A/N I thank anyone for reading. Much appreciated. :3
I'M SORRY! DX
I'm not dead, just been... lazy. Not a good reason, but I've just been depressed since I failed to go to college. XP I DID get accepted, but it's just money problems that failed to get me down there. D:
So, uh... yeah, hopefully I'll write the next chapter faster and actually respond. :D
The reason I took so long was 'cause one reviewer said to try and make the... well, making up not so mushy. And I agreed! D: I thought, "Oh, my god, why am I making them all so mushy with each other?!" DX So, yeah, that's the reason I was stuck. =3
Most likely a boat load of mistakes! DX
I'M SORRY!
Some people sent me messages to update this story, but I was really stuck... over something so simple! O.o Which was weird. XD But I thank those for encouraging me. :D
Disclaimer – I do not own Bleach.
Warning – Swearing.
-:-
"Get that fuckin' smirk off your face!"
It was quite a sight to see...
Many people stopped walking and practically shot to the sides of the streets when they saw Kuchiki Taicho using shunpo to get every fifteen meters, with both Hitsugaya Taicho and Zaraki Taicho trailing behind him. Some of the subordinates turned, all gawking, seeing the three separate at a fork in the road. The three were cursing, wondering why they stayed behind when they knew the women were heading for their divisions! People jumped out of the way in time to avoid any injuries, especially if the infamous Zaraki Taicho was running through the streets.
He was growling, wondering why in the hell did he not take Yachiru with him. At least with her he had a chance to find his damn, fucking division! He ran through the streets as fast as he could, trying to find something he recognized. He looked to the sides, frowning when nothing looked familiar. Fuck! Looking forward, he froze, digging his feet into the ground and skidding across the ground.
Riko, who was walking by, turned her head and widened her eyes. She screamed, falling back, even when the tall man managed to stop himself before he could crash into her. They both stared at one another, though the woman on the ground soon started seething, eyes narrowed and shoulders shaking in anger.
"What's wrong with you?! You almost fucking crashed into me, dumbass!" Riko roared, standing up and growling, grinding her teeth back and forth. "And why the hell were you even running that fast for?!"
Kenpachi crossed his arms and frowned. "I... had something to do," He scoffed and looked to the side. "Ikkaku and Yumichika wanted to take me out drinkin'."
She blinked disbelievingly. "So you ran that fast just for a drink?" Riko pulled a face and stepped back. "Man, and I thought Zenaku and 'em were desperate for drinking. What? Haven't drank in a while?" She mocked lightly, continuing to frown.
"Yeah." And that was no joke. He hasn't had the time for a decent drink since those idiots got out.
Awkward silence covered the area, the two frowning and glancing at anything other than what was in front of them. The woman soon blinked when she remembered why she left Shiko, glancing at the tall man to see him glaring to the side.
"Oh!" Riko blinked and widened her eyes slightly, pointing at the tall man. "I actually wanted to talk to you."
He grunted, crossing his arms and relaxing his stance. "What?"
Riko bit her lip and looked to the side, opening her mouth as if to answer. What the hell can she say? "I'm sorry?" Pssh. What the hell was she even apologizing for, anyway? He kept trying to corner her and... Her expression grew dark at the thought, her arms crossed over her chest and a scowl across her face.
"A-Anyway, I just want to say I'm sorry for acting... rude," That was a better word than bitchy. "So... yeah."
Kenpachi nodded with a smirk. "So, you're finally bein' nice. What changed?"
"Nothing," Riko scowled and huffed. "So, if you don't mind... I'm going." She turned and walked away. "And I was always nice."
He gave a loud scoff. "Nice? That's a fuckin' load of bull an' you know it." He walked after her, rolling his eyes and snorting.
"For me, not hitting someone is nice."
Kenpachi rolled his eyes and scoffed, seeing the woman turn her head and send him a light glare. At least she was talking to him again... even if she was being bitchy. He didn't react when she suddenly let out an, 'eh?', after realizing he was following her. He also couldn't help but smirk when she started yelling why the hell he was following. All he did was just push her and tell her to continue walking.
All Riko did was shake in anger before she let out a scoff and continued on.
Though she did punch him and said they were not having sex after he made a... crude comment.
Which pissed him off, and made her happy.
Renta stumbled back, the pile of paperwork he was carrying flying everywhere, when the Taicho burst through the doors and ran down the hallway to head for his office. His third seats stared after him in shock, blinking owlishly. What the hell? They shared a glance, both shrugging in confusion while they wondered what was wrong with the Taicho.
Hitsugaya ran into his office, shutting the door behind himself and quickly heading for his desk. He paced before his desk, trying to gather his nerves and hope for the best. After all, Kayo had been angry with him when she had misunderstood the transfer. She had actually been angry with him. Which was a big shock. She was always soft-spoken and kindhearted that it was strange that she was giving him the cold shoulder, at all. It was most likely her friends, they had a lot of influence on her.
He looked up when the door opened, expecting to see Kayo, but frowned when he realized it was Matsumoto.
"...Hi?" Matsumoto pouted, obviously having seen the look.
