Blurred Lines

Oh my. It ran away again. Just for general information, there are two Ikkaku/Kira sex scenes, one fight, and Yumichika generally getting in the way. It’s fun, at least for me to write, so I hope you enjoy it as well. I’m working on the next chapter but I wanted to post right away. Also, at least part of my ignorance has been rectified! Apparently hakama are only the pants part of the uniform, so thank you to Yume for pointing that out to me. I did use it correctly later on, so hopefully it'll stick. Thanks for reviewing, I love them and they inspire me to move it along, no matter how lazy I feel.


Ikkaku


Damn it anyways. As if Izuru having fits weren’t enough, now Shuhei’s gone and made an ass of himself. At least he had the decency to come tell me what he’d done.

And what exactly is wrong with not telling Kira everything? I can handle more stress than he can and we both know it. While I admit telling Yamamoto to go fuck himself might not have been the best thing to do, it worked. He hasn’t sent around that snob of his to harass me for almost a month. Of course, Captain Unohana standing up for us didn’t hurt either but we’d have been fine. Like I told ‘Zuru, I am more than willing to walk if they try to insist on anything.

This is our life and I’ll be damned before I’ll let some stuck up old geezer try to break it apart.

And if I go, I’ll take Izuru, Yumichika, and Renji with me for sure. Kenpachi might even be in the mood to follow, if he’s having a boring day. Not to mention there will be a general rebellion if that old guy keeps sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong. Kyouraku and Ukitake are already in his bad graces and Kurotsuchi has been pissed since he couldn’t get permission to go chase the Quincy boy. It gives me great satisfaction to know he’s starting to run low on blind followers.

I’m not dumb enough to think those guys are going to leave or anything but they’ll cause trouble if Yamamoto chases me out with four other Captain level men. Good enough.

It’s good to lay here, blond on one shoulder and black on the other, listening to soft breathing. They’re both exhausted from staying up all night and snuggling up next to me seems to be doing the trick. Poor Izuru, he was so nervous about Yume coming to stay, I almost said no. But I couldn’t just leave my best friend on his step either.

We’ll just have to make our way along, nice and easy. Though, if they can’t even do dishes without arguing, this will be a long week. Yume snuffles against my chest and swats at Izuru’s hand, a second before ‘Zuru makes an annoyed sound and swats back. I put my hand on top of theirs and they settle. A very long week.

A few hours later, I wake up alone, the places beside me long cold. What time is it? It’s impossible to tell through the light rain outside so I drag myself up and wander to the kitchen, scratching my stomach idly. Izuru is leaning on the counter, counting quietly to himself. “1020, 1026, 1032, 1038, 1044, 1050”

Oh shit. He’s doing his multiples again. Very, very pissed. First instinct is to duck and cover but I should probably be brave and at least ask what’s wrong. “Hey, babe.”

“1068, 1074, 1080, 1086, 1093.” He pauses for a breath and I step forward to rub his back. Probably the most ballsy thing I’ve ever done other than fight Kenpachi and even that’s debatable. “Your friend is a prick.”

“Ah, yeah, babe. That he is.” And here I thought they were doing okay. “Want to tell me about it?”

He’s turned around and jabbing his finger in my chest before I can blink. “Tell you? How about I fucking show you?” Aw hell, and there goes his language; I’m dragged by the front of my top to the bathroom and I glance around. Place looks fine and I doubt Yume would seriously damage someone else’s stuff. Okay, my stuff, but still. “Look harder, Ikkaku.”

“I’m not seeing it.” I really, really don’t. No water on the floor, a few extra things on the counter but that’s to be expected, mirror coloured the way Yume likes it, I don’t… oh. Uh oh. “Now, ‘Zuru, it’s ok, I’ll get you a new one and”

“I don’t want a fucking new one, I want THAT one! You know damn well that was expensive. I went without food for a month for that!” Must be tough, must not cringe away from him. “And when I told him, do you know what he said?” No, but I’m about to find out. “He said it wasn’t beautiful enough for him to look in. Of all the conceited, snobbish, ill-bred peacocks I have ever met, he is the biggest one!”

He’s panting and I think maybe I can speak now but I guess not, judging by the tired sigh. “I’m trying, Ikkaku, I really am. I don’t mind if he’s here, he’s more than welcome to stay, but his attitude… We live here too; he isn’t the only person in the world.”

“He’s knows that, really he does. He’s just, well,” I trail off with a helpless shrug. “Look, he’s a good guy, ok? One of the best but he has a hard time with people sometimes. Just be patient, okay? I’m really sorry about your mirror; I’ll replace it I swear.”

His shoulders slump and he leans on me, calming down for long minutes. No explosions today. “You’re right. I just need to calm down and not get upset about little things.” He looks so sweet, I lean down to kiss him on the nose. His head tips back to meet my lips and we kiss slowly, breathing into each other.

A delicate cough from behind us and I pull away. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Yume standing with his hands behind him. He smiles a bit tentatively and rolls a shoulder when I try to get him to go away for a minute. “Lieutenant Kira.”

“We’re home now, you can just call me Izuru.” My sweetie sounds a bit tired yet mostly calm. But he is hiding against my side, hand clenched at my hip.

Dark hair tips gracefully. “As you wish, Izuru. My apologies for altering your mirror without asking first. I assure you, it is reversible.”

“It is?” Really? I didn’t know that. My eyes narrow at him and he smirks back. That damn brat, he could have changed all the mirrors in the Eleventh back instead of leaving them that humiliating pink color. How can we be taken seriously with pink glass in every mirror in the place?

Kira nestles more firmly into my side, nose pressing under my arm in his embarrassment. “I’m sorry I yelled at you.”

“Okay.” And as far as Yume is concerned, it’s over. Poor Izuru, he’s not sure what to think. A little shift so he can see around me and I feel him smile against my side, pulling away as Yume hauls out his ultimate ‘I’m cute and sweet and you want to spend time with me’ weapon; the little wave and tilt of thin hips. “Do you want to help me make supper?”

My best friend nods quickly and I move to the side to let my lover scoot by. Catastrophe averted. Please, please let them get along. At least until Yume gets back on his feet.


Yumichika


This is not going to work.

Kira and I are just too different to manage in the same house and Ikkaku can’t side with me on this. Which is fine, I know he lives for Kira the way he could never live for me, not that I’d want him to. We’re the best of friends and that is the way it’s meant to be. The sex was good and all but we’d never be able to stand each other as a couple.

At least his years with me are paying off for him. I like to be spoilt and pampered and even if Kira isn’t used to that, he reacts well to it. Pretty much anyone would, really, but Ikka has this talent of finding the thing that will make you smile, no matter how crappy your day is going. Makes me happy to see them together, even if my stomach hurts.

Shuhei still hasn’t come.

