A/N I thank anyone for reading. Much appreciated. X3
Chibi-Onee-chan – Yes, he is. =3
Luafua – I'm incredibly shy, but if it means getting to work with animals, then yes. I will get courage and walk up to the desk and volunteer... But realistically I'll stand at the door, think better of it, turn tail and run. XD And man~! If I got a chance to be a vet, that would be awesome. DX But the chances of me getting accepted into a veterinarian school are very, very low. XP Sucks. XD Nojima can be awesome when he wants to! :D Yep, Nikito needs a hug. DX He's sad.
DreamingInThePast – Yep, the guy he went against... died while fight him. D: He can be crazy when he wants to. XD They actually spoke quite a lot when Tadashi would visit his brother. :D It didn't mean they liked each other. XD Renta may act foolish, but he cares very much for his sister. X3 Definitely, definitely backfired. D: And maybe it does! :D Ah, it makes me happy that some of my readers read it. :D Still not finished it, though. XD Unohana is awesome(she won my love when she died. DX Which sucks. XD) of course she'll heal them better~! :D Nikito is still not one hundred percent better. DX Never touch anything Hijo declares his, even his sword. D: He'll kill you. XD
Dina Sana – Of course he'll live, I wuv him too much to kill him. X3
DeathKnight KiraKira – Hijo would appreciate you getting it back for him. XD
StarTime101 – Seika playing nurse. XD I cracked up. And... I'm also not finished with my book. It's long and a little boring. XD
DemonVermin – Yep... It really, really backfired. :[ The friendly fire is... good, I suppose. XD But yes, there will definitely be ZenakuxSeika in the future. I intend there to be. And if this was deviant art I would be going :iconherotimeplz: ...ignore that. XD
whitefyrefoxxy – Thank you~! :D I try to write them as I imagine them, but it's hard sometimes. XD He'll be fine. X3
You know... people should not try to make it seem like they know more about the eleventh division than me. XD After all, my favourite character is in charge of the place. X3 Why do I say that? Simple... around when I first started writing(I was horrible when I started out. XD) someone wrote a review after they read it.
If I remember correctly... it said, "Yumichika is the fourth seat." Then they counted down from Kenpachi being the Taicho, Yachiru being the fukutaicho, Ikkaku being the third seat, and finally Yumichika being the fourth seat.
0.o
This confused the hell out of me, and I told that person to get their facts straight, since Yumichika is the fifth seat, which we all know. XD Also irritated the crap out of me that they seemed insistent... and they didn't review after I pointed out their problem. XD
Disclaimer – I do not own Bleach.
Warning – Swearing.
-:-
Ichirou paced the hallway, eyes narrowed and mouth in a firm line.
The twins and Rina sat in nearby chairs, their eyebrows furrowed with worry. There was a tense atmosphere, all having already been treated. They were unused to anyone else besides Zenaku healing them, so when they had been treated they had all been tense and quiet. Reizo sniffed, causing his brother to hug him with one arm. Hijoshikina had caught them off guard. Renzo narrowed his eyes, glaring ahead while vowing he would beat that bastard. They all looked up, seeing the fukutaicho of the fourth walking out of the room. The three stood up and looked at her, seeing her give a tired smile.
"Nakamura-san and Yamazaki-san will be all right," Isane said, seeing the four slump with relief. "Unohana Taicho is just concentrating on Tanaka-san. He will be fine." She said, having seen what had happened to him.
Ichirou narrowed his eyes and snarled, turning and smashing his fist against the wall. The sound carried down the hallways, causing nearby people to cry out in alarm. Renzo rushed over and grabbed his hand, sending the man a firm stare. He received a tug from the man, trying to release his fist.
"C'mon, Ichirou, there's no need for that," He said, seeing the tall man glare down at him. "They'll be fine!" He nodded over towards two frightened women. "You're also scaring the local wildlife." He said, a tense smile crossing his face.
Ichigo stayed silent, glaring to the side before he grunted. "Local wildlife?"
Renzo gave a wide grin, making the man huff before he gave a curt nod. Patting his arm Renzo turned and walked back towards the chairs. Sitting down heavily he furrowed his brows and stared at the floor. His brother sat beside him, raising his arm and resting it on his shoulder. Rina walked over to Ichirou, placing a hand on his arm and looking up at him worriedly. His eyebrows furrowed, turning to look at her with a somewhat downcast look.
"They're fine, Ichirou," Rina murmured, pressing herself closer and wrapping her arms around him. "They're okay."
He gave a slow nod.
All at once, as if thinking as one, they all looked at their hands. They didn't feel that connection anymore.
People stood around in the fourth division, all tense. They were positive that Unohana Taicho would heal the man. His wound was horrific, but he would be fine. They soon looked up when one of the doors to the front opened, blinking when they saw a tall, grey haired man standing there. Tetsuya panted heavily, leaning against the door as he looked up. Everything was blurry. Ignoring it he pushed off the door, stumbling into the building. Isane walked around the corner, widening her eyes when she saw the man. People were trying to get him to sit down, all trying to assess him.
"Excuse me," Isane said, walking up to the man. He glanced at her, his eyes hazy. "You don't look too well. You need to sit dow-" She placed her hands on his side, touching his ribs, to try and push him towards the seats.
He hissed and flinched at her touch, screwing his eyes shut. Isane paused and furrowed her brows, telling him to stay still before she placed her hands on him once more. A glow hovered from her hands, the woman staying quiet before her eyes grew in shock. She grabbed him arm and pulled him, receiving a confused stare from the man.