"I need you out," A look of shock crossed her face before she quickly became angered. "I am intending to speak with Kayo and she is heading here right now."
"Oh!" Matsumoto nodded and smiled. "Yes, sir, I'll just get out of your way~!"
She set down a bottle on her desk, which gained a glare from the Taicho, before she turned and headed for the door. Sliding it open, she was about to walk out when she bumped into something that cried out. Jumping, the fukutaicho looked down in surprise when she saw Kayo rubbing her face before she looked up. The small blonde blinked before smiling brightly.
"Matsumoto fukutaicho!" Kayo stood up and stared at the woman with happiness. "It's so great to see you!"
"Kayo-chan~!" Matsumoto smiled brightly and wrapped her arms around the woman. "How have you been?"
She cringed when she heard the Taicho clear his throat, turning her head to see the prodigy sending her a glare. Matsumoto set the woman down and smiled, just as Kayo was about to answer her, and said she was needed elsewhere, but she would see her later. The small blonde smiled and nodded in excitement from finally seeing the fukutaicho. Kayo waved when she walked away, receiving a wave in return. Smiling, she stood straight and bounced on the balls of her feet before she peered into the room. Dread filled her when she saw the Taicho. Biting her lip, Kayo walked into the room and slid the door shut.
Hitsugaya opened his mouth to apologize.
"I'm sorry!" He jumped in surprise, seeing the blonde bow down at the waist. "I'm sorry I made it seem like I was avoiding you!"
"...Excuse me?" Hitsugaya furrowed his brows in confusion. Seem...?
"But I just needed time to myself to think!" Kayo jumped up and gave a nervous smile. "I was busy with..." She looked to the side. "A project."
"A project?" Hitsugaya was still frowning in confusion, stepping forward and looking immensely confused. "What kind of project?"
Kayo blinked. "Something to do with... love... and scars..." A nervous smile crossed her face when she thought about Seika and Zenaku.
"Love and... scars..." He looked to the side and looked back. "So, you weren't... avoiding me?"
Kayo bit her lip and looked down. "I-I'll admit I was, at first, but... I realized that some people can be incredibly sad if a loved one disappeared..." A sad expression crossed her face when she thought about Shiko. "A-And... I... I just wanted to spend some time with my project so it could all turn out better!" She smiled brightly.
"I... see..." Hitsugaya slowly nodded before he cleared his throat. "And... what was your project about, if I may ask?"
"...Love and scars, as I said..." Kayo gave a wide, nervous grin. "And I'll be spending most of my time on it." She rubbed her arm and looked down, furrowing her eyebrows. "I'm sorry, Toshiro... I didn't think you had a problem with me spending time away. You're always working, so I thought... you'd also want time to yourself."
Always working... Hitsugaya closed his eyes and sighed out of relief.
"But... I'll spend time with you after I finish with my project!" Kayo furrowed her eyebrows and gave a nervous smile. "Because... there might not be enough time to finish it." If Zenaku went back to jail before she could convince him Seika was a good person... "If that's okay with...?" She didn't finish.
"No, no!" Hitsugaya held up his hands and smiled. "It's fine! You finish what you need to do and we'll spend time together. As long as you're happy... with... me..." He hesitated and cleared his throat. "I-I'll... see you later, if you want?" He inwardly cursed when he stuttered.
"Y-Yes!" Kayo nodded with a bright smile. She bowed and closed her eyes to prevent any tears from falling, remembering Shiko's story. "I... I won't leave you, Hitsugaya Taicho!" She looked up and smiled, eyes remaining closed. "I love you, Toshiro~!"
Hitsugaya blushed brightly, stuttering and flinching when she turned and ran down the hallway with a red face. He held his hand out after her, not even having the chance to return the words. Rubbing a hand down his face he closed his eyes at the same time his shoulders slumped, feeling immensely relieved. Though once he removed his hand and looked up he flinched and widened his eyes in anger when he saw the twins grinning at him from the door.
"...Loves you, eh?" Renta snickered with his sister.
"FUNIKA!"
Byakuya glanced at the empty desk that was Renji's, almost missing him. Almost. He wasn't crazy. Sliding his door shut he walked to his desk and sat down, taking a breath to steady himself and glanced at the paperwork. He hesitated before he grabbed a pile to make it seem like he was working. Wait a moment... This was supposed to go to Muguruma. He walked around the desk and sat down, pausing for a moment before he went to work.
Now he didn't have to act like he was working.
Outside, twenty minutes later, Kaori stared at the door with distaste. A sigh escaped her, the redhead reaching up to rub the back of her neck. The hell was she supposed to say? It's because of that damn Shiko's story that made her even come here! She didn't love that... that noble, anymore, so why the heck is she even here?! Letting out a groan, she started pacing outside the door, rubbing her hair and sighing roughly. She paused when strands fell in front of her eyes.
Huh, her hair was getting longer.
She blew the strands aside, glancing at the door and fiddling with her fingers. And Renji wasn't in there... It would be so much better if he were in there. For one, support. And two, she did not want to be in a room alone with the noble. Worrying her lip she paced once more before she took a deep breath and knocked, waiting for the go-ahead.
