A/N I thank anyone for reading. Much appreciated. X3
Chibi-Onee-chan – Yeah, he does sound like a kid. He needs a childish voice... Need to think of a voice. XD
Dina Sana – Well, I didn't update soon, but I updated. :D
DreamingInThePast – I've never heard that saying before. :o It's so very cool. :D Can't start a house from the roof... :) 'Cause it would just topple over. X3 He might just do that. XD Tetsuya being oblivious is one of his strong points. XD Renta always wanted to be an uncle. XD She'll have more attempts at getting him to see Seika as a love interest. XD You'll actually see Nikito's observation of Shiko when he had been living in the Seireitei. :D
Byakuya is so sly. XD That's how he can be sometimes. XD
Seika and Renta would be devastated if they found out. D: And yes! :D Nikito just needs to find his resolve! And he will find it! :D
He crossed over and lost all common sense and his memories. :( And yes, they needed to teach him more about common sense. XD I also wouldn't mind that happening, either. :D
I hear the voice coming from Nikito now. XD When he's being all suave and whatnot. :3
StarTime101 – My favourite at the moment has to be Byakuya and Kaori. XD Just love Kaori being all grouchy around him. X3 Yep, Nikito is getting a little annoying with his pity-me attitude. :( And things will be funny! :D 'Cause funny is my thing! X3
DeathKnight KiraKira – You wanna give Hijo a hug?! D: That's a first. :D I'm sure he'd love it. X3
DemonVermin – Fitting Nojima... Maybe, just maybe. :] He would be so happy if Tadashi out-lived his purpose. X3 Yes, it's all in the hunt. Don't give up, Kenpachi! :D Kaori being childish... we all love it. X3 Kayo's trying her best. :D
arabella15 – I laughed when I saw the "wiggles eyebrows suggestively." XD Thanks for reviewing. X3
I rarely ever dream of stuff I like, which very much sucks, but I dreamed about Bleach... about Byakuya in a cat costume. O.o I have no idea why. XD Then again, you can't control your dreams... Though I heard that you can, but it's hard for me. X3
Now I hear that Garrus voice coming from Nikito. XD
And now have you ever heard of Knock Out from Transformers Prime? :D That's Shiko's voice. X3
But aw, went from eleven or ten reviews to seven. :( Not much of a difference, but more reviews made me writer. DX But I also write 'cause I love this group and I love writing. :D Seriously, you can do anything with writing~! :D I loves it. X3
Disclaimer – I do not own Bleach.
Warning – Swearing.
-:-
"The fuck're you doin'?"
Ichirou blinked, quirking a brow and staring down at the twins. They had gotten two tables(from where, he didn't know) and they had grabbed three blankets and hung them across the tables. It kind of looked like a fort to him. They both turned and stared up at him, both grinning. Zenaku was laying on his futon, sighing and grumbling about being told to lay down. Joshi went to talk to the Soutaicho, and Rina, Shiko, and Nojima went to get food. He had went to take a piss, which confused the hell out of him since he was gone for only five minutes. How did they get the tables inside so fast?
"We're making a house," Renzo answered, giving a wide grin. "I'm the husband, and Reizo is my brother."
"...If yer the husband, who's the wife?" Ichirou quirked a brow.
"Nikito."
His eyebrows rose, staring down at the two in shock. Reizo motioned inside the "house" with a grin. Frowning, the tall man bent down, quirking a brow when he saw Nikito sitting cross-legged under the blankets with a flat look on his face, his head lowered so he didn't touch the material.
"Do you like my house?" Nikito asked flatly, narrowing his eyes and scowling. "...Save me." Meaning he wanted the twins to leave him.
Ichirou blinked. "You know what ya should do," He turned and smirked at the twins. "Get Nojima to play."
Their eyes lit up, both jumping and running towards the door with grins on their faces. Ichirou rolled his eyes and sighed, peering inside to see Nikito crawling towards the exit. Once he was out he let out a sigh, sitting down once more and staring at the wall. Looking up his eyes grew cold when he saw Ichirou staring at his wrists.
"...Get off my lawn," Nikito said, seeing the man send him a stunned stare. "You're on my lawn." He looked pointedly at the man's foot on the blanket that was on the floor.
Ichirou frowned and removed his foot, seeing Nikito look at his hands.
"I hope my husband comes back soon... I want to get laid."
Ichirou and Zenaku sent him horrified stares, the latter paling tremendously. There was nothing but silence in the room as the two tall men looked very... uncomfortable.
"...That was a joke," Nikito said, sending the two a flat stare. "Are you unable to tell apart a statement from a joke?" The two scowled and sent him glares.
