Nanao-chan would be quite happy for me…" she finally trailed off, her eyes glazing over like she was lost in thought.
I sighed in defeat. I could not think of anything to say, anything at all, for the longest moment. Finally, an inspirational bolt of lightning, figuratively speaking, of course, struck me. "Didn't you tell me once, right after I was assigned as your taicho, that if I wanted something, really, seriously wanted it, I just had to go out and take it? Even with all the shit that goes around about me, and some of it hurts to hear, I keep taking everything I want. You should have been around when a couple of new recruits stood in the courtyard last week, talking. It took all I had not to freeze them then and there," I stopped there, giving her a chance to think about my words. If she would…
"What did they say?" she asked, smiling wryly as though she knew and only wanted confirmation.
"Are you sure you want to know?" I asked, smiling sardonically myself. She paused for a moment before nodding yes. I chuckled humorlessly as I began, "They were standing outside the office window, in the division courtyard. Two of the recruits that just graduated from the school, apparently. One of them mentioned not wanting assigned to this squad, but since the other did, he would stay. Didn't want to be ordered around by some kid running around with a taicho's haori and a zanpakuto," I paused for breath and Matsumoto giggled lightly, "It gets better. Trust me. The other one, I think female, said she quite liked the kid leading the squad. Said she was jealous, though. According to her, I have a whore for a second who's probably only still here because she deflowered me and pretends to love me. 'Any stupid little boy would fall for a trick like that,' she said. Apparently the guy agreed with her." I paused for a quick breath, almost laughing at Matsumoto's frown.
"And, it seems you've been sleeping with people on the side, when you get tired of me, you seek out more 'adult' men." The thought disgusted me, that people could simply stand around, saying things like that.
Matsumoto threw her head back and laughed ruthlessly. "Oh, how they are going to get it. I'm filing transfer papers tomorrow for them. I know exactly who they were. Why don't we ask Kurotsuchi taicho if he'd like some new test subjects…?" she laughed a little more. "I am glad to know people think that. Wonder when I'll start hearing the whispers in the bars now. I can already imagine them. Anytime I walk into my favorite hole-in-the-wall with Shuuhei, Izuru, Renji, or Kyoraku-san, some jealous hag or unhappy sod always leans to another to share a secret. Now I guess they'll be saying I really did sleep my way up. Or maybe they'll just think I'm a pedophile or a cradle robber…"
We sat in companionable silence for a bit, both leaning against the same tree. Suddenly she dropped her head to my shoulder. I felt, rather than saw, her smile contentedly. "Taicho, can I tell you something?" she asked, sounding much her normal self.
"Of course, Matsumoto," I agreed. "It's an open door policy, remember?"
"Right. I do want you to know what I want for my birthday," she hesitated, turning to look me in the eyes. "But… I'm not sure anyone can give it to me."
I was stunned. She never before cared if what she requested was logical or feasible, she simply announced her wants and expected it to happen. Why was this time so different?
'Because, Master, it's you she wants.' I felt my eyes grow large and round at the dragon's words. My face instantly settled into a scowl, and I scoffed lightly.
"Yeah, right. If only," I spoke aloud, not realizing Matsumoto was watching the entire exchange with confusion clear on her face.
"If only what, Taicho?" Matsumoto spoke, still giving me that quizzical look.
I shook my head, dismissing her question. "Nothing, Matsumoto," I murmured harshly. She immediately looked hurt and saddened as she leant away from me.
Suddenly a thought struck me. If she wanted something for her birthday that no one could give her it must have been Ichimaru she was thinking about. Though his demise had been over a year ago, I guessed that she would still love him, and of course wish she could have him back.
"I'm sorry, Matsumoto, but I don't think anyone can bring Ichimaru back…" as much as it hurt to confirm my fears aloud, I owed it to her. If she needed comfort, it was my job as her superior to offer it. "Though, if I could, I would certainly try."
'Idiot. I told you, Toshiro, it's not Ichimaru she wants. It's you.' I continued ignoring the dragon. Sure, he had who knew how many centuries on me, but why would Matsumoto Rangiku want anything to do with some kid like me?
'Because she sees past your child-like appearance,' Hyourinmaru tried again. I scowled, wondering what the dragon was trying to imply with that statement.
"I swear I'm trading you in," I muttered quietly. Matsumoto must have picked up on a few words, as she looked hurt.
"I… I'm sorry, Taicho. I… I'll just pick things up and be on my way." She stood quietly as I tried vainly to process what she had even said. By the time I figured it out Hyourinmaru was repeatedly banging his head against the ground and Matsumoto was beginning to walk away.
"Matsumoto, wait," I called. She paused momentarily, her back still turned to me. "I didn't mean that. Hyourinmaru said… some things, and, well, I meant that for him."
Good grief. Did that even make sense? Hyourinmaru laughed uproariously, having fun with the situation.
"Oh… well, I should probably… go anyway…" Matsumoto sniffled. I knew I'd dug myself a hole and I wasn't sure how long before I could get out of it. I sighed heavily, quickly weighing my options.
"Matsumoto…" I paused, unsure of what to say next.
'Just tell her you're in love with her. I promise she'll understand. Go on… Go on, boy,' Hyourinmaru teased me, then chortled at my scowl.
"Yes, Taicho?" Matsumoto returned, I could tell she was no longer fighting back tears, but she was still unhappy.
"You… never told me… what you wanted," finally I came up with something. The words I longed to say I simply could not force from my lips.
I heard the rueful smile creep onto her face. "It's okay, Taicho, don't worry about it. It wasn't important."