Hold on...
Pausing, she looked up and thinned her eyes.
What was she apologizing for?
"Come in."
Damn! There was no use backing out! Squaring her shoulders she trudged inside, hardening her features and hoping she could figure out what she could say to the man. She suddenly stopped at the same time her mouth formed into a small 'o' in realization. Oh, yeah! She had been mean to him. Scowling, she looked to the side and huffed. So what? He was always a jerk, anyway. Why was she the one apologizing? He broke up with—technically, it was all a misunderstanding, but still... He freakin' demoted her!
Wait, she's not here to get mad.
Taking a deep breath, she turned to face the Taicho, seeing him immersed in work. She gave him a levelled stare, eye twitching for a second. Was there ever a time when he was not working? Scoffing lightly, she shifted her weight before she took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry," Kaori blurted out, screwing her eyes shut and wincing. "For... being rude... for not listening... for..." The redhead opened her eyes and looked to the side. "For everything."
Byakuya stayed silent, feeling a small amount of relief. But she wasn't done...
Kaori worried her lip and sighed. "But... I don't want to take your attention from your wife," She looked up and furrowed her eyebrows, curling her fingers into fists by her side. "You deserve to remember your time with her than worrying about someone like... me!" She held her hands out towards herself. "All I do is cause you trouble, and all you do is make me confused!" She gripped her head and closed her eyes tightly.
The raven haired man tightened his lips and stood up, making his way towards the redhead. She held up her hands when she saw him, silently telling him to stay where he was, the woman looking up and giving a frown. Closing her eyes she shook her head lightly.
"You deserve someone better than me," Kaori looked at the floor and huffed. "You deserve someone who-"
"No."
Kaori paused and looked up.
"Hey, I'm trying to be sentimental here and have a moment and you interrupt?" She scowled and held her hands out as if to ask, 'what'd you go and do that for?' "Kuchiki Taicho, I know you think we should stay together, but-"
"And we will," Byakuya frowned and stepped forward, quickly grabbing the redhead's wrist when she tried to back up. "I will always remember Hisana and cherish our memories when we were together," He didn't react when the redhead quickly nodded with a grin. "but," The grin vanished. "I chose you because you do not treat me as others do."
"You mean with respect?" Kaori couldn't help but grumble, still trying to get her wrist free.
"You treat me as any other," He paused before he suddenly smiled. "but not when we first met." All the insults suddenly came to mind, which made the woman flush and look away. "I will remember Hisana, and I will always love her," Well, shit, this was making her feel horrible for bringing his wife up. "You may feel guilty for taking my attention away from her—"
"You knew—?!"
He wasn't about to tell her he overheard her. "but I have also cherished our time together," Byakuya continued on as if he didn't hear her, and smiled once more. "You make me smile, feel irritated and annoyed, and you always try your hardest to make me happy." She blushed once again and averted her gaze, cringing when he grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. "I want you to know that I will love you, even if you feel that you do not deserve it."
Kaori gawked, eyes wide before she covered her eyes at the same time her face and neck turned red, her reaction incredibly cute to the noble. "S-Shut up! Stop being all mushy and makin' me..." She tried stepping back, suddenly feeling hot. "Making me feel happy!"
Byakuya smiled and wrapped his arms around the woman, resting his cheek on top of her head. Kaori trembled, swallowing visibly when she felt his arms around her. She should tell him to stop and go back to loving his wife! To keep loving her! But... that also meant mourning, and no longer being happy... But he was happy when he remembered his wife, so...!
So why did his words make her feel so happy?!
"...I hate you..."
"I know."
"I assume you had fun while I was gone?" Shiko smirked, arms crossed over his chest casually as he stood at the door.
They had gotten five tables, from where he didn't know, and put them into a pyramid shape in the middle of the room with a brooding figure on top. The smirk grew when he saw Nikito sitting on the table that was at the very top, expression dark and very unamused. The grey haired male glanced at him, looking absolutely livid. Strange that he wasn't doing anything to get down from there. Oh, well, Shiko thought with a smirk.
He'll snap very soon.
Still smirking, the brunette shut the door behind himself, ignoring the glare he was receiving from Hideo. It's not his fault he ran to get cigarettes. It's an awful habit, anyway.
"So, where is Renzo and Reizo?" Shiko asked, smirking up at the grey haired man.
"They said something about going to see 'Squinty' at the twelfth division, who I assume is one of the scientists," Nikito responded with a scowl, his head almost touching the ceiling. "They left shortly after you left. How they managed to do this is such a short amount of time still baffles me." He motioned towards the stack of tables.
"So why are you still up there?" Shiko stood next to the tables with a wide smirk.
"I haven't had the motivation to climb down," Nikito drawled, going back to glaring ahead. "I'll get down soon."
His grey eyes travelled towards the brunette. Uneasiness filled Shiko at the stare, a look he always felt wary of. And it wasn't just him that was uneasy about that penetrating stare of Nikito's. It always made him, including the others of the group, on edge whenever they would feel his eyes on them. He was always studying them, even when he managed to 'recruit' them, even after he found out their lust for battle.