Maybe Ikkaku was right – he isn’t coming. That hurts much more than it’s supposed to. But I am Ayasegawa Yumichika and I don’t cry over men who leave so he can kiss my ass. I smile bitterly at my false bravery in the mirror. If he came back and still wanted me, I’d throw myself on him and I know it. “Pathetic.”

“No it’s not.” I whirl and face the blond behind me. He leans in the doorway casually. “If Gin had come back for me, hell if he’d even considered asking me to go with him, I’d have thrown away everything.” Why is he telling me? He never talks about Ichimaru, Aizen or any of the whole mess.

This makes me uncomfortable, edgy at the too close familiarity. “I adored him, I would have done anything for him to look my way. I used to wonder why he ever considered me and you know what I discovered? Luck. It was sheer, ridiculous luck. If I’d been even a second slower, if I had turned my back on Shuhei, if I’d been just that much more of a coward, I would never have had to meet him.” His smile is sick around the edges. “He didn’t want me to be anyone other than his vision. If he hadn’t left, he would have killed me because I could never be his ideal toy. I know it now and I knew it then but I’d still have gone.”

“Why?” My throat feels tight, to see that kind of acceptance of death, of the inevitability of betrayal. Why did he stay, why did he put up with it, why did he tell me? Is there even an answer for any of those? His eyes are brilliant behind pale lashes; the faded gleam of a fanatic still exists there and I’m almost afraid.

Almost.

My fingers slide on the smoothness of the sink as he steps towards me. “You’ve probably heard this before. Pick up your feet and walk. Leave anyone who can’t keep up behind and move forward.” Ikkaku’s favourite saying whenever we got kicked out of some town. We must have abandoned thousands on our way, stepping over the weak as we walked, always facing towards some invisible goal. “If you can’t show every facet of yourself, what good is a lover?”

With that, he’s gone. I suppose he meant to be helpful, to encourage me to leave Shuhei behind and move forward. Not sure if it worked, everything still hurts, but maybe that’s what Ikkaku’s saying was always about. Keep walking, no matter how bad it hurts. I stand straight and stare at myself in the mirror. A weak smile and I wash my face quickly before sliding the door open to help Ikkaku close the house for the night.

“Want to sleep with us?” It’s a well meant offer but I think I’ve pushed my luck far enough today.

I push the last lock in place and move to lean on Ikkaku's side. “No, I’m fine.” A quick kiss to his cheek has him blushing and looking over my head. “I’m not a child, Ikka. I can handle getting dumped.” My stomach twists brutally but I smile anyway. He’ll let me go if I smile because Ikka has always been dumb that way; a smile means you’re happy and that you’ll be fine.

“Okay, sure. The door’s open, got it?” Kira’s bangs peek around the door, almost covering the bright blue eyes and pink cheeks. Yeah, there is no way I’ll be crawling into that bed. At least he’s not dumb enough to think I’m fine because I smile. He sticks out his tongue and darts away before I can do the same. “‘Night. See you tomorrow.”

“Good night, Ikkaku. Try to keep it down, hm?” I slip into my room and close the door on his red-cheeked denials. Ha. That’ll teach that blond brat to stick his tongue out at me. There is no way he’s getting laid for the next week.

Self satisfaction makes for a warm bed companion and I snuggle into the soft sheets, a fluffy blanket keeping the rain-chill away. I wasn’t sure I would be able to sleep but staring at the unfamiliar ceiling is soothing in a way – counting slats gives me something to do until sleep curls me into a ball.


Ikkaku


Long doesn't even begin to cover this. One day and I’m exhausted between them, running to put out every temper fire and keep them from brawling over the slightest thing. They had another argument over dishes and something happened earlier. No idea what, but I saw my sweetie sticking out his tongue at Yume, so whatever it was wasn’t that bad.

I hope.

I close the door partially before Kira’s voice reaches me. “Close it. Might want to lock it too.” Hell no.

“Babe, I am not closing this door.” Big eyes – not gonna work. “No. Even if he stays in the other room, you realize the wall is practically paper, right?” Not bringing up my darling listening to me breathing through the wall, I don’t want to start a row.

“Just for a bit.” He slinks from the bed, loose pants clinging to his hips and I lick my lips. All that pale, soft looking skin, criss-crossed with tan lines and the odd welt from training, sleek muscle giving him gentle curves that beg for my mouth. Not to mention the fascinating glitter of blue and gold that I try not to stare at. His hand feels like ice running over my chest, ice that leaves scalding trails behind. I stomp the whimper down as he breathes over my collar and blows gently on my ear. “I want you in my mouth.”

“Nnnn.” That’s probably the best I can do, there is no way in hell I’ll ever be able to say no. A small, strong hand slides between the folds of my casual clothes and closes around me, fondling carefully while I lean on the door. He grins at the quiet click and tugs, bowing my back and leading me forward to sit on the bed.

“Now hush, Ikkaku. Mustn’t let Yumichika hear you.” I think I just fell in love with that sly grin. That wicked mouth, soft lips and quick tongue that flickers at me as he licks his fingers and trails them over my skin, shoving cloth out of his way. Fully dressed, he kneels and kisses my stomach, nipping at the dent of my navel.

Staring at the long bangs is just as sexy as the first time, watching my cock disappear under that veil. Sun coarse strands slide over the head and trail the shaft as I pant. Oh fuck, he’s making me crazy and not even touching me. “‘Zuru…”

He laughs against my thigh and licks a line up to my hip. “Shh.” A flirtatious blue eye peeks up from under the pale bangs. “Unless you want him to hear you?”

I mean to answer, I open my mouth to, but he runs that snippy little tongue over my head and words vanish. I want it so bad, just the licking is sending me flying. His head bobs suddenly, nice even suction dragging him down my shaft. I touch the back of his throat and he pulls back, curling his tongue around me. I’m not going to last.

It must have come out as a whisper because he eases back enough to test his teeth ever so delicately. “That’s the point, love.” Fast and hard, he sucks me in and moves quickly. Heat curls in my belly, rushing out to spread through my chest and make my heart beat faster.

This is going to be down right humiliating. A hum and I jolt up with only his hands on my thighs keeping me from choking him. Pleased laughter rumbles in his chest and I groan at the tease of sound over my flesh. His pace slows and his hands lift from my skin, hovering millimetres above – so close I can feel the heat from his fingers, the rush of air as they tremble.

Reitsu spikes suddenly, dragging every nerve I have screaming to the surface. Everything is a rush of blissful white and soft gold. When I open my eyes again, he’s sitting back on his heels, wiping his mouth and licking his fingers clean. He smiles at me and crawls up to lean over my chest. “Hey. Feel better?”