He stood up and walked towards the opposite side of the wall to open the window. Bending down he rested his chin on the windowsill, closing his eyes and feeling the breeze hit his face. The door opened, Nojima scowling while he held two trays with the twins dragging him and yelling that they wanted him to be the "grumpy uncle." Shiko and Rina walked in, both smirking at the sight of the twins shoving Nojima into the fort.
"It's nice to watch the kids play," Shiko chuckled lightly and raised an eyebrow. "Having fun, Nojima?"
"Be quiet."
"I'll take that as a yes."
"C'mon wifey," Renzo said, giving a wide grin before he started dragging the grey haired man towards the fort. Nikito frowned with a flat look in his eyes as he was dragged across the floor. "I want you to cook me dinner~!"
"You're taking this too far." Nikito said, being dragged under the blankets.
"Shuddap and make my dinner... Or bring it to me, it's that tray right beside you... Thanks."
"What shall your wife do now?" Was the sarcastic reply.
"If you're not a homophobic, like Zenaku... wanna kiss?"
Without another word Nikito crawled out from the fort and walked away with a frown. Zenaku started snickering, seeing the grey haired man go back to the window and bend down to his knees. Once again resting his chin on the windowsill he decided to ignore the snickering from the twins. The door opened, everyone turning from the trays, or window, to see Kayo peer inside with a bright red face. The twins stuck their heads out and grinned.
"Kayo-chan~!" They yelled, waving as she stepped into the room.
"G-Good afternoon," Kayo murmured, looking at the floor while she shut the door behind herself. "U-Uh... I..."
"Wanna be the baby?" Reizo asked, giving a wide grin. "Renzo's wife just left him, so... he got left with the baby."
Kayo sent them a confused stare while they started snickering at the glare that was given to them by the 'wife.' Her eyes slowly slid over towards the scarred man, seeing him looking incredibly bored while he laid against the stack of pillows. Shiko was sitting beside him, good. She walked over, desperately trying to ignore the curious eyes trained onto her. She sat down and put her hands on her legs, biting her lip and blushing profusely.
"You know who's a good person?!" Kayo blurted out, smiling brightly when both Zenaku and Shiko's eyes slid towards her. "S-Seika! She's a nice person!"
"...Is she?" The brunette raised an eyebrow curiously.
"...Who?" Zenaku quirked a brow.
"S-Seika is the third seat of the tenth division?" The confused look remained. Kayo bit her lip and looked down before she raised her eyes. "She's the woman... that kicked you between your legs?"
Zenaku's look immediately soured while Shiko started chuckling. She reached up to cover her mouth and furrowed her eyebrows, hearing him mutter under his breath what he would do to her if she wasn't a woman. Even saying he would punch her until she fell unconscious. No! He's not supposed to feel like that!
"U-Uh, she's incredibly nice!" Kayo gave a nervous smile, seeing his attention go to her. "She looks out for people, and... she says she... likes your scars..." She murmured, looking up to see him frown. "S-She wanted me to ask where you got most of them."
"She wants ta know she can ask herself." Zenaku scoffed lightly and crossed his arms.
"B-But aren't you mad at her?" She asked quietly, lowering her head when he frowned and stared at her. "S-She's a little hesitant to walk up to you and ask."
"She's right, Zenaku," Shiko said smoothly as he turned and smiled. "Maybe you should give her a chance."
Zenaku scoffed lightly. "Fine! The next time she approaches, and that is if she doesn't whisper any more of those things, I'll listen and answer questions!" He glared ahead and scowled, mumbling under his breath.
Kayo gave a bright smile, clapping her hands together. Yay~! That didn't mean anything, but to Seika it would mean the world~! She closed her eyes and imagined them together, pausing when she couldn't imagine it. She'd have to see them, then. Reopening her eyes she jumped lightly when she saw Shiko smirking at her with his arms crossed over his chest, raising an eyebrow slowly. Why... was he staring at her like that?
"...Please, Kayo-chan... I'm not oblivious," Shiko murmured quietly, leaning in close and giving a charming smile. "If something horrible happens to Zenaku... I'm placing your friend as the one responsible." He purred into her ear, causing her to widen her eyes and shiver.
"C'mon, baby~!" Renzo squealed, picking her up and giving a bright smile. "Time to eat~! I can't believe your mother left us!" He wiped imaginary tears from his face.
Before Kayo could mutter and 'eh?' he was bringing her under the "house." Renzo had to grin when he saw Nikito sending him a light glare. Where they got the bib from, she didn't know. She looked down and blushed profusely, staring at the bib they put around her. The twins cooed and smiled brightly while Nojima ate quietly with a frown on his face.
"Oi, wifey," Ichirou called out, smirking when the grey haired man turned and sent him a glare. "Don't ya think ya should take yer husband back?" He played along.
