One is Too Many

Yay! Moving right along, I need to get this posted since I'm moving again soon (like a week) and I don't want to just dump you or lose it if my comp acts like a bag. Which happens more often that I should let it. So, here's another chapter, a long one this time. Yay! Thank you for reviewing, they make me smile to get them and laugh at some of them. Which is great in the middle of a 19hr shift, believe me. Thank you again and I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!



~Kira~


Curiosity is nibbling away at me and I can't chase it away. It's been bothering me all evening and now it's late, the only light the few lanterns left out in the street. Is he out with Yumichika? Or a woman? When will he come back? Had he decided putting up with me is more trouble than it's worth? Could be. My cheeks feel hot and my eyes are a bit tight.

I'm a pain, I know, shy, scared. But I've been better, I know it! I haven't jumped for a little bit now, and I wasn't scared at all earlier when he was holding me. I've even been sleeping decently lately. The mattress seems so big and no matter how many blankets I drag up over my head, it's still freezing. It's not supposed to be this cool, is it? Even in the short time since he's arrived, I've become so used to Ikkaku's warmth. He radiates heat and vitality, energy rolling off his skin even in sleep.

Quiet steps take me to the window, a chair bumping along noisily behind me. I don't care if they do hear me in the next room, serve them right for sleeping while I'm stuck awake. Warm summer air brushes my bangs in my face and I brush them away impatiently as I settle in the hard chair to lean against the window sill. Why is this bothering me? He's just the Captain, it's not like I want to go there every night. And he obviously doesn't like us, always yelling and swearing. I try to shake the thoughts away.

It's a lie that I can't tell myself; I don't mind going to his rooms, I feel safe with him, warm. I like the way he touches me, the way he cares for me, and I know he likes us, even if he is a little rough. He's even said so. Long hair is in my eyes again and is brushed away. I should cut it. The thought only lasts a second. No, I shouldn't. The scars are a bit much for anyone not used to them and I hate when people stare. It's disturbing. Why am I thinking about that? Just let it go, they're there and not going away, so get over it already!

Back to the Captain's absence. That jerk, always around until I might want him to be then he vanishes. I'm much too tired to work up a decent rage or anything more than mild annoyance and just lay my head on my arms, staring down the street. I am not letting this bother me. A firm nod before I make out a shape coming down the street. Is it him? No, too thin.

Sigh. Fine, I'm just going to sit here until I get tired. Clear your mind and sleep will come, Izuru. Relax. Close your eyes and breathe. Just... breathe...

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

BANG.

“Ah!” The floor is harder every time I hit it, I swear. Stupid blankets, get off. For some reason, they've managed to offend me and a good kicking feels wonderful. Why am I beating my blanket into submission? It's just an innocent blanket. And how the hell did I get to the bed? I remember looking out the window.

The chair is still there, pushed a bit to the side, and the blankets have been tugged loose from where I like them tucked in. Someone was here last night and moved me. I'm fairly used to people being in my room, Tetsummi is all the time, but it doesn't feel like his work. For one thing, he would never change my bedding arrangement or touch my sword, which is lying in the middle of the bed now, as if it was placed beside me. Someone was here and I don't like it.

The position of the sun suddenly strikes and I realize I'm late. Very late. It's nearly midmorning and I can just hear commands being called from the courtyard. Clean clothes are hauled out and thrown on, my bangs finger combed before I'm off, running through the halls. I forgot, I'm supposed to lead morning exercises. At the corner, my feet skid and I grab the wall to fling myself around, sliding down the slippery corridor and hopping off the steps.

The entire team is out, going through called katas and everyone turns to stare as I come flying down the path. I can only imagine how I look; messy hair, clothes only mostly in position, panting faintly from rushing. And to top it all off, Yumichika is lazing on a chair in the center of the courtyard. Looking perfect.

I hate you.

He smiles and stands, graceful hands running over his clothes as if he's somehow mussed them with his perfect posture. “Ah, Lieutenant Kira! Ikka stopped by this morning and said you weren't feeling well. I hope you're feeling a bit better?” So relaxed and calm, as if I hadn't slept in like the lazy, irresponsible man I am. “I hope you don't mind, I took the liberty of having your third start morning practice.”

