The Broken Souls of the Seireitei

A/N: I suck for taking so long. If I were rich, I could just sit home and write all day. Blah. Anyway, enjoy this part, and more will come. Thanks for hanging in there with me.



Rangiku shifted her shoulders. “I look alright?” She asked hesitantly, her friends staring gape-mouthed at her. Rukia had come as expected, out of breath and handing her gift bags. Rangiku allowed Rukia to pin her hair and do her makeup, reminding her to make it ‘classy, not trashy’ as Nanao painted her toes and fingers.

“Oh, you’re so pretty. I’m jealous,” Rukia gushed, pinching her own cheeks. Nanao nodded. “You look wonderful.”

Rangiku sighed with relief. At the last minute they decided that the soft gray kimono with the dandelion print at the bottom would be best. She didn’t think Yachiru or Kenpachi would don their best for her, and she didn’t want to alienate them. Rukia opted to do her makeup soft also, lining her lips with a sheer pink and threading her pink scarf through her hair in a flowing ponytail. Nanao spritzed her with a lavender spray, and dusted a bit of sparkly silver on her cheeks, just enough for the light to catch.

“I think Kenpachi is gonna shit his pants when he sees you,” Rukia said with a grin on her face. Nanao grimaced. “Hopefully not literally,” She mumbled, putting the makeup brushes back in their case. Rangiku peered in the gift bags. “Did you get nice stuff?”

Rukia scoffed and stretched on the couch. “Course I did. It will definitely smooth the transition of you being Kenpachi’s ‘special friend’ over with Yachiru.”

Rangiku got a worried look on her face again. “What if she doesn’t like me? What if she tells Kenpachi that I’m not good for him or something?”

“What if you just shut the hell up and go?” Rangiku and Rukia looked at Nanao. “Sorry. On my period and not happy,” The vice-captain explained sheepishly.

Rangiku sighed. “You’re right though, Nan. I need to go.” She stood and bent over, picking up the gift bags. “Wish me luck, girls!”

“Luck!” Rukia and Nanao cried out in unison as their friend walked out of the door. Rukia walked to the kitchen, pulling a bag of chips out of a nearby drawer. Nanao raised an eye at her, and she smirked.

“What? It’s not like she’s gonna be back anytime tonight. We may as well eat her food.”

“My Rukia, always so logical.” Nanao laughed and joined Rukia in raiding the kitchen.
*********************************

“So have you decided on whether or not you’re gonna go to work tonight? I’m sure Yukie doesn’t need us, and the other girls always get mad because we make more money than them.” Orihime twirled her hair between her index and middle finger as she and Tatsuki walked to their apartment.

Tatsuki shrugged as she punched in the access code to the gate. “Those bitches are only jealous because our tip out is less than theirs. We’ve gathered quite the clientele, so we don’t have to pay the bartender or DJ. They get theirs from the door charge. If they would do more private dances and less cocaine, then they’d make money too.” She pushed open the gate and ushered Orihime inside. They silently walked up the steps to their apartment, about to open the door when Tatsuki paused.

“Someone is here.” She reached behind the waistband of her pants and reached for her P2000, making Orihime roll her eyes.

“There’s nobody in there, you know.”

“Shhh! Get your candy ass behind me, Princess.” She shoved her friend behind her and quietly unlocked their front door. She aimed the gun, pushing the door open with it. “Whoever’s in here, show yourself. I’ve got a loaded Heckler and Koch, and I know how to use it! Don’t fuck with me!”

“With us!” Orhime chimed in, making Tatsuki glare at her.

“Okay, I give up.” A figure emerged from Tatsuki’s bedroom, making her frown and Orihime chuckle.

“Renji-san! You big meanie, you scared us!” She exclaimed, running over to him and punching his arm before giving him a hug.

“I wasn’t scared,” Tatsuki mumbled, putting the gun in a cabinet hutch near the door. Renji smiled softly and handed her a wrapped package.

“I wanted to get you something beautiful and heart-stopping, something unique and wonderful, so I hope you like it.” He stood there nervously, hoping she’d understand his gift. Orihime scrambled over to her friend and gasped, tears welling in her eyes when the gift was unwrapped. Tatsuki ripped the brown paper away and blinked silently for a few moments, staring at the gift.