I start to ask him what that means, then pause. “Yeah, I do.” I think I just broke my record for lack of stamina but otherwise… All the stress from earlier, the worry that Izuru and Yume weren’t getting along, concern for Yume in general, everything is cleared up. Maybe not gone, but a bit more ordered now that I’m relaxed enough to sort through it.

“Good.” A soft kiss is brushed over my nose and he starts pulling and pushing to get me totally on the bed. Once I’ve scooted myself up into a semi-comfortable position, his head nestles down on my shoulder and his arm sneaks across my stomach. “Good night.”

Good night? That’s it? Not like he owes me anything but I can feel him pressing against my hip as he sighs and cuddles closer. “Izuru?”

“Yes?” My hand runs over his side and he moves to grab it with a soft gasp, holding me still.

Uh huh. “Is something wrong?” May as well tease him a little. Thin sleep pants feel coarse compared to his skin and he wriggles away from me, breathing heavily. “Is there something you want?”

His eyes are half closed with the pleasure my voice and little touches bring him but he shakes his head slowly anyways. “Liar.” Soft lips part under mine and I lick my way inside, caressing him gently. Too long, it has been far too long since I’ve held him fast and kissed him like this.

His tongue touches mine hungrily but I pull away and kiss the corners of his mouth and the edges of his lips. A disappointed moan brings me back to explore his mouth again. It opens easily, accepting me and drowning me in texture and taste. The top of his tongue is a little rough but the bottom is delicate, thinner membraned and more sensitive. The barest whimper and I want to crush him to me. “Yes, Ikkaku, I want you!”

A demand wrapped in a plea and I roll us over, pushing him into the bed. “Now hush, we don’t want him to hear, do we?” He stares up at me and whines, thin fingers yanking me back down to kiss him again.

I work my way down his neck and bite at the dip of his collar. Leaving a mark is irresistible as he writhes under my mouth, hands clinging to my shoulders. Hard metal rubs high on my chest and I slide further down, listening to quiet gasps as I investigate this new arrival in our lives. His nipple still has the same texture, a bit rougher than the surrounding skin but delicate and soft none the less.

Warm metal is another matter, the almost bitter taste on my tongue mixing with the salt of my lover’s skin. “Aah!” I glance up to see him clamp his hand over his mouth, not quite muffling the little cries as I lick then suck. I should hurry up this time I suppose, unhappy as it may make me to wait. An absolutely brilliant idea sends me rolling from between his legs to rummage on the floor for his sash.

The corner fits in his mouth nicely and I mean to leave it at that. But his hand makes such a nice contrast to the white material that I can’t resist looping the fabric around his wrist. From there, it's the most natural thing to tie the end to his other wrist. A few tugs and he’s watching me from over white cloth with his hands tied firmly in front of him. I grin at him and he makes muffled little noises back at me. “What?” I blow air over his chest and watch his breathing stutter. “Want me to let you go?”

Unhappy noises and I push my hand down his stomach. “Or do you want something else?” I wanted to be quick but I guess I’m just not meant for that. With such an adorable feast laid out, how could I let it go to waste? Brushing against his erection makes him cry out and I lean down to kiss his stomach, nibbling at the soft line of hair that leads to his groin. “I love you, you know that?”

Happiness floods me, warming my skin. My head jerks up; where the hell did that come from? It felt like reitsu but not mine and not quite Izuru’s. His eyes are brilliant and he wriggles his hips, very clearly telling me to move it and not make him suffer. I narrow my eyes at him but he just rolls his shoulders then his hips. Alright, fine. This is more interesting anyways, for the moment.

Denying him what he wants is always a joy because he makes that face. The one that says he wants me so badly it hurts. That if I don’t move it immediately, he’s going to drag me up and take it. I have more leeway tonight because Yume is in the next room but pressing my luck, while fun, may not be the best plan. I forget how loud my darling can be until he’s quieted.

Swirling my tongue over the head of his cock brings new, fascinating sounds from behind the sash and thrashing of strong legs. “Spread your legs, love.” He obeys, thighs shifting across the thin sheets he likes so much with a whisper of sound. Pale skin trembles as I run a finger over it, trailing the edges of dark blond curls to draw designs on his testicles. Finally, I take pity on him and settle myself between his legs to let him feel my length press against his.

The oil bottle is still open from yesterday and I dip my fingers in a little. Just enough to smooth the way. He’s so eager, we can get away with less and not make a mess. A quick stroke of myself before I touch my fingers to his entrance. A few seconds of stretching and he’s writhing even more, demanding I please him. Just a few more seconds, this kind of heat and tightness is amazing every time I feel it.

Hot flesh pulses under my tongue and I bury my nose in his heavy scent, sucking and nibbling slowly. As I pull away to tease him with little puffs of air, my head snaps up, thin fingers gripping my chin to force me to look. Blue flares at me, brilliant and dangerous. “Now.” I twist my fingers and send him off the bed, teeth digging into his lip to keep from yelling. Bound hands smack me square on the chest. “Now!”

I cover his mouth with mine and whisper against his lips. “As you command.” Sinking into him is as amazing as always, his body gripping mine and drawing me in deeper. He sighs and smiles, hips moving slowly with mine. The wet end of the sash rubs between our chests; tied wrists trapped against our stomachs bring a pleasant friction. He’s trying to touch his cock but as long as I keep moving, he can’t reach. His fingers wriggle unhappily against our stomachs, just far enough down to brush the wet tip before I push in again, moving his hands up our bodies.

Slow kisses as I speed up my thrusts make him cry against me. Not long, I worked him too hard to last very long but I want to savour every second. “Love you.” Soft words spoken into my skin as he arches his back one last time and calls my name. The sound is swallowed up as I force myself even more deeply inside and let orgasm sweep through me. Slower, this time, and I feel every pulse and throb of pleasure run through me, swirling in my stomach and rushing up my spine.

So much for not making a mess. I snort and laugh into his neck. “What?” He sounds so tired, warm breath washing over my ear as he tried to see my face. “What’s funny?”

“Nothing. Just thinking how beautiful you are.” Pink moves over his cheeks and I follow it with kisses before sliding away to sit beside him. Untying his hands only takes a minute and I grab my discarded clothes to wipe us down. As soon as we’re clean enough to sleep, I lay down beside him and move his sprawled limbs to snuggle against me.

We are definitely discussing this whatever-it-is that is knocking my energy around. Because he knows something. The guilty glances and furtive avoidance when weird energy crap happens are pretty clear indicators. Not to mention he was messing with my energy while he thought I was napping. I should have said something then but he was trying so hard to sneak in, I was curious as to why. Something happened and I’m going to find out what.


Kira


Hmm, Ikkaku is always so warm. And poking me in the arm. “What?” This better be good, I’ve still got a good two hours to sleep. He just keeps prodding at me and I raise my head from his shoulder. “What do you want?” It can’t be sex, it’s too early for sex and it doesn’t take two hours either.