"I miss you, my sweet, beautiful wife~!" Came the response from the "house."
"No... He used me too much for my looks." Nikito pretended to flip his hair, which had everyone in the room snickering.
"Are you okay, Nikito?" Rina asked, sending the man a warm smile.
Nikito looked back outside. "...Yes... Just... wasn't thinking," They could all tell he was lying. "It won't happen again."
"Better fuckin' not!" Zenaku snarled, sending the man a glare.
"Psssha! As if my beautiful, little wife would do that!"
"...I'm divorcing you, Renzo." Nikito said, staring outside with a scowl.
"NOOOOO!"
Kaori rested her elbow on the table, looking away with a scowl while her father and Byakuya spoke to each other. Mariko sent her daughter a smile, eyebrows furrowed as she tried to look sympathetic. Frankly, she also looked amused. She crossed her arms and grumbled, looking very much like a pouting child than an adult. She survived on her own for more than thirty years—with the help of her friends—so she was not a kid! Stupid... nobles... She was suddenly the centre of three disapproving stares, which made her furrow her brows and frown.
Did she say that out loud?
"Yes," Kenta sent her a flat stare, making her cringe. "Kaori, at least pretend you are enjoying yourself."
"I'd enjoy myself if he wasn't here." She grumbled, sitting straighter and glaring ahead.
"At least I am trying," Byakuya replied, eyes closed and sitting like the perfect role model. He was suddenly sent a dark glare. "If you do not start trying I will start to think you do not like me." He opened his eyes and sent her a sly smile.
Kaori sputtered, eyes wide and eyebrows pulled together. "...Well, gee, I wonder why?!" She snapped sarcastically, scowling when his smile grew. "Oh! Oh! Maybe it has something to do with the fact that you, oh, I don't know... DEMOTED ME!" She yelled in his face.
"You can always work your way back up." He replied, still smiling.
"Huh! HUH! Me?! ME?! Work my way back up?!" Kaori rolled her eyes dramatically. "C'mon, man! I'm weak! I can't do shit-"
"Kaori!"
"Stuff!" She quickly corrected, grinning apologetically at her frowning mother. "I'm gonna be at the bottom of the food chain for the rest of my unnatural life!" She paused and looked to the side before looking back. "And c'mon, you gotta admit we live unnaturally long lives. Not that I'm complaining or anything, but still, imagine if a human saw us and asked us our age? We'd be going, 'Oh, I was around while you were just sperm! Don't mind that we look about the same age, we're just like that.'" She waved her hand and smirked.
"...I love how your daughter goes off topic from time to time." Byakuya commented, reaching for his tea once more.
"...Sperm?" Kenta delicately raised an eyebrow.
"Um..." Kaori cleared her throat and looked away, clicking her tongue. "W-What was I saying...? Oh, yeah... Demoted me!" She held her hands towards herself and glared at the man beside her. "Demoted me, and you're asking why I'm mad?! Were you asking if I was mad?" She asked quickly, raising an eyebrow curiously, apparently forgetting what he had said.
"He had said he would start thinking you do not like him and you went on with your... rant." Mariko said, giving an amused smile.
"Oh... Well, why wouldn't you think I didn't like you?! For your awesome personality?" Kaori gave a mock thumbs up and a wink. "For your looks?! Or how about the fact that you don't show your emotions! Or do you not know what emotions are?! They're what people feel and show it on their faces! Which you don't do!" She pointed at him. "And wipe that smile off your face before I do it for you!"
Byakuya continued to smile, moving back when her hand struck out—she wasn't kidding. "No matter how much you try to push me back, Kaori, I will not give up," He gave a gentle smile, seeing her pause while her arm moved back for another strike. "I will continue to gain your trust even if it takes years."
Mariko and Kenta smiled, both glancing at their daughter to see her face turn red before she scowled.
"Doesn't change anything...! Doesn't... change anything..." She crossed her arms and slumped, glaring ahead with a scowl.
"Why do you not just forgive him, Kaori? He is giving patience and love." Kenta raised an eyebrow and smirked.
"Well... I started looking him over," Kaori held her hand out and motioned towards him. Byakuya raised an eyebrow at the statement. "And he's... Well... Don't like some of the stuff he does." She looked away and frowned.
"People that love each other accept each others faults," Kenta said with closed eyes. "I am asking you, Kaori... to not fuck this up."
Everyone sent him stunned stares, his daughter dropping her jaw and gawking. Mariko covered her mouth at the same time her shoulders started shaking, eyes closed with a wide smile across her face.