"I need you to come with me." Isane said, tugging the man along.
His body... How was he still walking? She pulled him into a spare room, telling him to sit on the examination table. He stared at her with those hazy eyes before doing as she said, walking slowly towards the table. It didn't take much for him to sit down, since he was tall. He sat down heavily, eyes closed and panting.
Placing her hands on him a green glow hovered, healing whatever wounds she could find inside. Glancing up she stared at his face. He was flushed... Was he sick? She healed to the best of her abilities, feeling satisfied when she found no more wounds. She then reached up and touched his forehead and cheek, confirming that he was quite ill. She blushed lightly when he leaned into her cool hand, eyes still closed.
"I'll get you some water." Isane said, seeing him open his eyes tiredly to gaze into hers.
He gave a slow nod, making her give one back before she turned and left the room. She recognized him now. He was the leader of that group. How had he walked all the way there in the state that he's in? Once she grabbed a cup and filled it with water she walked back to the room. Walking in she paused when she saw him leaning back against the wall with his eyes closed.
"Reta-san," Isane called, shaking his arm lightly. His eyes opened once more, looking towards her. "Here." She said, holding out the cup.
Glancing at the cup he stared at it for a moment before he reached up slowly to grab it. His large hand wrapped around her delicate one, causing her to blink in surprise when he furrowed his brows. Tilting his head to the side slightly, Tetsuya glanced at the woman.
"You healed Shiko and Nojima?" He asked quietly.
"Yes." Isane answered, furrowing her brows questioningly.
How did he know? A warm smile crossed his face.
"Thank you." Tetsuya said, sending her a grateful stare.
"It was no problem. It was my job." Isane said, sending him a smile before pushing the cup into his hand once more.
Making sure he had a hold of it she watched as he raised it to his mouth and took a sip. He winced lightly when it went down his throat, closing his eyes for a moment. Having seen it Isane walked in front of him and touched his throat, using kido to find out what the problem was. She furrowed her brows when she found it was raw. Was it from his sickness or something else?
"Tanaka-san is almost out of surgery," Isane said, watching worriedly when he drank more water. "He'll be okay."
"Thank you," Tetsuya repeated. He sighed and furrowed his eyebrows as he smiled. "I'm afraid walking here has tired me greatly." He raised a hand and touched his side. "Thank you for healing me..." He blinked before he smiled, almost in an embarrassed way. "I'm sorry for not asking, but your name is...?"
"Isane. Kotetsu Isane." She answered, receiving another smile.
"Thank you, Kotetsu-san," Tetsuya said, trying to stand up. "But I must go see my comrades."
"No," Isane said, putting her foot down and sending him a firm stare. He sent her a surprised look, turning his head down to stare at her hand on his chest. "You are too weak to be walking anywhere. You were injured inside, not to mention you are sick." She said, seeing him open his mouth to object. "Stay here and I will update you on your injured men."
"I-"
"Just rest here." Isane said, seeing the man pause.
Slowly, he gave a nod. Glancing at the table she grabbed his arm and gave a tug, receiving a curious stare from the man before he stood.
"I'm sorry if I'm too tall..." Isane closed her mouth and widened her eyes, blushing at the words that normally left her mouth when helping patients.
Tetsuya sent her an amused smile. "I'm sure I wouldn't have noticed." He said, motioning to himself.
Nodding, still embarrassed, she helped him towards the bed in the room, seeing him sit down and stare at the floor tiredly. Looking up, he gave her another smile before he laid down. Before his head even hit the pillow he was out, eyes closed and breathing softly. Glancing at his legs, which he didn't bring up onto the bed, she bent down and pulled them up. She almost smiled when she saw he was a little too tall.
His feet went over the bed.
Isane refilled his cup, in case he woke up, and left the room quietly.
Riko ran into the fourth division, almost tripping, with Kaori and Kayo right behind her. They all panted heavily, glancing around the area. Someone walked up to them, asking who they were there for. When they answered they blinked in surprise and pointed down one hallway. Giving her a nod, the three ran down the hallway, all panting. They had finally managed to get away, and when they did they just bolted from the eighth division.
Renzo and Reizo looked up, blinking in surprise when they saw them. They raised their fingers to their lips, seeing Riko open her mouth, and pointed towards Ichirou and Rina. The two were sleeping, the woman leaning against the tall man. Even then they looked worried.
"Are they okay?" Riko whispered, eyes remaining wide.
"...Who? Your parents or your brothers?" Renzo whispered back, raising his eyebrows curiously.
She blushed. "Brothers."
"Yeah, Zenaku's just getting out of surgery," Reizo whispered, giving a smile. "Unohana Taicho is great, she'll fix him up like brand new."
"Shiko and Nojima were put into a room, we're just waiting for that fukutaicho to tell us which one," Renzo said, looking down the hallway with a scowl. "Where did she go?"
"Kotetsu fukutaicho?" Kaori asked, seeing the two pause and shrug.
"We don't know any of the fukutaichos," Reizo answered, cringing and making a face. "We already forgot their names. How sad is that?" He glanced at his brother, receiving a shrug in response.
"Are you two okay?" Kayo asked, stepping forward and furrowing her eyebrows worriedly.
