One is Too Many

Many thanks to Benihime, I'm glad you're enjoying it, and sweetsatincocoa, I hope you like our sweetie's choice, it's very like him. Miss1417, I always appreciate constructive criticism, my grammar sucks. But, Hadarame is supposed to be that way, Hadarame Katsuoka is the fourth seat of the Third Division and Kira's friend. I used hyphens originally but decided I didn't like it so moved over to commas; I tend to prefer commas anyway. But, thank you for your efforts, I appreciate that you took the time to make them. DuosAngel, I'm not answering any questions but at least I got you asking them! *L* Thanks for reviewing, I'm glad you liked it.



**Next evening**


~Kira~


“Kira! Where the fuck are you?” The tray nearly drops from my hands and I start to run. I must be late.

Careful not to spill, I slide around the corner and kneel at the door, knocking gently. “Sir, I'm sorry! I was slow, please forgive me.” There's a crash as the door slams open and I'm lifted by the front of my top and dragged over to be set on the desk. Supper is a mess, the tray tipped over at the door and he's leaning over me, hands on either side of my hips. “S, s, sir?”

He sounds angry but he doesn't look upset. Intense, his eyes bore into me, making me fidget but keeping me staring straight at him. “Do you know how to say no?”

“Sir?” His eyes narrow and I answer quickly. “Yes, sir.” As quickly as the annoyance appeared, it vanishes under a twitch of lips and a raised brow. It strikes me as a bit funny too and I bite my lip shyly. “Ah, I, I mean, no, sir.” That seems to be even funnier and he starts to laugh, forehead pressed to mine, warm breath washing over my lips.

“Why, Kira, is MY Lieutenant doing paperwork for the Eleventh Division?” Oh, that. I didn't mean to, but Yachiru appeared yesterday afternoon and dumped it in my arms before taking off. She didn't even have a bodyguard with her and I couldn't just throw it away.

Red flushes my cheeks and I try to look away but he just pushes his forehead against mine harder, forcing me to stay in place. “I, I meant to send it back. I, I just, I didn't mean to do it. It got mixed in with my things and I signed it by accident.” But, why was he going through my desk? It feels like a very intimate thing to do and I don't like it. I only have two places that were mine, my desk and my room, and he was riffling through one of them.

“Uh huh. Don't let it happen again. If that brat shows up, send her home. With her papers.” He doesn't seem to notice the tension in my shoulders and I relax them forcibly. He is correct, of course, I have no right to expect privacy but it is still hard to accept. A step back and I'm released. “Come on, we're going over to the Eleventh for supper tonight. Forgot to tell you.”

“To, tonight? Now?” But, but, what do I need to take? We need something to present to Captain Kenpachi and something for Lieutenant Yachiru, not to mention we should take something for Yumichika, since he is the Captain's friend and sure to be there. No time, maybe the kitchen will have something, there must be...

“Yep, now. Let's go.” He has a hold of my hand and he's pulling me out the door and down the hall, heels dragging. “Come on, keep up.”

“Sir, please! We need to take something with us!”

“Why?” We're at the outside door and I grab the frame, clinging as strongly as I can; a jolt up my arm and the bald man stops, staring at me over his shoulder “It's just the Captain, the brat and Yume. No big deal.”

My lips are suddenly dry and I swallow before speaking. “Sir, we should be polite and take something for them.” A firm nod and he's staring at me. “Really, it won't take long.” While I argue my case, I'm thinking of possibilities; there are some colored pencils in my room that I haven't had time to get out of the package yet and a scarf He gave me that I could never wear. “Captain, what would Captain Kenpachi like?” Because the closest I've ever gotten to him has been across the meeting hall.

Ikkaku is frowning at me, still holding my hand as if he wants to just yank me along after him. I can't tell what he's thinking but he finally releases me. “Go on, hurry up.” A sigh of relief and I dart away, running to dig through my closet. There's a piece of blue ribbon I was saving but it'll have to do for now. A quick bow around each gift before I change into a nicer outfit, call for Tetsummi to clean up the Captain's room, grab the errant files, and run back to the door.

The Captain is waiting for me, a large bottle of what appears to be beer in his hand and I can't help smiling at him. He looks almost startled, then grins slowly back at me, reaching for my hand. His hand is huge, wrapping easily around mine, my fingers looking like a child's compared to his. But he's gentle, a warm presence around me and I follow along, quick steps required to keep up with his longer stride.

We must look ridiculous but he doesn't seem to notice the people we pass staring. My cheeks burn at the attention but the Eleventh barracks is coming into view, Yumichika at the door. A quick wave and he disappears back inside, the sound of voices getting louder as we hit the steps. I stop in the entrance, suddenly feeling very awkward. The Captain just hauls me along, pulling me forward to stumble across the threshold.

