One is Too Many

BeniHime, Siryn, Duosangel, eosphoros, sweetsatincocoa, Brucesgirl, MakaiKitty, Khelsea and erokappa, thank you very much for the encouragement. Yes, my grammar sucks but if you point out the worst of it, I can fix it :) Sex is coming, and I'm reasonably sure it works well with the story as a whole. Hopefully, you'll enjoy what I've got today. Thank you and review please!





~Kira~


I'm really hungry. It's been a long time since I had to miss a meal; He was never big on such simple punishments and I've always been skinny, so I have to eat regularly. The main area is especially loud today, filled with laughter, and I wonder what they're talking about. I can't hear any words clearly, just loud voices, and it doesn't really matter. I'm stuck here until I can 'behave myself.'

But I don't know what he means by that, I was trying. I obeyed his every word, offered to change as he wanted me to. I don't know what he wants. A deep sigh and I lay back on my bed, hands behind my head. Doesn't matter now, I'll think about it tomorrow. At least I have my books now, even though none seem interesting at the moment. Perhaps, if I ask politely, Captain Ikkaku will allow Tetsummi to fetch a new one for me.

There is abrupt silence in the main room and I tilt my head, curious. It's unusual for it to be quiet at this time, everyone is there for the evening meal. The Captain's voice echoes in the building, calling three names, commanding them out to the courtyard. What is going on? I can't imagine a reason, unless they've managed to offend him in the half hour since I've been here. Tetsummi would surely have come to me earlier if there was a problem.

I peek out the dark curtains to watch the three men, boys really, walking out to the whipping posts. No, he can't! NO! I press to the window then look back at the door. But, I can't leave, what do I do, I can't let him, they're just children. I watch helplessly as they're tied, hands over their heads, the rest of the squad watching silently.

I wait for Tetsummi to interfere but he stands back, a pleased look on his face. The Captain's voice is clear now, loud and firm. “The blatant disrespect you show your Lieutenant is disrespect to me. I will not tolerate impertinence to me or my officers, no matter the provocation. If you think you can defeat him and take his place, try, but spreading groundless gossip behind his back is not acceptable.”

No! It's my fault? He continues speaking but I can't hear him, lost in horror that this is my fault, because I don't make them respect me enough. The door is cold under my hand, freezing from the Captain's command to stay, my fingers fumbling with the handle but I open it anyways, sliding out and running down the hall. As I round the corner, I can see the short crop, His short whip, the one He liked to use on me, lifting and starting to fall.

Tetsummi sees me at the same time and moves to stop me, keep me back, but I feint right and flash step left around him, panting at the extra exertion after little rest and no food. “No!”

Thin leather continues down, slapping against my raised arms, the tip bending to strike my shoulder. The force sends me flying back into the tense young man; he doesn't even know you have to relax for it not to hurt as badly. “Please.” I hit the ground, kneeling in the dust, arms still up. “Please, sir. It's my fault, please. Punish me, let me take their places.”

“Kira, I told you to stay in your room.” Dark eyes are glaring at me, angry but with me or with them I'm not sure. “Go back.”

He could kill me for this. Defying in public is unacceptable, no matter the reason but I can't just turn my back. “Please, sir, please, I can't. Please, take me, let me bear it for them.” Tears gather in my eyes and one slides across my cheek only to be brushed away gently.

When I look up, the Captain is crouched before me, wiping my face lightly. “Kira, you don't even know their offense. I will not tolerate them hurting you.”

“Please.” I clutch at his hand, clinging to it, holding it fast against my chest. “Please, it doesn't matter.”

“Kira.” He sighs and stares down at me. “They spread it around, about your rings.” My face is crimson in an instant and I look down. I wish I could just vanish and never have existed. “They were taking bets as to what else you had done and who could find out.” My shoulders curve, my body curling around his big hand, a soft cry is choked off before it can be heard. But I can tell he has heard, and that he feels the tears sliding over his skin. “Go back to your room. I'll deal with it.”

His thumb moves over the pulse at the base of my throat while I struggle to hold back the sobs. When I feel I'm in control again, I rise slowly, legs shaking at what I'm about to do. My belt comes undone with a touch, the long sleeves of my top falling to the ground with a shrug. “Lieutenant!” Tetsummi's voice is faint, as if the world is muffled; there is only the Captain and me, staring at each other as I strip.

