Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Different Circumstances ❯ The Party ( Chapter 13 )

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

 

The Party

 

I noticed Zaraki become alert at the sight of the people waiting outside and wondered why. Placing me on my feet, he stepped in front of me, shielding me, his hand on the hilt of his zanpaku-to. “What do you want?”

 

“We want to see your bride,” yelled a number of voices.

 

“Why now?” Zaraki did not seem pleased with his division and noting the apprehension in his shoulders and his stance and I began to feel nervous.

 

“Because you're our Captain and you got married suddenly. We want to see the bride.” More voices joined in, some laughing, some not. Why would they want to see me? Most of them had already seen me at one time or another. I knew most of them at least by sight.

 

Zaraki tensed further. “It's my business if and who I marry.” I hoped he wasn't going to lose his temper as his voice held the hint of emerging rage.

 

Ikkaku left the mob and approached us. “They're curious, Captain, and don't mean any harm. It was Yachiru's idea. She knew you'd be going to the bathhouse this afternoon so she got the division together to wait for you because they were interested and wanted to see you both. I didn't let her give sake to everyone to celebrate, like she suggested. That would have been a disaster. Let them see Ran. It's not like she's anything to be ashamed of; she's a lieutenant and nice-looking. If they see you together, they might understand. I won't let anyone hurt her; you know that.”

 

Looking over Zaraki's shoulder, I could see Ikkaku walk to stand between the division and us, as he watched them closely. His hand hovered near his sword as it he would repel any trouble, but he was more relaxed than his Captain.

 

Zaraki turned to me, his large body hiding the crowd and he lifted my chin to look at my face. I was trembling, uncertain that I would be welcomed, wanting him to reassure me, to hold me. “It had to happen sometime; may as well be now,” he murmured. I looked at his mouth yearning to kiss him, but instead reached out my hand and touched his lips, tracing them with the tips of my fingers, all the time scared of what might happen. “I'll protect you; I promised, remember?” His words comforted me and I nodded.

 

Placing his arm firmly around my waist he turned us both to the crowd and said, “This is my wife, Lieutenant Matsumoto Rangiku. She is remaining with 10th Division but when she is not working, she will be living here with me. If you harm her, you harm me; but if you do harm her, even by mistake, I will kill you, slowly. The woman's safety is paramount to me and I expect each of you to protect her.”

 

When Zaraki had finished there was a loud hubbub as the members of his division chattered excitedly with each other. I noticed most of them were staring at me while they talked. I hoped none of them noticed the band of cloth around my neck and then saw Yachiru poke out her tongue at Ikkaku and give me a withering look. Obviously she still had not forgiven me for marrying her Captain.

 

“Kiss the bride. Kiss the bride,” someone started the chant and the others joined in. We had only kissed in public once before, when we were married and I was uncertain how Zaraki would react to the demand. He looked for my consent; I nodded, and then he pecked me quickly on the cheek. It was obvious he wanted to keep our kisses private, and for good reason; he didn't want me to start begging him for sex in front of his division.

 

“That's not how you kiss a bride,” a slurred voice I could not identify said and a thick set man began to move toward us. The man sounded as if he had managed to drink while he was waiting. “I'll show you how to kiss the bride properly.”

 

The street went quiet; very, very quiet and time seemed to have slowed down. I wondered if everybody else was holding their breath, awaiting Zaraki's response. People seemed frozen with shock at the effrontery of the fool. Noticing a slight edgy feel to my husband, I cast a surreptitious look at him.

 

He wasn't exactly glaring at the man; it was more of a smoulder. The look did not have the intensity of hatred with which he had glared at Gin, but he was fuming and his zanpaku-to was in his hand. Ikkaku was standing in front of the drunkard, seconds after he had made the comment.

 

“You remember whose bride you're talking about, don't you? Captain Zaraki's?” he said meaningfully.

 

Stopping, the man blinked a few times as if trying to focus and then looked at the looming figure of his Captain. The effects of the alcohol seemed to leave him immediately, or he felt cold, because he began to shiver. He threw himself to his knees and abased himself. “Apologies, Captain. I'm really sorry. I didn't mean anything. I would have only kissed her…” Realising what he was saying didn't help the situation; he pressed his face into the ground.

 

“Baka. Get to your feet. From now on you clean and run errands until my wife decides to forgive you; I'll let her know when she can. I want some food and drink taken to the bathhouse, the best you can get and make sure that no one is there. I want the place clean and tidy. Oh, yeah, I want a sleeping mat there as well. Move it.” Zaraki barked the orders and the object of his ire fled the scene, casting fearful glances at both of us as he ran. I was sure that everything would be done to the best of his abilities. It was a bad idea to annoy Zaraki.

 

“A sleeping mat? That's good. The floor is not really comfortable for prolonged sex,” I thought as I watched him leave.

 

“Captain, is it true that one of the traitors, Ichimaru, tried to abduct your wife yesterday?” a voice I did not recognise called.

 

My heart sank. Not this again! Did everyone know? How many times would I have to explain? Damn Gin. Zaraki's arm tightened around my waist at the question and I glanced at him. His mouth was set firm.