"We're fine!" Renzo said, waving his hand with a grin. He patted his lap and gave a bright smile. "I'll feel better if you sit on my lap~!"
Kayo blinked and blushed in embarrassment, glancing at her two friends to see them shrug. Riko waved her hand, causing the man to pout before he gave a wide grin. He lashed out, grabbing Riko's wrist and tugged her over. She blinked when she sat between his legs, blushing when he wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled the side of her head. Kaori grinned widely and started snickering while Kayo smiled.
"Zenaku will be fine," Renzo muttered, reaching up to rub her head. "He's too stubborn to die."
"Yep... stubborn and thick headed." Reizo piped in.
"And oblivious."
"And mean."
"And stupid."
"And annoying."
"And-"
"Shut up!" Riko snapped, sending the two a scowl. They snickered in response. "...Are you two okay?" She asked softly, furrowing her brows worriedly.
They paused, blinking as they stared at her before soft smiles crossed their faces. They both nuzzled her head, causing her to blush when she noticed some women had walked by and smiled at the sight. Grumbling, she allowed them to continue before she pushed herself away. They grinned widely, turning to see the fukutaicho walking back. They stood up, staring at her intently. They instantly noticed... Riko, Kaori, and Kayo were shorter than her.
"I'll show you to their room." Isane said, noticing the two unconscious people.
"We'll show them later," Renzo said, seeing the woman nod and motion them to follow her.
"Your leader is here," Isane mentioned, causing the two to freeze and widen their eyes. "He is resting right now."
"Joshi's here?" Reizo asked, stepping towards the woman. "B-But he's sick! And injured, he shouldn't even be walking now!"
"Which is why I forced him to rest." Isane said with a firm nod.
Renzo sighed out of relief. "Thank you, fukutaicho." He said, seeing the woman smile and nod.
They continued to follow her while Riko glanced at her parent figures, hesitating before she followed the twins. Kaori and Kayo were right behind her, staying silent the entire time. When they reached the room the five gazed inside, instantly furrowing their brows when they saw the three beds, one empty. Nojima was close to the window while Shiko was in the middle bed, raspy breaths leaving their bodies. The twins instantly ran into the room, Renzo heading for Shiko and Reizo heading for Nojima.
"Aw, man, Nojima..." Reizo murmured, staring worriedly at the unconscious man.
His left cheek was bandaged, including his chest and his arms. Glancing at the brunette he frowned when he saw most of the bandages were on his chest. Where Hijoshikina had punched him. They thanked the fukutaicho once more when she said she had healed his punctured lung and set his ribs back. She sent them a smile and gave a bow before she left.
"...She's cute." Renzo commented, giving a wry smile. "Oh, Shiko..." Closing his eyes he gave a pained look.
Kayo hesitated before walking over to him, placing a hand on his arm. He didn't react at first but he opened his eyes and gave her a smile. Letting out a sigh he said he was going to go wake up Ichirou and Rina, receiving a nod from his brother and the others. Walking out of the room he left the others, all staring worriedly at the two.
"You know..." Riko, Kaori, and Kayo looked up, seeing the blonde staring at the normally serious man with furrowed eyebrows. "...Me and Renzo promised to protect him from Hijo..." Tears filled his eyes, the more sentimental of the two. "A-And we couldn't do it..." He hung his head.
"U-Uh, no! You guys protected him!" Kaori said, rushing over and patting his back, wincing when he cringed. "Sorry, didn't know your back hurt." She said, smiling nervously. It was silent, which made her frown uncomfortably. "So, you, uh... like fighting, huh?" She asked.
"Why?" Reizo asked, giving a wry smirk. "Does that scare you?"
"Nah, kinda reminds me of Riko," Kaori said, seeing the dark haired woman scowl at her. "If it's fun for you, I see no problem with that." She said with a shrug.
Reizo sent her a surprised stare before a smile crossed his face. Kaori grinned and patted his shoulder. They heard movement by the door and turned, seeing Ichirou and Rina walking in. The woman gasped lightly and ran over towards the two beds, looking at the two worriedly. Ichirou narrowed his eyes and frowned, clenching his fists before he raised his hand and rubbed Riko's head. She gazed up at him with large, worried eyes, making him give a small smile.
"Oh, yeah," Renzo said, rubbing the back of his neck and giving a tense grin. "Joshi's here."
Silence.
"He's WHAT?!"
Tetsuya opened his eyes slowly, feeling someone shaking his shoulder. Where was he? He felt exhausted, but he turned his head to see who it was that wanted him. Isane gazed at him worriedly, kneeling beside the bed. He looked so weak. He gave a small cough and winced before he tried getting up. But she placed a hand on his shoulder to keep him lying down.
"I just came to wake you to tell you that Tanaka-san has gotten out of surgery," Isane said, seeing the man widen his eyes and sit up. "Reta-san, you have to rest!"
"Zenaku's okay?" Tetsuya asked, leaning forward with wide, worried eyes.
"Yes, he's fine," Isane said, holding up her hand. "He just has yet to wake up."
Tetsuya closed his eyes and smiled, leaning forward even more. His face was close to hers, causing her to widen her eyes. It looked as if he was going to fall for a moment. Clearing her throat, and trying to ignore how close he was, she told him to lay back down, making him shake his head and try to stand.
"No, I must go see them." He said, struggling to stand.
"You are still far too sick, Reta-san," Isane said, sending him a firm stare. "Your body is too injured for you to move."
