Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ For The Love of a Friend ❯ Lovers are not Friends ( Chapter 4 )

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

 

Lovers are not Friends

 

It was a relief to return to the Seireitei. At last he could sleep in a bed instead of on the roof and he might actually get some decent food instead of the strange combinations served by the girl. He was surprised that she had turned traitor, but he didn't analyse the situation too much. Maybe she was, maybe she wasn't, but arguing with the Captain-General was a waste of oxygen.

 

The time in the human world had not tempered his Lieutenant's feelings. He would often catch her with a sultry, almost stunned look on her face and knew she was thinking about Captain Zaraki. She never mentioned him to Toshiro, but did try, once, to return to the Seireitei for a short time. He was very sharp with her; he wanted to return home also, but was trapped on this mission. Many times he'd almost asked her for advice on a personal matter, but each time he'd faltered, not certain he'd want to hear her response. He couldn't ask anyone else on the mission, only Matsumoto knew the situation. Each failed attempt made him more reluctant to formulate the words and ask the question.

 

When he saw whom the Captain-General had sent as insurance that they would return, he immediately looked at Matsumoto. Her eyes were fixed feverishly on Captain Zaraki, first hopefully, then with increasing disquiet. He noticed that the Captain did not even glance in her direction. Damn it. Another agonising period when Matsumoto moped and failed to concentrate on her tasks as she mourned her lost love. Crap. He wished he hadn't delegated the task of getting Zaraki's consent for Ikkaku and Yumichika to join the mission to his Lieutenant. If she hadn't interrupted that Captain's bath… but she had and it was too far after the event to change anything.

 

At least it was over quickly and he no longer needed to worry about losing her. That was one small win.

 

Entering his world once more, he began to walk to his office, knowing he would have to meet with the Captain General shortly. He wanted time, quiet time when he could sort through his thoughts and reflect on his next task. His cock reminded him that he also wanted to see Soi, but he tried to ignore the increasing urges. He began to turn, thinking he would converse with Matsumoto while they walked to their compound but he heard running footsteps approach which paused for a few seconds and then continued. “I'll return your lieutenant later, Captain Hitsugaya,” Zaraki yelled as he ran past. He was carrying a highly delighted Matsumoto in his arms.

 

“Bring her back, Zaraki! We have to meet with the Captain-General,” Toshiro yelled at the back which was swiftly moving away.

 

“I won the bet, Yumichika. Pay up,” Ikkaku said from behind Toshiro.

 

“I was sure he'd wait until the debriefing was over,” Yumichika said.

 

“I think the debriefing is just beginning,” Ikkaku chortled. His delight was obvious from his expression and laughter.

 

Toshiro groaned. Not only did he now have to explain the absence of his lieutenant, Zaraki's third seat was making bad puns about it. He'd heard enough bad jokes from these two already and did not relish the thought of having more inflicted on his abused ears.

 

“I don't think we'll see either of them for a few days, if I know our Captain. His hard on was obvious when he arrived. I almost bet you he'd just grab her and run as soon as he saw her. I've never seen him so worked up about a woman.” Ikkaku sounded envious and pleased. “I wish a woman would look at me the way Ran looks at our Captain. She was undressing him with her eyes. I wonder who is keener.”

 

“Why were you looking at his hard on? Have you got the hots for our Captain?” Yumichika seemed amused by the thought. “I wouldn't have thought he was your type.”

 

“I was looking because of our bet, jerk. I hope my report didn't upset him too much,” Ikkaku said, consternation evident in his voice.

 

Toshiro spun around. “You didn't include the incident between Matsumoto and Ichigo, did you? If so, I think I might go to the Captain-General's right now, where it may possibly be safe. Hell knows what your Captain might do if he hears she raised her skirt, no matter how slightly, to someone else.”

 

“I think she'll talk him around. Come on, Captain. Have you ever seen Captain Zaraki like this before? You saw the two of them together, how they tried to pretend there's nothing there. I began to hide from Ran while we were away because she kept asking questions about my Captain. Whenever I spoke to him he didn't want to know about anything except her.”