My thick uniform pants slide off and crumple in a heap beside my shirt, leaving me in my soft under clothes; the top is undone, thin cords at the neck unraveling easily to allow me to lift it over my head, shaking my bangs into a mess. They are all watching, those who have seen it before staring impassively, hands in fists, and those who haven't curious, eyes wide. It isn't just the rings but the scars; I turn slowly so they can all see clearly.

A large hand covers mine when I reach for the drawstring of my pants, the Captain's bald head shaking slowly. “Please, sir. It is my fault and I will show them.” I'm almost surprised he can hear me. “Please.” We stare at each other for a few moments before he steps back, hand returning to his hip, eyes unwavering. “Thank you.” It's only a whisper but he hears. I think for an instant that he will always hear me.

He won't interfere again and his eyes show only respect; no disgust or anger at my little defiance. My fingers shake at the tie and I fumble for long seconds with it, finally getting it undone enough to loosen and fall over my hips. A deep breath and I push gently, closing my eyes; I don't want to see the horror at my ugly body. The cloth stays put, a callused hand covering my stomach and holding it in place.

I open my eyes again to see Ikkaku looking over my shoulder and realize what I thought was one hand is two, one from each side around my waist. Hadarame and Tetsummi. “Let go.”

“Forgive us, sir, but we can't let you do this.” The string is being retied, my hands captured in larger ones to keep me from undoing it again. Neither man is looking at me, both staring hard into the distance and I can hear the shuffle of cloth close at hand. The Captain nods slightly, motioning behind me and I turn as far as possible, straining to see what he is watching.

My officers are standing between me and the rest of the squad, rigid backs to me, hands on their swords. I can't see past them which means the team can't see me. They're protecting me. A tear whispers over my skin, trailing from my eye to burst across my lips. A shadow falls over me, the sun blocked out completely as Ikkaku leans in to press his forehead to mine. “You're amazing.”

There's no time to think of what he means, his lips touching mine gently, sipping the cooling tear. The pressure is barely there and I lean forward a bit, firming the soft kiss until he breaks it. He bends to lift my undershirt and tugs it over my head, finger combing my bangs into place. A motion of his hand separates the officers and I see rows of men around them, circles of protection, and bite my lips to keep from sobbing.

Each row steps away nearly silently, only the softest brush of cloth can be heard until each man has moved, all backs turned. Even the youngest are looking away. The three are still tied up and I move to untie them, rubbing wrists as I undo the ropes, whispering small healings over each bruise. No one tries to stop me and I whisper to each young man, brushing away apologies and thanks. The compound remains silent but for our low voices. “Lieutenant.”

The Captain's loud voice breaks the quiet and I move to stand before him. “For breaking command and talking back, you have to be punished.” I lower my head but still try to stand straight, shoulders back the way he likes to tell us to do.

“Yes, sir.” I know that, I can only hope I will be able to walk back to my room on my own.

He's watching me and a thick finger tips my face up so I have to meet his eyes. “You are confined to quarters for three days. You may leave under my command only. Is that understood?”

But, but, what? Confined to my room for three days? No beating? No humiliation? No working with the Fourth? Not that that would be so awful but it was a favorite threat. “Lieutenant! Is that understood?”

“Ye, yes sir!” Is he laughing at me? His eyes are friendly, amused, not angry at all. “I will return to my quarters immediately!”

“See that you do. Hadarame, escort him and take his clothes”

******************

My fourth stands in the door of my room, shuffling uncomfortably. He wants to say something but obviously feels he can't. “Hadarame, what is it?” He'll just stand there until I ask or tell him to leave; he's so stubborn and I smile at him.

“Sir, I.” He looks away, short dark red hair catching the light; it always makes me think of rubies, a gem I saw once in the real world. “You have to stop this.” My eyebrow rises slowly and his face flushes nearly as red as his hair. “You can't, I mean. Please, sir.”

“Hadarame, this is my job.” A slight smile. “This is what my duties consist of, just as yours are to oversee our men on medical leave.”

A loud snort and I blink. Hadarame is never rude, always polite and respectful. “Sir, forgive me, but your duties do not consist of protecting every man in the squad from their own foolishness. I'm grateful you have, I would have died that day if you hadn't interfered, and I know you still suffer for it, but things. Things are different now.” He's taken a step into my room and I start to feel crowded; a few steps edge me away towards the window but he keeps approaching.

