The Broken Souls of the Seireitei

A/N: How is everyone? My wrists are bruised from writing so much. As much as I got done, this isn't all of it. I think I should let my bruises heal, lest someone think I was getting beat. Kisses and enjoy.






“So, I’ve seen you looking worse for wear. Care to tell me what happened?” Byakuya’s voice was understanding, and the sound of the sake being poured into the cup made Zaraki’s eyes shift. He had been walking back to his own division when he saw Byakuya headed toward the 6th division. He didn’t mind his close friend see him in a bad state, but upon seeing the tragically disheveled and sad look of his friend, Byakuya ushered him back to his office and sat him down, pouring him a much needed drink.

“Here,” Byakuya said, thrusting the small cup into Zaraki’s hand. The 11th division taicho looked into the cup and frowned.

“Isn’t it bad to drink in the morning? I mean people find out, and ruins your pristine character.”

Byakuya chuckled. “Pristine? Us? Maybe me a loooong time ago, but not now. Besides, it’s almost still considered night time to me; the sun isn’t even up yet. If anyone saw you walking around half naked this morning, you can explain it as I got you drunk. It’s not like that’s never happened before,” Byakuya said with a wry smile. Zaraki toasted to that and gulped the sake, delicious and high grade. He closed his eyes and leaned back, his hair falling in his face again. Byakuya crossed his legs and propped his head in his hand, staring at his moping friend.

“It’s Matsumoto taicho, isn’t it?” The sigh from Zaraki’s chest confirmed the suspicion.

“Tell me what happened? Does she have bad breath? Hairy nipples? A penis?” Byakuya pressed anxiously. Zaraki scowled and peered at him through his hair.

“You’re a damned fool, Kuchiki. No woman that built could ever have a cock attached.”

Byakuya clapped his hands. “So then she has hairy nips. It figures. I always wondered and to be honest with you, Yoruichi does too! I saw them once when I was little,” Byakuya whispered, nodding his head. Zaraki slammed his hands on the futon.

“She does not have hairy nipples, or a dick, or bad breath! Her nipples were pink and lovely and suckable!” He pursed his lips. He had said too much.

Byakuya looked like a lion finding fresh meat. “Suckable? Yare, yare…now that’s a lovely adjective.”

“A what?”

“Nothing. So she’s suckable. Succulent. Succubus, even?”

“Don’t call her names! You’re worse than fucking Yumichika!”

“Well give me something to go on. You’re just sitting there like Yachiru just dressed you up like one of her play dolls. I’ll promise I’ll sit here and shut up and you can tell me what happened after you two left Sado-san’s apartment.”

Zaraki sighed and offered his cup for more sake. “Ok, we went back to her house, which was really weird because as you know, it used to belong to Aizen. So anyways we talked for a bit, and when I went to leave, she asked me to stay. So I agreed and went to wash up. And when I came out, she was wearing this teeny little yukata, and it was pretty much see through.”

Byakuya was grinning. “Then you fucked her.”

Zaraki’s nostrils flared. “No asshole, I didn’t! Can I tell my story?” Byakuya pouted and folded his arms in silence.

“Thank you. Now she got under the covers and I got on top-”

“Of her?”

“I SWEAR TO FUCKING GOD IF YOU DON’T SHUT THE FUCK UP I’M GONNA KILL YA!!!” Zaraki screamed, standing up. Byakuya sighed and pretended to zip his mouth shut.

“You gonna be quiet?” Zaraki hovered menacingly over Byakuya.

Byakuya nodded.

“Say yes.”

“Si“

“See? See what?”

“Si means yes in Spanish. Ichigo taught me,” He said in a sing song voice. Zaraki frowned.

“You know what? To hell with my story. Tell me why you are so damned giddy. Both you and your slut zanpaukto are all sparkly and I wanna know why.” He flopped back down into the chair, the wood creaking from the crashing weight.

“Why does she have to be a slut? Why can’t she just be very friendly and free with her emotions?” Byakuya kidded, making Zaraki’s eyes widen. No one ever could talk shit on Senbonzakura. That was like asking for your throat to be slit open. The fact Byakuya let even him slide with a comment like that, the flush in his cheeks…

“That bastard told you he loved you, didn’t he?” Zaraki asked, rubbing his chin. “Well, you’ve been saying for the longest you wanted Kurosaki. Now you’ve got him!” Zaraki reached over and poured sake for Byakuya. “Congrats, at least one of us has someone.” The mood turned somber again as Zaraki took a sip from his cup again. Byakuya cleared his throat and looked at Zaraki, clasping his hands together.