It was a mirror. Plain and simple, with a pewter colored border. Tatsuki clutched the mirror, surprised when she saw drops of water land on it. “Renji,” She said softly, not looking up. Orihime smiled and quietly gathered her purse and jacket, knowing that her friend needed some time alone with her beau.

“Do…do you like it?” Renji’s voice was uncertain. He saw her tears, and even though he didn’t think she was shallow enough to be upset over the mirror, he wanted to convey what he thought of her, not only to her but to himself also.

Tatsuki’s jaw worked, and she pressed the mirror to her bosom. “Renji,” She said again, her voice squeaky. She walked over to him and buried her head in his chest and started to cry. “I thought you didn’t want me,” She said, muffled against his chest.

Renji pulled her face up and gently wiped her tears with his thumbs. “Tee, no. That’s not true. I…” He averted his eyes a moment before taking a breath and looking her straight on. “I love you. I have for a long time. I just don’t know how we’re gonna do this.”

Tatsuki snuggled against Renji, sighing. “I know. What if I killed myself?”

Renji gave her a horrified look. “No! You’d go to Hell indefinitely.”

“What if you killed me?”

He shook his head. “I can’t.”

Tatsuki looked frustrated. “What is this City of Angels crap?!!” Sighing, she turned to put the mirror on the hutch, and turned back to embrace him. He held her tightly, inhaling her smell. She always smelled flowery, even when he went to visit her while she danced. The club reeked of sweat, alcohol, and sorrow, and even if she had been dancing for hours, she always had that sweet flowery smell about her.

Tatsuki turned her head up and looked at Renji before kissing him softly. He also loved the taste of her, fresh and inviting. Their tongues touched and he moaned into her mouth, the only woman he ever did so with. She smiled at that and took his hand, pulling him to her bedroom. It was a simple room with a large, wide bed. Tatsuki had issues with ‘traveling’ in her sleep, and after about 6 months of sleeping with her and either him, her, or both of them ending up on the floor, Renji bought her the biggest bed he could find. Literally, he, Tatsuki, Orihime, Uryuu, Ichigo, and Rukia could all lay on the bed side by side, and Chad could lay across the bed with his arms fully outstretched above his head. Simply put, the bed was fucking huge.

Renji ran a few fingers gently up Tatsuki’s bare arm, making the girl visibly shudder. She smirked and pushed him down on the bed, straddling him when he tried to sit up. She whisked off her wife beater, revealing that she was braless underneath. His eyes widened and then rolled back when she snaked her hands under his shirt, rubbing his washboard abs. Her fingers grazed his nipples, and he bucked slightly, wanting more. She pushed his shirt over his head and bent to kiss him again, letting her tongue run over his bottom lip slowly. She took her time kissing him, closing her eyes and tasting her lover’s mouth. She barely noticed that he had not only rolled on top of her, but that he had also wriggled his pants off and was working on his boxers. Mission accomplished, worked on her pants, and as soon as they were both naked, he picked up one of her legs and started kissing the inside of her thigh.

“Make love to me, Renji.” Tatsuki’s eyes were bright with emotion, and Renji simply nodded before kissing her sweetly. A quick glance told him that she was slick and ready, and he pressed the tip of his cock against her opening, just taking a moment to gaze at the flushed skin below him. He eased himself in slowly and carefully, making Tatsuki exhale a wavering breath. Once he was fully seated within her, he started to pump in and out, the thrusts almost leisurely and unhurried. He bent to kiss her neck, sucking on her earlobe the way he knew she liked. He smiled when her fingers slid into his scalp, caressing lovingly. He moved down further, cupping one of her breasts in his hand and rolling her nipple while attaching his mouth to the other. She had an average size bust, perfect for him. Not every woman needed to be spilling out of their clothes like Matsumoto or Orihime, although there were times at the club when Orihime’s breasts looked nice, especially on the wet tee-shirt days.