Captain Kenpachi is lounging at the head of the small table, Lieutenant Yachiru bouncing around him, crawling over his shoulders As soon as she sees us, she comes racing along to climb Ikkaku and flop over his head. “Pachinko!”

“You damn brat! Get off!” Brilliant laughter and she slides away, heading for me. Alarm rushes through me as she attaches herself to my leg.

“What do you got? Is it for me? Gimme!” A small hand reaches for the packages and I lift them higher, not sure what else to do. Bright eyes narrow and a low growl makes me nervous.

Yumichika saves me, lifting her by the back of her uniform. “Lieutenant, if it is for you, I'm sure Lieutenant Kira will give it to you in time.”

“Ah, yes, of course. Lieutenant, this is for you. I hope you'll enjoy them.” The files go flying as the package is shredded, my precious little ribbon scattered around in bits of confetti. “Yumichika, we also brought a gift for you. Thank you for having us.”

Delicate hands unwrap the parcel carefully, setting paper and ribbon aside. “It's so pretty! Captain, look! Isn't it just perfect for me?” He's smiling, holding it against his chest, admiring the bright colors. “Where ever did you get it?”

“It's just something I've had sitting in my closet for a while.” Fifty years to be exact. “I thought it would suit you.”

“It's perfect!” He moves quickly, too fast for me to dodge, and drapes himself over my shoulders in an enthusiastic hug. “Thank you!”

What do I do? He's bouncing around, rubbing against me and the Captain is glaring. A gentle pat on the back seems to be enough for him and he bounces off to sit and show his new scarf to a very disinterested Kenpachi. Ikkaku is patting the floor beside him and I kneel, hands folded properly. Yachiru makes the most noise, running around the room until Yumichika grabs her and tells her to sit still.

Then, she shovels food into her mouth and talks quickly, babbling on about her day and what she plans for tomorrow. No one seems bothered by her manners and I eat quietly while the two Captains talk. My name brings my attention back to the conversation. “And Kira is not your secretary. I was going through his desk when I found those files. Do your own work, he has enough.”

“Ikka! You went through Kira's desk?” Yumichika looks positively horrified. “You are so rude!”

“What? I was missing this file and thought he had it. Nothing wrong with that.”

“A person's desk is a private place. You can't just riffle through it!” Captain Ikkaku sputters at being reprimanded.

Yachiru jumps up and crawls over to stare into his eyes. “Yeah, it's rude to touch other people's things! Ken-chan never touches my desk!”

“Fuck, you guys, it's not a big deal. Kira didn't mind, did you?” They're all staring at me and my cheeks burn.

Long bangs hide my face while I stare at the floor. “Of course not. Captain Ikkaku is free to do anything he pleases.” The proper response but everyone goes silent; when I look up, they're still staring at me. Did I say something wrong?

Captain Kenpachi just looks away and Yachiru climbs over to sit in his lap, quiet for a change. She clings to his uniform, small hands wrapped in the dark cloth, her face pressed to his chest while he pats her head. Captain Ikkaku's face is turning red and I look at the floor again. He's angry now but I really don't know why. I said the right thing, didn't I? “Kira.” He sounds so disappointed in me.

I don't know how to respond so I say nothing, just stare at the floor and wait for him to say something else. There's a rustle of cloth and suddenly a big hand is on the back of my neck. “Come.” I'm pulled to my feet and he starts to push me to the door.

What did I do? Yumichika makes a soft sound of protest and starts to stand only to be waved back. “Mind your own business, Yume.” He's dragging me now, my feet can't keep up and I stumble, nearly falling into his back. A brief pause while he lifts me over his shoulder and we're moving down the street quickly, long strides eating the distance between barracks.

Panic is choking me, all I can do is apologize. “I'm sorry, I'm sorry.” I don't know why or what I've done but it doesn't matter, he's so angry I can feel it rolling off him.

“Shut up.” His hand moves from my thighs to slap me softly on the ass as he stomps through the door to his room. “Just shut up.”


~Ikkaku~


Shit. How did it get this bad? The absolute hopelessness in his voice when he said I could do as I liked was the most horrifying thing I've ever heard. I doubt he even knows it was there. Yume was on the verge of sympathetic tears and even the irrepressible Yachiru was affected, hiding for the first time since I've met her. And he looked so confused, he doesn't even know what's wrong

He's crying, huddled where I dropped him on the bed, sobbing apologies and trying to hide behind his sleeves. I reach out to touch his hair but stop when he lets out a broken whimper. My palm runs over my head while I stare at the wall. He's so afraid, terrified, and of me. No one should be that scared. What do I say? I've always been bad with words and prefer action but he's too delicate, too close to breaking.

