Blurred Lines

Yay, I did it! Long time but it happened. Thanks to everyone who reviewed and those who will actually read it. I hope you’ll like it and I’m setting the stage for a turn in the story, plotless though it may be.

*Kira*


Ow, ow, ow. Talk about stiff! Sleeping in chairs is not recommended, especially after you’ve suffered an injury. Tetsummi is banging on the door, wanting to know if I’m coming for breakfast or if they should eat without me. “Yes, yes, I’m coming!” Ugh, the noise is making my head pound worse than anything else in my body.


I might have to make a quick stop to visit Isane before dropping in to see Ikkaku. I wince as I check my hair in the mirror. And have her do something about that bruise. It’s grown overnight to cover most of the left side of my face. No swelling because my wonderful friend Isane worked her magic on it yesterday but if it looked half this bad, I’m not surprised Renji had a fit.


Well, save that for later. First, I need to get through breakfast and morning exercises. The men are lined up neatly to eat, waiting for me as I hurry in and sit between Tetsummi and Hadarame. My presence signals the beginning of the meal and the men start to eat, chatting quietly among themselves. “Sir.” Tetsummi’s low voice calls my attention to him and my mouth gapes open when I see the pile of food he obviously expects me to eat. “Captain Madarame should be waking up this afternoon. What would you like us to do while you’re away?”


I love how he assumes, correctly of course, that I will be visiting the Fourth hospital for most of the day. “Make sure anyone who has to retake their tests will be able to pass, please.” I take a little nibble of egg and chew slowly; maybe if I stall long enough, he’ll go away and I won’t have to eat it. I’m a bit hungry but I’ll never finish that plateful. “Otherwise, why don’t we take the day and organize a training outing? It would be good to take some of the younger men outside the city.”


Casual conversation until I’ve eaten enough for Tetsummi to be satisfied and he finally releases me. I sigh in relief and Hadarame snickers beside me. “Hush.” He grins at me and leans in close.


“He’s been walking the razor’s edge since you came back yesterday.” I know that, I know he’s upset and thinks it was his fault. That he should have noticed the boys wandering off or gone after them himself. That I wouldn’t have been hurt. My fourth seat pats my shoulder and uses me as a prop to get to his feet. “He’ll be fine.” Meaning, let him fuss a bit and he’ll forgive himself.


I swat at him, laughing as he cowers back from me. As if he would ever be afraid of little me. But it breaks the near silence of the meal, muffled giggles easing from the edges of the room. More and more of the men are glancing at me and I smile at them. A few even smile back.


This was a good idea; a few days here will definitely be good for morale. Not to mention it will give me some time to work it out with Ikkaku. But for now, morning exercises and I’ll release them for a day off. They worked hard yesterday and deserve a break. I shift to my feet, biting back a little groan as stiff muscles stretch and pull.


Hadarame leans in to speak, casually lending a boost with one hand under my elbow. “Are you really fine, Kira?” I just smile a little and pat his hand, removing it gently.


“Call the men. Will you call drills this morning, please?” A brief nod and he strides off, yelling names as team leaders fall into step behind him. I should look into finding him a vice-captain position soon; he’s turning into a strong leader. While I’m sure he would prefer to stay with me, he’ll never be higher than third seat in any division I lead and he should have the chance to test his limits more.


Maybe I’ll speak with Ikkaku about taking him on. The Fifth is being run disturbingly like the Eleventh with strong third and fourth seats covering the lieutenant position and a voice of reason might not be remiss. At least to keep part of the team sober at any given time. Not that I can criticize Ikkaku’s leadership or the way he runs his division, in fact it seems fairly stable and is building itself up to be a strong fighting unit. And Kenpachi’s division was one of the few that went almost completely unaffected by the defection of three Captains, so there is much to be said for that.


However, having three quarters of a division still drunk by dawn is a bit much and something I would never allow in my quarters. We’ve had a few arguments over it already, not to mention my lover’s men picking fights with mine. Like what is happening right now.


Yelling from the courtyard brings me to the door and I stare at the chaos going on. Hadarame is yelling toe to toe with the third seat from the Fifth division while his exercise leaders try to pull him back. About a dozen officers from the other division are taunting my younger men, pushing them and generally mocking as they keep backing off. “What is going on here?”