"You have went through many interactions, especially ones that judged you," Kenta frowned and narrowed his eyes, his expression growing much colder. He knew about the judgements people had placed on his daughter when they learned she had romantic relations with the Taicho. "but you overcame them."
"Yeah, went through many interactions... especially a gay one." Kaori grumbled, looking to the side with a red face.
"Excuse me?" Kenta frowned and sent his daughter a confused stare.
"Nothing." Like hell she was telling him what went on in the hot springs.
"He loves you, Kaori," Byakuya didn't even bat an eyelash, while the redhead, on the other hand, blushed profusely and scowled. "Why do you not just forgive him and try to fix your relationship?"
"...Not easy." Kaori grumbled, looking away with a frown.
Byakuya furrowed his brows slightly, reaching over and placing his hand over hers. She twitched before she left her hand where it was, refusing to meet his gaze while her parents glanced at one another. The head of the Kuchiki clan frowned and tightened his grip slightly, looking at the table top. How can he fix this...? He seemed to sigh before looking up with a determined shine in his eyes.
He supposed he needed one of their help again.
"...I didn't mean to say sperm," Kaori said, pouting and looking forward with a scowl. "I was just rambling."
He paused before smirking. "Either that or you were hinting at something."
She looked at him and frowned in confusion before her eyes snapped wide open. "Like hell I was talking about getting pregnant!" She removed her hand and scrambled away from him, hiding her 'vital' areas like she was expecting him to do the deed right there.
"In time." Byakuya smiled, seeing her parents start grinning.
"The hell does that mean?!"
"Are they close to trainin' yet?"
"Why're you asking me?"
Renji turned his head and frowned, seeing Iba shrug at his response. So he had no one else to ask? Why not ask anyone that was associated with them? Like those guards. Or heck, even Kaori! She was friends with that girl that was friends with them. Or they thought of her as family, he didn't know. So the redhead was bound to know something. Hisagi walked next to them, crossing his arms and frowning slightly.
"Weren't three of them seriously injured?" He asked, gaining their attention before they shrugged. "So it would be a while before they train again."
"But then what 'bout the others? They would have to start trainin' by now, right?" Iba asked, raising an eyebrow curiously.
"Maybe they're waiting for the three to heal, I don't know?" Renji shrugged and scowled. "Why? Why do you wanna know?"
"I just wanna make sure they're at a hundred percent 'fore that crazy bastard comes back," Iba shuddered and made a face. "Even if it's been about three days I still get scared shitless from that guy." He crossed his arms and frowned. "I mean... no one could look that scary. No one. Not even Zaraki Taicho."
"I made a little observation while he was here," Hisagi looked up and frowned. "Seems like he uses his eyes to his advantage."
"What?" Renji glanced at him, all three walking down the street. Kira was going to meet up with them just down the street.
"His eyes are just yellow-yellow, they're not hazel like everyone else'. It's like he shocks his opponents and goes for the killing blow."
"Then that means that the scary one of the group uses his eyes, too, wouldn't it?" Iba asked, frowning slightly. "The shortest guy? His eyes are blue, normal colour for eyes, yet he can still scare people with just a look. Maybe he uses something else to his advantage?"
"Maybe he uses his craziness," Renji scowled and scoffed lightly, putting his hands into his pockets. "Who cares what we think? Central Forty-six gave the orders. No one touches the intruders with the exception of the prisoners." He frowned and narrowed his eyes. "I just want that bastard dead."
"Why?" Hisagi asked, glancing at the redhead curiously.
"He hurt Kaori," Renji clenched his hands and sighed. "I wasn't even in the area, too."
"Who cares?!"
They blinked and turned their heads, raising their eyebrows when they saw Ichigo walking towards them with a smirk. The orange haired man raised his arm and greeted them, receiving greetings in return. Renji and Ichigo clapped hands, both smirking at one another.
"All that matters is that she's alive, isn't it?" Ichigo gave a smirk. "Byakuya helped her, and it's over. All that needs to be done is getting that guy."
"I'm surprised, though, Kurosaki," Hisagi said, giving a small frown. "Why didn't you help them when he came in here with those three?"
Ichigo scowled. "That guy—that Nikito—told me that if I tried to help they would attack me," He crossed his arms, seeing the three fukutaichos send him stunned stares. "After that their leader—Tetsuya—came in and was struggling to stand up."
"So what'll you do the next time they come?" Renji asked, continuing down the street with a frown.
"I dunno, I managed to get more time from work," Ichigo rubbed the back of his head and frowned. "but I guess I'll try to help next time, whether they want it or not." He narrowed his eyes and glared down at the ground, pursing his lips and humming. "But... I'm gonna go to the Rukongai."
"Wha-? Why?" Iba stopped and faced him, frowning in confusion.