Tatsuki arched her back, pushing more of her breast into Renji’s mouth. The feeling of him in her, on her, around her, was more than she could ask for. During their argument, ugly words were exchanged, and she wasn’t sure of their future. She accused Renji of being scared of love and being more than willing to be Rukia’s lap dog. Renji countered that she had always known that Ichigo was gay, but had tried to forge a relationship with him to keep herself from falling in love with him. They both were scared of what was to come from falling in love, but for different reasons. Renji had heard of shinigami who fell in love with ryoka and were cast out of the Seireitei with their powers stripped and no way to get back to the ones they loved. Additionally, when the ryoka died, there was no memory of the shinigami that they had fallen in love with. They could practically be standing right beside them and not even recognize them. Renji wasn’t exactly someone who abided by the rules, but in being nonchalant about Tatsuki, he ensured that he was always about to come to Karakura and resume his relationship with her.

Tatsuki was afraid of not being what he wanted. All her life her father had told her she wasn’t good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, and although she knew better, she wasn’t inside Renji’s head and didn’t know what he thought. Ichigo was indeed a safer bet, because he was her friend and would never hurt her. He also would have never loved her, and at times it sickened her that she thought at a time that that would be enough for her. She kept her feelings on lock, never really showing a high or a low until that argument. Chad had invited her to that party, but she had a slight cold and didn’t feel like going. She had asked Renji to stay at home with her, but he didn’t, and it upset her. In the hours that he was gone, she contemplated what made her mad, and it wasn’t that Renji didn’t stay with her, it was the fact that he didn’t even want to stay. She had asked him, and he said ‘no’ and was rather hurried about it, saying he had to get to the Urahara shop to meet Byakuya. Then after talking with Ichigo and finding out that her friend and Byakuya had started dating, it put things in an even clearer perspective. By that time, she wasn’t even sure if she and Renji would talk again, and it made her wonder just what exactly she wanted. She understood that there were rules in the Seireitei that complicated things, but wanted to make sure that Renji wasn’t using those rules to hide behind and not pursue what he really wanted. Obviously whatever was hindering him before was a non issue, or else he wouldn’t have been giving her the most gentle, fulfilling sex of her life.

“Tatsuki,” Renji murmured, thrusting deeper again. She looked at him and caressed his cheek, making him smile genuinely. “You belong to me. Only me. Only me,” He chanted softly, thrusting in time with his words.

“Yes,” She breathed, her fingernails raking over his back. “I’m yours, and your mine. No matter what…who…where…I love you, Abarai Renji. I love you!” She cried, digging her fingernails deeper into his back. His thrusts had increased in speed, and she molded her body against his, panting, wanting every inch of him.

“Tatsuki…my goddess,” He breathed sensually, rocking his hips the way he knew she liked. His hands roamed her body, his mouth locked onto hers. Tatsuki arched into him, her orgasm frighteningly close.

“More…more,” She chanted, flexing her kegel muscles and making Renji see stars. He wetly slapped into her, his hands clutching her hips. He leaned back and licked his lips, his involuntary signal that he was about to cum. He thrust only a few more times before he spilled in her, hot and thick. Tatsuki groaned at being filled so completely and came right after, pressing him down on her and holding him tightly against her. Renji gladly lowered his sweaty brow on her chest and panted softly, letting his reiatsu wash over her. An upside to making love to someone with a significantly lesser spiritual pressure meant that there was no power struggle and he could use the reishi to either lovingly caress her or to crush her. Obviously, he chose the former.

They lay on the bed, basking in the afterglow quietly. Renji looked at the clock and frowned. “Do you have to work tonight?”

Tatsuki laced her fingers through his, and combed her hair with her other hand. “No, Ma Cherie. And even if I was scheduled, how could I go to that sweaty dungeon and dance for those men after what we just did?” She snuggled next to him even closer and sighed. “I hate those men. Gawking, groping, ogling. They have wives, and if they did more of what we just did, they wouldn’t need me.”

Renji smirked and sighed. “But if you didn’t dance, how would you pay your bills?”

Tatsuki gave him a gentle smile and rolled off the bed. “Where you goin?” Renji protested. He watched confused as she opened her closet door and after some rummaging, reappeared with a small cedar chest with a brass padlock. She tossed it and the key on the bed.