“Awake?” He’s watching me closely. It makes me nervous. “We gotta talk.” I’m wide awake now, two hours or no.

Talk? “About what?” When in doubt, play innocent. Or run but I don’t think I’ll get far.

“You know what.” I try to burrow under his arm but he hauls me out and sets me on his chest. “So? What’s going on?” I stare at the pulse in the hollow of his throat.

Steady, steady, as regular as the sunrise. I wish I could be so steady. “Um, well, you see, it was an accident.”

“What was an accident?” I lay my head down on his shoulder and rub little circles on his neck.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t think it would do that and I can’t get it fixed but I tried and” I feel like I’m six again and trying to justify to my father why I failed my first kidou exam. A miserable little whisper breathes over his skin. “I’m sorry.”

“Gotta tell me why first, babe. Can’t help you if I don’t know what went wrong.” He’s smiling gently down at me but it won’t last long. Not once he realizes what I’ve done.

I try to smile back but I’m afraid it isn’t very strong. “We’re stuck.” A dark brow rises at me and he snorts in my ear. “We are. I can’t get our reitsu untangled.”

“What?”

He’s angry, I knew he would be. “I used your energy to boost mine to hold you down when” I want to finish the sentence but I can’t make myself say I used an untested technique for sex and fucked it up. “And now I can’t get us untangled.”

Quiet, he’s so quiet and his hand is still against my back. He must be so angry with me. “So whatch’re sayin’s you’ stuck wit’ me.” The old deep accent is back, the one he had when he first arrived here. The one I hate because it sounds like his mouth is full of something sticky.

Though, I wouldn’t put it quite that way, really. “It means our energies are too mixed up to separate, Ikkaku.” His voice sounds strange; not angry but he can’t seriously be happy.

“So? Not like you’re stealin’ it, right?” That awful accent is fading and I shake my head immediately.

“Of course not!” I would never try to siphon off energy. It would make us both weaker, me for being dependant and him for having less to use. Not that he really uses it anyways. But that doesn’t excuse me locking us into this mess. “I was thinking of going to the Fourth to see Captain Unohana. She might be able to get it untangled.” I sincerely doubt it though. I tried and tried but it’s almost as if the reitsu has blended to form something new.

I’m afraid that if we remove the new energy form, it will damage us both. And I know without a doubt Ikkaku wouldn’t want anything that might make him weaker. “So it can’t be fixed?”

“I, I don’t know.” I feel so helpless and stupid. I can’t even control my own powers. “I’m sorry.”

A dark finger traces my cheek and I realize I’m crying. “S’ok, come on, stop that.” I feel him smile against my hair seconds before a kiss is pressed to my forehead. “Don’t cry love.”

“I’m sorry.” I couldn’t even say what I’m sorry for; being weak, crying, making a mistake with still too-young powers. Stopping is always so much harder than starting but I choke it back and dig my nose into his neck while he pets my hair.

A heavy sigh moves his chest up and down, rubbing my nose on his skin. I sniffle and giggle at the same time. “Damn, babe, I thought it was something awful.” He doesn’t think tying us together like this is awful? “This is okay. I don’t feel any different.” And because he doesn’t feel anything right this instant, everything is fine?

“Ikkaku, that’s”

He interrupts me. “I said it’s fine. But if you want to owe me, I’m good with that.” That tone is familiar and I can see the leer in my mind. His hand moves from my hair down my back to squeeze my ass. My hand makes a fist on his chest and I force it flat. I don’t think it’s over but for the moment I’m not going to press. No point in making trouble for myself; well, more trouble.

My hips move against his and I scoot down a little to line up better. As always, he’s more than happy to have me pressed up against him. A little smile and I kiss his chest and nip at a flat nipple. It starts to peak immediately, hardening as I lick and suck. One hand is still trapped under my body but the free one reaches over to pluck at the soft dark skin, teasing it to a hard nub as he groans and shifts under me.

I’m flying, lifted and drop on my back with his weight holding me down before I can even think to fight it. “I thought you owed me?” He grins down at me and I smile back.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I murmur so he has to lean in close to hear me. “Anything you desire.”

“Damn right.” His mouth tastes a little bitter but it sets mine on fire with soft, teasing kisses. Our lips brush and our tongues touch to send electric shocks down my spine. “Love you, my precious Izuru.” He works his way over my shoulders and lifts a hand to suck each finger slowly.

Soft wet surrounds me and I moan at the wonderful feeling of his adoration. His lips curve in a pleased smile and he kisses his way over the repeat the process on my other hand. The free hand moves over my chest to pay attention to the firm nipples and flick the little metal bar. I clap a hand over my mouth to muffle the cry only to have it captured and pulled away. “Ikkaku!” I’m too embarrassed by the possibility of Yumichika hearing us to not have anything over my mouth.

“He left already. Won’t be back for a few hours.” Left? This early? I’m distracted by a warm tongue swirling over my sensitive skin to suck each nipple in turn. My moan can’t be held back and I run my hands over the smooth skin of my lover’s head, holding him to me. Every flicker of his tongue sends pleasure shivering over my stomach and pools heat in my groin. Especially when the hard little bar shifts, drawing little cries from my throat.

My hands flex against his head, unsure if they should pull him up from my stomach or push him further down. His fingers comb the dark curls between my legs and I arch my back. Just a little more, if he would just wrap his hand around me…

Soft breaths cool the bead of pre-cum at the head of my cock and I gasp at the icy feel followed by the hot swipe of his tongue. “Yessss.” Better, this is better than his hand; wet heat and tight suction are heaven. My hips move slowly up to meet him as he bobs, humming quietly.

A single finger presses to my opening, rubbing the outer ring until it relaxes enough to let him touch just inside, even without any lube. Normally it would make me nervous to be touched like this without even saliva but Ikkaku’s in a slow mood today and there is no chance that he will hurt me unintentionally. A little more and I whimper from the too tight feel, the slightly uncomfortable tug of dry entrance.

“Shh.” He blows a rough raspberry on my inner thigh, making me jerk and tighten around his fingertip with a startled yelp. We both laugh before he wiggles the invading digit and I gasp. It’s only to the first knuckle but my eyes roll back as he strokes gently. Everything feels so strongly like this, with a rough edge.

One last lick and he’s sliding down my body more, lifting my hips to press his lips to the curve of my ass. I follow him with my hands to hold my thighs and he whispers against the back of my thigh. “Good boy.” His hands rub over my skin before parting my cheeks and blowing gently on the delicate skin.