“Hadarame, I think you should go. Thank you for your concern, but” I don't even get to finish the sentence before he's at my feet, kneeling, a hand twisted in my pants, drawing them tightly against my stomach and butt.

“Please, you don't have to do this anymore. Captain Ikkaku is nothing like Ichimaru, he's a decent man. You don't have to bow and scrape to him, you can leave.” I try to nudge him back but he persists and I can't pull away without risking my clothes. “Come with me! I'm requesting a transfer to the Sixth Division, to serve under Captain Kuchiki. If, if you don't wish to fight, I'll fight, I'll take a seat for you. Come with me, leave this.”

He's clinging, stretching the fabric of my pants and I press my hand to his head. “Hadarame, let go. I'm sorry that you wish to leave but I'll stay. This is my place.”

“No! I'll take you then. You deserve a real Captain, one who commands his squad, has experience.”

“Enough. Release me immediately.” This is getting out of hand, he won't let go. “Hadarame!” His arms wrap around my waist and he presses his face to my stomach. “Hikari no Mekurumeku!” A simple light spell but he falls back, surprised, hands falling away from me. “Leave now. You're transfer will be approved immediately.”

For an instant, I think he will come at me again but his shoulders fall, head bowed in defeat. “Sir, I, I'm sorry. Please, forgive me my rudeness.”

“Of course.” I stay back, nearly at the window as he turns to leave. “Hadarame.” He pauses, not turning back. “Thank you. Captain Ikkaku is a good leader and we'll be fine.” The heavy head nods slowly and he steps out, closing the door behind him. As it slides into place, a bare foot pulls back from the corner.

The Captain? What is he doing there? Was he listening? No, it can't be him. Why would he have followed us? I must have imagined it.


~Ikkaku~


I followed them because Hadarame has been throwing odd looks at me since I arrived and Kuchiki sent me a note informing me he had been asking around about joining the Sixth squad. And now I'm glad I did. “Hadarame.”

His head jerks around and he stares at me, horrified. Well, if I'd been caught trying to steal someone else's man, I'd be horrified too. “Captain!” A whisper and glance behind him at the closed door.

I have to agree with him on that. I don't particularly want Kira hearing this either, he's had a rough enough day. My head tilts towards the office and he follows with heavy steps. My desk provides a place to lean, arms crossed while I examine him. “You'll be packing your things.” It started as a question but was really a statement.

“Yes, sir.” His head is bowed, large hands in fists.

“Your transfer is signed and Vice-Captain Abarai is expecting you this afternoon.” If Renji isn't, he will be soon. “Dismissed.” A short nod but he doesn't leave. “What?”

He licks his lips and looks up, staring me in the eye. “Captain, sir, please let him go.”

A smirk tugs at my lips. “He doesn't want to leave.” I push away from the desk to approach him and stare up, still smirking. “He belongs here, with me, under me. He'll never leave.” I admit, I'm taunting him, forcing my victory in his face.

Rage flares and I wait, arms still crossed but ready. His fists twitch, heavy breathing moving his chest, but he does nothing. Finally, a big step is taken back from me, a low bow, and he's gone, vanished out the door without a word. I'm sure I'll be getting a request for Kira's transfer in the next few days.

But, in the meantime, I have more pressing concerns. Yachiru will be here soon to take her new 'playmates' home for a week and I should inform Captain Unohana of her soon-to-be guests. A short letter is drafted and a small butterfly called to deliver both Renji's and the Fourth division's Captain's messages. There, that takes care of that little problem. I'm so good at this Captain stuff.

Now, on to more important things; what to do with my little Lieutenant tonight? I may have made an error in dealing with him, given him too much space to be afraid. Closing in a bit might be the best way to get him calmed down. I've thought about this for a while and have to believe Yume is wrong; which is fairly likely, he judges people only based on what he would do. And, thankfully, Kira is nothing like Yumichika.

***********

“Kira.” A light tap on the door and it slides open instantly to show the blond staring at his feet, hands clasped in front of him. He's so pretty I take a minute to just look at him, letting him fidget a bit. “Come, we'll eat in my room.”

“Yes, sir.” His voice quivers and I sigh, taking his hand and pulling him along.