He frowned before he gave a sigh and nodded. Sitting back down he lowered his head and stared at the floor. His eyes wandered over to the seal on his wrist, furrowing his brows before he closed his eyes.
"And why is he here?!" Ichirou snarled.
Everyone in the room was leaning away from him, all their eyes wide. After he had yelled they had brought Zenaku into the room, which made everyone go quiet when they saw him. He was giving rasping breaths, brows furrowed and sweating heavily. Unohana had walked into the room and said she had healed him to the best of her ability, but he should make a rapid recovery. They had all thanked her, waiting until she left before the tall man started glaring at them again.
"I-I don't know, he was worried?" Renzo said, eyes wide and a nervous grin on his face.
"He shouldn't even be walking!" Ichirou growled, eyes blazing with rage.
"Hey, Ichirou, the big guy may be hurting all the time but that doesn't mean he's weak," Reizo said, stepping forward with a frown. "He came because he want to, and since he's amazingly stubborn no one would've stopped him. Not even the Soutaicho."
Ichirou growled.
"You know," They all blinked at the smooth voice. "It's kinda hard to sleep with all the noise."
They turned, all widening their eyes when they saw Shiko with his eyes open. He gave them a smirk, all rushing towards the bed and leaning towards him. He raised his arms, telling them to back up, letting out a small sigh and wincing when he felt pain from his chest.
"Don't crowd me, I'll feel claustrophobic." He said, giving a smile.
"Are you okay?" Riko asked, eyes wide with worry.
"Ah, if it isn't Ri-chan," Shiko said, giving a bright smile. "Yeah, I'm doing fine. I'll be walking before you know it." He turned his head, staring at the other bed and furrowing his brows. "...When did he get out?" He asked, staring at the scarred man.
"Just now." Renzo answered, letting out a relieved sigh. "I'm amazed you're up already." He said, giving the brunette a grin.
"Me, too... Still tired, though." Shiko said, blinking tiredly.
"Go back ta bed, Shiko," Ichirou ordered, receiving a nod from the man. "We'll be here when ya wake up."
"Yes, sir." Shiko gave a mock salute and a smirk.
Ichirou sent the man a smirk, watching as he closed his eyes and let out one more sigh before he was out. Renzo and Reizo leaned in close, both amazed he was already sleeping. Rina reached down and stroked his head, causing him to unconsciously lean into her hand. Kaori and Kayo cleared their throats, making Riko glance at them, both motioning towards the door to silently tell her they would wait outside. She gave a nod, seeing them turn to leave.
"Papa," The tall man blinked, finally hearing the word before he turned to face the dark haired woman. Her brows furrowed. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine," Ichirou said, waving his hand dismissively. He suddenly scowled and sent her a pointed stare. "Is there... something ya need ta tell me?" He asked, ignoring the eye roll from Rina after he asked the question.
Riko blinked. "What?"
"Something... that has to do with relationships?" Renzo piped up, he and his brother moving close, smirks suddenly growing across their faces.
"...Kaori and Kayo are my best friends?" Riko took a guess.
"No," Reizo shook his head, giving a wide grin.
"...Ikkaku, Yumichika, and Kusajishi fukutaicho are my friends?" She now scratched her head and frowned.
"No," Renzo almost started shaking in place.
"...I got my family back?"
This caused everyone to brighten up in the room, those that were conscious. The twins squealed and bounced towards her, both hugging her with bright smiles. Rina gave a smile, watching as they rubbed their faces against hers. Ichirou had smiled for a moment before he scowled and crossed his arms. He obviously wasn't going to let this go. She gave a sigh and shook her head, continuing to pet the brunette's head. Turning, she stared worriedly at Zenaku.
Walking over to his bed she ran her hand through his hair, causing him to turn his head towards her hand. She smiled, continuing to pet his head. They all blinked and looked up, hearing a small, 'whoa.' Turning their heads they frowned when they saw... Riko blinked.
"Funika?" Riko asked, staring at the female third seat questioningly.
"Hi." Seika raised a hand and grinned.
The four that were always with their comrades blinked a couple times and frowned. Ichirou stepped towards her, causing the floor to shake under his weight. Seika looked up as he came closer, eyes growing wide. Holy... This guy was huge. A nervous grin crossed her face, seeing a wary glare cross the man's face as he stood in front of her.
"What do ya want?" Ichirou rumbled, his eyes making the woman freeze.
"Uh... Came to check on... him?" Seika pointed towards the unconscious scarred man.
"Why?" Renzo asked, frowning suspiciously.
"'Cause I saw him get hurt," Seika said, a strange look crossing her face. "I... just wanted to make sure he didn't die."
The three men frowned and continued to send her wary glares while Rina observed the woman's face closely. She soon smiled and walked over towards them, gently pushing Ichirou aside. He blinked in surprise and stared down at her, seeing her smile at the dark haired woman and nod.
"Hello, my name is Kawano Rina, and you are?" She asked, giving a kind smile.
"Uh... Funika Seika." She answered, feeling more safe with this woman.
"You wanted to see Zenaku?" Rina asked, seeing the woman nod. "Then come on." She held her hand out towards the man, giving a smile.
Seika grinned. Sweet! She walked towards the bed while Rina smiled, ignoring the three gawking men. Riko blinked, confused as to why Kayo's friend of all people would go there to make sure a prisoner was alive and well. Unseen to them, with Seika's back facing them, she furrowed her brows worriedly while glancing at his chest. Whoa... It was amazing he was still alive. Staring at her, Rina smiled and cleared her throat.