 

“Yes, it is true and she refused to go. I was there and I decline to discuss it again.” His reply was terse.

 

Shocked whispers were exchanged and many curious glances were cast in my direction. I was not happy; would this again lead to a fight about Gin and loyalty?

 

Zaraki sighed loudly at the way his response was received. “Listen up. I'll give you some answers before you ask any questions. Do I love her? Work that out yourself. Does she love me? That's my affair.”

 

“Is it true your bride is pregnant,” another voice called.

 

“None of your damned business,” Zaraki growled and I caught another look of hatred from Yachiru who looked pointedly at my stomach and made a face. “That's private. Next you'll ask about our sex life.”

 

“She really enjoys it when she has sex with the Captain,” Ikkaku said just loudly enough for me to hear.

 

Feeling humiliated, I coloured at the statement, wishing that he had kept his mouth shut, and noticed that some of the nearby shinigami had also heard. Those who had heard began to tell those who were out of earshot. People were now laughing and admiring looks were bestowed on Zaraki, who was either pretending he had not heard the comment, or had decided to ignore it. From the increased fervour of his grip and the heat of his hands, I deduced that he had heard the comment and was indulging in some proud and lewd thoughts.

 

The clamour increased as the comment was relayed among the division. Yachiru was looking at the people as if dismayed that the tense atmosphere had been dispersed. People were making crude jokes, some were laughing, but all were still paying attention to their Captain.

 

I noticed a group nearby, huddled together, talking intently. One of their number detached from the cluster and came lightly toward us, walking gracefully.

 

“Captain, we request permission to have a party tonight to celebrate your marriage. I'm so happy you chose someone decorative. It would have been disappointing if you wed an ugly person,” Yumichika smiled slyly in my direction as he spoke.

 

I was taken aback. It had seemed there would be more questions, yet another inquisition about the conversation with Gin, but instead they wanted to have a party? That made me feel much better. Maybe 11th Division could accept our marriage.

 

“Yeah, but don't expect us to stay long. I've got plans for tonight,” Zaraki replied meaningfully as he pulled me nearer, the heat from his body increasing.

 

I felt my face redden again. He always seemed to have plans.

 

“As you know, I've got the bathhouse booked now. Detail some men to stay outside. I don't want to be interrupted.” Nonchalantly he picked me up in his arms amidst laughter and some satirical comments and walked swiftly to our destination. Some of the comments surprised me as the men expressed their expectation that we would be having wild sex while in the bathhouse. Even if it were true, I felt discomfited by the explicit nature of some of the observations.

 

“Don't listen to them, beloved. They're jealous,” Zaraki told me as we moved out of audible range.

 

I relaxed as he held me in his arms, feeling comforted by his proximity and words. Closing my eyes I leant my head against his shoulder, breathing in his scent. I loved being this close to him, nestled in his arms, feeling his strength embrace me.

 

“I remembered the oil and the salve,” he told me, the sound of his voice waking me from the light nap I was having. I opened my eyes and noticed we were outside the bathhouse. The sight of the building made me swallow, with either fear or desire, I was unsure. As we neared the door, I noticed a large piece of paper stuck to it. The writing on the paper read: `Danger. Captain Zaraki's Honeymoon in progress. Do not disturb on pain of death.'

 

I looked at him and smiled. It would be dangerous for anyone to interrupt. “Today and tomorrow, Zaraki. Do you think our honeymoon is dangerous?”

 

He gave me a measured look. “Only to anyone who buts in. I wonder if there'll be a similar sign on my, I mean our, home. I'll leave it there. It's a fair warning. Let's see if the food's here.”

 

Placing me on my feet, he opened the door and waited for me to precede him. As I went inside I started to remove my uniform, wondering if I would manage to strip before Zaraki decided to undress me. I had managed to undo the sash and removed my arm from one sleeve when I felt his hands on the fabric and heard the tear of the material as he exerted a little pressure.

 

“Can't let you get undressed in here, can I?” Zaraki was standing behind me, his mouth close to my ear as his hands roamed over my body removing the pieces of my uniform that remained and dropping them carelessly on the floor. His hand then moved to my neck and undid the band of cloth.

 

“I can't see any food and you're still dressed,” I stated feeling his uniform against my skin.

 

“Yeah, I am. Had any further thoughts about ripping my clothes off, Matsumoto?” he asked as he turned me to face him.

 

“No.” I quickly began to undress him, refusing to give into the temptation of trying to undress him the way he undressed me.

 

Laughing he held me close once he was naked, his skin against mine in a way I had come to want. “You should try it. It would be a convincing argument that you were hot for me.”

 

I widened my eyes at him. “Hot for you? Why would I be hot for you? I don't understand what you mean.” As I spoke, I leant nearer to him, pressing my body against his, as one hand moved over his buttocks and the other pulled his head down so I could kiss him. When his lips met mine, I opened my mouth to him, kissing him earnestly, feeling his teeth against my lips, my tongue against his.