 

Toshiro bit his lip. He remembered the pain she'd suffered when Gin had dumped her, the tears, the drinking, the times she'd hugged him close, for comfort, for reassurance. He'd tolerated the embraces, knowing they were not in any way sexual, but more of a need for physical contact. That had changed suddenly; Matsumoto altered for the worse. For a long time she hadn't hugged him, she'd actually flinched when he came too close. He'd asked Captain Unohana about it, but she'd told him nothing. Matsumoto stopped eating and drank even more, often bursting into tears for no reason. Her friends supported her, and eventually she calmed down, decreased her dependence on alcohol and even managed a smile every so often. He'd heard a rumour about his Lieutenant and Renji Abarai, but there seemed no evidence to support it. Maybe it was better that she was involved with Zaraki. Everyone knew Renji Abarai was in love with the Rukia.

 

Kenpachi Zaraki was an enigma to Toshiro. Brutal, shrewd and so very strong. Thug was the word often used to describe him and Toshiro did not see any reason to question that term. Would a relationship with Matsumoto change him?

 

“Hey, Captain Hitsugaya. I've got a bet for you,” Ikkaku interrupted his thoughts.

 

“I don't take bets,” Toshiro said dismissively. He didn't want to get too involved in their complex bet making. He'd heard about some of the rewards for winning a bet and they weren't always monetary.

 

“You'll take this one. I bet that my Captain asks your Lieutenant to move in with him,” Ikkaku grinned, gauging Toshiro's reaction.

 

“I will not permit that.” That outcome would be bad, but he could think of worse and didn't want to allow those thoughts to pass through his mind. “You both better come with me and we'll go and see the Captain-General now to provide your views. Why couldn't your Captain have waited? I wanted Matsumoto with me.”

 

Yumichika and Ikkaku laughed at the question. “Our Captain wait? You've got to be kidding. He doesn't have much patience and I wouldn't be patient if it was Ran I was screwing.” Ikkaku smiled lecherously.

 

“What did you get up to with that girl in the human world?” Toshiro's curiosity was sparked at the look. He'd seen them together a few times and she seemed rather taken with the bald man.

 

The grimace that crossed Ikkaku's face made Yumichika laugh. “Nothing. He got a few kisses and a few hugs, but with her brother around all the time what could he do? The kid, Keigo, is so touchy feely. I actually wondered if he was coming onto me at one time when he hugged me, but I realised he has a thing about Ichigo and Orihime. I'm pretty sure he hasn't worked out what he is yet, or which one he wants more,” Yumichika slapped Ikkaku on the shoulder. “You weren't serious about the girl; but now we're back you can pursue your main target.”

 

“I don't want to know,” Toshiro said, refusing to look at either of the men walking with him. “Let me keep my state of blissful ignorance. Is everyone in the Seireitei obsessed with sex?”

 

“Yeah, of course we are. When we're not fighting, training, drinking, eating or sleeping, what else is there to do?” Ikkaku stretched his arms above his head, rotating his shoulders.

 

“Paperwork,” Toshiro replied without thinking.

 

Entering the office of the 1st Division Captain, Toshiro bowed slightly and stood in his accustomed place, resolutely keeping his eyes fixed ahead of him, not glancing toward Soi. He suddenly understood why Captain Zaraki had not looked at Matsumoto when he arrived. If he looked at Soi now, he might not be able to remain focused. He nodded slightly at Renji and Rukia who arrived looking flustered and angry and they waited until Captain Yamamoto spoke.

 

“Where are Lieutenant Rangiku and Captain Zaraki? They were meant to be here also.” The Captain-General sounded displeased.

 

Toshiro felt he had to explain, but did not know what to say.

 

“I saw the Captain abduct the Lieutenant when they returned. I believe she was willing as she made no protest,” Captain Kuchiki provided the dry response.

 

Toshiro bit the inside of his cheek in an effort to keep his expression neutral. There were a few whispered comments exchanged between the assembled Shinigami and he supposed they were all looking at him, amused that his Lieutenant was taken from him without any problem.

 

“Why didn't you prevent this, Captain Hitsugaya? You should exercise control over your adjunct,” Captain Yamamoto looked piercingly at Toshiro.

 

“He wouldn't have a chance. We all know how fast Captain Zaraki can move and trying to prevent him would have been asking for death or severe injury,” Soi said determinedly.

 

Toshiro felt shock as she spoke in his defence. Maybe she did like him, or felt sorry for him.

 

“I think the Captain can answer for himself, Captain Fong. Captain Hitsugaya your answer, please.” The `please' may have been uttered, but there was no mistaking the command in the old man's voice.

 

“I didn't have a chance to stop him. He grabbed her and was gone before I knew what was happening,” Toshiro blurted out, embarrassed at making the admission. “I tried to talk her out of having a liaison with Captain Zaraki, but she wouldn't listen to me. I took her to the human world to give them time apart but that had no effect. What do you suggest I do, Sir? Challenge the Captain? Lock up my Lieutenant? They're both adults.”