“Please finish your story. My personal excitement has waned, and I’m ready to give you my full attention.” Zaraki nodded, uncomfortable that the spotlight was on him again.

“Ok, well I got in the bed with her and just held her for a few hours while she slept. I slept a little too, but I was really content to just hold her and watch her breathe. She must have had a dream or something because she was trying to push away from me, but when she woke up she stopped and asked why I was holding her, and then I told her that Ichimaru was an idiot for leaving her and I kissed her.” He looked into his cup again and swallowed the sake, the liquid making him tingly. Byakuya poured him more sake and nodded, knowing that there was more to be told.

“I kissed her and started to touch her, and she responded back, pulling me down on her, rubbing herself against me, things like that. I kept asking her to ask me to stop. Kami-sama knows I don’t want to be the next Kurotsuchi,” He murmured, drinking more sake.

“Did she eventually ask you to stop?” Byakuya asked gently, noticing the pained look on his friend’s face. Zaraki nodded.

“I asked her if I was what she wanted, and she said no. So I tried to save face and say that I was only trying to fuck her…I don’t know why I did that. But she called me on it being bullshit, but I said she still loved Ichimaru and she didn’t say otherwise, so I left, and shortly thereafter you found me listless and wandering in the dark.”

Byakuya frowned. “She doesn’t love Ichimaru. Please tell me you saw through that.”

“She doesn’t love me either.”

Byakuya looked stunned. “Love? You want Mastumoto taicho to love you? I thought after what Kotetsu-san had done to you had permanently damaged your love capabilities.”

A shrug was the response. “Oh, Kenpachi-san. You really have fallen for her, haven’t you?” Byakuya moved over to Zaraki and put his head against Zaraki’s, rubbing his shoulder.

“I toldja she means a lot to me. She’s like my version of Ichigo. Or not, since you and Ichigo are all happy and shit,” He said sullenly. Byakuya squatted and looked into Zaraki’s eyes.

“Don’t give up on her. Ichimaru did years of damage to her. As wonderful as you are, one night in your arms won’t change her that fast. Just let her know that you care about her and will be patient. Women like that. They want you to be understanding and sympathetic, even when deep inside you’re like ‘bitch, get over it!’ And like I said, she doesn’t love Ichimaru. I saw her face when Aizen cast the Negacion on him. She looked more pissed than sad. Just be you, and she will fall for you, and you’ll have to come to my house to hide from her.”

Zaraki leaned back and sighed. He couldn’t even wallow in self-pity, as Byakuya wouldn’t let him. He looked up when he saw a pale hand reach for his bicep. Byakuya easily hoisted the larger man up and patted his back soothingly.

“Up you go, go in to my anteroom and get some sleep. We have a meeting in about two hours or so, and Abarai fukutaicho will be at that ryoka school, so it will be quiet. He stops by sometimes early when we have paperwork to do, and honestly I have quite a bit to catch up on. I thought I’d have more time, but with this stupid meeting in a few hours, the paperwork has to be done, or else I’d be in there sleeping myself. You’ll be alright, Kenpachi. Just be cool at the meeting when you see her, and maybe try her again in a few days, ok? I’ll send a Hell Butterfly to Kusajishi fukutaicho to send you a change of clothing.”

Zaraki nodded and went into the room, closing the door gently. Byakuya clicked his tongue and sat at his desk, staring into space. He genuinely felt bad for his friend. His hatred for Kotetsu fukutaicho temporarily sparked, and his reiatsu increased so much and so quickly that some of the lower level shinigami that were arriving to work had to turn around and immediately go to the 4th division for medicines for their migraines and nosebleeds.
********************

“Good morning, Kyoraku taicho!” He gritted his teeth and managed to smile at Sentaro and Kiyone, who he could have sworn had shit on their lips from kissing so much ass.

“Kyoraku taicho, please have some of this black tea I just brewed!” Sentaro shouted, making the elder wince.

“Idiot! Why are you screaming at him? Can’t you tell he wants to sit down?” Kiyone ran to scoot a chair over to him.

“Retard! He’s a man! Men don’t sit! What he needs is tea to soothe his old bones!”

‘Old?‘ Kyoraku thought, frowning.