 

“You know you want me. You can't keep your hands off me. You're right, the food isn't here. Who's going to answer the door when the food arrives? You shouldn't have stripped me so quickly. Hell, woman, don't you have any restraint? Can't you let me be the one to make the first move?” Zaraki was obviously in the mood to tease me. He was in a very good humour, maybe because his division seemed to accept our marriage; well most of them.

 

The expected knock at the door came and donning his coat, Zaraki answered it and talked to the person outside. He started laughing, looked outside and then shut and locked the door and shaking his head brought in a box, that I hoped contained food. I took the box from him and sitting down opened it eagerly, wondering if we were going to be presented with traditional wedding food again. “Why are you laughing?” I asked abstractedly as I removed the contents and placed them near the sleeping mat on the floor.

 

“They're setting up the party outside because this is where it started. Some of them are taking bets on how long we stay in here. They've invited the Captain-General,” he said still smiling at me.

 

“I said I didn't want parties, that all I wanted was to be married to you. Should we cancel it?” I wasn't even looking at the food.

 

“No, it would be a bad idea to cancel now. Don't worry about it, woman. Now this food, what do we have?” he looked at me first, but eventually dragged his eyes to the meal. “There's no honey cake, which is a shame. I took a lot of pleasure from the honey.”

 

Remembering what he'd done with the honey last time, my mouth became dry. I poured and drank some of the tea that had been provided; it was very strong. Offering him a cup, he took it from my hands and continued to look at the food.

 

“Hmn. Ramen, oysters again, strawberries, chocolate, yeah, lots of aphrodisiacs. Do I look like I need it? Nah, must be a joke. Hey, Matsumoto, you must look like you need encouragement and that's why people keep feeding us stuff to make you hot. They don't realise you don't need any of it. What'll happen if I feed you any more aphrodisiacs? Who knows what you'll do. I think you shouldn't eat anything,” he leant forward and cupped a breast in his hand as he smiled into my eyes.

 

I couldn't prevent my eyes from looking down, embarrassed at his remarks. I had always had a reputation for liking sex, but that was only rumours, no facts to substantiate it. Now Ikkaku had opened his big mouth and I was still smarting from that little statement circulating in the division. How long before everyone heard? Zaraki was teasing me repeatedly about my craving for him. It made me wonder if I was abnormal or freakishly addicted to him. Could you become so absorbed by one person? All the things I had said to him about my need for him; he'd had time to think them over and was repulsed by my dependence and desire. As a wife maybe he wanted someone who had more dignity and less lust. Maybe I should talk to Captain Unohana about what was normal, but imagining asking that question made me feel worse.

 

“Would you prefer it if I pretended I didn't want you?” I mumbled the question and waited, hoping for a denial. I moved away from him, turning my back to him; again questioning how I felt. He had to deny it because he had told me so often that he wanted me to desire only him. Instead there was silence and Zaraki sat next to me, not touching me. I could hear him breathe as we sat there, each thinking separate thoughts.

 

“Why would I want that? Why are you even suggesting it? Have you been faking all this time, but it didn't seem like it. What's going on in your head, beloved,” Zaraki's voice was less harsh than normal.

 

I turned to him. “Is it wrong to want you the way I do? I thought you said that I had to desire you above all others, and I do. I don't know if this is right. Since we got here you've been acting like I'm fixated on sex.”

 

“Sometimes I forget, Matsumoto, I forget that you are as new to this as I am. I was only teasing you. I'm fixated on sex, but only with you. Why would I want my wife to pretend anything? Lies and pretence destroy.” I felt his arms turn me toward him and then embrace me as I hid my face against his chest. His hands stroked my back as he held me and I could feel his chin resting on my head. “I thought you enjoyed being teased. Ichimaru always teased everyone…” he stopped as if suddenly realising what he was saying or maybe it was because at the name I tried to struggle out of his arms. I didn't want to be reminded of Gin again because it reminded me of the last time I'd seen him and the fight I'd had with Zaraki. “Oh, screw this. Calm down and stop struggling. I'm not letting you go. I`ll stop joking with you about sex, if you stop thinking about that traitorous bastard. He's gone.”

 

“I'm worried; you heard him. He said he'd come back for me and I don't want to see him ever again,” I felt my body go cold at the thought of Gin.

 

“Yeah, like he'll manage to abduct you from here. Get real, woman. Forget about him. Think about me. Let's talk about important stuff. Do you want to eat, or bathe?” he asked, holding me close.

 

I was feeling more assured at his words and decided to ignore my silly thoughts and fears. “Eat,” I answered automatically. “If you're worried that I'll get overcome by all the food, I'll just eat anything you feed me. This way you can be in control.”

 

Zaraki laughed. “You'll have to feed me, but make sure it's not just oysters. I want a bit of variety. And don't try to feed me the ramen. That wouldn't work, I can tell without trying. We'll eat some ramen first to give you energy and then we'll feed each other. I hope you won't be such a messy eater this time.”