“Hey, hey, look! It’s our favourite weakling. Heard you’re no longer under the Captain’s protection.” Poor Hadarame, his face is red and his arms bulge, yanking his restrainers forward. “Gonna hide behind your fourth seat now?”


“Go back to your division.” I will not rise to his taunts nor will I fight with a drunk. “You were not invited nor are you welcome. Go home.” Slow steps bring me down the stairs and I move up behind Hadarame, sliding my hand over his lower back.


He goes quiet at the contact and I brush each hand as I pass so they will let him go, each restraint vanishing at my touch. His arms tremble beside me but I ignore him, knowing he will stand quietly until I require his assistance. Which I certainly won’t, not to deal with this. “I don’t have to listen to you.” He sounds like a spoiled little boy but the heavily alcoholic breath in my face is anything but childish. “You can’t make me go and that makes me a better leader than you could be.”


And this is why leading by strength alone is not enough. “Return to your division. You will be dealt with later, when you are sober again.” His hand presses to my chest, almost spanning it from shoulder to shoulder. I just stare up at him; remain calm. If I get even a little upset, Hadarame will lose it.


Slight pressure on my chest is almost enough to push me back but I stand firm. “What’re you gonna do, tell on me to the Captain? He won’t care. Beating up wusses makes them stronger. I’m doing him a favour.” Another little push does make me take a step back and he laughs, shoving hard to make me fall backwards.


A blond catches me and keeps me on my feet, Akai I think his name is. He pushes me up again and I touch his hand briefly in thanks. Hadarame’s roar of fury drowns out my quiet ‘thank you’ and I reach quickly to catch him. My fingers catch in his sleeve as his fist flies forward, catching the drunk third seat in the stomach. “Hadarame, stop!”


But it’s too late. As soon as the fight turned physical, I’d lost the scrap of control I had over both divisions’ men. Battle cries sound around me as my team races forward to throw themselves on the intruders, who scream and attack whole-heartedly. I’m surrounded by the clash of swords and yells of the furious and the injured. My head aches but I have to stop them, we can not be fighting amongst ourselves.


I wade in between Hadarame and his opponent, ducking fists and digging my elbows into hard stomachs. “Enough!” A bit of power to separate them until they can’t reach each other and they snarl over my head at each other. I whisper a binding spell quickly before yelling. “Stop!” My voice rises over the compound, echoing over the fighting and it slows gradually. Finally, they stop and my team backs away, swords still out and ready to continue.


Ready to defend me and my honour. Appreciated but not really necessary. I'm reasonably certain my honor can stand up to a hit or two from louts like these.


I release Hadarame and glare him back towards our division barracks. “Take your men and leave.” I just want them gone for the moment. Now is not the time to deal with this but it will be dealt with.


“You fucking pansy, you’ll never be Captain.” Spittle flies through the air and hits the front of my uniform. I glance at it in disgust; where they got these manners I have no idea. Before I can answer, a small form goes whipping by me, followed by another just as small.


They hit the heavy body and nearly bounce off before their combined momentum force it to the ground. “You bastard! You can’t say that about our Captain!” Renji’s on them in an instant and drags them off to dangle from his fists.


“What the hell? You damn brats.” He grins at me. “What’s up?” Jin and Sakurada kick a bit but settle when they’re shaken firmly.


This just keeps getting worse and worse. “These gentlemen were just leaving. Would you care to stay for morning workout?”


“Hiding behind your friends, huh? Coward!” I would think this idiot would have figured out that he should just keep his mouth shut. My head shakes as Renji’s face goes white then red in fury.


This might turn into a blood bath yet. “Renji, it’s fine. They’re going home now.”


“No, no, I want to hear what he has to say.” My redheaded friend grins, a baring of teeth and I rub my eyes. We’re doomed. “It sounds so interesting. What comes after coward?” He sets his bundles of quiet shinigami down and nudges them towards the barracks before stalking his prey slowly.


Now it occurs to Ikkaku’s moron that he’s in trouble. Dark eyes stare up at Renji as he circles. “Renji, please.” My friend glances at me then back. Please, please, just let it go. He bends to lift the heavy body with one arm.