The door closes loudly behind us and I shove him over to the bed and down. “Now. If you call me sir again, I will put you over my knee and spank you until you forget how to say it. Understand?” I'm being a bit rough but the constant 'sir' is driving me nuts.

“Ye, yes, si.” His entire face goes pink. “Yes, I understand.”

“Very good.” The little table I had carried in is already set and I sit cross-legged, patting the space beside me for him to settle in. A brief pause and he does, curling his feet under him, hands in his lap. “Eat.”

Obedience has its uses. Tiny bites are taken and I watch his mouth, thin lips sliding around the edge of the spoon, that perfect little pink tongue gliding over them to catch every drop of flavor. I can feel my eyes crossing and my groin getting heavier as he licks his way through not quite half of his meal. The soft clink as he replaces his bowl brings me back to the present, head shaking slightly to clear it of lust. “Thank you, si. Captain.”

He hasn't eaten nearly enough, no wonder he's so damn scrawny. “Finish your meal.” I start, shoveling food into my mouth; the less time wasted eating, the more time I can spend enjoying him. A tiny protest and I pause to glare at him. “Finish your meal.” Blue eyes turn immediately back to the table and he lifts his bowl again, nibbling slowly.

By the time I'm done, he's worked his way to the last quarter and is mostly just mixing things together. “Alright, that's enough. Come here.” I pat my knee and let him crawl into my lap, settling his ass in the cradle of my thighs and letting his feet dangle over my leg. “We're trying some new things today.” I can tell he feels my arousal but he doesn't wiggle around or try to edge away, just nods slowly, head down. “First of all, you call me Ikkaku or Madarame when we're alone.”

A startled intake of breath. “I, I can't, please, Captain, I”

“Yes you can. It's an order.” Those amazing eyes stare into mine, tense and shocked. “Also, you are going to stop jumping every time I come near you. No more flinching, no more cringing, shoulders back, head up.” I wait for him to nod again. His hands are shaking and I cover them with mine.

“Relax. I'm not going to hurt you. If you want something, say so.” A tiny nod and I shake my head. Moving on. “I believe I'm taken the wrong approach with you.” Thin shoulders jerk but he doesn't say anything. “From now on, I want you within arm's reach of me. I've been trying not to touch you too much, to give you some time, but that's not working.”

“Si, Capt, I, um” His voice just fades away and I feel him ducking even more. “As you wish.”

“Good.” I can't help grinning. “Alright, up you go. Take off your shirt and lay on the bed, face down.” He stands immediately and tugs both his shirts up and over his head before laying down, legs spread slightly, back tense.

I love his legs, so slim and delicate looking. My hands run up the back of them, trailing over the slender muscle and testing the sensitive point at the back of his knees. He jumps a bit at that but remains still, silent; I can tell he's terrified, he's shaking terribly. Well, that'll stop in a minute. I move up to his lower back and press firmly, pushing him against the mattress and grinding my fingers into stiff muscle. His entire body moves as I do and I let up a bit; I don't want to hurt him.

He's relaxing under my hands, breathing calming by the second. “Kira, why do you not wear a uniform?” It's been bugging me, not majorly but one of those little thoughts at the edge of consciousness.

Thin shoulders tense up immediately and he pushes his nose into the pillow, mumbling. A gentle tug at his hair and he lifts his head long enough to speak quietly before ducking away again, face red. “Access.”

Access? What the fuck is that supposed to mean? The answer hits me as I open my mouth to demand a better reason. Shit. He's trembling and now I know what he expects; my hands start to shake so I press them more firmly to hide it. As long as we don't talk about it, he seems willing to forget I asked, for which I'm grateful. Quiet sighs as he calms again and I ease up, petting firmly instead of trying to shove him through the mattress.

A few minutes of massaging and he's completely limp, head on his hands, and there's this soft purring sound, vibrating from his chest. He's so beautiful, I have to kiss him. He rolls easily, sleepy eyes staring up at me, calm, open, his lips parted gently. A perfect vision as I lean in and touch our mouths together.


~Kira~


I don't know what to think. Well, that's not true, I do, I only wish I didn't. He's ordered me on the bed, shirt off, and I know exactly what he wants. I try to relax, calm the tremors in my legs but he can feel them, trailing his hands over me, teasing gently. I start when his fingers press into me, forcing me against the sheets and bite back a moan. The rings are moving, tugging at my nipples and stomach as I'm moved; I'm almost disappointed when his touch eases and he moves over my back and legs, rubbing away tension wherever he pauses.