 

I considered his accusation as we ate ramen. I hadn't been messy; he'd deliberately poured honey over me. Maybe this time I could retaliate. I looked at the rest of the supplies and noticed the strawberries were not fresh, but in sugar syrup. Concealing my smile I finished the ramen.

 

Feeding each other was fun. Zaraki nibbled on my fingers as I dropped oysters, artichoke hearts and other delicacies into his mouth. I licked and sucked his fingers as he fed me the food that had the highest reputation for increasing the libido. I was getting full, but I wanted to keep room for dessert. I reached across Zaraki for the strawberries and while bringing them back to me I `accidentally' knocked off the lid and `accidentally' spilled some of them into his lap. He jumped slightly as the cool fruit came into contact with his skin, then looked at his lap and then at me, an eyebrow raised.

 

“I think you need a bath. Look at the fruit you spilled. I suppose I'll have to help clean you up as you're such a messy eater,” I said as I knelt in front of him, my mouth hovering over the fruit. I ate the few strawberries that had escaped and then began to lap at the syrup with my tongue. He was still sitting upright, making it a little hard to reach some of the places the syrup had spilled, so I pushed him with my hand, indicating he should lie down. Eventually he complied and I knelt, licking up the strawberry syrup. I licked his stomach first, lingeringly, refusing to stray any further.

 

“You like getting even don't you?” he asked as I continued to lap at the juice. His voice had coloured with desire and I smiled as I glanced down and noticed his reaction.

 

“Think of it as payment with interest,” I said, moving a little further south of his stomach which was now as clean as I could make by this method. The springy hair made it more difficult but I kept removing the syrup, lapping and licking him. I was getting excited, but put that to one side, determined to concentrate on providing him pleasure.

 

`You're going to make me beg,” he accused and then groaned as I moved to his thighs.

 

“Maybe,” I said. We both knew he could stop me at any time, but he obviously was enjoying the special treatment as I saw his erection grow even more pronounced. I toyed with him for some time, listening to his breathing becoming heavier as I laved my tongue over him, nibbling and sucking, avoiding his penis. I stopped and looked at his face. His eyes were closed and he was wearing an expression of concentration and pleasure. I waited a few seconds, expecting him to open his eyes, or to hear a demand that I continue, but he remained quiet

 

I had licked all the syrup from where I had spilled it, bar one specific area. I hesitated for a few more seconds, wondering if I should lick or suck him first.

 

“What are you going to do, beloved? Leave me like this?” his voice croaked.

 

“I could. You mentioned I like getting even. It's true.”

 

“Okay. I'm begging you.” His voice held a note of urgency.

 

I looked at his face. His eyes were open but heavy with desire and they stared into mine willing me to give him relief. Giving in, I licked the tip of his penis, removing the precum that had gathered there, before I took him into my mouth, sucking the juice off. His skin was hot and the taste of him, the fruit and the syrup made me hungry. I took as much of him into my mouth as I could manage, but wasn't possible to take in his full length. Removing my mouth, I licked around the base of his penis and his scrotum, removing the traces of the spill and then engulfed the head of his penis with my mouth. He grabbed my head and kept it there as he thrust into my mouth once, twice and then he came, groaning loudly. I swallowed, relishing him, and when he'd finished I lay beside him on my side, watching his face. I wanted him.

 

Opening his eyes, he blinked, saw I was watching him and grinned at me, lasciviously. “Next time, why don't we both spill syrup or honey? That way we can clean each other at the same time.” Kissing me after he spoke, I wondered how sticky we would get. “Anyway, time for a bath. I can't fuck you if I'm worried I've still got syrup all over me, and I do want to fuck you.” Rising to his feet, he offered me his hand. Using it I pulled myself to my feet. Instead of allowing me to walk to the bath he again picked me up and dropped me in the bath. Before joining me he went and grabbed a bottle of something.

 

`I need to wash my hair.”

 

“I'll wash it for you. I need to wash mine too.” The offer was out of my mouth before I could prevent it.

 

“I've never let anyone wash my hair,” Zaraki said thoughtfully. “It's a very intimate thing.”

 

“I'm not asking you to wash mine, I just thought you might like me to take care of you,” I explained.

 

“Like you did a few minutes ago? Okay, here's the stuff I use,” he handed me the bottle and then immersed his head underwater; emerging with his eyes shut and water streaming from his hair. When he opened his eyes I was reminded of my first sight of his face without the eye patch and gulped at the remembered passion and shared lust we'd experienced here. This was ridiculous. I was getting even more turned on just looking at him.

 

I swiftly opened the bottle and squeezed some shampoo onto my hands. Washing Zaraki's hair took some time, as he kept finding different ways to gain my attention: a hand between my thighs, his mouth on my breast, a lingering kiss, a caress of my buttocks, running his tongue down my spine. When I finally managed to stop my hands shaking enough so I could rub the shampoo in for the second time, I realised that while I had washed Gin's hair once or twice, it had never been so much fun or such a sexually charged experience. Finally, I ducked his head underwater to wash off the shampoo and he grabbed me and hauled me under with him. Pulling my face close, he kissed me under the water and only released me when we ran out of air.