"You have... a melancholy air around you," Nikito commented, eyes narrowed slightly and eyebrows raised an inch. "You said you were going to see Riko and her friends... you look a little down even after spending time with Riko... What did you say to them, I wonder?" He murmured, the corners of his lips quirking upwards.
Shiko stared back at him, silent for a moment. "...I have to say, Nikito, your analyzing is as scary as ever. If you manage to guess what I said to them, exactly, I'll be scared," He smirked and raised an eyebrow. He nodded up at him. "Have fun up there." He said as he turned, walking towards the two tall men.
Nikito frowned. "I will." He went back to glaring ahead and silently cursing the twins.
"You sure you're fine?" Ichirou asked, sending a disbelieving stare at the scarred man while crossing his arms.
"Yeah, I'm fine!" Zenaku snapped, sending the tall man a glare. "It's been five fuckin' days! I'm walkin'! I'm breathin'! I'm fuckin' fine!"
"Do you know you make God cry when you swear?" Shiko drawled, walking towards the two and giving a wide grin.
"'God' can shove it!" Zenaku made it clear about his beliefs. "I'm fine! I can go back training! Shiko and Nojima are walking!" He held an arm out towards the brunette.
"'Cause they weren't as injured as you," Ichirou said, frowning and narrowing his eyes as he assessed his comrade. It was silent for ten solid seconds before... "Ya got Nojima ta heal you." It was a statement, not a question.
"..." Zenaku looked away. "So?"
"Ya know he's had difficulties trying to learn yer technique, right?" Ichirou asked, seeing the scarred man shrug while he continued looking away. "What if he fuckin' killed ya?"
"Then I would be dead right now," The scarred man smirked, receiving unamused stares. "I'm fine! Who cares if he coulda killed me?"
"Us?" Shiko crossed his arms and frowned at the man. "Please think next time, Zenaku."
"Shut it," Zenaku sent him a scowl before he glanced at the tallest person in the room. "So? Am I in the clear?"
Ichirou sent him a glare before he turned and walked towards the door, ignoring the man's questioning stare. Zenaku glanced at Shiko, seeing the frown that marred Shiko's face while he slowly shook his head in disapproval. The man snorted, turned his head away. He was fine! Why the hell were they even pissed? Dumbasses.
"Least I can heal you and Nojima now without pullin' something." Zenaku grumbled childishly.
"But you could have been seriously hurt if Nojima did something wrong." Shiko crossed his arms and sent the man a glare.
"Excuse me?" The brunette cringed and turned his head, smiling nervously when he saw the blonde standing at the door with a cold look in his eyes. "Please, side with me, Nojima. Could you have hurt Zenaku had you messed up?"
Nojima stayed silent. "...You doubt my capabilities?"
"N-No! Not at all, Nojima! I believe in you, but you've always had trouble... healing us like Zenaku can, so I thought-"
"You doubt I can heal you?" If possible, Nojima's eyes grew colder, blue eyes flashing in anger.
Zenaku smirked, sitting on his futon and crossing his arms behind his head while the two bickered. That blew up in his face. He watched as Nojima huffed and held his head high, turning and walking out of the room. Shiko ran after him, yelling out apologies and that he didn't mean to cause anger.
"You sense that?" Ichigo asked, stopping and looking upwards with a frown.
Renji gave a small nod, both raising their senses before they trailed on. They had been walking the entire day, and their feet ached but other than that they were fine. The orange haired male narrowed his eyes and frowned, looking ahead calmly. Why did he feel nothing but dread as they grew closer to the designated area? He blinked when he was nudged, glancing back to see Renji nod and unsheathe his sword.
"What?" Ichigo unsheathed his sword, as well, looking ahead while he held his sword with one hand.
"I sense some people heading this way," Renji murmured, getting himself ready. "And some of 'em feel familiar."
"Not to me," The substitute shinigami slumped with an air of depression hanging above him. "I was late to the fight."
Renji sent him a flat stare, reaching over and patting his shoulder.
They crept closer to their destination, warily glancing around the area for no surprise attacks. They suddenly froze, jumping from where they stood just as the ground exploded. Dust and debris flew into the air, both people frowning when they saw the large person occupying where they last stood. Rei stood straight and sent them glares, curling his upper lip in a snarl. Koichi came barrelling out of the trees, skidding to a stop with his bare feet. His head shot up, giving the two shinigami a glare. He was silent until...
"...These guys are strong, Rei," Koichi muttered, cringing and sending the man an uncertain look. One that made the tall man sneer in disgust. "Maybe we should run?"
"You can," Rei smirked and held up his fists. "I wanna have a little fun."
"Now's not the time, Rei!" Aoi yelled, appearing next to the two and giving a scowl. "What do you want?!" He stepped forward and stood tall.
"You're the guys that trespassed into the city," Renji said, holding his sword out towards the three. "Looks like we found 'em." He glanced at the substitute shinigami to see him nod.
"What happened to the shinigami that came here?!" Ichigo yelled as he held out his zanpakuto, getting into a stance that made the three tense.