I gasp then squeak when he licks my entrance. Another long lick and he pushes against me, easing past already relaxed muscle. Steady thrusts make me rock my body up to meet him and I moan as my back arches. Amazing how sensitive and delicate his tongue can be as it wriggles inside. One finger slips inside to stretch gently before a second joins it. My groin aches, heavy and hot, and I’m reduced to begging already. “Please, Ikkaku! Please.”

An almost scream escapes as he pushes his tongue deeply before pulling back and surging up my body to kiss me deeply. His hands cover mine on my thighs as he lines himself up and shoves inside, tearing my mouth from his in a sharp gasp. “Ikkaku!”

It hurts to be entered that roughly with only saliva as lubricant. Not too badly but a dull throb that makes stopping a very real possibility. We didn’t do any work-up and it doesn’t really hurt in the good way. I pant against his neck while he whispers reassurances and apologies into my hair. I relax slowly and lift my head to kiss him. “Okay.” His hand is busy on my erection, keeping me hard while I adjust. He pulls away slowly and pushes back in just as slowly.

It’s tight and almost, not quite uncomfortable but he feels so good inside, his body covering mine, nothing else matters. His tongue touches mine at the same time as we both groan, the sounds vibrating through our chests to be shared and amplified. He’s pushing against the sweet spot with every slow movement within my body and his thumb moves over the head of my cock. My hands move from my skin to his, tracing heavy muscle and exploring the defined chest and abs.

So gorgeous, so much bigger than I am but just as graceful and agile. But I am more flexible, which is put to good use with the way he pushes my legs to my chest. A muffled moan as I tighten around him and he strokes the back of my knees with his thumb, the full feeling of his orgasm pounding through me. I try to grab my cock but the angle is awkward and he grins down at my panting. One hand slides from my leg and wraps gently around me as I gasp and plead.

It doesn’t take much, just a few strokes before I follow him over the edge. His mouth covers mine again to swallow the scream as I come, splashing semen over my chest and stomach. My ass tightens around him and he groans, dropping his forehead to rest against mine. “You’re perfect, you know that?”

Hardly but I smile anyways. “Love you.” Not to ruin the mood or anything but I’m still tired. And there’s probably another hour before I have to get going. Ikkaku cleans us up and I wince at the feel of yesterday’s clothes. Damn, I’ll have to wash those by hand too; it’s so much easier to just hand them over to the fourth.

Subtle snuggling and I sigh as I rest my head against his arm. “Hey, you’re not going to sleep, are you?” I suppose not.

“Is there a reason not to?” He jostles me until I look up.

“Don’t you have to go to work?” I try to roll over and get under the pillow. “Hey, come on. You’ll be late.”

Urgh, just let me sleep a little. It can’t be that late. “Still early.”

“Ah, babe? No, it’s not. It’s getting kind of late, really. I thought you had your division’s kidou tests?” Crap, that was supposed to be today. I groan and force myself to sit up, dragging my fingers through messed bangs. A quick look outside tells me it is in fact that late and roll off the bed, stumbling to the door. “Breakfast?”

He sounds so hopeful. “Get your own, okay?” I try not to be awful about it but he did get me up and now I’ll be tired for the rest of the day. “I have to go. I’ll see you later. Don’t forget to come early, ok?”

“Yeah, yeah.” I slide my clothes on quickly and comb my hair. A quick brush of the teeth and pat down of my face with a wet cloth and I’ll do. At least until lunch when I can sneak away to have a quick bath.

“Oh, and please have Yumichika come by with you, the eleventh is up after my team.” I turn to the door and have it opened on my fingers.

“What about me?” The brunet in the door leans in my way, blocking the exit.

I sigh. “Kidou tests are today, please don’t forget to come.” I know for a fact that both he and Ikkaku, along with half of the Eleventh, ‘forgot’ what day it was and vanished from the city last year. As well as the five years before that.

Full lips tighten in an almost pout before he beams at me. “Of course we won’t forget!”

They aren’t coming. I just sigh, give Ikkaku my best ‘do as you’re told’ look and slip by the pretty man. At least he doesn’t look as tired and worn out as he did yesterday. I hope he’s feeling better.

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

Well honestly. I check the time again, glancing at the sky irritably. Ikkaku is more than two hours late for his exam, never mind being early. And Yumichika is with him, guaranteed. While I understand neither of them want to do reitsu training, tough. Everyone has to and everyone has to pass the level tests to keep their positions. Even Captains.

Walking along, I maintain an egg-shaped shield around myself just in case someone loses control. The men are playing games while practicing, waiting their turns to be examined. Some pass balls between themselves while others move brightly coloured bean bags in patterns and some are working on upgrading, taking the opportunity of having advanced reitsu users present to learn from. The occasional shock runs through my shield but I shrug them off and call instructions out absently.

Hmm. We’re short two. I turn quickly, recounting heads and looking for anyone who might be sitting or laying down. No, definitely missing. “Tetsummi, where are Jin and Sakurada?”

Tetsummi looks over but only shrugs before turning back to teaching a blond the correct hand positions. Damn it, where could they have gone? They can’t be far, I just saw them half an hour ago, playing a game of catch. I stomp up the path, cursing under my breath while looking for them, checking up high on the roofs. Maybe it would be faster if I traveled along the arches, at least I would be able to see more clearly.

Good idea. A quick hop and I balance on the eave for a second before bouncing to the very top and glancing around. Where the hell did they go? Way to make me look like an incompetent idiot. Why today, of all days? I’ve just announced my intention of taking the Captain’s test and they are making my life difficult already. A quiet laugh and I spin around, glaring at empty space. “Alright, you two. Get out here.”

Silence, then a yell from behind me. “Lieutenant!” Again, I whirl around with exactly enough to time catch a flash of white and a burst of pain in my cheek. The fall seems to last years, every crack in the wall brilliantly clear as I float past. Floating comes to an abrupt halt with a loud thud and the crack of my head hitting the ground.

Tickling at my nose makes me sneeze and my eyes flutter open to see Isane smiling down at me. “Hello there, Lieutenant Kira.”

“Ugh.” Oh hell, that was supposed to be hello. “Eehhh” No talking, got it. My head throbs in time with the pain in my chest and my left arm feels weird every time I breathe.

“Shh. You’ll be alright. You knocked your head pretty badly and cracked a few ribs. Your left shoulder is dislocated so you probably feel some tingling in the arm.” Her hands are so soft and warm, I want to snuggle into them and never let go. “I’m going to put your shoulder back and fix the ribs now then you can come in and have the little things looked at.”

“Teesstt.” A few tears escape when I try to talk. That hurts so damn much!

A quiet sigh and she shakes her head, those gentle hands suddenly on my arm. For a second I don’t feel anything, then agony rips through my body as I arch and writhe, my dry throat feeling like it’s bleeding from the scream. “You aren’t taking any tests today.” Reitsu wraps around my chest, forcibly knitting the bones back together and I fight to stay still.