The dragon hit his head hard enough on the icy ground of my inner world to give me a headache and to crack the ice he sat on. "Dammit, Hyourinmaru, stop!" I yelled, frustrated.
'No.'
"Yes," I commanded.
'Then tell her. I can't do it for you or I would.'
"No, I can't do that."
'Why not?' the dragon queried.
"Because," I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest.
'Because why?'
"I don't have to explain it to you. Besides, you should know already."
'Obviously I am unaware of the circumstances. Do tell,' Hyourinmaru mocked.
"I am not telling you."
'Alright, fine. But when Haineko hears that you wouldn't confess to her wielder, just wait and see what man you'll be dating.'
"What the hell?" my eyes grew wide, and I noticed, from the corner of my eye and mind, Matsumoto turning to watch the exchange. Well, maybe that was a good sign. "Why would I be dating a man? That's worse than her saying I'm dating Hinamori. She can't do that!"
'Actually, she can. And she will. So, may as well let it be someone you like. Maybe Shuuhei? He's hot. At least that's what most of the girls say.' Hyourinmaru gave some semblance of a shrug.
"Thanks for that confidence boost. Just what I needed, to be compared to the 'hot' Hisagi Shuuhei fukutaicho. Really, Hyourinmaru, as if my chances with her aren't bad enough." I huffed again, plopping myself on the ground with some force.
'Just who is this her?'
"You know who I mean, dragon."
'No. No, I'm afraid I don't. Please do enlighten me.'
"Why do you insist I tell you? Do you not know already? Jeeze, because of you she walked away anyway," I grumbled, scowling again and mumbling incoherently. I let out a low hiss, thinking of the different ways to punish the dragon.
'Just say it then. You're in love with your fukutaicho.'
"Why do you care if I'm in love with Matsumoto? What does it mean to you?" I asked, trying to decipher the ulterior motive the dragon was so desperate to keep hidden.
'At the moment, not much, really. But, why don't you ask her what she thinks?'
Before I could respond to the dragon's incessant annoyances, Matsumoto flung herself on me, her arms latching tight to my neck and causing us to fall flat on the ground.
"Really, Taicho? Do you mean it?" she smiled hopefully to me, as I blushed seven shades of red.
'It's too late to take it back. And besides, if you've got her in your arms, why not make something good of it?'
I finally took Hyourinmaru's advice. We lay like we landed for some time, staring at one another. Slowly she lowered her head, glancing frequently, I guessed, at my lips, much as I was doing to her. I watched her eyes flutter closed as she closed the ever decreasing gap between us. It took a moment for the act to register when I finally realized her soft lips were pressed against mine.
I responded to her lead, feeling beyond the comprehendible amount of shy and embarrassed. I'd never kissed anyone like this before, this mouth to mouth kissing. Sure, I'd kissed Granny, and long before she started at the academy Hinamori, but only ever on the cheek. That family kiss thing.
But this… this was amazing. Wondrous. Astounding. Marvelous. Portentous. Stupendous. Sublime. I quickly exhausted all of the words I could think of, Hyourinmaru cheering in the background of my mind.
And then, I felt her tongue across my lips, warm and wet, asking me to accept it. I obliged, parting my lips slowly and trying to catch my mental self up to my physical self. Somewhere in the middle of things my hands found her hips and settled there, the height difference between us not really noticeable.
And when she ran her fingers into my hair, the flesh at the roots already tingling, I thought I might lose consciousness. As if the thrill of finally kissing her wasn't enough. I wondered if Unohana had ever had anyone die from joy.
Matsumoto repositioned herself, so that she was sitting with knees on either side of my abdomen, as she pulled away from me. I couldn't help but frown at the loss of contact and she giggled softly. My frown turned into a light scowl, as I tried to force myself to simply 'get over it.' Obviously I was the one without the experience.
This, when I considered it, seemed to fit my life perfectly.
Growing impatient, I tried to force the contact I so desired by placing a hand firmly behind her head and gently forcing her down. She took the hint and easily, and what I guessed was happily, complied.
I had never felt any emotion or desire so strongly. And I simply couldn't get enough of her. This was, quite simply, the best thing ever.
When she finally seemed exhausted and I'd sated some of my desire she sat atop me, still looking into my eyes. I finally managed to make cohesion from all of the confusion and recalled that she still had not told me what she wanted for her birthday.
"You still didn't answer my question," I reminded her. Matsumoto looked strangely to me, as though I'd gone insane.
"What question, Taicho?"
"What do you want this year, Matsumoto?" I asked, prodding for answers from the suddenly incredibly happier woman. Though, from the change in her demeanor I probably should have guessed.
"Erm, well…" Matsumoto hesitated, scratching her head nervously. I quirked a brow, finding the action unusual for my fukutaicho. "A date… would be nice."
I laughed softly, soon joined by her in the humourous moment. I figured that as long as I was the reason she was so happy, that's all I cared about. Screw orthodox, if there was some rule out there against a relationship between us it was stupid. But just to be on the safe side, I had to ask. "Matsumoto, would you go with me, if we had to run away?"
Her look was strange. Some mixture of disbelief, wonderment, and anger. "I like to think so, yes. But why?"
How did I tell her that I was afraid they might force a transfer or demote one or both of us? Apparently she understood anyway.
"I don't think anyone will care, Taicho. As long as you're not letting me off the hook any more than usual." She grinned and I decided that if she wasn't right we'd just leave Seireitei.
"Well, that's going to be hard to beat. It isn't like you do any real work anyway."