“Open it.”

Renji frowned, not knowing what was in the box. But the sultry naked woman before him was more than convincing, and taking a breath, he unlocked the chest and opened it. His eyes widened and he looked up at Tatsuki.

“Tee, what the hell?…”

Tatsuki blushed and walked over, peering in the chest. “I’m going to be completely vulnerable with you. I’ve been saving that for 2 years. I…I wanted enough for us to maybe…” She reddened deeper and looked away, biting her lip. “Maybe we could get a house or something. I mean, not now,” She said hurriedly, not being able to gage Renji’s reaction. “Just…I…just never mind,” She said defensively, shutting the lid on the chest, barely giving Renji time to move his fingers. She went to pick the chest up, but Renji firmly took her hand.

“Lemme go.”

“No.”

Tatsuki pulled, knowing she couldn’t break his grip. Renji held on and stared at her, making her uncomfortable.

“Then just say no! Say ‘No, Tatsuki, I’d rather die than live with you!!!’”

“I’m already dead.”

“Shitface.” Tatsuki stopped struggling, but opted to look away instead.

“You’re the shitface. Tempting me like that, knowing full well there’s no fucking way I could be with you like that.” Renji’s tone was hurt and accusatory, making Tatsuki ‘humph’ with frustration.

“Kurosaki-isha left that place. Why can’t you?” Her tone was nearly pleading, and Renji put his head in his hands.

“Why? So that a Hollow can murder you like Masaki?!!” He nearly screamed it, making Tatsuki jump.

“Kurosaki-kun always said that it was an accident.”

Renji shook his head. “People in the Seireitei told me that Aizen-sama sent Grand Fisher. That’s a lie,” He said vehemently, coloring a bit. “Aizen-sama and Kurosaki-taicho were friends. There was no reason for him to go out of his way to hurt him like that.”

Tatsuki was looking at him intently. “Then who would want to hurt Kurosaki-isha? Or you, for that matter?”

Renji didn’t answer that. Instead, he pulled Tatsuki back down beside him. “I don’t want to argue. I just want to love you. We will be together one day, I promise. I can’t tell you how or when, but it’s in my mind and my heart, and I promise I’ll always love you and be with you.” He kissed the top of her head, nodding when she seemed to concede and leaned back against him.

“No one has ever been so kind to me as you.” His words confused her, and Tatsuki looked up at him.

“Huh?”

Renji motioned his head toward the chest, which was now on the nightstand. “You saved a lot of money, and in such a short time. All for our future. Enough to buy a house…and you aren’t cheap, Tee. There’s a lot of scratch in there.”

Tatsuki yawned and smiled sleepily. “I could never earn enough money to show you what you are really worth to me.” She kissed his bicep and nodded off to sleep, curled around him. Renji stayed awake and simply watched her breathe, stroking his finger up and down her arm, thinking of a way to not break the promise he made to her.
************************

Kenpachi cracked his knuckles. Was he anxious? No. Yes. No. Yes. Impulsively, he reached to fix the collar of Yachiru’s kimono for the 5th time in the span of two minutes, causing the child to start wailing and slapping at his hands. He checked the pot of sticky rice and tasted it, grimacing. The rice was perfect, but for some reason he wanted to throw it out and start over. His stomach hurt and his eye twitched. Where the hell was she? She was due to come at 6 o’clock. It was 5:30!!! Where the fuck was she?!!!

Yachiru sat on the floor, staring at Ken-chan, who was pacing the floor and muttering to himself. He was acting beyond strange, and she wondered if maybe Bya-kun had given him some candy. Then she pouted. She wanted candy too, damn it.

They both turned when they heard a knock at the door. Kenpachi practically leaped at the door, throwing it open with a huge grin on his face. “Hello pretty lady-” He paused and then frowned at the cherub face looking back at him.

“Hi there, Zaraki taicho! We’re taking donations for the Women’s Shinigami Association and-”

SLAM!

“Motherfucking goddamned stupid assed retarded bitch!” He practically screamed after slamming the door in the poor girl’s face. He barely got two steps from the door, when there was a knocking again, this time more insistent. Zaraki growled and hurled open the door again, his reiatsu flaring.