 

“Your turn,” he insisted and I found myself subjected to his attention. His hands were strong on my scalp, much firmer than I was accustomed to experiencing. In retaliation for his behaviour while I washed his hair, I found ways to sidetrack him and washing my hair took considerable time and left me consumed with passion and Zaraki noticeably excited. After the last rinse, he made me stand, turned me from him, pulling my legs apart and while I braced my hands against the side of the bath he tried to enter me from behind. I wanted him so badly but it didn't work; it hurt. My breath hissed through my teeth as the head of his penis lodged in me. Hearing the noise, or noticing the way I reacted he withdrew, removed me from the bath, quickly laying me down on the sleeping mat. Retrieving the oil and salve, he quickly applied the salve to my neck which had begun to smart. Rinsing his hands he opened the oil, applied some to his penis and then using his already oiled fingers began to touch me in the areas that wanted the attention.

 

“Dammit, I should have used the oil more often, I knew it. Beloved, do you want to fuck, or not?”

 

The oil had soothed away the pain and the activities in the bath had aroused me very much and his fingers were making it impossible to deny him. I again experienced regret at my body's betrayal but said, “I want you. I want to try.”

 

It hurt less as he began to enter me slowly, the oil made it easier. Zaraki must have noticed it still hurt because he stopped immediately. “Am I hurting you again?”

 

“I'll hurt you if you stop,” I said, the lust more intense than the slight pain.

 

“Are you sure about this?”

 

I moved my hips, taking him in further. “If you'd let me wash your hair and not played with me, we would still be in the bath.”

 

“You didn't have to retaliate when I was washing your hair,” he said thrusting into me fully.

 

I groaned, and begged him to take me hard and fast, the way I liked it. Each move hurt a little, but my ardour for him was stronger than the pain. The coupling this time was fast and hurried due to the combined arousal we were feeling. I clung to him as he pumped into me urgently and I felt my body responding to each thrust until I screamed his name aloud. After the storm was over I lay in his arms, heat flushing my skin, more sensually content than ever before. But there was a problem.

 

“Did it hurt?” The tone demanded the truth.

 

“Yes,” reluctant answer.

 

“Does it still hurt?”

 

“Yes,” a whisper.

 

“Dammit woman; it if hurt, we should have stopped. I should have used the bloody oil each time.” Zaraki was angry.

 

“It's not important. We could use the salve, or I could see Captain Unohana if you're worried,” I began and noticed his face become set.

 

“I'd prefer it if you didn't see the Captain. She'll lecture me again; it was her advice about the oil, and if you visit her she'll know I haven't been using it. Hell knows what she'll say if she sees the bite. Bugger it. I'll get her to visit us now. I don't want you to fear sex because of pain.” He threw on his coat, tied it shut with his sash and went to the door, sending one of his men to get the Captain. I stood, preparing to dress but he stopped me. “You'll have to undress once she gets here. I'm staying while she examines you. I want to find out what's going on.”

 

I quickly ducked into the bath, to wash off the traces of sex. I dried myself and wrapped in the towel I waited, wondering what the 4th Division Captain would say.

 

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Zaraki answered it and ushered in Captain Unohana. She looked at me, shock registering on her face and then turned and looked sternly at my husband. “I was nearby, visiting a patient when your messenger found me. What have you done to this poor woman; she looks exhausted. Did you give her that vicious bite on the neck? What caused all this bruising I see? Have you let her have any sleep at all? I hope you've at least been feeding her.” She paused and asked very quietly, “Have you been using the oil as I advised you, Captain?”

 

Never before had I seen Zaraki look so embarrassed. I answered on his behalf. “It's good of you to come and examine me, Captain Unohana. There's nothing really wrong with me, except it hurts…”

“When you have intercourse,” she finished the sentence for me. “Remove the towel and lie down on the mat and I'll examine you. Captain, you may remain, but you are not permitted to say anything…”

 

“Now listen here Retsu,” he started.

 

“Or I will confine your wife to 4th Division for the rest of the week,” she finished.

 

I was amazed to see Zaraki nod at her words. He moved close and folded his arms as he watched her study me. Captain Unohana examined me closely, touching the bite with soft, wondering fingers, scrutinising the many love bites and bruises, and finally inspecting my sex. She requested I turn over and I felt her hands on my back and legs.

 

“I've finished my examination, Lieutenant, you may rise now. I am aware that you are on your honeymoon, but I believe I should insist you spend the night in 4th Division. You are bordering on complete physical exhaustion; the bite on the neck is unpleasantly deep and should be tended but will heal eventually. I see the Captain has been using the wound salve I gave him, which will help the healing process. You have considerable bruising over your body. In addition I think you should refrain from penetrative sexual intercourse for at least a day, preferably a week. I am not surprised that sex hurts.”

 

“But I'm on my honeymoon,” I fussed after I got to my feet and wrapped the towel around me. “I want to stay with Zaraki. Please don't make me leave him. We've only got today and tomorrow together.”