“He isn’t old! He is well aged! Like a steak!”

“Someone should stake you, ya stupid harpy!”

“Bite me!”

“I would, but you’re a lesbian!” Sentaro and Kiyone pressed their foreheads together and had their hands balled ready to fisticuff, but Kyoraku stopped them.

“Um, thank you for the…’gestures’, but all I came for was to see Ukitake-san. I know its early though, is he sleeping?”

“No, Ukitake taicho cannot sleep when Kiyone is trying to make everyone sit down.” Sentaro grumbled, making the girl stomp her feet.

“Well you are trying to make everyone drink your pissy tea! Ukitake taicho is probably hiding from you! And now you’re trying to make Kyoraku taicho drink the tea! You should be ashamed,” Kiyone scolded, and the two started fighting again. Kyoraku rolled his eyes, wishing he had asked Nanao to accompany him. She could have taken off her glasses and scared the nitwits into running off a cliff maybe. Or just shutting up.

“ENOUGH!”

Everyone looked at a door opening to see Ukitake standing there, tired and angry. “Don’t you all realize what time it is? Please, Sentaro. Please, Kiyone. Just go and sweep the porch or something. Try to be quiet, I don’t feel well today.” Kyoraku had to stifle a laugh as Sentaro shoved Kiyone and snatched the broom, holding it over his head and cackling as he ran off, Kiyone in hot pursuit.

“Yare, yare. Koi. Are you really not feeling well today?” Kyoraku soothed, walking over and giving Ukitake a gentle kiss. He received an evil grin in return.

“All things considered, I feel alright. But I can’t let those two know, they would have never left. And now that Rukia is my fukutaicho, Sentaro lays off when she is around, but Kiyone will have nothing to do with her. It’s childish, but as long as she respects her, she doesn’t have to cater to her. I’ve missed you,” He said, pulling Kyoraku into a deep kiss.

Kyoraku smiled. “You missed me, huh? This is new. You never miss me.”

Ukitake batted his eyes flirtatiously. “That is because you never give me a chance to miss you. You usually spend the night with me, and I wake up to see your handsome stubble.” He brought his face close to Kyoraku’s and rubbed his cheek against his beard, moaning softly.

“Feisty today, aren’t we?” Kyoraku chuckled when Ukitake bit his ear lobe playfully as a response. “Koi, we can’t stand out on the porch like this with you chewing on me.”

“I could stop,” Ukitake whispered, licking over the sensitive earlobe. Kyoraku wrapped his arms around Ukitake’s waist and picked him up, frowning at the light weight. Despite all the food the man ate, he felt like he weighed no more than a small sack of potatoes. He playfully slapped Ukitake’s ass when the man started to squirm, and in just moments they were inside of the simple but quaint bedroom. Kyoraku gently placed his lover down, and chocolate eyes met before he leaned in to kiss him softly. Soft and gentle was how he had always treated his Jyuu-chan, even when he was begged to initiate rougher treatment. Perhaps that was why his lover strayed to Aizen occasionally. Kyoraku wasn’t sure what had transpired between his koi-chan and the former four eyed geek, but many a night he was thankful that when the Negacion was cast that the hazy yellow light didn’t fall on Ukitake. That would have been truly unbearable.

“You aren’t listening to me, are you, Shun-shun?” Ukitake’s voice brought the man back and he flashed a grin and shook his head.

“No, I was lost in your beauty.” Both men laughed at the lame comeback, and Ukitake pulled him onto the futon. They kissed for a few more moments, the heat rising fairly quickly. Kyoraku’s mouth was hot and moist and relentless as usual. He sucked at the pale flesh of Ukitake’s neck, making the man moan wantonly. The bed clothes were quickly stripped off and both of them lay naked, pressed on each other.

“Is this what you came to see me for?” Ukitake asked sensually, turning over and grinding his ass against his lover’s groin. Kyoraku groaned and pushed forward, his erection poking at the silken cheeks. Of all the suitors he’d ever had, Ukitake was the one he most preferred. Also the fact that he was helplessly in love with the man was a major key in it too. He gently nibbled on Ukitake’s neck, pushing aside beautiful soft silver strands. The man was immaculate. There was a slight lavender smell to his skin, and he was as smooth as a baby.

“I came to be with my beloved. I could leave…” Kyoraku trailed off, drawing back from Ukitake. There was a whimper and a pale hand settled on tanned skin, urging the lover to come close again.

