Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Different Circumstances ❯ The Risk ( Chapter 10 )

Tite Kubo owns Bleach and the characters depicted therein. The characters in this story are not mine.

 

The Risk

 

After kissing me, Zaraki sat down in the bath and pulled me astride him, my knees supported by the seat. He leant back, his arms resting on the bath and looked at me as if considering the situation. “Do you want to be in charge this time?”

 

I was still highly aroused from when he had been licking my breasts and I could only think about how soon we would have sex. His words were cut off as I rose on my knees, more than ready to comply. Slowly I grasped his erection and lodged the head inside me, feeling it stretching me slightly as I easily slid onto him, impaling myself unhurriedly on him. I wanted to feel every centimetre enter me, as this time I was in control, and I sought to remain in control, for as long as I could. As I moved, Zaraki's eyelids lowered slightly and he sighed deeply. I captured his mouth with mine and began to kiss him as I enjoyed the feeling of him entering me, filling me completely, and easing the ache I had begun to feel earlier. The water lapped around us, gently undulating, as we continued to kiss. I placed my hand on his cheek as my tongue caressed his. Now he was fully sheathed inside me and I revelled in the feeling, knowing that he wanted me as much as I wanted him.

 

The kiss made me want to feel the motion. Drawing my mouth from his, I gazed at him steadily as I placed my hands on his shoulders for support. Bracing my knees I moved up and down on his penis, needing the action, needing him to satisfy me.

 

It felt different with the warm water lapping around me, agitated by my actions. It made me feel more buoyant and made the movement easier but I could not move quite as fast as I wanted, which was disappointing. As I began to quicken the pace, Zaraki's hands moved, gripping me by the hips and preventing me from moving. I looked at him. His eyes were fixed on my breasts which were being moved by the water and he bent his head, as if trying to catch one in his mouth, but the water moved it away. I cupped the breasts and offered them to his mouth. His lips immediately seized one and he licked it slowly. His hands, his mouth held me captive and I could feel a surge of desire overtake me, but as I was a prisoner to him, I could do nothing.

 

“Zaraki.” He ignored me and began to suck my breast, continuing to prevent my movement. “Zaraki!”

 

He opened his eyes and looked at me, while continuing to nuzzle my breasts. He knew what he was doing and so did I. He was enticing me because he enjoyed making me surrender to passion and become overcome with desire for him. I clenched my muscles around his penis and his eyes widened as I did so, as if he was surprised.

 

“I didn't know you could do that voluntarily. I like it. Do it again.” His voice was rough as he spoke, as if he was finding it difficult to talk.

 

“Of course I can and I won't. Why are you preventing me from moving?” I knew he'd answer that question.

 

“Why not? The longer I stop you, the quicker you lose control. The more time I spend inside you, the harder I get. Face it, beloved. You aren't in control, as much as I know you want to be.” His mouth returned to my breast which I was still cupping. He began to suck harder as his hands began to gently knead my thighs. I still couldn't move. His tongue was arousing me so I pushed my breast closer to his mouth, hoping he would continue. Gently he began to bite my nipple and I wanted to feel him moving within me so much, I almost begged.

 

Realising there was no point in protesting and becoming more stimulated by the moment; I released my breast and ran my fingers through his hair. It had a different texture to Gin's hair, coarser and longer. I cupped some water in my hands and trickled it over his head, wondering what his reaction would be. In response he started to bite my nipple harder, teasingly. I poured more water over his head thinking about how much I wanted to kiss him. He was driving me crazy with his need to be in control.

 

“Offer me the other breast. Come on Matsumoto. You're getting more excited. I can feel you getting slick. Stop playing with the water and play with me,” Zaraki ordered.

 

“How can I play with you when you won't allow me to move? I want to kiss you.” I looked at his face and noticed the water drops scattered here and there.

 

He drew his lips back in a smile, gazing at my mouth as he spoke. “You only had to ask.”

 

I licked some of the droplets of water from his face slowly, letting my tongue caress his face and then kissed his lips as his hands moved to hold me close to him. Taking advantage of the loss of restraint I began to move on him as fast as I could, impatient for him. His hands quickly returned and stilled me for all I tried to distract him with my tongue.

 

“Offer me your other breast and I might consider allowing you some control.” He demanded, his lips soft against mine.

 

“No. Let me have control and I might consider allowing you my other breast.” I moved my mouth down to the base of his throat and began to lick him gently, being careful to remain distant from the band of cloth.