"I believe we should get something to eat~!" Rina said, turning to smile at the group.
"Not while she's-"
Rina ignored Ichirou, walking behind him and pushing him to the door. "Let's go~!"
"Wha- Rina!" He growled, trying to reason with her as he was pushed out.
The twins glanced at each other and shrugged, both following. Riko stared after them before looking at Seika. Raising an eyebrow, she turned and walked towards the door, stepping out and shutting it behind herself. Hearing them leave, she hesitated before raising her hand and resting it on the scarred man's chest.
"...I don't want to go along with my stupid plan anymore..." Seika murmured, lowering herself to her knees and resting an arm on the bed.
Leaning down she placed her cheek on her arm, continuing to gaze at the man worriedly. She moved her hand, running it through his hair. He wasn't like most people... Lowering her hand she covered his, biting her lip and sighing. Why did she feel attracted towards someone like him of all people?
"Seika...!"
She blinked and turned her head, freezing when she saw her brother. He stood at the door, gripping the door with wide eyes. He was shaking, glancing warily at the unconscious man. Why wasn't he reacting to her actions? He waved his hand and shook his head.
"Try not to wake him up," Renta warned, letting out a sigh and taking hesitant steps into the room. "He's still injured, after all. He'll be in a whole lot of pain when he wakes up." He said, glancing down at the man.
"I wasn't doing anything." Seika said, taking her hand away and giving a wide, innocent grin.
He sent her a flat stare. "Sure, you weren't." He walked further into the room, glancing at the three with a frown. "They're... really impressive, huh?" He murmured, referring to the fight they had all witnessed. "...They'll live." He declared, striking a pose and nodding with a wise look on his face.
Which only gained a blank stare from his sister.
"Of course they'll live, otherwise they would be dead right now." Seika said, rolling her eyes, though she soon jumped when the scarred man groaned and shifted.
Renta froze, keeping very still while he kept his eyes on the man. When he didn't wake they both sighed out of relief. Though Seika frowned when her brother crept over towards the man. Watching in confusion her eyes soon started growing impossibly wide when he reached towards the man's face and lifted his right eyelid.
"Renta!" Seika hissed, gawking at her brother. "What are you doing?!" She whispered.
"Checking out his eye," Renta mumbled, cringing as he stared at said eye. "He really has no pupil... it's... kinda weird to be attracted to someone with his appearance, isn't it?" He asked, glancing at his sister to see her staring wide-eyed at him. He soon frowned and sent her a bland stare. "Seika... please tell me you seriously didn't think that I didn't know you were attracted to him?" He nodded towards the unconscious man.
"...How...?"
"I knew the moment you spouted that stupid plan!" Renta whispered, rolling his eyes and shaking his head. "You'd think Unohana Taicho would heal his eye." He murmured, staring at the eye closely.
"Maybe he doesn't want her to?" Seika guessed, shrugging lightly. She soon scowled. "Stop touching his eye!"
Kaori sighed, walking back to the eighth division as the sun started to set. Man, it must suck to be them. First, they were treated like crap because they were prisoners, but now some people were wary of them when they saw them having fun. Walking through the gates she looked up, freezing at the same time her eyes grew wide.
Byakuya turned around, staring at her with that ever serious look in his face.
She abruptly took a one eighty degree turn and started jogging out, letting out a wince when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Damn him for being so fast! Giving scowl she turned her head to the side, sending him a glare when he gazed at her with a soft look in his eye. Why did he have to look like that? She wanted to slap him to get that stupid look off his face...! She was only going to listen, she wasn't going to consider actually staying with him...
Huffing lightly, she shrugged off his arm and turned around, facing him with a scowl.
"What?" Kaori asked, putting her hands on her hips as she kept the stern look on her face.
"I believe we were going to talk," Byakuya said, ignoring the words 'son of a...' the redhead muttered under her breath. "Shall we speak in your room?" He asked, seeing the woman frown suspiciously.
"...You're not gonna try anything are you?" Kaori asked, eyes narrowed as she assessed the man.
"Do not be foolish." Byakuya said, sending her a glare for even suggesting such a thing.
She deflated with relief, a grin crossing her face before she motioned him to follow. His face had grown dark at her obvious relief before he turned and walked after her, ignoring the people that stopped to stare at him curiously. They walked into the building and started heading for the barracks, the scowl on Kaori's face growing the more attention they attracted. When they made it to her room she sighed out of relief and slid it open, heading inside.
Byakuya's eyes scanned the room, stopping and observing the tiny room.
"It is the same size as your room at the sixth divi-"
"Former room!" Kaori snapped, turning around and crossing her arms, giving the noble a scowl. "What do you want to talk about?"
"About us." Byakuya answered.
The scowl grew. "What?"
"I would like to apologize for all the wrong I had done," Byakuya said, seeing a stunned look cross the redhead's face. "I had transferred you so we do not break any rules. I-"
"No, no, no, no!" Kaori held up her eyes, her eyes wide and jaw hanging open. "Go back! Did you just... apologize?" She took a step back and gasped dramatically when he nodded. "My god... this... this needs to be written down in history!" She exclaimed, holding up her hands and giving a wide grin. "Kuchiki Byakuya apologizes for being an asshole!"