My teeth grit just a bit but he's covering for me and I can at least be polite about it. “Of course not. Thank you so much for your help. I'm feeling much better.” Tetsummi appears at my side, head bowed. He can feel the tension in me, the anger at having my place usurped, and defers to me. It's difficult not to simply raise my chin and ignore him but his loyalty has never been in question; it's the presumption of a certain Captain, that I would be incapable of supervising, that angers me. “Yes?”

“Sir, the men are nearly finished with their basic practice. Is there anything you would like done before they are excused?” He is careful to leave all choices to me. A smile tugs at my lips; it has been a very, very long time since I have been angry and it feels quite nice.

I say nothing for a bit, considering, and quiet begins to fall as the others notice my mood. They are not afraid, oh no, not of useless Kira, but the officers have gravitated to stand before me, heads down. “Yes, I believe there is. This afternoon, we will be having a tournament. Prepare teams of three for combat.”

“Sir?” Surprise, I would even go so far as to say shock, slides across his face. “A tournament?”

“Yes, Tetsummi, a tournament. Give each team a number and the Captain and I will decide who is to compete.” I can understand his surprise, it's been decades since we held a tournament but he couldn't have not known I would be pissed if he just took over without me or followed someone else's orders.

Maybe it's been so long and I've been so pliant even he has forgotten. Now, he is reminded; a low bow and he turns away to organize, conferring with the lower officers quietly. My attention turns to the smiling Yumichika. “My apologies, would you like to come in? I'm afraid I haven't eaten yet, if you would like to join me?”

Dark hair shakes immediately and immaculate robes move in a smooth shrug. “No, I'm afraid I have duties to see to and have to get going.”

“Oh, that's too bad.” Yeah, sure it is. Move it, you conceited peacock. “Maybe next time?” As if I'll ever let you anywhere near my team again. Damn I'm mean today.

“Certainly. Goodbye, Vice-Captain Kira.” His face is serious, perfectly respectful as he bows slightly but I can hear the hint of laughter in his voice. He thinks it's funny. That bastard.

The best thing to do is turn away and I do so, choosing a man at random to assist me with my own warm up for the day.

Noon and still no sign of the Captain. I've finished all the paperwork and arranged the ones that need his signature on his desk, Tetsummi brought me all my favorites for lunch, sucking up a bit. I'm not sure what I should do now, I've never had many duties and with my mood, I don't want to spar with anyone. Beat on, yes, but anyone I could beat to hell couldn't stop me if I went too far and I don't want someone stronger to just stand there and let me work off my frustrations. Though they would.

Sometimes loyalty is a bitch.

That stupid clock is ticking away, every second taking longer and longer. Ok, I have to do something. Maybe I'll go back to my room and reorganize it. My mood plunges even lower at the thought of the reason I had to put everything back the way it was. I just can't figure out who it was; it fells creepy that I don't know who was there while I slept. Tetsummi wouldn't move my things around, Toudou would have woken me and let me do it myself, none of the other men would come in without permission.

Argh, enough. I'm just going to put everything away and forget about it. The door opens to the office before I stand and the Captain walks in, whistling quietly to himself. “Sir! You're back!” Odd, how the sight of him improves my mood immediately.

“Oh, hey Kira. How's it going?” He's carrying a package with my name on it and sets it on the edge of the desk while he riffles through the files. “These are it?” I'm a bit curious but there are more immediate concerns.

“Yes, sir. Everything is finished.” A faint hum and he starts to sign, still leaning over the desk. “Ah, sir?” A low grunt that I take as permission to continue. “I've, ah, well.” It occurs to me that I should have asked before setting up a tournament in my temper tantrum. “I'm sorry, sir, I should have asked first. I've ordered a tournament for this afternoon.”

Silence, the soft shuffle of paper has even stopped and he's watching me now. “A tournament?”

“Yes, sir.” Head down, you're in enough trouble. “I had Tetsummi set teams of three and thought you and I could make a fight schedule.” The files settle on the table and I try not to cringe as he approaches; he hates that.