Teru appeared next to the three, releasing his hold on Rokuro when they made it. The silent man gazed at the two shinigami, face blank before he glanced at Aoi for directions. The dark haired man shrugged with a puzzled look on his face. What are they supposed to do? Take on two strong shinigami and get killed in the process? Hell no! He wracked his brain for any ideas, almost panicking when he no plans came to mind.
"We just... hold 'em off until Reta finally notices 'em." Aoi said while unsheathing his sword.
"Fuckin' awesome plan." Koichi rolled his eyes and snorted.
"Hold on..." Ichigo widened his eyes slightly. "Reta? That's Tetsuya's name-"
He held up his sword, gritting his teeth when he saw it was the giant that attacked him. Rei gave a wide grin, lifting his sword and bringing it down once more. Ichigo effortlessly blocked it and pushed it aside, causing the large man to curse when he was about to slash across his chest. That is, until Aoi blocked it and kicked the orange haired man back. Renji blocked the attacks from Rokuro and Teru, turning his head in time to see the redhead bring his sword down while he was in the air.
Ichigo could take care of himself.
Bringing his sword up, the prodigy blocked the attacks from Koichi and Rei, causing them to widen their eyes. His eyes started glowing white, looking up with a frown before he pushed them back. Aoi froze when they went flying back, hitting and skidding across the ground. He glanced at them in shock, turning his head to look back at the substitute shinigami. Ichigo rose his sword in the air, gathering reiatsu and bottling it up in his zanpakuto. The dark haired man gasped softly when he saw light beginning to surround the large blade, staring in awe and fear.
"Getsuga—"
Aoi blinked before he scowled. "Shit."
"—Tensho!"
A blast of light shot off from his sword when he swung it down, causing Rokuro and Teru to stop and widen their eyes. They turned their heads, just as Renji finished releasing his sword. Giving a feral grin, the fukutaicho held up the blade and sent the two a deadly stare.
Hundreds of people concentrated on the sounds, looking up with frowns when they heard a sound louder than the rest. What was—?
Rei, Aoi, and Koichi went flying through the trees, knocking the plant life to the ground and sending leaves into the air as they hit the hard surface below them. Men stood up and scrambled back in shock, all their eyes wide before they turned their heads to see Rokuro and Teru fly through next. The blonde cried out when he landed on his shoulder painfully, closing his eyes tightly and gritting his teeth while the silent man tried pushing himself up.
Ichigo and Renji walked through the parted trees, the latter resting his sword on his shoulder while the former stood tall as he glared down at the five.
"Where's the guy in charge of all this?" Ichigo asked them calmly, sending them a hard look.
"F... Fuck you!" Koichi growled, pushing himself up and sending the two a sneer.
Renji scoffed. "Wrong answer."
Before they could attack Ichigo's eye caught something, turning his head to see the flash of white. His eyes grew wide when he saw the man that called himself Hijoshikina... leaning on a tree with his head hanging. What the hell? He frowned, seeing the man's arms and legs covered in bandages. He wasn't that beat up when he left the Seireitei...
In fact, he barely had any wounds at all when he left.
So how did he get like that? Renji looked up when he caught movement, thinning his eyes when he saw a grey haired man walk through the trees in a calm manner.
Tadashi rose an eyebrow at the two. "More shinigami?"
"Who are you?" Renji held up his sword and pointed it at the man, giving a small frown when the man remained unperturbed.
"My name is not of any importance," Tadashi answered, arms folded behind his back as he stared at the two. "You are strong... much stronger than these men I call warriors." He sent the group a sneer. "But I wonder... if you are stronger than Hijoshikina?" He murmured as he looked up with a smirk.
Ichigo sent the man a cool look. "You seem to think pretty highly of him," He nodded his head towards the unconscious man. "But in case you haven't noticed... the guy's out cold. He's not going to be fighting for you." Eyes still narrowed he gave the man an even colder look. "But while we're on the subject, what happened to him?"
"Strange. I wouldn't think that a shinigami would concern himself over a fugitive," Tadashi huffed lightly and started walking towards them once more. Renji's eyes snapped towards the sword he held in his hand. "But as to why he's in this condition..." He turned and sent the man a harsh glare. "He deserved punishment for leaving without permission."
"Punish...?" Ichigo widened his eyes and parted his lips slightly. "You did that to him?"
"Correct," Tadashi shrugged lightly and closed his eyes. "An animal won't learn unless you correct its behaviour. He bit when I first got him," He opened his eyes and smirked. "I'm still trying to tame the beast."
Renji sneered. "Talking as if he's not a person... You're a twisted fellow."
"He's not exactly civil," Tadashi chuckled and crossed his arms, glancing at the group to see them standing up and pointing their swords at the two. "Settle down. You are no match for them." They all turned and sent him glares.
"You talk as if you can take us on," Renji huffed a laugh. "But you're weaker than us, too."
"Perhaps," Tadashi smirked and unsheathed his sword, causing the two shinigami to tense. "But that won't matter in a moment."