“Stay. Stay here and make love to me,” Ukitake whispered, his eyes closed. It had been a few days since he and Kyoraku had had ‘relations’ and his body was yearning and wanton for his lover. It would have been incredibly easy to find a young, nubile unseated officer to take his frustrations out on, but meaningful sex always seemed to get him off harder, better, and faster than sex with a stranger. Kyoraku knew how to get him to sing, to dance, to sweat, and to hunger for more. That was what he wanted, that was what he needed.

Nimble fingers pulled Kyoraku close again, and Ukitake tilted his head to kiss his lover deeply, their tongues pleasantly sparring with each other. Kyoraku moaned and brought a hand to pet silky white strands of hair, flowing down to a muscled but soft arm. He pushed on Ukitake’s shoulder, making him turn toward him again. He moved his lips to the elongated neck, trailing his lips down to a pink peaked nipple. Ukitake moaned and bucked feeling the thick wet tongue lapping and sucking, arching his back into the heated mouth. Kyoraku smiled as he tasted the other nipple, beads of sweat giving it a salty taste.

He moved lower, drawing patterns on Ukitake’s stomach, making the man giggle. He kissed the washboard abs, running his tongue over the myriad scars and contours, smiling at some of the scars that he knew he put there centuries ago. It felt incredible to love someone for so long, to watch them grow and change, it made his heart feel full and warm. Inching down a bit more, he found the sweet, weeping tip and circled it slowly with just his tongue, looking up briefly to see Ukitake fisting the sheets, his eyes clenched shut. Kyoraku chuckled and kissed the tip, sucking just the head into his mouth. He heard a beautiful chord resonate from his lover’s throat, and took a bit more into his mouth, loving the taste and smell of his Jyuu-chan.

Ukitake threaded his fingers in Kyoraku’s hair, never ceasing to be amazed at how soft and gorgeous the chocolate locks were. His fingers combed through the hair absently as he involuntarily moaned and shook with the ministrations happening between his legs. He looked down and saw Kyoraku lips, shiny with precum on them, and he pulled him close for a kiss to taste what he had been giving. As they kissed, Kyoraku slipped his fingers into Ukitake’s mouth to coat them and once the fingers were slick, with a kiss those fingers were pressed inside the almost virgin tight opening, making the white haired man hiss and buck.

“Am I hurting you?”

Kyoraku’s breath hit Ukitake’s face, and the sickly man smiled and shook his head. Kyoraku smiled and kissed him deeply, need rising in both of them. His fingers scissored and probed, and he could tell by the way Ukitake writhed underneath him that he wanted and needed more. He positioned himself between the long creamy legs and lifted a muscled thigh, kissing a knee gently before pressing forward. He closed his eyes at the snug fit, wanting to cum already. Ukitake was panting at this point, pulsing his anal muscles purposely to encourage his lover to thrust.

Kyoraku started to thrust, grasping the headboard for leverage. He started slowly to give both of them time to adjust, but after a few minutes he was wetly slapping into Ukitake, hitting the man’s prostrate with nearly every thrust. Ukitake’s eyes rolled in his head as his fingernails clawed at his lover’s back, wanting more, but almost unable to handle it. He thrust against Kyoraku, almost as if to challenge him. Kyoraku grinned and met the challenge happily, thrusting as if his life depended on it. He rolled over and pulled Ukitake on top of him, filling him at a different angle, one that made his lover scream with delight. Kyoraku grasped Ukitake’s neglected cock and began pumping in time with his thrusts, his mouth hanging open in ecstasy. Ukitake scratched at his chest, leaning over to kiss him repeatedly, murmuring into his ear as he bounced pleasurably.
They made love for at least an hour, both of them getting each other hot and then backing off before the orgasm came. They switched positions, from missionary to doggy style, to Kyoraku pinning him against the wall, to them sitting in a chair and Ukitake riding him. Their bodies were slick with sweat and effort, and finally when they allowed each other to cum, it was thick and mind blowing, with half of Ukitake’s division getting a sudden blinding headache. Ukitake himself was exhausted, falling back on the soiled sheets panting, holding on to Kyoraku for dear life.

“I love you,” Kyoraku murmured and kissed him deeply. Ukitake smiled sleepily.