"Hm? No reason." Ichigo shrugged and continued on. Like hell no reason.
"Why're you goin'?" Renji stopped walking and frowned, narrowing his eyes and sending his friend a firm stare.
Ichigo stopped, his back facing them. "I've just... been sensing some stuff," He turned, receiving confused stares. "From the Rukon. I'm just going to go investigate. Chances are that it's nothing." He gave a wide smirk.
"Hey, Ichigo," Renji raised his hands and frowned. "With that guy on the loose it's better not going out there on your own."
"What do you suggest?" Ichigo raised an eyebrow and smirked, having a feeling where this was going.
Renji grinned. "I'm goin' with you."
Byakuya raised his head, staring at the sky. Mid-day. He was there for most of the morning and noon. Turning, he saw Kaori stomping after him with a scowl. She pointed at him, as if the act was threatening, and walked by. Lightly shaking his head he walked after her. Most of the walk was quiet, which wasn't surprising since she stayed ahead of him the entire time. His eyes grew pained when she immediately walked towards the eighth division, and it shouldn't have hurt him since she belonged here now.
"Well, uh... bye?" Kaori frowned and raised an eyebrow. "...We're not supposed to kiss goodbye, right?"
"Not unless you want to-"
"Then goodbye!" She raised her arm and turned, walking into the courtyard. She turned and waved once more.
He raised his arm slightly and waved back. Though he actually paused when she gave a smirk when she saw the action, seeing her turn and walk back towards the building with a little skip in her step. She got happy because he waved? Pausing, he turned, walking down the street in silence. She said she did not like it when he did not show what he felt... Hitsugaya Taicho had said that his partner had yet to see him, which was making him a little worried.
Zaraki... He didn't care.
Odds are he was the most blunt of them and was already making use of the fact that woman took him back.
But... Kaori was talking to him... and that's all that mattered.
Looking up he paused and narrowed his eyes, seeing one of the prisoners walking down the street with a guard following. Both were talking quietly, the brunette smirking and the blonde responding with a curious look on his face. And look who it is, Byakuya thought dryly. It was the man that tried to fix the relationship.
Well, it worked... a little.
Shiko looked up and smirked, raising his arm in a greeting. "Good afternoon..." He blinked.
"Kuchiki Taicho." Ryu filled him in helpfully.
"Kuchiki Taicho~!" Shiko repeated happily, pausing before blinking in surprise. "A Kuchiki? Really? I'll be damned." He chuckled in amusement.
"You went on this long without learning his name?" Ryu sent him a flat stare. "He's a Kuchiki! He's important!"
"To other nobles, not to me," Shiko sent him a smirk before grinning at the Taicho. "Good afternoon, going for a walk?"
Byakuya remained silent, giving him a cold stare. Shiko delicately raised an eyebrow while his grin dimmed down to a smirk. The brunette sighed and shook his head with a smile, muttering that he shouldn't take walks if it meant meeting such cold men. Ryu frowned and nudged him, sending him a glare when the laid back man scowled.
"Well, I bid you a good day, Kuchiki Taicho," Shiko smirked. "And since you have a famous name I'll be sure to remember it." He tried to walk around the man.
"I require..." The brunette stopped and turned, raising an eyebrow curiously at the almost uncomfortable look that crossed Byakuya's face. "...your help."
"My help...?" Shiko crossed his arms and gave a smirk, looking towards the guard and giving a nod. "Give us a moment, Ryu. I have a feeling this required 'help' does not need the attention of another." The guard huffed and turned, walking away before he leaned against the wall. "Now what is it you need help with, Kuchiki Taicho?"
"It is Kaori," Byakuya said, looking up and staring into the man's eyes, feeling the need to frown when he saw nothing but amusement. "She is talking to me..."
"...But...?" Shiko leaned forward with a smirk.
"She is rather... hostile, at the moment," Byakuya did frown this time when the smirk grew into a toothy grin. "If I am correct, you are injured."
"Aw, are you worried, Kuchiki Taicho?" Shiko cooed, leaning forward until he was directly in the noble's face. The Taicho narrowed his eyes a fraction, but did not move. "I'm not used to staying still. I feel it's better to start exercising rather than staying still." Moving back he gave a smirk. "So, I take it she's still not happy."
Byakuya didn't respond, continuing to gaze coldly at the man. The smirk grew until the brunette shrugged and looked away with a smile.
"Hmm... No trust," Shiko murmured as he looked to the side. "Still wary..."
"Wary?" Byakuya questioned.
"I'm suspecting she's still expecting you to... give up on her," Shiko chuckled lightly and raised his eyebrows slightly. "Do you know the situation of the others?"