“Didn’tcha get the hint?!! I’m not giving you any fucking money! Get a job!!!” When he finally looked at who he was screaming at, he saw Matsumoto, trying to cradle the girl that first came to the door, who was hysterically crying. The girl barely glanced at Zaraki before running off, screaming at the top of her lungs.

Matsumoto smirked at him and calmly smoothed her kimono. “I considered arriving fashionably late, but I didn’t want to be responsible for innocent deaths.” She looked around Kenpachi and smiled at Yachiru. “Hey there, Yachiru-chan. I have something for you!!” She held one of the bags that she was carrying up, and Yachiru immediately grinned.

“Move, Ken-chan. I want my gift!” The little girl exclaimed, easily shoving Kenpachi from the door. Matsumoto stepped inside, inhaling the scent of rice and vegetables simmering. Yachiru practically snatched the bag from Matsumoto and dumped it on the coffee table, poring over the contents.

“Yachiru! Show some manners!” Kenpachi practically screamed, horrified at his ward.

“What’s this?” Yachiru asked, holding up a shiny pendant. Matsumoto smiled at took it between her fingers. “I got it from Karakura. In the ryoka world, they have a brand called ‘Hello Kitty’ and it’s only for super cute girls like us.” Matsumoto pulled her own larger pendant from her kimono and laid it across her chest, making Yachiru smile.

“So…this is like yours then?”

Matsumoto nodded, omitting the part that her ‘Hello Kitty’ pendant was actually made from pink, yellow, and white diamonds, whereas Yachiru’s were made from Swarovski crystals. Chad had a friend who was a jeweler that gave her an excellent price on her pendant, but even with the steep discount, she probably could have bought Karakura for what she paid for her pendant. She was eating ramen for several months afterward, but was satisfied with her purchase.

Yachiru put on the pendant and went though the rest of the items; some makeup, nail polish, candy, and several stretchy charm bracelets that had bright colored beads and attachable charms. Matsumoto nodded at the items. Rukia had done well in her shopping expedition.

“Thank you so much,” Yachiru gushed breathlessly, attempting to break open the makeup to smear all over her and Kenpachi.

“You’re welcome, Yachiru-chan. And I have something for you also,” Matsumoto said to Kenpachi, her voice becoming slightly shy. She offered the other bag to him, and he smiled, brushing his fingers over hers as he took the bag from her. He sat on the couch to examine his gift.

“What you got?” Yachiru asked loudly, grabbing at his bag, her arms loaded with bracelets and her mouth full of chewing gum. “Move,” Kenpachi grumbled, giving her a gentle push away. He reached into the bag, his expression confused. He pulled the items out, taken aback by them. It was a pajama set made from black satin, and he couldn’t help but press the fabric against his face. It was so smooth and soft, and he held up the shirt, examining it and nodding. He did the same with the pants, grinning. It was hard for him to find pants long enough, and the satin seemed never ending. He looked at Matsumoto, nothing but endearment in his eyes.

“Do you like them?” Her voice was gentle and quiet, her hands clasp in anticipation. She had told Rukia to get either red or dark blue, but they must have been out. She figured red or blue had to be Zaraki’s favorite colors; red for blood and blue for bruises that were inflicted. He stood and walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her.

“I love them,” He whispered against her ear, the emphasis on the word ‘love’ making her nearly swoon. He kissed the corner of her mouth, wanting to be as chaste as possible in front of Yachiru, who was paying them no mind anyway. Matsumoto opened her mouth slightly, and Kenpachi kissed her softly on the lips, holding her tightly.

“Ew,” Yachiru declared, making the two adults separate quickly. Matsumoto reddened and coughed, and Kenpachi grinned lopsidedly. “I’m gonna go put my stuff on since you already put your gifts on, and then we can eat.”

“But those are night clothes!” Matsumoto protested, reaching for the pajamas.

Kenpachi pulled away, grinning. “No, they are a gift, therefore I shall do what with them I so desire.”

Yachiru made a face. “Speak proper!” She commanded, putting on another bracelet.