Or not. “Renji, enough!” I feel Wabisuke settle into position on my shoulders, arms wrapped around my head with her thin fingers tangling in my bangs. Not a battle position but she’s here for the show. May as well give her one. Reitsu dances over my skin and I can see the goose bumps on Renji’s as well. He shudders and stares at me; I can feel power start to grow and swell in the compound.

*Renji*

Holy shit. Kira’s glowing. Really, truly fucking glowing! He’s pissed, yeah, but I didn’t realize he’d grown this much. Power claws over my stomach and swirls in my head, making me dizzy in a good, good way.


I mean, yeah, he applied for the Captain’s seat but as far as I know, no one has seen his Bankai. Sweet, I might be the first! The faint outline of a girl is visible on his shoulders, the tinkle of her laughter a teasing breeze in the still yard. Visible power rises from the ground in lazy vapors twisting and turning in slow shapes that seem to magically corral the men from the Fifth into a little group. They shiver as if cold and shuffle closer together.


My captive is released and falls to the ground with a thud. He doesn’t move, just stays down like a mouse hoping the hawk doesn’t see it. Brilliant blue turns to me and I take a breath. Who knew skinny Kira Izuru could be so beautiful? Not sexy beautiful but beautiful like a painting with his glowing eyes and shining skin. Power rushes me and I feel it dart through my body. My eyes roll back and I hold back a groan with effort.


Feels so good. The kind of power I’ve been searching for all my life is right there, as if I could reach out and press it to my chest. “Enough.” Even his voice vibrates with power and I open my eyes to watch him. He smiles that irresistible smile, quiet and steady and terrifying in its own way. I want him, to lick that power from his skin and drink it from his soul and it makes my head spin. I desire him more than anything or anyone in my entire life and I’m not even a bit hard. “Return to your division. Remain until you are called.”


I almost turn to obey, the low command compelling me forward and home. Zabimaru snaps at me and I shake my head at his snarl. No, the command is not for me. Izuru can’t command me though Zabimaru is ready to fight it out to see for sure. Not for the best that he’s recognized Kira and Wabisuke as worthy opponents. Now it’ll be harder to just be around them until we fight and see who really is the strongest.


The men from the Fifth jerk and cower under the heady voice. I could get drunk off that voice. Silence from the Third’s ranks and I look over at them. The fourth seat, Haddame or something like that, has them settled in behind him, all at straight attention. He’s a bit bruised and looks like the main fighter. I smirk; yeah, someone’s in deep shit and it ain’t me.


“Renji?” Reitsu is dropping quickly as the Fifth’s problem children flee for safety. Kira looks pale, scary pale in fact. Maybe he isn’t as well as he pretended last night. “Will you make sure they go home and that someone sober is in charge, please?”


I scramble forward to put an arm around his waist and ease him to the ground first. “Sure, no problem. You need to get some rest there buddy. No showing off if you can’t stand after.” He gives me a weak little snarl and I ruffle his bangs. “Sad, rich boy, sad.” There, he laughs at that. He’ll be fine. “Headed to the Fourth?”


“In a bit. If we ever get through morning drills.”


“Lazy, lazy. I’ve had your boys up for hours!” I grin down at him. Anyone who’s fool enough to think Kira’s lazy deserves the shock he gets. He’s been carrying his division for years, picking them up and dusting them off every time they trip and defending his right to have them. Everyone thought he was weak when he followed but I’ve seen him picking up the pieces after Gin whirled through, leaving destruction like a miniature hurricane. Even before Ichimaru ran off, Izuru was essentially running the division and doing all the paperwork.


I’m lucky enough to have Shuhei, even if he is an arrogant prick. And moping around since fighting with Yumichika. I wish those two would get organized and either get back together or break up. But Kira’s actually living with Yumi and I don’t think I’m quite brave enough to ask how that’s going. With those tempers in the same house, I almost pity Ikkaku. Almost. Dumb asshole gets what he deserves, after all.


My friend just laughs and waves me off so his fourth seat can fuss. Now comes the fun part of my day, though starting it off by smacking those brats around was pretty great. I trot towards the Fifth, keeping an eye out for stragglers or anyone who thought they would just slip away. Nope, they all went straight home like properly terrified subordinates.