“Kira, why do you not wear a uniform?” Air freezes in my chest and I flinch away, trying to burrow through the bed and into the ground. I murmur an answer and try to stop the shaking.

Maybe, maybe, he won't but I'm sure he will. Why ask, when the answer is so awfully apparent? A piece of hair is pulled firmly until I lift my head. “Access.” I'm burning up, I'm so humiliated. Why is he doing this to me? Tears gather in my eyes and I wiggle against the pillow to wipe them away. I won't cry in front of him again.

But he's not doing anything, just pushing harder into my shoulders. Not painfully, but firmly, as if he wants to meld our flesh. There is no other response, not even a grunt; I'm a bit surprised at how easily I've become used to him at least acknowledging me with a little sound. Tension eases away under his hands, big and warm, the pressure becoming more gentle, moving into small circles and over my back and legs. Well, as long as he'll ignore it, I can too; I don't want His memory here.

In minutes, I'm a relaxed mess, limp and helpless. He could do anything now and I wouldn't mind. I'm flipped over and stare up; he looks, happy, pleased with me and I try to smile. I know that look, lust, desire, and I part my lips a bit, offering silently. His lips look firm, a bit rough, and I remember what they felt like pressed to mine earlier; gentle, giving but not soft.

My eyes close slowly, I want to see him kiss me but I'm not allowed to look, to watch, only to feel. 'One is too many, a thousand is never enough.' Someone said that once and I think of it as he touches me, brushes his tongue over my lips, as if he is asking to be invited in. I could have gone the rest of my life without gentle kisses, without the faint urge for more, without the curiosity of what those lips would feel like elsewhere. But then I wouldn't have this persistent excitement, a stubborn desire to do it again and again.

I'm waiting for his hands to move over me, position me for his pleasure but they stay on my hips, holding me in place as he kisses me, thumbs moving gently over the curve of my thighs. His tongue is warm, slick as it moves over mine, teasing me into licking back, moving against him. It feels nice, good to move and I do, arching my chest up to his, wanting more of the gentle friction, more soft touches.

I'm curious, in a morbid way, to know how long it will last, this sweetness. The taste of beer and the acid of tomatoes, the roughness of his tongue moving in my mouth; how long before he becomes more aggressive, before he hurts me? His hands are moving now, running over my sides, following the slight dip of my waist to skitter over my chest.

Now, he'll hurt me, he'll pull and twist, and I only hope I don't bleed too much. We're still kissing but I stop moving, letting him nudge his hands between us; I can hear something, a word against my lips. He pulls back just enough to speak. “Kira, touch me.” Before I can say anything back, ask where, he's taken my mouth again, sliding inside to stroke and tease.

My hands move tentatively, sliding over his arms to his shoulders and he groans against me, pressing his big body to mine. Is that enough? My fingers trail over his skin again, noting the warmth and slightly slick feel of sweat, as if he's holding back. Why? He doesn't have to, I exist to please him, to take whatever he wishes to do to me.

Another deep groan and he's moving, pressing me down, hips against mine and I feel his excitement, thick and heavy against me. It's not frightening, that he will put that inside me, that he's so big. It's a bit arousing. I flush to feel myself reacting, my groin getting heavier as he twists against me. This is so embarrassing, I wish he wouldn't hurt me, that it would stay nice and, well, fun. Yes, this is a bit fun, to kiss and pet. To feel good.


~Ikkaku~


I have to stop. But he's so eager, moving under me, pressing back up, tongue flicking across mine. No, I have to stop!

My head jerks back and he's staring up, confused, licking his lips slowly; my eyes cross and my vision narrows to the little pink organ. What would it feel like on my skin? Wrapped around my cock? A groan moves through my chest, low and thick as I press my forehead to his, breathing deeply. He's whining, shifting around, hands running over my arms and shoulders “Shh, shh, easy.”

“S,s,sir? Wh, what's wrong?” Beautiful eyes flutter closed and his face evens out, the flush fading. “I, I'm s,s,s,sorry.” I question him wordlessly, humming into his hair. “I'm no go, good. I'm sorry.”