“More than Isshin?” His eyes widened when he saw how quickly his lover recoiled. He was instantly contrite for the comment, but an apology could not manage to break through his pride. Kyoraku stared at him and silently got dressed, his hair hiding his face. Ukitake watched him put on his clothing, holding the covers tightly.

“Shunsui-chan, I’m sorry,” he whispered. But the words just reverberated in the empty room as Shunsui had already left. Tears flooded his vision as he fell into a coughing fit. Chest heaving on fire, he covered his head with the bed sheets and cried until it was time to leave for the Captain’s Meeting.
******************

Isshin frowned and pretended to pick his nails. One part of being a captain was the captain’s meetings, which were usually just Yamamoto telling them all how much they suck. He sighed and looked over at Kyoraku, who briefly glanced at him, then looked away with an angry expression. Isshin pouted and then looked at Ukitake, who looked terrible. The man’s eyes were red as if he had been crying for days, and his skin was ashen. Isshin glanced at Zaraki and then at Rangiku, who also looked horrible. And then at Byakuya, who also looked mad! Why was everyone so mad or sick looking? He felt left out, and pouted again.

“Isn’t that right, Kurosaki taicho?”

Yamamoto’s voice carried over to him and he flashed a toothy grin. “Of course, Yama-ji!” He immediately co-signed, not even knowing what was going on.

Yamamoto looked amused. “Oh you agree? You agree that Kurosaki fukutaicho and Abarai fukutaicho should lead the squads in to Hueco Mundo?” Isshin looked confused, and when his eyes landed on Byakuya, they read murder.

“Idiot,” Soi-Fon muttered.

“Butch.” Isshin snapped, rubbing his temples. Masaki had told him long before Ichigo was born to stop trying to read minds and to also pay attention when in group settings.

Yamamoto slammed his cane on the floor. “Enough! I did not accept you back to cause ruckus! Next time I catch you drifting off the consequences will be much more severe, understand?”

Isshin sighed. “Yes, Yama-jiiiiiii,” He said, drawing out the last syllable, making Shuuhei chuckle. Yamamoto frowned at him and cleared his throat.

“I heard that there was an incident on last evening, one concerning Kurotsuchi Nemu, is this correct? Unohana taicho, do you have the reports on this matter?”

“Yes, Yamamoto soutaicho. Right here,” Unohana said in a slightly smug voice, looking over at Kurotsuchi, who remained silent and stoic. She walked the report over to Yamamoto and stood by him as he read it.

“Ummhmm, ummhmm. And you deem that she had been raped?” Yamamoto raised his eyes at the gasps from the taicho that weren’t aware of what had happened. His eyes scanned the document and then looked at Unohana.

“You say she was raped by Kurotsuchi taicho?” He glared at her, and she returned the stare, undaunted.

“Yes. Zaraki taicho and Matsumoto taicho apparently found her in the 12th division lab.”

Yamamoto glared at the two taicho mentioned. “Zaraki taicho! Matsumoto taicho! To the front!”

Zaraki and Matsumoto both walked to stand on either side of Unohana, not wanting to stand beside each other. Yamamoto eyed them suspiciously and looked at Zaraki.

“What was your business in the 12th division?”

Zaraki narrowed his eye at the old man. He didn’t like his tone of voice. “Myself and Matsumoto taicho were headed to collect Kuchiki fukutaicho to go to a party.”

“Doesn’t she party enough?” Kurotsuchi muttered, making Byakuya growl. Yamamoto banged his cane again, silencing the room. Zaraki turned to glare at Kurotsuchi, a noted spike in his reiatsu was apparent. A gentle hand on his shoulder from Unohana stopped all destruction. Zaraki took a breath and continued.

“Matsumoto taicho felt Nemu’s fading reiatsu, and when I found her…” He trailed off and looked at Rangiku, who was on the verge of tears. “When I found her she was badly beaten. Bloody. Covered in…waste.”

“Waste?” Yamamoto asked. Zaraki reddened. As old as the man was, did he not know what waste was?

“Human waste, soutaicho. Shit. Piss. Cum. Spit. Do you need a demonstration?” Zaraki snapped, angry at being questioned to begin with. He glanced over again at Matsumoto and saw tears dripping off her chin. Fuck. He had inadvertently made her cry again. Frustration built inside of him as he defensively crossed his arms.

“That won’t be necessary, Zaraki taicho. Did Kurotsuchi fukutaicho disclose whom had raped her to either of you?”