A big hand lifts my head. “That's great! Where are we having it?”

“Wh, where?” Relief flushes my cheeks; he's not angry.

“Well, yeah, the compound isn't big enough. You should go ask Ukitake if we can borrow his training grounds. They have lots of room.” He's smiling at me and I smile back a bit. He looks so happy, pleased with himself and me. A finger taps me on the nose before he pulls back and turns to the desk again. “Good to see you feeling better. You shouldn't sleep in chairs you know, not good for you.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.” The response is out before it occurs to me exactly what he said. He didn't.. “Sir? How do you” my voice trails away; I shouldn't ask, it's not my place.

“Saw you, of course. Put you back in bed.” Rage flashes, hard and fast. “So, about tonight, here.” The package is tossed to me and I snag it out of the air, gripping it firmly to try and control the anger and betrayal. “Wear it, will you?”

Deep breaths, take deep breaths, calm down. You didn't really expect him to keep that promise, so why are you so mad? He's ignoring me in favor of skimming papers, jotting his name occasionally and I examine the smooth dome, pointed nose, the wide set eyes, and big dark hands that engulf the small brush.

My stupidity makes me sick. I did expect him to mean it. I, thought it was real; for once, I believed. After all his patience with us, with me, the kindness, the steady honesty, I thought he meant it, that I could trust him. I thought he cared about me, more fool I.

It hurts, a vicious pulsing in my chest and I just stand, staring blankly at the large man at the desk. He's finished now, smiling as he approaches, a hand lifting to brush my bangs aside. I turn my head aside, refusing to allow him to touch me. I think I'm going to throw up as it is. “Kira?”

“My apologies, sir. I find myself with other obligations tonight. Please excuse me.” The ice in my voice could harden magma. His hand lands on my shoulder but a subtle shrug sends it sliding away. I realize I'm still holding the package and press it to his chest. He doesn't take it when I let go and it falls to the floor between us with a heavy thud.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” He's glaring at me but it doesn't seem to matter through the pulse of pain and betrayal.

“Nothing, sir. I feel fine, thank you. If you'll excuse me please, sir.” The scuff of my sandals on the floor seems incredibly loud, the slide of the door booming in the silence. I'm being rude, I might suffer for it later, but I have to get away before I scream.

He's following, calling my name, demanding I stop and answer him. Heads are peeking out of doorways, curious eyes watching us as I stomp down the hall. Oh just go away already! My room door slides open and closed with barely a sound and I lean against it for a second. It moves against my back and I bound forward to whip around to stare in disbelief. He isn't!

Yes, he is. He even has the nerve to step inside, annoyance and confusion on his face. “Quit running. What the fuck is your problem?”

My problem? My hands clench, shoulders shaking; every ounce of control I learned to survive has vanished. My problem is “You.” His lips move but I can't hear the words through the blood pounding in my ears. “You, you, get out.” I can barely understand my own words through the shaking of my voice. I must have backed up to the bed, I don't remember, but a pillow is in my hand and I pitch it at him. “Get out!”

Pillows aren't good ammunition, too easy to knock aside. The book I was reading last night is better, smaller and makes a satisfying thump against his chest. Ikkaku is just standing there with the stupidest look on his face; it might be shock but I'm too busy finding other things to throw to care.

More books, a comb, a pair of sandals; he goes stumbling backwards, arms up, stuttering protests. “You jerk, liar, asshole!” It feels good to swear again, it's been decades. “You promised! Anything I wanted!” Bitter, angry words and my sense of self preservation shrieks in the back of my mind. “Liar!” The last word takes us to the outside door and he takes one last step to stand in the enclosed entrance; probably feels safe there, out of range.

Before I can find anything else, a soft step behind me has me whirling around. There's a girl, wearing a Fourth Division badge and holding the package from the office. I just stare, unsure if she's deaf or just stupid. “Aw, fuck, Kira, this is about your room, isn't it? Well, hell, I'm sorry, ok?” That has to be the saddest, least sincere excuse for an apology I've ever heard and I'm an expert; suddenly, I no longer care about the girl's intelligence or lack thereof.