Excellent. “Hey!” I kick the door before anyone can answer it. “I want the highest ranking officer who is sober out here!” People are stopping to stare and good. Let the division be humiliated and maybe they’ll shape up a little.


A skinny kid peeks around the door. Brat can’t be more than a few decades old. “Y, yes, sir. Can I help you?”


“What the hell is your rank?” If this is the best they’ve got for an officer, we’re in serious trouble.


“I’m fourteenth, sir. Ootake Kasumi, sir.” Friggin’ girl’s name too. “I’m sorry, sir. The others were out all night, because we don’t have drills or a mission today. We were waiting for the Captain to return.” He looks pretty embarrassed with the behaviour of his team. “I’ll keep them here, sir. I’m terribly sorry for the bother.”


Well, he seems sincere. And Kira only wanted me to make sure they made it home. “Sure, you do that.” And I’ll just send one of my own men around to watch and make sure.


*Yumichika*


That little bastard. I want to kick his ass so badly but all I can do is wait here with Ikkaku. His breathing is steady, quiet and even as he lays there. So pale and still. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking for hours after we arrived and I almost embarrassed myself by crying before the medic team got him stabilized.


Thank goodness Renji showed up when he did, I needed something to distract me and using him as a punching bag worked wonders. Though we will be having a discussion about respecting his superiors. Coming in here, screaming about hitting the princess. What a massive pain.


A knock on the door almost goes unnoticed. “What?”


“Hey.” No. “Can I come in?” Not now. He takes my silence as consent and slides the door open quietly. “How is he?”


I hide my hands under Ikkaku’s blanket and focus my eyes on his chest. “He’s fine.” Must not let him see me shake or falter. “A few days rest and he’ll up and going again.”


Hisagi shifts his weight around and I can hear him fiddling with his sash. The way he always does when he’s nervous. I swallow a sob. The way he did when he first asked me to go for supper with him. His breathing is soft and steady as he stands and shifts from foot to foot. “Look, Yumi, I”


“I don’t have time for you now. Please leave.” Stay. Stay, make me listen to you, please! Make even a token effort so I can fall into your arms and beg forgiveness.


Silence then he sighs and I can almost hear his hair shaking at my attitude. “Whatever you say. I’m going to check on Kira. Send word around when Ikkaku wakes up, I want to talk to him.” The door closes and my chest clenches at the final click.


He left. He left me here, alone. He didn’t love me enough to fight. I sniff miserably to myself and make fists in the blanket. No crying, I’m not going to cry. Just because…just because it’s…


I choke and cough, arms trembling with the effort not to wipe at my eyes. Just because it’s finally…it’s finally over. A ragged gasp and I bend forward over the pain ripping through my stomach. Over, it’s over. No more quiet suppers or arguing over meaningless games of chess, no more drinking until we can’t stand and staying out all night to wander home at dawn, no more snuggling on the porch and watching the rain while we read, no more hours of sex and rolling in tight cocoons of blankets on cold nights. Tears soak through the thin blanket to cover my hands.


It’s over. How can it possibly be over? What the hell kind of fool was I to believe in being happy? My head drops to press against Ikka’s hip, muffling my sobs against his still form. And he’s not even here to hold me. Gradually, the tears stop and I lay panting on the edge of the bed. Shuffling from outside whispers against my ears, the hush of a hospital in motion.


“Hey, you baby. Cut that shit out.” His voice is low and hoarse but my head snaps up to hear it.


“Ikka!” His eyes are still closed but a big hand closes over my fist and squeezes gently. “Ikkaku!”


“Yeah, yeah.” His eyes crack open in thin slits. “Got anything to drink?” Drink, drink… There’s a water pitcher by the bed but we definitely need something better. There!


Ikkaku’s bag is still hanging by the door and I dig through quickly to find the little bottle he carries around with him. Seconds later, he’s sipping happily at the cup I hold to his lips. “I can’t believe you let Kira of all people put you on your ass. That was sad.” I’m so happy to see him moving and speaking again, a few more tears slip away from me. A little smile struggles at my mouth but he frowns anyways.