"I did not apologize for tha-"
"Ah! You can't take this from me!" Kaori snapped, pointing at him threateningly.
"Kaori, all I want to know..." Byakuya stepped close, causing the redhead to flinch and scowl. "If you are willing to restart this."
She stayed silent, narrowing her eyes and thinning her lips. Huffing roughly, which almost sounded like a snort, she looked away before looking back. Byakuya watched her silently, waiting for her answer. Damn, damn! Why was he so stubborn?! Why wasn't he like all the stuck up nobles? They usually ignored the lower man, like her! Not that she was saying she was a man, and if anyone ever called her a man she would—Wait, she's getting off topic.
"W-What about your late wife?!" Kaori snapped, picking at strings. "You obviously care about her, you don't need me!"
She wanted to fall to her knees and beg him to do something. What that 'something' was she didn't know, but this was starting to irritate the crap out of her.
"I do love Hisana, even if she is here no more," Byakuya said, closing his eyes and shaking his head. The redhead cringed. Ooh, maybe it was bad to bring her up. "but even now, after two years, I am positive she would want me to move on and no longer fret over her death. I would want to same for her were it the other way around." He said, gazing at the woman intensely. "...Please, Kaori..." He furrowed his brows and gazed deeply into her eyes.
"Aaah, stop staring at me like that!" Kaori covered his eyes, scowling before she hesitated. "F... Fine..." She lowered her head and stared at the floor. "Fine..."
He reached up and gently grasped her hands that were still covering his eyes, lowering her hands and giving her a soft smile. Looking up she blushed lightly and frowned when she saw the smile, letting out a scoff and looking away.
"...Doesn't mean you get to kiss me yet." She muttered childishly.
"Of course." Byakuya said, wrapping his arms around her and resting his head on top of hers.
"E-EH! Doesn't mean you get to hug me, either! Hey! Are you listening?! I said. Let. Go! Are you listening...? Hey! Are you ignoring me?! C'mon, let go!"
Riko let out a somewhat tired sigh, staring at the ground with a small frown. She really hoped Zenaku woke up tomorrow. She was worried. Shiko had woken up, but only briefly. Shaking her head lightly she walked through the gates of the ninth division, freezing mid-step when she saw a certain person standing close to the entrance of the division. Curses ran through her head, scowling when she saw him look towards her.
Kenpachi started walking towards her. She soon blinked in surprise when she saw Yachiru, Ikkaku, and Yumichika heading towards her first, receiving an irritated glare from the Taicho.
"Red-chan~!" Yachiru yelled, jumping towards the woman.
She squawked, hitting the ground when the fukutaicho crashed into her. Yachiru gave her a hug and gave her a bright smile as she wrapped her arms around the dark haired woman. Riko sat up, giving a wide grin before she rubbed the small fukutaicho's head. Man, it felt like forever since she saw her, including the third and fifth seat. Standing up she grunted when Ikkaku slapped a hand to her shoulder, sending him a scowl.
"Aw, don't look like that," Ikkaku said mockingly, wrapping his arms around her and patting her head while cooing. The scowl on her face grew. "We only came to check if ya were gettin' along with everyone here." He said, pointing to the ninth division.
"I haven't gotten a strike yet. I'm doing good." Riko said proudly, a glint in her eyes as she smirked.
"...Strike?" Yumichika enquired.
"Don't ask."
"Came ta talk." Kenpachi rumbled, walking up to the woman, sending the other three a glare.
They scoffed lightly, while Yachiru gave a thumbs up, taking the message and turning to head for the gates to wait there. Riko stared at them, her lips thinning out before she cleared her throat and glanced at the tall man. Kenpachi glared down at her, receiving a frown of confusion, remembering how her son of a bitch father reacted. Did he really think he could kill him? He snorted lightly, causing the woman to frown and raise an eyebrow.
"What do you want?" Riko asked, taking a step back for safety precaution. "No kissing." She warned, pointing at the man threateningly.
He rolled his eyes. "I hear ya," He scoffed lightly, crossing his arms and frowning. "I want to start over."
Riko blinked and frowned. "Start over?" She asked, receiving a nod. "...Start over what?" She quirked a brow and made a face.
Kenpachi growled lightly. "Us."
"Oh, there's an us?" Riko asked mockingly, raising her eyebrows slightly and giving the man a bland stare. "All I know, Zaraki Taicho, is that I was the woman you only kept beside you for one purpose!" She snapped, rolling her eyes. "And that purpose was..." She paused for a long moment.
"...I'm waiting." Kenpachi rumbled, giving the woman a glare.
"...Sex!" Riko gave a victorious grin, leaping from the man and pointing at him as if she got it.
He scoffed lightly. "Ya made me laugh, so I kept ya around. This had nothin' ta do with that," He ignored the incredulous stare on the woman's face. "You kept my attention longer than any woman ever has."
Riko gave him a flat look and pointed behind herself with her thumb. "What about Kusajishi fukutaicho?"
"She's different."
"Suuuuure, she is," She rolled her eyes. "Zaraki Taicho... what the hell would we even do?!" Riko snapped, hunching up her shoulders and scowling. "I stayed at your division and we didn't even do anything! Sure, I cleaned, but c'mon, what we had was nothing." She waved her hand and crossed her arms. "...Though if we had something I don't know." She shrugged lightly.