 

“You've convinced me,” Zaraki sighed, after a few minutes of allowing me to pay those attentions. His hands released me and I stayed still for a few moments longer as I continued to lick his neck. I then bit him, tiny little nibbling bites at the base of his neck and across his shoulders. Zaraki leant his head back against the wall of the bath and opened his eyes. “I thought you wanted control.”

 

“I really want you to let go and forget all. I want you to be lost to everything but me and what we're doing.” I kissed him again. As I kissed him I began to move on him again, slowly at first and gradually increasing the speed, feeling his hard penis entering me, as I pushed on to him. It felt so good and I was excited from being confined for so long while I wanted him. I was still restricted by the water, but not enough to stop me from becoming more excited and enjoying him so much.

 

Zaraki began to thrust upwards. He also seemed to find the water did not allow him the speed he wanted. He growled slightly. I let my tongue explore his mouth, distracting him from the inability to thrust into me as fast as he wanted. Despite the slower movement, I found having sex in the water erotic. The movement of the water around us, the heat, Zaraki being close to me and allowing me control were driving me closer to coming. His skin was hot and his hands were touching me, arousing me even more.

 

Zaraki appeared to stop being irritated by the water and built into a rhythm of thrusting into me that excited me. I met each thrust, feeling the heat flood my body as my arousal increased. I rested my head on his shoulder as we continued to move together. I was panting heavily and felt a flush rising through me. Grabbing his shoulders, I felt my body reacting to his and my orgasm swept me away.

 

I felt warm hands caressing my back and lips kissing my cheek. I was still leaning against him, my arms around his neck.

 

“Beloved, out of the bath. Come on. Kiss me.”

 

I kissed Zaraki without thinking of anything else. He lifted me gently from his lap and sat me next to him.

 

“Matsumoto, we've got to go back to Seireitei and fast. This love stuff has screwed my judgement. You have to be protected and Soul Society is easier to attack than Seireitei. If the arrancar came back now, you could be at risk. We know Gin and Aizen want you with them and I'm not even going to think about why or I'll want to kill both of them more than I already do. I don't want to be sidetracked. Quickly, get dressed, we've got to return.” As he spoke, Zaraki was getting out of the bath and drying himself.

 

I looked at him stunned as I hadn't thought about it. Being with him made me feel safe, but he was right, it could be dangerous. I left the bath, dried and dressed myself as quickly as I could.

 

“We'll come back here later. When we've defeated the arrancar we'll spend some time here, together.” I said the words aloud promising myself and Zaraki some time distant from the demands of our positions.

 

Leaving the room we went downstairs. The innkeeper came to meet us, consternation showing in his face. “Is there some omission? Does the room displease you? Did the food not satisfy you?”

 

Zaraki shook his head. “We'll return. I've remembered something important. How much do I owe?”

 

“Your subordinate already paid the cost. As you are not staying the night, I will provide a special discount when you return. I'm sorry you had to cut short your honeymoon.” The expression on his face seemed to support his words.

 

“For the second time,” I thought, ruefully.

 

We left after polite thanks were exchanged. Without asking, Zaraki picked me up in his arms and began to run to the nearest gate. “I want to get you inside as soon as possible.”

 

“You're usually saying you want to get inside me as soon as possible,” I teased.

 

“That too. I want you protected, beloved.” Zaraki was running faster than I could believe.

 

I had been right earlier; the residents of Soul Society turned and stared as we ran past. I blessed the stars that this time I was fully dressed. There would be talk, but it had finally dawned on me that the talk could not hurt me. Zaraki didn't care what people said and I thought I could trust him.

 

Arriving at the gate, the gate keeper did a double take seeing Zaraki and without saying a word, permitted us to enter. I breathed a sigh once we were back within the confines of Seireitei. I was unsure if it was release, or sadness. Slowing his speed somewhat he began to make his way through the streets but we did not seem to be heading to his house.

 

`Um, Zaraki. I think you're going the wrong way. Your home is in that direction.” I pointed to the left.

 

“It's our home and we're not going there, yet.” Zaraki did not falter but kept moving. As he ran on I noticed that we seemed to be heading to the 1st Division headquarters. A few minutes later I saw a large assembly of shinigami moving toward us. I wondered where they were going. Looking closely I notice my Captain, Ikkaku and Captain Ukitake were part of the assembly.