“I fucking hate you!” The package is grabbed and I whirl around again, arm back. “Shakkahou!” The spell is released at the same time as I let the package go and paper and cloth burst into flame, shooting straight at his chest. Thick arms block but kidou is my specialty. Sheer power sends his big body flying backwards, slamming through the final door to roll on the ground once, twice, and he's back on his feet, glaring at me. I just pant, staring at him angrily.

“Holy fucking shit.” My breath freezes in my chest. That wasn't me and it wasn't the Captain and it didn't come from behind me either. It feels like time has stopped as I turn my head slowly.

Black clad men and women are standing along the street, their daily lives halted to watch us. To watch me shriek at my commander. My cheeks burn and I bolt, too ashamed and afraid to do anything else. The door to my room isn't even shut before heavy sobs send me to the floor.


~Ikkaku~


“Holy fucking shit.” Renji's obnoxious voice cuts through the air, followed by Byakuya's snort of disgust.

I can see the instant Kira realizes we aren't alone; far from it. A pale hand rises to cover his mouth in horror before he's gone, fleeing inside, cheeks glowing. Fuck. And he was doing so well. I don't think I could have thought up a better test if I tried.

Not that it was a test. I really did forget about that promise when I saw him sleeping by the window like the innocent he is. But his anger gives me hope. He must have trusted me a fair bit to be so hurt by a broken promise. And now that I know, I feel like the biggest prick this side of the barrier. One of the only things he's asked me for, the only one for himself, and I took it away without even thinking about it.

My thoughts are interrupted by loud laughter in my ear and a hard hand slapping between my shoulders “Trouble in paradise, eh?” More laughter as I turn to glare at the redheaded offender. “Bet you never thought he had a temper, did you?”

Maybe Renji's imminent death can be put off for a few minutes. “Tell me about this temper of his. How long will it last?”

“Forever. Once he loses it, you're fucked. There was this kid at the academy with us, snotty little shit from some high family, used to pick on him a lot, cause he was skinny and quiet. Kira just ignored it, laughed it off until one day, the idiot stole his shamisen and carved some nasty symbols in it.” My eyebrows lift slowly; my Lieutenant may not play often but he loves that thing. Renji grins proudly. “He freaked. Broke the shamisen and two practice swords on the little bastard. Took two instructors to pull him off and they still had to shield the brat when Kira started throwing kidou everywhere.”

“And?”

He's looking at me like I'm an idiot. “And what? His family bailed him out, got him back in and the record disappeared. Never happened.” Another wide grin, mocking and superior “Damn glad it's not me though. You, my friend, are fucked.”

My own grin spreads, sharp and dangerous. “Well, my friend, if I hear about this later, I'll know exactly who to blame, won't I?”

Sputtered protests as I walk away make me laugh quietly to myself. “What? You put on a show for the entire street and expect me to keep it quiet? Fuck you!”

“Didn't know you ran that way.” Tattoos vanish under red as bright as his hair. “Well, if you can't, I suppose”

“Hey, fuck that! Who said I can't? Fuck you, your memory better be damn good cause you won't hear a fucking whisper later!” It's so easy, even a dumbass like me can do it.

As he stomps off, I slide back inside, checking before I move around any corners but it's quiet, nearly silent but for the murmur of voices near Kira's room. Tetsummi is leaning against the door, forehead pressed to the wall as he talks quietly, trying to get my Lieutenant to come out. At my steps, he turns and glares at me, hands clenched in fists, blocking the way with his big body.

Quiet steps and the younger officers slide up beside him, hands at their sides, heads down. Non-threatening but ready to stay between us. Makes me proud to see that kind of backbone. Finally, they aren't just huddling behind him. It would be a simple thing for me to move them and I almost go to knock but decide against it, choked sobs from inside sending me retreating to my office to think.

**Three days later**

“Is he still in there?” A useless question, I can see he hasn't taken the tray Tetsummi leaves daily for him. “Is he even talking yet?”

Thick hair shakes at me and the low voice starts again, rambling on about nothing as my silent Kira hides. “Hello?” The tentative question floats through the door and it opens slowly, a pale face and dark hair peeking in. “Oh, excuse us, please.”