A guarded expression crossed her face when a smirk crossed his, taking a step back when he came closer. She... really didn't like that look on his face. She widened her eyes, eyebrows still puled together, continuing to step back when he walked closer. A quick glance around told her a few people were in the courtyard, and all their attention was on them. Dammit! Turning, she opened her mouth to snap at him, freezing when he grabbed her chin and leaned down until his face was close to hers, tilting her face towards his.
"I said I was gonna win ya back, didn't I?" Kenpachi asked as he gave a smirk. He moved closer and ran his tongue across her mouth, causing her to freeze up and widen her eyes impossibly wide. "So that's what I'm gonna do. Who cares if we didn't call our relationship somethin'?" He moved back and raised an eyebrow as his smirk grew, her expression looking quite stunned. "An' takin' yer virginity is gonna be a little prize for my efforts."
A pained yell sounded throughout the courtyard when Riko pulled her fist back and rammed it into his face, her face bright red with embarrassment.
He held his eye, anger written all over his face. "Is that a yes?" Kenpachi asked while removing his hand, sending the woman a dark glare.
"...Fine." Riko grumbled, crossing her arms and looking away. She couldn't deny that she was a little flattered for his efforts. "But no kiss-!"
She didn't get a chance to finish. She let out a squeal when she was grabbed, spun around, and dipped backgrounds, grabbing onto the Taicho when he leaned her back, looking up with wide eyes before she was caught in a passionate kiss. Kenpachi moved back, smirking when she looked dazed. He soon cursed out loud when she punched the same eye, dropping her to the ground and growling lowly.
Oh, god!
Kayo hid around the corner, eyes wide and lips thinned out. Why was he there?! Biting her lip she peeked around the corner once more, growing more frightened when she saw Hitsugaya Taicho standing in the courtyard of the thirteenth division. She screwed her eyes shut and muttered a curse word, which was rare. She didn't want to see him right now. Reopening her eyes she took a deep, calming breath before she walked into the courtyard. Ignoring the smile that crossed his face when he saw her she walked up to him, biting her lip and staring at the ground.
"Hitsugaya Taicho..." Kayo murmured, nodding curtly.
"Kayo," Hitsugaya said, gazing at her with soft eyes. Slight anger coursed through her, though she quickly squashed it. He had no right to be staring at her with those eyes! "I would like to talk with you."
She lowered her gaze to the ground and slowly nodded. She soon gasped out loud in surprise when he grabbed her wrist and dragged her around the building, heading for the shadows and making sure no one was around. He turned around and faced her, seeing her stagger back when he released her. Kayo sighed and furrowed her brows, looking up to see the Taicho gazing at her intensely.
"Kayo, I am sorry for everything," Hitsugaya said, frowning slightly when he saw the doubt in the blonde's eyes. "I did not want to transfer you." He said, holding his hands out towards himself. "But I will take responsibility for not trying to argue for you to stay."
"You should!" Kayo said, narrowing her eyes and frowning.
"I do take responsibility," He said, closing his eyes and sighing. "but seeing as you are already here I cannot take you back." Hitsugaya frowned when her expression grew sad, looking at the ground with furrowed eyebrows. "To the tenth division." He clarified. "And if I could, Kayo, I wish none of this could have happened and you would still be at the tenth division."
Kayo continued to stare at the ground. "Then I wouldn't have been able to experience this." She murmured.
A confused look crossed Hitsugaya's face, frowning slightly. "What... do you mean?"
"My... Those people I had lived with in the Rukongai were cruel to me," Kayo murmured lightly, furrowing her eyebrows slightly. Hitsugaya's anger started growing, remembering some of the stories she had told about her "family." She bit her lip. "I never got to experience a lot of stuff while I was with them. After I left I finally made a friend, with Kaori."
Hitsugaya gave a nod, remembering when she said she begged the noble family to let her work for them. Given her appearance they thought she would make a wonderful little helper for their daughter. Whose name was Kaoru at the time, if he was correct.
"And then I met Riko after we ran away from Kaori's family, when they tried to marry her off," Kayo frowned at the thought. To this day Kaori still had a little grudge against her family for that. "Then we ran from that family..." She blushed lightly. "We wandered the Rukongai, trying to live together. Then thirty years later we tried to get into the academy." She let out a little sigh. "We failed two times, but we managed to get in together."
He watched as a bright smile crossed her face, making him give a small smile.
"I got to experience many things! I became the top student in Hakuda, I failed and I made accomplishments! I never got to do this is the Rukon. I made friends with Matsumoto fukutaicho and look at all the things I did!" If possible the smile on her face became even more cheerful. "I got the name of my zanpakuto, I became the twelfth seat of the tenth division, I did so many things I was proud of~!"
Watching her look so happy made the smile on his face grow, including the fondness in his eyes. She suddenly blushed lightly and looked at the ground.
"I-I also got to experience how it was to have a..." She cleared her throat. "...a boyfriend." Avoiding his stare she looked elsewhere. "I got to feel how it was when you were close and how fast my heart would beat." At this she placed a hand on her chest, closing her eyes and smiling. "I was... happy when I was with you, happier than I ever was." She looked up and gave the Taicho a smile as she furrowed her eyebrows. "I was so happy when you would smile at me."
Hitsugaya didn't know whether or not to hug her, so he settled for taking a step closer and nodding with a smile.
"But then we got the order..." Kayo's eyes became sad once more, which made the Taicho cringe. "...while it may have been awful for me and my friends I got to feel something different. I was hurt, but it was different than how I usually felt things." He expression became confused. "I didn't know what to make of it, but I figured it must be how everyone feels after they break up."