I’ll be good, forever and ever, I swear! I’ll never even scratch myself again. My ribs feel fine but the shoulder throbs deep inside, too far in to be blocked by the severed nerves at the surface. Warm power moves over my face and my eyes flutter closed at the quiet comfort. “Have to supervise.” At least I can speak again.

Her eyes narrow and I wiggle a bit, feeling like a child caught with an extra cookie. “You can go watch, but no testing.” A careful nod and she smiles again. “And I believe those are yours?” A graceful hand motions to the side and I turn slowly to look.

Jin and Sakurada are sitting on the ground, looking guilty and terrified. “They flew into the Captain’s office babbling about killing you.” I can’t see it, but I know her eyebrow is raised because they cringe and huddle closer together. “Something about a ball and you not deflecting it?”

Well at least I know what hit me. “Thank you, I’ll take care of them.” They cringe more, if that’s even possible. Moving slowly, I manage to sit up and roll to my knees. My arm continues to ache but my head feels fine.

“The bruising is deep on your face and there was a lot of stress placed on your shoulder muscles. I did a quick fix of the worst but you’ll have to come in for a bit later if you won’t come now.” I don’t know how I thought those hands were soft. She grips my right hand and hauls me up to my feet, holding me steady until the world stops spinning. “Take it easy and watch that head. If you start to feel nauseous or faint, have someone bring you in immediately.”

“Yes ma’am.” She sighs and rolls her eyes when I grin at her. “I’ll be fine. I’ve survived worse.” Pain flashes in her eyes and I feel guilty, because I was only teasing and didn’t mean to cause her any distress. “I need to get back. These two have tests to take. Thanks, ‘Tetsu.” An old nickname, one that she’s hated as long as I’ve known her and called her by it.

Exasperation breathes out in a long sigh but she doesn’t bother to lecture me about respect or proper behaviour while we’re on duty. “Alright, you two, let’s go.” Easy does it, go slow, one step at a time. After the first few, it gets easier to keep my balance and we start to move quickly. “Sir?”

“Yes, Jin.” I don’t bother to slow down or look back. They won’t dare bolt again.

“We’re sorry.”

I do stop now. “Are you? Then you shouldn’t have done it. What ever possessed you to throw something at me while I had my back turned?” While I may not the first choice as Captain for some of the men, I didn’t realize they wanted to hurt me. Though they did go and get a medical officer, so death was obviously not the goal.

Nervous fidgeting and I can hear the shuffle of cloth as they slide closer, hiding behind each other. “We thought you would deflect it. You did everything else today.” Jin’s voice is shaking and Sakurada finally speaks up.

“We just wanted to scare you a bit. We didn’t mean to actually hit you.” They sound so scared and it reminds me of myself, cowering before my superior officer.

I glance over my shoulder and watch them curl their hands together, obvious despite trying to hide behind the folds of their hakamas. So young, so innocent and naive and just a bit stupid; I sigh and shake my head. “Come. I’ll think about it and you’ll be assigned your punishment after your tests.” What am I supposed to do anyway? They didn’t mean to hurt me but they did, and that is what matters. Still, I don’t want them to be scared of me.

When we appear at the gate, Tetsummi comes running to fuss over my face and yell at my young charges. “Alright, Tetsummi, I’m fine. Take these two for testing, please, then they can wait for me in the meditation room.” I turn my gaze to the two cringing behind me. “Remain there until I come for you.”

Maybe missing a meal will give them time to think about it. Though how much of a punishment to spend time together will be, I’m not sure. There’s a commotion behind me and I turn to see Ikkaku and Yumichika wandering in, pushing and laughing.

“Captain.” His laughter freezes then drops like a ton of rocks. His dark haired friend just snickers and saunters by, waving a thin hand triumphantly. Well, he may have won this round, but I will win more. After all, Ikkaku comes home to my bed at night, not his. “I’m so very glad that you found time to come for our appointment.” My nose inches up until I’m glaring straight down the narrow length at him.

“Hey, Kira! You, ah, should have come with!” I resist the urge to laugh; he’s trying to cover up with overbearing good cheer. “Bit late, but we’re here now, so it’s all good.” His head is nodding so quickly, he looks like one of those bobble dolls Gin brought back from one of his trips.

“Yes, a bit late. Shall we?” Hmph, I can’t believe he thought I would let it go just like that. It’ll be touch and go as to whether he can even pass this. He’s gotten much better lately, but the Captain’s test is a lot different from the third seat test; he didn’t even come early so we could practice a bit.

Jin and Sakurada are just coming out as we pass and I ignore them completely. Ikkaku watches me from the corner of his eye but follows my lead and passes by without acknowledging them. I’m a bit surprised he hasn’t commented on my face but I suddenly realize he’s on my right and probably can’t see it. He most likely didn’t notice when we first met because he was too busy trying to get out of trouble and hasn’t really looked at me yet.

I wish I could go with him but I don’t think the examiners trust me not to help. Which is probably just as well, because I would be terribly tempted. I lean on the door and listen to the rumble of deep voices with the piping of the lone woman balancing it all out. “Fuck.” The door slams open and shut, bouncing once before coming to a rest with a shudder. Oh dear. “Fuck, fuck, fuck! Stupid fucking test, who the hell can do that shit?”

Ooohhh dear. “Ikkaku, what did you miss?” I can tell what happened but maybe, if he can do it before the end of the day… We need him as Captain, there’s no one else.

“Fucking targets, halfway across fucking Seireitei, how hell am I supposed to even see that crap?” He missed the targets.

He missed the… “You missed? How could you miss? They’re right there! Big, fat, stationary targets!” I have just about had it with him today and it’s not even supper yet. I’m tired, I hurt everywhere, I’m hungry because someone had to supervise when a certain Captain didn’t show up and I didn’t get anything to eat this morning, this is the day from hell and he can’t even hit a few damn targets for me. “You look, point, say your three words, oh, forgive me, eight and fire.” The crack about him needing the entire chant may not be fair but this is ridiculous. He’s staring at me as if I’ve never lost my temper before. “Four steps, Ikkaku, four little steps, and you couldn’t even show up on time to practice them.”

“Hey, fuck you, I said I was sorry.” I gape at him in shock; he never says “fuck you” to me.

My mouth works and I stare, listening to the whispers and giggles around us. “You miserable bastard, you most certainly did not apologize for being Three. Hours. Late.” I’m exhausted, my head is pounding, not to mention my ass and back are sore because he was rough with me earlier, I still have punishments to hand out and testing to complete, and he stands there with his hands on his hips and expects me to bow down. “You know what? Fuck you, Ikkaku.”