 

“Captain Zaraki, Lieutenant Rangiku, you are requested to attend the Captain-General immediately. We were on our way to find you and escort you on your return to Seireitei, but fortunately you have returned of your own accord.” Captain Hitsugaya looked sternly at Zaraki.

 

“I was on my way to 1st Division, anyway. Hitsugaya, we need to talk about something we should do, but I want the Captain-General to agree with my plan.” Zaraki was polite but firm.

 

My captain frowned at Zaraki but nodded. Zaraki slowed his pace, placed me on my feet and we walked the few metres that remained.

 

Entering headquarters, I noticed the Captain-General looked very displeased with both of us. “I'm grateful lust hasn't completely robbed you of your tactical understanding, Captain. It would have been extremely dangerous and foolish for the lieutenant to remain outside the protection of Seireitei. Ikkaku Madarame only provided the broadest of outlines and I need you to explain the situation fully.” He stood there waiting, his eyes fixed on Zaraki.

 

“The traitor Gin Ichimaru admitted that the invasion of Soul Society was a ploy so he could take Lieutenant Matsumoto Rangiku to the arrancar stronghold. Apparently Sosuke Aizen has an interest in the matter and I found the traitor trying to persuade the lieutenant to leave with him. I convinced Ichimaru to leave without my wife but he did say he would return.” Zaraki was brief and to the point.

 

The Captain-General looked at me. “Did you encourage the traitor?”

 

“That's unfair, Sir. She told the bastard she loved me and would not go with him. He didn't believe her. When he insulted me, the lieutenant tried to fight him.” Zaraki admitted the last truth hesitantly.

 

A few people laughed at the comment and I flushed.

 

“I let you fight him when you asked,” I said hotly. I thought it was important that this fact was mentioned.

 

“You tried to fight Ichimaru because he insulted Captain Zaraki? You were defending the captain against words?” The Captain-General was smiling.

 

I looked at the ground. It wasn't funny. “He kept calling the Captain names like thug, animal and stop gap. He wouldn't believe I'd married Zaraki out of love. Why is it so hard to believe?” I heard more laughter. Zaraki put his arm around me, heedless of the etiquette. I turned to him, wanting his comfort.

 

“Stop laughing.” The Captain-General issued the order and the merriment in the room ceased. “Thank you, lieutenant. I originally thought your marriage a mistake but now I believe that you do have some feelings for Captain Zaraki.”

 

I refused to look at anyone. Dammit, now everyone knew what a fool I was.

 

 

“Sir, I make this demand. While this situation exists, I insist that I swap lieutenants with the 10th Division Captain. It will only be temporary, but I do not wish to entrust the lieutenant's safety with anyone else.” Zaraki again made a request without consulting me. This time I thought I understood but resented the request.

 

“Captain, I find that comment insulting. Are you implying that I cannot protect Matsumoto? I protected her in the human world.” Captain Hitsugaya was cool in his response.

 

“Not very well. She nearly died, twice.” Zaraki did not mince words as he held me closer. At one time I would have felt embarrassed at the contact. Now, I didn't care.

 

“I saved her, didn't I? She's alive.” Toshiro was becoming terse. He was not happy with the criticism.

 

“If the traitors had wanted her while she was in the human world, could you have stopped them?” Zaraki's voice was steely and he released me to walk close to my captain.

 

“Zaraki, I trust my captain. He saved me and I owe him. Don't insult him. You weren't there.” I was confused. I felt I owed loyalty to my captain, but I didn't want to speak like this to Zaraki.

 

“I know I wasn't there. Don't get involved, Lieutenant, this is a matter for the captains to work out.” Zaraki was dismissive of my words.

 

I felt stung as he as again reminding me of my subordinate status, but this time in front of the people who had witnessed our impromptu marriage hours earlier. I began to feel angry with the man and hurt at his dismissal of my opinion.

 

My captain listening to the interchange, glanced at me. “Captain, I believe you have just insulted your bride.”

 

“She'll get over it. Her feelings aren't important at the moment, but her safety is. If she can't see that this transfer would ensure her safety and protection, that's her problem.” Zaraki addressed the Captain-General.

 

“Don't worry, Captain. Seeing it's my life you're talking about, maybe I should leave the room and you can let me know the decision. You'll find me at my house.” I began to leave the room, ignoring the shocked looks the captains were directing toward me.

 

“I didn't give you permission to leave.” I felt my spine go taut at the words, remembering how Zaraki had said that to me earlier. Then I realised that the Captain-General had spoken.