“No!” Kenpachi smiled at them and shut the bedroom door to get changed.

Matsumoto smiled, then froze. She was alone with Yachiru…her worst fear. What would the little hellion do? Ask her questions? Tell her to go away? Set her on fire? Her heart beat fiercely, and she stood there, wringing her hands.

“What’s wrong wit’cha?” Yachiru eyed Matsumoto suspiciously. She was smarter than what everyone gave her credit for. She knew she had spent the past few nights with either Soi Fon taicho or Unohana taicho so that Ken-chan could spend time with Big Boobies. She had heard people talking, and concluded that Ken-chan wanted a special friend again, just like when he was with Kotetsu fukutaicho, but just this time the woman he picked wouldn’t be such a bitch.

Matsumoto cleared her throat and smiled, reaching to twist her pendant. “N-nothing. Just looking forward to getting to know you better.”

“Why?” Yachiru looked at her when she sat down next to her.

“Kenpachi and I are special friends. I care about him a lot. And he cares about you a lot. I just want you to know, that I’d never take him away from you.”

Yachiru smiled. “You couldn’t even if you wanted to.”

Matsumoto’s jaw clicked. “I’m not Isane, Yachiru. I’m not here to play games, with neither you or Kenpachi. My time is more important to me than that. So with that said, don’t you try to play me.”

Yachiru stared at her. Then she shrugged. “At least you’re laying your cards on the table. Ok then. But if you hurt Kenpachi-”

“I wont.” Matsumoto’s voice was the most serious Yachiru had ever heard it, so she simply nodded.

“Hey girls, how do I look?” They raised their heads and smiled at Kenpachi’s pajamas. The black satin looked wonderful on him, and he turned around to model the outfit, chuckling when Yachiru whistled at him.

“So are you all ready to eat?”

Yachiru looked at Matsumoto, and smiled when the woman met her gaze. “Sure,” They chorused, never taking their eyes off each other.
********************************

“Oh, that was delicious, thank you so much,” Matsumoto said, laying her chopsticks down. Dinner was indeed delicious, and she had to wonder if Kenpachi really made it himself. The chicken was tender and juicy, and the vegetables were crisp and bright. He’d even stewed a few persimmon with sugar for her, even though Yachiru said they tasted bad.

Kenpachi smiled. “You’re more than welcome.” He gazed at her warmly, making her blush. He looked over at Yachiru. “As you might already know, Rangiku and I are…becoming very close. She is special to me.”

Yachiru nodded. “You mean like how Kotetsu fukutaicho was?”

Kenpachi reddened and Matsumoto shifted. “Not in the slightest. Rangiku and I have a very special relationship, one that is very close to my heart.”

Yachiru kept on. “Isane fukutaicho wasn’t close to your heart?”

Kenpachi reddened deeper. “She was before she broke it.” His tone was nasty, and Matsumoto blanched. He sighed and shook his head, frowning at the look on Matsumoto’s face. It was a perturbed look at best. He glared at Yachiru, who he knew was goading him on purpose.

Yachiru cleared her throat, trying to steer conversation away from her. “Matsumoto-sama, are you staying the night?”

“No,” Matsumoto said.

“Yes,” Kenpachi said at the same time. They looked at each other. “I mean, if you want to, I can make up the spare bedroom.”

Matsumoto looked down at her hands, that were now clasped in her lap. “I don’t want to impose more than I already have.”

Kenpachi glared at Yachiru, who slouched. “I’m sorry I bought up Kotetsu-sama. I won’t do it again.”

Matsumoto gave Yachiru an understanding look. “It’s alright, really. I wish she hadn’t hurt either of you, but of all the powers Kami-sama gave me, time travel wasn’t one of them.”

Yachiru giggled, and Matsumoto genuinely smiled at her. Kenpachi noticed the exchange and relaxed a bit. “So would you like me to make up the spare room for you then?”

Matsumoto nodded. “Yes, that would be nice.”
*************************************

“Ken-chaaaaaaaaaaan!!! Come tuck me in!!!”