I turn and start to stomp away, letting my rage part our audience before me. All eyes are lowered, no hint of laughter present anymore. My exit is halted by a large hand grabbing the back of my shirt and hauling me backwards to dangle; I snarl into the upturned face. “I ought to beat some manners into you, you damn brat.” My shirt pulls out of my belt, dropping me to hang from his hand by a few inches of cloth.

“I dare you, you stubborn, inconsiderate prick.” I’m so angry right now I just might be able to beat him. He’ll pull his shots but I don’t have to. My foot lands a solid hit to his stomach and I use it as a push off to drive my knee towards his chin. I miss but manage to clip the side of his head and twirl in his hand from the momentum.

I have enough power to draw one leg up and strike at his shoulder before he throws me away to roll over the ground. Dust is barely starting to settle before he’s on me, heavy fists swinging and I shoot blue flames at him to keep out of range. If he actually hits me, I’m done, no matter how much power he keeps back. He’s swearing away, cursing me so creatively I can barely understand half of it.

My left hand keeps the flame shield in place as I start the motions of a complex kidou technique with my right. One I haven’t perfected yet but it’s ideal for this situation; an opponent with plenty of reitsu but not enough knowledge to recognize what I’m doing until I can hit him with it. A rare combination, really, but convenient none the less.

I can feel him circling, testing my boundaries, looking for an opening. For an instant I drop the fire and finish the final movements as he darts in, thinking there’s a moment of weakness. “Ha!” I speak the final words in my mind, afraid to utter them aloud within earshot of inexperienced fighters.

For a second, I think it hasn’t worked, that he really is going to slam that fist into my nose. Then, he stops, a look of shock on his face as he crumples to the ground in a boneless heap. Small fires spring into being encircling us, feeding directly off his energy. I wait for them to stop, to go out but they only get stronger and I feel the pull on my own reserves. Uh oh.

Why isn’t it stopping? It should drive the victim to unconsciousness then fade, not start to draw from others. It isn’t bothering anyone else, they’re all standing and watching, completely unaffected. So that means it’s draining me because I’m attached to Ikkaku. And if it’s pulling at me, does that mean Ikkaku’s energy is too low to feed it anymore? I start the reversal spell, dimly aware of the surprised cries around us as I fall to my knees. Finally, it’s complete and the bright fires blink out, leaving me panting on the ground and Ikkaku breathing shallowly in front of me.

“Ikkaku?” Please let him be okay. “Ikkaku? Come on, say something.” A shaky crawl and I lean on his side, shaking his shoulder gently.

A quiet huff and dainty sandals prod my lover over to his back. “He won’t answer.” I forgot that jerk was here. “Though I must say, that was an impressive bit of losing control. Definitely one of your finer moments.” I’m too tired to do anything other than growl at that fussy bastard. Let him mock me, I just want to go home.

“Sir.” Tetsummi kneels beside me, hands prying me off of my lover. “Come on sir, you need to rest. Lieutenant Isane will put us all under house-arrest if she finds out you were fighting.” He’s the best, completely ignoring Yumichika. “Are you hurt anywhere?”

“Huh, if that bruise is all he’s got, I’d say no.” Oh fuck off. “Don’t be such a baby, I thought you were some kind of kidou master?” This is great, just wonderful.

I’m so out of patience for the day. Leaning heavily on Tetsummi, I drag myself up to my feet. “Yumichika, come here. Got something to say.” He just arches a brow and tips his nose up. “Hey, I can yell out about how your hair is kinda mussed on the” He moves so quickly, I’d have fallen on my ass if my Third weren’t holding me up. “Closer.”

He leans right in, hands fussing with his perfectly shining hair as I whisper in his ear. “Fuck you.” It’s a clumsy, awkward shot but my fist sinks nicely into his stomach and the ‘oomph’ is a very pleasant sound. I may have to live with him but I don’t have to listen to his crap.

Congratulations to me. I think I just signed my own death warrant. But it was worth it. Totally. Every second of agony and punishment will the gentled by the look of shocked pain on that arrogant asshole’s face. “Tetsummi, take me home. Hadarame, finish the testing and bring me the results tomorrow morning. Please make sure Ikkaku makes it to the Fourth.” A bright salute and my perfect subordinates move to obey, no questions asked. I love them so much.

A few steps are all I manage before I’m swung up into thick arms and relax, my head pillowed on a broad shoulder. “Thank you, Tetsummi.”

For once he doesn’t argue. “You’re welcome. Watch your back, he’s sneaky and vicious.”

“I know.” And I do; he’s the second most vicious person I’ve ever met, and there is nothing to hold him back. Ikkaku, I suppose, but he’s out of commission for a while and probably won’t be on my side anyways. “I’ll survive.” Just like I did before, through sheer stubbornness. More immediately, I need a bath and something to eat then to get some sleep.

“Kira!” I look towards the barracks and see Renji come running out the door, sword bouncing at his side as he nearly barrels into us. “Shit, what the fuck did that bastard do to you?”

His fingers wrap around my chin, forcing my face to the side so he can examine the dark bruise. I flinch a bit when he leans on my sore shoulder and he starts cursing again. “That fucking prick, I’ll kill him!”

“What? Who?” My mind is moving slowly, the adrenaline burst fading and leaving me woozy.

“Ikkaku, that asshole! Don’t worry, Kira, I’m not gonna let him treat you like this. He doesn’t even deserve you to think about looking at him, never mind let him beat on you.” I frown in confusion and Renji brushes my bangs back and grins at me. “I’ll kick his ass good, then send him crawling home.” He pauses and blushes. “If you still want him, of course. Otherwise I’ll ditch him somewhere and let him find his own place.”

“Renji.” My voice fades when I can’t think of anything else to say. I appreciate that he’s looking out for me but surely he doesn’t believe Ikkaku would actually hit me. “It’s fine, he didn’t do anything.”

“Didn’t do anything? Look at you!” He’s flailing around in that wild way he does when he can’t think of what to do with his hands.

I sigh and Tetsummi sets me on my feet, reading my mind perfectly. “Renji, it was an accident. I”

My shoulders are yanked out of Tetsummi protective hold and I’m shaken like a rag doll. “You didn’t do anything wrong! There is nothing you could have possibly done to excuse him hitting you.” I’m released so quickly I stumble backwards, dizzy and disoriented. “You should go to bed. I’ll send someone over while I’m at the Fourth, ok?”

Before I can say anything, he’s gone, racing off to avenge an imagined slight. “Tetsummi, go after him!”

“No, sir, I can’t do that.” I glare as he scoops me into his arms, smirking happily to himself. “You need to get cleaned up and go to bed. Ayasegawa will keep Lieutenant Abarai from doing any permanent harm.” Struggling doesn’t do any good and I flop over his shoulder with a huff. “Don’t be stubborn. The sooner you’re settled, the sooner I can go after him.”