Ok, just calm down, he thinks you're mad at him. “Kira.” Even his name sends him flinching away, scooting backwards to press against the wall. “Kira, look at me.” I kneel beside the bed and grab his ankle, tugging gently to bring him close enough to wrap my arms around him. Screw Yume and his advice; it hasn't worked yet. Yes, it's only been two days, but I've never been real patient.

“Stop crying, I'm not mad at you. I won't hurt you.” He isn't struggling, just sitting there, tears streaming down his face and ragged heaves as his breathing. “Calm down. You're ok.” I press his head down on my shoulder, hair soft under my fingers, and let him cry himself quiet.

Finally, he stops and lays silently, pressed against me, slender hands curled in my uniform collar. When I pull back, his face is bright red, his eyes are swollen, and I still think he looks adorable at the same time as I hope I never seen this face again. Long bangs are irresistible and I pet them slowly, tucking them behind his ears.

His head shakes, trying to get them free again but I insist, tucking them back again. “Leave them. It's alright.” Pink lips are trembling, as if he wants to speak but can't. “Just for a bit.” He is released and I stand, nudging him over so I can sit and pull him into my lap. “Kira, I'm not mad at you. You didn't do anything wrong.” Get that out of the way. “I'm pissed as fuck with that bastard who taught you that you don't have any rights.”

That startles him and he looks up, eyes bluer than usual against the red. “You do. I didn't realize you would care if I went through your desk, because I wouldn't care. I'm sorry. As an apology, I want you to choose something and I'll give it to you.” There's a little choked sound but he doesn't look away, eyes wide, shock clear in every line of his face. I don't imagine he has had many apologies given to him. “If you don't like something, say so. I don't have the right to do whatever I want, to you or anyone else, just because I'm Captain here.”

A moment of silence before he pushes back a bit. “Ca, Captain, sir?”

He hasn't looked up, eyes fastened on my throat, face still a bit damp. “Yes, Kira.” Now that the crying is done, he's back in control, the pleasant, blank little mask firmly in place.

“Can, can I ask for s, something?” My eyes close; finally, there's a spark of spirit.

I can't help the tiny smile that tips my lips but it makes him more shy and his back curves. “Go ahead. Anything you want.”

“I, please, sir, I want,” He's stuttering so badly I can barely understand. “Please, call only me.” I frown at him and he cringes away, inadvertently pressing more deeply into my arms. “T,t,to yo, your rooms. P, please, s,s,sir.”

My frown deepens. “Why would I call anyone else?” Thin shoulders jerk against me but he says nothing. “Well, alright. You still have a request. Would you like to use it now?” Big eyes flash up to my face and away, pink tinging his cheeks.

Long fingers fiddle idly with my belt, flipping the loose ends together and apart. “I, I don'twantyouinmyroom.” It takes a minute to decipher that. He doesn't want me in his room? Why would he feel that he has to ask that?

“If that's what you want, then I swear not to enter your room.” He seems happy with that, shoulders relaxing and he leans against me, head tipping to my shoulder on its own. He's so lovely and perfect, curled in my lap and I squeeze just a little, cuddling him carefully. A soft murmur before his eyes start to close; he's worn himself out, crying so much. A moment of struggling against sleep, tension in his shoulders and hands, a bit of wiggling against my hold on him. Exhaustion is on my side tonight and he dozes off, warm in my arms.

When he wakes, he'll be back to being shy and afraid, but for now, this is pretty damn nice.


~Kira~


I hurt. Everything hurts. But I'm alone, wrapped in blanket and tucked into bed. Slow, slow, take it easy, you've had enough of these nights to know what to do. There's a glass of water beside the bed and I drink it quickly, cool liquid soothing my throat and helping the headache. When I run my hands over my body, checking for bleeding, there isn't a mark on me, not even a bruise. Didn't I...?

No, there was no punishment. The Captain just carried me back here and, oh no. I cried all over him, begged and whined, was a coward of the first degree. If he didn't think I was useless before, he certainly does now. But he was so gentle and apologized, was so kind to me. My face is hot under my hands. What should I do? A dry sob is muffled quickly. I will not cry anymore.

The room is well lit, sunlight shining through the window and I suddenly realize I've missed morning practice. Quick movement sends me stumbling from the headache that returns vengefully. The side table provides support and a little sheet of paper falls to the side, drifting to the floor. Damn, where was that sitting? I have to put it back in the right place or he'll think I was reading it.