"Hitsugaya Taicho has yet to hear from his... girlfriend." Byakuya frowned at the use of the word. He wasn't used to saying it.
"...Hitsugaya Taicho?"
"He is the short one."
"Ah!" Shiko grinned and nodded. "And I'm guessing the brash of the bunch is being more forward. I have noticed Riko was... tense." He shrugged lightly. "Most likely sexual frustration, but still..." He paced back and forth, either not noticing or ignoring the shocked look from the Taicho. "So, you need to regain her trust. How you will do it, I have no idea, but..." He paused and hummed lightly.
Byakuya frowned when the brunette glanced at him from the side of his eyes with a serious gleam in his irises. Why did he have that look? Silence covered the area, both ignoring the guard when he lit up a cigarette. Humming lightly, the sides of the brunette's mouth curved upwards.
"I... will speak with them," Shiko smirked lightly and turned, walking down the street. "Good day, Kuchiki Taicho."
"Speak?"
"Oh, it's nothing," He turned around while walking backwards, giving a charming smile. "I'm just... going to tell a story."
The confused look remained on Byakuya face while the prisoner walked down the street. Story...?
Nikito raised his eyes to the sky, furrowing his brows and frowning. Silence covered the area, nothing but cicadas singing and people walking around quietly. Standing on the roof he kept his eyes on the orange-red skies. Hideo was down below, keeping guard in case he did... something else. Raising his hand he stared at the sky, keeping his gaze locked with it for a moment.
It would have felt great to feel that connection...
But now he felt nothing...
No Joshi. No Riko. No nothing.
Putting his hands on his head and closed his eyes tightly. He did not want to feel like this. They all gave him those looks... Those looks of pity and disappointment. Two years before it had been looks of anger and hatred, and the years before that complete loathing. Reta-sama had always smiled at him, but when he explained why he had retrieved Ichirou he looked so disappointed. He had injured the tall man and brought him to the manor, which made many of the occupants confused. And Joshi's orders were to heal him, and that's what he had done.
"I would like to hear your plans before you go through with them," Tetsuya said, his back facing the shorter man. "What you did, Nikito..." He let out a sigh and lightly shook his head. "I will speak with him when he awakens."
"But, sir... you asked for fighters, and I gave one of them to you." Nikito said, eyebrows furrowed.
"...One of them...?" Tetsuya turned and frowned. "How many of them are there?"
He told him.
And he had received an even more disappointed look. He had been there... when he told Ichirou, he had been in the next room. The tall man had been raving, yelling that he wasn't supposed to be pronounced 'dead' in the Seireitei. He had yelled that he was going to go back and tell them he was still alive, and Joshi was not going to stop him. He then started talking. Ichirou had been angry, but he slowly grew quiet the longer Joshi spoke, listening to his words about trying to protect as many people as he could.
"The Seireitei finds out and they'll mark us as traitors." Ichirou had said.
"I am aware," Tetsuya smiled gently. "Will you accept my proposal, Murakami-san?"
"...Fine," Ichirou glared at the floor. He was silent for a long while before he finally spoke, as if to take away the silence. "This place is nice... Who built it?"
"I did~! Do you like it?" Tetsuya stood up and gave a bright smile.
"Holy—You're fuckin' tall!" Ichirou stumbled back, eyes wide with shock. "I-I mean, I'm usually tall, but... You're a fucking giant!"
Tetsuya laughed. "Yes, I am also aware that my height is a little abnormal," He paused and narrowed his eyes slightly. "I hope, Murakami-san, that you do not blame Nikito that you are now here." He held his hand out towards the building.
Ichirou growled. "Son of a bitch took me from my home! Of course I'm gonna fuckin' blame him!"
The other responses from the other fighters had been the same. They blamed him. Yelled angrily that he took them from their lives in the Seireitei. And every time Tetsuya had told him that it would be best if he did not meet them. He had arrived a few months after they arrived to their new homes... and every time those looks had appeared on their faces. Looks of complete and utter loathing. He took it and kept that smile on his face.
"I am sorry," Nikito smirked and raised an eyebrow. "I hope you forgive me."
Shiko had his back facing him. "...You're apologizing?" Nikito frowned slightly, seeing the brunette turn and smirk at him. "I do not blame you, Yamato-san. Though I have to say I'm quite angry that you hurt me just to bring me here, but... I have to thank you for taking me from that droll life." He waved his hand lightly and gave a bright grin. "It was rather boring."
"You don't blame him?!" Zenaku frowned at him, disbelief all over his face.
Blame... He was used to it.
Shiko laughed lightly, which shocked all the occupants in the room, including Tetsuya. "I lived a life I rather hated. Never any excitement. No fighting," He turned, eyes growing colder as he smirked. "I hated everyone that I met. So... why should I blame him?"