The door opens wider to show a big man I vaguely recognize behind the little shinigami, outsider clothes still in place even after joining the academy. That's the kinda man I like to see; I'll have to put in for him to join our squad when he graduates. “Captain Ikkaku, sir, have you met Shiba Ganju?”

Great, that's exactly what I need right now, visitors. “Yes, Hanatarou.” I haven't really but who cares? “What are you doing here?”

The pale face flushes and he looks at the floor quickly. “Oh, I, ah, we thought, maybe, well, maybe we could”

“Wha' the brat's sayin' is we was asked to come, so move it, baldy.” Why that little... not my division you little shit!

“Ganju, please.” I watch with interest as a dull red moves over the wide cheeks and the big man bows under Hanatarou's tiny hand. “Excuse him, please, sir. Tetsummi asked us to come and help talk Lieutenant Kira out of his room.” Our third is nodding and I step back, waving them forward; anything would be good at this point.

“Alright, ready?” The small dark head nods quickly and a small hand knocks gently on the door as the loud mouth jogs off. Where's he going? Hanatarou's soft voice starts a conversation, mostly with himself, chatting about how nice it is outside and maybe Kira should come visit and have tea?

The answer to my earlier question becomes obvious as something explodes in the room and smoke starts to leak out around the door frame; it bursts open and Kira stumbles out, coughing frantically. Tetsummi catches him and tugs him to the floor where Hanatarou starts a soft healing chant. Tears from the acrid smoke run over Kira's pale face, trails of soot marking his perfect skin.

I stay back, letting him be tended to, face wiped gently, soft scoldings for not taking care of himself murmured quietly. Shiba struts around the corner, pleased with himself; Hanatarou doesn't look up but launches into a gentle scold for him as well for using too strong a powder and maybe he should be more careful next time. They're sickeningly cute, those two.

The coughing finally stops and I step forward to lift Kira up. He flinches away from me as I reach for his arms, face turned away to press to the black covered shoulder. There's a little curl of hurt in my stomach. “Back to that, are we?” I don't wait for a response, just turn and leave. I can't bear for him to fear me again.


~god's eye view~


“Lieutenant Kira? Sir, there is a package.” Izuru lifted his head from staring blankly at the papers on his desk.

'For me?' He stood slowly and plodded to the door, opening it to see half the division crowded around the door, staring at something on the floor. “What is it?” Shrugs and a path opened for him. There was a neatly tied parcel on the floor, wide at one end and narrow at the other. It was lifted carefully and made a soft rustling as he peeled the plain paper back.

Color burst from the package and he nearly dropped it in surprise; flowers and a sweet, ever so slightly spicy scent tumbled into his hands as he fumbled the wrapping. Shades of red, pink, blue, yellow, purple and white were tied with a blue silk ribbon and he stared, mouth working.

“Ah, sir?” Tetsummi was shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot and his Lieutenant blushed brightly. “You, ah, want me to get rid of them?”

“Nn, no, thank you. They're very pretty, aren't they?” Gentle fingers ran over delicate petals and the blond smiled at the satiny feel. His first smile in a week; not even the usual quiet little smiles had been present.

His big third tried not to stare and looked away, glaring at the rest of the fascinated division. “Yeah, sure, they're nice. Ok you lot, there are chores to be done before the Captain gets back.” He chased them off and stood for a moment, awkwardly trying to think of something to say.

“It's fine, Tetsummi, I'll take them.” Another gentle smile and the blond retreated to his office, stopping to pick up a sake pitcher to put his new decorations in. A bit of water and they sat brightly on his desk where he could touch them. 'They're so pretty. But who sent them? Was it Ikkaku?' It didn't really seem like the kind of thing the older man would do but who else?

A quiet sigh; they hadn't spoken since he'd been dragged from his room a week ago. He'd barely even seen his Captain since he'd try to escape him and the flash of hurt he thought he'd seen made his chest ache. He really didn't mean to flinch, he's just been scared and embarrassed. Even if there was nothing to be afraid of, he still was sometimes.