Zaraki’s frustration exploded. “Retsu just told you that sick fuck Kurotsuchi did it! What, do you think I raped her?” He nearly screamed, holding his long arms out.

“Well, you are the resident psycho barbarian,” Kurotsuchi brazenly goaded. A moment later a flash appeared behind him.

“Scatter, Senbonzakura.”

Both Isshin and Soi-Fon were quick to act, Isshin using his obi to wrap around Senbonzakura, confusing her and blocking her release, while Soi-Fon pierced his neck with Suzumebachi. Byakuya glanced at Isshin and then down at the stinger on the end of Soi-Fon’s finger. He felt the warmth of the butterfly crest on the right side of his neck, inwardly groaning. He had to be perfectly still, lest Soi-Fon accidentally stab him again. Ichigo would probably be displeased to come home and find his lover dead.

“Don’t be stupid, Kuchiki-san.” Isshin’s hushed words warned him, and Soi-Fon removed Suzumebachi from his neck, and his hands immediately flew to the wound, feeling the small hole where she poked him. His eyes on both of them, he quietly sheathed Senbonzakura and handed her to Ukitake, as she liked him also. He bent his head in an apologetic manner. Then, swallowing ALL of his pride, he bent to Kurotsuchi.

“I am sorry that I tried to murder you in front of everyone, Kurotsuchi Mayuri.”

Kurotsuchi snorted and moved his hand as if to shoo him away. “Whatever, Kuchiki. You should learn your place.”

Byakuya smiled sinister, the strands of his hair hiding most of it. “May Kami-sama be gracious enough to let you live a long life, so that you can show me my place.” His tone was cryptic, and made Kurotsuchi stare at him suspiciously.

Zaraki sighed. He knew deep down that Byakuya wouldn’t have normally had an outburst like that, but that his friend was falling in to a rebellious phase. It was still pretty cool of him to try to cut Kurostuchi in front of everyone, though.

Yamamoto was not pleased. “Unohana taicho. So what you and Zaraki taicho are saying is that Kurotsuchi fukutaicho named Kurotsuchi taicho as her rapist. Is their any corroborating evidence?”

Zaraki’s brow furrowed. “You mean did we catch him fucking her? No, we didn’t.”

“Watch your mouth, ruffian,” Yamamoto snapped. Zaraki rubbed the back of his neck and licked his lips. He was getting really pissed.

“Yamamoto soutaicho, why would Kurotsuchi fukutaicho lie?” Unohana pressed gently, making the old man glare at her.

“I heard she has taken up with that Quincy in the ryoka world. Perhaps that is a reason.”

“Look, it was Kurostuchi taicho that raped her! You didn’t see her when I saw her, and you didn’t pick her up and have her guts fall out on you!” Zaraki rallied.

“Kami-sama,” Kommamura whispered, looking at Kurotsuchi. “Did you rape that little child? Did you?” He asked, balling a paw up and advancing toward Kurotsuchi.

“So what if I did? She is my specimen, I created her and therefore I can do whatever I want with her. Yamamoto agreed to it.”

Matsumoto, who had been quiet, whirled around. “You are a liar. Yamamoto would not have allowed you to create someone just for your own sadistic sexual fantasies!”

Kurotsuchi chuckled. “I had no choice but to create her. I went to the Rukongai, but Gin had already picked you up by the time I got there.”

Everyone’s mouth dropped open from his comment. Zaraki turned, cracking his knuckles. Kurotsuchi held his hands up, laughing. “Whoo, big bully! You gonna fight for your woman now?” Zaraki started to walk toward him, but was shoved out of the way by Matsumoto.

“Fuck you, you goddamned rapist! You probably can’t even get it up unless you’re trying to hurt someone. How about I take you outside and fuck you in the ass and then piss in your mouth after I’m done?!!” She screamed, pushing her finger against his forehead. “How would you like that? Since you think I’m such a whore, let me fuck you! Let me shove my dildo down your throat and make you choke on it! How about that, you want some? Or what if I just fuck you with the handle of Haineko? He won’t do what I say anyway! Or maybe I should just tie you up and-”

“ENOUGH!!!” Yamamoto’s voice reverberated through the room, and everyone was staring at Matsumoto, wide eyed. She was breathing hard and fixed on Kurotsuchi, her reiatsu wrapped tightly and protectively around her. Unohana walked over to her and cradled her gently, pulling her away from the sadistic scientist.