Yachiru’s voice bellowed through the house, and Kenpachi rolled his eyes. It had only taken a few minutes for him to find fresh bedding and make the small spare bedroom cozy; even though in his mind he wanted Rangiku in his bed. He sat down on the bed a moment, thinking about Yachiru. He wanted them to get along, but knew better than to force it. He also needed to level with Rangiku about some of the things that happened between Yachiru and Isane. Thinking about it made his head hurt, so he lay back across the bed, closing his eyes.

“No fair, this is supposed to be my room!”

His eyes flew open, settling on Matsumoto. She had changed from her kimono to the shirt of Kenpachi’s jinbei, the material reaching past her knees. She smiled at him and walked over, sitting down beside him. She wrapped her arms around him and leaned against his chest, smiling. He returned the hug and stroked her hair, closing his eyes in contentment.

“KEN-CHAAAAAAAAN!!!”

He sat up, sneering. He looked at Matsumoto, who was laying down on the bed, looking up at him with an amused look.

“Rangiku, did you want kids?”

She smiled and nodded.

“Want one now? No assembly required, just take her and go.”

She laughed and pushed him out of the room.
*******************************

“Ken-chan, wait please.” Yachiru was all tucked in, insisting all of her gifts be tucked in with her.

Kenpachi sighed. “I’m not going to read you another Inuyasha manga.”

Yachiru snickered. If she put up a big enough stink, he would. “No, I wanna ask you about Big Boobies.”

“Matsumoto-sama,” He corrected.

“Fine. Matsumoto-sama. Is she gonna be your girlfriend?”

Kenpachi walked back toward the bed and sat down on the edge. “I hope so. Why? And why were you bringing up Isane at dinner?”

Yachiru looked sad. “I don’t want you to get hurted again. I don’t think Matsumoto-sama will be like Kotetsu-sama, but I don’t wanna see you sad and crying. You drink when you cry, and sometimes you break stuff…” She trailed off, her eyes huge and tear filled.

Kenpachi reached for Yachiru, and she crawled from beneath her covers and sat on his lap. “Rangiku has been hurt, just like me. She loved Gin, and he betrayed her…all of us. In a way, we are the same because someone we loved hurt us very badly. I think she will be more considerate of my feelings than Isane ever was. And she seems to like you very much. Didn‘t you see the gifts she brought? She likes you a lot.” He nuzzled her on the nose, making her giggle.

“She is nice. I’ll be nice too, I promise.” Yachiru kissed his cheek as a way of sealing her promise.

Kenpachi smiled and kissed her back, tucking her under the sheet again. “Be good and see you in the morning.”

Yachiru nodded and yawned, adjusting her gifts in the bed to make her slumber more comfortable. Kenpachi chuckled and closed the door to her room, heading back down the hall.
****************************

“Rangiku? I found this blanket and-” He rounded the corner to go in to the spare bedroom and paused. It was empty. The jinbei top she was wearing was neatly folded on the bed, and her geta and kimono were gone. His face sagged with disappointment. Maybe it was too much for her. Him, Yachiru, his baggage…he sat down on the edge of the bed, frowning. He threw the blanket down angrily and walked to the front door, hoping to catch her fleeing. He didn’t know what he’d do to her for walking out, but she couldn’t just come by, dine and ditch! He placed his hand on the doorknob, prepared to open it when he noticed a light coming from his room. Odd. He didn’t leave the light on after he changed his clothes. He narrowed his eyes, sensing a trap.

“Rangiku? You in here?” He asked, somewhat testy as he pushed open the door. The sight could have made a blind man see.

There she stood, in black bikini lace panties with small red bows on the hips, with a matching black lace bra with a matching red bow right at her cleavage. She wore a black garter with black thigh high stockings and from somewhere had gotten black heels, high and shiny. She stood with her hands on her hips, an almost angry look on her face.

“You thought I left.” Her voice was accusing, but all Zaraki could do is gape at her. “Pick your face up!” She nearly yelled, walking over to him and pushing at his chest. He caught her hand and pressed her to him, groping her curves. He pushed the door closed with his foot and leaned against it, looking at her.

Matsumoto pushed away. “No. I should leave, since that was obviously what you were expecting. I saw you walk toward the front door and felt your reiatsu spike.” She turned away from him, shrugging off the warm hands that were placed on her shoulders.