A slow sigh moves his bangs and I have the urge to chop them off, to see both eyes clearly. “Stop apologizing.” Quick little kisses press to his nose and cheeks. How to explain it's my own control I doubt? His kisses are a bit awkward, as if he's unused to it, shy. And more arousing than the most experienced whore. It's so tempting to just spread his legs and pound into him; the fact that he'd let me keeps it from happening “Kira, you're fine. Do you like it when I touch you like this?”

His hips move against me while his shoulders round a bit, red washing over his chest. “Ye, yes, s,s,sir, I, I” He stops to swallow heavily and looks up, eyes huge and tentative. “I do.”

I know that but it's good to hear. He doesn't look afraid anymore, just cautious, uncertain. “Good.” I'm going to stop, really. Anytime. One last press of my hips to his and I pull away, lifting him to my lap. “Now, you've called me sir twice. What should your punishment be?”

Immediate tensing of his back and his hands clench in my shirt. “Wh, what-ev, ever you, you decide, si.” Some progress, anyways, he stopped just short of calling me sir.

I grin at him and his face turns an interesting shade of white. “Well, I did get you a treat but perhaps I should just have it myself, hm?” A few well placed questions and it was easy to find out what my little Lieutenant spends his rare saved pennies on.

“A, t, tr, treat?” Pale skin jerks and shivers against the sheets and I smile more widely. A quick shift of weight and I haul him to his feet, pulling him back to the table where I sit, tugging him back into my lap.

He fits so perfectly, the curve of his ass just filling the cradle of my thighs, little feet able to touch the floor but staying in the air, wiggling gently. “Yes, a treat. Care to guess what it is?” He's staring at my chest again, fixed on the opening of my uniform; light bangs shake slowly. “I'll give you a hint. It's one of your favorite things.”

A soft gasp as he looks up quickly, hands tightening in his lap. I chuckle and reach for the little box I hid carefully on my side of the table so he wouldn't see. His eyes widen at the sight and he reaches out a bit to touch before yanking his hand back. “Go ahead. You can open it.” The little green parcel is set in his lap and he picks it apart slowly, fumbling a little with the flaps.

When it finally opens, he lifts the small piece of cake out reverently, careful not to touch it or mar the delicate designs. A cheesecake, complete with chocolate edging and designs along the sides; extremely expensive and something that Kira was known to save strenuously for. “It's very pretty.” His voice has stabilized, fear pushed aside in favor of adoring the little treat; even if he's only allowed to look, he seems happy.

“Kira.” A spoon is pressed into his hand as I breath along the shell of his ear. “Feed me.” Muscles tremble in his arm as he cautiously cuts a small bite and holds it up to my mouth; I take it slowly, licking the spoon. He watches hungrily, licking his lips slowly as I chew and swallow. I reach up and cup his cheek, pulling him down to taste the dessert from my mouth.

A soft moan and he dips his tongue inside, lapping at sugar and chocolate, the rich taste of cream and strawberries. When I pull away, desperate for air and control, he continues staring at me, cutting another little bite and holding it up. I push it to his mouth and he moans again, louder as it slides between his teeth, melting on his tongue; a slow kiss and he curls around me, one hand behind my head.

I can't believe he's so responsive, so thrilled with such a small thing. But maybe, it's not so small to him, the freedom to have his favorite treat. Passion flares in my stomach, the slow pulse of desire as he writhes and twists, eager for more; small spoons of cake press to my mouth every time we run out to share. He's content to feed me and lick it from my mouth, breathless moans and wanting cries fueling my need.

When the last bite is gone, I kiss him again, deeply, running my hands over his body. I'm hard, achingly, desperately hard, but as I touch him, he stiffens and I find him only half hard. No protest, he leans in to kiss again, but there is an air of resignation and I ease him away. I won't force him. “Go to bed. I'll be back later.” Off to the bathroom to take care of myself again.

This is becoming a habit.


~Kira~


What did I do? I know he wanted me, he was hard, pulsing against me, but he just set me on the floor and took off. Was it my body? I run my hands over my chest and stomach, following the path of his hand to my groin. Perhaps he really does prefer women. But then why kiss me at all? It seems as if he wants me, touching and running his hands over my body, too thin to be mistaken in any way for a woman's; I'm very confused. And it's not that I didn't like it, it's just, just that I can't help being nervous of him. Even if he tells me not to be.