Kyoraku cleared his throat. “Yama-ji. Do you intend to punish Kurotsuchi taicho for what he has done? I mean clearly, no one would have ever expected him to hurt someone intentionally. But no matter what his intentions, someone did get hurt, and very badly apparently. How is the girl faring now?” He asked, directing the question at Unohana.

“She’s in a coma,” The woman replied quietly, already conceding to defeat. Kyoraku nodded and looked at Yamamoto again. The old man pursed his lips.

“Kurostuchi taicho is correct in the fact that I have allowed him to do whatever he wants with his creations. He shall not be punished for this alleged rape.”

Matsumoto fell to her knees and cried. Zaraki couldn’t help himself. He punched one of the nearby structural pillars, shaking the whole building. Byakuya swallowed back his own tears, his only relief in knowing that Kisuke had agreed to murder that bastard. His faith in Yamamoto had been shattered once before, but this was the final straw. He started to wonder about Aizen, and looked up to see his best friend’s hand pouring blood profusely.

Unohana went to Zaraki, but was stopped by Yamamoto. “Do not treat him, Unohana taicho. Perhaps the pain in his hand will remind him that he overexerted his authority.”

Zaraki looked at Yamamoto. “And perhaps Nemu’s broken body will remind you of how you under exerted your authority.” He cradled his wounded hand and turned, walking out of the hall. Slowly, the other taicho followed him, leaving only Matsumoto on the floor crying and Yamamoto staring at her.

“Why?” She asked when they were alone. Yamamoto sighed and stood, briefly patting her head.

“We need Mayuri as an ally. Besides, he did nothing worse to Kurotsuchi fukutaicho that Gin had done to you.” He walked out and left her in the hall, glaring at him with pure hatred.
*************************

Kira looked around, trying to get the division back in some order. Having Isshin as his taicho was nothing less than scary. And not familiar scary like when having Gin around, it was more of someone jumping out of a dark corner to scare you scary. Gin’s flavor of scary was one that you could derive some sort of sick, macabre pleasure from. Isshin…you just wanted to run away screaming from him. Kira stacked some books together and turned as the door opened.

“Kurosaki taicho! You look…sad,” Kira said, rushing over to the man. Indeed, Isshin looked a bit haggard, compared to being spry enough that morning to crash on to Kira’s bed and pull at his cheeks, screaming for him to meet the morning. Kira had to wonder if he treated any of his actual children so roughly.

“Yes, it was a difficult meeting. Kurotsuchi Nemu was raped.”

Kira gasped and dropped the book he was clutching. “Oh no! Who would have done such an awful thing?” Isshin frowned and cocked his head. Kira swallowed.

“Oh…not Kurotsuchi taicho!” Isshin nodded, sitting on a futon and pulling his sandals and tabi off, wiggling his toes. He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes and sighing deeply. Kira watched him for a moment, and then thought it best to leave.

“Wait.” Kira’s hand rested on the door, awaiting the next command. “Please stay here, Kira.” Eyes still closed, he outstretched an arm, inviting the blonde to sit next to him. Kira shifted uncomfortably, and cautiously walked over and sat down gingerly. Isshin absently ran a hand through Kira’s soft hair, frightening him. Kira jumped up, shaking and red.

“I-I’m s-sorry, taicho, um I h-h-have to leave,” Kira squeaked, running out of the door.

Isshin opened his eyes and sighed. Kira was such a sweet and quiet man. He kicked himself for forgetting the pain that lay behind those blue orb eyes, and sighed, thinking of a way to make Kira not scared of him, Gin, or any fucking body else ever again.
***********************

“Well, we made assholes of ourselves today, didn’t we?” Zaraki kidded, wincing at Akira, who was trying to wrap his bloodied hand. “For fuck’s sake, where did you learn medicine? ‘Kill ‘Em Quick Infirmary?” Zaraki shouted, pushing the boy away.

“So sorry, Zaraki-sama, taicho!” Akira cried out, bowing instantly. It didn’t help that Zaraki’s hand was the size of his whole head, and the vision of that hand crushing his neck didn’t make him any more gentle or steady either.

“Kenpachi, don’t yell at him. He is trying to help. You may go now, Akira-chan,” Byakuya said, scratching his neck where Soi-Fon stung him and staring out the window. The boy packed up the medical supplies and apologized once more to both of them and bowed himself out of the room. Zaraki frowned and flexed his hand. The kid didn’t do a bad job of wrapping him, and it was probably safer than trying to get Isane to do it.