“I won’t lie. You weren’t in the spare room, and you folded my shirt up and your shit was gone. What was I supposed to think?” His voice meant to sound apologetic, but came out lusty and sultry.

“Why would you think I’d sleep under the same roof as you, but not in your bed? What sense would that make?” Her frustration was peaking, and he was confused.

“I don’t know, Ran. Why would you?”

“I wouldn’t!” She exclaimed, whirling around and jiggling seductively (but by accident). “I love you! So why would I want to be away from you?” She sighed and shook her head, closing her eyes in annoyance. When she opened them, Zaraki was right in front of her, looking down at her.

“Say it again. Please.”

She looked at him and swallowed. “You tell me first.”

He smiled softly at her, giving her a look that melted her. “My beautiful, my sweet, my heart. I love you,” He said in a breathy voice, leaning down and kissing her on the neck. She moaned and wrapped her arms around him, bringing his face down to hers for a kiss as he picked her up to carry her to his bed. He gently lay her down, kissing her slowly. She carefully unbuttoned the pajama shirt, the satin cascading over his shoulders when she pushed the material away.

“I love you,” He whispered again, threading his fingers through hers, taking his other hand and running it over her arms and breasts. She moaned softly, knowing they couldn’t be too loud since Yachiru was down the hall. He unhooked her bra and slid her panties down, kissing her now exposed flesh. She just as gracefully removed his satin pants, smiling when they were both naked. She brought her hand to his face and stroked it, her eyes cloudy with tears. “You’re so beautiful,” She whispered, running her fingers over the scar on his face. She closed her eyes and leaned up to let her tongue run over the long scar, slightly surprised at the salty taste. Opening her eyes, she saw that a few tears had slipped from his eyes.

“I…no one…I’ve never let anyone touch that scar,” He whispered. He looked at her, really looked at her. Her watery crystal eyes were bright, and he smiled at her. The fear dissipated as he lifted one of her legs, positioning himself at her entrance.

“I love you, Kenpachi.” Her words moved him, and he kissed her passionately before thrusting himself in her, making her back arch and features tighten. She bit her lower lip, her body rising and falling with each thrust. She felt their bond intensify, and their reiatsu coiled together, wrapping around both of them almost like a cocoon. His chest rubbed against hers, and his hips thrust slowly, enjoying her like she was a glass of rich wine.

He closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the feeling. It dawned on him that he never…never ever had loved Isane. He couldn’t have. He never made love to her like this. He couldn’t look into her face and see his future. He never allowed her to get close enough to really break his heart. She may have fractured the outside, but the core of his being was still intact, and strengthened even more by Rangiku’s love.

He pulled himself from her, only to push back in, taking his time in making love to her. His thoughts ran wild to all the possibilities of this relationship, and what all could happen between them. He was excited to think that he could have a real life with her, so much so that garbled words spilled forth sooner than either of them expected.

“Be my wife.”

Rangiku, who had just been enjoying the sex, stared at him wide eyed. He continued his pace, speeding up just enough for her to nearly loose control. He kissed her face, her cheeks and lips, inside her as deep as he could be. They continued making love, the pressure building within both of them. She came first, wrapping her arms around him and holding on as tight as possible, panting and gasping for air. He came shortly after, wanting every drop of his seed inside of her, only her. He slowly pulled out of her and lay beside her, sweaty and sated, half hoping she would chalk his question up to being in the throes of passion, half praying she would answer.

“Yes.” She snuggled up to him and confirmed her answer with a nod. Zaraki looked down at her. “You mean it?”

“Yes.”

Zaraki swallowed. “It was supposed to be harder than this, wasn’t it?”

Matsumoto gave him a dark look. “Trust me, when I marry you, it will be.”

They both lay face up in the bed, staring at the ceiling uneasily. The only comfort they shared was the fact they were holding hands, both of them scared out of their minds, albeit for different reasons.




A/N: I purposely waited so long to even mention Renji and Tatsuki. I hope I conveyed everyone's feelings well, and it's gonna get fucked up soon. I just hope I don't receive death threats.