The noble took a step forward at the same time his comrades held their swords up to release them—causing Ichigo and Renji to get ready for a battle—and was about to attack, when...
"...Wait..."
Everyone around the area froze at the voice, with the exception of the two shinigami, all turning their heads to stare at the dangerous man. Tadashi widened his eyes, seeing yellow irises staring at him. He wasn't supposed to be up for at least another day... Koichi took a step back, bumping into Rokuro when he tried getting farther away from the man. The others stayed silent, all shivering when the pair of eyes swept over them.
Hijoshikina stared at the noble once more before his eyes slowly drifted towards the two shinigami, still leaning against the tree.
Tadashi slowly frowned. "Hijoshikina... you are awake. Amazing that you are already up after you sustained devastating wounds." He stayed tense, Ichigo noted.
"...Mine..." The noble frowned at the raspy voice, seeing the mentally ill man glance at him once more. "They are... mine. Not yours... Mine to play with... Not yours to use..."
Ichigo frowned. Use...?
Hijo used the tree, trying to push himself to a stand. He struggled before he was finally on his feet, still leaning heavily on the tree. Renji mildly thought how he thought he could take them on when he couldn't stand. Yellow irises glanced at the two shinigami before he disappeared from where he stood, suddenly in between the two groups. Ichigo and Renji frowned and tightened their holds on the grips of their zanpakuto. Hijo breathed heavily, staring at the two with a frown before he pointed his sword at them.
"I'm surprised, Hijoshikina," Tadashi commented, staring at the back of the man's head. "You are going to fight them when your body is too weak to even stand. How arrogant of you."
Silence...
"Or noble," He delicately rose and eyebrow and smirked. "I noticed you intervened when I unsheathed my sword. Do you not want me using my zanpakuto against them?"
Hijo remained silent.
"So silent now, it's unlike you, Hijoshikina," Tadashi narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Are you finally learning not to go against my words?"
A giggle sounded out.
"The way you say it makes it sound like I'm scared of you," Hijo turned, staring wide-eyed at the man with a savage grin across his face. All the people staring at him gasped and stumbled back. "I just don't want you getting strong~!"
Ichigo and Renji blinked, dumbfounded.
"Fighting them means getting strong for you. Strong enough already. Can't have that~! I need them," Hijo turned and gave a wide grin, narrowing his eyes until they were almost squinted. "Stronger than anyone here... Need to buy time for you to escape~!" He pointed his sword towards the two, his eyes starting to glow.
"Escape?!" Rei snarled, stepping forward to protest—using fists, of course.
Without hesitating, Hijo turned and swung his sword, slashing across the large man's chest.
Shock had Ichigo and Renji widening their eyes, staring in silence before they frowned.
"I told you to leave, Rei..." Hijo tilted his head slowly and gave a wide smile. "...Leave, please~!"
Rei stumbled back, glancing at his wound with shock visible in his eyes. Hijo stood straighter, seeming to shake off his fatigue, before he gave the two shinigami a wide grin. He raised to blade to his lips until the scabbard was near his mouth, bringing it closer to his mouth while his reiatsu started growing, tendrils of gold reiatsu starting to surround him. Tadashi seemed to tense when he saw the action, glancing at the shinigami before looking back at the madman. Ichigo saw the action, making him even more on edge. Even the man seemed wary...
"Colour the world..." Hijo murmured, eyes glowing as he glanced at the two.
Ichigo widened his eyes. "Shit!" Both he and Renji raised their swords.
Rokuro watched, thinning his eyes slightly when he saw reiatsu surrounding the man.
Light started shining brightly around the area.
"So, you hang in here all the time?"
The Soutaicho frowned, sending the twins a glare. They had been called to a meeting. All the Taichos were there, with the exception of the prisoners. It seemed they were scattered all over the division. The blonde twins tilted their heads at the same time, both grinning widely at the old man. Unfortunately, the first to be there were the most obnoxious of the group. One leaned towards the other, both leaning against the desk in a casual manner, whispering in his brother's ear.
The other started roaring with laughter.
Kensei narrowed his eyes, sending the two a glare. "So annoying." He murmured, seeing Shinji shrug with a grin.
"So," Renzo tilted his head and grinned, staring directly at the old man. "When was the last time you had sex?"
All the Taichos' eyes snapped wide open, staring at the two in shock. Did he just ask one of the oldest and wisest shinigami in the Soul Society... when was the last time he committed such an act? At the stunned silence the twins threw their heads back and started roaring with laughter. They fell over and started hitting the floor, as if doing that would stop them from laughing.
"Aw, man, they're so funny when they get shocked into silence," Renzo shot up, holding his hands out with a wide grin stretched across his face. "Though, I do wonder..." His eyes slowly slid towards the Taicho of the eleventh division. "How did your relationship end with Riko? Y'know, before Shiko fucked it all up and fixed it?"
Kenpachi immediately looked at the blonde, narrowing his eyes and giving the man a snarl.
"Maybe we should ask Rina? She seems to know." Renzo glanced at his brother.
"He must not be that good in the sack." Reizo glanced at him before they both snickered.