 

“She has to stay in my custody; remember what the Captain-General said and I've promised not to bite her again,” Zaraki sounded sullen.

 

“So, it is your bite. I suppose it was after the meeting and you acted foolishly because of the twisted facts that someone presented to you. You should trust your wife more.” She paused and moved closer to my husband. “Looking at you, Captain, I could almost give the same diagnosis with the exception of the bite. You haven't had enough sleep either, I can tell.” She examined his face and then indicated that he should remove the sash. She looked at his body and then examined his penis. I opened my mouth to protest, scared that he would become erect at her touch. He didn't and she sighed and dropped her hands. “I almost feel like asking if you have done anything except enjoy marital relations, but I can tell you haven't. I know it's futile to try to separate you and I know that you'll be eager to take pleasure in each other again as quickly as possible, so you won't listen to my advice regarding that. I've finished examining you, Captain.”

 

She took something out of her deep pockets. “Put this in the bath water and soak in it for at least an hour,” she handed the packet to Zaraki. “It will help with the bruising and the pain. Here is balm I want both of you to apply immediately after you leave the bath and three times a day for the rest of the week. I assume you know where you should apply it? In future, use oil every time you have sex, for the next few weeks. You are forbidden to have sex for the next three hours or I will take you both to 4th Division and lock you in separate rooms. I know it is pointless to tell you not to try to have sex after the party, but if it hurts, stop immediately and apply the balm.” She handed me the balm and I took it gratefully. Her stern frankness filled me with a desperate need to follow her instructions.

 

“Captain, if I ever see evidence of physical violence on your wife in the future, like the bite, the consequences will be grim. The only reason I am not taking any action is because I know she would not agree and I am persuaded that you would not dare estrange her again. Please try to exert some control over your physical passion, though I know you won't.” She nodded to us both.

 

“Thank you, Captain Unohana. You're being very nice,” I said as she left.

 

There was an uncomfortable silence in the bathhouse once she left.

 

“I didn't like seeing her hands on you. I was scared you'd get excited by her touch,” I said quietly.

 

“Not possible. I didn't like her seeing the bite.”

 

Silence again descended on the room. After a few minutes, Zaraki went to the bath and threw in the contents of the packet Captain Unohana gave him and approached me cautiously. “Beloved, will you join me in the bath again. This time we'll just relax, no screwing.” His kissed my brow gently. “We are under orders to soak in it.”

 

I was in the bath as soon as he finished kissing me. I hadn't had a long bath since I'd returned to Seireitei, the last two baths had more to do with sex than soaking, and I liked the way the water relaxed me. If it helped heal me enough to have sex with him again, I was prepared to sit in the bath for two hours. Zaraki brought the food and drink over and then got into the bath, where he captured me and held me close as we sat in the hot water. Leaning my head against his shoulder, I rested in his arms, not feeling the need to talk, the sense of security that I had was new to me. We dozed together in the water, occasionally exchanging comments, kissing, eating the food, drinking some tea and water, but mainly holding each other. I noticed his penis became stiff again, but he didn't try to initiate sex. The longer I sat in the bath, the more the pain eased.

 

After remaining in the bath for well over the prescribed hour, we unenthusiastically left it. It was growing dark outside and we were expected to join the festivities. The party would mean another pause in our honeymoon and even if we couldn't screw, I wanted to be alone with Zaraki. As I reached for my uniform, Zaraki got there before me. “You forgot the balm,” he said as his fingers parted my thighs and began to apply it to me.

 

“I don't think you're meant to apply it like that,” I gasped as his fingers slipped inside me, arousing me. I felt my throat tighten as he continued to rub the balm into my flesh.

 

“How else am I supposed to apply it? With my cock? That's been banned until after this damned party.”

 

“I think I'm supposed to put it on, not you.” He was misunderstanding me deliberately, but it felt so good.

 

“Well here it is, smear it on me,” he grinned, handing me the container and indicating his erection.

 

“We're not supposed to have sex until after the party,” I reminded him, breathing heavily as I rubbed the balm onto him.

 

“We're not having sex, we're following medical orders,” his fingers were now on my clitoris. Mustering my resolve, I moved away from him and quickly began to dress myself, not forgetting the salve and the cloth band for my neck.

 

“After the party, Matsumoto, you'll be screaming my name over and over again,” he assured me as he dressed, dropping the balm and oil into his pocket. When he finished, he drew me close and gave me the non sexual kiss. “Until then, I'll try not to think about fucking you.”

 

I checked my appearance in the mirror and combed my hair, then noticed that Zaraki was taking some gel, bells and an eye patch from his pocket. “Do you have to wear those?” I asked.

 

“Yeah, I do. Formal occasion thing. Now don't talk; I have to concentrate.”

 

I watched as he did his hair. It was time consuming and I didn't like it as he transformed himself into the persona of the 11th Division Captain. As he was affixing the last bell I said, “I could help. Make it faster.”

 

“Shh. This bell is the hardest. You can help me remove them tonight. Now be quiet.” I felt as if he was beginning to distance himself from me.