Shiko... did not blame him. Something that had confused him for months after that encounter. Then again, from what he had learned, Shiko had been telling the truth. He lived a life he hated. For the months he had observed the man it was one woman after another. Even the nights! One night after another it was a different woman. He had absolutely no respect for woman, and Nikito had guessed it was a woman that might have hurt his heart. But his life was boring to him, he had seen it in his eyes. He had been the head of his clan, a position he did not want.
Not one of his hardest cases, but he read his life like a book.
A simple but complex man.
But there had been a little bit of loathing in his eyes. Years later they had adjusted to their lives in the Rukongai, they even liked it. But every time he went to visit they gave him those looks. It took years, but they eventually started to respect Tetsuya, especially after they had seen the way he treated some of the people living in his home.
Nikito was an introvert—contrary to what people thought.
He had worked years by himself, and he had always took solo missions. Joshi knew this, and did not judge him for it. He did not force him to work with his group of fighters, and he doubted they would let him work with them. He was always by himself. Always alone. Then, years later... Ichirou found a baby.
Riko...
He met her when she was a baby, and she had stared up at him with those large eyes and smiled. His heart had stopped. Joshi had ordered him to watch her when the others weren't there, and he took it like any other job. But seeing her smile... that smile that had been for him...!
"You know, Riko... people hate me..." Nikito stared down at the small girl, seeing her tilt her head. "...People hate me everywhere... I don't know why... but they do." A rueful smile crossed his face. "Why?"
She babbled, reaching up and tugging on his hair.
"You know, it's a little sad," He tensed and turned, seeing one of the twins smiling at him. "So what if people hate you?" He held up a fist and grinned. "Just get through it and they'll start thinking you don't care!" He paused and frowned. "Is that how you feel with us?"
He hadn't answered.
He learned later that it had been Reizo that had asked the question, the more sentimental of the two twins. He should have known. Had it been Renzo he would have laughed that he had asked a baby such a question. After that Reizo started speaking to him every time he went to the manor, which made him brother frown every time. But after about three times, he started not to care. Nikito suspected that his brother told him about his little moment.
Rina had acted like she didn't care... Maybe she didn't. She was the smartest of the group—had been the smartest of her graduating class—so it wouldn't have surprised him if she figured out why he was so alone. He wasn't used to working with people.
Nojima... never cared. He accepted the proposal and had said what's done is done, there was nothing to change it. Every time the met he would nod and walk on.
Zenaku and Ichirou were the worst... They always glared at him at every chance they got, and always belittled him. He took it. Every little insult. Every little dirty look. Everything.
"Nikito, ya alright up there!"
"Yes!" Nikito called back, his voice breaking. He fell to his knees, shoulders shaking as he clenched his hands.
His analytical abilities had been impressive. All he had to do was look at a person and he could read them. Find out everything just by observing them. No one knew. They just thought he was any normal, average intellectual shinigami. He went to work, did what he was told, and was praised when he would complete a solo missions. They didn't know he could read them.
Shy...
Overconfident...
Commitment issues...
Dependent on someone..
Committed adultery...
Didn't trust others so easily...
Rapist...
Murderer...
Battle crazed...
Sociopath...
He read each and every person, and it had been his hobby. Just a mere hobby. His skills developed over the years and he had started to read people more, like an open book. All he had to do was turn a page and he could make an accurate guess on what they did in the past. And with those seven... he read them, and knew they were battle crazed.
Over the years... he's had to endure so much hate...
Nikito hit the roof, eyes blazing. He did not want to be so pathetic! Not anymore! He had wanted to be how he always was! Always confident, always making one hundred percent guesses. But to do that he needed to find out why he was like this! Think! Come on, think! He held his head, eyes screwed shut and teeth clenched together.
His eyes grew wide with realization, slowly lowering his hands as he stared at the roof...
"...I ruined so many lives..." Nikito murmured, furrowing his brows before frowning. "I..." He stood up and stumbled back. "I need something to give me back... a reason...!" He gave a frustrated sigh. "I need to forget... I need... a reason to keep fighting." He lowered his head and frowned. "...What... can I...?"
The person listening frowned.
"Oi, Nikito!"
He jumped and spun around, furrowing his brows. "Ichirou?" He cleared his throat. How sad... He couldn't even sense him standing there. "W-What can I do for you?"
"Joshi wanted ta know what ya were doin'," Raising an eyebrow he looked around the area. "I'll jus' tell him yer singin' ta the stars."
Nikito blinked before he gave a small smirk. "Yeah... tell my husband I'll sing to the stars instead than making 'sweet love' to him."