They doubled over, continuing to laugh until they heard the door open. Having heard them laugh, Ichirou gave the two a dry look, seeing them start waving like maniacs when he walked in. He glanced around the room, cocking an eyebrow when he noticed no one else was in the room. Huffing lightly, he walked further into the room. Glancing sideways, he sneered when he saw the bastard, son of a bitch, ugly whore of a Taicho that was associated with Riko. What he would give to bend that bastard over and kick him over the Seireitei. And then...
He paused when he saw everyone staring at him.
Ichirou frowned. "...I didn't say that out loud, did I?" He quirked a brow, seeing the twins grin widely.
"Hah! I bet no one would win a name calling contest when they're against Ichirou." Reizo started laughing, shrugging lightly with a grin.
He yelped when something hit the side of his head, looking down and blinking owlishly when he saw a sandal. He looked up, seeing the tall man walk to where he usually stood with one sandal. Renzo started snickering at the stunned look on his brother's face, starting to laugh when identical half gave him a pout.
"Hey, Ichirou~!" Renzo waved with a bright grin. "When's the last time do you think the Soutaicho last had sex?!"
Ichirou blinked before he pulled a face. "...What?"
"When do you think the Soutaicho last had sex?!"
Ichirou blinked with wide eyes before the side of his mouth twitched. The twins grinned widely the tall man started laughing, turning in time to see the Taichos giving them unimpressed stares. They shrugged in unison and turned, pausing when they saw Nojima giving them a bland stare from the door.
"Hey, buddy!" Renzo looked as if he didn't care about the slight look of disapproval in the serious man's eyes. "When do you think-"
"I do not care." Nojima cut him off, sending the tall man a glare when he continued to snicker.
"Hell, it musta been years, that's fer sure!" Ichirou gave a wide, toothy grin while he crossed his arms.
Nikito stopped when he heard the snicker, frowning for a moment before he rolled his eyes with a sigh. Zenaku was right behind him, quirking a brow curiously when he saw the twins start laughing. He huffed lightly, snapping at the grey haired man to get the hell into the room before he kicked him. The smaller man turned his head, sending him a stern stare before he walked further into the room.
Shinji huffed with a smirk, watching as the rest piled in. They were a fun bunch. Turning his head, he was about to make a comment before he noticed the look on one of the stuck-up's face. He quirked a brow curiously, shrugging before he closed his mouth and looked forward.
Tetsuya walked in, eyebrows furrowed slightly and his face flushed from exertion. Unohana, standing next to Ukitake and Kyoraku, sighed and shook her head lightly. He's been having countless meetings with the Soutaicho. With his body being so weak he was more prone to sickness. But, as always, the man looked up and smiled. Forgetting his sickness and getting ready for whatever the Soutaicho wanted.
"Soutaicho," Tetsuya said lightly, panting lightly as he stood tall with a kind smile across his face. "May I ask why you called us here?"
Yamamoto frowned slightly when he saw the man. "You are sick," He closed his eyes and lightly shook his head, seeing the grey haired man tilt his head and smile. "Kurotsuchi has news for y-"
"Soutaicho,"
Everyone's head rose at the cold voice, looking up to see Soi Fon step forward from the line and give the man a stern stare. Yamamoto turned his head slightly, staring at her from the side of his eye. Tetsuya blinked, looking only slightly fatigued. People that were sick were required to rest. Over the past few days he made his way to the Soutaicho's office to speak with him, so he supposed not resting is what got him sick in the first place.
"I do not think it is wise for..." Soi Fon turned her head and gave the group a cold glare, causing them to frown slightly. "...these people to remain outside."
Everyone in the group of prisoners widened their eyes, looking shocked for only a moment before they gave the woman harsh glares.
"Fuckin' knew it." Zenaku sneered.
"I suggest, Soutaicho, that we lock them back up," Soi Fon said, seeing the old man stare at her silently. "Having mentally unstable people outside in the open, in public, would be unwise."
"Mentally unstable?" Ichirou took a step forward and snarled. "We're not fucking insane, woman!"
"You lust for battle!" Soi Fon turned her head and sent the group a glare, her hands clenched by her sides while she stood straight. "If someone were to challenge you there would be a high chance you could kill that person and you could go on a killing spree!"
"Killing spree?!" Shiko looked stunned, glancing at the others before he turned to send the woman a wicked glare. "The only time I have ever gone on a killing spree, Taicho, is when I was on a mission while I had served as a shinigami!"
"You are unfit to remain out in society," The group's light attitude suddenly turned cold, all glaring at the woman and backing away. Tetsuya frowned slightly and opened his mouth to object. "The only way we can know that no one in the city will be killed is locking you away."
There was tense silence in the room, the Taichos glancing at one another. Some people didn't care if they were out or got locked up while others looked disapprovingly at the woman. The group continued to back away, as if ready to run if the Taicho gave the order. Tetsuya opened his mouth to reason with her...
"Then do it."
Everyone widened their eyes and turned their heads.
Staring at Nikito.