 

I turned. “I apologise Captain Yamamoto. May I leave? I am obviously not required here.” I refused to look at Zaraki.

 

The Captain-General's lips quirked into a smile. “Your marriage was a decision for the captains to make. You had already provided us with your feelings on the matter before I asked you to leave, but that does not apply in this case. I believe you should provide us with your thoughts.”

 

“It's immaterial,” I began.

 

“Don't be a fool, Matsumoto and stop overreacting. We'll talk later.” Zaraki was again dismissive of me.

 

I felt like he'd slapped me. “I would prefer to stay with my Division. I trust my captain and the people within the division.” That was all I was prepared to say.

 

“I demand that we swap. She doesn't know what she's talking about. She needs to be protected against the traitors and the 11th Division contains the strongest shinigami.” Zaraki raised his voice.

 

“And a captain who had not yet achieved bankai,” muttered one of the other captains in a disguised voice. I saw Zaraki flinch slightly at the insult, but he did not say anything. He stood straight and gazed at the Captain-General. I couldn't work out who said the comment, but I felt myself soften a little toward the man who had called me a fool.

 

“That comment was uncalled for. I would remind you that I do not wish this forum to be used to exchange insults.” Captain Yamamoto's voice was stern and he directed a hard look at Soi Fong.

 

“I didn't say it,” she protested. “Why would I mention something of which we are all aware? It's pointless and childish behaviour and unworthy of a captain or any shinigami to draw attention to something of this nature.”

 

Zaraki nodded as if accepting her comments.

 

“Can we return to the point? I do not want to swap lieutenant and I don't think it's a good idea. You become used to working with your adjuncts and it would waste time learning to work with someone else for a short time and I refuse to make the transfer permanent. Matsumoto knows how 10th Division works and we need to maintain our strength.” My captain kept his voice calm as he voiced his objections. I smiled at him, pleased at his support.

 

“If you are that worried, Captain Zaraki, I will allocate some of my Secret Remote Division to guard the lieutenant at all times. They will keep her safe.” Soi Fon made the offer gracefully and I was surprised at her thoughtfulness.

 

“No. I want her moved to my Division.” Zaraki was being stubborn and was still refusing to look at me.

 

I was about to respond and was startled to hear a voice that had mostly remained silent until now, speak to me. The venom and hatred in the words were undeniable. “I must admit I'm surprised you're still here, Lieutenant. I can see you've got everyone fooled, except me. I thought you would have gone with Ichimaru as soon as you saw him, unless it was planned and you passed on some of our tactics when you saw him. That would be a believable strategy: seduce an unattached captain, get him to trust you; then you can obtain all the secrets you want. I hadn't thought you were so good at acting, Lieutenant. You didn't have to go to the lengths you did, I mean sex and marriage is a little over the top for a spy, but I'm sure the rewards that were offered more than made up for any temporary inconvenience. Maybe Ichimaru finally offered you marriage as you always hoped and that was the reason you agreed to take matters this far. I'm sure you're only pretending to love Captain Zaraki.” Kurotsuchi sneered at me as he made the accusation. I didn't understand what I had done to offend him.

 

“Keep your filthy mouth shut, Kurotsuchi,” Zaraki had been roused to fury by his words.

 

“That's not true, Captain. I married Zaraki because I do love him.” My words were ignored as Kurotsuchi addressed my husband.

 

“Face the facts, Zaraki. What would a woman like that see in you? She probably tried to work out who would be the most susceptible, easily manipulated, and after that, the decision was easy. It's a pity, because I would have welcomed her attentions for a short while, until I tired of her. When you caught your `wife' with Ichimaru, were they kissing? I think that would be a pretty clear indication that this has all been a scheme, especially on your wedding day. It makes me wonder what offers he made to her when you were there and her reaction to them. Did her rejection seem real, or was there any hesitation?” I felt my face flush as Kurotsuchi continued his attack on me. Zaraki had seen us kissing. The clever words and twisted suggestions made his story sound almost believable to my ears.

 

Zaraki's face turned to stone. He glanced at me and then turned away. It was obvious he had witnessed the kiss and the touching and despite my words and denials, the words of another person made him question my actions and integrity. My anger at him was stifled and I felt a touch of fear. Gin had made the offer of marriage in front of Zaraki. I'm sure Zaraki had heard that and was remembering the conversation. I had thought I had overcome the worst moments in my life with Zaraki. Now I knew that those moments were nothing compared to the trouble that this would cause between us.