My name catches my attention and indecision makes the sheet tremble in my hand; if it's about me, I should be able to read it, right? And, if I've already moved it by accident, I might be punished anyways, whether or not I read it. Yes, I'm going to.

'Kira, Stay in bed this morning, you won't feel that good. What's his name will bring you lunch and if you feel better, you can get up then. When you do, come find me in the exhibition hall. Ikkaku.'

It's for me? Go find him in the exhibition hall? What is he doing there? But, but what am I supposed to do all morning? There are at least two hours until lunch time and I'll never get back to sleep, not after that exhausted sleep last night. A knock at the door breaks through my thoughts. “Yes?”

“Lieutenant Kira, Captain Ikkaku has requested that a meal be brought to you.” Tetsummi! My headache is ignored in favor of rushing over to fling the door open. I can always count on him to know my needs and I'm happy he thought to come early, knowing I would be up. “Lieutenant! Are you alright?”

His concern washes over me, respect and the love of a friend exactly what I need. “Yes, Tetsummi. Come in.” The tray looks wonderful and I can barely keep from attacking it until it's set down on the table.

The fruit is gone almost instantly and the toast follows. I haven't been this hungry in years! My third is staring at me. “Sir?” I have to smile at that, the formality that Tetsummi insists on keeping between us, a shield to Him disallowing our association. A giggle slips out. My best friend is the one who can show it the least. “Kira, please. What happened?”

My head cocks, mouth still full. He must be very worried, Tetsummi almost never asks for details. I swallow quickly and smile. “Nothing. The Captain was very kind.” He doesn't believe me and I shake my head. “Would you like to examine me? I'm fine.” For a second, I think he might take me up on my offer, made mostly in jest, but he shakes his head, thick hair flying.

“Of course not. Your word is always good enough for me, Kira.” I just nod and keep eating. The tray is mostly empty but I'm still hungry.

“Tetsummi, will you get me some fresh clothes, please? I'm going to have a quick bath and we'll go find something else to eat.” My friend stands immediately and picks up the empty tray before leaving without a word but he'll be back in a few minutes.

Quickly, I dart down the hall to the bath room and lock the door after checking to make sure it's empty. Hot water is delicious over my skin and I wash quickly with softly scented soap, scrubbing my hair carefully and running my hands over the many scars briefly. While I'm thankful I haven't added to them lately, I can't help but wonder when I will next. Will I say the wrong thing or move something I'm not supposed to touch? Will one of the men stumble or cause trouble? Will he simply come back in a bad mood and need a distraction?

Tetsummi is back already, knocking quietly and I rinse quickly before wrapping a towel loosely under my arms. The lock clicks open and I'm staring at a trio of new men. The door slams shut under my hand but I still feel their eyes on me, taking in the stark scars, white even against my pale skin; when I look down at myself, I can see the glint of gold at my left nipple and realize the towel had slipped in my shock.

No, no, please let them not have noticed. I can hear the laughter through the door; they did. Scalding tears hotter than the bath water slide over my face as I sink to the floor. Tile is cold through the towel, the chill seeping into my soul as I sit and cry, muffling the screams against the flesh of my arm. They are right, I'm a joke, just a toy for the Captain to amuse himself with for a bit. How conceited, that I should think he might like me just a bit, that his apology from last night might be sincere.

They are gone by the time Tetsummi returns and my tears have long dried, all traces washed away. I'm too worn to wonder what took him so long and ignore his questioning glances as he hands me my clothes and brushes my hair, an old habit. Knots love my unruly bangs and are a literal pain to get out unless picked patiently and gently.

My appetite is gone now and I return to the Captain's room to wait quietly, a note sent with Tetsummi to inform our leader I won't be joining him. I hope it isn't important and he doesn't mind if I stay here. The bed is warm and I curl in a ball, hugging a pillow tightly. It smells like the Captain and I breathe it in, a slightly spicy smell mixed with the scent of the bath soap from my own skin.

Sleep is long in coming, I'm not tired, but there is nothing else I want to do. Even reading is out of the question; all my things are in my room and I didn't think to ask Tetsummi to get me a book. Silence pounds at my ears for hours before I slide away, thoughts whirling.

Something is poking me in the side and I roll over to avoid it, still clinging to a restless sleep. The annoyance remains, just follows me across the bed and I think I hear a faint chuckle. My eyes feel heavy, this was a very unsatisfactory nap and undid all the good of the night's sleep, but I can make out the black of a uniform and dark skin of a large hand brushing my bangs around. The Captain!

I try to sit up but I'm tangled in the blanket and end up just flopping around awkwardly until I can get free. My cheeks are red, embarrassment high. “Sir! I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was you.”