Why did she have to continue to talk about that issue? He nodded, trying to keep the stern look on his face.
"Because of everyone I met I got to experience so many things!" Kayo smiled once more, grabbing the Taicho's hands, which caused him to jump lightly. "I got to experience love-" She froze, eyes growing wide.
Hitsugaya widened his eyes slightly, his face turning red when she quickly took two steps back. Her face burned with embarrassment. Ignoring it, he walked forward and wrapped his arms around her, causing her to go rigid and stutter why he was holding her.
"I want to win your trust back, Kayo," Hitsugaya murmured, hearing the woman give a squeak. "Please..."
She was quiet for a long time, probably close to ten minutes(he had a lot of patience) but she eventually gave a nod. His breath hitched before his arms tightened around her, giving a smile and nodding as she confirmed a second time they would be trying again.
"But you need to give me space."
"Of course."
"...Hitsugaya Taicho, I'm serious, I'm getting a little claustrophobic!"
"I-I'm sorry!"
Hijo hit the ground, staying still before pushing himself up. His eyes flicked upwards, seeing Tadashi making his way towards him, fury radiating off of him. Many people stood around, all staring at the two as the skies turned red and orange. None dared to make any noise, in case they attracted the attention. Rei and Koichi were being treated by some of the people, both hissing as they wounds were touched.
"You went against my orders!" Tadashi hissed, glaring down at the man. "After I had warned you!"
Blinking twice he merely tilted his head. "So?"
"Not only did you ignore my orders, you went to the Seireitei and attacked! Without my knowledge!" Tadashi narrowed his eyes dangerously. "You also killed one of my warriors!"
"He tried to kill what was mine," Hijo calmly replied, large eyes trained onto the man. "Was I not supposed to kill him?"
"No!" Tadashi was absolutely livid. "I should kill you here and now!"
Hijo blinked, getting up to his feet and brushing off the dust and glancing at the blood. People were slowly moving away, watching as the white haired man walked towards the noble. Tadashi narrowed his eyes, not moving even when Hijo stood in front of him. Slowly, the mentally unstable of the two leaned forward, giving a wide smile as his eyes grew.
"But, Reta... you need me," Hijo purred, a dark chuckle sending shivers up everyone's spines. "If it wasn't for me... your brother and his fighters would not be out right now. If you kill me... they go back in. And you won't... get to talk... with your brother..." He gave a wide grin.
"If I were you I would watch myself, Hijoshikina!" Tadashi hissed, hands clenched by his sides. "Do not test my patience."
"Mmm..." Hijo narrowed his eyes as his grin grew more dark. "Watch myself? Against you?" He threw his head back and started cackling, causing everyone in the area to flinch and move back. "And you should not forget, Reta, who is the stronger out of the two of us!" Reaching forward and pointed directly in the noble's face. "If I want, Reta... I can kill you right... now."
Tadashi didn't react when a blade was suddenly close to his face, glaring at the white haired man. Hijo blinked and looked to the side, as if thinking. After a moment he retracted his sword, turning and walking away as he put a finger to his bottom lip.
"But if I kill you... then I won't have a reason to go to the Seireitei, and I won't get to see Nojima..." He paused and turned around swiftly, his eyes glowing as he stared at the noble. He pointed his sword back at the noble. "But if I kill you now, then I would finally get what I wanted when I joined you..."
"...And what is it that you want?" Tadashi asked, sword held tightly in his hand.
"...Freedom..."
At this everyone raised their heads and looked towards the white haired man, all their eyes wide with shock. Those that were around the area knew what he was speaking of and were stunned after the words left his mouth. Rei and Koichi stared at him with surprise and shock, both glancing at one another before looking back. Hijo tilted his head and gave a wide grin, pointing his sword at the man. Tadashi glanced at the blade before looking back at the eyes of the man that frightened him more than anyone.
"Hm... I guess you aren't as heartless as you seem," Tadashi murmured, hearing the man giggle across from him. He raised his head and stayed silent for a moment. "...If you help me with this..." He gave a cruel smirk. "...then you will get what you want."
"How do I know you're not lying to me?" Hijo asked, keeping his sword in place.
"You don't."
They stayed silent, gazing at one another.
Finally...
A smile crossed Hijo's face, removing his sword.
"Okay, I'll help you," Hijo said, receiving a small laugh from the man. "But if you are lying to me, Reta... I'll still get what I want." He narrowed his eyes and grinned. "I'll kill you and take it... They get what they want," He held his hand out towards the hundreds of people in the field. "And I... get to kill you." He snickered lightly.
"Until then," Tadashi narrowed his eyes and frowned. "...you will continue your punishment." He said, moving his sword lightly. Hijo's eyes flicked towards it, his eyes growing hard for a moment. "I am still missing a warrior, after all." He said, referring to Mitsuo.
Hijo gave a slow blink before his lips curved into a smile.
"Remember, Reta..." He leaned to one side and tilted his head as he smirked. "...make it hurt." He giggled darkly. "'Cause I can take anything from you~! After all," He twirled around and held his arms out, seeming to dance to a song only he could hear. "You're not your brother~!"
Tadashi's eyes grew colder. "I intend to make it hurt."
I wonder why platypuses lay eggs? 0.o It may be a random question, but I'm very curious. XD
April 15, 2013