Ichirou barked a laugh, crossing his arms and grinning. "Yeah, I'll tell 'im that. Or better yet, you can," He shrugged lightly when he received a confused stare. "He's yer husband, after all." He smirked in amusement.
"Yes, unfortunately," Nikito commented dryly, rolling his eyes and huffing. "I have no idea what I ever saw in him." He drawled while shaking his head.
Ichirou's eyes lit up slightly, narrowing them just a fraction. "I'm surprised," At the confused stare a smirk crossed his face. "You sounded just like the old you just now."
Nikito blinked. "...I'm... sure..." He cleared his throat and nodded. "Shall we?"
The taller of the two shrugged and turned, both heading for the edge of the building. Once they jumped down and landed they turned towards Hideo, seeing the guard puffing on a cigarette with a bored look on his face. Though once he saw them he jumped and quickly put it out, pausing before he gave a grin. Ichirou scoffed before they started for the room.
"Just think of Riko." Ichirou said.
Nikito stopped and looked up, blinking with wide eyes. What...? He watched as the tall man walked down the hallway, furrowing his brows slightly. Was he trying...? No... Clearing his throat he continued forward once more.
"I don't like it."
Ichigo and Renji smirked, seeing Rukia glaring up at them with her arms crossed over her chest. They had gotten permission from the Soutaicho, and Byakuya, and now they were just telling Rukia they were going into the Rukon. She didn't like it that they weren't taking her. But if there was a chance of her getting hurt with that guy out there then she was going to stay. If she did go with them and Byakuya found out...
They paled at the thought.
"If that man is out there you two could get hurt." Rukia said, gazing at the two worriedly while they sat in the booth.
"It's alright, we got the greatest prodigy right here!" Renji grinned and clapped a hand onto the substitute shinigami's shoulder.
"Yeah, yeah." Ichigo sent him a flat stare.
"Ichigo, why do you want to go?" Rukia frowned while sending the orange haired man a hard stare. "And don't lie. You wouldn't go unless you knew something."
Ichigo frowned, glancing around the restaurant they were sitting in and leaned forward on his arms. "I've been sensing some... things going on, like someone was using their reiatsu non-stop for three days," At the curious stares he sighed. "It finally stopped today, so I went to the twelfth division to speak with someone. Akon said that they were monitoring the Rukon the entire time and that they also picked up the spike in reiatsu."
"And?" Renji asked with a scowl.
"They sent some people to investigate and they haven't returned," Ichigo said with a grim look on his face. "Their communications are offline. So, I volunteered to check it out."
"So you're thinking that those guys that broke in are the ones responsible for those spikes?" Renji asked, seeing the youngest of the group nod.
"Yeah, as soon as the sun's up I'm heading out," Ichigo gave a nod and a frown. "If that Hijoshikina guy—or whatever his name is—is out there I'm gonna ask what the hell caused him to do this." He scoffed in disgust. "I mean, c'mon! He came here just to get that council to let those guys out!"
"We know," Renji smirked and crossed his arms. "But if he encounters us while we're out there he has no chance."
"Hopefully you guys don't get hurt." Rukia said, frowning in a disapproving way.
Ichigo hummed lightly and nodded before he went silent. "...Something doesn't seem right to me," He murmured, gaining puzzled looks once more. "Sure, he had tactical manoeuvres, but he doesn't seem to be... the one behind this."
"I agree," Rukia said, frowning slightly. "He's too... barbarian to be the brains behind this."
"Maybe he came here without permission from the one who did all this?" Renji looked up, arms crossed over his chest and raised a tattooed eyebrow. "So, who do you think is behind all this?"
The other two sighed and shook their heads. They had no idea.
"But we gotta be prepared when we leave," Ichigo said, smirking at the redhead to see him give a thumbs up. "...And stop taking my food!" He pulled his plate away from the woman, sending her a scowl.
"Don't be so greedy!"
"I'm not being greedy, I haven't eaten since yesterday!"
Renji rolled his eyes and smirked.
Would've been longer, and I was going to include a little more of Kayo being the "baby" but I thought, "Long enough." X3 And I'm sorry, sorry! DX I have a media presentation to do and a research paper! DX Which totally sucks! But still, gotta do it. XP But I'm currently trying to write a chapter for "How Are You?" :D It's going slow, but it's getting there.
But we learn that Nikito knows exactly how he feels, and he doesn't like it. :( He just needs to find his reason, and he'll get it. X3
There will be more of Kayo trying to convince Zenaku that Seika is a good person... for him. X3 Can't wait. XD
And Ichigo picked up on Tadashi using his reiatsu when he was torturing Hijo for three whole days! GASP! D: What'll happen?! D:
May 22, 2012