 

When the final bell was in place, he donned his eye patch and stared at me, his face stern. “How do I look?”

 

“Forbidding. I'm making a rule, no sex if you have the bells in your hair; they distract me and not in a good way.' The Zaraki without the eye patch and the bells was mine, and I must accept that he had to appear this way to others. I stretched up and kissed him on his unsmiling mouth and his arms held me as he deepened the kiss into something else. “Stop tempting me, Zaraki. After the party, then we can…”

 

He sighed gustily. “Yeah.” releasing me, he assessed how I looked. “You'll do. Stay close to me.”

 

Taking my hand in his, he nodded at me and we walked to the door. Before he opened it, he kissed me again, a deep and passionate kiss that made me lean into him, not caring if he had bells on his hair, an eye patch hiding one eye, or a parrot on his shoulder, I wanted him. I drew my mouth from his and gazed at him, wanting to remain there, but he reached for the door and opened it. The crowd of people outside the bathhouse made me pause for a moment. There were more people there than currently populated 11th Division. I saw my Captain and most of my division as well as a number of the other Captains including the Captain-General. As we emerged from the door, he strode over to us, a severe expression on his face.

 

“I'm sorry, Sir. I didn't ask for this party,” I began, nervous at what he was going to say.

 

“I'm aware of the Lieutenant. Captain, we've noticed some strange events happening, it's hard to quantify. It might be because we allowed some people from the Soul Society to serve the meal and their presence is disturbing the atmosphere. We checked them thoroughly, but it is of concern. I originally agreed to this event as a means for people to interact and relax, but I am troubled all the same. Please remain vigilant at all times. I have advised the other Captains to watch for anything unusual.” After delivering the warning, the Captain-General smiled at me. “If nothing happens tonight, I might consider allowing you another day for your honeymoon, as it has been interrupted considerably.”

 

I smiled at him with delight. He was being so kind.

 

“That's very fair, Sir. Do you want to make a speech to start this thing? You are the senior officer,” Zaraki suggested.

 

“What's another speech? I'll make it short,” he nodded to his Lieutenant who began calling for quiet. After a few minutes the noise subsided. “This is to celebrate the unexpected marriage between Captain Kenpachi Zaraki and Lieutenant Matsumoto Rangiku. Let's wish them well for their future and enjoy the festivity. Good luck to you both. There will be no further speeches.”

 

I laughed and clapped my hands at the brevity of the speech. Zaraki was smiling as he held me to his side, seemingly happy. “I'll give it two hours; then I'm taking you home. We might have an extra day and I intend to make good use of the time,” he told me quietly, hardly moving his lips.

 

Shivering with excited anticipation I watched as drinks were served. We were offered some and I shook my head at the offer of alcohol. I wanted a clear head tonight; I wanted to remember everything. I took the juice that was offered instead. It tasted strange, so I only sipped a little and replaced it on a passing tray.

 

“Come and sit at your table, Captain, Lieutenant. We want to eat and drink, and then there might be dancing, or fighting, or both. The way some of the guys dance, who can tell?” Ikkaku said beckoning us to a table. When other people saw us sit down, it acted like a signal and others began seating themselves.

 

“I won't be dancing, or fighting,” Zaraki said looking at something placed in front of us on the table. “That's different. What is this thing? It's white and has flowers all over it. Is it a table decoration or food?” he asked, prodding the large white object in front of us with a chopstick.

 

“That's the wedding cake. It's a western thing. Stop poking it, it's meant to look like that. Won't you dance with me at all, Zaraki?” I asked. I liked dancing and if there was going to be some, I wanted to take part.

 

“I don't dance and don't try to make me,” he turned to face me and must have noticed my expression change. Sighing he said, “You can dance, but only if I choose your partners. You will not be dancing with Abarai, and the only men you can dance with in this division are Ikkaku and the Yumichika. We're only staying two hours and then I'm taking you to bed. Hey, I might even let you sleep, later.” Unseen under the table, his hand was sliding up my thigh.

 

“Let the woman eat, Captain. She'll need the energy,” Captain Unohana's amused voice interrupted our conversation.

 

I turned and noticed she was sitting next to Zaraki and it was obvious from her amused look she had overheard Zaraki's comments. Looking around, I saw all the Captains were present at the table, even Kurotsuchi. Fortunately he was seated farthest from me and was arguing with the person serving drinks. My Captain was sitting next to me and we chatted for a while, about a few matters and then my attention was taken up with the food being served.

 

The food served that night was an odd mixture. “We all brought some,” Captain Ukitake explained, “to make it seem like we all contributed and wanted your marriage to prosper. That's why it's all different. Eat up, Ran. You look hungry. I brought the chicken you're eating.”

 

“It's good.” I ate enthusiastically. Even though I had eaten in the bathhouse, I was still hungry. The combination may have been unusual, but it all tasted delicious, except for a rather peculiar green stew which I decided not to try. I saw my Captain take a mouthful and then spit it onto the ground, an expression of disgust on his face. “That's nasty, whatever it is,” he told me.