 

“I tried to advise Captain Zaraki of the imprudence of his actions but he threatened me with violence. It was foolish of me to expect any other response,” Captain Kuchiki's voice was dour while his expression remained neutral.

 

“Leave the matter with me,” Captain Yamamoto said in a voice that augured no good for Captain Zaraki. “I expect a full explanation of the events in the human world. Captain Hitsugaya, you make your report first.”

 

Toshiro reeled off the facts as quickly as he could, answering the questions, expanding on the problems they'd encountered while fighting the Arrancar. He did not mention Orihime, there seemed little point and the part she played was minor, healing injuries, making disgusting meals and carrying messages to Ichigo.

 

The rest of his party had to provide their verbal reports and it took some time with many questions, clarifications and confirmations being requested. Toshiro had trouble following the meeting, his mind constantly straying to thoughts of the woman at whom he dared not look. Finally he heard the Captain-General say, “I expect your written reports tomorrow. Make sure they contain all the information discussed during this meeting. It's disappointing that we did not obtain more data, but we will work with what we have. I would like to congratulate Captain Hitsugaya on the conduct of his mission while in the human world. You are all dismissed.”

 

Breathing a sigh of relief, Toshiro hurried toward the door, intending to go to the place he normally met Soi. A hand grabbed his elbow as he walked past. “Is it true that your Lieutenant is fucking Captain Zaraki,” Captain Kurotsuchi demanded the paint on his face masking his expression.

 

“He advised me that this was the case. I do not believe I am answerable to you on this matter, Captain. Release my elbow. I'm tired and I now have to write a report.” Toshiro tugged his arm from the clutching grasp.

 

“Why did you let her? You should know it's dangerous to become involved with that man. She doesn't know what she's doing. What if I…. Why is she so foolish?” Captain Kurotsuchi exclaimed, obviously agitated by the news.

 

Pulling free, Toshiro left, wondering what was upsetting the Captain of the 12th Division so much. He didn't like the feel of the man's hand on his arm or being near the guy. Did he ever clean his teeth? Or use a mouthwash?

 

He was waylaid a few times as he tried to walk speedily through the streets; people eager to greet him or ask about the mission or demand confirmation that his Lieutenant and Captain Zaraki were now an item. “Maybe I should get someone to publish it in the newsletter,” he thought wearily. “That's it. I'm going over the roofs, away from the throng.” Even above the crowd he still met people who felt the need to talk to him. Every time he stopped, his cock protested, but he knew that persistence was in the nature of the Shinigami, otherwise none of them would have graduated from the Academy.

 

Finally, he entered the deserted backstreets near the place he thought of as theirs and quickly entered. The room contained the furniture, but no evidence of Soi. His spirits dropped. “I was expecting too much. Why would she be waiting here? I ignored her all through the meeting and she's probably irritated with me. Maybe if I wait a little while, she'll turn up.” He lay on the bed, stretching out, feeling the comfort of the mattress beneath him and fell asleep.

 

Waking an hour later with a start, he wondered where he was. Sitting up, he saw that he was still alone. Cursing under his breath, disappointment grinding him down, he decided to leave and return to his own quarters for sleep. Waiting here was pointless. Soi would not arrive now.

 

As he left, he noticed the streets were much quieter and he was only interrupted once. He tried to stay pleasant but his frustration was growing. He'd have to masturbate and soon. For some reason he had been reluctant to do so earlier, but now knew that he could not put it off for much longer. Entering his quarters, he shrugged off his Captain's coat and dropped it on the floor. He was too tired and horny to worry about his clothes. Stripping the rest of his uniform off, he dropped the items as he removed them and walked into his bedroom. Preoccupied as he was, he had not noticed the presence of someone else's reiatsu, but as soon as went through the door he noticed someone was in his bed.

 

Hoping he knew who it was, he pulled back the sheet to reveal a naked, sleeping Soi, curled on her side, a hand under the pillow, the other clutched to her chest. Toshiro dropped on the bed, wondering if he should wake her, and if he did, how should he wake her? If he touched her she might react with instinctive violence. Viewing her like this he conjectured that if he had seen her walking down the street in front of him, would he have reacted like Zaraki had with Matsumoto? Would he have been driven to picking her up and carrying her off for sex?