But, having my treat is worth it. It's been such a long time since I was able to afford it. He always made sure I had everything I needed but the price for a treat... Much too high. I've never had a salary, my own money. My relatives put me through the academy and left me to my own devices, preferring to spend their time on their own children instead of a distant cousin. After I found a position, He simply kept everything.

My bangs shake as I stand and brush my pants into place. As wonderful as it was, I should get ready for bed, just in case the Captain is still in the mood when he gets back. My tongue tingles with the mixed taste of Ikkaku's mouth and the rich chocolate and cream and I lick my lips, chasing the last edges of flavor.

The bed is cool and I curl tightly in the blankets, warming them quickly as I wiggle, making it as comfortable as possible. When he returns, he's relaxed, smiling at me as I curl on the bed, still only in my loose under pants. The mattress bounces as he flops down, one arm pulling me into his side. “Go to sleep.”

“Yes, sir.” I lay my head down on his shoulder only to have it shrugged back up; my bangs tip in confusion. If he doesn't want me to sleep on him, why did he pull me in so close?

“What did I tell you about sirring me to death, huh? Once more and you're off to work with the pansies from Fourth. Got it?” His voice is rough but he's grinning, teasing me.

He seems in a good mood and I risk speaking. “Please, si. Captain. Don't say such things about them, they've been very kind to us.” Red travels my cheeks but I hate hearing how useless the Fourth Division is.

“Why? They're just a bunch of weaklings.” As if that gives anyone stronger the right to be cruel to them.

“Stop it, please. They were the only ones to help us when we needed it, when everyone else turned their backs on us.” Angers vibrates in my voice, no matter how I try to tamp it down; unspoken are the words 'when you turned your back on us.' My hands clench in small fists. “Please, I know I'm being punished but I'd like to return to my room now.”

“No.” I start a bit; he hasn't refused me anything yet and it's a bit of a shock that he would, especially something so small. I expected him to eventually, but still. “Go to sleep.” My shoulders round under the disapproval I hear in his voice, annoyance clear. But he doesn't hit me or snap anymore, just pulls my head down to rest on his shoulder.

I'm tired but it takes hours to fall asleep, snores in my ear and large hands running over my back.

In the morning, I'm confined to my room again, watching morning exercises from the window, listening to the quiet of the halls, the stamp of feet going about their business. Books are uninteresting, the meal that arrives at noon unappetizing. By the time evening rolls around, I'm bursting to get out, even just to the Captain's room.

He's waiting, foot tapping, arms crossed, and I slink in to kneel at his feet. It's not the punishment that is the worst, no matter how it hurts, but the waiting for what it will be. Silence stretches and I remain still, hands folded perfectly, head down. “Get up.”

My legs shake just a bit and I stumble forward before righting myself, forcing my feet under me. Shoulders back, head up, I stare at his chest, waiting, waiting. I hate waiting. “So. The Fourth were the only ones to help you.” I nod, though a response doesn't seem necessary. “Why, Kira, did you never come to us for help?” He frowns but I don't move. “Did you think he was invincible?”

“No, sir.” I do look up then, meeting his nearly black eyes quietly; there is nothing to fear here. He will believe me or not. “It would have made no difference, no matter how we begged or whom. No one would have even looked at us.”

“Fucking bullshit. Anyone would have helped.” I smile a bit, unable to contain it, and shake my head; his frown becomes more pronounced.

I had better apologize. “I'm sorry, sir. Please, may I make a request?” His eyes narrow but he waves for me to continue. “Please, sir, can you tell me of Kanvis Tatsuyama?”

“Never heard of him.” My head tilts and I fold my hands. “Why, who is he?”

“Please, sir. My request is that you find out about him yourself.” Big hands grip my shoulders and I'm afraid, just for a moment that he will shake me, beat me for insolence.

But he only lifts me to stare straight into his eyes, measuring. Long minutes pass before he sets me back down. “Fine. Go back to your room. You may do the paperwork tomorrow morning until I come for you.”

“Yes, sir.” A low bow and I back out quietly, making my way to my room. I hope he won't be too angry or hate us.






Wow, again, thank you so much for reviewing, I'm shocked at the number I've gotten. *L* Keep it up please and have a good day.