 

Although I had intended not to drink, my glass was constantly replenished until I was uncertain how much I had consumed. The person serving me had obviously come from one of the districts of Soul Society as he wasn't wearing a uniform. I wondered if he had a facial deformity as his hair and most of his face was covered by a scarf and a large hat obscured his eyes. For some reason he seemed familiar. I asked for juice, but the juice didn't taste right. The server offered me a bottle of water and I grabbed it gratefully, draining it dry to quench my growing thirst, ignoring the taste.

 

Why did I feel so unusual? I didn't feel like I was drunk, but I had trouble concentrating. Observing the others at the table I noticed everyone seemed flushed; even the people who abstained from alcohol seemed to be tipsy. It worried me a little but I needed to ease my parched throat. The server who had given me the water had disappeared.

 

“I won't be long. I need some water,” I said to Zaraki. He looked at me and nodded his eyes intent on mine. I felt myself flush from the visible desire in his eyes. “I'll bring you some too,” I offered.

 

It was very crowded and I couldn't see any bottles of water anywhere. Some people seemed to be asleep, either lying on the ground or with their heads on the tables. It struck me as out of the ordinary, as I'd expected most of these guests to be used to large quantities of alcohol. Feeling increasingly drunk, I saw where the drinks were kept and I made my way to the darkened area. I felt slightly nervous, but couldn't work out why. It might have been the dark street close by, or the feeling that I was being either followed or watched. Someone handed me a bottle of water. I opened and drank it as I leant against the building. I looked over toward my husband, but he was in a heated discussion with the Captain-General.

 

Feeling progressively more disorientated, I tried to make my way back to the table, but found I was unsteady on my feet and couldn't walk in a straight line. An arm encircled my waist, as if trying to assist, but the arm led me to the dark street. Pushing the arm away I staggered to the wall and using it to hold myself upright I turned to see who was with me. I squinted, shook my head and then opened my eyes wide, trying to focus. It looked like the man who had kept refreshing my drinks, but he was removing the hat and scarf. As he did so, I felt that tingle of familiarity again. “I must have drunk too much, or my eyes are playing tricks on me, because I keep thinking you're Gin. I hope you're not Gin because he's the cruel bastard, I used to love. The pig dumped me. I don't love him anymore; I love Zaraki, the 11th Division Captain. We got married. He's unlike everyone else. I want the party to finish so I can be alone with him,” I giggled, slurring my words, unable to control what I was saying to the figure in front of me. My legs were giving way and my head was swimming.

 

“You have drunk too much, I made sure of that. The juice was drugged as was the water, in fact all the drinks. Everyone is drugged and or drunk. It's amazing what some people will do for a few promises of reward. Doesn't matter who it was, he's dead now. The fact that you walked over here made it easier for me, but I could have waited until everyone was unconscious. Your eyes are not playing tricks. I am Gin Ichimaru, the man you still love,” the voice oozed satisfaction as he spoke to me. “I told you I'd be back but in truth I never left, just blended into Soul Society awaiting my opportunity. Who would have thought it would come this soon? I'm claiming what's mine. You won't be alone with your `husband' again. You're coming with me, Ran, and the thug is too busy and too drugged to try and stop me.”

 

“But I'm not,” said a clear young voice. “Let that woman go; she belongs to Ken-chan now. You can't take her, I won't let you. I don't like her, but I swore to protect her and I will.”

 

“I don't have time for this,” my abductor growled.

 

I was horrified as Gin drew his zanpakuto and stabbed at Yachiru. She dodged his first pass, but before she could draw her blade he tripped her and casually stabbed her as she fell.

 

“This can't be happening. This is not real. He can't have hurt Yachiru so easily. He can't be here. I don't want to go with him, but I can't move away from him,” I thought.

 

I opened my mouth to scream, but Gin held the blade dripping with Yachiru's blood across my neck, the other arm held me by my waist, trapping me against him. “Amateur. She should have remembered that I am Captain Class, not a simple, untalented shinigami. One word, one move, Ran, and I'll make sure the little pest is dead and then I'll slit your throat, or maybe slice off an ear, as I'm here to retrieve you, not kill you. We're leaving. I won't let you to stay here any longer.”

 

The negacion enveloped us and I felt myself rising when I longed to fall. The man holding me had wounded Yachiru who was trying to protect me. He'd stabbed her as easily and carelessly as if she was a piece of meat. The tears were streaming down my cheeks in grief at the probable death of the Lieutenant.

 

I heard distant shouts as people noticed what was happening. Yachiru lay on the ground unmoving and I watched for any signs that she still lived as I was taken further away. Though I struggled to keep them open, my eyes were closing and I felt consciousness slip away as my last glimpse of Zaraki, staring in my direction, his expression a mixture of amazement, anger and horror, faded from my vision.

 

A.N.

 

Traditionally the number 13 is bad luck. Sometimes I follow tradition. This is Chapter 13, so bad luck to the characters.

 

Yeah, I know it's a cliff-hanger, but that's the way it is. Next chapter in two to three weeks, depending on how I feel.