 

“I hope that's for me,” Soi said thickly. He looked at her, amazed at how quickly she had awoken and noticed her eyes were fixed on his erection.

 

Instead of answering her, he lay down and kissed her, wishing to feel her lithe body in his arms. She responded to the kiss, pressing her body against his and their tongues intertwined.

 

“What do you want me to do first?” Toshiro asked, wondering which form of stimulation she would demand.

 

“Fuck me, now. I've been waiting for you for the last hour and I kept having dreams,” Soi was nothing, if not direct.

 

Toshiro felt his cock twitch at her request and he hurried to comply. Soi's parted her legs and as he knelt between them he felt her hand take his cock and urgently guide him inside her. He thrust in hard and fast and she pushed her cunt down on his penis at the same time. Closing his eyes he let his senses be overwhelmed by the feel of her slick, taut walls around his cock.

 

“Hard and fast, Toshiro,” Soi urged him, bucking against him as he remained immobile. “Come on, I've had no sex while you were gone. Even masturbating didn't help much.”

 

Toshiro pushed into her urgently, her request meeting his desire. He wanted hard and fast too but mostly he wanted her.

 

Soi clung to him, urging him on with her moans and her movements. She was wilder than she had been in the past, biting at him, kissing him passionately and meeting his thrusts with her own. A few seconds later he felt her cunt squeezing his cock, but he wasn't ready to come and continued to thrust into her as she screamed loudly, her body pushing against his as she orgasmed.

 

She lay quiet under him for a short time while he continued to screw her and then pulled his head down as she bit his earlobe. “More,” she whispered. “I want you to make me come again, fast. You owe me. You fucked me and made me want this and you now have to keep me contented.”

 

The words spurred him on. Sweat was running down his back as he fought to prevent his orgasm from overtaking him. His cock felt like a piston moving in and out of her rhythmically. She wrapped her legs around his thighs and closed her eyes as she pushed onto him.

 

“I can't hold back, but I want to hold back. I want her to come again while I'm fucking her. How can I do that? She seems to be enjoying it, but how can I get her closer to coming? They didn't provide that sort of training in the Academy. What do I do? Fuck, this is hard,” he almost laughed at his thoughts. Fuck, he was hard.

 

He kissed Soi hard, his tongue invading her mouth as he tried to think of ways to hold off his climax and realised his mistake. Her kiss brought him closer to the brink. He broke the kiss quickly and tried to think of something else. Then he remembered seeing the red marks on his Lieutenant's neck after she'd been with Zaraki. Maybe is he licked her neck it might help. Tentatively he bent down and licked her neck a little, just very quickly. Soi did not complain so he did it again all the time pushing into her. She seemed pretty unaffected by the attention he was paying to her neck, so he decided to try sucking her skin. At least this was taking his focus away from his increasingly urgent need to come.

 

As he applied a little more pressure he felt Soi jerk under him. “Harder,” she insisted. He was unsure which she wanted, but decided that it would be more logical is she was asking him to screw her harder. Giving up on his ability to excite her by sucking her neck he pounded into her, knowing it would only take a minute of this to make him come.

 

Soi clutched him tightly and with relief he felt her coming just as he reached the moment he knew he could hold on no longer. He closed his eyes tightly as he emptied inside her. When he recovered his senses he wondered if he should withdraw or remain inside her, and decided that he should withdraw. He hoped she didn't have an urgent appointment this time because it was evident he'd want her again, soon.

 

Lying on his back, his brain hazed from the sex, he thought he'd ask her the question that had niggled at him in the human world. He remembered all the failed attempts in asking Matsumoto, but now he decided Soi would understand. Soi knew his position, knew the importance of his friendship with Momo and he respected her common sense.

 

“Soi, do you think I should ask Momo to marry me? It might make her feel safer if she….” He stopped as she sat up and glared at him. She almost leapt off the bed and dressed, leaving without another word and slamming the door shut behind her.

 

Toshiro groaned as he realised the stupid thing he'd done. Why hadn't he thought it through? The sex had relaxed him and made him forgo his judgement so that he'd enquired on the spur of the moment. Maybe he could ask Matsumoto how he could fix this.

 

A.N.

 

Future plot development dictated the lapse of judgment for Toshiro.

 

This time of year makes life difficult. Parties, acting human, singing karaoke etc take up time. Updates will be infrequent. That's just how it is.

 

Thanks to yuwa, Bastion, Adravaiyen, ellisande and Dustin Imthum dog demon for actually reviewing this thing.

 

Review please.