I suppose it wasn’t very effective. “Whatcha doin’ here an’ways?” He’s quite upset with me. “D’ja see ‘Zuru?”


My nose points at the ceiling and I fold my arms. “No, I certainly have not. I am here keeping watch that you behave yourself in a civilized manner for once. I took valuable time out of my busy day to sit here and all you can do is criticize!” Falling back into old roles of taunting and false offense is easier than explaining why I was sitting and crying.


He takes his time, rolling my words and posture around in his head and sorting out his words. Thankfully the accent vanishes when he speaks next. “Well? Obviously I’m alive so what were you crying over?” He’s ignoring the Kira issue for the moment though I’m certain we’ll be back to that soon enough.


“Nothing terribly important. Shu, Hisagi stopped by to see you. Oh, and Renji was in last night making some kind of noise about beating Kira! Of all the ridiculous things, he was screaming and making quite an awful display of himself. We’ll have to play with him a little bit later, remind him of whom his superiors are. And”


I’m cut off by a big hand wrapping around my wrist and pulling me down to the bed. A soft squeak before I’m snuggled under a heavy arm and Ikka’s low voice is whispering against my hair. “It’s ok, it’ll be ok.” I shudder under his hand and shift a bit closer, letting him comfort me.


He always knows exactly the thing to do that will help the most, even if it seems clumsy sometimes. His love wraps around me and I breathe deeply, taking in his scent and warmth. Even dressed in hospital whites and confined to a bed, he smells of the brilliant sun and dusty outdoors, grass and the evening sky after a hard rain. I find myself whimpering into his side, clutching at his hands while he keeps mumbling to my hair.


“It’s really over, you know?” He nods once and I feel more than hear the sigh. “Really, really.” Another nod and I rest my cheek on my best friend’s chest. “He didn’t love me, did he?”


“Of course he did.” Ghost gentle fingers slide over my cheek and I close my eyes. “He adored you but he isn’t strong like us, Yume. He won’t fight like we will.” My fingers stretch out over his stomach and I play with the ripple of muscle as he flexes for my amusement. I suppose he’s right; Hisagi was never one for fighting. He always just slid through life, working hard but never with a particular goal in mind.


Even our relationship; if I hadn’t been bored that evening, he wouldn’t have asked again. He would never have insisted I go out with him, never have made a fuss. If Ikkaku hadn't given him a nudge, he probably wouldn't have even asked. That’s a depressing thought, that we only had each other because my friend felt guilty leaving me alone all the time. “You need to find someone who’ll let you run free, Yume.” Unspoken is: And drag you back when you cross the line.


“And where would I find such a perfect being, hmm?” I lean up to stare into his eyes. “I certainly can’t date myself and last I checked you were taken.” The only man I’ve ever met who can bend and stand firm at the same time and we’d kill each other in a heartbeat. We nearly did all those centuries ago.


He grins at me, pleasure at the compliment and happiness that I’m not flat with grief beaming from his eyes. His fingers dig into my hair, scratching just behind my ear before he pulls me up to touch our noses together. “You’ll find someone. One of your pretty boys will have a backbone, I swear.”


I try not to snort right in his face but I do laugh, unable to resist. “But those aren’t the fun ones!” Deep laughter back at me and I relax a little more to speak against his lips. “I know.”


His mouth is pliant under mine, lips slightly chapped. It’s been a long time since we’ve kissed, usually settling for a pat or a brush of lips to a cheek. He still tastes the same, warm and a little bitter. A big hand rubs my back, settling me more comfortably against him. I mutter and shift around to get more comfortable, hospital beds are so awkward for two! and feel my friend stiffen suddenly.


I raise my head to see what’s wrong and follow his gaze to see Kira standing in the entrance, eyes wide and a small bundle of flowers on its way to the floor.


Oops.


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I know. Yes, I really, really do. My excuse is that I work two jobs now and by the time I get home, I’m nearly flat. However, I’m plodding away so I hope I can pick it up a little. If you haven’t been following the Bleach manga, DO IT! Especially if you’re a fan of Kira. Please review, even if you don’t like it. I say that all the time and I really do want to hear your opinion because I can always improve. Thank you for reading and I hope it was worth the effort.