He tolerated the curious who had excuses to stop by his office and look, ignored any questioning glances, and no one was rude enough to ask about the delicate bouquet. A soft knock was almost unheard and he looked up in irritation; it wasn't that interesting! “Yes?”

“Lieutenant Kira? It's Captain Unohana. May I come in?”

The blond hopped to his feet and hurried to the door, sliding it open immediately. “Captain! Of course, please, come in! How can I help you?”

“Oh, I just heard you received a lovely gift and thought I would come by and ask to see it.” The long-haired woman smiled and inclined her head towards the flower arrangement. “It's very beautiful. May I offer a vase for them?”

Izuru's face heated in embarrassment and he nodded while staring at the floor. Isane was sent to retrieve the requested holder and the Fourth Division Captain wandered over to touch the petals softly. “These are wonderful. You are very loved. Do you know what they all mean?”

“Mean?” It hadn't occurred to him that they might mean something on their own.

Slender fingers trailed over each flower. “Oh yes. Every flower has a hidden meaning, a special message just for the recipient. These are lilies and white ones stand for purity, worthiness. Gladiolus, what a lovely shade of yellow, are for strength of character. Thyme is for courage.” Her fingers continued and the blond walked over to watch her touch them, curious. “Those are the only ones I know I'm afraid. My apologies.”

“No, no, please. I'm so glad you told me! Thank you so much, Captain.” He bowed politely and she smiled softly as Isane arrived and handed over the vase. Kira arranged the blossoms carefully and settled them on the corner of his desk. “Thank you.”

“You are most welcome. Please, come by and have tea with us sometime.” After he nodded and agreed, the pretty Captain turned and glided out, Lieutenant on her heels.

Thin shoulders slumped and he examined the pretty bouquet again. 'Courage, strength of character, and worthiness. Maybe they weren't for me after all.' He'd been so happy to get them, a gift just for him, he hadn't really questioned where they came from. 'Unless it's a joke of some kind.' His shoulders slumped further at that thought. He considered throwing them out but they were just too pretty and he nudged them to the edge of his desk, half hoping they would fall. At least then he could throw them away without feeling guilty.

There was another knock and he answered listlessly. The door slid open and a pink blur darted over to hang from the corner of the desk. “Key! Lemme see the flowers!”

“Lieutenant, what did I say before we left?” Yumichika stood in the door, smiling indulgently.

“Oh.” The little girl leapt back and stood a few feet away. “Lieutenant Kira, can I look at the flowers?” Delicate throat clearing from behind her and she rocked on her heels for a second. “Please?” Dark hair tilted that her request was acceptable.

Kira smiled a bit and waved her forward. “Certainly.” A squeal of victory was cut short by the back of her coat being grabbed and her feet kicked busily in the air.

“No touching, be careful, don't wreck anything.”

“Meanie!” She just hung and kicked, her captor unmoved. “Oh alright. Fine.” She was set back down and walked slowly over to peer closely at the blooms. “Pretty! Where did you get them?”

“Ah, they just arrived this morning for me. A gift.”

“Just like a girl!” Izuru's face flushed instantly and he looked away. “Can I touch 'em?”

“Lieutenant...”

“It's fine. Go ahead, just don't drop them, please.” The blond leaned back and watched the girl lift the vase carefully and set it on the floor where she plopped down and began to play with a little purple flower.

Yumichika slipped over beside the younger man. “What's wrong? Don't you like them?”

“Oh, yes, they're very nice.” The sad note in his voice was muffled under a smile. “Nothing is wrong, really. But I think they were delivered to the wrong person.”

“No they weren't.” Blue eyes cut up to see a wide smirk. “I brought them, I should know.”

Kira's eyes widened. “Then, then you know what they mean? Are they from” He stopped and looked away. “It doesn't matter, really.”

A slender hand rubbed his head, mussing the long bangs. “Certainly it does. I'll tell you what they are, but you'll have to figure it out on your own.” A pen and paper were nudged over to brush the blond's hand. “That stalk of purple flowers is hyacinth, that pink one there is an orchid, the bright blue one is an iris, that's a white lily. These are herbs, the light blue one is rosemary and the darker one is thyme. The pale yellow ones are gladiolus and those rounded ones are tulips.”