The grey haired man stared at the woman, raising his head slightly. "If you want to, Soi Fon Taicho, then do it. It is your order," When the woman frowned and made no move he narrowed his eyes slightly. "Then again, you would be going against the order of Central Forty-six."
"The choice is-"
"I am aware the choice is not fully theirs," Nikito interrupted, stepping forward from the line and making his way towards the woman. Everyone's eyes were on him, their eyes slightly wide when they saw a cold look cross his face. "But it is still their order." He stood tall and frowned slightly while his voice grew more firm. "But if want to lock us up because the majority of Reta-sama's fighters lust for battle, then you might as well lock up most of the eleventh division."
Kenpachi looked sharply at the man. "What? The fuck're you talking about?" He stepped forward and snarled.
"Soi Fon Taicho has expressed her distaste for those that long for fighting," Nikito glanced at the tall man from the side of his eye. "If she wants to lock those up that love to fight, then she will be locking up half of those in the Seireitei. Most people get a thrill from fighting." He shrugged lightly and continued walking. "I am somewhat annoyed to say that I get a little excited when fighting."
Kenpachi turned and glared at the woman, as if daring her to try to make a stupid decision that would most likely get her killed. Those 'crazy' people that liked fighting were in his division, after all.
"I would not lock up your fighters because they fight-"
"Then you are discriminating, are you not?" Nikito asked, arms folded behind his back as he continued walking until he was close to the woman. "Treating us as if we are beneath you because we made crimes not even worth killing us over." He tilted his head to the right slightly, eyes thinning out. "Or... could it be you are only stating what you wish to do?"
Soi Fon kept quiet, giving the man a cold stare. Something 'clicked' in Nikito's head.
"Ah, that's it," The sides of his mouth curled upwards, suddenly looking much more amused. "You only wish to lock us up. But because of Central Forty-six's orders, you cannot."
Tetsuya's eyes were slightly wide, staring at the man in shock. Everyone in the room stared at the man, staying silent.
"I hope, Soi Fon Taicho, that because of the situation that you must put aside your distaste for us," Nikito stepped forward and loomed over the woman, his eyes flashing while he frowned. "Hijoshikina can rival even Zaraki Taicho, and the people that fight with him can rival fukutaichos. So, I request that you let us go about our business and continue to train. If you lock us up, we would not be able to raise our strength, and thus, can no longer fight against Hijoshikina."
Soi Fon frowned, seeing the man give her a cold stare.
"So, if you have no more to say," Nikito leaned down slightly and glared down into her eyes. "I suggest you step back and keep quiet."
Tense silence filled the room, everyone staring at the two and watching in amazement when Soi Fon stepped back, keeping her cold gaze locked onto the other. Nikito stood straight, arms still folded behind his back while he kept his face neutral.
"...Holy fuck," Ichirou blinked with wide eyes, the group staring at the man in absolute shock. "Why'd ya stand up for us?" He thought he hated them?
"I do not like people questioning my choices," Nikito closed his eyes and turned, walking back to the line. "Suggesting to lock up warriors I chose because they lust for fighting is the same as questioning my judgement. I chose you as the best for Reta-sama's fighters, and I stand by my choice."
His eyes grew wide with shock when he was pulled into a hug, blinking eyes that were wide as saucers when the twins rubbed their faces against his cheeks. They stepped back, both grinning widely when they saw the stunned look in Nikito's eyes.
"Aw, bro, I thick he's in shock." Renzo said, turning to grin at his brother.
"I think you're right!" Reizo gave a mock-gasp. He suddenly smirked. "Should we snap him out of it?"
Something gleamed in their eyes before he reached out with their hands. The groups that were watching widened their eyes when the twins... groped... the shocked man.
Nikito jumped violently and turned his back away from the two, giving them a wide-eyed stare of shock and disbelief. They doubled over and started laughing, hanging onto each other as they continued to laugh away. They missed it when the grey haired man's eye twitched.
Turning, he walked towards the line with a frown, hands shaking in restrained anger.
Tetsuya watched as he walked by with a soft smile on his face, arms folded in his sleeves. His smile grew when he walked by Zenaku, and the scarred man reached up and ruffled his hair, earning another shocked look from the man.
Nikito genuinely looked confused by the gestures.
How adorable.
He looked back and smiled brightly. "Before we were rudely interrupted," He ignored the glare from the short Taicho. "You were saying that you have news for us, Kurotsuchi Taicho?"
The scientist gave a frightening grin, narrowing his eyes slightly as he gazed at the man. "You will be glad to know... I have figured out why your body is breaking down whenever you activate that reiatsu of yours." He waved his hand lightly, ignoring the group when every prisoner tensed and stared at him in complete and utter shock. "So, we should start this quickly. Your body has already begun to break down slowly."
Tetsuya stared at the man before slowly widening his eyes.
YES! YES! I ACTUALLY FRIGGIN' DID IT! :D Took me so many damn months, but I did it! :D Hopefully I can get the next chapter out earlier. I had stuck because of the mushiness. XP
I hope you liked the short fight. :3 It was actually one of the scenes I finished first. X3 The mushiness was too much. DX I tried toning it down. XD
November 1, 2013