“Oi, stop scratching your neck! It’s gonna leave a mark, and you are making me itchy too.”

“I can’t help it.” Byakuya tore a piece off of an aloe plant nearby and rubbed the sticky cooling gel on his neck. Ahh, that was better. He tossed the used leaf out the window and turned to Zaraki.

“How much do you want to be Kisuke knew that Yamamoto wasn’t going to do anything about Nemu’s rape?” Zaraki shook his head and shrugged. “What did you and Ichigo and Kisuke talk about when we went outside?”

Byakuya smirked. “He agreed to come here and kill Kurotsuchi. But he wants Hiyori back.”

Zaraki frowned. “Hiyori?”

Byakuya nodded. “His old fukutaicho. Who now happens to be a vizard. So Ichigo agreed to get the vizards back on our side so Kisuke will fight Kurostsuchi and hopefully take back the 12th. But the problem is now Ichigo has to find a way to make the vizards come back.”

“Shit!! What a conundrum!” Zaraki frowned again when Byakuya laughed.

“I can’t believe I’m rubbing off on you. An educated heathen. No wonder they all grow faint when you walk past,” Byakuya kidded, sitting down beside him and propping his legs in Zaraki’s lap.

Zaraki shoved Byakuya’s legs onto the floor. “You act as if I couldn’t read before I met you. I was always smart, but no one ever bothered to check on it. Just how everyone assumes you are so prissy and proper. If they only knew how many times I had to hold your hair while you barfed!” He said, laughing heartily. Byakuya pouted and opened his mouth to speak when there was a knock on the door.

“Matsumoto taicho,” Akira said, bowing as she walked in. She thanked the boy and looked over at the two men. She stared at Zaraki’s hand, and then the butterfly on the side of Byakuya’s neck and started to laugh. Her eyes were already red from crying, and she flopped down in a chair, laughing.

“Has she gone mad?” Byakuya whispered after several minutes of her hysterically laughing. Zaraki shrugged and chuckled, his eyes fixed on her jiggling chest. She calmed down moments later, wiping tears from her eyes.

“Whew! Thanks guys. I was tired of crying, so I decided to laugh instead. So Kuchiki-san, will Kisuke fight Kurotsuchi?” She asked, her eyes growing dark. Byakuya nodded.

“The pieces are falling into place. There is a slight issue that Ichigo will attend to, but in two days Kisuke will arrive to kill Kurotsuchi. He will usurp the division the same way our dear Zaraki did,” Byakuya said looking at him and smiling. Zaraki cheesed and ducked the pillow that was thrown at him.

“That’s good news,” Matsumoto murmured, nodding her head. She stood to leave. “I didn’t mean to intrude, but due to today’s antics, I didn’t get to talk to either of you. Have a good night,” She said, her gaze lingering on Zaraki. She turned and walked to the door.

Byakuya pinched Zaraki hard and pointed at Matsumoto. Zaraki shrugged his shoulders and Byakuya pinched him again, harder. “OW!” Zaraki screamed, shoving Byakuya.

Matsumoto paused and turned. “Did you say something, Zaraki-san?”

“No.”

“Yes! He asked you to wait. He can explain what will be happening as far as Ichigo and Kisuke.” Byakuya stood, pulling Zaraki up with him and pushing him at Matsumoto. “You two go off and talk, and I’ll follow up with Ichigo when he comes home from school.”

Zaraki gritted his teeth. “You’re just like that goddamn Rukia!”

Byakuya smiled. “I know. Have fun!” He winked at him and pushed both of them out in the hallway, shutting his door.

Matsumoto looked at Zaraki. “We don’t have to hang out, you know. We can just go our separate ways if you are uncomfortable.”

Zaraki sighed. “No, let me take you to dinner. After the events of the past day, I at least owe you that.”

Matsumoto smiled and climbed on Zaraki’s back. “To dinner we go, then.”

He nodded, a smile on his face also. “To dinner then.” He took off running, trying to remember the location of the best restaurant in town.






A/N: I wanted to deliver the fluff but keep it relevant, and I haddn't planned on an U/K hook up for about 3 chapters from now, but the good thing about plot development is that the plot develops. :) I was thinking to make the meeting a new chapter, but I decided against it. The next chapter will be up by Friday. Thanks for the reviews, they make me sparkly.