Kira scribbled quickly, struggling with the unfamiliar names. “But where did they come from? And who?”

“You know who. And we got them in the mortal world. One of the few truly beautiful things there, don't you agree?” The blond nodded slowly, mind whirling at the possibilities; it couldn't be a joke, could it? No, Ikkaku wouldn't do something so cruel, no matter how angry he was. He was certain of it.

Yachiru looked up from her place on the floor. “What are you gonna do with them?”

“I'm, not sure yet. I suppose they'll sit on my desk for a while until they wilt and then I'll throw them away.” The girl hummed and petted the soft pink tulip in her hands. “Would you like one? I'm sure Yumichika would be happy to help you look after it.” Just because he couldn't resist harassing the older man a bit; served him right for not sharing.

Brilliant pink hair whipped up and she grinned brightly. “Really?” She didn't wait for a response, just hopped up and handed her chosen flower to the brunet. “Hold this. You look after it from now on.”

The lovely man smiled and closed his hand around the bright tulip. “Certainly, Lieutenant. I believe it's time to go. The Captain had somewhere to go this afternoon.” Bright feathers flicked in a wink and they were gone, Yachiru's high voice cheering as they raced down the street towards home.

Kira was left alone, glancing from his list to the vase on the floor. 'They all mean something, do they? How curious.' A puzzle, created for him and only him. Warmth curled in his stomach and he smiled a bit as he crouched to lift the bright flowers back to his desk, planting them squarely in the middle, just in case.

Tentative questions led him from the Fourth to the Tenth then over to the Sixth and finally all the way over to the Thirteenth barracks. His little list was nearly filled in and his cheeks were pink from the message forming on it. Matsumoto had tried to follow him but he avoided her efforts by providing a drink at the first bar they passed and slipping out the back door; she just wanted to laugh anyways, thrilled with the romance of it all. A quick glance at his list again and he blushed more before knocking quietly.

While he waited, he skimmed over the flowing words, elegant even in his tiny writing. Pink orchids for rare beauty, blue irises for faith and valor, white lilies for purity and worthiness, the pale purple thyme for courage, yellow gladiolus for strength of character. And tulips, his favorites so far and the most variable; each color had a different meaning, each design, and even as a bunch. The red and blue ones were for beautiful eyes, white ones for worthiness and forgiveness, and the whole bunch together stood for a perfect lover.

Beautiful, even if he wasn't sure what to do with them now that he knew. Only the little purple hyacinth and the bright blue rosemary were left and he almost turned away, retreated before he was obliged to find the answer. But the door opened and Captain Ukitake stood looking down on him, smiling. “Come in, Lieutenant Kira. I'm told you have some questions?”

A darker blush rose in the blond Lieutenant's cheeks but he stepped in and bowed carefully. “Yes, Captain Ukitake. Would you permit me to ask them?”

“Of course.” A gentle smile and he waved for the younger man to precede him down the hall. They settled at a low table and sipped tea slowly for a moment. “What can I tell you?”

A final consultation of his paper, even though he had the entire thing memorized by now and Kira spoke quietly. “I was wondering if you knew what rosemary and hyacinth stand for.”

“Hmm.” The older blond's cup touched the table softly “Perhaps.” He stood slowly and made his way to the bookshelf, running long fingers over titles until he pulled a deep brown book down. “Here we are.” Pages flipped quickly and a slender finger crooked, motioning the smaller man over.

Bright pictures sat beside full explanations of the flowers, medical properties, care requirements, anything a person might ever need to know about them. “Fidelity?” What a strange thing to send. Kira's face burned suddenly, embarrassment making his voice high. “What, ah, what does hyacinth mean, please, sir?” More pages flipped and the Captain watched him silently, smiling gently at the shock on the young man's face. “I, I, I'm sorry sir, please forgive me.” A quick bow and he was gone, running down the hall and bursting out of the barracks.

'Ah, to be so young again.' A soft chuckle as he reread the page. 'Hyacinth is traditionally used as an apology, tucked into a bouquet for a wronged lover or sweetheart.'









Please review, as I am dependant on your opinions to survive. (not really, but they sure brighten up my day)