 

“I'm not acting. Yes, Gin kissed me, but I didn't kiss him back, I pushed him away as soon as I realised who it was. I'm not plotting with anyone, why would I?” I could feel the tears beginning to form in my eyes as the accusations. “Zaraki, you can't believe these lies.”

 

Zaraki steadfastly kept his head turned away, but he spoke again to the Captain-General. “I again demand that the woman be moved to my division. I will prevent any further interaction with the traitors and it would be best if I could keep watch on her actions.” I saw a smile cross Kurotsuchi's face at his words, as if he had achieved his objective.

 

Captain Yamamoto glanced at the captains and then looked meditatively at Zaraki. “Your request is denied, Captain Zaraki.” I saw Zaraki open his mouth, ready to protest. “I have made my decision. Lieutenant Rangiku will remain at 10th Division. Lieutenant, you are hereby confined to Seireitei: you may not leave without my permission and your location within Seireitei will be monitored at all times. You will remain in Captain Zaraki's quarters, when you are not working, so that he may be certain that you are not fraternising with any undesirables.”

 

“I would prefer to remain confined to the cells if there is to be any doubt about my loyalty to you and to Seireitei, Sir.” The words were hard to say, but I was trying to maintain some dignity. I felt such pain at Zaraki's words and the inevitable anger at his loss of trust in me.

 

“Your request is noted and denied,” he interrupted. “Now I suggest you go to Captain Zaraki's quarters.” He smiled kindly at me as I opened my mouth to protest. “I think you need to talk about a number of matters which have been mentioned during this meeting. You may go now and he will follow you shortly after he has provided me with further information about the arrancar attack.”

 

I shrugged, angry at him, furious at Zaraki and full of deadly hatred for Kurotsuchi. As I had been dismissed, I turned and walked out of the office, reluctantly returning to Zaraki's house. I didn't look to see if he was following, I didn't care.

 

I was lost in bitter thoughts as I walked. Zaraki had again treated me like a subordinate and then called me a fool in front of the captains. He was right; I was a fool, foolishly believing his words of love. I might be restricted to his quarters, but that didn't mean I had to talk to him, or even acknowledge his existence. The thing that was the most difficult to believe was the accusations made by Captain Kurotsuchi. I could see that Zaraki was questioning my honesty and it scared and angered me. Why had he done it? He had made it sound plausible that I was a spy, who had married Zaraki for purely political reasons.

 

My thoughts were so absorbing I wandered on until I noticed I had reached his house. Trying the door, I found it was unlocked. Pushing the door open, I entered the room and realised I had never really seen the interior without other matters distracting me. There was no possibility I was entering the bedroom, for it was full of memories when I had hope. Looking around, I tried to work out where I would sleep. None of the furniture looked like it was suited for that purpose. The room was pretty bare and obviously Zaraki did not really care how it appeared. Sinking onto a chair I sat there, despondently, looking at the floor and wondering what I could do about the intolerable situation.

 

The door opened but I didn't look up as I knew who it was. What was the point in looking at him? I'd only become angry and we would fight. This marriage might not last to the end of the day. I heard the door shut and footsteps moved close to me.

 

“One of the things you have to understand about the captain is he doesn't think before he speaks.” The voice was female. I looked up, amazed, to see Captain Unohana standing in front of me. “I thought you realised that long ago, but then it struck me that you know very little about him, and there is no great length of time in your relationship. It worried me that you married quickly, but you've spoken so convincingly of your feelings for the captain that I'm sure that you may be the one person who would be able to understand him; I could not. You are blunt and forthright, just like Zaraki and neither of you hide your feelings or thoughts. That was one of the things that drove me away from him, as he would speak without considering the consequences and the result would be that without meaning to, he'd insult me. The times he insulted me would have hurt more if I had loved Zaraki, but when I considered the matter, I found that although I liked and respected him, I could never love him. When I tried I tried to understand him, it was impressed on me that we would never suit.”

 

I looked at her wondering why she was telling me this. Why was she interested in an ex-lover's wife?

 

“Give him time and take the time to understand him. He needs time to understand you and I urge you to be totally honest with him. I could tell from the expression on both your faces that the accusations from Captain Kurotsuchi were unexpected and may have roused those doubts that were lying dormant in your husband. I feel that some things that were said in the conversation with Ichimaru make the charges even more difficult to refute. You will have to prove your loyalty to Captain Zaraki once again and that will be difficult in light of the accusations and the fact that the captain saw the traitor kiss you. .”