A dark brow rises teasingly. “And who else are you expecting, sleeping in my room?” For a second, I think he's serious and start to apologize again but he grins easily and ruffles my hair. “Come on, you've slept all day. Time to get up.” Gentle hands lift me off the bed and set me on my feet, brushing my clothes into place. He's still smiling, seems happy with me for some reason. Such a confusing man!

“Have you eaten yet, sir?” Head down, voice quiet, don't be so arrogant. 'You're a disgrace, Kira Izuru, and don't ever forget it.'


~Ikkaku~


He's so quiet, more so than usual, his head is lower than it was yesterday, his shoulders more curved. I try to be gentle, to show him I'm not upset but he's not even his tense self. It's as if he's given up on something, his body is pliant under my hands, moving any way I turn him. Just as an experiment, I lift his arm and let go; it doesn't move and he doesn't even look up. “Kira.” Waiting again, this is becoming a habit.

Blank eyes look up, a little red from sleep but mostly clear, showing nothing. “Yes, sir?” Even his voice is blank. Is this what he was like, before? This empty shell, devoid of all spirit, the hints of fire I see occasionally gone. I curse Ichimaru again in every dialect I know.

“Kira, what happened? You're not yourself.” His head tilts and a slow blink shows the scars on his eye clearly.

His mouth tips, thin lips parting in a small smile, but his eyes, his eyes are blank, dead. “Of course I am sir. I am the same as I have always been. I'm sorry if it displeases you, sir. How can I change?”

This is uncomfortable. Disturbing even. A small shake and he flows with it, letting me move him as I like, returning to stand in the same position when I release his shoulders “That's enough. Stop it.”

He look confused, for a second before it is wiped away. “I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand. I'm not doing anything, sir.” Long bangs fall back in his eyes as he bows his head. “Please, sir, tell me what you would like from me and I will provide as best I can.”

My temper isn't that great and he's testing it. “Smile for me.” Immediate obedience, a sweet, innocent smile that goes nowhere near his eyes. His shoulders are so small between my hands, the bones feel fragile and I struggle not to crush him. “This is not you. Until you feel like acting like yourself, go to your room. You can come out and eat with me if you can behave but otherwise, stay there.”

“Yes, sir. I'm sorry sir. Please forgive me.” A deep bow and he steps to the door, sliding it open and closed silently.

What the fuck just happened? What is wrong with him? I thought a day off, some extra sleep, a bit of quiet time, and he'd be fine. Maybe not, but if he stayed here all day, nothing could have happened to him. He didn't look injured, he didn't flinch when I touched him or try to avoid me; that might be the most disturbing thing of all. “Oi, Tetsummi! Get in here!” I hate to admit to knowing his name but I need information.

Our big third appears silently, kneeling in the entrance. “Yes, Captain Ikkaku?”

“Where did Kira go today?” The person the most likely to know would be his best friend and greatest supporter. “Did he leave the barracks?”

“No, sir. Lieutenant Kira slept until ten, had breakfast, had a bath, and returned to your quarters. He hasn't left your room until now, sir.” He doesn't look up, just stares at the floor.

“Oi, look up.” When he does, there is anger in the dark eyes and I smile; there is information, right there. “What's got your panties in a twist?”

Wide features even out immediately and he looks back down. “Nothing of importance, sir. Just some discipline with some of the younger men today. My apologies.”

Well, well, discipline, huh? And what are the chances of my little Lieutenant being at the bottom of the issue? “Dismissed.” The billowy white coat is hung up and I change into an old uniform before heading over to the main area where the men gather for meals and down time.

The babble of voices rises and falls as varying groups move forward to get their meals and fall back to sit and chat. A back table serves well to allow me to hear several conversations while I eat quickly, invisible in the crowd. Immediately, I pick out the problem. Laughter, loud and crass is followed by crude jokes of the use of the Lieutenant's jewelry and what else he might be sporting. Bets are flying everywhere and dares of how to find out are plentiful; the older men are moving through the room, trying to quell the disrespect but there is little they can do. Fights break out and are quelled instantly, discipline and fear still holding strong to the leaders.

Listening carefully and moving silently from area to area brings me to a table near the middle where conversation is the loudest and interspersed with cursing of Tetsummi for punishing a set of three young men. The instigators. Very good. Their names are selected and I memorize them before retreating to gather my things.













Because I'm in the mood for attention, I've posted an extra chapter tonight, though I hadn't planned to post until tomorrow. So indulge me, please. Oh, and there are approximately 15 chapters, some smaller, some bigger, pretty much what you've seen so far. Enjoy!