Pouting does as much good as struggling. A quick bath where I’m humiliated to find I can only reach half of my body with one arm and I’m buttoned neatly into a fresh shirt. There is still no one for the Fourth division and I sit down with a book to wait. Hadarame accompanies Tetsummi when he leaves, abandoning me to curious stares and tentative attempts at conversation.

While I don’t want to discourage them from being friendly with me, I’m not really in the mood to chat and eventually send the men away to play games amongst themselves. Watching them from the corner of my eye, I smile. Ikkaku’s influence is strong in the gambling dice and poker games starting, and the sake being passed around. I am pleased that no one seems to be drinking too much, just enough to relax.

“Lieutenant?” A quiet voice makes me sit up abruptly and flinch from the sharp pain in my shoulder. “Lieutenant Kira, are you awake?” I am now.

“Yes?” I can’t believe I just fell asleep in the middle of the common room. How embarrassing. The young woman behind the blond speaking to me smiles quietly in understanding.

“Hello, I’m Asema, tenth seat of the Fourth Division. Pleased to meet you, Lieutenant Kira.” She bows properly and I flush, wishing I were on my feet. “Please don’t get up. This will take a while and you should be as comfortable as possible.”

“Then we should go to my room I think.” She blushes and I follow. That sounded like I was hitting on her. Izuru, you moron! “If that’s all right with you?” A shy nod and I shove myself to my feet, only needing the strong lift under my good arm a little.

At least the old familiar room is tidy and I curl myself on the bed, leaving my arm on her side. “Ready?” I nod and grit my teeth, knowing from long experience that healing bruises hurts more than just letting it heal on its own. And it does, a steady ache all the way to my toes.

I can feel her weakening but she keeps at it until the pain fades and I can move my arm again. She tries to do my face and chest but I refuse gently. She’s already hit her maximum for the day and the strain is showing on her face. “Why don’t you go out and have something to eat? I’m sure there is still some supper left.”

“Oh, no, sir. Please let me at least bring the swelling down on your cheek.” She fusses and waves her hands around, the perfect picture of a nervous bird.

I motion her away and sit up. Now that I can move my arm freely again, I feel much better and can’t really feel my cheek anymore. “It’s fine. Go on now. I’m going to get ready for bed and go to sleep. Please send Hadarame to me.” She bows her way out, which is unnecessary but I leave it alone. It’s not worth the effort.

Hadarame sticks his nose around the corner. “Sir?”

“Did Ikkaku get to the Fourth alright?” A redundant question, because my Fourth seat wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t.

“Of course, sir. He was still unconscious but stable. Lieutenant Isane told me that he would be fine with a night of rest.” He sidles around the door and leans casually on the wall. “Lieutenant Abarai put on quite a show. Screaming something about not being worthy. Took Ayasegawa, Iemura, and five of the Fourth to get him to stop.”

My face flushes red and I look away. “And has he calmed down?”

The brunet nods, still grinning, and tips his head back. “He’s waiting outside. Wanted to know if you’d gone to sleep yet?”

Should I lie? Hadarame would just pass the message along and send him on his way. But no, that would be cruel, especially when he caused such a fuss for my sake. “I’ll see him.” A quiet smile and he slips away only to open the door a moment later and let my red-headed friend in. “Hi.”

“Hey. So, ah, you gonna be ok?” His face is red and has a few bruises on the cheeks, already turning a dark purple. “Guess you heard, huh?”

He looks so embarrassed, his eyes fixed on the foot of the bed. “Yes, I did.” His eye twitches. “Thank you, Renji.” He’s so startled he looks directly at me and cringes when he sees my face. “It’s not as bad as it looks. It was an accident.” Oh dear… I forgot about the boys. “I have to get up and punish the boys.”

He leaps on me, forcing my shoulders to the bed. “No! No, I’ll do it. Just leave it to me!” So eager to help. I relax and let him crawl off the bed. “Let me handle those two, they’ll never even consider being brats again!” I’m sure they won’t, but it might be a bit much.

“They are very young, Renji. Don’t be too cruel to them, alright?” That grin is a bit unsettling but better than leaving them locked in the meditation room all night or trying to get up myself. Because I’m crashing quite badly and even just talking is wearing on me. “Thank you, I appreciate your help.” In more ways than one.

He grins awkwardly and shifts his weight. “So, uh, you gonna go see him?” I smile at him and nod slowly. Of course I will, once I’m going again. “Good, good. Uh, you guys, ah, go together pretty good.” His face is burning up and I smother a giggle behind one hand. “What?”

Ha ha, even his ears are blushing and his bangs are sticking out the way they do when he’s getting himself worked up. “Thank you Renji, I’m glad you think so.”

A brief mutter of “I’m just saying” and he backs out, closing the door quietly and waving shyly. He’s such a good person. He will definitely get his ass kicked for thinking Ikkaku is abusing me, but he’s a good person. I’ll try to get to my lover before he’s fully conscious. I fluff the pillow and snuggle into the blanket.

The old Captain’s room is too big for me, the bed eclipsing me, but I wasn’t paying attention and just turned here as usual. For a second, I consider calling for Tetsummi to move me but that would be too embarrassing so I just wriggle slowly out of my over clothes and lie down. It’s quiet now, not very late so Hadarame and Tetsummi are probably out there keeping the noise down.

Time passes slowly, seconds ticking by as hours. Maybe I should call Tetsummi. I catch a glimpse of the moon from the window and turn my head to look. Maybe I should open the window, get some fresh air. The room smells a little like Gin and it’s unsettling. Too long since I’ve spent the night at the Third’s quarters. I wonder if that is why it has been so difficult to be accepted as a candidate for Captain.

Many of the younger men have barely seen me or only as the Captain’s toy. Perhaps a few days spent here would be a good thing. I shift to the edge of the bed and sit up slowly. I hope I can do this, having to yell for help from the floor would be too much.

Easy, easy, slow steps, keep your hand on the wall and step lightly. Finally, I make it to the window and flip the lock. Warm air washes over me and I relax. This is exactly what I needed. The chair near the desk is just within range and I tug it over to sit, leaning my head on my arms against the sill.

A silly grin at myself; I used to sit and wait for Ikkaku like this, watching from the window like a princess for him to come visit me in my locked room. How embarrassing but he never seemed to care, always waving as he jogged over, quietly greeting me. Loud as he always was, still is, he was always quiet with me, keeping an eye out for Gin and making sure not to call attention to himself.

He always treated me the same, no matter what, and that was the most precious gift I could have ever received. I’ll go see him tomorrow, apologize, maybe even do the same for Yumichika, and hopefully all will be forgiven.







Well, it didn’t go exactly as planned but it leaves me more room for the next chapter. Thanks for reading and I hope you had a good time.