 

“I didn't let him kiss me. I am not a spy, nor am I scheming with Gin, or anyone. He left me, and I told Zaraki the truth. I wouldn't lie to him because I promised him I would not and anyway I'm bad at lying. Zaraki can always tell when I'm not telling the truth, so telling him lies is pointless. Gin did say he would marry me, maybe, once Zaraki was dead, but I don't want that anymore. I told him I loved Zaraki more than I ever loved him, but now I don't know if I want Zaraki after this. I certainly don't want Gin.” I felt a tear escape from my eye and wiped it away angrily.

 

“I am sure that you would not go through such an elaborate charade for a few trivial plans that Aizen probably doesn't require. It will take your husband some time to see through the poisonous words because while they hurt you, they hurt him also and made him question an action, his marriage to you. You will have to be patient with him for some time and tolerate his anger, for he will be angry.” Captain Unohana paused.

 

“Should I leave? Is there any chance?” The words emerged harshly from my mouth. It seemed unlikely, but it was possible.

 

The Captain's clear eyes gazed into my own. “I thought you said you weren't sure if you wanted Captain Zaraki, when you obviously do. If the Captain-General had any doubts about your loyalty, you would be confined to a cell and you would not have been permitted to remain with the captain. The Captain-General asked for a full briefing of the events in Soul Society from Captain Zaraki, in detail. I think he is trying to give him time to calm down and will most assuredly try to make him see reason about the accusations. We know how stubborn the captain can be and he takes quite some time to calm down. When I thought about how upset you were when you left and how angry the captain is, I decided to come here to provide you with some support as you are now the wife of my friend. I cannot overlook the fact that he acted thoughtlessly and listened to another person's opinion, but I urge you to forgive him and the hard words he said to you. When he returns you will have to spend some time convincing him that the accusations are lies. It will take time and probably lots of sex to sway him. He always did like sex.” She smiled at me with a gleam in her eye. “Did you notice the revealing statement that the captain of the 12th Division made when he was accusing you?”

 

I blinked as I thought about what Captain Kurotsuchi had said. The statement wasn't obvious to me and I shook my head.

 

“The captain said `It's a pity, because I would have welcomed her attentions for a short while, until I tired of her.' I think he's jealous; especially that he was not the unattached captain you sought to seduce. Captain Zaraki will come to see the jealousy shortly, if he feels about you the way I believe he does, and if someone tells him. I think I may mention the matter to him, but not today as he will still be too raw to think about it logically. Most of the captains are astonished about your sudden relationship and obvious passionate feelings for each other.”

 

I flushed at her words. “I'm not so sure about that, now.”

 

“You wouldn't be reacting like this if you didn't feel that way. If the Captain of the 12th Division had not asked these questions now, they might have arisen later. I know you love your husband, Lieutenant, but he will never be like other men. If you love him, you have to accept that. I would hate to see you destroy something so unexpected and so precious over a few words. Everyone is aware that you loved Gin Ichimaru for years, even when he treated you badly and ignored you. Can't you extend that sort of understanding and tolerance to Captain Zaraki?” She looked at me keenly as if silently urging me to rethink my emotional reaction to the situation

 

I felt myself go cold at the mention of Gin. This fight had started as a result of Gin trying to abduct me. Gin had caused this whole disaster but I had to acknowledge the sense in her advice. “You're right,” I agreed looking at the Captain understanding she was a good friend to Zaraki and she was trying to be a friend to me. “Thank you. You're being very kind to someone you don't know well. I will try to patch things up with Zaraki because even though he called me a fool and believed some very convincing lies, I love the man.”

 

Her smile lit up her face and I could easily see why Zaraki had been attracted to her. “If you need to talk, please come and talk with me. You may need a friend once this particular problem is addressed. Yachiru will hate you and will remind her captain of the possibility that you are not being honest with him or suggest that you are a spy. If you manage to get past that, your life will be constantly interrupted by his duties and responsibilities. His subordinates take up much of his time and attention. I do not envy you and I will try to help you adapt as much as I can. Farewell.” She nodded at me and left, shutting the door quietly behind her.

 

I remained seated, unsure what to do. The anger with Zaraki was still there, a little tempered, but Captain Unohana had reminded me of the love I held for the man.

 

I heard someone approach the door and tried to remain calm. This was not going to be easy.

 

AN

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